Oxides NBUS Christmas Card for Mo’s Challenge + WOYWW

Hullo there, everyone, and yes 'tis Wednesday so it’s time to pop over at Julia’s Stamping Ground, where we see desk of marvellous inspiration worldwide.

My desk as I left it last night! A little messy, on left is the birthday card I mailed today, not finished there on desk, obviously. Mask circle at back is same one I’ve made about six cards with now, back of an icy pole packet! 
Think that's snippets, Miss!! 😊
In front is my entry in Scrappy Mo’s Rudolph day Challenge, shared below. Beside is my silver Bodnant Gardens pencil, always think of Margaret (GlitterGlue) when use it, as she lives near there! ❤
Two brushes, TH spray bottle, clean Darkroom Door mesh stencil, lots of ink pads and couple of stamps at back.
Now to my cards, Firstly Rudolph Card, it’s really unusual but like it. A happy accident!

This stamp set is truly wonderful, by Colarado Craft Company - "Bethlehem's Light", bought it from Simon Says Stamps, at half price Christmas sale. Bought one for me and one for dear kind Maz who mails my US items.❤ Yesterday, had made the background for birthday card.. then suddenly thought these Christmas stamps would look good, too! 

I lined the three stamps in the Craft Too Press to Impress Stamp Platform. 
While had stamps in there, I stamped and heat embossed 14 more! 
That took a lot of time, even though stamping doesn’t, heat embossing does, but oh! I love the gloss of multiple stamps with Versafine Onyx black!
 I love the greeting too... 
“ May the light that 
shone in Bethlehem 
shine in your heart 
this and every Christmas.” 
The spotlight in oxide was a different way of using these stamps. This is a NBUS set (Never Before Used Schtuff), too! Yay! off to Darnell’s NBUS Challenge!

This birthday card is another colour of this card shown back here! This is the third colourway now. Have another one in mind again for yet another May birthday when will be all done! When you’re on a good thing stick to it! 
Now I’m not apologising for so many skies! The Aussie skies in Autumn are simply stunning.

There was another evening walk, very different, but spectacular too but forgot mobile! So just sat and enjoyed the changing colours till they all faded!

These are all facing east. We are on east coast, so these are reflected lights from west, curiously less spectacular..
Well, that’s it for today. 
Some good news though some of our state restrictions are being lifted and am going to be able to visit family at weekend, will still observe all the correct restrictions, though, but enjoy! We have 88 deaths in Aust and although it’s been hard, these restrictive measures have literally saved lives. 
Sweden’s population is 10 million, we are 25 million, so 2.5 times their pop. 
They’ve had 2,355 deaths and no shut down, mostly older folks, we’ve had 88. 
I know what I’d rather do.

Yes, it’s all for the greater good. 

Praying much though for all who suffer from job losses, or worse the loss of a loved one, praying for wisdom for all leaders, to be guided wisely and well.

And God’s keeping upon all who are hurting. 

God bless you all, dear ones,

Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz.x 
(Edit: re sun and Margaret's question below:
 "At the March (Australian autumn) and September (spring) equinoxes the Sun rises in the east, moves toward the north and sets in the west. These are the only times in the year that the Sun rises due east and sets due west." Sunset sky photos are facing east, the sunset lights are cast from westward setting sun. It was much stronger and not photogenic.

Thought of the day:

These verses always give me such hope!

We are never alone, if we seek the loving help of our Almighty Father God.

If you’d like to read the post called “Are You At Wits’ End Corner?”, please visit my other blog here. 
Thank you 😊 

Linking over to:

1. The mask was made with scrap food packet, so off to Miss' snippets playground here - with a one layer card.. that must be a first! 😊
2. Darnell's NBUS (NEVER Before Used Schtuff) challenge.   https://mynbus.blogspot.com/

3. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes. Both cards  http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au/

4. Scrappy Mos Rudolph day Challenge you have till 30th to join! 

5. Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2020/04/chnc-challenge-487.html?m=1
5. Anything Goes over at Simon Says Tuesday https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

ANZAC Day + NBUS + Hero Arts Poppy Sympathy

Well, today is 25th April - ANZAC day for all who live in Aust and NZ. As 2020 is such a different year, so this is a different ANZAC day. 
On this day we Aussies and Kiwis remember all who’ve given lives and served in war for our countries.
(At 6am I managed to stand at end of driveway as the last post was played loudly on radio I had with me, remembering with the thanksgiving)

On Sunday 25th April 1915, our joint forces (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) landed on the shores of Gallipoli, Turkey. An inept choice for landing, as these troops faced steep cliffs and a strong attacking Turkish force. This dramatic, especially sad defeat has become a unifying symbol for our countries. Here we achieved nationhood in a bloodbath of fighting, the like of which has never been forgotten by Australia or New Zealand.

