Artful Ramblings

Catch up!

Hi there blog readers... if I have any left after my appaling lack of postings!

Christmas has come and gone, and 2011 is here!

My children and I had an awful flu like bug before Christmas, this means I am still catching up with making and sending presents to people, and also some Salt challenges that have yet to be finished and blogged.

Anyway, a belated Happy New Year to you. I've not made any specific resolutions as yet, but have been inspired by Kim's recent Salt challenge (see it here) and something my Pastor mentioned in a children's talk a couple of weeks ago. Basically that by putting Christ first, things in life will fall into place. So, probably just like every year, my aim is to cultivate a better relationship with God, and trust that in so doing, my heart will keep on being changed and have a knock on effect on the way I relate to people around me.

On with some creations... again apologies for the quality of photos. Have been resorting to my phone to take pictures.

Here is some bunting I made in response to Hazel's Salt challenge here. Used my new martha Stewart leaf punch and Marianne Designs flourish die I got for christmas :)

Here is the Wedding Anniversary card I made for Tom's parents, used the other leaf punch I got for Christmas and the Marianne Designs filigree shape. First time I've made the popular easel cards, quite enjoyed it.

And finally a quick card I made for a friend's birthday, used a Sizzix leaf die I got in their sale.

SALT - Believe

I'm afraid my original post disappeared somewhere!

This the card I made for the Salt challenge here.

Please feel free to use the graphic below for your own card or layout. Please respect my work by not reselling the graphic itself in a printed or digital format.

SALT - Providence

I have been reflecting recently on God's timely provision of a home to our family and how he truly does meet our every need. So often we get a little confused and think our 'wants' are our 'needs' and may even spend time praying for things that our Heavenly Father know will not be right for us. I recently heard a sermon where the preacher said sometimes God answers yes, no or later. However what we can be assured of is the promises God does give us. He has made eternal provision for us. Through his Son we are provided for in the most crucial way possible, and although there are promises about our practical needs...

Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

there is an even more precious promise...

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ²In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴And you know the way to where I am going." John 14:1-4

We hope you will join in with our theme this week, please let us know if you do!

Some of our Saltines are very busy at this time of year so we're a little down on numbers this week, however please have a look at the other creations the ladies have done here.

Please feel free to use the graphic below for your own card or layout. Please respect my work by not reselling the graphic itself in a printed or digital format.

SALT - Transformation

Apologies for the poor quality photo, couldn't find my camera this morning so had to make do with my phone.

The theme this week was set by Pauline, and it is the one of transformation. What a thrilling topic. I was reflecting on how peopl will sometimes comment to me...'you're so good'. This usually happens after I have helped someone out. However on the inside I am often thinking 'I'm not that good, if only you really knew my heart as God does'. Because if I am honest, there are sometimes when my motives are not always selfless. However, I am reminded that through Christ my life is in a constant state of transformation. What theologians call 'sanctification' - the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in my life, making me more and more like the selfless, holy and sacrificial Jesus.

Here is the card...

Please feel free to use the graphic below for your own card or layout. Please respect my work by not reselling the graphic itself in a printed or digital format.