It's Sunday morning, dear friends! I am so excited to escort people in worship of the Lord at our Church this morning. God gave me the talent to sing and dance for Him so, what an honor it is to give glory and praise to our wonderful Creator. When I am up on stage, although, we are in front of the brethren, we are not there to entertain anyone. I truly perform for an audience of One. I stand there, being the vessel of the Holy Spirit who takes over me and enable me to glorify my Father in Heaven. Without the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we cannot even say, "Jesus is Lord." (1 Corinthians 12:3) Remember what the scriptures tell us in Matthew 16:15-17... "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are
you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my
Father in heaven." You see, the Spirit of God does not live in unholy place. Before the Fall of Man, Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8). They heard His voice and had an intimate relationship with their Father until they chose to disobey and the presence of God became a fearful experience for both of them. What used to comfort them became their terror....The presence of God left them that very instant. God told them in Genesis 2:17, "But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for
when you eat from it you will certainly die.” You see, their physical bodies did not die but their spiritual connection with God was what died that day. As human beings, we are tripartite beings---meaning we are made of spirit, soul and body. From that time on, every human being, born physically are born with this darkened spirit ruled by the "sin nature" which comes directly from it's very source---Satan! For that very reason, as we go through the Old Testament, God's presence only dwells in specific objects--thus we recall the Tabernacles and the Ark of the Covenant (see Exodus) and the Temple of Solomon with the Holy of Holies (See 1 and 2 Chronicles). Yet the very heart of God is to dwell in the hearts of every believer, free from "sin nature" and that was only made possible after Jesus Christ died on the Cross and through His death, burial and resurrection, those who put their faith in Him died from that sinful nature and their darkened spirits were made alive again by being Born-again (John 3:3). For the first time, after the Fall of Man, God's Spirit dwells in the hearts of men as recorded in Acts 2:1-4 that says, "When the day of Pentecost
came, they were all together
in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came
from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw
what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of
them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." The spirit of man that was once darkened have now been resurrected and we, who have trusted Jesus Christ, can now enjoy a fellowship with God like a breach had never taken place. Jesus lives inside of me, therefore, my mouth shall only utter praise for Him for He has literally saved my life and brought a new joy and a song in my heart. This is the very hope that I want to share with everyone who had been trying so hard to live their life in their own terms. It is impossible to please God when that very nature of sin lives inside of us. We are to put that nature to death and come back to life by faith in Jesus Christ. Then and only then, will we be able to become God's Temple. I would like to share these verses to you:
"See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." (Isaiah 65:17)
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you
your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26)
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just
as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may
live a new life." (Romans 6:4)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
the new creation
has come: The old has gone, the
new is here! All
this is from God,
who reconciled us to himself through Christ
and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the
world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.
And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)
What a blessing it is to honor God with everything I do including this Card that I made for our new Anything Goes Challenge with a Twist, happening now at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create. For those who are seeking some challenge in their creation, the "Twist" is all about "Creating Your Own Challenge" All it is is that we have a set of materials you can choose from and incorporate them in your cards. I have done my share and I came up with this wonderful creation. I used an image from one of our sponsors, Rick St. Dennis called "Mailboxes." I added another image from one of my favorite artists, Mo Manning, and added this cute image called "Sophie." I colored both of them with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir/Bic markers. The base card is a 5.5 X 11 inches and cut and scored to make a Center Step Card out of Kraft CS. I selected 3 DP's from DCWV, 3 colored CS and more Kraft CS for panels and matting, a wonderful sentiment I got free from Create with TLC which I added color on using Paint program, die cut with Nestabilities using Lacey Circle (biggest) and created a border using an MS Punch. I also added some glitters (Stickles-Diamond), some gems from Imaginisce, a Crochet flower that I made (see My Etsy Store if you wish to purchase some) with a brad (from Recollections) and some ribbon. All of these materials came together by following the "Twist." Lastly, I stitched all over this Card. I don't know why I selected the bright DP's but I totally think they worked well. I can only say that God gave me the approval as I was selecting those bold prints and colors thus, this turned out well. It would be great to hear your comments about this creation.
SENDING LOVE HUGS KISS CENTER STEP CARD:
SENDING LOVE HUGS KISS CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:
SENDING LOVE HUGS KISS CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:
SENDING LOVE HUGS KISS CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:
SENDING LOVE HUGS KISS CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:
There you have it, friends! I hope you will visit us at 613 Avenue Create and link up (up to 3 projects) with us. It can be Anything Goes or take the challenge by following our Twist for this week. That is to "Create Your Own Challenge." It seem complicated but it's really not. I found out that most of the materials listed were already some of the ones I used in every card I make so, didn't sweat it out much. There's great prizes to be won from Rick St. Dennis Digis and QKR Stampede, our sponsors for this Challenge. I will be back this Wednesday to highlight another Card for the Word Art Wednesday Challenge. Meanwhile, keep the comments coming as I love reading them. Remember to live your life each day worthy of the sacrifice that Jesus died for in the Cross. That simply means not depending on anything, even yourself, but total reliance on Jesus!
This card is truly a work of art. Love all the layers and how they come together to tell the story.
