Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says , " Oh no -- she's awake !! " -- source unknown

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Jesus is the Reason

If your got here from Lorie's blog then you are on the right track!

God bless you! This is indeed a blessed time of year, as we remember Christ sacrifice on the cross at Calvary, and celebrate his triumphant victory over death! We're so glad you've stopped by! Our purpose these 3 days is to draw the attention back to Jesus Christ, just as we did with our Christmas version of "Jesus Is The Reason" hop. In the United States especially, Easter has become about mythical bunnies, candy and hunting for colored eggs. While they amuse us, these things distract us from the real cause for celebration: the most amazing event in history - the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.




When Christ was scourged, beaten, tormented, spit upon, ridiculed, mocked, nailed to the cross and forced to bear a crown of thorns (Mark 10:34; Luke 23), it was the greatest act of love (John 3:16) the world has ever known. He didn't deserve any of it - He came into this world without sin. But for our sake, because He loves us, He took on our sins and became sin (2Corinthians 5:21; 1Peter 2:22, 24). He gave Himself as the final, substitutive sacrifice, thereby paying our sin debt in full and proclaiming, "It is finished." (John 19:30) Three days later, after being buried in a tomb, He rose from the dead and walked this earth again (Luke 24; Acts 10:40) before ascending to Heaven (1Thessalonians 1:10) to sit at the Father's right hand (Hebrews 12:2). If you can just begin to picture all of this in your mind, how can you refuse the gift of salvation? I pray you will accept it, if you haven't already!



In light of the true meaning of Easter, we friends of faith have gathered together to celebrate and share the Good News. We invite you to join us:



Heather http://joemamainks.blogspot.com/

Kelly http://sandcastlestamper.blogspot.com/

Maria http://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/

Sammi http://stuffbysammi.blogspot.com/

Lorie http://thethinkinspot.blogspot.com/

Stacy (ME)
Kadie http://mymindseyecreations.blogspot.com/

Carolyn http://utsukushiikami.blogspot.com/

Paola http://paola-sama.blogspot.com/

Linda http://stamperstouch.blogspot.com/

Susan http://pinkflannelpajamas.blogspot.com/

Karen http://krbskorner.blogspot.com/

Catherine http://paperaddictcatherine.blogspot.com



While we cannot even begin to reciprocate the Lord's gift to us, there is "blog candy" on some of the hop stops as a token of appreciation for your comments and encouragement.


We also invite you to celebrate the real "Reason for the Season" by posting your own creation celebrating Christ's Resurrection. There is a place to link on Catherine's blog, and a prize is up for grabs for one randomly selected card/project.



Your next stop is the lovely Kadie's blog.



Enjoy the hop and God bless!
Stacy



22 comments:

April said...

I love how your card represents the season! I think the boldness of it shows how we should shout His message from the treetops!

Lagene said...

Absolutely fantastic card with the crown of thorns and nails that pierced His hands! I also love te sweet make a joyful noise card! Thanks for the inspiration!

Linda Anderson said...

Stacy, as always, I soooooo enjoy seeing what you create! You've really out done yourself here, with both cards!!! They are absolutely gorgeous!!

Linda

~Paola~ said...

wowww...what a powerful,stunning card your first one is! Loudly speaks for itself about the sacrifice HE done for all of us...
and your second one is so bright and full of life...
Both are truly a gorgeous representation of the 'Reason' of this hop...*tfs*

Shelly Schmidt said...

I love your beautiful cards- and the meaning of this wonderful Hop! Beautiful images- love the simplicity of the first one, yet such a powerful message! Bless you!

kadie said...

Stacy, the way you've showcased that first stamp...it's stunning; and the message of forgiveness and sacrifice stand out so strikingly. And your second is just delightful as well. Thanks for the inspiration. It's been so fun to be part of this hop with you. Blessings, Kadie

Heather D. ~ Fresh Brewed Designs said...

