Butterfly Sentiments Mini Note Cards---Come Join the Anything Goes Challenge with a Twist at 613 Avenue Create!

Great Sunday, friends!  Hope you had such a wonderful day meeting up with God's people in the Churches this morning.  I was battling some annoying allergies for many days now but that didn't stop me from singing and praising my wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ!  Life is full of ups and downs and I know for sure that it's going to continue on till we trade this physical body to an eternal (glorious) one when it comes time.  I had a conversation with a friend at Church whose experiencing a number of trials and frustrations in life and anywhere she turns, the door slams into her face.  I admire that even though she was battling many troubles in life and in spite of her frustrations, she still continues to exercise her faith.  The truth is we can encourage other believers to be strong and remind them of the promises of God about their situations but we must also be sensitive enough to listen and identify ourselves to the trials our friends are going through.  I've been to many situations in my life that placed me in so much misery and frustrations and in the midst of impossibilities, God came through!  I tell you, it was not pleasant to go through all of them because the uncertainties and the wait can be a torture.  Yet, even with all those experiences, I cannot say I am now a "pro" in handling difficult situations.  I still go and find rest in my Savior's arms and seek His wisdom and knowledge through His Word in my daily walk with Him.  The Truth is He's the Only One who can satisfy the longings of my heart.  In my anxiety, He tells me not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34).  In my uncertainties, He tells me that He holds my future (Jeremiah 29:11).  In my afflictions, He reminds me that by His stripes I was healed (1 Peter 2:24).  And in  my panic, He tells me to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).  So when this friend asked me, "But when is God going to come through for me?," I didn't have to invent any answer!  I told her, "In His perfect time."  I cannot see her and mine's earthly future but I know deep in the core of my heart (as the Holy Spirit bear witness to the victory that is in Jesus Christ), I have an All-Knowing Father Who loves me and cares for me/us, enough to send His One and Only Son to the Cross so that I/we may live eternally.  He sees my/our ending from my/our beginning and when all this is said and done,  He shall wipe every tear in my/our eyes (Revelation 21:4).

So, when storms of life comes pounding to test everything that you hold true and dear in your life, do not withdraw from the very Source of Power that enables you to overcome.  Instead, take Jesus'  invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 which says, "“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Continue to press on against all the wiles of the enemy (Satan) that bombards your mind and destroy them by meditating on the goodness of the Lord, the work He has done in my life since I came to His saving knowledge.  I still get choked up every time I'm reminded of the meaningless life I had in the past.  The Lord took me in His arms 23 years ago and from then on, my life (including the afterlife) took on a whole new meaning.  All I know is that I serve a God whose trustworthy and fulfills every Word He said.  My prayers may not meet its answer in my time frame but in God's time---His perfect time.  Here's a few verses to encourage us in difficult times:

"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:6-7)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  (James 1:1-4)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:6-7)

I have a couple of projects made today for our Anything Goes Challenge with an optional Twist (Winter Shades of Blue) at 613 Avenue Create.  One of our wonderful sponsors, Fitztown Store, have supplied us with images to use and I chose "Fae 18" (butterflies) which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  I purchased some blank  mini note cards (3 x 3" square) last year and finally got the chance to use it for this project.  I used my Cuttlebug to emboss a Cuttlebug folder in a panel and stamped 3 various kinds of sentiments from Dylusions Clear Stamps.  I just how these sentiments coordinates with my images.  Super cool!  Lastly, I incorporated some white nail gems from Imaginisce and some White Opal Liquid Pearls for added dimension.  It's not easy for me to create with Color Challenges as I want the freedom to use colors according to my preference but this is as much blue I can add to this project.  Hope you like 'em.  

 BUTTERFLY SENTIMENT MINI NOTE CARD WITH ENVELOPES:

 BUTTERFLY SENTIMENT MINI NOTE CARD 1:

  BUTTERFLY SENTIMENT MINI NOTE CARD 2:

  BUTTERFLY SENTIMENT MINI NOTE CARD 3:

  BUTTERFLY SENTIMENT MINI NOTE CARD LAYERS:

  
*** WANT THIS?  AVAILABLE AT MY ETSY---HERE! ***  

This Project is entered into the following Challenges:

Make It Monday---ATG
Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---What a Fuss
My Sheri Crafts---Delightful Digis
OSAAT---Use a Digi
Card Mania---ATG
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG/Option: Use Real Ribbon
2 Creative Chicks---ATG
Whimsy Inspirations---Something New (New Digi Stamp)
Creative Craft---New (New Image)
Natalie and Amy---One for the Girlies
Emerald Faeries---Things with Wings
Feeling Crafty---Butterflies
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Card and Scrap---Use Bling (white gems)
Scribbles Designs---Sparkle It Up
Seemacrafts---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Buttons and Pearls

There you have it guys.  I have another post to make on top of this post so, please check it out as well.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  If you want to be challenged (like I was), take on the Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it.  Our 3 sponsors---Fitztown Store, Eureka Stamps and Nicecrane Designs are giving away some fabulous prizes.  Can't wait to see what you create.  I pray for the peace of God to continue to abide in your life and for those who don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to call unto Him and allow Jesus to touch your life.