Sunday's Symbols

Quick!  What is the most important, non-renewable resource we have?

It's TIME.  Once gone, it can never be regained or replaced.  All we can do is choose to how we will live each day, each hour, each minute in the NOW.  There are no "do-overs."

Too often we look back on our past with regret and sorrow.  But regardless of what your past holds, your future has yet to be lived.  Do not live in the past and squander today!  We have an amazing God who can take ANYTHING and use it for His glory--and that includes ALL of your life. 

The past is behind, but the future is an empty page...  Here are some verses to think about when planning your week. 

Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

I found some great items that reminded me of time in different ways.  Make your time count from the view of eternity.

Take Time to Smell the Flowers Soldered Pendant

Sunset Beach Painted Glass Pendant

Personalized Big Sis/Little Sis Swinging

Hourglass Brass Pendant Necklace

Beautifully Bold and Shiny Steampunk Ring

Time in a-Bottle Sea Glass Jewelry

Sunday's Symbols

Matthew 4:18-20  "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' And they straightway left their nets, and followed him."

I love these verses for the simple fact that Jesus didn't ask Peter or Andrew to become something they weren't before.  He asked them to become something better. 

The same determination and patience that they needed to be a fisherman will be needed as a disciple of Christ.  The ability to read the tides and skies will be transferred into the ability to understand people.  No longer would they cast their nets and bring death--they will now cast their nets and offer life.

I come from a fishing family and know a little about the life of a fisherman.  I can remember my dad getting up many days before dawn to head down to his boat.  I remember my Poppop spending many hours mending his many nets.  The qualities they had that made them good at fishing also made them great at fishing for men.  God still calls simple folks like you and I.  Will you follow Him?

Here are some really cool fish-y handmade items!  

Fish Glassware, Set of 4

 I Love the Beach Applique Wash Cloths

Handmade Copper Sterling Silver Forged

 

Handpainted Koi Pillow

 

Wool Acorn Decorations

 Something Fishy Little Glow in the Dark

Fish Pond Arch Clock

Sunday's Symbols

1Chronicles 16:29 "Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness."

In a garden full of beautiful and colorful flowers, you can't ignore the sunflower.  As Christians, we can learn a lot from this simple flower. 

• The sunflower does not blend in...it stands out. 
• Its face constantly follows the sun and does not look away.
• It offers shelter and food to others.

 Our strength is not in ourselves or our abilities...it is found in our faith in Christ.  This week I found some amazing sunflower items that will grace your home with their beauty and remind you that living the Christian life is beautiful!

Hand Painted Gourd Summer Sunflower

Sunflower Tea Cosy

Sunflower Gift Tags set of 6

Cheery Sunflower Wine Glasses

Large Sunflower Smash Tote

Sunflower Toddler Hat

Sunday's Symbols

For the Christian, there is a symbol that is the source of our greatest shame as well as triumph.  Shame because I caused the death of my Savior.  Triumph because His death provided a way for me to have eternal life with Him. 

This week, I stumbled across some great cross items and wanted to share them with you. 

Old Rugged Cross Dichroic Glass Pendant

  This pendant is from my friend Donna's shop DH'Elegance.  I own one of her pendants (palm tree) and it has become one of my favorite pieces for casual outfits. 

Christening Invitation/Set of 10

  This great invitation set is from my friend Beth's shop BBlonskiDesigns.  Be sure to check out her other great designs--she's sure to have something that will fit your occasion!

Cross with Etched Leaves and Vines

  This amazing piece is from Art and Beth's shop Glass of Many Colors.  You can find many other amazing stained glass items in their shop!  (And if you like Art and Beth's work, be sure to check back for their Tantalizing Tuesday feature and giveaway!)

Seashell Shell Cross

  This stunning piece comes from SandisShellscapes, where you can find all sorts of amazing pieces covered with shells.

Tiny Cross Necklace with Swarovski Crystals

  This amazing piece comes from Novella.  You can find a variety of crosses and mediums at this shop.

Driftwood Cross

 

This cross can be found in J Kennard's shop, Desert Resurrections.  Striking reminder of the original cross, isn't it?

Collage Sheet Christian Cross 12 Images

  This collage sheet can be found at Dooleys Photos.  It's perfect for pins or labels. 

Statue of Liberty

Words & Music by Neil Enloe


In New York Harbor stands a lady,
With a torch raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me.

I'm so proud to be called an American,
To be named with the brave and the free;
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
And the Statue of Liberty.

On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saved can testify.

I'm so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.

Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I'll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty!

Finished?!!!

"It is finished" is the last sentence uttered by Christ on the cross.  Three short words but the victory chant for Christians throughout the ages. 

The word "finished" is actually the Greek banking term that meant "Paid in full."  The debt (or cost) of each person's lifetime of sin had been paid.  I do not have the ability to explain how a holy God could take on the sins of an entire world, nor how an eternity of punishment was meted out in three earth hours except to state that I don't have to explain it, I just have to believe it.  It's the cornerstone of my faith.

Jewish tradition says at 3 in the afternoon on Fridays, a priest would blow the shofar as a call to the people to prepare themselves for the coming Sabbath and to re-focus their lives away from their everyday concerns and back on God.  Now imagine that it is the Friday of the crucifixion and you are standing at the foot of the cross.  You hear the blast of the shofar and as the sound fades away, hearing "It is finished...The debt is paid in full...There is nothing else left on his or her account." 

The thought gives me goosebumps. 

Christ stands ready to give you a brand new life...He doesn't care how messed up your current one is, or how much of it you have lived already.  He is willing to take your old, ruined and stained life and give you one that He has planned for you.  It even comes with an instruction book (the Bible) and companions (your local church).  You aren't alone anymore...that old life is "finished" and you have a new one just waiting for you to come and get it.