Hullo there everyone .. another Friday here in Oz is drawing rapidly to close, so better do my Friday post to link up with Annie's Friday Smiles.
(Big congrats to dear Annie for her 200th Friday smiles post)
(Big congrats to dear Annie for her 200th Friday smiles post)
As well, it is rapidly heading towards Christmas!
We celebrate ahead of lot of other folks, here in Australia in our time zone.
We celebrate ahead of lot of other folks, here in Australia in our time zone.
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| This card is an upcycle and I made it for my best friend Robin (just for record I have lots of best friends, my best Friend of all is Jesus :D), the verse is a favourite of mine for Christmas time .. "The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world".. ...the greatest gift of all was the LORD Jesus. (Robins are very cute and make me smile.) The EF was smooched with gold ink to make it stand out and added bit of ribbon and bling to it. |
I love Christmas, I realise not everyone does, but even when I am sad Christmas things make me smile.
Most of all for me as a Christian is the Christ of Christmas that makes me smile. We really dont know when Christ was born and to be honest it doesn't really matter (if it did, we would know).
Most of all for me as a Christian is the Christ of Christmas that makes me smile. We really dont know when Christ was born and to be honest it doesn't really matter (if it did, we would know).
The reason I love the verse above is because it gives the real reason of Christ's coming. He came to be our Saviour.
God, the Father, knows what it is to suffer loss, to be deeply sorrowful and afflicted, He suffered when he gave His own Son for us, that first Christmas.
His Son, the Lord Jesus, gave up His heavenly home for a stable and human frame instead of His holy Home.
We can't imagine what it was like for Him, the King of Glory, Who knew no sin, to be made sin for us... when He bore our sins upon the cruel cross.
His Son, the Lord Jesus, gave up His heavenly home for a stable and human frame instead of His holy Home.
We can't imagine what it was like for Him, the King of Glory, Who knew no sin, to be made sin for us... when He bore our sins upon the cruel cross.
Another upcycled card.
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| I love this card... it tells the story of Christmas, of the Nativity, foretold thousands of years before, and the cross which lay ahead. It tells of the ones who saw the star, the humble shepherds and wise-men who followed it from afar. It tells us of the happiest thing that happened to the world, the Gift of Salvation through our SAVIOUR the LORD Jesus. (**and the twist for challenge below is that Christmas leads us to the cross) |
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| This card shows those humble folk who came to see... see the Saviour sent by the Father. They were poor but honoured by God to be at Jesus' birth. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. I Corinthians 1:27-29 |
As it is Friday Smiles - extra smiles for you.
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| Loved this one as it is so true .. God is our greatest Friend, but our dear earthly friends bring a smile to our face too. |
.. hope it brought some smiles to your face!
Happy Smiles day everyone!!
and may God richly bless your day wherever you maybe,
and may the real reason of Christmas shine brightly in your home and heart.
and may the real reason of Christmas shine brightly in your home and heart.
Shaz in Oz.x
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee to-night.
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee to-night.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given;
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His Heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still,
The wondrous gift is given;
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His Heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
EDIT: A dear friend commenting below suggested this video was a good one for this time of year
- I agree with her.
- I agree with her.
Well, I'm delighted to welcome new wonderful encouragers ..
Jan of http://serendipity45.blogspot.com.au/
Lois of http://lilartsywoman.blogspot.com.au/
You will learn much from these clever crafters.. a pleasure to visit..
.... so do pop over to their blogs and give them some encouragement!
Jan of http://serendipity45.blogspot.com.au/
Lois of http://lilartsywoman.blogspot.com.au/
You will learn much from these clever crafters.. a pleasure to visit..
.... so do pop over to their blogs and give them some encouragement!
