This is my card for this weeks Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge, based on this scripture from the book of Proverbs...
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.. Proverbs 27:17
The challenge this week is very easy - to use some form of metal on your card
This scripture speaks to me so loudly and I can think of a number of times I have experienced this - you know how it is when you first get to know people, it is all wonderful and as friendship grows and definitely has a warm glow about it, all snug and warm as the fire heats up and you are so cosy in its glow- you know the 'honeymoon stage'. After a while, as you let walls down and you feel comfortable with that person, perhaps even bordering on a little bit of familiarity - then, a few sparks start to fly around and it can get a little bit uncomfortable....then the HEAT IS ON and sparks start really flying!!
Here is the thing - it is at this point we have a choice to make - we can either jump out of the fire and be all bent out of shape and totally nonfunctional and unusable OR we can stay in the fire, let the heat burn away the rubbish and come out as a refined and finely tuned instrument, shaped and formed into what we are meant to be! The choice is ours....our friends are there to grow us too. This day and age when things are so disposable, it can be easier to jump out of the fire than to persevere and grow, becoming more refined...in the Masters Hands.
Interestingly enough, Friday was International Day of Forgiveness and the focus a number of areas, one of them being friendship and how to heal rifts....personally, I think if we truly understood about friendship and the way it is a blessing in our lives, that friends are more than just people who love us on good days and are there to make us feel good. Our friends become part of our family and enrich our lives, making us part of theirs as well - these are the people who are there to grow us in our lives - the ones we are 'in the fire' with and need to work things through with - not jump out of the relationship at the first opportunity - remembering that 'friend sharpens friend!'
Registered: June 29, 2004 Location: Sugar Land. Texas Posts: 79591
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 @ 9:11 AM
Gorgeous card as is your message.
------------------------------ LizThe joy of the LORD is my strength.Right Brain Madness --My blogProud member of the redDivasKSS certified multi-step stamperFan Club member since 2004
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Stamp Like You Mean It
Registered: March 24, 2006 Location: Posts: 38589
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 @ 6:21 AM
Sister, there is more than a paper heart on this card. I love your description, and to see a bit more of your heart. What blessing. Your card is a work of art, and I have come to expect that from you, but this one touches the soul. Beautiful!
------------------------------ Pat Smethers "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden." Isaiah 58:11