Confidence

Happy Wednesday! I hope your week is going well. It's time for another challenge at Word Art Wednesday. This week we're focusing on 2 Corinthians 3:4-5, "And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." The Apostle Paul (the author of 2 Corinthians) is talking about the trust he has in Christ. The word trust could also be stated as confidence. "Confidence describes the quality or state of being certain. It describes Paul's assurance of mind and his firm belief in the integrity, stability and veracity of God. Paul expressed a reliance on God, the idea of reliance being an expression of confidence or trust based on experience." {Henry Alford, PreceptAustin.org} Paul gained his boldness to proclaim the Gospel of Christ because of this confidence/trust. He didn't think he was "all that" but knew that anything he did or was able to accomplish was only because it was the work of God.

As the Puritan pastor Richard Baxter (1615-1691) lay on his deathbed, someone encouraged him with a reminder of the good which so many had received from his preaching and writings. Baxter who clearly understood 2 Corinthians 3:5 replied..."I was but a pen in God’s hand, and what praise is due to a pen?" {PreceptAustin.org}

I was at the StampAway convention this past Saturday in Cincinnati, OH. I had a good time getting to see the products of some of my favorite stamp companies in person and talking with several of the owners. Of course, I brought home a few goodies and decided to use some of my new items and some favorite older items on today's card (I've linked them below in my supply list). I also wanted to keep the focus on the verse so I used a frame around the verse panel and put it on an easel card.

I really like easel cards and don't know why I don't make more of them. I like the way they sit up for display and think they are the perfect way to showcase a Scripture verse or encouraging sentiment.

Supplies:
Cardstock; Recollections (#110 white card base, pink), Bazzill (Moody Blue), Georgia Pacific (white)
Patterned Paper: Dare 2B Artzy (Summertime Collection Variety Pack - this sheet is Bright Blooms)
Stamps: WORDart by Karen (2 Corinthians 3:4-5), Simon Says Stamp clear stamp set (Always & Forever - retired)
Ink: Versamark
Tools/Embellishments: Divinity Designs dies (Double Stitched Rectangles), Pink & Main dies (Reverse Scallop Rectangles), Lawn Fawn dies (Everyday Sentiment Banners), My Favorite Things die-namics (Mini Scallop Edge - retired), Simon Says Stamp embossing powder (White Fine Detail), Tonic Nuvo Crystal Drops (Morning Dew), Fiskars butterfly punch, Eyelet Outlet bling

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Dare 2B Artzy - Anything Goes
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes

Thank you for visiting with me today. I hope you'll stop by again soon. Please be sure to visit the Word Art Wednesday blog for lots more inspiration and to pick up your free digi.