Before I continue on my project, I want to share something that God has placed upon my heart that I learned in my Bible class the past few weeks. As we go through life and make choices that either leads to triumph, defeat or more battles, we have to know the POSITION (the Truth) we stand on. Many in this world think of position as one's status in the society (wealth, fame, power, influence, appearance among others). We can all agree that these days, one or more of these things may get you some pleasure, comfort and opportunities that is why many spend their lifetime going after them. But no, that is not the kind of POSITION I am talking about. In John 14:5-6, we see Thomas asking Jesus a very important question, "“Lord,” said Thomas, “we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Anyone who would like to navigate this life in the right direction (God's purpose) under God's principles (reality in God's perspective) to experience a life without end in the presence of our Father Almighty need only to focus on these two things---"Who Jesus Is" and "What Jesus has done." I found an article at gotquestions.org that provides clarity on these two and how important it is for us to fully understand "Who we are in Christ." Here's what is says:
WHO JESUS IS AND WHAT HE HAS DONE?
"So, who did Jesus claim to be? Who does the Bible say He is? First, let's look at Jesus’ words in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” At first glance, this might not seem to be a claim to be God. However, look at the Jews’ reaction to His statement, “‘We are not stoning you for any of these,’ replied the Jews, ‘but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God’” (John 10:33). The Jews understood Jesus’ statement as a claim to be God. In the following verses, Jesus never corrects the Jews by saying, “I did not claim to be God.” That indicates Jesus was truly saying He was God by declaring, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). John 8:58 is another example: “‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’” Again, in response, the Jews took up stones in an attempt to stone Jesus (John 8:59). Jesus’ announcing His identity as “I am” is a direct application of the Old Testament name for God (Exodus 3:14). Why would the Jews again want to stone Jesus if He had not said something they believed to be blasphemous, namely, a claim to be God?
John 1:1 says “the Word was God.” John 1:14 says “the Word became flesh.” This clearly indicates that Jesus is God in the flesh. Thomas the disciple declared to Jesus, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Jesus does not correct him. The apostle Paul describes Him as, “…our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). The apostle Peter says the same, “…our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1). God the Father is witness of Jesus’ full identity as well, “But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.’” Old Testament prophecies of Christ announce His deity, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Why is the question over Jesus’ true identity so important? Why does it matter whether or not Jesus is God? The most important reason that Jesus has to be God is that if He is not God, His death would not have been sufficient to pay the penalty for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). Only God could pay such an infinite penalty (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus had to be God so that He could pay our debt. Jesus had to be man so He could die. Salvation is available only through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus’ deity is why He is the only way of salvation. Jesus’ deity is why He proclaimed, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
When we repented of our sins (humbled ourselves) and accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (Born-again, John 3:3), we became one with Christ! Simply put, "In Him we live and move and have our beings (Acts 17:28). Our identity is in Him. Everything that happened to Him happens to us. Just like we were in Adam just by being born into this world, so those that come to Christ dies from being in Adam and by faith (in what Jesus did at the Cross) are Born-again in Christ (New Creature/Creation in Christ). His victory at the Cross has won us not just our freedom from the bondage of Satan and the Sin Nature. More importantly, the Father bestowed upon us His RIGHTEOUSNESS (right standing with God). His finished work at the Cross POSITIONED and EQUIPPED us to rule and reign with Him not only in this lifetime but for all eternity. In line with this Truth, our PRESENT CONDITION (Trials, problems, defeat, lack etc.) should always be dealt with by our POSITION IN CHRIST (Who we are in Christ). You see, when this Truth sank deep into my heart, I knew I cannot live the same way... "I am a daughter of the Most High God! In Jesus Lordship, I trust. In Him I possess all the powers and authority necessary to trample and destroy all the works and plans of the enemy , to proclaim the Gospel, to give sight to the blind and set the captives free. I am set to rule in His eternal kingdom and live forever in His presence. So no matter how bad it looks in my present condition, the Christ in me reminds me of what I possess in Christ! Got problems? THINK POSITION!
For the Gift Box, I used Kraft as the base to make a box measuring 8 inches square and 2 inches thick. I layered it with some DP's from my stash and made a band to secure it close. I generated the Scripture using my computer and attached the image (Inkadinkado) as well as some washi tape (Recollections) to the band.
