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, June 22, 2014

Behind the Clouds Card---Join Us at my Neighborhood, 613 Avenue Create for Anything Goes with a Twist and a Blog Hop for Paulette at Create with TLC!

Hello Everyone...I have been MIA for quite sometime as there are many things that needs me and my family's attention nowadays.  I may be out for a couple more weeks after this but once everything settles down, I can resume with my regular sharing and blogging.  The past few weeks, my faith in the Lord was tested in so many different ways.  I've hold on to His promises ever since I became a believer and though with many victories, life can be very hard at times.  Yet, I can look back and see  how the Lord delivered me and my family from difficult situations and it propelled me to grow in faith.  Recently, God impressed upon my heart (accompanied by His Word with many signs along the way) answers to many specific prayers.  If any of you wonder how God speaks, it is primarily through His Word (Bible) or sometimes---a still, small voice.  It could also be through His Holy Spirit speaking in your heart, a Word of knowledge from family, friends or even strangers or by profound signs and wonders.  However, even with a revelation of His blessings and promises in my life, what takes place in the physical realm (earthly existence) seemed to contradict the delivery of such blessings.  I don't know with you but when everything is a struggle and every step seems to be a battleground---one step up to victory is followed by two steps backwards hitting a wall in the process, it compels me to seek God's face and ask  if we are truly moving according to His direction.  I remember having experienced many trials in life but at some point, God steps in and provided victory.  But I realized that as we mature in faith, the degree of trials also increases.  Armed with the wonderful promises of God in one hand yet on the other, burdened by what physical reality shows---IT IS A BATTLEGROUND!  As a Born-again believer, we are confronted daily with a CHOICE---to live for God through faith in what Jesus had accomplished or follow the dictates of our own will which directly reacts to what our five senses perceives/encounters.  Whether we eat, sleep, work or play----this battle (choice) rages on inside everyone of us.  My desire is to do the will of my Father in heaven, ask for His direction in all my circumstances.  But there are times, He seemed to be silent.  Unlike my past experiences, it was not clear to me what road to take and when to move.  Feeling helpless, I cried to Him many times, talked to Him, letting Him know what's inside my heart.  I asked Him many "why" questions and prayed that He give me the wisdom to understand.  I asked for comfort and strength and to be given faith and courage to hold on to His promises.  Though my emotion tries to push me even further into hopelessness,  I know one thing for sure---GOD IS WITH ME (John 14:16-17)!   I may not fully grasp the reason why things are such a struggle but I know that through it all,  Jesus is with me on this rough and bumpy ride.  At times, He may be silent but it does not mean He's abandoned me.  The One Who didn't withhold His Only Begotten Son from death on the Cross to save me from eternal separation from Him is not likely to leave me alone in the danger zone of life after His redemptive work was accomplished.  If anything, I know I can trust His Love for me.  My feelings (emotions) would lie to me and everyone forsake me but my Heavenly Father would not (Numbers 23:19). 

You see, people who are sharing God's Word are not exempted from troubles and pains.  It's easy to quote the Scripture and sound spiritual in the eyes of many but the real challenge is do we live the life we share to others?  We tell others to live by faith but when trials come our way, do we anchor our lives with the same faith we preach?  We tell many of the hope we have in Christ but when we're faced with one huge storm after another, is our life saver only Jesus?  I know I have to be very honest with my God.  I tell Him all my concerns, fears and weaknesses for no one knows me more than He does (Psalm 139).  He can work with me if I give it all to Him---no pretensions nor hypocrisy.  It is in fact because of His work in my life that I am able to share His love to everyone and have compassion for others who are undergoing similar trials.  Through Christ, I count every hardship a blessing because it brings me closer to understanding why Jesus had to die for me/us (Romans 8:28).  It's not easy but I trust in the presence of God in my life.  His Word says that absolutely nothing is going to separate me from His love through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).  If you are feeling hopeless at this moment, know that the Lord Jesus wants to meet you in your time of need, to love and comfort you and to ease up your burden.  He's just a heartbeat away.  I would like to share with you this article which will sure help you when facing trials---WHY DOES GOD TEST US?  Take the time to read and you'll be blessed!

Anyway, I created this Card for our Anything Goes Challenge with an optional Twist (Use Pink) for our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  I am privileged to use a wonderful image from one of our sponsors, Time for Tea Designs called "Pedal Power" and I colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Bic markers.  The base card is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from DCWV and my scraps.  I did some embossing with my Cuttlebug, added some white nail head gems and some glitters (Stickles---Lime Green and Diamond) to the clouds and the image.  Lastly I did some sewing inside and out. 

