When I meditated on the word 'Surrender', I thought of all the times in my life I struggled with 'surrendering' something to God. Whatever it was, I just couldn't give it up, I just had to hold onto it, no matter how many other times someone else would say 'You Need to Surrender it to God'. But eventually, in my own time and in my own way, I would eventually 'Surrender' it and then suddenly I would be filled with such overwhelming Peace. So the word 'Peace' actually became the focal point of my card for today. When I think of peace, I always think of nature: the one place I always find peace. When I was a child I lived very close to Lake Michigan, and whenever I was troubled about something, I'd hop on my bike and pedal off to the lake and just sit in the sand and watch the waves and the sea gulls. I didn't personally know God back then, but I still always felt such overwhelming peace every time I visited the lake. Today I don't have quick access to a massive lake, so I feel the most peace in my garden. I love to listen to the birds sing, hear the rushing sound of the waterfall, and feel the warmth of the sun of my skin. Oh, how I long for that experience now during these wickedly cold temperatures we are currently experiencing! LOL!
In remembrance of my childhood experiences at Lake Michigan, I created this card. The image is from the retired Stampin Up! set 'Seaside Sketches'. The colors are from this week's color challenge on Splitcoaststampers: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey and Not Quite Navy. I used the Cuttlebug Embossing Folder 'Divine Swirl' on the Baja Breeze panel to mimic the look of waves. The sentiment is from Stampendous. I just inked up the word 'peace' with a marker for the front of the card. The inside reads 'The Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with You'. Dew drops and Kiwi Kiss ribbon were added for embellishment.
Have a wonderful day! Amy
What a wonderful memory ... thanks for sharing! Your card is lovely and this set is just perfect!!
ReplyDeleteAs a child, I grew up on 20 acres and the back of the property was my dad's grove of pines and I used to lay amongst the tall grasses and make cloud animals in the sky and work out my problems with God's smile shining down on my face!! I can totally relate to what you are saying ... oh the days have flown by too quickly!!!
Oh my gosh, I looooove beachy cards! I've been so totally absorbed in Christmas cards that I forgot how much I love beachy scenes. This little girl on the beach is so precious. This image always catches my eye in the galleries. Beautiful card!!
ReplyDelete....and I loooooove the pictures of your home all decorated for Christmas. Oh my word, seriously, gorgeous!!
Oh, and I just sent you an email on how to add the number of visitors. I sent it to the email addy noted in your side bar. If you don't get it, let me know, okay? :)