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.


Thursday, January 8, 2015

Scripture Series: In Thee Do I Trust Center Step Card---Join Us for our First Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge for 2015 at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone and welcome to my very first post (just a day late) this year for our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  A year has come and gone and I still have so many left over projects that needed to be done this year.  I guess, such is a  life of a Crafter---having endless projects!...LOL  Anyway, our Scripture Word Art this week (you can download for free at the WAW site) focuses on God's Word in Psalm 143:8 which says, "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."  This was David's psalm/prayer in the midst of hopelessness and depression.  Even though David was a king and had power and riches gold and silver  could buy,  it didn't at all satisfy and exempted him from many trials any human being could suffer from.  He had many enemies and had to struggle with his own humanity as a man of God.  The truth is, none of the things we see, acquired and achieved is ever going to satisfy in this life.  When we hear of impending calamities and danger, all we can really do is to get out of harms way if and when we are able to.  None of us with all our wealth, abilities and capabilities can stop an act of nature from wreaking havoc on earth.  With that alone, we should realize that we don't hold any kind of power in our hands except it be from God's throne of grace who created everything, including us.  I always tell my friends, "We cannot give what we don't have."   God provided us with life, a sound mind, numerous talents and abilities to sustain ourselves for the purpose of serving others.  When we increase, it's not for us to go spending it on lavish things but to extend help  for those who are in need.  If we have a wonderful voice to sing, it's not for us to showcase it to others in order to get recognition/glory from the applause of men.  We are to sing of the hope we have in Christ and to give reverence and glory to His name.  If we can dance, it's not for showing it off to a wide audience for them to appreciate how wonderful a dancer we are.  It is to convey the message of the Lord through spontaneous movement to declare His glory through your life.  Whatever you are good at and whatever you are given is not for you to be famous for but it's for JESUS to be famous in your life.  Without a Born-again experience (Born from above, John 3:3), it's impossible for any man to please God.  It all starts with faith and knowing that what Christ has done for you is enough to satisfy your every hunger and need.  Hunger for wealth, power and possessions are replaced by a hunger to be in the presence of Almighty God.  Yes, we will have dreams and aspirations but having Jesus as the Lord of your heart, these should all be subject to the will of our Lord and His input should always be welcomed.  He may say "Yes, No or Wait."  Through the Holy Spirit and the infallible Word of God, He will guide us to His perfect will and if your heart is set on Him, though it may not give you material/worldly satisfaction, you know that your reward from the Father will be much greater.  

Now, King David knows the importance of having a God to call to in the midst of helplessness. Though He was a powerful man in his time, He submitted and committed himself to the One Who holds all authority.  When we are under trials and enemies are on every side, God has given us a Name above every name to trample on the works of the enemy---His Name is JESUS!  When we approach a fork in the road and we could not decide which way to take, we can call upon Him to direct our feet unto His perfect will.  This means that we are not taking any step without the leading of our Almighty God.  Last night, my nine year old son (Jared)  had to ask me whether he can download a game app he used to play a while back in his tablet.  I told him that he needed his Dad's approval in order to key in the password.  He told me that it was not needed since it was an app he used to have, it will be installed without asking for the password.  Many things have gone through my mind as I was deciding to consent or decline. But then I realized how wonderful for my little man to have asked permission when he could have uploaded it without my approval. He chose to ask permission out of his love and respect for me and the rules we had set for him about games and usage.  With this, I saw a parallel  on how we are to be in our relationship with the Father.  As believers, we are given the freedom to do many things and we can choose to obey or disobey, to bring shame or honor to the finished work of Jesus Christ in our lives.  But if we truly love, we would think many times and ask the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us with our decisions so that we can reflect our love for God and the sacrifice He has done for us and become  beacons of hope for others who don't know Him.  Honestly, when I am frustrated, I can choose to lash out on anybody or succumb to negativity.  But since I truly know Who my Father is and what He can do---I will go against what I feel and apply the Truth of His Word in my circumstances. This is easier said than done cause after all, we allowed ourselves to be guided by our feelings the whole time before we came to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  To separate from our emotions and live in God's Truth is something we need to practice daily.  Our soul (comprised of our mind, will and emotions) are easily affected by our bodies (five senses).  When a part of our body aches, it does not make us feel good.  When we see or hear something against us, we get hurt.  But as citizens of the Kingdom, we are to rely solely on God's Word and not our feelings.  Take for example the passage in Matthew 5:10-12 which says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  What I'm trying to say is that the principles of the Kingdom of God is entirely opposite worldly principles.  Sometimes, what we consider trials and sufferings here can be a blessing in disguise to prepare us to the kind of ruler we are to be in the eternal Kingdom.  Let us remember God's promises in the following verses and keep it close to our hearts in times of trials and hopelessness:

"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.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:28)

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."  (1 Peter 2:9)

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 3:12-14)
  
For this Card, I used an image from Make It Crafty called "Adventure Girl" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches Center Step card  design.  The DP's came from Recollections and I incorporated a few butterflies also from Recollections. The die-cuts were created using Spellbinders and ran through my Cuttlebug.  I added some liquid pearls (White Opal), glitters (Stickles-Crystal) and finally lots of stitching to complete this design.  It took a while but it's so much fun to make and I am happy with the result.