ReplyDeletePaulette
This is beautiful! Your coloring is absolutely breathtaking! Thank you so much for playing along with us at Loves Rubberstamps this week! We hope you will play along with us again soon!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful card, I love all the different details that come together to make such a wonderful card, thanks for joining us at Crafty Catz and Divas by Design this week, Jac x
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and beautiful card Jo Anne love the image and fabulous colour's you have used thank you for joining us this week at Crafty Catz
ReplyDeleteHugs Dianne xx
Another inspiring post!!! That's it - I'm reading your blog every day! :) And of course - another great card too. All the different layers and patterns and colors - So beautiful!!!! Thanks for joining us again at Twist of Faith.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Zella
Twist of Faith DT
Such an amazing creations., Love the card and all of the fabulous layers and colors. Thanks for joining us at LRS challenge.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing creations. Your coloring and layering is fantastic.
ReplyDeletestunning cad Jo Ann well done .
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us for our "THROUGH THE CRAFTROOM DOOR" challenge this week and GOOD LUCK .
Hugs Elaine
Wow this is gorgeous! I love the fab card design and the cheery colours… the little girl is very cute and your colouring is beautiful !!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Divas by Design this week!
Hugs Sue xx
Beautiful card, your coloring is fabulous! I love the design and your colors with the gorgeous images you have. Thank you for joining us at Divas By Design.
ReplyDeleteHugs Kelly
What a sweet card! LOVE your coloring.
ReplyDeleteJo Ann, this is just lovely! Thanks so much for playing at Crafting For All Seasons this time!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck
Hugs
Dawn xx
This is a fabulous card, brilliant design and so many gorgeous details.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us at Bearly Mine Designs this week.
Pauline
x
Gorgeous card. I love all the detail work. Thanks for joining us.
ReplyDeleteNancy CAtch The Bug DT
Awesome details, thanks for stopping by Quick Quotes!
ReplyDeleteAnother amazing card! Your artwork and your testimony always inspire me. Thank you for sharing with us at Twist of Faith.
ReplyDeleteGreat mix of stamps and great design.
ReplyDeleteThanks for playing in Clearly iStamp Blog Challenge - Summer Time. Hope you will check out the calendar challenge I also have going on at the blog
http://www.clearlyistamp.blogspot.com/2013/07/gift-idea-tuesday-plus-challenge.html
Hope to see you back for CiSC #3 which will be posted on July 19th.
Kathy D.
Clearly Digi Stamps DT/Clearly iStamp Challenge Coordinator
OMGosh this is so super cute. Thanks for playing with us over at Loves Rubberstamps!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome card, Jo Ann! Love the little scene you created around Mo's cute image and your design work is just amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for joining us at Mo's Digital Pencil this week!
Hugs, Anja
Great card, love the layout, thank you for joining in at happy campers, Pauline x
ReplyDeleteFabulous card and image.. Visited from MIM for a look..Loz
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful step card using a Mo's darling image. Thanks for playing the Mo's challenge with your work of art.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic card ,love the colours .your attention to detail is fab
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at MIM and good luck
Tracey xx
This is just stunning and such a wonderful scene you have crafted here. This is so perfect for our CARING theme this month. Thanks for sharing your talent with us and good luck.
ReplyDeleteCaring Hugs
Desíre
{Path of Positivity DT Member}
{Doing Life – my personal blog}
Gorgeous card! Thanks for joining us at Jellypark this challenge.
ReplyDeleteLisa xox
Wow! This is so neat! I love the step shape and all of the layering. Also, your crocheted flower is gorgeous (I wish I could make one of those!) ;) Thank you so much for joining us at Clearly iStamp! Hugs, Katy-DT :)
ReplyDeleteWow. Such a stunning card! I love the all the intricate details. so glad you joined us at Quick Quotes for our latest challenge.
ReplyDeleteOh my word, Jo Ann, this is stunning!! So glad you joined us in this weeks Anything Goes Challenge at Catch The Bug! Hope you'll join us again!
ReplyDelete:) Becky G
Bugaboo DT Member
bouncyflouncyfunfunfun.blogspot.com
Cute image great centre step card! Thanks for joining us at Clearly iStamp for challenge #2. Dawn Frost guest DT.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty card !! Thanks for joinning us at The Corrosive Challenge Blog !
ReplyDeletejulie
So love this creation. It is jaw dropping gorgeous and it truly makes me drool. Lol. The design and layering of all elements is perfection. The image it self is the star of this performance and stands out wonderfully. You have mastered the art of cardmaking and I am so happy that you placed this beauty within our Clearly iStamp Blog Challenge. Thanks for playing along. I have been a fan of your coloring for some time now and would love to see a tutorial on how you color images.
ReplyDeleteSimply stunning!! Beautiful design and coloring Jo Ann!
ReplyDelete~Amy
What a beautiful way to show someone that you care about them. Your colouring, as always, is incredible. Thanks so much for joining us again this month on the Path of Positivity.
ReplyDeleteLisa D., Owner
Great use of multiple stamps, Love all the colors!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining Color Me Creative Classroom challenge. -Shannon DT Member
Thank you for joining us this week at the Corrosive Challenge. Good luck and hope you join us again soon.
ReplyDeletewow this is such a fabulous step center card!!! I'm always in awe of your wonderful creation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining our monthly challenge here at Path of Positivity challenge. Hope you will join us next time. DT Crafting Vicky
Absolutely adorable!!! Thanks for playing along with this month's Quick Quotes Challenge!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! Check out Clearly iStamp Blog.
ReplyDeleteKathy D.
Clearly iStamp Blog Challenge Coordinator