Dec 31, 2013

A Fond Adieu to Crafters of Faith

Our little online group is disbanding, The Crafters of Faith will finish off 2013 with one final challenge.  Issued by our lovely leader, Kelly.  Here's her challenge for us:
Psalm 113:2 (KJV) "Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore." During this celebratory time of year, we rejoice at the miracle of the birth of the son of God! One of my very favorite Christmas songs is Holy Night, heads bowed before the Redeemer.  The literal translation of the first verse is:

Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour,
When God as man descended unto us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Savior. 
With that, I ask you to create a card based on the blessing we receive from knowing how much was given for us! May we all be aware of the beautiful blessings we have and bestow to others.
For your December card, create a card of your choice in color and design with the theme: Sprinkle an abundance of Blessings!

Stamp: "Chickadees on Pine", Sentiment: "Tree-Mendous" by Technique Tuesday
Cardstock: SU Cranberry Crisp & Brilliant Blue
Background Stamp: "Snowflake Sky" by Brother Sister Design Studio (2001), embossed with Stardust Embossing Powder by Stampendous
Colored with Prismacolor and Derwent pencils
Embellishments: Stickles for snow & frost on branches, ribbon from local craft store, corner punch by EK Success


















Here's a closer look at the image, showing some of the glittery pine branches.





Chickadees are one of my favorite wild birds.  While other breeds are jockeying for position at the feeders, and arguing over who gets to eat & when, these little guys swoop in and out, eating their fill, ignoring all the silly bickering of the others!


I am reminded of Matthew 6:25:
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink...
Look at the birds of the air;  they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?"
2013 has been a rough year for me, and for many friends and family members as well.  Through it all, it helped me to remember just how much was NOT going wrong in my life!

Kelly: I count knowing you as a blessing.  Thank you for starting our group and keeping it alive!  Because of you & your efforts I have enlarged my circle of online friends and that is also a blessing to me.

This is a fitting close to our monthly challenges - encouraging us to remember our blessings and how abundantly God loves us.  Peace to all of you in 2014!


9 comments:

Carol W said...

What a beautiful card and such beautiful thoughts to go with it...Our cyber friends are truly one of the awesome blessings a person can have. They are never further than a click away and always seem to be there for us...

Happy New Year Darlene...praying for a much easier time next year...and many pleasant happy surprises....

Hugs.

Barb said...

Darlene--I love this creation--stunning colors and what a sweet layout too!

Hugs to you and Blessings for a wonderful 2014!

kiwimeskreations said...

Darlene this is a wonderful card, and I love the thoughts you have shared.
May you, and those you love, be blessed with peace and joy in 2014
Maxine

Jeanette (Forest Ranger) said...

Darlene, your card is GORGEOUS! I love the bold blue and the beautiful image. And what a great way to use the trim/ribbon. WOW!

I will continue to pray for you! May 2014 prove to be one of your best years ever!

(((HUGS)))

MiamiKel said...

OH Darlene, this is absolutely priceless! What a vision your card is! So vibrant, so beautifully done! Love the addition of the lace :) Such a talented lady, my friend!

I'm so blessed by your presence in the COF but know we are just a few groups and threads away and it will be a GOOD year ahead :)

Many blessigns to you, as I know the changes that lie ahead will be many but as you reminded me, to try and get through is the greatest gift we give ourselves!

Love you!
x00x

Shelly Schmidt said...

This is such a beautiful card- I so love the ribbon you added around the image- love the birds and the sparkle too. You hit it on the head- so blessed to have met Kelly and the Crafters of Faith.

:: BlueInks :: said...

Great post, Darlene. 2014 will be a great year for you, I know it!

paige said...

Beautiful card Darlene and a beautiful post. Blessings to you throughout the New Year.

Margaret said...

What a lovely image and your coloring is just beautiful. I really like the ruffle around the image. Happy New Year blessings.