IN THEE DO I TRUST CENTER STEP CARD:


IN THEE DO I TRUST CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:


IN THEE DO I TRUST CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:


IN THEE DO I TRUST CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:


IN THEE DO I TRUST CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Gals Corner---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/New Beginnings
Inky Impressions---Something New (New DP's and Image)
Penny's Paper-Crafty---ATG
Simon Says Stamp---Something New (New DP's and Image)
Crafter's Cafe---Something New (New DP's and Image)
TTCRD---ATG
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
Crafty Hazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Catch the Bug---ATG
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
As You Like It---Favorite Fold ( I love all kinds of stepper cards as it gives wonderful dimensions)
Crafty Catz---ATG
QKR Stampede---ATG
Gem of a Challenge---Something New (New DP's and Image)
Crafty Calendar---What's New? (New DP's and Image)
My Time to Craft---All Things New (New DP's and Image)
Glitter n Sparkle---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Dazzling Diva---Inspirational Photo/ATG
Corrosive---Shiny and New (Glitters on Butterflies and New DP's)
Cute Card Thursday---What's New? (New DP's and Image)
Lacy Sunshine---Sparkly and New (Glitters on Butterflies and New DP's)
Loves Rubberstamps---ATG
Natalie and Amy---All Things New (New DP's and Image)
Not Just Cards---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
Sisters of Craft---ATG
Sweet Stampin'---New (New DP's and Image)
Art Impressions---What's New? (New DP's and Image)
Artistic Inspirations---ATG with a Twist (New) (New DP's and Image)
Connie Can Crop---Sparkles (Glitters on Butterflies)
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Little Red Wagon---Sparkle and Shine (Glitters on Butterflies)
Mema's Crafts---ATG
Party Time Tuesday---ATG
Polkadoodles---Tic Tac Toe (Die Cuts/Stitching/Polkadots)
Paper Girls Challenge---Sparkle and Shine (Glitters on Butterflies)
V's Sweet Ideas---Something New (New DP's and Image)


Time to go, everyone!  Please make sure to visit us at WAW and link up the projects you make out of our free Word Art although not mandatory.  You can link up any inspiring, uplifting, family-friendly projects, up to 5.  We have three wonderful sponsors this week namely, Newton's Nook Designs ($15 GC), Lilla Rose (Hair jewelry) and Sweet and Sassy Stamps ($10 voucher for digi images).  That means a couple of chances to win so, head over to WAW and show us your wonderful projects.  Enjoy your week.  Always remember that God loves you and has a great plan for your life! 

41 comments:

  1. Wow you can see how much effort and thought has gone into this card! Such a well thought out design. Glad to see it over at Craft Gals Corner xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful card! Love the fab design and your coloring is wonderful!!

    Thank you very much for joining us this week at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog!

    hugs...
    Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is so pretty. Ireally like the addition of the sparkle and shine. Thanks for joining our challenge this week at Little Red Wagon.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love step cards and this one is colored up so nicely. Love all the bright, fun colors! Thanks for joining in over at Crafty Gals Corner challenges!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jo-Ann fabulous and great card


    Thanks for join us at ScrapbookStampSociety Challenge.

    Greetings Karin DT Coördinator


    ReplyDelete
  6. Wonderful card.lovely colouring!
    Thanks for joining us at ScrapbookStampSociety Challenge
    Gr.Kaija DT-member

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fantastic center step card! Your coloring is beautiful & so is your design! Such a beautiful card & one with a beautiful message.
    Thanks so much for joining us this week at QKR Stampede for the weekly challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fabulous card - great design and perfect detailing.
    Thanks for playing along at Sweet Stampin'and AGOAC this week.
    Good luck.
    Debs xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow! Another one of your lovely creations. Love your step card and your image is just so cute. Your coloring is wonderful and love the sentiment. Thanks again for stopping in to play along with Mema's Craft Challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beautiful. Thanks for joining us this week for Anything Goes at QKR Stampede.
    Karal DT

    ReplyDelete
  11. J, you are so very talented. God has truly blessed you. Thank you for the inspiration and for sharing your talents with us.
    Mema's Crafts

    ReplyDelete
  12. Fabulous card Jo Ann - that image is perfect for the scripture :-). Loved reading your comments, and I cannot agree more that this world we are in is in direct rebellion to God.
    Blessings
    Maxine
    p.s. thanks for changing your font - it is far easier to read :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love all the stitching and the fantastic coloured image! I like your stile of card a lot with the bright colours, fun patterns and a lots of contrast. Great inspiration.

