The NIV Bible translates our highlighted verse this way, "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray." We got to get rid of all of the clutter, things that entangle us---that which hinder us in focusing on what is important with regards to God's higher calling in our lives. We have to take hold of our emotions to avoid hasty and ineffective decisions which could come back anytime to haunt us. And do not allow worldly fear to dampen your faith and cause you to compromise your well being (body, soul and spirit). God's Word is very clear in 2 Timothy 1:7 in the Amplified version, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. Remembering that in Christ, we are never victims---we are victors! And that in life or in death, we are established in Him. That my friend is what true freedom is all about. It is the same freedom that we can share with others when we continue to share the Gospel to the lost while there is time. Let us cover each other in prayer with our Father's protection, strength and wisdom as we navigate this deceptive, darkened and dangerous world.
Lastly, I would like to share what My Life Application Bible wrote regarding our highlighted verse which says, "Suffering helps us be like Christ, yet people will do anything to avoid pain. Followers of Christ, however, should be willing and prepared to do God's will and to suffer for it if necessary. We can overcome sin when we focus on Christ and what He wants us to do. Pain and danger reveal our true values. Anyone who suffers for doing good and still faithfully obeys in spite of suffering has made a clean break with sin. People whose lives change radically at conversion may experience contempt from his or her old friends. They may be scorned not only because they refuse to participate in certain activities, but also because their priorities have changed and they are now heading in the opposite direction, Their lives incriminate their friend's sinful activities. Mature Christians should help new believers resist such pressures of opposition by helping them to be faithful to Christ, surrounding them as new friends, and encouraging them to develop new habits and activities that are not only enjoyable but positive for their spiritual growth. The basis of salvation is our belief in Jesus (Acts 16:31), but the basis for judgment is how we lived. All people will be judged: believers for the rewards they will receive; unbelievers for punishment. Those who inflict persecution are marked for punishment when they stand before God. All will give an account to God, so we must be ready. This may give you a new perspective on your activities and actions today. Are you prepared to explain them to God. We should live expectantly because Christ is coming. Getting ready to meet Christ involves continually growing in love for God and others. It is important to pray regularly, and it is also important to reach out to needy people. Your possessions, status, and power will mean nothing in God's kingdom, but you will spend eternity with other people. Invest your time and talents where they will make an eternal difference."
For this Card, I used an image from Mo Manning Stamps called "Lil Ballerina" that I colored using The Creative Expert and Prismacolor markers. The base is a pre-cut A7 card and the DP's are also from the Paper Studio. I layered flowers from Prima, add glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and placed a white brad from Paper Studio. I incorporated a die-cut border using Momenta die template and added some leaves using an EK Success Leaf Punch. Lastly, I adhered some white nail head gems from Imaginisce and ran some panels through my sewing machine for regular and fancy stitching. I love it.
This Card is entered into the following Challenges:
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 up to 5 times each week. A wonderful prize
awaits our winner from our lovely sponsor for this Challenge---Cas-ual Fridays Stamps (Stencil Package).
So excited to see what you come up with. Anyway, be very vigilant,
pray always and practice your God given rights. As long as God is
seated on the throne, we are never without hope. We are part of His
plan in this world.
Ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Find out how on the sidebar...
So adorable Jo Ann! Beautifully crafted! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Sisterhood of Crafters challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.
ReplyDeleteDarlene
SISTERHOOD OF CRAFTERS
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Please stop in for a visit!
Fabulous work. Love this very much. Always a pleasure to visit your blog and view your lovely work. Thank you for sharing in our challenge at Classic Design Challenge we really appreciate you joining in.
ReplyDeleteAnnette DT
Absolutely gorgeous project. Lovely work here.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us over at Morgan's ArtWorld. We hope to see you again.
~ Annette CT -
WOW this is amazing and love it, thanks so much for entering our challenge, LEAF it to chance! with your fabulous design at[aNNie designer for The Sisterhood of Crafters]
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This is a smashing project!
ReplyDeleteWe do love to see all the entries at Classic.
Thank you for sharing in our challenge at Classic Design Challenge
We really appreciate you joining in.
Jackie DT
Lovely project. Love that you did the inside and the envelopebox too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Craftyhazelnuts patterned paper challenge blog. 😀
Happy crafting!
Catherine x DT
There must be a reason God made me want to read this. I really neeede it! I am glad I stopped by to adore your beautiful card. Thank you for taking time out and joining us at the photo inspiration. Hugs ~ Ishani.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card, coloring and thought provoking post. Thanks so much for joining us at As You Like It Challenge!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - an amazing coordinating project.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Cardz 4 Galz.
Helen x
Pretty coloring! I love your image choice. Really lovely work!
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us at the Crafts Galore Encore Challenge.
Adorable! Thank you so much for joining in with your favourite primary colour for the AYLI challenge. This is a fab creation and we really appreciate you taking the time to enter. Hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Squirrel x
ReplyDeleteThis little girl, all dressed up for her recital, is adorable! I love the layers on the outside and especially love the way you decorated the inside of the card. Brilliant! Thanks so much for joining us at Cardz 4 Galz! Hope to see you again soon!
ReplyDeleteSue
Thank you for joining us at challenge Le Ann's World 101 Challenge
ReplyDeleteDT Maria
Beautiful creation! Thank you for sharing with us over at Let's Craft and Create. We hope to see you again.
ReplyDelete~ Sherry DT/Admin xx
Beautiful creation! Thank you for sharing with us over at Morgan's ArtWorld. We hope to see you again.
ReplyDelete~ Sherry CT/Admin/Coordinator xx
Very nice card - thanks so much for playing along with us at TIME OUT!
ReplyDeletelovely card, thank you for joining us for the challenge in My Bestie Spanish challenge blog
ReplyDeleteDT wendypink
Sweet card, love the stitching! Thank you for playing with us at Love to Craft Challenge and we hope to see you again next time!
ReplyDeleteXOXO, Aimeslee LTCCB DT
http://paper-paisleys.blogspot.com/
Your possessions, status, and power will mean nothing in God's kingdom. Got struck with this line. Thank you for sharing this and your adorable card. Thank you for joining us at Lets Craft & create Challenge.
ReplyDeleteAdorable card! Thank you for sharing with us over at Morgan's ArtWorld. We hope to see you again.
ReplyDelete~ Judy CT
Such a Cute and adorable card
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us at LeAnn's World 101 Challenge
Good Luck
Rose DT
Wonderful creation!
ReplyDeleteThanks for playing at Crafty Creations Challenge and sorry for the late comment.
Ileanaxx