Bible Verse Thursday ~ Light for our Path

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. 

Psalm 119:105

My Project Sample for Bible Verse Thursday

Living on the coast of Maine, I’m surrounded by lighthouses. They draw a lot of tourists to the state and are a popular subject for photographers. The lighthouse has a significant purpose, which is to steer mariners in the thick fog or darkness of night, away from cliffs, reefs, shorelines and other dangerous areas. The lighthouse will sound a signal and shine a beacon of light on and off to lead ships to safety.

God’s word the Bible is our lighthouse – a lamp for our feet….a light for our path, a beacon of light to help us find our way. We just need to look to it to be shown the right way. There’s a song that says it well, titled The Lighthouse.

There's a Lighthouse on the hillside,
That over looks life's sea
When I'm tossed it sends out a light
That I might see
And the light that shines in darkness now
Will safely lead us o'er
If it wasn't for the Lighthouse
My ship would be no more.

And I thank God for the Lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
For Jesus is the Lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown a light around me
That I could clearly see
If it wasn’t for the Lighthouse
Where would this ship be?

As the challenge hostess for Bible Verse Thursday at Christian Paper Crafts, I bring you another challenge this week.  To memorize this scripture from Psalm 119:105.  An easy one to commit to memory, and... to make a project  following the theme of this scripture. You can use this scripture on it, or another scripture of your choice.  You can link your project up here:  Bible Verse Thursday.

My project was made using stamps from Our Daily Bread Designs which offers the most wonderful assortment of scripture stamps and accessories. 

The lighthouse below is practically a hop, skip and a jump from my home.  I've photographed it many times, but this one is my favorite.  Notice the boat passing by.  This popular location was used to film a scene from the Forrest Gump movie.  More importantly it serves it's purpose well, still lighting the way for many.

I am linking my project in this post to an Our Daily Bread Design blog challenge - Anything Goes.  Have a blessed day my friends.  Thanks for stopping by.  

Sweet Birds and Lovely Flowers

All day long the birds are singing

Sweetest songs that seem to rise

From their tiny throats far-reaching,

Even to the distant skies.

Then at night they rest securely,

Nestled close within their nest,

And the Father safely watches

Every little feathered breast.

Likewise we when night approaches,

Lay our weary heads to rest,

For we know that God will watch us

as He does the bird's wee nest.

Josephine Currier

I found this sweet poem in a book titled Beneath His Wings ~ Abiding in God's Comfort and Love.  Filled with wonderful paintings of birds by Carolyn Shores Wright, along with snippets of scripture, poetry and quotes.  It makes a wonderful gift for those who need some encouragement.  I've given numerous of these to others, and my mother has as well.  

The first bird image in this post comes from my collection of Victorian paper.  I think the bird looks very confident and regal.  Here are a couple more bird images which I've shared at other times here on my blog. 

I visited my friend Sue yesterday along with my daughter and her boys.  Here are a few pictures from our visit.  I just love this first one of my grandsons running through a meadow, no particular place to go, just carefree.  The little one following his big brother confidently.

Sue has the most beautiful flowers, here are her Bleeding Hearts and Clementis.  I love to get right on top of the flower with my camera and see the details.  The petals are so soft, and appear as velvet.   It amazes me, the details in each different flower that God created for our pleasure. 

I am linking this post up to Whatever you Want Wednesday at Free Pretty Things for You.   Have a blessed day dear ones.

Fabric Backgrounds and a Sweet Pansy

The Lord is my strength and my shield; 

my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  

My heart leaps for joy 

and I will give thanks to him in song.   

Psalm 28:7

Awhile ago, I was having fun scanning some of my vintage fabric.  Here are a couple freebies for you today.  The first one with the stripes reminds me of a pillowcase, the second print with the pinks and oranges ~ can't you just see it made up into an apron or a quilt bursting with color.  

Freebie Background for you - Vintage Fabric

Freebie Background for you - Vintage Fabric

This next image is a photo of a tiny pansy.  I have softened the background and added the scripture from Psalm 28:7.  A reminder that the Lord is our STRENGTH, SHIELD and our HELP.  He's there to get us through whatever trials we're facing.  

Free for Personal Use

I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday.  Thanks for stopping by.  Don't forget to enter my ongoing Friday Blog Giveaway if you haven't already.  A new winner every week.  

