Traci--a Wrestler? Help Wanted: Apply Within!

Good Morning, Everyone!

Today, I would like to share a situation that I have been struggling with for the last 2 weeks or so. I would love to hear from you, either in the comment box, or via email...if you have the time.

Today please find:  1 Peter 5:5, Ephesians 4:2, 1 Peter 5:6

"...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

"God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble."
1 Peter 5:5

You may know that I often make cards and other items for "challenges" on other blogs. Sometimes, they offer prizes, some offer "Blinkies" (awards that you can show on your blog), and others offer recognition only by listing your name.

Before I go on...please know that I am seeking your help with this question for me.  I am not thinking about your blogs.  I have never even given this thought before!  So, please share freely.

I started making cards (with stamps and items) either the last week of December, or the first week in January, (I can't remember), when I first found SplitCoastStampers. (SCS) I started entering challenges soon after.  I have been chosen in some "Random Drawings" to receive stamps, paper, and bling. I am and have been very grateful for that.

I am especially grateful that all but one of those random drawings has occurred in the last 2 months, when I have not felt comfortable spending money on stamps and things. (Dave is still looking for work. And, I want to do my part to keep our spending down.) It seems that the Lord is providing for me, and I thank Him,...though I'm not sure He provides non-essential things or not. I don't know.

I won my first non-random "honorable mention Blinkie" award 2 weeks ago. I am not writing this to brag.  You will see how I have been wrestling with this situation.  But, who am I wrestling?  Myself?  God?  Satan?

When it happened, I was so excited. This award was based on merit. (I even asked to double check!) I was getting better at this...FINALLY! (Is what I felt.) I feel excited, and proud of myself. PRIDE...there IT is! I didn't say or even think to say, "Thank you Lord for giving me the skills to make this card." Or, "Thank you Lord, may You alone receive all of the Glory!"  I feel horrible now, and I've been down on myself for about a week for this part. It was me, me, me! Oh, I have asked Our Dear Lord to please forgive me. I am sure He has...He promised us. I asked with the most open heart, and honest intentions. And, I still feel badly. That is my fault I figure...because He has already put it as far as the east is from the west!

This is not a new pattern for me...it happens in other areas. If someone compliments me on something...I simply say, "Thank you" or "Thank you so much." It has taken me 30 years to be able to "accept a compliment!"  I honestly don't remember to give Him the Glory...until later.
I then had to decide if I should put the "Blinkie" on THIS blog. This is the only blog that I have. I want this blog to be about Glorifying God, and having YOU, the Community use this to share with each other! Encourage each other through sharing!

"He IS Able: Sharing His Love, His Word, His Gift of Salvation through Card Give-Aways!"

THAT is what I wanted to do, and what I feel He led me to do, for this blog.  And...I like sharing my cards.

"Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another." Ephesians 4:2

So, if I put the "Blinkie" on the bottom of this blog...and I glorifying me? Is this then the dreaded,"Traci Show?" Or, is it acceptable in His eyes to do that? I am at a loss.

Last Friday, I shared some of my cards.  I was asked by some people who come to this blog to share some.  I was appreciative and apprehensive about it.  I make cards with Scriptures on them.  I also make cards with carousels and daisies on them.  I decided I would share a bit of what I did last week...without deciding to show just cards that clearly show God's Wonder.  Personally, I feel that a field of daisies, does show His Wonder.  I hope you understand.  I didn't want to pretend to be someone I am not.  But, I felt that by posting the cards, I was not using this space to Glorify Him.  Which, to me, is the purpose of this blog.  I did ask...in that poll.  THIS IS YOUR BLOG, so I want to do what you want.  I am just wondering if people answered out of kindness to me.  I don't know what to do, if anything about this.  I think I feel out of integrity with it. The comments were so lovely, and I really appreciated each one.  And, Janaria (She is such a wise woman.) had some words to the wise:  (I put the wisdom that impacted me in bold.)

Janaria said...
Traci! You are such a blessing to so many. . .and that includes me! I just received the lovely card and am so thankful! I also was reading through the blog posts trying to get caught up. . .your message on forgiveness was wonderful. . thank you. You cards are beautiful and you are an artist. . .stop comparing yourself with others. . God made you YOU, not someone else and He has given you gifts and abilities He has not given to any one else! I pray the Lord blesses you richly and that you grow in grace through all of the circumstances He ordains!  September 12, 2010 12:00 AM

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 1 Peter 5:6

This is what my Bible, (The Life Application Bible), says in the notes for this particular verse:" "We often worry about our position and status, hoping to get proper recognition for what we do. But Peter advises us to remember that God's recognition counts more than human praise."

So, how can I feel good about myself...without being prideful?  How do
I remain humble when, I really want to put that "Blinkie" on the sidebar?  I feel that if I don't...It is as if I was wearing a big sign..."I sinned, and I am a terrible, terrible, person."  We ALL sin! (I'm not bragging. Just stating the fact.) But, this is about being humble, which He commands us.  How can you be excited about the things you do in life, and still be humble?  This blog is teaching me a lot more than it is showing you...Believe me!

So, if you have time, if you want to, if you are led, please let me know your thoughts on this situation.  Do I share cards on Friday?  Do I put up "Blinkies?"  How do I stay humble, and still feel good about myself?  I have had enough years in my life, when I thought I had no value.  I don't want to go back to that again.

I hope to hear from you.  If you email, please put "He IS Able" in the subject line.  Or, you could leave a comment, and you would be helping me out, and you would be entered in the He IS Able Card of the Week drawing--as well!

I pray that you all have a blessed week.  And, that if you are struggling with a battle, you have someone you feel you can go to for guidance!  Thanks so much for being here, and for listening!

Remember~

He IS Able,

Traci S. 

p.s.  I hope that what I shared here will not keep you from stopping by the

He IS Able blog.