CLOSED group - Carriers of Faith

[MiamiKel4]

Welcome to the *new* COF group - a continuation of the former Crafters of Faith The Crafters of Faith is now to be ................ the Carriers of Faith! You've each left a mark on my heart <3 For 2014, I send to you blessings and challenge of being a baton of faith in your world and share it with us!

Each month, we'll have a hostess. You�ll give us a scripture to work with for the month, just as we did in the Crafters of Faith. Also each month, we'll have a theme to inspire us, encouraging us to look around you and see that beacon of faith take shape! Take a look around. What do you see? What brings joy, beauty, happiness, peace, serenity to your heart?

Your blog post will ~ have a picture of what inspires you based on that scripture. Write it down! Share with us how it leaves a mark on your heart, your world and how that's drawing you closer to Him. There is no right or wrong way to blog it ~ just sharing and finding beauty and grace in an otherwise chaotic world! You've done it so beautifully each month in the original COF

Posting is the 9th of each month, mid-way from the other group dates many of us already share (15/2. You'll need:
~ A blog - a place to write it all down, to remember, to reflect.
~ A camera - and an eye for detail as you walk through your daily world.
~ To be Christ-centered, as the intent is to bring you closer to Him in your daily walk.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Blessings, one and all!

[MiamiKel4]

Carriers of Faith

April
Barb
Kelly
Jeanette
Shelly

Zella

Paula

Hostesses!

Here is where we'll also post our Monthly Scripture and Post Theme

January 9: Kelly
February 9: Barb
March 9: Zella
April 9: Carol
May 9: Word Hop - Kelly
June 9: Paula
July 9: Month off - Enjoy Summer! ♥
August 9: April
September 9: Jeanette
October 9: Shelly

[MiamiKel4]

COF Challenges!

January Challenge :
January Scripture: �Be still and know that I am God.� Psalm 46:10
January photo inspiration: Spending time in stillness, in prayer.


February Challenge Colossians 3:23 --Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
The Living Bible version-- --Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters

I think we all work hard at many things in life--so I want to challenge you to think of what you might work hard at, but cheerfully. You can take this a few ways:

~Perhaps--you can take a picture of what you would do as a career, if you could "be anything you want to be" when "you grow up". The sky is the limit--no restrictions at all. What is a job you would love to have?

~Or--look around and see what you love to do in life. It could be cooking, or crafting, or gardening, or reading, or whatever....... What do you do that always puts a smile on your face or gets you in a good mood?

~Maybe--you have a different thought of what this passages says to you. Please feel free to share.

Tell us how this verse rings true to you. Be ready to post on February 9th.

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March Challenge : Thankfullness


Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


I've been thinking a lot about prayer lately. Then last night I was talking with a friend at church and she said "don't you sometimes feel like our prayers are list a list of requests?". That really challenged me. Yes, we are supposed to take our needs and requests to Him. But our prayers should also be about praise and worship - about thanking Him for ALL He has done for us. These verses are short - but the are packed with power! "Rejoice evermore". It's a choice you know? I chose to rejoice because He has made me exceedingly glad! I chose to rejoice even when things are difficult because He will bring me through and He is right by my side!

So what am I asking for with regards to your posts and pictures? Two things:
1. Share about something that you are thankful for....not the big things that everyone is always thankful for - but those little things that we seem to overlook...that we take for granted.
2. Share about why you rejoice and why you worship Him.
(And of course share photos!)

And there is one last part to this challenge. The prayer part. Before you sit down to write your post, pray and ask God to direct your words and your heart. And when you are done writing your post, pray for people who will read your post...that they will somehow be challenged or blessed...that the Lord will speak to them through your words and your blog.


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APRIL Challenge : Theme: "All God's Children".

For your card/project and/or photo, please create something depicting a baby, child, teen, adult ("as we are all special in his eyes")

Scripture: "And Jesus took a child and put him in this midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me. " ~Mark 9:36-37

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MAY challenge: Tell your story!

