Rooted in Christ

What a miracle that we often overlook in the hubbub of the season! Think about young Mary, the virgin from Nazareth who was "highly favored" and chosen to give birth to our Savior, Jesus. Wow! I started this "V" page in my ABC Bible Quilt journal this week, thinking I would do a couple verses on the virgin Mary and then some other "V" verses. I ended up doing a whole page, focusing on this honor that Mary had above all other women! I started with a verse from Isaiah that foretold of this miracle... I used a stamp that I picked up last week on sale at Michael's, liking the simplicity of the silhouette. Then I used the shining star included in the stamp set to show how it drew the wise men and the shepherds toward His manger that night. I used some "night sky" washi tape to add some bold color background, playing around with torn edges to draw the eye in to the manger scene. I had to improvise with two sections to make the moon full. (This is what I do to compensate for artistic elements that I have ideas about, but can't quite get to paper...I improvise with my supplies to try to get the same effect.) "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him IMMANUEL, which means GOD WITH US." Matthew 1:22-23 As I worked on this page with this lovely "V" letter title designed by my friend, Sarah, I considered the elements she included. I love the softness of the floral cascade on one side and the sturdy strength of the other side. I imagine Mary encompassed both of these attributes, nurturing the child Jesus with an underlying strength of courageous composure! I finished up the page with a few more embellishments and some verses from Luke. One of my favorite "mother" verses didn't fit on the page but I'm struck by it every time I read these Christmas passages: "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19 As we inch closer to the holidays, I'm interested in what's in your hearts and invite you to share! #ABCbiblequiltjournal #Visfor__ #virginbirth #virginMary

Someone shared with me how they were Bible Quilting a Women's Retreat notes and it made me realize that by Bible Quilting sermon notes or Bible Study notes would help me meditate on God's word more thoroughly. The attached picture is the notes from a recent sermon at our church and also made me think of new friends I've made through Bible Quilting.

Who are we in Christ? I started from the center and worked outward, using only key words or short phrases. We all have hard days that we just really need to claim the promises God as given us as one of His children. This "I am" page is one that I have treasured, turning to it over and over again to remind myself of these precious attributes we share in Christ. I could have colored the background in, but I went with the simplicity of the pastel look. I liked claiming these attributes of who I am in Christ so much that I made a template in order to share it with others to start similar pages. Click over to Sample Templates to see a finished page using this template. This is one of my favorites! Have you done one yet? Please share in Comments section below: