Thursday, April 30, 2015

Peace In The Midst Of A Storm

Hello Followers, Viewers and Friends,
You've read, viewed, heard and probably been an eyewitness to the unrest in Baltimore, Maryland.
This follows the same situation in other parts of the United States.  The death of an African American black male from a police officer here, there, and everywhere and the violence and destruction that is pursuing in the neighborhood and across the land leaves one with the question... How can we experience peace in the midst of the storm?  Peace is not just the absence of a storm, but rest in the middle of the storm. Many of us could use that kind of peace right now, and it is the kind of peace that you can have right now if you're resting where you ought to be.  As our headlines have become dominated with new dangers and so many hearts have been struggling with new anxieties and fears, we're ready for the incredible peace offered in Psalm 46. It is good news for troubled times and should be our word for every day! "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." The more troubled things are, the more present God makes Himself. The psalmist then says, "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Everything's collapsing, even things that have always been there for us. Have no fear because "God is our refuge and strength."
Okay, turn off the news, leave those other voices, and get where you can just be with God. Realize that as long as you're in His hands, there's no such thing as out of control. He is still God and you are still His!
The cards I am presenting today are for sketch challenges that are going on over on other websites.  I like to play along with the other girls for advice and constructive criticism:

MOJO #395
Enabler's List: turquoise cardstock, with patterned paper from DCWV Stack 7; Ribbon Trim (Michaels); Marvy Uchida die cut butterfly; Computer generated sentiment that was die cut using Spellbinders circle die


SC538
Enabler's List: black and red cardstock; patterned paper from DCWV The School Days stack; Miss Elizabeth's Alphabet Stickers for the sentiment;  Followed the diagram sketch for the card.


FMS 184
Enabler's List: white and black cardstock; patterned paper from DCWV The School Days Stack; Computer generated sentiment; Embellishments from Sticko

Thank You
This follows the sketch for SC538.
Enabler's List: brown and beige cardstock; patterned paper from Recollections brown basket, burlap polka dots, burlap doilies and Ancestry Paper Pad scrapbook paper; Stampendous clear stamps "Thank You"


Prayer: Lord, whenever I'm faced with adversity, remind me that You are with me, and grant me Your discernible presence. Assure me that You are in control, no matter how chaotic and confusing things may be around me. Give me the certainty that no matter what happens, You will bring great good out of it. Thank You that as I keep my trust firmly placed in You, I shall remain peaceful, tranquil, and unshakable!

Sending you a hug and LOVE,
Lois



5 comments:

Unknown said...

Lois what beautiful cards I like the designs you have done.
Debs xx
{Debs Cards}

Julee (Vervegirl) said...

These are all so lovely! Thanks for playing along with Mojo Monday!

Lisa Young said...

Lovely card designs, Lois!! Great!!

Studio at 215 said...

These are beautiful, creative cards and with a peaceful purpose! Bless you. Agree with everything you wrote!!

Karren said...

Fabulous cards! The teacher sentiment is so very sweet and true. Thanks so much for joining us at Freshly Made Sketches.