I decided to make this poppy card in memory of all who served for their country, anf also in special memory of a very dear sister in Christ.

Recipe: Hero Arts layering popy stamps, NBUS Circle Graph stencil by Hueys mask, greeting disc Sympathy Set by Inspired by Stamping. Red Versafine, heat embossed. Frame by Wonky Rectangle Creatif dies, Kraft cardstock.

I know from one family member, that the Bible has more meaning on the battle field than in times of peace. 

The reality of God's presence may mean much in peace, when we know and love Him - but how much more if we might lose our life at any moment!
 Thought upon this verse, really referring to Christ's sacrifice for us, but also others too. 
See John 15:13. 
"Greater love hath no man than this, than he lay down his life for his friend."

In WW1 Australia and New Zealand, two small emerging nations, lost 80,00 men and had over 200,00 casualties, a total of 280,000 lives taken or never to be the same again.
So many families decimated by it all.

That's why we say together:

"In the morning,

And at the going down of the sun,

We will remember them.

Lest we forget."

A special prayer today, for all today serving in the armed forces of every nation, that they may be kept safe and to come to a saving knowledge of our LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
Also praying for all who are fighting a different war, the medical war against COVID-19, may the LORD bless all caring hands, save eternally their souls, and those for whom they care. 
And thank you LORD, for the freedom we have in our nation, to love and worship bought at such a cost. 
Thank YOU, Lord Jesus,  too for giving Your life,  so we might live by faith in You. Amen.
Prayer  hugs, 🙏🤗❤
Shaz in Oz.x 

This message on ANZAC Day, 2020 gives more history and insights, by our Pastor. (Link here)

Linking over to:

1. Darnell's NBUS (NEVER Before Used Schtuff) challenge. https://mynbus.blogspot.com/

2. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes. Two cards  http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au/

3. Flower power at SimonSays Wednesday challenge. https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/simon-says-flower-power/

Our Daily Bread Rose Hugs & Prayers + WOYWW

Well, everyone, it’s desky share time over at Julia’s Stamping Ground. My desk shows a special card in the making!

On the left hand side are two cards on the make, just need a greeting. At centre back and right is evidence of stamping and die cutting last night, in readiness for today. Hugs and prayers set is Hero Arts, and Wild Rose stamp is by Our Daily bread (disc). Blue die at front is lovely frame by Marianne. Usual scissors, WOYWW sign, glues, with monkeys etc which are always there.

Next desk is later today when card has made some progress, added the SB die cut (Magpie might recognise the SB Exquisite Lavells 11 set, I won it on her blog candy ❤), the Marianne layered frame with hugs and prayers. 

I’m finding things are busier than pre COVID19. Way behind on commenting again, will try do better this week. Just finished three days of mailing out of things normally hand out at church, adding snail mail in each one to cheer folks up.

Takes extra time, but 'tis worth it, isn’t it?

Finished card - finally happy, took a bit of fiddling!

Now to Aussie shots - this time of year in Autumn we have the most amazing skies. Stars like you wouldn’t believe and clouds?!
Well, just look at these! all taken on the same day at different locations of our creek on Sunday arvo. 

There is a verse God wrote about our skies.. 
I reckon anyway! 😊

Psalm 19:1 
The heavens declare the glory of God; 
and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Now these magnificent Cosmos flowers are such a stunning colour against this white brick wall, I walk past them most days on my walks but thought would share them with you today!

Don’t they make you smile!?

That’s it for this week.
Aust is very blessed re COVID-19, our rates are identical on Worldometer to NZ, both are 3 deaths per million, USA 126 deaths per million, UK 255 deaths per million. France 310, Italy 399, Spain 455, Andorra 479, Russia 518 per million are among the worst. I think this is clearest way of comparing. 
See Worldometer link here, if you want to check your country out. Suspect we can safely say China’s stats aren’t accurate, as their rate is 3 per million. Mind you they have 1.4 billion pop. AND they did shut down areas extremely harshly..?
*****

Well, thanks for popping over and most of all if you stop to say hi, you’re all prayed for, and greatly appreciated too!

May God richly bless you an all who you love,

Prayer hugs, 🙏🏻🤗

Shaz in Oz.x 

Thought for the day

Well, I thought these two went together.

A simple summary could be God IS in control, 
rest in Him. 
He may not lift us out of the trial, but He will bring us safely through it, when we put our trust in Him! 

Linking Over To:
1. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes. Two cards  http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au/
2. Flower power at SimonSays Wednesday challenge. https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/simon-says-flower-power/
3. Allsorts Challenge.  Flowers or Showers 
http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2020/04/week-568-flowers-andor-showers.html?m=1
4. Hazelnuts Patterned Paper challenge. I don't use PP enough, and these pretty BoBunny papers were all from one set, as well as embellies .. so must join up with Hazel! 
http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.com/2020/04/craftyhazelnuts-patterned-paper-april.html?m=1

NBUS Snippets Stencil with Glitter paste + Distress Oxides + WOYWW

Hi there everyone, yes .. tis  Wednesday! Popping over to deskland at Julia’s Stamping Ground! Check out the friendly, creative, “germ-free” 😁 bunch of WOYWWers over at Julia’s blog with “What is on Your Workdesk Wednesday.

My desk yesterday, & today really! Little like last week’s except different colours DI Oxides! for someone special who likes these colours, my niece in Whistler, Canada. It’s already winging its way to her, probably be late as mail for there from Oz is soooo slow! It is along way though, nearly as far as flying to UK. 
The ruler on right back part of glass mat was used to make sure circle mask was in middle of card.One layer card needs accuracy, TH spritzer of water was to damp Darkroom Door small mesh stencil, glue stick, etc always seem to be there, ie WOYWW sign and the lovely lighthouse cord pull from Crop 2018 chez Margaret of Glitter and glue. The stamp is on left, about to be used!

To finished DI Oxides card.

For all details on the card please check out last week’s post below or Here. Used Floral Woodware Silhouette stamp, in Black Versafine and Clear EP, greeting is from Sweet ‘n Sassy Floral greetings.

Close up can see oxidised part of mesh stencil.. and perhaps some of gloss from embossed black stamping. Now my NBUS Snippets card!

It was a curious creation, I often start a card with the having no clear direction! Then others like the first one I have a clear idea. The NBUS items are the Glitter paste and the stencil (Couture Creations Anna Griffin Stencil 8x8 Secret Garden from Scrapdragon in Oz) it is a newly found one, you could say it’s my great COVID-19 purchase of $4.99! I have also bought 100 of   5” x 7” 300g scored cards and envelopes, which arrived today, am looking ahead to Christmas cards! 

Predict you may see some used next week?

Recipe of NBUS Snippets card- took DP in crimson for set I was sent by dear Elizabeth when I won her 100 follower's blogaversary prize, we started in same year in 2010 (thanks Elizabeth!).

All DP and stunning beads lace is from from her set, been stroking them lovingly for 9 years!!! Well, they are snippet so off to playground too - YAY!

The sheen of the Glitter paste was tricky to work out what to use! In end it was the champagne glitter card, a perfect match bought with Margaret in Sept 2018. The verse which is from a favourite Psalm is very good verse stamp from “Sweet ‘n Sassy - Wait on the LORD” set. Embossed in WOW Pale Gold EP.

Sharing how I did this inner outer scallop effect in two tones.

Cut two scalloped circles the same size, then divide one you want on bottom, roughly into 4 segments, and cut. Then insert it in scallops, as shown on first greeting image. It's a bit fiddly, but worth it, need glue to have move time to twist each section into place! Can do with ovals too.

The Aussie sea views were on two different days, from two different ends of the many beaches in town.

The southern Jetty beach is the most popular and safe beach, not very often rips there but have encountered a few. The blue mat down into the water is for a specially built beach wheel chair buggy to take disabled folks into water to enjoy. 
Neet asked last week if they are crowded?? 
As you can see they are not crowded at all. Often when I walk on our beach near home I’m the only one.

The second beach is at northern end of town, looking out to sea you can scroll in, and see a black dot (surfboard rider) catching a wave at left end in middle.

 This is a board rider's beach and very dangerous unless really strong swimmer. I’ve never swum here. Looking north and then south to Jetty.

COVID-19 update- our rates have slowed right down, (thank the Lord) in Oz. Our town's rate last week was 13, today is 14 infections. Stabilised in towns north and south, too, we have plateaued on infection level, deaths too.. gone from 48 to 63, not doubled as before. Good to know it can be done! They’re talking of loosening a very little, the strict controls..  but talk will wait a while, I suspect. Very grateful.
Am really, REALLY praying for UK, USA, but also all the very poor nations, especially for all who are sick and grieving families everywhere. 
May all seek the God of all comfort, Who never leaves nor forsakes those who love Him.
Thanks for popping over especially if you take time to say hi. 
Prayer hugs, 🙏🤗

Shaz in Oz. X

Thought for today:

From Psalm 37 on my NBUS Snippet Card, the verses are very appropriate for us today...

**Commit the way to the LORD! 
**Rest in the LORD! 
** Wait patiently for Him
** Trust in the LORD! 
** Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil!

 Psalm 37 

Linking up with the following challenges:

1. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes. Both cards.
http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au

2. NBUS Challenge - second  rose card. NBUS = Nver Before Used Schtuff! Yay! Using more NBUS!! ❤❤❤
https://mynbus.blogspot.com/
3. Di's Snippets Playground, YAY! more snippets on Rose card.
https://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com/2020/04/pixies-snippets-playground-challenge-375.html?m=1

4. Penny Black and More April Challenge - Anything goes. First card. 

Resurrection Day - How Much God Loves Us!

Well, in some ways today, Resurrection Day, 2020 of Easter 2020 is definitely different from many others.

We’re all mostly at home  for a start (unless in essential work, and thanks if you are!). 

However the Reality, the Hope, the Joy of Resurrection Day is definitely NOT  diminished as a consequence of current events.

In fact the present  pandemic, COVID-19, means the Victory by Christ over death in an empty tomb is even more important, wonderful!

More powerful!

For if we are sick, or near, dear ones are, or perhaps some even die

- by faith in Christ we have this Resurrection Hope!

So just HOW much does God love you, me, the whole world?
This thought was triggered by this.

I thought it most apt for this celebration of the Resurrection Day.

So much LOVE!
... could we do as the Father God has done, I wonder?

Could we sacrifice our only son? 

For the good of others?

And yet, in part some have.  
Abraham was ready to sacrifice Isaac, his only son, at God's command, as he believed the Lord would raise him up (see story here). Many mothers have sent their sons off to war, knowing they may never see them again this side of the grave.

But you see that is the key.

This side of the grave. 

Because of Christ’s Resurrection, we by faith may have the hope of eternal resurrection! 
By simple faith in Lord Jesus. 

This simple faith is of course the sticking point for our hope of eternity   - which I will deal with below..

Let’s for now walk with those grieving women that very early that first day of the week after Jesus’ death. 
We may know this story but it’s always a joy to revisit it. I always learn something new!

Matthew 28:1-10
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 
Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

NEW! Wonderful every time I read it!
Firstly the earthquake to roll the stone away! 
Another miracle - an earthquake to roll a huge stone. 
Jesus death had a 3 hour eclipse, all encompassing darkness when God, the Father, turned His back on His only Son. 
Jesus had all of our sin laid upon Him! He hung upon the cross in agony, all alone, bearing the sins of the world, cut off from His Father.  
My sin, the horrific wickedness of all mankind.. all was laid on our perfect, loving Saviour. 
Immeasurable love!

NEW and fresh as I read is the awe, fear, wonder then joy these dear women must have felt in greeting their risen Lord. 
Last time they had seen Him - He was "more marred than any man", dead after a cruel, tortuous death upon a Roman cross. 

Now He was very much alive!
And Jesus words to the women are very much the words He would say to all of us today!
1. Be NOT afraid
2. Go tell.. (of Him)

The whole pivotal point for any of us, this Resurrection Day 2020 is:
 ARE we missing heaven by 15 inches (40cm)?

Or the distance from my head to my heart.

I may know in my head that Jesus died for my sins, for all my lies, deceit, anger, etc. However unless this is believed upon in my heart, unless it is personal and mine, I do not have the gift  of eternal life. 
I have not received it.
It's as if Jesus died in vain for me, because I've not believed in Him.
*****
When I was 12 years old down at the beach where I now walk, I prayed with my sister's teacher. Admitting simply that I was a sinner, thanking the Lord Jesus for dying for my sin upon the cross, and then I asking  Him to save me from my sin and be my Saviour! 
I remember singing and singing afterwards, walking along the beach ..   because I was so happy that the angels in heaven were rejoicing over one little lost sheep, who was now found!
(see Luke 15)! 
Joy unspeakable!

An excellent video is here with two amazing stories of lives Christ transformed!
(It's a short Billy Graham video, old & new footage, simply titled "the Cross") 

I'd like to share this hymn, which like many I have come to love!
What beautiful words, three little words that encapsulate what Easter means!
In Christ Alone!

(link here too)
As we walk through each day, let us live in the light of the Resurrection morning.. 
That the joy may be there in spite of our circumstances. 
It matters not where our Lord takes us in our day,
but whether our Risen Lord walks with us!

If we belong to Jesus, He said: "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

May this bless you, dear ones. These posts are often a real struggle to write, but I am always blessed by them. 
I pray you are also. 
"He must increase, 
I must decrease". 
John 3:30

Lord bless and keep you and all those whom you love safe on His care,  
prayer hugs, 
Shaz in Oz. X 🙏🤗

PS . If you haven’t I'd love it you to join as a wonderful encourager of this blog ...  link HERE.  Thank YOU to those who have done so already. It really encourages me to keep on. 😊
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