Joining up with:
1. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au
1. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au
3. Crafty Hazlenut's Extra Christmas challenge http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.com.au/
3. Robin card http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/chnc-challenge-312-cute-or-anything.html
4. Simon Says Wednesday - Make it sparkle. Last card http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/simon-says-make-it-sparkle-3/
5. Crafty Cardmakers, the second card - **with the cross http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/179-christmas-with-twist.html
5. Crafty Cardmakers, the second card - **with the cross http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/179-christmas-with-twist.html
38 comments:
Just popping by to wish you and yours a Peaceful Christmas season Shaz.
See you again after the festivities and thank you for your inspiration and friendship again this year.
B x
Beautiful, beautiful words my dear friend and sister in Christ. May God bless you and yours and you have a wonderful Christmas remembering our Saviour. There is a video of a wonderful song on utube. The Ball Brothers, "It's About The Cross ". I think you would like it Shaz. I listen to it often and it's appropriate for this season.
Blessings,
Betys
What a lovely post Shaz! And thank you (and Betsy) for the Ball Brothers' song. It is beautiful and has made my day. I called the hubby and we listened to it again and then I shared it on Facebook so all my friends could hear it.
Your cards are beautiful. I love the green one with the word cross. Very clever.
Wishing you and your family a very blessed Christmas,
Hugs,
Lisca
Happy Friday Shaz, a lovely post and may you rejoice and be happy over Christmas and may the New Year bring Peace, Joy and Love...cheers Robyn
Lovely post Shaz with lots of smiles. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and an even better New Year with lots more smiles of course!. Angela xXx
You're cards are beautiful, thank you for sharing them. I had heard "It's About the Cross" a couple of years ago, thanks for reviving this song for me today. ~ Abby
Thanks for linking up your smiles and for your lovely comments. I feel so blessed to always be able to find something to smile about each week even when life throws its challenges at us....and we've had rather a lot lately. Focusing on the happy moments certainly helps.
Wishing you a happy, peaceful Christmas and here's hoping we have lots of smiles to share in 2017.
Hugs,
Annie x
Lovely cards and post!
I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
I'm delighted to share a Friday Smile with you. I hope you have a beautiful Christmas and a joyous New Year, too. I love the darling animals together. Let's hope humans can learn from their kindness, too.
I truly love this post. Love the recycled cards and how you added holly that matched on the first one. The digi about the wreath and the crown of thorns. That is special! But most of all I guess I love the words to my favorite Christmas carol. This as been my favorite for years and it seems that not many people sing it. The third verse has always meant so much to me. He comes silently and imparts to each of us His love. Thank you Shaz for such a beautiful post and such lovely cards. Hugs.
A gorgeous Robin card and recycled too. Wishing you a merry Christmas hugs Mrs A. and those darn Elves.
Merry Christmas Shaz, fabulous cards and thanks for your words!
Hugs and blessings
Some wonderful cards Shaz.
Hope you have a wonderful time.
Kath x
Wonderful post Shaz, and fabulous re-cycling of the cards too. Loved your season/reason graphic.
Christmas blessings to you and yours
Maxine
Love your sweet holiday post...just so perfect for Christmas! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Great recycling of your cards!!
Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas!!
Just loving your beautiful cards - especially love the Robin on #1 with the elegant background. The Cross is an especially apt one for just now. The post was most inspired, and a pleasure to read. It's beyond imagining how Someone could sacrifice so much for the human race, and then to be rejected as so much of the world seems to be doing at the moment. But all is in His Control, and will be well. It is good to be reminded of just why we do celebrate this particular season (although we should celebrate at all times...it seems that at Christmas, we are more in the mindset to remember). Blessings back to you, as much is given, much is expected. Thanks for being such a Christian friend, and praying that you will have a very Merry Christmas with all that you need. Wishing too the best of 2017. Hugs
Beautiful cards!
Thanks for joining us at Crafty Cardmakers!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas!!!!
