Together Wedding Card---Join the Fun with the Backporch Gang of 613 Avenue Create for an Anything Goes Challenge with Optional Twist!

Good morning, everyone!  This is coming out a day late but want to share with you the project I made for a couple of friends that got married just this weekend. Also, I am featuring the same project here for our Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Twist (Use 1 color in each of the 3 columns in our Chart) at 613 Avenue Create.  Before that , I would like to share something in light of the events we are dealing with in our country and around the globe.  Our world is wrapped in terror these days where human beings rebel against God and acting out the evil in their hearts that came from their twisted thinking and hatred of God.  And so, it is always a welcome and happy sight to experience the union of two people starting a new life together, seeing one of God's will for his creation building up each other and far from the destruction we always see and hear all over the news nowadays. It does not mean nothing good is happening around us (in fact there's many) but it's purposely ignored to spread fear and terror to achieve an evil agenda. You can tell I've just had enough of the media bias of our times.

It is important to keep a positive mindset (not easy!) even if all we see is destruction and negativity.  But I submit to you that if you're looking for the positive in things that are temporary, you cannot go very far.  Apart from the knowledge of Christ, His Word and having a personal relationship with Him (Born-again, John 3:3), there's only confusion and deception which gives birth to chaos and destruction.  Sadly, the whole world is filled with people who continue to rebel against the One True God and are taking many ignorant and selfish people with them.  Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."  I had to look up what "haughty" means and saw this from vocabulary.com:  "Someone who is haughty is arrogant and full of pride. When you're haughty, you have a big attitude and act like you're better than other people. A haughty person acts superior and looks down on others. Haughty people are disdainful, overbearing, prideful, swaggering, and obnoxious."  We know for a fact that our nation had been plagued with leaders with such a spirit and had become agents of Satan. Not only do they lead their office with complete disregard for the people they represent but with pride and arrogance, they mock the One True God by going against everything God mandated in His Word.  They support and continue to promote killing, stealing and destruction by the stroke of their pens.  Jeremiah 49:16 says,"The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle's, from there I will bring you down," declares the LORD."

It is vital for us to examine ourselves individually...To prostrate ourselves before the presence of Almighty God in repentance as we place our trust and hope in the Only One Who can truly save us---JESUS CHRIST!   We always make the mistake on looking for a man we call "heroes" of our days.  We place our faith on the seen instead of what is unseen (eternal).  How much longer before we all get down on our knees and admit to ourselves that there's really nothing we can do to change our situation but God?  Oftentimes, we say:  "Lord, have your way" but then try to fix things ourselves.  I am convinced that we have arrived at the point in time where there is nothing we can do with our own power and strength to change the hell and leadership we allowed into our country and the entire world.  I say it with a heavy heart but true.  Yet there's always hope!   The hope I am talking about can only come from those whom God called---His Body (the Ekklesia, the Church) in whom the Holy Spirit dwells and leads.  Because the very presence of God is within us, we can do great and mighty things!  Oh yes, we may be outnumbered and dwarfed by the evil giants of our day but believe this:  The One that lives inside of us is much bigger and much stronger.  With CHRIST IN US, nothing is impossible!

Because CHRIST LIVES IN ME, I can see the positive in the negative.  His Word promised us of the glory that awaits those who place their trust in Him. When this life is over, eternity is waiting for us in the presence of the King of kings and the Lord of lords.  Right there with Him is our eternal dwelling place where the memories of evil shall be no more.  Before then, we live each day in this fallen world...I am not denying that it terrifies me what each day may bring but I am always reminded by the Word of God in 2 Corinthians 5:6-11 which says, "Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.  For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.  So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience."  I know that God can do great and mighty things for our country by using men and women who truly love and honor Him, even others whom He will raise up for Himself (like Apostle Paul).  We must be patient in waiting, sensitive to His leading and act promptly when He gives us the go.  GOD IS OUR ONLY HOPE! 

