See what’s new!

I’ve been busy creating! Tap photo to enlarge. 

Quick and easy access to all current card designs!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

Food for thought

It’s that time of year when many do more giving. Buying toys and clothes to donate. Groceries for others to have a holiday meal. Perhaps more money sent to a favorite charity or to the church. Meeting physical needs.

Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw You hungry and gave You food, or thirsty and gave You something to drink? And when was it that we saw You a stranger and welcomed You, or naked and gave You clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited You?’ (Matthew 25:37-39)

Certainly a familiar passage to many. And it speaks directly to the obedient behavior described above.

But God is also, even more so, concerned with the hunger and thirst of souls.

People hungry for hope.

Thirsty for reassurance.

Cold from lack of love and attention.

Imprisoned by fears.

Sick from the pressures of this world.

Does not Matthew also say in chapter 6:25 -

Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing?

There is something much more important to be concerned about and that is every soul. It’s those hearts hungry and thirsty for the living God. Needing God’s word in the form of tangible presence: eyes of love and compassion, ears that listen compassionately, hands that hold hands, and mouths that proclaim God’s promises and sing of His love.

In our “year end giving” let’s remember to include gifts that meet the spiritual needs of others as well. And may it extend into the “year beginning”…

——————————————————————

Perhaps a thoughtful note?

New card catalog now available! Find new designs mixed in with some old favorites! Click on the link below for quick and easy access!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

A time for encouragement

 May these notes help to brighten your day! And might you also consider doing the same for someone you know? Pick a message. Send a card. Let them know you still think of them; that you still care.

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Don’t have any cards on hand? Hmmm…

Check out my new card catalog! Click on the link below:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

A NEW CARD CATALOG AND IT’S WONDERFUL!

 Click and see for yourself!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

It’s Christmas card time!

 

Christmas note card variety packs. Short suggested messages included. 12 cards (2 of each design) for $10.00. Free shipping. Email juliecrane.57@att.net.  Thanks!

(Pictures are much clearer via email. Subscribe and stay on top of all updates to this website!)

Wanted: Joy and Satisfaction

It feels like I have selfishly drifted while still seeking You, Lord. Once again I have been absorbed in people’s perception of me and forgetting the fullness of love You have for me. I have shamelessly focused on getting instead of giving and it has resulted in still being unsatisfied and joyless. You desire the paying attention to others’ needs as they cross my path. That is where true peace and joy are granted in the most satisfying way. Your Word promises that in doing so, Your light of warmth and comfort will be brightest. Holy, wonderful and good is Your eternal presence. I have everything I need for a joy-filled life because You are here to lead and direct me to that joy-filled life. Here, also, to correct my heart’s attitude and way of seeking the right kind of pleasure and delight found only in walking with You. You give strength to right living activities. Serving the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100:2) comes from serving the Lord. Trying to meet my own needs my own way continually falls short and disappoints. But there are opportunities straight ahead for me to love, help, comfort and also enjoy and spread joy - delighting God and others - and in turn - joy for myself as well.

So today let me let Jesus wash away the sins of yesterday that hold me back. Let me let Him, right now, renew my heart and mind (Romans 12:2). Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Let my gentleness be known to all (Philippians 4:5). Whether in thought, word or deed. For the Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Do everything as unto the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31) and let me see my spirit, my living - be lifted up as a loving gift to You.  The Lord will surely bless; make His face to shine, and give complete and comforting peace to me. (Numbers 6:24). For His Word is truth.

Nor anything else

 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

I accepted Christ as a high schooler.  I went to a Campus Life meeting downtown. Afterward, I remember sitting in my bedroom, looking out the window thinking and praying, (Lord, I want Your love.) Since then, I have traveled many paths through this life. Some pretty horrible back roads too. I've walked away from Him and returned more times than I can count. Think Prodigal Son - times five. Or six.

Worldly distractions.

Peer pressures.

Fears over acceptance.

Temptations.

Rebellions.

Arrogance.

Sickness.

Anger at God too.

Seasons of disbelief.

May I please add these to the list of "nor anything else"?

I love You, Lord. But I've had seasons. I've had chapters - where it might have not been so apparent.

Thank You, Jesus, for being better at this than I am. For loving us so completely that nothing can separate us. Nothing.

I know this. Death, life, angels, rulers, things happening now, things that will happen, high things, low things; nothing else in all the world can come between us and God's love in Christ Jesus our Lord. (WE)

I'm absolutely convinced that nothing - nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable - absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. (MSG)

Loved… forever.

Loved

 I still have the teddy bear from my childhood. Decades-old. And it shows. I don't remember what it looked like new. Probably soft, cuddly, and clean. It's been carried. And fought over. Tucked into bed. Looks chewed on even. Sewn up a time or two. Probably washed and washed.