A Little of This and a Little of That

With the 4th of July fast approaching, I wanted to share one of my most prized postcards.  Not a common card by any means and signed by artist Ellen Clapsaddle (1865-1934).  She was known as the most prolific souvenir postcard/greeting card artist of her time.  Many of her vintage postcards are unsigned, but her style is usually recognizable to those who collect her work.  You can read more about her by clicking on her name above.  Notice the details in the shadowing which make it look as if the flag is blowing in the wind.

Free Vintage Postcard ~ American Flag ~ Ellen Clapsaddle

I bought a sketchbook and covered it for a birthday gift for a young teenage friend.  This gal loves to sketch and amazes me as she sits there with a blank page, writing instrument in hand and designs clothing on models.  She also sews (no patterns) and makes doll clothes for her little sister to play with, purses, whatever takes her fancy.  She's a delight to me.  The scripture word art came from Dee's Bugaboo Boutique

These next images are photographs I took of flowers in the gardens of friends.  I like to play with macro photography, and am pleased with how some of these came out, however I'm still a work in progress.  Each flower unique, just the way God created them.  Even a plain old fern has beauty if you look closely at it. 

You may use the photography in this post for personal use only please.  If you use it on your blog, please have a link back to me, thanks so much.  I hope to add some more patriotic vintage images for you this week, so you may want to check back.

My friend Darlene has asked that I post here asking prayer for her son Luke.  I have mentioned him before.  He underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor and the doctor's were unsuccessful in getting all of it.  They will learn more this week as to the next steps in his treatment.  Luke is 30 years old.  They could use your prayers.  Thank you!  

Life is so fragile and can be gone in an instant.  A 17 year old girl in our community died this past week in an auto accident.  So tragic for her friends and family. 

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32

Have a blessed day dear ones.  The sun is shining and I hear the birds singing as I wrap up this post today.  I love to hear from you, so feel free to leave me a comment. If you are "anonymous" as you don't have a Google name, just leave your first name so I know who you are.  Thanks!!

Your Words are a Gift

I just love the Victorian images of children.  Their faces so sweet and innocent.  This is a vintage postcard I have cleaned up a bit for you, dated 1906.  I thought you'd enjoy it today.

Free Vintage Image of Sweet Children

On Thursday's post, I showed you a "silver box" that I'd made as my project sample for Scripture Thursday.  I mentioned a book to you "Silver Boxes" by Florence Littauer that some of you had read.  Florence wrote a poem that went along with her book and I've added it to a lovely Victorian frame for you here.  You can click on it for a larger size.  The words are portrayed in such a wonderful way, to remind us to be an encouragement to others with our words.

Free Poem Graphic

I'm offering you a blank frame today.  This comes from a pre 1900 book in my collection.

Free Victorian Frame Graphic

When I was in grade school, I'd walk there every morning as it was practically in my back yard.  Each morning before I'd go to school my mother would wrap her arm around me and we'd say these two scripture passages together from Psalm 19:14 and Genesis 31:49.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer......The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

Have a blessed weekend my friends.

Scripture Thursday ~ A Word Fitly Spoken

Free Vintage Graphic for Today's Challenge

A word fitly spoken is like 
apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11

Years ago, my mother gave me a book titled  Silver Boxes:  The Gift of Encouragement, by Florence Littauer.  

I highly recommend it to you, especially if you have or are around children.  She gives many examples of the impact our words have, especially on little ones.  I have seen firsthand how continual "harmless" teasing of a little one had consequences into adulthood. 

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me. I remember this from grade school. It’s a cute little ditty, however I think most of you will agree, this is not actually true. I’ve been deeply hurt by unkind words directed at me. I’ve also been lifted up and greatly encouraged by the kind words of others.

Very Sweet Free Vintage Graphic

Today's scripture tells us that our words to others should be of value. They should have meaning and be of worth, like a gift compared to precious metals.

My sample project this week is a silver box, wrapped up like a gift. This serves to remind me that my words should be that of a gift to others. They should build people up and edify them, not tear them down and be hurtful.

My Silver Box

I took a simple cardboard jewelry box and covered the lid with scrapbook paper and embellished.  I used Spellbinders Nestabilities Scalloped Squares, accented with seam binding, ribbon, and bling in the form of tiny rhinestone stickers.  I love these little gems, they seriously give off fire like the finest diamonds.  This picture does not do the bling justice.

Why don't you try making a silver box, it doesn't need to be fancy.  It will remind you that God wants your words to be a gift.  You can use this scripture on your box, or another scripture that would remind you of this.  It can be any size and embellished as you like.  I have given you a beautiful vintage graphic with this scripture at the top of this post to use if you'd like.   

Have a wonderful day dear friends.  

Forget Me Nots ~ Steppingstone Poem

Steppingstones

Think not that life has been unfair
and given you too much to bear.
For God has chosen you because
With all your weaknesses and flaws,

He feels that you are worthy of
The greatness of His wondrous love.
Welcome every stumbling block
and every thorn and jagged rock. 
For each one is a steppingstone
To a fuller life than we’ve ever known
and in the radiance of God’s smiles
We learn to soar about life’s trials
And as we grow in strength and grace
The clearer we can see God’s face.

Helen Steiner Rice

Isn't that a wonderful poem?  A good reminder that God has not forgotten us.  I added this poem to a beautiful page of Forget-Me-Nots for you.  

Here is the graphic in it's original form, copied from a book of poetry from the 1800's. 

Free Graphic from Vintage Book

Here's one more graphic for you today which is a blank page with forget-me-nots.  Add what you'd like.  Don't forget to click on each image for a larger size.

Have a wonderful day and I hope you've enjoyed today's poems and images. 

Happy Monday to You

Free Vintage Postcard ~ Wednesday

This is a fun vintage postcard above, which is part of a series of the days of the week.  Don't you think the way of corresponding years ago was much nicer than today.  I think this beats an email, text or voice message.  

The next image is a pretty congratulations postcard.  I'm going to use it on a card I'm making for a friend who recently retired, and a young lady who just had her 8th grade graduation.  

Free Vintage Postcard ~ Congratulations

I used one of the schooner images I had on here to make a Father's Day card for my husband and thought you might like to take a look.  

Father's Day Card I made for my hubby

Below is a scripture card I made with a passage from Psalm 107.  We handed these out to the men in church yesterday.  Yours free if you'd like, click on the image for a larger size.

Free Scripture Card

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, 

your ears will hear a voice behind you saying.  

"This is the way; walk in it.".  

Isaiah 30:21

Thanks for stopping by to visit and for all the kind comments you leave me.  I appreciate each and every one of you and love to see your happy faces on the side of my blog.  Have a blessed Monday my friends.

My Dad

My dad, my hero.  1932-2001

For I am now ready to be offered, 

and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought a good fight, 

I have finished my course, 

I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me 

a crown of righteousness, 

which the Lord, the righteous judge, 

shall give me at that day: and not to me only,

but unto all them also that love his appearing.  

2 Timothy 4:6-8

My dad was a great guy, not just because he was my dad but because he was a great guy.  He was kind and compassionate towards others, always wanting to quietly help someone who needed it.  He was a good provider for my family, an excellent role model, and always happy.  When I think back, my memories of him are laughing and smiling.  I miss him terribly, but have the assurance that I will see him again someday. 

Old Family Photo ~ I'm the baby

One of the funny stories my mom likes to tell is on their wedding day.   The picture below is of my dad on the left and his twin brother on the right.  His brother is actually wearing my dad's flower - a stephanotis - and is pinning a carnation to my dad (the groom).  I'm sure as my dad and uncle were discussing it, they assumed the biggest flower should go to the groom. 

Have a blessed day my friends.

Father's Day Images for You

The nautical images I posted yesterday in honor of Father's Day seemed popular, so I thought I'd offer a few more.  I found this lovely embossed purple Dad postcard yesterday in my stash.  If you look closely, you'll notice an anchor.  

Free Dad Vintage Postcard w/ Anchor

Here are a couple more schooners, one with a lighthouse.  Are you prepared for Father's Day?  My stepson and his family live away from us, but my husband was able to spend some time with them this week.  My daughter made a special delivery to him last evening which was a homemade strawberry rhubarb pie.  He was delighted of course.  His card is a work in progress, and I'm using one of the images I posted yesterday.   He's been a great dad over the years, always there for his children and supportive of their ventures.  The grandkids adore him.  He's the type of grandpa that will get right down on the floor and play trucks for hours making all the appropriate truck noises.  He's a keeper!!

Free Lighthouse and Schooner Vintage Postcard

Free Vintage Postcard of Schooner

Father's Day is tomorrow, I don't have my dear dad to hug, but if you have yours - give them a call, visit if you can, make them feel special.  

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, 

firm and secure.

Hebrews 6:19

Congratulations to Shoregirl for winning my Friday Blog Giveaway.   Stop by her blog when you have the chance, you're guaranteed to be inspired by her recipes, sewing projects, tutorials and paper crafts.   For more info on the weekly giveaway, you can check it out here.  Friday Blog Giveaway

Have a delightful weekend.