For this Card, I used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called "Make it Snappy-Congratulations" that I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I used a couple of embossing folders from Cuttlebug for my panels, layered some flowers from Prima and glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  I also incorporated a pearl brad, doily from my stash, leaves that were die-cut using Fiskars punch and some Liquid Pearls (Platinum) to accentuate the necklace part of the image.  The outside sentiment came from Heidi Grace and the inside sentiment from Fiskars.  Finally, some stitching all over this creation.  Pretty cool, huh!

 TOGETHER WEDDING CARD

TOGETHER WEDDING CARD LAYERS

 TOGETHER WEDDING CARD INSIDE

TOGETHER WEDDING CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
Little Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Dare2BArtsy---Lots of Layers
OLLCB---Texture (Embossing)
Sisters of Craft---ATG
Your Scrapbook Place---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafting with Friends---ATG
I Love ProMarker---Glitter and Glitz
Love to Scrap---ATG
Crazy Challenge---Summer Fun
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Use Your Stuff---Die-Cuts and/or Punches
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
Dragonfly Dreams---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Glitter N Sparkle---ATG
OSAAT---ATG with Elements of Nature
As You Like It---Your Trademark Style and Why (It's Layered Cards as it's fun and gives more)
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Crimbo Crackers---ATG 
Little Miss Muffet---ATG

There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.   Our sponsor for this week is The Fantasy Art of Nikki Burnett.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  I hope you have a wonderful week and know that through faith in what Jesus accomplished through the Cross, we have complete victory that we can effectively share with others! 

Scripture Series: Peace I Give Unto You Card---Join Us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello Crafty Peeps!  Are you excited for another two-week Inspirational/Family Friendly/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW)?  I do hope so!  Today, I am highlighting another free Scripture Word Art (you can download at the WAW site) for our new Challenge.  It comes from John 14:27 and it says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  This verse is part of the verses that comes under the subject "Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit"  from John 14:15-31.  It is very important that we read it in context in order to have greater understanding about the kind of peace Jesus was talking about in our highlighted verse.

I would like to share what I read from my Life Application Bible pertaining to our verse today as it offers a wonderful explanation .  It says, "Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he had been teaching them.  This promise ensures the validity of the New Testament.  The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus' life and teachings, and the Holy Spirit helped  them remember without taking away their individual perspectives.   We can be confident that the Gospels are accurate records of what Jesus taught and did (1 Corinthians 2:10-14).  The Holy Spirit can help  us in the same way.  As we study the Bible, we can trust Him to plant Truth in our mind, convince us of God's will, and remind us when we stray from it.  The end result of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives is deep and lasting peace.  Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ's peace, we have no need to fear the present  or the future.  Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us.  The peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to restrain this hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict.  Jesus says He will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from Him.  If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ's peace. "

The life of a believer (Born-again, John 3:3) is not characterized by the absence of conflicts.  In fact, based on experience, there's more conflicts than ever before not just coming from the outside forces but most of the time, from within our own hearts.  Before coming to the Lordship  of Jesus Christ, we usually just look out for ourselves---what is best for us and our love ones.  Though I knew at a very young age about the "Ten Commandments" in part, I based my actions on the outward obedience without being completely aware of the damage my hidden motives and intent can do to my attitude and character.  After coming to the knowledge and Lordship of Jesus Christ and learning His ways daily, I knew I had to come clean and release wholeheartedly what is inside my heart and my mind.  Not that God is unaware of it but in love and submission , I needed to surrender everything to Him.  After all, Jesus already took care of all my sins (past, present and future) through His finished work at the Cross!  To tell Him about my concerns and struggles would be to acknowledge that He's got complete authority over my life and is free to do His work as He pleases.   