On the other hand, this POST is very special because I want to dedicate it to a dear friend here at Blog land---PAULETTE from Create with TLC!  She encountered an accident at home which caused her to be hospitalized and undergo surgery.  She's looking forward to better days taking some rest.  However, if you are like me, then you have been a recipient of her generosity through her daily sharing of free digital stamps!  I have a wonderful collection of great sentiments and images from her which I always refer to when I create my cards.  I know I can always find something wonderful that will suit every kind of theme I can think of.  In short, she does not share simple artwork but are in fact, the best sentiments and images one can find at no cost.  She would rather receive thank you comments and that truly makes her happy.  And even those she sells at her store are the most affordable sets one can ever find.  I am blessed to be a part of her Design Team and make projects with her artwork every now and then.   She's truly an amazing lady!  To make her smile today, we (her DT's) have arranged a BLOG HOP to bring sunshine to her cloudy days. 

I AM THE LAST STOP which means you came from HETTY'S BLOG and have enjoyed your time hopping to 10 others before her.   After me, you can proceed back to the main Blog---CREATE WITH TLC if you want to link a get well/encouragement project/s and/or send your well wishes to our dear, Paulette!  I know she has touched so many lives and this is just a small token of appreciation to brighten her day.   I am featuring a freebie sentiment I got from her in today's project and  would like to encourage her with its message.  Hope for your speedy recovery, Paulette!  We truly miss you! 


BEHIND THE CLOUDS CARD:


BEHIND THE CLOUDS CARD LAYERS:


BEHIND THE CLOUDS CARD INSIDE:


 
BEHIND THE CLOUDS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Addicted to Stamps---Polka Dots
Ditzie Digi---ATG
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
OSAAT---ATG
Pile It On---Kawaii/Cute
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Corrosive Challenge---Color Me Happy
Squirrel and the Fox---Metal (White nail head gems are metal)
CCC Digi Creations---Digi/Flowers
Divas by Design---3or More Layers
Digi Designs---Lots of Layers
Crafty Catz---Stitching
Sugar Pea---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/For the Boys
Hambo Hoedown---Summer
Paper Pretties---Summer Fun
Crafty Girls---ATG
Creative Corner---Summertime
Just for Fun---Here Comes Summer
Lia Stampz---Summer Fun
Sisters of Craft---ATG
A Creative Need---ATG
Crafting Musketeers---Stamped Image (Including Digi)
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Stampin Royals---ATG
Paper Crafting Journey---ATG
Sunshine Mail---ATG
Loves Rubberstamps---Spots and Dots
Rhedd and Rosie---ATG
Stamping Chef---ATG


 There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  There's wonderful prizes awaiting the winners from our lovely sponsors for this week---Bugaboo Stamps, Hannah Lynn Art, Lee's Digi Shop and Time for Tea Designs.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  Also, thanks for stopping by my Blog to check what I have for Paulette of Create with TLC and thank you for checking the rest of the DT's Blog. Have a wonderful week and remember that for a believer, Christ is with us and for us, no matter what! 

42 comments:

  1. Jo Ann this is just delightful and would definitely brighten Paulette's day.
    Hugs
    Desíre
    {Doing Life – my personal blog}

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  2. Gorgeous creation as always! I'm sure that it will cheer Paulette up!

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  3. oh JoAnn, your post is so beautiful today, for oh, so many reasons. I hope you will take to heart the sentiment you put on this amazing card for Paulette. as followers of Christ, we face trials and temptations all the time. we are not expected to be perfect. God knows that. He just asks that we come to Him, rest in His loving arms, and find our strength in all that is Him. it's not much, but it is so much all at the same time. I pray you find the peace, comfort, and strength for the days and even minutes ahead. you do not walk through this journey called life alone.

    thank you so much for being a part of Paulette's blog hop. I know it means so much to her, as it does to all of us. :)

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  4. Such a beautiful and colorful card, Jo Ann,. The sentiment is so fitting.

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  5. Gorgeous card! Paulette will sure smile when she sees this one!
    Thank you for the hop
    Hugs,
    Georgia

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  6. Hi Jo Ann, your card is beautiful! I love that cute image. The sentiment is perfect. Love the die cut and papers. Thanks for sharing. Edwina Brown

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  7. Hi Jo Ann - what a great card!!!! Thank you ever sew much for being part of this hop today and hoping and praying things get better for you also!
    Much love, hugs, and friendship!
    Lynne

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  8. Wonderful card- love the sweet image, and your coloring is beautiful! You are all so sweet to have this Hop for Paulette!

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  9. What a gorgeous card, I'm sure Pauletta will love it
    hugs
    Ildiko

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  10. A card that transmits joy, full colors! I love all layers and sentiment!
    Ileanaxxx

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  11. This is fabulous, Jo Ann. Lovely design and colors. This is sure to brighten Paulette's day!

