Faith Discovery Challenge #6 - {Lover of My Soul}

Hello and HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! I’m sure most of you have special plans on this day to celebrate with the one you love. Every year that this day comes around, it causes us to stop and appreciate that special person in your life, the things they do for you that often go unnoticed or taken for granted, the time and effort they put into making your relationship work, or simply because they are who they are and day after day, their lives bring joy and laughter into your world, not to mention purpose and meaning in your life. Traditionally, Valentine’s Day would be more suitable for couples in love but, today many have come to include their children, their parents or grandparents, best friends, or even their favorite pet or stuffed animal (as a child would see it). =) However, I believe that God puts special people in our lives to be a vessel of His love and to bless our lives in such a way that we know that they’re a gift from God! So even though Valentine's Day is a day to cherish others by giving them gifts, cards, flowers, and chocolates... Be sure to let that person know just how thankful you are that God created them to be a part of your life and the love that you share!

Speaking of love, let’s not forget that we have a Savior who loves us, who cares about us more than we can ever care about anyone. He laid His life down for you and me. John 15:13 says, “No greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The cost of his love was free but, it was not cheap. That is something that my Pastor would always preach in His sermons. It’s one thing that I’ve always meditated on as I thought about the love of God. That although our gift of salvation and eternal life was freely given to us, it came with a huge price--the very life of God's only Son. The most common verse that speaks of this love is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but, have everlasting life.” Although, I learned to recite this verse at such a tender young age, it really never occurred how significantly this speaks to us about love—unconditional love that is—until later in my adult life. Especially since I am a mother of two boys, I often agonize at the thought of being in such a position to allow my son to willingly die for the sins of all mankind. But, God had a plan however and out of His grace and mercy for us, He allowed a way for us to know that love in such a real and tangible way through Jesus Christ. The life that Jesus lived amongst humanity was the greatest example of love in every way. But, as He chose to sacrifice His life for our sins, it was an ultimate act of love that nothing in this world can compare to. So for Valentine’s Day, even though we would normally focus on the people we care about, take time to thank the Lord for all He has done in your life and most of all, for loving you with a selfless and enduring love….

Challenge #6 – This week is pretty simple and sweet. Basically, create a layout about that special person who God has blessed you with and what that person has done to make your life meaningful. Like I mentioned above, it doesn’t have to be about a spouse (although generally that would be the case) or someone you’re in love with, but you can also scrap about a family member or special friend. I believe God puts certain people in our lives to demonstrate His love to us and that’s simply what this challenge is about. I look forward to seeing what everyone has to share about the special blessings in your lives!

Here is my layout:

The journaling reads: Our purpose is to LOVE each other, so that other purposes will be fulfilled.

That was something that the Lord put in my heart when we were engaged because I remembered praying and asking God, what is our purpose together? And that was what I heard in the form of a quiet voice within my heart.... And after 4 years (seems like a long time but, really isn't) I have seen countless confirmations of why God has put DH and I together. One very significant proof of that is our two beautiful children. I know that God has special callings for my two boys and see how this purpose of ours is important for them, that they may fulfill the plans God has destined for their lives. There's more I wish I could share but, for now this is my take on this week's challenge! Thanks for looking!

Credits: Papers, frame, ribbon, felt heart, scalloped trim, chipboard bracket, chalked heart and wax seal from this week's freebie collaboration kit, "Lover of My Soul". Watercolor swirl and label from my "Heart's Desire" kit. Flower from my "Gift of Faith" kit. All found in the shop at Faith Sisters!

This week's free download is another collaboration brought to you by Susan Godfrey, Eressea Designs, and myself--Dahlia Co! For now, you can download this freebie from my 4shared account since our site is temporarily unavailable due to the the upgrade initiation. Then, once that's been successfully completed, you'll be able to download it in the shop! Remember, free for one week only! Enjoy!

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