Stacy
You know how much I love you and how much you mean to me. Since the start of my blog so many years ago :) we started our friendship and shared prayers and the love Christ has for us. Thank you for being there for me through SO many different things. For always being a friend and for always caring and loving me. You are a true friend and I am so blessed to have you in my life.

Your cards are BEAUTIFUL!!! I love the simplicity of the first. It really speaks volumes and reached out to my heart in a powerful way. The pearls and the cross charm are beautiful touches. The second is so sweet and fun. It makes my heart think of his love and fills me with joy unspeakable :)

Lots of hugs. I am so happy to be a part of this hop with you

Heather

Judy McMullen said...

Stacy, thank you for sharing as all the sisters in Christ have done on this "Reason for the Season" blog hop the great story of the love, mercy and grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. What an awesome tribute your beautiful card is to this most precious gift of Easter!!!

Therese said...

Thanks for sharing your cards, Stacy! Love the nails and crown of thorns stamp - and the way you've coloured and used it in your card xx

Sammi said...

Gorgeous! 1I love how you used the image from the badge!! :D The string with the cross is very effective too! Thanks for sharing!!
(hugs and prayers)
Sammi
xx

Maria Matter said...

beautiful cards Stacy!!! love the clean elegant look of your forgiven card and the happy fun colors of the joyful noise card!
hugs & blessings

Payne Holler Cards said...

both are wonderful! love the simplicity of the nails
wonderful encouraging hop!
thank you

Kirei na Kami said...

Stacy, as always, your creations have left me WOWed and AMAZED!! Your "Forgiven" card says it all!!! How blessed we are that our Holy Father loves us as He does!!! To think of all He endured to give us the gift of forgiveness brings tears to my eyes.

Your "Joyful Noise" card is exactly what this inspiring hop is all about...to praise God for His undying love for each and every one of us...to make Him the forefront of this miraculous season. I love the brightness of this sweet creation, and you have definitely brought me joy by sharing it:) Sending you many smiles and hugs!!! God bless you, my friend:)

Much love,
Carolyn

Vickie said...

I love this beautiful card and your message. Praying God will bless you and your Easter season. TFS

Sarah said...

I love the simplicity and elegance of your card. Very striking! Thank you for sharing the true meaning of Easter. God bless! Sarah

NanaConnie said...

What beautiful cards! Thanks you for being part of this hop and for always spreading the Word. May all God's Blessings be on you.

Becky Dunham said...

Sweet card Stacy! I love that verse! Thank you for being in this hop and reminding us all of the true reason for the season! God Bless

*Susan* said...

Stacy, your cards are amazing! Your first card is so striking and solemn as it reminds us of the ultimate yet beautiful sacrifice Christ made for us. And your second card is just bursting with the joy and light of Christ's resurrection! Two amazing projects for an amazing hop! Glad to be a part of it with you! :-)

"Kirby" (KrB) said...

Stacy, what a beautiful card. I love the nails and the cross charm. It was so nice to be on the hop with you.

Scrappy Jackie said...

THank you so much for being a part of this hop and for blessing me today with your inspiration and music! I know it is a blessing to bless him (Christ). I am so honored to be followers of blogs like all of yours. Your cards are so lovely. Thank you so much for sharing them and sharing Christ. pjritsema at gmail dot com

Catherine said...

Oh-my-gosh! Your first card just totally made my jaw drop and my heart skip! The colors, the richness, it looks to me like I imagine the voice of God sounded to Moses - deep, strong and true! It is GORGEOUS, Stacy! WOW! And the second card, it just sings with the joy we all should be shouting out, knowing that He has saved us and that we will meet Him one day soon! The colors are so happy and full of life.
Thank you so much for sharing both of these inspired and moving creations, and for sharing your friendship & faith. (((((HUGS))))))

Unknown said...

What an amazing thing to do.. sometimes we tend to forget what Easter.. and Christmas.. is all about. Love your cards, the first one is so bold and rich, love it and then the other is really cute. really pretty colours. Have a nice week xx