Hostess: Kelly

Scripture: "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story�

those he redeemed from the hand of the foe..." ~ Psalm 107:2


This is one of my favorite times of year, celebrating this time of Christ's resurrection! On Easter morning when the tomb was empty, the gift to all of us was the assurance that we will live again and be given eternally glory. As Christians, of course, we hope to know Christ and accept him as our Savior and share the gospel with friends, family, those we fellowship with. Truly when God died on that cross for you, for me, for all of us, he paid the price for us to worship at his feet and redeem ourselves. On this hop today, we all unite to share our creations with you as well as a letter on each stop of the way. Please remember the letter on your host's blog and at the end ( Kelly ) will ask you to write the word from all the letters in order! What's more fun, there is a prize for one lucky winner which will be given at random from all those leaving the Guess the Word comment! ♥ Blessings to each of you! ♥

Challenge: This month, create a card/project/scrapbook page/picture based on the scripture above and what the meaning you pull from that is. Tell us your story! What speaks to your heart? What gifts do you have that you give to others as part of a fellowship - do you read, pray, write, create, walk, sing? There are so many parts in each of us ~ what part of your story are you sharing with others? As an added bonus but not required!! Please use the color GREEN {my VERY favorite color!}somewhere on your card to represent newness, growth, the blossoming of nature around us and the blooming friendships we have!

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June Challenge: Celebrate the Men in your life
Hostess: Paula

Scripture:

Challenge: I want you to create a card or gift for your father or a male figure who has been influential in your Christian life. Create multiple projects if you wish for more than one of those special men.
2. Give the project to that man or men that you hold dear to you. Celebrate these people on or before Father's Day!
3. Use any scripture you like on your project. Just make sure the scripture has a prominent place somewhere on your project and share a pic where you used the scripture.
4. Tell us why you chose this person or persons and how they played a part in your walk with Christ.
5. Explain why you chose a particular scripture on your project.
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August Challenge:

Hostess: April
Her words: Since we post the day after my wedding anniversary, I would like everyone to make a project based on one of the scriptures read at my wedding:
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.your card doesn't need to be based on a spousal love, and as such, I would love to hear a story of one of your loves!
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September Challenge � Friendship

Hostess: Jeanette

September Challenge � Friendship

Two are better than one, because hey have a good return for their work;
If one falls down, his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if tow lie down together, they will keep warm,
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. It reminds me that God did not create us for isolation. He wants us to connect with other believers.

There really are many applications found in these four verses, but for the purpose of this month�s challenge, I would like us to focus on Christian friendship and create a card (or scrapbook page, etc) that focuses on friendship. As an extra challenge, in your blog post please tell us about a special Christian friend who means a lot to you, and then, if possible, mail your card to that friend.
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October Challenge

Hostess: Shelly

We had a priest come to a prayer group one evening, and he said in confessions the number one comment people make is how they struggle with Forgiveness. I am one who struggles with that as well, so I choose that as my topic for October and our final month together.

"Therefore I tell you, all you ask for in prayer , believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive your transgressions." Mark 11:24-25

So make a card- tell someone you have trouble forgiving that you love them and send it off in the mail to them!

[russnzella]

I'm here and so glad to be here!!!

[russnzella]

Oh - and will we have a hostess for the 9th of January?

[russnzella]

OOO - Can I have March as my month??

[barbaralynn]

I am here!

[MiamiKel4]

Yay welcome girls!!!! Glad you found your way! We'll post here from now on since the COF1 is now COF2

[MiamiKel4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by russnzella

OOO - Can I have March as my month??

It's all yours!!! I'll update ASAP

[MiamiKel4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbaralynn

I am here!

Yay! Barb is here!!!

Love your new avi <3

[MiamiKel4]

Still some friends that will check in, but I'll update the first posts!

[momcgw]

I'm here...thanks for doing this Kelly....

[mcschmidty]

Waving hello!!! I am getting ready to leave for a trip at the end of the month- so will try to join in this month- will let you know!

I think it is a wonderful idea Kelly- thanks for your inspiration: )

Shelly

[BlueInks]

Hello Everyone! I found you all....thanks, Kelly. I will take June if it is still available to hostess.

[russnzella]

Ok Kel, I'm just wondering about January 9th......and going forward...is the 9th when the theme is posted or when our blog post is due for the whole group? And the picture we take that inspires us - is it a card we made or just anything like nature or someone or something?

[MiamiKel4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcschmidty

Waving hello!!! I am getting ready to leave for a trip at the end of the month- so will try to join in this month- will let you know!

I think it is a wonderful idea Kelly- thanks for your inspiration: )

Shelly

Hi Shelly! So glad you found your way! I know you are getting ready to travel so you can jump in or join in when you get back -- we'll 'keep the light on for ya'

[MiamiKel4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by momcgw

I'm here...thanks for doing this Kelly....

Hi Carol! *** Welcome!!!! ***

[MiamiKel4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueInks

Hello Everyone! I found you all....thanks, Kelly. I will take June if it is still available to hostess.

