I walked into the grocery store this week and saw all the heart balloons, and flowers, and heart shaped boxes of candy… all ready to be bought for Valentines’ Day. My thoughts went to all the people who won’t get anything for this day. Does that mean that they aren’t loved? I remember when I was in high school, and all of the girls with boyfriends got roses or candy delivered to their home room. I was one of those who didn’t get anything, and I remember feeling sad because no one “LOVED” me. I have a friend who went through a divorce and now she is a single mom, and I doubt if she will get anything this year. Will she feel like no one “LOVES” her? I also have a widowed friend, will she feel loved? Why do we feel like we need a gift to feel loved? I’ll be the first to admit that I feel this way sometimes. Do you know that someone loves you, and gave you a gift already? Not just any gift, but the best gift you could ever receive?
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he GAVE his one and only son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Once you accept that gift, NOTHING is going to take that love away.
Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I have 2 videos that I think you will enjoy. I know I did!
My challenge for you this week is to make a card/project that shows love. It could be a heart or the word love, or even something that you love using on your cards/projects.
My extra - bonus challenge is: give your card to someone who might need to be reminded that they are LOVED.
For my card I used a big LOVE sentiment from a Mark's Finest Papers set callled Love Remains. I took a piece of white cardstock and stamped flowers using 2 different shades of green. Then I took that piece of cardstock and cut it down the middle. Half I left plain. The other half I ink-spray-smashed with blues and greens. (A technique that I LOVE, with the colors that I LOVE.) I sewed on my card (I LOVE sewing on my cards.) I stamped the poppies and did paper tole. (Flower set that I LOVE and another technique that I LOVE.) I finished my card off with 2 butterflies. (Anyone who has seen my cards for any length of time, knows that I LOVE butterflies.)
This will also make my bonus challenge because I am giving this to a friend that I want to remind about God's love and my love for her. She loves butterflies too!!
Close up of butterfly and poppies.
Our sponsor this week is Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. Check them out.
Check out what my Stampin' Sisters in Christ have created for your inspiration:
How true your words are MariLynn - love is more than gifts and something we need to show all of the time - especially God's love - unconditional and amazing! Love your card, you always use butterflies so beautifully! God bless you my friend! {{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteLove the way you share what is on your heart each week Marilyn...
ReplyDeleteyou have a gift with words. Also love your project this week... it is absolutely beautiful.
Very true words MariLynn - how lucky we are that we are ALL loved by the one that matters the most! Love your card too! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteMorning Marilynn... THANK YOU for your heart share today!! Your words were wonderful and your art is awesome. Love that you popped up parts of the flowers and the butterfly wings are 3D too! LOVEly job on all accounts. We're blessed to have you a part of SSIC. xKris
ReplyDeleteLove your words of wisdom and insight MariLynn, and also your card is a delight to the eyes.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
Oh wow MariLynn.... your card is sooooo gorgeous! LOVE those poppies and your gorgeous butterfly! Loved reading your devo and it's really funny but I referenced the first video clip in my post too! LOL! Only I didn't know it was a video clip but had heard it on the radio and stressed trying to catch it on Christian radio! Now I'm going to try to copy the link and post this! Great minds you know! Loved your thoughts today... right on as always! What a comfort that no matter what is going on around us... NOTHING can separate us from the love of our Savior!!!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Grace
MariLynn, thanks for your words today...I too always feel a little sad for those who may not receive a Valentine or something special from somone special..it is good to remember God's love and how deep it is for those who believe. Your card is beautiful...Love-ly and thanks so much for sharing your links, too!! Wishing you a blessed week!!
ReplyDeletePowerful words on this post. I love your colorful card - what perfect color choices. Impressive! I was thinking when I was reading your post about how tacky most those things in the stores are...how does a mylar balloon, silly stuffed animal, or box of candy really equal love anyway? Much of it is actually kind of garish! True love surely doesn't come from Walmart!!!! Love your post!!!!
ReplyDeleteVery vibrant colors on your card. I really like it.
ReplyDeletethank you for such an inspirational message MariLynn-these holidays are created then if you dont get soemthing you could feel not loved. I have 2 friends who are widows and i am going to make them a cad and send it-they are believers but who doesnt like to be thought of-thanks for the gentle nudge
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful words MariLynn, and a great reminder. I also adore your card, it is a work of heart and art. I remember when I first became a single mom and that first Valentine's Day was so hard! Always a good idea to reach out to the lonely.
ReplyDeleteHi Marilynn~
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the most beautiful cards I have ever seen! I love the background technique with the blues and greens...so nature inspired! The flowers look painted, and I too, love the look of tole, though I have only begun to use it. This is exceptionally done. The butterflies are your specialty, I read. They are wonderful. I love every part of this card. It is striking! It surely shows of love of many things.
This was my first time to your blog. I apologize. Yet, it is I who has missed out. I will be back and study it top to bottom...not just this post! This is sensational...God has gifted you both in your artistic talent and your writing. God Bless!
He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather
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