THE BLESSINGS OF CREATIVITY...

I thank the LORD JESUS for each day that is given me to create wonderful projects...As always, I give Him all the glory.


Sunday, February 2, 2014

You are Fine Center Step Card---Join the Fun of an Anything Goes Challenge (with Optional Twist) in my neighborhood, 613 Avenue Create!

Good Sunday morning, everyone!  It's another awesome day to praise Jesus!  Whatever the condition of our bodies, our lives and everything around us, it does not change the fact that God is sovereign and in control over everything, no matter how chaotic we view it may seem.  I will be honest that we are facing such a storm in life since the beginning of this year and I have to live daily with the weapons that the enemy is throwing our way.  It's easy to say, "Trust in the Lord" when things are not in such a chaos but it is one thing to really fight (putting on the full armor of God---Ephesians 6:10-18) to keep the promises of the Lord and apply it to all our circumstances when things seem to be getting out of hand.  It's when we can sing of the Lord's goodness when trials seem to silence us.  When we can lift up our hands to honor and praise Him when our bodies are feeling nothing but pain.  To declare the peace and joy of the Lord when there's nothing present but sorrow.  To keep the good fight of faith when circumstances and everything around you says it's hopeless.  As a believer of Jesus Christ, we experience great trials as we live the purposes that God set for us to travel while in this world.  I always hold in my heart the scriptures in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  This scripture is one of the treasures I keep in my heart for I know that trials are but here for a moment and thought it may seem to last through the night,  His joy always comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5)!   Believers live in 2 different worlds---the physical world we see and the spirit world that is unseen.   The scriptures tells us in John 4:23-24, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."  Although we exist in this physical and temporary world, we are citizens of God's Kingdom (eternal and unseen).  While the world operates only in what their physical senses can perceive, we all have a direct connection with Almighty God through faith in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ!  We were once in the world (worldly lifestyle) with darkened spirits like those who are living their lives in rebellion from God and by their deeds, promoting lasciviousness, lawlessness and all forms of evil agenda (so rampant nowadays!).  But thanks be to God, who by grace alone, gave life to our darkened spirits and allowed us to understand His Ways by way of the Cross.  Though I may experience great trials, one thing is certain---I AM NOT ALONE!  He that lives in me overcame every trial known to man and because my life is tucked safely in His care, I do have hope even in hopeless situations, joy when there is but mourning, peace in the midst of the storm and love when there's all but hatred.  It's never easy but who says I am doing it on my own?  Not at all!  I can only stand because I have the Overcomer of overcomers---JESUS, living inside of me!  He fights all my battles and all I have to do is walk and rely upon Him every step of the way.  If you are in the midst of trials like me, don't lose hope.  Instead, meditate on the promises of the Lord (His Word) and declare them (speak it to yourself) in all your circumstances.  Here's some verses in God's Word that we can hold onto in these difficult times:

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)

Oh the awesomeness of the Word of God!  I hope it brings you peace today and the many days to come.  Anyway, we have a new challenge today at 613 Avenue Create.  It's Anything Goes with a Twist (Use Felt).  I have here a Center Step Card for your inspiration featuring a beautiful digi stamp called "A Flamenco Dancer" from our sponsor this week---Milk Coffee!  I colored it with my Bic/ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  I used a white base CS, cut and scored to make a center step card that is 5.5 inches.  The 3 DP's are all from Paper Studio Stack called "Newsworthy" and is my favorite stack ever.  The wonderful Lacy Oval is cut with Nestabilities, the border with MS Punch and the nail head (white) gems from Imaginisce and I incorporated some blue felt (for our Challenge Twist).  I made the flower here with the combination of lace, brad and my cute "CROCHET FLOWER" which you can purchase in my ETSY in many colors.  Lastly, the wonderful sentiment is a freebie from Create with TLC (Thanks, Paulette!) and finished with lots of stitching.  Hope this makes you smile, too!


 YOU ARE FINE CENTER STEP CARD:


 YOU ARE FINE CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:


 YOU ARE FINE CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:


 YOU ARE FINE CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:


YOU ARE FINE CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Make It Monday---ATG
Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Rhedd and Rosie---ATG
Whimsy Stamps---Something New (New Sentiment and Image)
Lacy Sunshine---Use a Sentiment
OSAAT---ATG
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG + Optional Use a Heart
Creative Moments---ATG/Add Some Sparkle
Scrap-Creations---Favorite Embellishment (Little Nail Gems)
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
As You Like It---Favorite Style (I love "Layering" with Clean and Graphic Design)
Crafts Galore---Add a Bling
Craftyhazelnut's---Use Patterned Paper
Flat Friends---More than One Fold
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
HIMCR---I'm Blue Without You (Use Blues)
Bunny Zoe's Crafts---Stitching
Eclectic Ellapu---Texture
Great Impressions---Floral Images
Doodle Pantry---Any Digi Goes
Color Me Creative---Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Suzy Bee's Bloomin Challenge---Flowers
Simply Create Too---Mother's Day or For a Female


This it for now, guys.  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 (Add Felt).  But there's really no reason for you to miss it.  Our sponsor---Milk Coffee, is giving away a fabulous prize to our winner.  Can't wait to see what you create.  So, all of us, who has placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ---cheer-up and don't give-up!  He has our backs both now and forevermore...

35 comments:

  1. Absolutely stunning Jo Ann. So love the rich vibrant colouring which has become one of your awesome trademarks.
    Hugs
    Desíre
    {Doing Life – my personal blog}

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  2. Thank you for the beautiful scriptures, I have tucked them in my heart as I get ready for the day. And your beautiful step card is amazing, I love all the details, Have a great week {Hugs} Laura

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  3. This card is a wowzer! Love this color combination and the stamp you've used. Thank you for your inspiration!
    Anna xxx

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  4. A beautiful step-card Jo Ann, as always! I love the layers and details of your cards!
    ~ginny
    RubberMAD

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  5. JoAnn, I came by to let you know how lovely your card is, but as I arrived I was double blessed by you today. Your creativity is amazing and a reflection of your love for God! Thank you for sharing a piece of His word as well as your card.

    Many Blessings, Melissa

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  6. Absolutely stunning a beautifully coloured image and gorgeous papers love all the layers and crotchet flower
    Carol x

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  7. stunning card!!!! just beautiful! I love the blue and black colour combination. and the flamenco dancer colouring in blue is just so striking! love it! Thank you for joining us this week in our Always anything goes challenge at Scribble and Scrap !
    Mirella DK
    DT Scribble and Scrap Challenge (Cute and Crafty Cards by Mirella)

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  8. Stunning, Jo Ann ...... The rich papers and the vibrancy of your image give this step card a real wow factor. I love the crochet flower .... They are something I enjoy making with my scraps of yarn.

    Thank you for sharing this lovely card in our challenge this week. Ingrid xx ( OSAAT Team )

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  9. JoAnn: Glad you’re joining us at Simply Create Too for our Mother’s Day/Female Challenge. Your step card is so pretty--beautiful art.

    Diane
    Simply Create Too Design Team Member
    http://DianesDigitalDesigns.blogspot.com

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  10. Beautiful card. Wonderful coloring and layout. Thanks for sharing at Suzy Bee's Bloomin Challenge, Monica,DT

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  11. Stunning card, gorgeous coloring and embellishments!! Thanks for playing with us at One Crazy Stamper and good luck in the monthly challenge.

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  12. A beautiful stepper card and absolutely gorgeous colours and papers. Thank you so much for joining us at OSAAT. Hazel x

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  13. beautiful card! beautiful lay-out on this one. and using of paper too!
    thank you for joining at lacy sunshine challenge.

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  14. This is absolutely stunning! LOVE the beautiful image and your fabulous coloring! Thanks for joining us at Great Impressions! HUGS and have a great rest of the weekend! :) Mynn xx

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  15. what a gorgeous card Jo Ann.

    Thanks for join us at ScrapbookStampSociety Challenge.

    Greetings Karin DT Coördinator

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  16. Fabulous - Thank you for sharing over at EE this week - hope to see you in future challenges
    Elaine aka Ellapu

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  17. Beautiful card and colours!
    Thank for joining us at ScrapbookStampSociety Challenge
    Gr.Kaija DT-member

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  18. Hi just popping back to say -thanks for joining us at OSAAT
    Carol DT x

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  19. Thank you for joining us at OSAAT this week with your lovely card. Your image is beautifully coloured too. Jennie x

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  20. A lovely card and a fab image, just love that colour dress. Thank you for joining in Rhedd and Rosie's, good luck Hun, Zoe DT xx

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  21. Stunning, love the beautiful image and those gorgeous colours. Beautifully embellished.
    Thanks for sharing with us at Make It Monday this week.
    Hugs,
    Sandy

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  22. A fabulous stepper card, thank you for sharing your style with us at As You Like It. Good Luck. Sarah

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  23. Such a beautiful center step card!! Thank you for joining the challenge at Great Impressions!

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  24. What a gorgeous card - I absolutely love your colouring - it looks amazing :-) xx Thank you so much for joining us over at Flat Friends, Em xx

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  25. Wowsers, I love this beautiful flamenco dancer and the wonderful coloring.

    Mary Anne, Great Impressions DT

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  26. Stunning card! Love the colors you used, the coloring on your image is perfect. Thank you for taking the time and sharing with us at Whimsy Stamps for the something new challenge.

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  27. You've coloured the image beautifully, and I love the colours! Fab card. Thank you for playing along at Rhedd and Rosie’s. Sammy-x

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  28. Wonderful, so beautiful, and I like your blog too. Great colors on your step card. You colored the image beautifully. Thanks for entering our ATG challenge at One Crazy Stamper! Nicely done!

    Leanne DT@OCS!

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  29. So pretty, love everything about your beautiful card. You have colored that image so beautifully.

    Thanks for playing along with us at Simply Create Too. Join us again soon. :-)

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  30. Simply stunning, thank you for sharing over at Lacy Sunshine, Kerry DT xx

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  31. Beautiful colors and wonderful card:-) Thank you for joining us at CMC
    Hugs
    Michele

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  32. Fabulous card...gorgeous colour scheme. Thank you for joining us over at the Scribble and Scrap Challenge. Good luck.
    xx

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  33. Thank you so much for joining my Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge for February with your delightfully attractive card - hope to see you again soon. x

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