SALT Challenge - According to His Purpose

It's good to be back on track and posting a SALT post, which I missed two weeks ago because of all the prep involved in getting ready for Stamping Around. This week it was Nikki's true to set the challenge and she chose one of my favorite verses, Romans 8:28, which reads, "For we know that all things work together for good, to them that are called according to His purpose." This verse has been so comforting when I've gone through difficult times in my life. It's the one that always comes to mind when I feel discouraged by what seems to be impossible obstacles or hit with a grievous situation. Sometimes it can feel as if God is no where to be found and yet, without fail, I have always found that all of my hardships have ultimately been for my good. In my Bible, the heading over this section of scripture is "From Suffering to Glory" and here are a few key verses that I read tonight that are so encouraging and worth sharing...(all from Romans 8) -v. 18 - "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." -v. 26 - "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses." -v. 30 - "Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." -v. 31 - "What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" -v. 38 - "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities nor power, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." We can rest assured that if we're trusting in Christ, we may go through the deepest waters here on earth but we may experience the greatest blessings in heaven. I pray that thought would remain in your (and mine!) minds, and your eyes would remain fixed on Christ, as you continue your journey through this life. Stop by the SALT blog to read Nikki's excellent post about what this verse has meant to her through her life. I also want to note that this will be Nikki's last post with the SALT team. She and her family are in the midst of a big move and she needs to take a break from her design team activities. We have so enjoyed her contributions and will be praying for them to have a safe move. I hope you enjoy the wonderful creations posted by our design team! If you feel inspired to make your own card or scrapbook page based on this week's theme, please drop us a note with a link back to your blog or gallery - we'd love to share! PS - I really need some scripture stamps...anyone have suggestions on a good stamp vendor? PSS - How about those new Papertreyink button stamps! WooHoo!!