Though it seem like a simple undertaking for those that love God yet honestly, this is where most of our conflicts happen.  When we accepted Christ into our hearts, our spirits that were once darkened met the light of God and became Born-again into God's Kingdom.  But the other parts of our being (both soul and physical body which comprises our human nature) are not and therefore needs to be renewed by the power of God's Word daily.  Our soul (comprising of our minds, will and emotions) carry the baggage of our old ways and thinking that it needs to come under the new spirit Christ gave us.  Galatians 5: 16-17 acknowledges this conflict when Apostle Paul wrote, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."  Everyday, we are to submit our thoughts unto God and wait for His leading before we make any kind of decisions.  Acknowledge that  we are all a work in progress till we come face to face with Jesus Christ and are transformed to His perfection.  Before then, the Holy Spirit abides, comforts and directs us while assuring us of His peace as we deal with our human nature and with outside forces.  Each of us are in different levels of faith so, we have to be extra patient with one another and strive for peace in all circumstances.  It's proving to be very difficult each day but I know I am never alone. The  evil of these days are weighing me down but I focus on the blessed hope of our victory in Christ and I gain strength to stand and fight another day.  God's peace---it totally makes a huge difference!  I want to leave you some encouraging Bible verses to meditate on as  we continue the good fight of faith in this troubled times. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”(Matthew 11:28-30)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:6-7)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33)

For this Card, I used an image from Saturated Canary called "Steampunk" that I colored using my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from my scraps, the flowers I layered are from Prima, the brad from Recollections and the leaves are stamped and fuzzy cut using Clearly Besotted Stamps I got free from a magazine purchase.  I also utilized an MS Punch to create a border, glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and some sequins from my stash.  Lastly, I stitched all over this creation.  I think it came out wonderfully....

 PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU CARD

 PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU CARD LAYERS

 PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU CARD INSIDE

PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
OLLCB---Something beginning with "F" (Flower)
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Dragonfly Dreams---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
OSAAT---ATG with Flowers
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
Deep Ocean---Colors of Summer
Fairy Tale---Sumner Special
Lemon Shortbread---ATG
Retarte---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Lazy Days of Summer---ATG
Paper Shelter---Sunny Days
Crafty Addicts---Say It With Flowers


Hope you enjoyed my featured project today at WAW...I am looking forward to see your projects linked to our Challenge.  You can include the free Word Art in your projects to link,  but not a requirement.  You can submit any inspirational, uplifting, family friendly creations (up to 5) for more chances to win our prize from our sponsosr this week---CropStop ($10 GC) and Imagine That (3 Digi images). Always remember to call on Jesus 24/7.  He is always willing to listen and is able to meet everyone whose heart is seeking after Him. 

Enjoy Life BBQ Card---It's Anything Goes with an Optional Twist for our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create...

Happy 4th of July, everyone!  Our nation's freedom is something all Americans should be very grateful about as it was bought and paid for by many who sacrificed their lives so that we can continue to live life to the fullest.  As we celebrate the 240th Independence Day of America and express gratitude to the people that made it all possible, let us not lose focus on the ultimate spiritual freedom that can only come from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross. Many doesn't even pay attention to the death sentence every human being is sure to face once our earthly life is over.  Eternal death and torment outside of the presence of God is what's waiting for every individual that refused to repent and come under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.   By His own blood, He paid the ransom for all our sins and everyone who place their trust in Him shall live eternally free from the bondage of  "Sin and Death" that every human being inherited from Adam.

If you haven't received Christ as your Lord and Savior and desire the freedom that only Jesus can provide, you need to make a decision right now to come humbly before God's throne.  Pray this simple prayer from your heart and escape eternal judgment that will come upon the proud and rebellious.  Say this:   "Jesus, I come to you today to give up lordship over my life.  I believe that you are the Way, the Truth and the Life and that you died on the Cross to pay for all my sins. I ask for your forgiveness and accept  You into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior.  Thank you for welcoming me into Your Kingdom.  This I pray, in Jesus' Name, Amen!

I hope many of you decided to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as you come across this post.   The truth is, we  don't know when our time (physical death) comes.  Our eternal destination will depend upon the choices we made while on earth.  Eternity is something we can't afford to waste. I hope you seize the opportunity to answer God's call today while there still time.  Just as the entrance to Noah's Ark closed in the time of  such great flood and all but one family was saved , the period of Grace through faith in Christ is going to close very soon!  It will be a terrible tragedy for everyone who misses it. I want to leave the following verses to encourage everyone to stay focus on the Lord's promises in His Word as we face challenges in our personal life, our nation and the world as a whole.  

