Twist of Faith Challenge #60 - Harvest

We live in farm country in the central part of the U.S.  Each time I drive to town, I see fields of corn and soybeans being harvested and large bales of hay for the cattle. I've been seeing pumpkins at the local farmer's market for the last couple of weeks. This has been one of the "good years" for a bountiful harvest. The weather cooperated much of the time. But ultimately I thank God for the bounty, both for the amount of the crops and for the help it gives our area farmers who had seen a bad drought last year.

We have a timely challenge at Twist of Faith this week, simply "Harvest." We are being sponsored by Digi Darla Designs.

I used the great image called Pumpkins Corn.

I used this fun sketch from Sweet Stop:

I really like the front sentiment, a new one from Close To My Heart, in the set "Happy Autumn."  All of the papers and embellishments are also from CTMH, although all but the mocha pearls are long retired. I used that retired ribbon because the circles seemed to graphically tie in with the circular pumpkins.

The front sentiment to give thanks for all we have is an act of gratitude that begins in our own hearts and encourages us to share that gratitude with God and others. When we have difficulties, gratitude, or taking stock of our blessings, can lift our spirits and give us strength. I love the old hymn "Count Your Blessings." It teaches us how gratitude can make burdens lighter, even when it's difficult to be thankful.

The inside Scripture takes it a step farther.  Philippians 4:6 is a verse posted June 13, 2012, at Word Art Wednesday. The phrase, Be careful for nothing is another way to say Don't worry about anything. God loves us and wants good things for us. We can trust Him to work out the best details for us in any situation, which alleviates our worry. Our prayers and requests should be accompanied by thanking God for blessings, which also helps take our minds off of our troubles and focuses on God's love and provision.

May God bless you and yours with the benefits of a bountiful harvest and a spirit of gratitude for all things, at all times.

I'm sharing this card with the following challenges:

Craft-Dee BowZ - anything goes with a handmade bow
House of Gilli - Anything Goes with Thanks
Lady Anne's Challenge October - Autumn/Fall
Make It Monday #163 - Anything Goes
Perfectly Rustic #9 - Patterned Paper
Robyn's Fetish #182 - Fall
Sweet Stop Sketch #233 - the sketch with twist of Fall
Take a Word - Orange
Use Your Stuff  #106 - Orange, Brown, Green (Great chance to use my ancient ribbon!)
Word Art Wednesday #102 - Anything Goes (has their Scripture)

Hymn: Count Your Blessings
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain