Can you sing it?
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?
Sometimes, singing something strategically suitable supplements staying focused.
Since the 1965 film Mary Poppins, a silly word from a song performed by Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews has stuck with me.
Front, artist trading card (ATC) 20-of-20 in series.
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| Sledding on snow, wearing a stocking cap and scarf, sliding down the slippery hill on a red sled illustration inspired by the list of S-word Prompts for Artist Trading Cards on parchment style paper printed for ATC info from FreshRetroGallery |
How do disheartened droopy souls grow up straight and strong?
Sunshine, shady soft rains and warm rich soil are sustenance that keep plants from shriveling up and dying. Rather than succumbing to stifling, sizzling secular days, everyone needs the Light to thrive, repent and seek the Son of God our Savior. Now, some who intentionally reject salvation described in sweet Scripture, subject themselves to an afterlife with incessant scorching heat. In the unknown time before death or until our Good Shepherd returns to gather His sheep, there’s still space for grace. We pray many people will receive Jesus who sets us free from despair. Far beyond screens, opportunities exist to sit, stand, shift around every single day, side-by-side, striding among and steadied by those who confess certain hope in Truth. The church is a sanctuary, a refuge where we hear beautiful sounds of musical instruments, encouraging songs, satisfying sermons and prayers spoken together. It’s so smart to see the reality of sin and the saving mercy in Jesus. All who are seeking humility may trust Christ to forgive failures. Our Counselor strengthens us to stop selfishness and sustains us in the faith. Imperfectly, yet uniquely empowered to serve, by grace, we’re supplied words to speak true joy to whoever has ears opened to hear. The Holy Spirit shines within and surrounds us, in-person, during liturgy and hymn singing on Sundays. Spiritual Support stockpiles sufficient rest and significant daily blessings—past the sleep of death—into the glorious splendor with our eternal Creator of the universe.
“Since the Holy Spirit worked faith in us and we have been saved, we now live a life sanctified in which we are continually renewed by the Word and the Sacraments.”
—Melody Martin (read more about justification and sanctification)
ATC back number 20-of-20 in series.
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| Title of the piece: Winter Blessings • Media used: pressed crayons in pastel form and pencil on natural parchment style paper • Date created: 1.28.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading CardS • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery |
Somehow, creativity makes us smile!
Our Creator made us and all spectacular gifts for our enjoyment—not suggesting we know-it-all, but only that we submit to His Son’s steadfast love for us! The serenity of a soft scene, splashing sandy shorelines, smoothly stretched shadows, spring-fed streams for spearing swimming salmon to smoke for snacking, sturdy steel-toe or snappy style shoes, stories during supper, scraps sewn into strips, saying sorry, forgiving seven times seventy, solid school lessons for success, the sport of softball, sculpted stone, strawberry shakes, spending time together, a secure and safe sojourn … What artistic spin might you put on a simple word prompt?
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| Inspired by a list of S word Prompts on natural parchment style paper for artist trading cards by FreshRetroGallery, 20th in series. |
Should the gift of creativity serve and support each other?
While artist trading cards offer simplicity and solace to pass time in a meaningful way, special invitations to swap create a type of social sharing that keeps no score. Making ATCs are a superior activity to stay cool on sweltering summer days and snugly sheltered on snowbound days. Tap the link for shopping inspiration and to learn more.
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| Prompts for ATC creative artist trading cards |
Beyond Sunday School, there’s so much more to study about spiritual growth…
See also an index for books of the Bible Sketches