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.  And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:1-10)

"So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him"  (1 Thessalonians 5:6-10)

Anyway, I want to share with you the project I made  for our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create with an Optional Twist (Use a Rose).  For this Card, I used an image from Stamping Bella called "Uptown Bella and Barney Have a BBQ" that I water colored with my Stabilo 68 Pens.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square/shaped card.  The DP's are from Paper Studio and Recollections, the trellis die-cut from Nestabilities, the Washi tapes from Recollections, the flower from Prima and the nail head gems from Imaginisce.  I added some glitters to the image using Stickles (Crystal).  The wonderful sentiment came with the image and finally, I ran the panels through my sewing machine for that regular and fancy stitching all over this creation.  I love it!

ENJOY LIFE BBQ CARD

ENJOY LIFE BBQ CARD LAYERS

ENJOY LIFE BBQ CARD SIDE VIEW

ENJOY LIFE BBQ CARD INSIDE

ENJOY LIFE BBQ CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
OLLCB---Something beginning with "F" (Flower)
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Dragonfly Dreams---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Great Impressions---ATG
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
OSAAT---ATG with Flowers
Penny Black---ATG with Stamp
Deep Ocean---Colors of Summer
Fairy Tale---Sumner Special
Retarte---ATG
TTCRD---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---Melonheadz, Eureka Stamps and The Stamping Boutique .  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to link with us.  I hope you have a great week and know that through faith in what Jesus accomplished through the Cross, we have complete victory over whatever life may throw at us!  Thank you Lord...

Scripture Series: Lord is that Spirit Card---Make Sure to Check our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

It's Wednesday and time to highlight another project for our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Our free Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) comes from 2 Corinthians 3:17 which says, "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."  We have to understand that God is our source of wisdom and understanding.  Before Jesus came to earth, God's people live by obeying the Law of Moses and fulfilling the requirements of the Law for a temporary covering of their sins.  The Law never meant to save anyone but to show us how impossible it is for human beings to gain righteousness on our own without Almighty God making the way for us.  It's supposed to point us to a Savior who will free us from our bondage to Sin and Death and restore us to our original state of righteousness before a holy God for all eternity.   

My Life Application Bible provided a wonderful explanation that includes our featured verse---from 2 Corinthians 3:13-18.  It says, "When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments, his face glowed from being in God's presence (Exodus 34:29-35).  Moses had to put on a veil to keep the people from being terrified by the brightness of his face.  Paul adds that his veil kept them from seeing the radiance fade away.  Moses and his veil illustrate the fading of the old system and the veiling of the people's minds and understanding by their pride, hardness of heart, and refusal to repent.  The veil kept them from understanding the references to Christ in the Scriptures.  When anyone becomes a Christian (Born-again, John 3:3), Christ removes the veil (2 Corinthians 3:16), giving eternal life and freedom from trying to be saved by keeping laws.  And without the veil, we can be like mirrors reflecting God's glory.  Those who were trying to be saved by keeping the Old Testament law were soon tied up in rules and ceremonies.  But now, through the Holy Spirit, God provides freedom from sin and condemnation (Romans 8:1).  When we trust Christ to save us,  he removes our heavy burden of trying to please him and our guilt for failing to do so.   By trusting Christ we are loved, accepted, forgiven, and freed to live for Him.  "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."   The glory that the Spirit imparts to the believer is more excellent and lasts longer than the glory that Moses experienced.  By gazing at the nature of God with unveiled minds, we can be more like Him.  In the gospel, we see the truth about Christ, and it transforms us morally as we understand and apply it.   Through learning about Christ's life, we can understand how wonderful God is and what He is really like.  As our knowledge deepens, the Holy Spirit helps us to change.  Becoming Christlike is a progressive experience (Romans 8:29, Galatians 4:19, Philippians 3:21, 1 John 3:2).  The more closely we follow Christ, the more we will be like Him,"  

