Irish Blessings

This week our themed challenge for you is:

IRISH BLESSINGS

(as always, your creation must include a scripture, inspirational verse or positive words of healing, encouragement, or support)

We are happy to introduce a new sponsor ... Digi Darla's Designs! Our random prize winner will receive their choice of  FIVE images! DigiDarla is the brain child of Kim Eskola and her daughter Emilea.

“May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us.

 - St. Patrick”

I went looking for Irish blessings to use with this week's card. I have Irish ancestors on both my maternal and paternal sides of the family, so this week's challenge holds special meaning for me. What I did learn in my search is that Irish blessings is about welcoming, warmth and turning a negative situation into a positive one, the philosophy of the Twist of Faith blog. However, I ended up not using any of the beautiful blessings I found. Instead, I used words I found on a sweet blog that I follow called Little Birdies Blessings, "For those who have placed their trust in the Lord, things don't happen by luck or coincidence. . ."

It is often hard to remember, when things are taking a downward turn in our lives, that God has a purpose for all He sets before us. We hear things such as "When God closes a door, He opens a window." We want to believe that God will not give us more than we can handle. It is hard to keep from getting tired or discouraged. Yet, how many times has hindsight proven that there is a purpose and good things do come from what first appeared to be bad? Irish blessings are reminders to stay strong in our faith. God is good. God is faithful. In all things, give Him thanks. 

I've kept my card simple. I started with a white 5.5" square card base. I layered green card on top of that and then DP by Recollections. I then computer generated my sentiment, cut it and layered it with the solid green. The plaid DP is also from the same pad of paper by Recollections. I matted it with the solid green along with the image piece. My only embellishment are the three flowers in the corner of my image piece. 

In closing, I would like to say:

May you have:

A world of wishes at your command.

God and his angels close to hand.

Friends and family their love impart,

and Irish blessings in your heart!

Challenges:

• Gingerloft - Colour Green
• Glitter n Sparkle - St. Pat's/Use Green
• One Stitch At A Time - Use a Digi
• Scrappy Frogs - St. Pat's/Use Green
• The Sisterhood of Crafters - Make 'em Green