Can’t you just picture it? Fur missing in spots. Wrinkles showing. Gray that won't go away. Still in need of some patching up. Eyes not as clear or as sharp. Been through thick and thin it seems. But loved. Loved to death. That much is apparent. One precious companion for sure. Carried everywhere. Every place. Rescued from dangers. Lost - and found numerous times. Someone went to great lengths to keep it. And not tossed away for something newer. There was something about journeying together for so long. Love runs deep.

Are you feeling decades old? Do you feel like you've been through the wringer? Outside not as smooth? Scars from a few sewings? Gray that won't go away? A little stiff? 

Know this, my friends:

"I have loved you very deeply,” says the Lord. Malachi 1:2 (TLB)

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love..." Jeremiah 31:3

Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you... Isaiah 43:4

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4

... as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. Isaiah 62:5

I know God is holding you

in the palm of His hand,

and no matter how old you are today,

He'll always know you as His child. (author unknown)

And put a bow on it

The greatest lover of your soul is God. We know that, right? And because He first loved us (1 John 4:19), we have a clue as to how to love.

So when I read the verse from 1 Peter 5:7:

Cast all your cares (worries, anxieties, burdens) on Him, because He cares for you… well, that just doesn't sound like a very loving thing to do. Don't we think love should be pretty and comfortable and make the other happy? Isn't love supposed to look like - a gift? Dumping all my problems onto someone's listening ear can be a relief... but is it love? Shouldn't my prayers be filled with thanks and praise?

What I've come to discover is that when we cast our burdens upon the Lord, we are giving Him the biggest gift of all. 

I TRUST YOU LORD.

The gift of Trust.

Don't give any weight to your worries. Don't listen to their lies. Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, "Don't be afraid; just believe." Mark 5:36

I BELIEVE YOU CARE ABOUT ME, LORD.

Remind yourself over and over that nothing is impossible for God (Matthew 19:26). Remember the cares, worries, burdens, and anxieties He has helped you through before.

Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would. Matthew 8:13

I BELIEVE YOU ARE ALL THAT YOU SAY YOU ARE LORD.

Remember the rescues Jesus has done for you personally. 

They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." John 4:42

GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS, LORD UNTO ME.

Got burdens? Troubles? Worries? Do you know what it means to God to have you run to Him? To trust Him?

... the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:11

So please do not fear oppressing the Lord with all your burdens and concerns. Casting them onto His shoulders is exactly what He desires of us. God's not counting up your doubts and failings. Love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5). But He is counting on you to turn to Him, and trust Him. To rely (count) on Him. You may feel like you're not getting many other things right in life, but this, THIS... trusting in Jesus - brings great glory and honor to His name. 

Zephaniah 3:17:

The Lord your God is in your midst - a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; He will rejoice over you with singing. (CEB)

The Lord your God is with you. The mighty One will save you. The Lord will be happy with you. You will rest in His love. He will sing and be joyful about you. (ICB)

And why?

Because... you... trusted... Him.

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

See there? Permission granted. Talk to the Lord. Your trust is a sign of love to Him.

Fall card designs

#245 Pumpkin Cart
#307 Got Spice?
#220 Harvest Mugs
#248 Fairy Pumpkin

#207 Autumn Blessings
#208 Watercolor Leaves
#215 Fall Swing
#214 Fall Morning

 Email:

juliecrane.57@att.net

for ordering information

Relish, anyone?

Gulping hot coffee. Inhaling a couple of bites of toast. A quick, one-page read of a devotional while brushing your teeth. Grabbing an armload and running to the car. Merging and weaving in and out of traffic while the latest news yammers in the background during your phone call. Arriving, hurrying, multitasking, departing as fast as you can. Throwing dinner together. Prepping as much as possible for the next day. Collapsing into bed.

A whiff of freshly brewed coffee. The cup warming your hands. Noticing the reflection of light on its surface. And... that... first... sip. Toast with grandma's jam, sunny yellow eggs, and a sweet orange cut-up, all on a pretty plate. A bite. And a chew. And a look out the kitchen window. Tasting. Seeing. Opening your bible. Reading a section. Twice. Jotting down a note or two. Sitting. Thinking. Praying. Wondering... what nugget does God want me to take into my day? Gathering up what is needed. Opening the door. Breathing in the fresh air. Admiring the blue sky and the tree limbs reaching up. Enjoying the view out the car window. Waving to a friend walking the dog. Going with the flow. Uplifting music making you dance in your head. Fingers tapping the steering wheel. Arriving safe and sound. Greeting others with a nod and a smile. Knowing there is time and ability to complete the task before you. The uplifting music from the car radio still hums through your mind. A sip of wine as meat browns in the pan. The crisp sound of vegetables being chopped up. Rice steaming to perfection. Sitting down. Saying grace. Holding hands. Light conversation. Lingering over dessert. Counting the blessings of the day. Stretching out beneath cool sheets. Happy in God's provision. Resting in His promised presence and protection through the night.

