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.


Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Scripture Series: Thy Praise To All Generations Easel Card---Join Our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, everyone!  A week ago, we started another Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) as we feature another great Scripture Word Art (free for you to download at the WAW site). It comes from Psalm 79:13 which says, "So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations."

Our highlighted verse today is the last verse of Psalm 79.  So to find context and meaning, I've chosen to read the entire chapter and I found out that this was written by Asaph (or one of his descendants) after the Babylonian army marched into Jerusalem, burned the temple, tore down the city's massive walls, and carried off the people into captivity.  The theme was about, "When outraged by injustice, cry out to God, not against Him.  In times of disaster, our mood may be anger, but our trust must remain in God.  My Life Application Bible has shared a great commentary on this chapter and it truly blessed me.  It says, "According to the Old Testament, God's wrath and judgment often fell on entire nations because of the sins of people within those nations.  Here Asaph pled for judgment on kingdoms that refused to acknowledge God's authority.  Ironically, Asaph's own nation of Judah was being judged by God for refusing to do this very thing  (2  Chronicles 36:14-20).  These were people who have sworn allegiance to God but were now rejecting Him.  This made their judgment even worse.  In the end, God's glory will be evident to all people, but in the meantime, we must endure suffering with patience and allow God to strengthen our character through it. For reasons that we do not know, pagan people often are allowed to scoff at believers.  We should be prepared for criticism, jokes and unkind remarks because God does not place us beyond the attacks of the scoffers. 

Oh wow, what a timely scripture for what we are experiencing in this country today.  In the natural, why does it seem like the darkness is gaining ground?  Have the people lost their minds?  That's just two of the many questions I had as I watched the midterm election results a week ago.  In spite of the state of our economy worsened by taking away our energy independence and the overspending that brought us inflation while battling illegal immigration, crime and addiction that affected the lives of many hardworking Americans,  this false and senile leadership is not done wreaking havoc in this country.  They committed many crimes but are not held liable.  This is the very definition of injustice!   What kind of people would allow such a demonic party to continue leading unless the ones voting them to power no longer know right from wrong?  It is sad but that is the case.  The truth is, many in this country had become lovers of themselves.  They worship everything but the One True God.  They profess to know God but their deeds are evil continually.  Yet those who love and obey God are interceding for these ungodly leaders to find Christ so that they may govern in righteousness. Likewise,  it is also our duty to pray and support our Godly men and women by voting them to office during election time that they may lead for God's glory.  We won some but we also lost some!  And the haters of God came full force in mocking God's people---"Where is your God now?!." they said.   But the truth is, they will never ever understand His move for they are deceived and oblivious about God, much more His plan and purpose. As believers of Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), God's Word has given us  sufficient information on what's going to happen but not every detail is revealed.  It's in these difficult times (when we couldn't make sense of what had transpired)  that we are to walk by faith in God and follow the examples of Jesus in the midst of trials and uncertainties.   More than anything, we must cling to the Lord for in Him is our life, freedom, protection and future.  This world is in a state of delusion and everyone who rejected the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ  will succumb to the delirium and blinding spell of the wicked.  

So at all times, keep our focus on JESUS CHRIST!  Hebrews 12:2-3 says, "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Yes, we may be angered by the injustices happening before our eyes daily.  Endeavors consistent to God's Word are ignored or punished while wickedness and rebellion are rewarded.  When our love for God is being characterized as "extremism" while hatred for God is celebrated.  Yes, it is alarming but we must remember that God has given us His peace.  Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  We shouldn't lose hope!  The God that revealed to us the fate of the wicked is the same God that promised to save us from His day of wrath that will pour mercilessly to everyone that rejected Christ.  When that day (Rapture of the Church) comes, there'll be much rejoicing for those who placed their trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ.  Let's encourage one another with this truth as we continue to be Salt and Light in this world. Every waking moment is a day to show forth God's love for those who are lost.
 
For this Card. I used an image from DRS Designs called "Western Dancing Couple" which I colored using my Ohuhu markers.  The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card design.  The DP's are from DCWV, the brads from Recollections and the white nail head gems are from Imaginisce.  The vines stamp is from Penny Black called "Sprigs" and the sentiment stamped on the personal message space is from Stamp Simply called "Delightful Dahlias."  Lastly, I stitched all over this creation.  

 
THY PRAISE TO ALL GENERATIONS EASEL CARD
 

THY PRAISE TO ALL GENERATIONS EASEL CARD WHEN CLOSE


THY PRAISE TO ALL GENERATIONS EASEL CARD WITH MESSAGE SPACE


THY PRAISE TO ALL GENERATIONS EASEL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Paper Funday---ATG/Colors of Autumn
Paperminutes---Special Card Shape
Passion for Markers---Fall/Autumn Colors
TTCRD---ATG
A Place to Start---ATG/Word of Thanks
Crafting Happiness---Thanks/Anything Fall
PIP---ATG
Path to Positivity---Celebrate Simple Things in Life
Simon Says---Thanks/Thanksgiving
Dare 2B Artzy---Non-Birthday
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG/Give Thanks
Incy Wincy Designs---Give Thanks and/or Encourage a Friend
Scor-Pal---More than One Score
QKR---ATG
Rabisco---ATG
Crafting Challenge---Add a Sentiment
Four Seasons---Anything Goes Fall


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---DRS Designs ($20 GC).  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. Jesus is coming for us soon and we will forever be with Him.  Rejoice always!


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20 comments:

  1. Yes, we must trust God, and look to Him first and foremost in all our trials - at the moment they are coming thick and fast at our family - I covet your prayers.
    A cute card Jo Ann - beautifully coloured and constructed
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  2. I've always liked the look of Easel cards and this one is especially wonderful. Thanks for sharing your lovely project with us at The Four Seasons Challenge
    Donna xx

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  3. I'm popping back in to say Thanks for playing along with us at the Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge and The Paper Funday Challenge too!

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  4. Oh my gosh, what an awesome image, and your easel design and all the layers and papers look amazing! Thanks for sharing with us at Four Seasons!

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  5. A super card, great colours and style. Thanks for joining Passion for Markers. Elaine

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  6. I can almost hear Charlie Daniels playing "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" as your boot scooters dance away, JoAnn! Thank you for sharing your lovely easel card with us at Jan's Digi Blog Challenge. Good Luck and Happy Crafting!
    Hugs,
    Jan
    (Owner & Illustrator of Jan's Digi Stamp Shop)

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  7. Thanks for joining us at A Place to Start this month for our Anything Goes, optional use words of thanks challenge, wonderful card.

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  8. What a fantastic easel card! Love the cowboy couple!! So glad you shared with us at Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge!
    Hugs,
    Karen C

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  9. Fabulous card, perfect for our theme. Thanks for sharing at PFM
    Natx

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  10. Lovely project Jo Ann. Thank you for sharing with us over at Morgan's ArtWorld. We hope to see you again.
    ~ Wendy CT

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  11. Hello, sweet friend. You speak the truth with love. Praise God! He is ALWAYS in control despite the world's efforts to push forth their evil agenda. God is not mocked, and His truth will surely prevail. One day, EVERY knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Christ is LORD of all. I join you in praying for the lost souls that so desperately need His truth, healing and forgiveness. I truly couldn't fathom one single second of my life without Him. Praise God....I don't have to. Thanks for sharing your lovely card with us at The Four Seasons Challenge. We always appreciate your participation.
    Blessings,
    Karen, DT
    The Four Seasons

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  12. Fun card and great fold! Thanks for the inspiration, and for linking up at Crafting Happiness Challenges.

    We have a new Bonus challenge going on right now with a chance to win one of 5 little prizes. Stop by and play along. Any type of crafting welcome - paper crafting, sewing, crochet, etc.

    Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs!
    :) Janis
    https://craftinghappinesschallenges.blogspot.com/
    https://pausedreamenjoy.blogspot.com/

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  13. What a cute Western card. So glad you joined us over at Morgan's ArtWorld. We hope to see you again.
    ~ Arlene CT

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  14. What a wonderful easel card. Your coloring is really amazing. Thank you for joining us for this challenge at Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge and look forward to seeing you again soon!
    Anna, Design Team

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  15. This is absolutely gorgeous! Love your coloring and image are fab! ! Thank you for sharing your wonderful project with us at Creatalicious Challenges.Neva

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  16. Such a lovely card

    Thanks so much for joining us on the Polkadoodles Wk 46 Digi Choosday challenge….

    Love and crafty hugs from

    Wendy (DT)

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  17. Great image and colour scheme.

    Thanks for joining us at the Crafts Galore Encore Challenge.

    Helen x
    DT

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  18. I love your very fun easel card. Thanks so very muc for joining us this time at the Creatalicious Challenge

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  19. What a fun easel card, so beautifully done!
    Thank you so much for joining in at my Crafty Wednesday challenge!
    Ellie
    Ellibelle's Corner

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  20. Such a lovely card. Thank you for linking up with us over at Crafty Gals Corner Challenge. Best of luck, DT~Jana Forrest

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