Vintage Graphics of Children for You

And whoever welcomes 

one such child in my name welcomes me.

Matthew 18:5 

 I hope you enjoy this "new" vintage postcard image I'm sharing with you today.  I think this little one is just as sweet as she can be.   Here are a few more vintage graphics of children that I've shared before on my blog.

 

 

Please stop back tomorrow for another Bible Verse Thursday challenge.   Here's a sneak peek of my project. 

Sneak Peek of Bible Verse Thursday Project

 Have a delightful day my friends.  

 

The Sun Bird Braves the Storm

The eternal God is your refuge,

and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Deuteronomy 33:27

Missionary Amy Carmichael tells of a beautiful illustration of God's love and care through a little bird.  With the hurricane this past week, it seems like a good time to share this sweet story.  Taken from the pages of Secure in the Everlasting Arms by Elisabeth Elliot.  

The sun bird, one of the tiniest of birds, a native of India, builds a pendant nest, hanging by four frail threads, generally from a spray of valaris.  It is a delicate work of art, with its roof and tiny porch, which a splash of water or a child’s touch might destroy.  She tells how she saw a little sun bird building such a nest just before the monsoon season, and felt that for once bird wisdom had failed – for how could such a delicate structure, in such an exposed situation, weather the winds and torrential rains?  The monsoon broke and from her window she watched the nest swaying with the branches in the wind.  Then she perceived that the nest had been so placed that the leaves immediately above it formed little gutters which carried the water away from the nest.  There sat the sun bird, with it’s tiny head resting on her little porch, and whenever a drop of water fell on her long, curved beak, she sucked it in as if it were nectar.  The storms raged furiously, but the sun bird sat, quiet and unafraid, hatching her tiny eggs.

How sweet that story is to me.  A perfect example of God's promise to care for us no matter the storms of life.

Below is a very sweet image of a little girl on the beach.  Free for you today from my collection of vintage paper.  Happy to be able to share with you.

Today is my mom's 80th birthday. Thankful to be celebrating it with her today.  Have a blessed day my friends.

Under His Wings

Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Free Victorian Calling Card with Scripture

 Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.

Free Victorian Calling Card

  Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.

Free Victorian Card

 Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.

Free Victorian Card

Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.

 

There are numerous places in scripture where God tells us we can draw close to Him and find shelter or refuge.  As a hurricane literally approaches many over this weekend, we can be reminded that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1).  

Our Dwelling Place ~ Bible Verse Thursday

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!
Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young, a place near your altar,

Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

Psalm 84:1,3

Our dwelling place, our home! A place where we feel safe, secure, sheltered. My daughter, son-in-law and their two little boys moved into a brand new home this month. A very exciting time for them and for those of us that love them. My husband and I had an opportunity two years ago to move into the church parsonage. A home where I feel very content.

This scripture refers to the sparrows and swallows nesting near God’s altar. A place where they could find refuge and peace. What better place could there be for them?

If you’re trusting in Jesus as your Savior, He will dwell in your heart. No matter where you make your earthly home, He is with you. As I wait for God to finish his plan for me on this earth, I also have the assurance that He has a heavenly home waiting for me, where I will dwell with Him forever. Here's the chorus of a song that says it well.

 

I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop

In that bright land where, we’ll never grow old

And some day yonder, we will never more wander,

But walk the streets that are purest gold

  

Your challenge this week is to make a project using Psalm 84:3 or another scripture following the theme of our dwelling place. My project is a housewarming card for my daughter and son-in-law. 

Ways to participate:

• If you're member of Christian Paper Crafts, please use the keyword BVT121 when uploading to their gallery.

• Link your project on the Christian Paper Craft Blog - Bible Verse Thursday

• When uploading to other online galleries, please use the keyword CPC-BVT121.  

I am linking this to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge.  Their challenge was to make a card using a new technique.  I actually have never used glitter before and tried it on this card.  SU Dazzling Diamonds is on the birds nest, and I used SU Crystal Effects on the house. 

Thanks for stopping by my friends.  Have a wonderful day and I pray you are okay after the effects of the earthquake, and will be safe from the pending hurricane. 

Be Therewith Content

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, 

therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:11b

I've found as I get older and am closely approaching another birthday, I am much more contented than I used to be.  I have a peace about it, that I haven't always had.  I know that God has a plan for my life, and it's easier to just leave the details to Him.  

For those who love the Lord and trust in Him, contentment is a gift that must be learned.  It is not just satisfaction, but a joy and peace that what we have or where we are, is part of God's plan for us.  