The same chain of events, and yet, so very different.

Will you choose to relish this day?

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:32 (NASB)

And then this happened

 

I’ve been watching a free marketing seminar and it has really inspired me. I am excited to try new and diverse things with my artwork. And have gained a lot of insight on how to improve the look of my website. So ready and so excited to get started!

And then this happened. 

Many of you are familiar with the intense pain that is pictured here.

So there is no drawing or notetaking from future seminar videos or knitting either. (I am using the microphone app to create this blog post.)

Being still and knowing that the Lord is God seems to be the only thing I can do right now.

Perhaps you have had a time of being really excited about something, only to have to slow down or stop completely. Trusting in the Lord at that time is just what has to be done. And so we learn to wait. Wait for the Lord’s good and perfect timing. 

Watch and wait with me, as we anticipate growth in both faith and expansion of this small business of mine.

GETTING READY FOR FALL!

 

#307 Got Spice?

This guy in all his sweetness will soon be available for purchase! Along with many other new fall designs (yes, some of the old fall favorites will be coming around again as well!). All too soon the summer spirit we’ve been enjoying will be over and getting back to regular routines and overloaded schedules will fill our minds. Many we know are going to need a boost of encouragement. This is one way you can do just that! Consider a quick note to someone that comes to mind. The impact will astound you.

Shop the card link below:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop-2023.html

Peace and Joy

Children and Christmas and joy all seem to go together naturally. They get so excited! Cousins and cookies and grandma’s cooking… Christmas kids know how to do it!

 Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful. (John 14:27)

 Seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)

Now you can see the Lord is not talking about whatever kind of peace you can get in a worldly sense. No, His peace is something so much more, so much higher and greater than anything you can imagine. And yet it is available to you and I. Strive, put your energy into seeking His kind of peace… the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).

What if I replace the word “peace” with “joy”?

Joy I leave you, My Joy I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.

 Seek joy and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)

 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and  your joy may be made full. (John 15:11)

Jesus calls us to receive His kind of joy. Don’t try to pursue some kind of joy that the world offers. You know it falls short. Jesus is extending full joy to us. He wants us to live in it.

Just as children are full of Christmas joy, may we too, live each and every day in the knowledge that a Christ-like peace and a Christ-like joy is ours. And let not your hearts be troubled.

50% off summer sale! (SALE HAS ENDED 8/19/2023)

 That’s right! Get 12 cards for $7.50 (includes shipping!) Get 12 cards for $5.00 if you can arrange for pickup. Choose from these summer designs. Send me a text or an email, pop your check in the mail, or use PayPal, and they can be in your hand in a matter of days! Still plenty of time to lift up and encourage someone with one of these happy little notes! As always, a list of suggested messages is included with every order. While supplies last! Create your own pack of 12 - one of those, 3 of that one, etc. Any combination adding up to 12. It couldn’t be easier to join me in the ministry of encouragement!

#250 Shoreline Rocks
#296 Camping
#280 Watered Garden
#293 Sailboat
#300 Quiet Confidence
#273 I will Carry You
#254 He Restores

##292 Tropical Bears
#286 Tubing Bear
#235 Straw hat Bunny
#282 Popsicle Fun
#295 Berry Baskets
#262 Two Blue Cats
#281 Flamingo Golf

#283 Beach Bunny
#284 Springtime Jesus
#210 Be Still Cross
#272 May the Grace
#259 New Mercies
#289 Flip Flops

Email: juliecrane.57@att.net

Text: 5174887892

Mailing address: Julie Crane 121 Popular Circle McCormick SC 29835

A note of encouragement. Pass it on!

 May these notes help to brighten your day! And might you also consider doing the same for someone you know? Pick a message. Send a card. Let them know you still think of them, that you still care…

Don’t have any cards on hand? Hmmm…
My card shop link:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

You did it

 Perhaps you have a prayer ministry at your church, or some other parish care group that sends cards to those in your church family. (If not, please consider it. It is a much appreciated ministry! My pastor-husband has often found my cards displayed on a shelf when visiting a shut-in) But did you also know it can be a wonderful outreach ministry to those in your neighborhood? There are so many faithful workers near to you that could certainly use an encouraging word.

Teachers. Drop off enough for every teacher at the school.

Nurses. Drop off at the nurses station at the hospital.

Or how about nursing homes. Assisted living.

Jails and prisons.

