Faith Sisters: April 2009

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Thursday Template Challenge at Faith Sisters

Hello and welcome to this Thursday's template challenge. As I was cruising the gallery I found this fabulous layout by Jennamy82. So here is the featured layout and the template to go with it. Paper and digital scrapbooker's are welcome to play along.

You can download it here (mediafire)

Everyone is welcome to participate. Please post your layouts in our challenge gallery here

For those who complete the challenge and follow the rules below I will send a $2 coupon to my store valid for the week after the challenge ends. I was going to give a 25% off coupon but seeing as my store is 50% off this weekend that didn't make much sense!! :)

To qualify for the coupon:

You must use something on your layout from Faith Sisters that is clearly visible (please state in credits - it doesn't have to be something from me!)

You must post a link to the layout in the challenge thread on the forum.

That's all! Have fun!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

My Prayers For You {Week Seven} - Watchful

There is so much inappropriate language and actions shown on TV shows, movies and songs that it makes me cringe to think of all that my children are exposed to on an everyday basis.

My husband and I had almost become numb to all of the foul language and impure behavior until our children were old enough to start watching TV and movies with us. It was then that we realized we really needed to be watchful about what we were allowing even our adult selves to see and hear. We stopped watching R rated movies and got rid of most of our heavy metal music.

I think our children's pastor said it best when she told the kids "Garbage in, Garbage out." Some people think that I go overboard because I like to surround myself and my children with Christian music and wholesome TV and movies. I however, think that it is extremely important to be a role model and teach my children that it isn't ok to just accept that the world is impure and indulge in all of it. I want to be an example to show them that as God's child, I choose to stay true to what is right, to be watchful of spiritual danger, and to stand firm in my faith.

Scripture: Keep a close watch on all you do and think. Stay true to what is right and God will bless you and use you to help others. ~1 Timothy 4:16

Prayer: Savior, keep my children watchful for spiritual danger, courageous to do what is right, and useful to you to help others. Amen.

Please post your projects in our gallery!

Blessings,
Michelle

Here are two layouts by our creative Team members to inspire you with this weeks project.

By JackieAnn

By Tammy

Digital scrappers, need some inspiration kits to go with this challenge? Check out some new goodies by Albums to Remember!

Teen Spirit Full Kit - Click Image to Close

Teen Spirit Quotes - Click Image to Close

All About Me Teen Spirit Flair - Click Image to Close

Layouts by Erika Harris AKA DoodleBop

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Card Sketch Challenge with Lucy

Here is your 4/28 Card Sketch for this week.

You can check out the challenge thread {HERE}

Upload your creations in the Gallery {HERE}

{March Sketches} I want to thank everyone who particiapated in the challenges in March.

The winner of the March Sketch Challenges and gets a GDT Spot at My Sketch World for May is Karla (grinsgurl)

Sunday, April 26, 2009

His Holy Name {Challenge 9, Redeemer}

Challenge Word 9: Redeemer
God's Attribute: Jesus is our Redeemer (Ga ‘al). Jesus was willing to pay the price to free us from the power of sin. He offered His life for all!

Webster’s definition of redeem is “to deliver from sin and its penalties as by a sacrifice made for the sinner.” Jesus was that sacrifice. He is our Redeemer! He paid the ransom price. Mark 10:45 says “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

How does this affect my daily life? It is only fitting after studying the Lamb of God that we look at the price Jesus paid for us. What price did He pay, and why did He pay it? Sin is detestable to God. We all are sinners, and “fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)

God’s requires a blood sacrifice to redeem us from our sin. Jesus paid that price with His precious blood so that we could be set free from sin and to grow more like Him. He was not guilty yet He suffered for my sin and for your sin! Do you live like you have been redeemed? Are you growing more like Him over time? Do you obey Him in all things? Notice I asked “all” things. That includes making that photocopy of just that ‘one page’ in a book or burning that copy of a CD for a friend or obeying the speed limit signs even when the traffic around you is going much faster. The list could go on and on.

It was a huge cost to Jesus, and we need to live like we have been redeemed. And unbelievers are watching. Our actions speak louder than our words. Our actions can have huge consequences. Do you live like you belong to Him or the world? We are to be set apart. We are to live in this world but not be of this world. We should look different. Do your actions back up what you say you believe? Ann Spangler says “Live as though you have been redeemed.” And one of my favorite hymns says this:

To God be the Glory v.2
“O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Chorus
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory great things He hath done!"

For my page this week I wanted to use red to symbolize His blood shed for me. I also used the beautiful Gothic Crosses set from Layers of Color. I thought that particular cross was perfect for this page.

The verse I chose was Isaiah 48:17 "This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, 'I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'"

I pray you enjoy your time in His word and reading about our Redeemer. Remember to use the Keyword HHN09 when posting in the gallery! Blessings to each of you! Now, go out and live like you have been redeemed by our precious Redeemer, Jesus Christ!