I love this vintage postcard image I'm sharing with you today.  The woman seems as if she's meditating on the Lord in quiet contemplation and contentment.  We need more times like this in our lives but I know it's not easy, especially if you have little ones you're caring for.  If you're able to help a mom for an hour or so, reach out and give them a mini break.  I guarantee it will give them a window of contentment.  

Free Vintage Image with Scripture

Here is the same image, with no writing on it.  Free for you.

Free Vintage Postcard for you

Would you like to see a sneak peek of my sample project for this week's Bible Verse Thursday?   Okay, here it is below.  The full reveal will be this Thursday.  I know you'll be hanging on by the edge of your seat until then.  See the glitter?  I just got that from SU, it's called dazzling diamonds.

Sneak Peek at Bible Verse Thursday Project

Thanks so much for stopping by my friends.  Your comments are read and appreciated.  I hope you have a contented day.

I'm linking this post to:
Encouraging Words Wednesday. 
Word Filled Wednesday

Blue Birds From Heaven

But as it is written, 

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, 

neither have entered into the heart of man, 

the things which God hath prepared 

for them that love him.  

I Corinthians 2:9

Free vintage postcard image for you

Doesn't it seem as if these birds are flying straight from heaven to tell us good news.  Straight from God ~ that heaven is real and a place so wonderful it defies description.  Where streets are made of gold, music more beautiful then anything we've ever heard, all sadness wiped away, no more tears or pain, a perfect body, where everything in our minds will be made clear, we will understand.  A place of perfect peace.  A place where there is no night and no need of the sun, as God is the light.  I take comfort in knowing that some of my family members are already there, and I will join them someday.  

Free vintage postcard with scripture

Don't forget to click on the image for a larger view.  Thanks for stopping by my friends.  I hope you have a blessed day.

He Giveth More Grace

He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:29

Free Vintage Bird Graphic

Many of the old time hymns were written out of great affliction.  The stories behind most of them show extreme strength of the writer, which could only come from the Lord.    It's obvious many of these hymns were divinely inspired.  It's also obvious to me that the hymn writer's suffering was not in vain.  I suffer quietly (usually) with my health on a daily basis and these hymns bring such a comfort to me.  I find when I'm the weakest physically and emotionally, I'm the strongest spiritually. 

Free Nautical Vintage Graphic

The hymn He Giveth More Grace was written by Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932).  Having lost both parents before the age of 6, adopted, and later in her teens afflicted with crippling arthritis in her hands leaving her unable to play the piano and even open her hands.  She took to writing poetry by using her knuckles to type out the words on a typewriter.  She based the hymn on three scriptures, one is at the beginning of this post.  The others are James 4:6, and Jude 2.  Here are the lyrics to this encouraging hymn which I've clung to many times.

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Thank you for stopping by today my friends.  I hope you found the lyrics of this hymn to be encouraging to you.  Have a blessed day.

Liked with Brag on God Friday

 

Thankful for My Friends ~ Scripture Thursday

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:16

Do you have special people in your life that you’re thankful for? I sure do! Outside of being thankful and grateful for my family, I have special friends that the Lord has brought into my life. I am very grateful for them. We do things to help each other and compliment each other in areas where one is weak and the other stronger. I can think of many times my friends have gone out of their way to help me just because they wanted to.

I have received surprise packages in the mail, had my flower garden weeded, meals brought at just the right moment, handmade cards, just because gifts, bouquets of flowers from their personal gardens, the gift of time which is very precious to me. The most treasured gift that I can give my friends and they can give me is prayer. I am very grateful when I know my friends are praying for me, and likewise they are grateful for my prayers. I like this poem below by Helen Steiner Rice about friends.

People need people and friends need friends,
and we all need love, for a full life depends..
not on vast riches, or great acclaim,
not on success or on worldly fame,
but just in knowing that someone cares
and holds us close in their
thoughts and prayers.
Helen Steiner Rice

Thanks for stopping by today my friends.  I'm grateful for each and every one of you.   Have a blessed day.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, 

so great is his love for those who fear him;
 as far as the east is from the west, 

   so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 
Psalm 103:11-12

Free Vintage Graphic for you

I just love this Victorian graphic.  As you may know, I've played the piano since I was a little girl.  So images like this one are near and dear to my heart.  

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, and I'm not sure why.  So please bear with me if I don't respond to your comments.  Be assured they are all read and appreciated.  