Look forward to seeing all of the crafty things you create next year.
hugs
sharon :)
Oh, Shaz, what a beautiful and touching post! I love your cards, and how dear to see the two wreaths...the Christmas one celebrating Christ's birth...and the other His death on the cross...but as we remember He ROSE again defeating sin and death - for us! I loved the video and have seen it before and enjoyed it again. Love and hugs, dearest friend! xoxo
Hi Shaz. You were quick off the mark with your visit to me this week, (Thanks for that), and here am I, days later, just getting around to it. I love your robin. Although I like most of my cards to reflect the Christmas story, i still find robins popping up quite often. I like the way you often use a scripture text as the main feature with more secular elements around it. I am giving that a go for next year.
I hope you had a happy and Blessed Christmas day, and continue to be joyful in His Love over the coming days. Kate x
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Lovely cards!
Beautiful Cards and post Shaz!! Mery Christmas from snowy New York!
The first card is so cute Shaz, thank you for the sweet photo of the animals .
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
Love and hugs
Maarit
Your Christ of Christmas card is beautiful Shaz. Thanks for sharing it with us at Crafty Cardmakers and good luck with the challenge, Angela x
A lovely post with beautiful cards, a gorgeous cute photo and the words of one of my favourite carols - oh Little Town Of Bethlehem. Thank you! I hope you had a lovely Christmas! xxx
Love all the fabulour traditional Christmas cards.
Thank you for joining us at Simon says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.
Luv
Debby
I hope you had a great Christmas, Shaz, and wish you and yours a very happy new year.
Hugs,
Em xxx
All three cards are wonderful, Shaz. But the center one, the Christmas font card is my fave. Love the words in it,celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
Finally home from hospital. DH put up a teensy tree, some baubles in a vase and the Nativity. We will keep the twelve days of Christmas here and take in all down after Epiphany!
Such a beautiful and very meaningful post. Wow! I loved the season and the reason, so, so very true.
Christ came to be the Savior of the world.
My husband and I were just talking this evening about how the world is changing, and not in a good way, and how sad it must be for God to look upon the sinfulness of it all, but, He loves us and wants all people to come to Him in salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. If not for love...
Your cards are so beautiful, as always.
Thank you for that wonderful video.
It has been a joy following along with you and I'm looking forward to what the Lord has for the New Year.
Much love to you, dear lady~
Such a beautiful and very meaningful post. Wow! I loved the season and the reason, so, so very true.
Christ came to be the Savior of the world.
My husband and I were just talking this evening about how the world is changing, and not in a good way, and how sad it must be for God to look upon the sinfulness of it all, but, He loves us and wants all people to come to Him in salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. If not for love...
Your cards are so beautiful, as always.
Thank you for that wonderful video.
It has been a joy following along with you and I'm looking forward to what the Lord has for the New Year.
Much love to you, dear lady~
Such a beautiful and very meaningful post. Wow! I loved the season and the reason, so, so very true.
Christ came to be the Savior of the world.
My husband and I were just talking this evening about how the world is changing, and not in a good way, and how sad it must be for God to look upon the sinfulness of it all, but, He loves us and wants all people to come to Him in salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. If not for love...
Your cards are so beautiful, as always.
Thank you for that wonderful video.
It has been a joy following along with you and I'm looking forward to what the Lord has for the New Year.
Much love to you, dear lady~
Wonderful cards. Thanks for joining us at Crafty HazelNuts Christmas Challenge Extra. And a very Happy New Year to you!
Fabulous cards, love that stamps and colours used...xx{aNNie}
Hi Shaz
A fabulous collection of Christmas cards.
I hope your Christmas was wonderful and wish you all the best for 2017.
Love Jules xx
Love the robin ;o) Beauiful cards and a lovely post! Thank you for joining our challenge at the Crafty Cardmakers! Happy crafting and I hope you had a very merry Christmas! Maike
Beautiful cards! Sorry for the late comment. I would like to invite you to link with us again for our first Challenge this year at Word Art Wednesday. Leaving you with the encouragement found in 1 John 4:18-19 which tells us, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." Have a blessed day!
JO ANN
http://jatterburycreations.blogspot.com
What an unusual card.
Thank you for entering my Christmas with a Twist challenge at CCM.
hugs Kimx
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