Pregnancy service centers.

Police stations. Fire stations.

There are many online sites (including mine!) that offer some short, simple suggestions of what to write

To lift up and encourage. Even strangers.

The other best part of this kind of ministry - you can just drop off a bundle of cards at a front office. No stamps needed!

This is a perfect ministry for those who think they have nothing to offer. You’re not too old or too feeble. It can be done anytime, anywhere. (But so much fun as a group!) No special skills are needed. Just taking the time to write a line or two in a blank notecard. Even if you feel you can only write two cards, added to someone’s else two, and another’s four, well together, I promise you the impact will be massive in changing the course of someone’s day, their very life. You, yes, you - can make an impact. Shine your Christ light! It couldn’t be easier! 

The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:40 NASB)

My card shop link:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop-2023.html

Come together

 

Today I am reminded that seven years ago, on this day, I completed all my cancer treatments. What a day to celebrate, indeed! But more than that, what a time to celebrate the gracious giving of so many while I was on that journey. There were unending cards, letters, text messages, social media posts, and phone calls too. Meals for my husband and I. Offers to drive me to appointments and offers to sit with me through them. All during the seven months from diagnosis to treatment completion, many were relentless in their steady, consistent love and support. It just never seemed to stop or even let up. The desire to love, support and encourage me through it all remained steady from beginning to end. God laid it on your hearts to do something, great or small, over and over again - you felt His nudging. And let me tell you, the combined efforts were powerful.

I have to wonder if we have the same obedient desire to repeatedly answer God’s call on our hearts in our churches; in the lives we encounter everyday. Because you knew me, loved me, and had a close relationship with me - perhaps it was just easier to answer God’s call. But what about the others? In your church? In your neighborhood? Are we coming together in great or small ways, over and over again - making our combined efforts powerful in testimony of the great God we profess to love and serve?

… that they may be one as we are one - I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:22-23 NIV)

We who believe know that God’s love for us is relentless. Continuous. He is never too busy or distracted from sending love our way. In great and small ways. An outpouring, overflowing love from the very heart of our Father God.

The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:40 NASB)

Remember we are here to love and serve. As you loved and supported me through my cancer journey, are there now others who are in need of some of the same? It takes all of us - to participate in the common good. Our combined efforts - are powerful and effective. 

Let’s come together and make love happen.

Fervent Prayer

 fervent - displaying passionate intensity

 I know what comes to my mind when I think of fervent prayer. A long, heartbreaking plea to God over a certain situation. Praying and praying some more, trying so hard to convince God of the seriousness of this current calamity and how it must be resolved right now. My overwrought heart agonizing as I dwell on the horrible details. Pouring out my heart until I am spent and feel I’ve done all I can in prayer.

But, what if, your fervent prayer was a means to convincing yourself of God’s steadfast faithfulness? What if you prayed and prayed some more, not about the situation, but about the fact that God is alive and active and will surely respond? What if, you stayed in prayer until you found peace and confidence in our Lord? 

Fervently, with passionate intensity, seek to remember the goodness of the Lord. Don’t leave your prayer posturing of head bowed, hands folded - until you are filled with God’s assurance of His Almighty control over all things. Including THIS thing. 

God is good. So good. And He can handle anything. He does handle anything. So move forward with confidence in the God you know in your heart as loving, caring, all-wise and all-powerful. Then, when you know in your head what you know in your heart, rise from your prayer knees and walk in faith.

Yes, put your trust in the Lord.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Your rule is eternal, and You are king forever. The Lord is faithful to His promises; He is merciful in all His acts. ( Psalm 145:13)

One word prayer

 I had an idea for a blog post the other day. It came to mind as I was praying for people and using only their first name. We often do that. I’ve seen it in some churches as well. We just say the name and maybe a pause before moving on to the next name. And I wondered if that had the same power and effectiveness as a more lengthy and informative prayer. You know the ones - agonizing, heartbreaking pleas for God to act. Is a mere mention of their name - enough? Can my one word whispered into the ear of God move mountains too?

And then something happened that made me question it even more. While at the gym, an ambulance pulled up. Now I was praying and I didn’t even have a name! All I could think of was: Jesus!

Believe me: I am in My Father and My Father is in Me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see - these works. The person who trusts Me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on My way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of Who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for Who He is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do. (John 14:11-13 MSG)

Whatever you request. I’ll do it. I’ll do it. Looking at this passage, the real power, the real certain hope - is in God the Hearer and Responder. And not the number of words. Or their eloquence.

He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. (Matthew 6:7 CEV)

So, even one word from you or me in prayer, makes anything possible because Christ and His power lives in and through us. 

So let us pray in the name, that one word name, above all names -

In Jesus’ name. Amen.