For the Crochet lovey, I followed a pattern in the book "Animal Blanket Lovies" from Leisure Arts and the Greek style sandals is a pattern from the "Super Cute Crochet for Little Feet." A friend at Church decided to purchase this for her newborn grand kid after she saw the pics of what I made. Below (last pic) is the picture of the actual pic of the baby (recipient) enjoying it. I'm so thrilled it fits perfectly.
CROCHET LOVEY BLANKET WITH MATCHING SANDALS
CROCHET LOVEY BLANKET (PUPPY)
CROCHET BABY GRECIAN SANDALS
BABY SHOWER GIFT BOX
BABY SHOWER GIFT BOX CONTENTS
PERFECT GIFT (WELL APPRECIATED BY THE RECIPIENT)
This Gift Box is entered into the following Challenges:
2 Crafty Critter---Feature Creature
Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Aussie Digital---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafts and Me---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Designer Paper
Creative Ladybirds---ATG
Daisy Chain---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---Make Your Own Background
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Mix It Up---ATG/Embossing
Your Scrapbook Place---ATG
This it for now, guys. Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge. Can't wait to see what you create. The Lord is with you every step of the way so, don't be afraid of the what the future holds---we are safe in the arms of Christ always. Remember to dedicate every plans to Him and to faithfully give Him all the glory!
This is super adorable! I love the colours and the matching gift box. Great job on the crochet!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, fabulous. I love everything, especially the photo of the recipient. Thanks for joining us at 'Lets Craft and Create'. Jonnece DT
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful card to go along with such a fabulous gift! They are Blessed!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Your Scrapbook Place this month!
Shell*DT
absolutely adorable!!! What a wonderful gift -anyone would be over the moon to receive this! Thanks for joining us at the Mix It Up Challenge Blog~ DT member Kathy K
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness this looks absolutely amazing. Great work here.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us over here at Classic Design Team Open Challenge and best of luck with your entry.
[Annette Registered Owner/Admin for Classic Design Team Challenge]
Back again. Just amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us over here at "A Perfect Time To Craft" and best of luck with your entry.
Annette DT for http://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com.au/
Great job!! Thanks for joining us at Creative Ladybird Creations Challenge Blog.
ReplyDeleteBye, Groetjes van Ine (DT)
http://creaine-cards.blogspot.nl/
Me again..........also Very nice. Thank you for sharing with us over here at "A Perfect Time To Craft" and best of luck with your entry.
ReplyDeleteBye,
Ine DT for: http://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.nl/
http://creaine-cards.blogspot.nl/
Oh my I lust love your crochet project fabulous gift Thank you for sharing with us over here today at the Classic Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.
ReplyDeleteMichelle DT for http://classicdesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...
A beautiful project and gift TFS Let's Craft and Create ......Lis
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I am an avid crocheter along with my cardmaking and I LOVE this!!! So cute! Thank you for sharing with us at "A Perfect Time To Craft" and best of luck with your entry.
ReplyDeleteLori DT for http://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com.au/...
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Super cute!!! Thank you for joining us at Love to Scrap, good luck!!! Amy DT
ReplyDeleteThis is just amazing, Jo Ann! Love that darling pup. Such a great idea for a young child. :-D Thanks for playing along and supporting our challenge at 2 Crafty Critter Crazies. Good luck in the draw.
ReplyDeleteNanaConnie DT
Fabulous make!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us over here at Classic Design Team Open Challenge and best of luck with your entry.
Hesters DT for http://classicdesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...
Beautiful card. Amazing knitting. Thank you for joining us at Eclectic Ellapu this month. Judy DT
ReplyDeleteWOW! What a wonderful gift and card! The puppy lovey blanket is adorable :o) Great seeing you again at Love to Craft! Challenge Blog
ReplyDeleteTina dt
Great projects - thanks for joining us at Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge.
ReplyDeleteHelen x
Fabulous makes. Thank you for joining us at Crafty Animals. Hugs Traci DT xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!! Thank you for joining with us at Daisy Chain Challenge :)
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