HI Tami! June is all yours! Thanks for taking a hostess spot

How are mom and dad? Are you guys all better now? I bet this is a holiday you won't forget, right?!

[MiamiKel4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by russnzella

Ok Kel, I'm just wondering about January 9th......and going forward...is the 9th when the theme is posted or when our blog post is due for the whole group? And the picture we take that inspires us - is it a card we made or just anything like nature or someone or something?

Hi Zella! I love your energy Can I borrow some!!

Yes, I'll PM the deets as I'm waiting on one more person before doing the blog line up I needed confirmation before I can give you the full line up but by tonight I'll have the January theme up and running.

It's WAY late notice, I'm sorry girls! Keep an eye out for your PM!

Hugs!

[MiamiKel4]

COF Challenges!

January Challenge :
January Scripture: �Be still and know that I am God.� Psalm 46:10
January photo inspiration: Spending time in stillness, in prayer.

[Aprilo]

Hello! Made it, phew.

Life sure has been fun here in WNY. Let's pray that it doesn't freeze here like the weathermen are suggesting......ugh
It is the first day back to school for most and I am looking forward to cleaning up my craft area and getting some stuff done!! Hmmmmm......the cleaning part may take all day though :-(

[Aprilo]

And, could I have August?

[BlueInks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiamiKel4

HI Tami! June is all yours! Thanks for taking a hostess spot

How are mom and dad? Are you guys all better now? I bet this is a holiday you won't forget, right?!

Hi!

My parents are doing pretty good...I feel like I am a parent that has gone out of town on vacation and left my kids alone! LOL I have not been able to go over since right before Christmas, when we got sick. My dad assures me they will not die and are eating.

We are on the mend. I am a bit better than DH. He has been able to be home since we got sick, but has a lot scheduled this next week. I am not really sure he is ready. Bums me out. My FIL is still sick too. It is just a bad round of ick, that is for sure!

Hope all is well in the sun...loved the 'snow' pics!

[barbaralynn]

Kelly--when you get the OK from everyone, could you please post the blog roll list in the order you want us to post? Thanks!

[Forest Ranger]

Hi Kelly and COF friends... I'm tardy. Been way crazy here.

I'd love to hostess September, if it is still available. Thanks!

[MiamiKel4]

Yay for arrivals!

April, I've got you down! Good luck with the craft area. I haven't tackled that yet!
and stay warm!

[MiamiKel4]

Hi Barb, it's on the 2nd post - under Carriers of Faith .. I'll add their links in later on today but I think you have most of their blogs already So far, it's just us listed! HTH!

[MiamiKel4]

Hi Jeanette! Welcome! Got you down for September!

Thx for finding your way through the snow!

[MiamiKel4]

Okay, ladies -- thought you could all use some of THIS! Sent with love

[barbaralynn]

Kelly--that is not the same order as you sent us in the email last night. I thought if you posted that order here, we would always have it to reference. You want us to use the one from the email, right?

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiamiKel4

Hi Barb, it's on the 2nd post - under Carriers of Faith .. I'll add their links in later on today but I think you have most of their blogs already So far, it's just us listed! HTH!

[Forest Ranger]

Love the sunshine, Kelly... I already feel warmer. ;)

[MiamiKel4]

Yes, Use the above! The other one via email didn't have Carol because my tired brain didn't her on the list. I had her in my head to put her on it, but my fingers didn't type it! LOL!

If that is the same order you mean? Either way, please refer to the hop order above everyone!

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbaralynn

Kelly--that is not the same order as you sent us in the email last night. I thought if you posted that order here, we would always have it to reference. You want us to use the one from the email, right?

Thanks.

[barbaralynn]

Kelly--it is not the same order, but I see it posted now in the 3rd thread with the theme for January.

Thanks Loads---now see what you can do about the sunshine coming my way!

[MiamiKel4]

OH Barb, then I'll have to go back and see what I emailed - LOL! I added Carol between Jeanette and Tami ... hopefully there won't be any more changes

[Forest Ranger]

Is Zella playing hide and seek? I don't see her on Post #2. ;)

[Forest Ranger]

I want to play hide and seek from Barb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MiamiKel4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forest Ranger

Is Zella playing hide and seek? I don't see her on Post #2. ;)

Are you sure? Cuz I see her!! :lol: :lol: :cool:

[Forest Ranger]

Kelly has been taking lessons from Barb!

[barbaralynn]

And you say that like it is a bad thing?!

[Forest Ranger]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... sounds like someone has a guilty conscience, since I didn't sound like anything. I just typed a few words.