Isn't that wonderful to know that the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross (with all its power and benefits) lives inside of us?  When Jesus ascended into heaven, He never left us on our own.  He sent the Holy Spirit to teach us His Word and to remind us of our righteous place in the presence of our Father when we placed our faith in Christ Jesus.  The natural mind will not understand this but those who made Jesus their Lord and Savior can see this in the spirit.  I know how frustrating it is when people doesn't get the simple message of salvation and choose the complexity of religion with all it's dead works hoping they get it right with God.  It's double the frustration if they are family members or close friends.  What we can do is to obey the voice of the Holy Spirit when He prompts us to share the gospel to anyone.  We plant the seed of God's Word in them and we may even be asked to follow-up and disciple them.  But understand that it's the ministry of the Holy Spirit that works in a man's heart!  Not our strategies, convincing power or any other abilities we have.  If the man's heart is a good soil, the seed of God's Word will flourish and bear much fruit.  Today, we are bombarded by a whole lot  of craziness all over the world!  Lies by adding or withholding of Truth are so common nowadays to move and deceive people to accept a demonic agenda.  Government leaders, politicians, billionaires and millionaires have often aided these lies and are therefore not the solution to stop the evil that seeks to destroy us.  Many of them don't know God and are blind themselves leading even more to despicable blindness.  This is the time for TRUE BELIEVERS to take a stand, pray and act in accordance to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Let us intercede for our country, get into every pillars of our society and saturate them with the knowledge of God without apology.  We should run for local, state and national office and refuse to give the leadership to the ungodly.  Times are changing and we cannot sit around and pretend nothing is happening.  Flood social media with God's Word and most of all, refuse to play the game of political correctness to your sphere of influence.  Everything must be done in love without compromising the Truth.  I have an eternal perspective and because of that, I am not intimidated by anyone who can only kill the body but can't kill the spirit.  I know my place in God's Kingdom and I'm here to stay till my Father says it's time.  I hold God's Word in Philippians 1:20-21 close to my heart...It says, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness, so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." 

 
For this Card, I used an image from A Day for Daisies called "Daisy Bird Bath" and colored it with Prismacolor colored pencils and Gamsol.  The base is Kraft A7 card that comes with an envelope.  I used a sun rays stencil from Tim Holtz and lots of inking using Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  I also added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) and finally, some regular stitching.  I am glad I was able to make a card without my usual layering.  I am just so eager to try all the wonderful techniques I've seen from others and it was fun and challenging at the same time.  Anyway, I hope you like it as well.

LORD IS THAT SPIRIT CARD

LORD IS THAT SPIRIT CARD CLOSE-UP

LORD IS THAT SPIRIT CARD INSIDE

LORD IS THAT SPIRIT CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Paper Creator's---All About Flowers
TTCRD---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Dragonfly Dreams---Say it with Flowers
Glitter N Sparkle---ATG


Hope you join the fun at our WAW Challenge.  There's wonderful prize awaiting our winner from our sponsor this week, Simon Says Stamp ($25 GC).  You can choose to incorporate the free Word Art (sentiment) you see in my card for projects you wish to make and link with us though it's not mandatory.  You can submit up to 5 projects (Anything Goes) as long as it's family friendly, inspirational or uplifting.  Can't wait to see what you come up with. Have a blessed week and always remember the power that we possess in Christ through the Cross.  Hugs!  

Fun/Humor Series: One Super Power Card---It's Anything Goes with Optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello everyone!  I'm here to highlight another  card for our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create with an optional twist of "Create a Tag."  I didn't play the twist and opted for a fun and humorous theme.  Anyway, I had a roller coaster weekend beginning with someone hitting my vehicle from behind while I was waiting to turn left on my way home last  Thursday afternoon.  It was only November of last year that I was also struck by someone who ran the red light while on my way to Church on a Sunday morning.  My 10  year old son was also with me in both accidents.  I praise God for His goodness and faithfulness for He kept us safe from any injury despite the damage to our vehicle.