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  12. Jo Anne your card is beautiful - I am sure it will bless and cheer Paulette. Thank you for your words of encouragement in the battle, they have encouraged me no end.
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  13. Your coloring is absolutely beautiful. So glad you joined us at Sunshine Mail. This card will definitely put a smile on a child's face! Princess DT Member

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  14. Cute card Jo Ann. Many thanks for joining the Rhedd and Rosie’s challenge and good luck!!! Melissa (DT)

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  15. Love the image, very pretty creation. thanks for joining us at Loves Rubberstamps.

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  16. I adore your coloring and creativeness! This is gorgeous! Thanks so much for joining us at the Hambo Hoedown.

    Jeannie
    Hambo Stamps Design Team

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  17. Great card, thank you for joining in Rhedd and Rosie's, good luck Hun, Zoe DT xx

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  18. As always you made a fantastic card! I love your style and could visit your blog every day! Like the mix of different papers, fun way of using the brads...

    Thank you for playing along with us at Crafty Catz. Good luck!
    Nick

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  19. Super, super cute!! Love that image and all your layering! Thanks for joining us at Pile It On! :)

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  20. Gorgeous card! Thank you so much for sharing this with us at A Creative Need!
    smiles,Deena

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  21. Beautiful card Jo Anne. Great design & I love the colours. It would brighten anyones day. Thanks for joining us at JFF, hope to see you again.
    Bev (DT member) x

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  22. Gorgeous card, fabulous colours and love that sentiment, thanks for joining us at Divas By Design and Crafty Catz this week. Jac x

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  23. Wow great card! Thanks for joining us at Crafty Girls Challenges! Angie-DT

    http://angiesdigistamps.blogspot.com/
    http://angiescraftblog.blogspot.com/

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  24. Lovely card. Thank you for doing the blog hop for Paulette.
    Thank you for sharing your life and Christian encouragement.

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  25. OMGosh this is so adorable, love the cute image and the fabulous scene. Thanks for playing with us over at Loves Rubberstamps!!!

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  26. Such a lovely card, thanks so much for taking part in our 'Anything Goes' challenge at the 'Sister's of Craft' --- Good Luck!!
    Hugs Donna DT xx

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  27. Stunning creation. I love all the details! Thanks so much for playing at Loves Rubberstamps!

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  28. Such wonderful colors and gorgeous coloring. Thank you for playing along this week at OSAAT. I sure hope to see you back again very soon. Good Luck in the challenge!!!

    TTFN,

    CraftyGirl OSAAT DT
    craftygirlcardsandcrafts.blogspot.com

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  29. wow, not only is your card super adorable, I so enjoyed reading your post. You have inspired me and reminded me to always let are faith show even more so in trials...the world is watching and we need to give them hope. Thank you so much for sharing and reaching out {{hugs to you}}}. I want to share this with you.......

    "There is nothing, no circumstance, no trouble, no testing that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has come past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose."
    Alan Redpath

    be blessed and be a blessing

    sparkle & shine *~*

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  30. Lovely card, I know Paulette will be happy to receive your wonderful and cheery card.:D Thank you for joining us at One Stitch At A Time. Great sentiment too.
    Deborah OSAAT DT

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  31. Adorable image and beautifully colored. Great design too. Thanks for joining Sunshine Mail Challenge.

    Hugs
    Joanie

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  32. Gorgeous card. Thanks for playing along with us over at CCC Digi Creations.
    http://cccdigicreations.blogspot.co.nz/

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  33. Gorgeous card...Thanks for playing along with us at Di's Digi Designs Challenge
    Wendy x

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  34. Adorable card Jo Ann! I am sorry you are going through so many trials right now. I understand how difficult that can be; but we do grow with each one. This is a sweet card for Paulette and I am sure she loves it.

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful creation with us at The Squirrel and The Fox!! Hope to see you again next challenge. Please join me for a chance to win FREE candy on my blog. Have a fantastic week!! Hugs, Gloria DT

    http://purpleglocreations.blogspot.com

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  35. stunning colouring and such a fun card. Thanks for entering the Sisters of Craft challenge. Gill DT

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  36. Beautiful Card, thank you for joining us over at the Crafting Musketeers this month , Fran (DT) x

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  37. Cute card! Fab layering and paper elements! Thanks for sharing with us at Lacy Sunshine!
    Mandy x (LS DT)

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  38. What a happy, happy card! I just love the scene you've created and the great color choices. It is just such a sweet card - it just made me smile! Thank you so much for joining the Polka Dot Challenge at the Addicted to Stamps Challenge Blog!

    XO,
    Chris
    http://ascrappersmusings.blogspot.com

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  39. A gorgeous card. Thanks for joining Di's Digi Designs Challenge this time.
    Lorraine x

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  40. Fab project. Love the bright colours and great layout. Thank you for joining us over at the Scribble and Scrap Challenge. Good luck.
    xx

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  41. Such a fabulous card and a great message! Thanks for joining us at The Corrosive Challenge Blog! Hugs!

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