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