On a brighter note, my daughter, husband and their two little boys moved into their brand new home this past weekend.  A very exciting time for them, and for us as they are only a mile down the road.  

Have a blessed day my friends.

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

A friend recently brought to my attention a song titled Trust His Heart. Two sections of the lyrics stood out to me:

He sees the master plan; He holds the future in His hands.
And
We see the present clearly; He sees the first and the last.

Be assured that God is ALL knowing. He not only knows our future, He sees the BIG picture, the master plan. His ways are not our ways and circumstances will happen that we can’t understand. But HE understands, and that’s all we need. Our God, who spoke the universe into existence, cares about YOU. He knows the number of hairs on your head.

My friend’s 30-year-old son was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. As she has cared for him through surgery, and now chemotherapy and radiation, I see her faith in God unwavering and still growing stronger. She says: I don't know what is in our future but I do know that God does.

A favorite hymn of both my husband and myself is I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. Here’s the first verse and chorus of that hymn. If you’re not familiar with it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite.

I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from it's sunshine, for it's skies may turn to gray. I don't worry o'er the future, for I know what Jesus said, And today I'll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand.

scrapbook page I made using this verse

I hope you have a blessed day my friends.  Thanks for stopping by.

A Sweet Little Girl and her Birds

It is God who arms me with strength
   and makes my way perfect. 

Psalm 18:32

I have another beautiful image to share with you today.  This is a Victorian Perfume Calendar from 1894, advertising Hoyt perfume.  I would imagine if we received pretty advertising cards such as this, we'd be looking to purchase Hoyt's perfume.  A sweet little girl and her birds.  

Here is the back of the advertising card.

I hope you have a wonderful day my friends.  Thanks for stopping by to visit.

Happy Monday ~ A Very Sweet Image Today

Commit thy works unto the Lord, 

and thy thoughts shall be established.

Proverbs 16:3

I have such a sweet image to share with you today.  Carefully cut out over 100 years ago,  by a woman probably not much different than us.  A different era of course, different styles of clothing, but women who enjoyed pretty things like we do.  Can you imagine if blogging was available to the women of the Victorian era?  Wouldn't it be fun to read them today? 

Free Victorian Graphic for you

I made a bag this past week for my niece's birthday.  I like the soft colors and the paisley design.  The fabric came from Joanne's and is a home decor weight.  I added fusible interfacing on the lining of the bag, boxed the corners, and added a pocket of course.  

I finished my project yesterday for this week's Bible Verse Thursday at Christian Paper Crafts.  I'm quite pleased with how it turned out.  Here's a sneak peek.

Sneak Peek of my Bible Verse Thursday Project

I hope you have a wonderful day my friends.  Thanks for stopping by.  Your comments always make me happy, and I'm very appreciative of them.  

Be Always Happy

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.

Proverbs 15:13a

A cheerful countenance ~ doesn't this Victorian paper fit perfectly with the verse?  Be always happy.  Not something that we obviously feel every minute of the day.  But... are you generally a happy person?   I am ~ although my health is not good and I'm not financially well off.  Our life circumstances don't have to decide for us if we are going to have a cheerful outlook.  I choose to look for my blessings each day.  Family that loves me, my home, my church, snuggling with my grandchildren, flowers in the garden, a friend dropping by.  If your trials are consuming you, ask God to help you rise above them.  He may not take them away, but He'll help you get through them.  He's there for you, just reach out and He'll give you inner peace which in turn will show a cheerful countenance.  

I have a couple of Victorian calling cards for you, with the original names on them, and in the cleaned up version.  I just love the old paper from this era.  Everything about it was beautiful. 

Thanks for stopping by today my friends.  I hope you have a blessed weekend.  

Sweet Image for You

 This is the day which the Lord hath made,

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

I have THE sweetest advertising card to share with you today.  As you may know, I'm a pianist, love children, and pretty pink things.  This card combines all of those things that are dear to me.  These are free for you as usual.  Don't forget to click on the image for a larger size.  There is a box on my sidebar About the Images if you should have questions on use of them.  

Free Victorian Advertising Card

Free Advertising Card - Back

Here are a couple of pictures of the wonderful piano at my church.  It is a Steinway & Sons Grand piano and was donated years ago.  What a gift!!  

  

Music is such an important part of my life, especially the old hymns.  I love to play the piano each Sunday in church.  I have trouble using my hands a lot of the time for certain tasks, but God has seen it fit that I'm still able to play in church.  I'm so thankful for that.

 

Thanks for stopping by today my friends.  I hope you have a delightful day.