Scripture Series: Cinderella Before and After Cards---Join Us for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi everybody!  So sorry for the delay in posting this project I made for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, one of my cards here feature the Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) from God's Word in Psalm 26:7 which says, "That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,  And tell of all Your wondrous works."

In this season of Thanksgiving here in America, we have a lot to be grateful about.  If we truly are believers of the Lord Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), we know that everything happens for a reason.  Good or bad, we know that God is in control and that we can always depend upon Him in all situations.  We express gratitude to people that God brought to our lives that blessed us in different kinds and ways.    God can use anyone to deliver His message, His blessings and hope for us---His children.  However, we must be careful not to center our focus on those whom God used but to give thanks and ascribe glory to the very Source of all our blessing---GOD HIMSELF!

Anyway,  we just finished casting our votes in the Midterm Elections and have chosen our leaders and representatives.  I will be lying if I tell you that I am extremely happy with the results after learning that the Democratic party took control of the House (Congress).  Despite the wonderful things happening in our country as God uses our current administration to restore our country back in order in just less than two years (after nearly a decade of ungodliness and destruction brought about by the previous administration), other people chose to give their support over godless men and women who have openly declared lawlessness and hatred for God to legislate on their behalf.  It's hard to fathom the utter deception that had befallen those who decided to support these kind of politicians who does not acknowledge God and our Constitution.  Because for God-fearing people that are operating with wisdom, the choice was crystal clear.  As a believer, I know that God is in control and because He is, I am at peace.  But sometimes,  I couldn't help but think of what these godless leaders would conspire to do next to harm our nation?  For their minds are  dominated with selfish and demonic thoughts continually.  They have lost all manner of decency as their evil plans to destroy this nation through lawlessness and godless acts are now proudly proclaimed and done in the open.  While I was quietly dealing with this frustration, God reminded me of a name---GIDEON!  I decided to refresh my memory about the story of this Godly man and found a video that God used to reveal His heart to me.  So I want to share with you what I wrote in my Facebook page a few hours after the 2018 Midterm elections.  You can find the VIDEO at the very end of this post and I suggest that you take the time to watch it too.  Here's what I posted:

FRIENDS, I NEED TO SHARE THIS AND I ASKED THAT YOU TAKE THE TIME TO READ AS YOU ACTIVATE YOUR SPIRITUAL EYES/EARS: As I inquire of the results in last night’s 2018 Midterm Election, I felt sad upon hearing that the lawless party has taken control of the House (Congress). How could many people be so deceived as to put these God-haters who had been proven to promote death, destruction, division, satanic worship and lunacy be given the power to govern and allow them to wreak havoc on the many great things that had been accomplished. Without any of their support, our country prospered in all levels which sure benefited every American. But it didn’t take a while for me to snap out of it as the peace and assurance of God’s control and sovereignty began to engulf me. Immediately, He reminded me of GIDEON. That in Israel’s fight with the Medianites, though they were strongly outnumbered, God reduced their army even more. Why? Because when we have everything in our favor, we as people tend to think we won because of our own might/power. When we gain victory on situation we knew none of our efforts would work, that’s when we recognize God’s hand and give Him all the glory. So, I felt that I needed to share this Gideon (short) video to all of us American who fear and rely upon the Lord. The parallelism to our time is astounding as many people turn their hearts against God worshiping other gods like Baal (child sacrifice aka abortion in our time, sexual immorality and pursuit for riches and power) along with many others. We are given a leader to free us from the consequences of our sin as a nation and restore us to the righteousness of God. Remember that all things work together for good to those who love God and live according to His purpose. Please watch and be blessed! I pray that as God comforted me, it will also encourage us and propel us to continue to fight alongside God till we see the enemy vanish in this country."

This is truly profound and I know this is God's message to all God-fearing Americans at this time. Surely if we have our way, we would want to sit back and relax and have our government do everything for us.  Many would be placing their trust in our POTUS, to the leaders of our government and their positions rather than placing their faith upon God who uses people to deliver unto us His blessings and victory.  I am not saying we should not thank and acknowledge people but let's face it, many do really put their trust in people, in one's power and might, rather than God.  I see that in social media comments daily.  The Truth is, we need to acknowledge the hand of God not only in the affairs of our nation but in the world.  We cannot sit back and relax and pretend like no one wants to harm our country.  Let us continue to pray and trust God and do whatever He tells us to do as we encourage one another to fight the good fight of faith.  Though we are led by our President, God is the ultimate Commander of this entire universe and everyone is accountable to Him.  Nothing takes place without His permission. So, when things are not going our way, remember Psalm 30:5 which says, "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."  In Jesus, we are never without hope!  Let us be bold and speak up, proclaiming Truth and rebuking lies.  In every victory, always give the glory back to God!  Worship God, not man.  He alone deserves it! 

For this Card, I used a couple of images from Mo Manning Stamps called "Cinderella (Before and After)" and colored it using my Touch Five/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored for an A2 size cards (4.25 x 5.5 inches).  The DP's are from DCWV.  The sentiments were of course our Scripture Word Art while the other comes from one of our sponsors for this Challenge, Stamp Simply from the "Words of Encouragement Set."  I purposely made a CAS design to more on the Scripture and how it relates to the images.  I love it!

 CINDERELLA BEFORE AND AFTER CARDS

 CINDERELLA BEFORE CARD WITH ENVELOPE

CINDERELLA AFTER CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A2Z---Give Thanks
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ARG
Crafts Galore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Just Keep on Creating---ATG
LeAnn's---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Oddball Art----ATG
Worldwide DT---ATG
YSP---ATG
Brown Sugar---Thankful
Creative Fingers---ATG


Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter several times in two weeks.  A great prize awaits our winner from our wonderful sponsors---Stamp Simply Clear Stamps (Stamps and/or Die-cuts) and Sweet n' Sassy  Stamps (Digis).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, meditate on the goodness of the Lord and rely on His promises.  Expect only wonderful things from Him each day.  His presence in us enables us to do the impossible.

HOW GIDEON WAS USED BY GOD