Saturday, February 4, 2012

Anchor for the Soul

The hope we have is an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast. Hebrews 6:19

Of this passage, esteemed Bible commentator Matthew Henry says, "We are in this world as a ship at sea, liable to be tossed up and down, and in danger of being cast away. Our souls are the vessels. The comforts, expectations, graces, and happiness of our souls are the precious cargo with which these vessels are loaded. Heaven is the harbor to which we sail. The temptations, persecutions, and afflictions that we encounter, are the winds and waves that threaten our shipwreck.


We have need of an anchor to keep us sure and steady, or we are in continual danger.

Gospel hope is our anchor; as in our day of battle it is our helmet, so in our stormy passage through this world it is our anchor.

It is sure and steadfast, or else it could not keep us so. First, It is sure in its own nature; for it is the special work of God in the soul. It is a good hope through grace; it is not a flattering hope made out of the spider’s web, but it is a true work of God, it is a strong and substantial thing. Secondly, It is steadfast as to its object; it is an anchor that has taken good hold, it enters that which is within the veil; it is an anchor that is cast upon the rock, the Rock of ages. It does not seek to fasten in the sands, but enters within the veil, and fixes there upon Christ; he is the object, he is the anchor-hold of the believer’s hope. As an unseen glory within the veil is what the believer is hoping for, so an unseen Jesus within the veil is the foundation of his hope; the free grace of God, the merits and mediation of Christ, and the powerful influences of his Spirit, are the grounds of his hope, and so it is a steadfast hope. Jesus Christ is the object and ground of the believer’s hope, and so it is a steadfast hope. "

To quote from one of my favorite hymns, My Hope Is Built, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.righteousness!" What about your hope? If it is not in Christ, then, as the hymn and God's Word say, " all other ground is sinking sand." He will turn away none: if you have not, call upon Him today!

Our Daily Bread Designs Shining the Light Challenge #95

So what is this week’s Shining the Light Challenge? Since it is February and we are acknowledging national heroes (President’s Day) or people who are special to us (Valentine’s Day) in the U.S. , the challenge team is challenging you to acknowledge and case a crafter you admire or a project you admire, changing just two elements to make it our own.

Please let us know who you cased and leave a link to their creation as well as tell us what you changed.

To make the challenge even more fun, we will be giving out a prize, a $15 gift certificate to be used toward stamps at the Our Daily Bread Designs store!! Entries for the prize must be submitted by Friday, February 3rd at 8 a.m. EST. One random winner will be chosen and announced next Saturday. If you are not using ODBD stamps, please do not enter more than once. Additional entries without using ODBD stamps will not be commented on or will they qualify for prizes.

While it is not required to use Our Daily Bread Designs images and sentiments on your creations, we would love to see them if you have them. As a way of recognizing those who do use Our Daily Bread Designs stamps, we will again be choosing one to two creations to spotlight for our Shining the Light Award. In order to qualify for this award, however, you must use Our Daily Bread stamps and have your submission added to Mr. Linky by Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 a.m. EST.  If you upload your creations to ODBD, Splitcoast Stampers or any other online gallery, please use the keyword ODBDSLC95. When creating your posts on blogs please include a link to the challenge.

For some really beautiful work, please take a bit of time to visit  my fellow challenge team members blogs. . .I know you’ll love what you see!


Project Details

Angie's Card
Although there are so many lovely, gifted designers across papercrafting land, my hero is Angella Crockett. Her beautiful work, which always included a scripture, helped to transform not only my card making, but my purpose. I am so thankful for her faithfulness in proclaiming God's precious and life imparting Word (through the power of His Spirit!). It is an honor and privilege to CASE Angie. . .though I will have to say, I almost retreated after realizing there would be some intricate paper piercing involved! 

Angie's CASED Card  (pictured at right)
Changed: Shape of card, twine, dies, and colors

ODBD Stamps Used: Anchor and The Mighty Sea
Ink: Stampin Up!  Riding Hood Red, Creamy Caramel and Early Espresso;  Memento Black
Designer Paper: SU Western Sky
Cardstock: Navy, White, Brown
Accessories: Spellbinders Labels 18, SU Ticket Corner punch, brads, piercing tool, vintage button, SU bakers twine.
Challenges: 

Blessings! jme ~ SDG

10 comments:

  1. Beautiful work Jan and you did a fabulous job in casing our sweet Angie! Blessing to you dear sister!

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  2. What a stunning case of Angie, Jan Marie!! What a wonderful women to case not only for her talent but her loving spirit!! I just love your choice of colors, the design and your shading. Such a great card for a man or woman!! You sure did Angie proud!! Have a great weekend!!
    hugs,
    Chris

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  3. Love it Jan Marie! The striped paper adds to the nautical feel! Angie always does such beautiful work and your CASE is no exception! Love it! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  4. absolutely gorgeous, jan marie!!! love your fabulous design!! hugs!!

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  5. Oh how lovely, Jan!! And look at that paper piercing, whoa!!! Your CASE-ing of our dear Angie is wonderful! May God bless and strengthen you as you hold on to our sweet Anchor of our soul. To God be the glory!

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  6. Awesome card Jan!! I love your colours, and how you stamped over the scene of the anchor, one of my favorite sets, perfect ribbon and charms for a masculine card!! hugs

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  7. A beautiful CASE with capturing the essence of Angie's card yet making it your own!

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  8. Beautiful work in casing a beautiful card! Thank you too for your words of wisdom.
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  9. Oh such a great case of a GREAT artist!!! Love every detail and loved reading your post!!! Amen! Have a great week!
    hugs,
    Grace

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  10. I like the idea of my soul being anchored in hope. What great insight from Matthew Henry. I hadn't read that before and will have to look that up in my new study bible with commentary by him. Your card portrays the scripture in a strong way. Thanks for sharing and expounding on this verse. ~ Abby

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Thanks for your encouraging words! Have a blessed day!