School has, for the past month or so, brought what seems like an endless string of trials into my life. I have been literally knocked to my knees with the overwhelming weight of the resulting personal stress. In the midst of it all, it has been hard to remember that there is nothing in my life that the Lord does not either decree or allow, and that He has had me in the palm of His loving hand even when I’ve felt at my absolute lowest.
These Bible verses have spoken to me immensely during this time, so I decided to turn them into little scripture cards that I could print on cardstock as daily reminders of God’s goodness and love, and His promise to be faithful no matter what.
On the backs, I printed images (all free, downloaded from the Graphics Fairy blog) of vintage objects that spoke to me: I’ve unlocked a new understanding of God’s goodness through this, I’ve been more in tune with the direction He wants me to be facing, I’ve rested in His embrace, and He knows everything I’ve gone through…just like He knows everything a single sparrow endures.
Life looks remarkably different when viewed through the lens of the Lord’s grace and peace instead of through my own faulty and flawed human eyes. God is before all things, above all things, and is in control of all things, and that includes the trials brought about by this temporary life.
Through this storm, I’m learning to trust that “all good things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Through this storm, I’ve read my Bible more. I’ve prayed more, out loud and without inhibition. For the first time in my life, I’ve forgiven near-strangers who have openly and unjustly attacked me, and I’ve felt the peace of the Lord envelop me. This is all good. I do not believe that the Lord decreed for me to emotionally suffer at the hands of others, but I do believe that He allowed this pain and used this pain for good, knowing that it would serve to draw me closer to Him and to bring a light to others who may be going through something similar.
If having these cards as a daily reminder could uplift you or someone you know, I would love to share them. I’ll gladly send the PDF of the file or print out the cards and mail them to you personally. Just go here and send me a message, or mention it in your comment. Please don’t be shy!
***Linking this to the Tater Tots & Jello Weekend Wrap-Up Party.***
This is awesome! It's so wonderful that you don't let your trials make you bitter, but rather use them in a way to reach, and probably comfort, others. Thanks for sharing. I pinned them. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you're going through a difficult season. I can identify in so many ways. It's beautiful to see how He's at work in your heart though and these are so beautiful they almost made me cry. (ha...time of the month?) Praying for you. Thanks for sharing how you're learning that nothing can separate us from His love. This encouraged my heart today.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear it's been so tough so far. :/ But this is an awesome way to keep perspective! These cards are gorgeous. Pinning them so lots of other people can find them!
ReplyDeleteThe graphics fairy is my best friend! I just put a pillow on my blog with a graphic from there. Those scripture cards are so wonderful! Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteblessings,
karianne
Inspiring Erin! I think we all need a reminder of this on a regular basis! It's so easy to get caught up in life and not take time to just be grateful for what all we have and what's going right instead of what's going wrong. I've had a rough time with all the house stuff this week and today I took a break to get some ice cream, sit in my car, and read my Bible. It's nice to stop and breathe once in awhile!
ReplyDeleteKeep your head up and best wishes with all the stress you're dealing with! :)
Thanks for the reminder about our source of strength and hope. Some of these are my favorite verses. I would love the pdf file. Thank you, Erin!
ReplyDeleteoh these are so wonderful! i'd love to have the pdf to print out! :) also - thanks for the awesome reminder and encouragement. my heart goes out to all teachers because they do sosososososo much more than people realize! thanks for teaching our young people! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry things are crummy now. I wish we could all get paid to stay home and make things pretty instead of silly grownup jobs.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful idea though!!
Chin up, buttercup! :)
What a great project to keep you motivated. I'm sorry school is getting you down - from one teacher to another, "this too, shall pass." Praying for ya, and knowing God will teach you in this time!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are going through a trial...but I LOVE those cards you made. And it is so amazing to see what God is doing in and through you. Thanks for your honesty and openness - it is encouragement to me!
ReplyDeleteahhhhh, Erin -- so SO sorry the job you love is tough right now. I had my "year from hell" four years ago, & I'm still puzzled about what God was trying to teach me. (I'm quite dense that way...)
ReplyDeleteMany of those verses you've chosen gave me comfort during those dark days. Jesus walked that path before you & He walks it with you now.
May God bless your classroom today.
Thanks everyone for your encouragement. So thankful I have this blog, especially at times like this! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome and inspiring! I have a teacher friend who is also going through some really stress-filled days lately! You are in my prayers for the next week that amazing, bright and peaceful things will happen!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
That is a lovely idea! Hope things will get better soon. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteLove this. I'm so glad Katie already got them from you. You have a beautiful heart Erin.
ReplyDelete-Jen
What a great idea! I'm trying to figure out how to get Scripture posted around our house. One of my tasks for this year.
ReplyDeleteThese are so fantastic! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI love these cards. Could you email the pdf to me? lanzaelizabeth77@ gmail.com I am blessed to have come across these today.Thank you.
ReplyDelete