One may think that accidents are just accidents but I know that in every destruction is a spiritual force that seeks to intimidate, harm or destroy a life/lives.  The Bible declares in John 10:10, "The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  As a believer, this takes an even greater meaning as we continue to serve the Lord and fulfill the purpose He has for us on earth.  Whether we are facing physical or spiritual threats, behind them are spiritual entities that seeks to progressively weaken and eventually destroy us.  What exactly do I mean by that?  Negative situations and life challenges may distract us from our focus on the spiritual task at hand and turn the focus on our situations and challenges.  The devil tries to rob us of our joy and passion to serve by keeping us emotionally invested on doubt and fear.  The accidents I encountered was something I haven't experienced and could have easily made me paranoid.  I thought to myself, no matter how careful I am behind the wheel and obedient to the traffic rules, there are still people our there that doesn't care.  This made me feel like staying home---not wanting to drive anywhere.

I tell you, these are real challenges that I had to conquer with the help of the Holy Spirit.  Our challenges may be over but it may leave us in turmoil mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  It is important that we deal with them so that we don't find ourselves spiritually incapacitated to fulfill the purpose God assigned to us.  God's Word declares in John 14:26-27, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  As a Born- Again believer (John 3:3) with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through faith in what He accomplished at the Cross, I am not exempted from the many challenges people encounter in life.  Like everyone, I am vulnerable to a wide range of emotions and I can choose to be defeated by these trials or overcome them by the power of God living inside of me.  The Holy Spirit reminds me of God's promises in His Word and replaces my fears and doubts with hope and the assurance of my Father's love.  And we know that trials can make or break us!  On my own, I don't stand a chance...But with my Lord Jesus with me, I will surely overcome!  I would like to encourage you with the following verses if you are in the midst of trials or still affected by trials of the past.  Meditate on God's promises and be set free to live the life God intended you to fulfill.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts."  (Romans 5:1-5)

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:6-11) 

Anyway, on the lighter side of things, I created a fun and humorous card for this week's Challenge. I used an image from Art Impressions Girlfriends Stamps called "The Weigh In" and water colored it using Marvy Uchida Markers and Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP is from My Mind's Eye.  I used Fiskars Punch for the Lacy Border and Nestabilities for the Lacy Circle.  The stamps used for the flowers, is from Inque Boutique, the swirls from Stampabilities and the tickets from Inkadinkado.  I also added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) and nail head gems from Imaginisce.  The sentiment in the ticket is computer generated and the main sentiment I got as a freebie from Create with TLC.  Lastly, I did some fancy and regular stitching all over this project.

ONE SUPER POWER CARD

 ONE SUPER POWER CARD LAYERS

 ONE SUPER POWER CARD SIDE VIEW

 ONE SUPER POWER CARD INSIDE

 ONE SUPER POWER CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

 This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Aging with Attitude
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Paper Creator's---All About Flowers
Simon Says---Use Patterned Paper
Corrosive---Lots of Layers
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Crafty Boots---Summertime
Love to Scrap---ATG
Dragonfly Dreams---Say it with Flowers
Fashionable Stamping---Beautiful Blooms
Glitter N Sparkle---ATG
OSAAT---Layer it Up
Penny Black---Flower Power


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create with an optional twist.  There's wonderful prize awaiting the winner from our  sponsor this week---RSD.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  I hope you have a wonderful week and know that through faith in what Jesus accomplished through the Cross, we have complete victory over whatever life may throw at us!  Thank you Lord... 

Scripture Series: The Lord Directeth His Steps---Join our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello Crafty Peeps! It's Wednesday and time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, we are featuring a Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) which comes from Proverbs 16:9 and it says, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." I was blessed to come across this article from StudyLight.org that gives a wonderful explanation/illustration about this verse.  It truly blessed me so, I decided to share a portion of it in this post.  Here you go:

Man proposing, God disposing

We cherish hopes, we make plans; but there is a higher power that directs our steps. The ideas of fate and chance have been entertained by men in all ages of the world to account for these experiences. Scripture knows nothing of fate or chance. It is the Lord who is directing our steps. Look at this directing work of God overruling our purposes:

---In the success or failure of our daily business. Man uses what discretion and judgment he has, but when he has done all much is left to circumstances over which he has no control. Generally it may be said that the diligent and persevering are the most successful, but there are many cases in which the rule will not apply. Success will sometimes come to the careless. Failure will sometimes come to the most diligent. Perhaps almost the last place in which we should look to find the hand of God is the business of the world.