    Thank you for playing along with us at Crafty Catz this week. Hope to see you back and good luck!
    Nick

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow! Beautiful. I love all the added bling. The sentiment is lovely! Thanks for playing along this week at Crafty Gals Corner!
    -Samantha
    Crafty Gals Corner - DT Coordinator
    Crafty Gals Corner

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is fab! Love the papers! Thank you for joining us at Sweet Stampin' this week. Sammy-x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Fabulous card.

    Thanks for sharing at Sweet Stampin'.

    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow! this is just stunning....the amount of effort and skill that went into this card is amazing! Thanks for sharing with us over a Glitter n Sparkle - Vic, DT x

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lovely card. Great colours and images. Thanks for playing along at Loves Rubberstamps.

    Nikki

    ReplyDelete
  19. Beautiful step card!!! Great image along with wonderful coloring and embellishments! Thanks for joining us at Party Time Tuesdays and good luck!
    Hugs,
    Lynne, Party Time Tuesdays DT

    ReplyDelete
  20. Fun card, thanks for joining us at The Crafter's Cafe this Week

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your card is so beautiful! Thanks so much for joining us for our ANYTHING GOES Challenge this week. Pop back soon to see if you’re a winner, and to join in the new challenge here at Bugaboo’s Catch the Bug blog.
    Love
    Jen Leeflang (BUGABOO STAMPS)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great card! Love the layers and your coloring is gorgeous. Thanks for joining us at Kraftin Kimmie this week! Hugs D

    ReplyDelete
  23. You are so right, the dimension on your card is amazing and perfect for the image you have chosen. Delighted you have joined us at AYLI and Good Luck!! Sarah :0)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great card,love all the layers and the fab colours.

    Great to decorate the other side.

    Thanks for joining us at Glitter n Sparkle.

    Tracey DTxx

    ReplyDelete
  25. Beautifully made - love your colouring.

    Thanks for joining us at Penny's - hope you'll join us again soon.

    Helen x

    ReplyDelete
  26. Lovely creation! Thanks for playing at Glitter and Sparkle! Hope to see you next time! Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What an AWESOME card! Just gorgeous!
    Thank you for playing along with us this week for the The Bug Challenge with Bugaboo Stamps!
    Don’t forget to check out The Bug Blog for our new Challenge that starts today! We hope you’ll join the fun!!!
    Hugs & Happy Days!
    ~Min: Bugaboo Asst DT Coordinator
    Kaymin Kreations

    ReplyDelete
  28. What an interesting card shape, and lovely papers and image, glad you could join our anything goes challenge at Loves Rubberstamps, please join our sunday hop too..
    Hugs Blankina

    ReplyDelete
  29. Beautiful card !!! Love colours and image. Thanks for joining us at Artistic Inspirations!!! I hope you get to join us again for our next challenge. Agnieszka DT

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wonderful image and design, thanks for joining us at The Crafters Cafe this week

    ReplyDelete
  31. Awesome Card! Great coloring and details! Thank you for sharing with TTCRD this week and please play again.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Love the design of this card. It's just amazing! Thanks for joining us at the Paper Girls Challenge!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Wow fab card, gorgeous colouring!Thanks so much for joining our Tic Tac Toe Challenge at http://polkadoodle.blogspot.co.uk/
    Claire xx

    ReplyDelete
  34. Great card! Congrats on being featured at Little Red Wagon this week!
    Joanne xo

    ReplyDelete
  35. Beautiful !!! Love colours and image. Thanks for joining us at The Crafter's Cafe Challenge!! I hope you get to join us again for our next challenge. Agnieszka DT

    ReplyDelete
  36. So fabulous. Thank you for joining us over at the Scribble and Scrap Challenge. Good luck.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hello my dear friend and sister in the Lord, JoAnn!
    This is gorgeous! I'm so blessed to have you on the DT at WAW, and I always SO enjoy your cards. Thanks for sharing with us in this month's Something New Challenge.
    Blessings,
    Karen
    V's Sweet Ideas

    ReplyDelete
  38. Beautiful card and great sentiment!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thanks for another lovely entry for my Patterned Paper January challenge. x

    ReplyDelete
  40. This is another beauty of a card!! Just love all the love you put in to each and every card!!
    Thanks for entering my challenge in January!
    Scrappy hugs, Connie
    http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...