---In the choice of our occupations in life. What an amount of selecting and rejecting goes on in the mind of many!  There are few who, in choosing their occupations in life, have not had wishes of their own, and there are few who, in looking back, do not find that those wishes have been overruled. God is working out some kind and wise purpose by putting us where we are.

---In the choice of our friendships. An unexpected meeting with a person may alter our whole career. God is as certainly working in the minor as He is in the greater events of our lives.

The plan of man, and the plan of God, in human life

Man’s own plan 

“A man’s heart deviseth his way.” Every man forms a programme of his daily life. When he moves rationally, he does not move by blind impulse. That man’s history is self-originated, self-arranged and is manifested from three things.

---Society holds every man responsible for his actions.

---The Bible appeals to every man as having a personal sovereignty.

---Every man’s conscience attests his freedom of action. If the sinner felt himself the mere creature of forces he could not control, he could experience no remorse. Man feels that his life is fashioned by his own plan, that he is the undisputed monarch of his own inner world.

God’s own plan. 

“The Lord directeth his steps.” God has a plan concerning every man’s life--a plan which, though it compasses and controls every activity, leaves the man in undisturbed freedom. This is the great problem of the world’s history, man’s freedom, and God’s control. “Experience, “gives a demonstrable stamp of evidence even in all the minutiae of circumstances which form the parts and pieces of the Divine plan.” A matter Of common business, the indulgence of curiosity, the supply of necessary want, a journey from home, all are connected with infinitely important results. And often when our purpose seemed as clearly fixed, and as sure of accomplishment, this way of our own devising has been blocked up by unexpected difficulties, and unexpected facilities have opened an opposite way, with the ultimate acknowledgment, “He led me forth in the right way” (Psalms 112:7; Isaiah 42:16). After all, we need much discipline to wean us from our own devices, that we may seek the Lord’s direction in the first place. The fruit of this discipline will be a dread of being left to our own devices, as before we were eager to follow them (Psalms 143:10). So truly do we find our happiness and security in yielding up our will to our heavenly Guide?  He knows the whole way, every step of the way: “The end from the beginning.” And never shall we miss either the way or the end, if only we resign ourselves with unreserved confidence to His keeping, and the direction of our steps.  To read the entire article, go HERE!

You see, God equipped mankind with the ability to plan and make decisions but it was not His plan for us to accomplish things on our own without His guidance and blessings.  Those who rebel against God are slaves to the Sin nature that had been passed on from Adam and therefore would act according to the call of the flesh and the world.  They do what pleases their senses and act upon their own will with no reverence for their Maker.  But those who have placed their faith on the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross are no longer slaves to Sin.  Romans 6:6-7 says, "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin."  Because we made Him our personal Lord and Savior, we are to live in accordance to His plans and purpose in us and through us.  The Holy Spirit of God inside every believer will guide us daily as we communicate with Him through prayer and continuous study of His Word. So yes, I do have many plans in life but each of them is subject for approval by my King.  Whether He approves, rejects or asked me to wait, I can be confident in knowing He wants what's best for me. 

For this Card, I used an image from our sponsor this week, All Dressed Up Stamps called "Girl on a Bike" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The base is an A7-size Kraft card and the DP's are all from Paper Studio.  I layered some flowers from Prima, added a brad from Recollections and blue nail head gems from Imaginisce and added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to the flowers and the leaves I die-cut using Fiskars punch.  I also stamped some vines on the top panel of the card from Fiskars.  Finally, I went crazy stitching on this project.  I love it!

 THE LORD DIRECTETH HIS STEPS CARD

 THE LORD DIRECTETH HIS STEPS CARD LAYERS

 THE LORD DIRECTETH HIS STEPS CARD INSIDE

THE LORD DIRECTETH HIS STEPS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Addicted to Stamps---Flowers
Dragonfly Dreams---Say It Flowers
Eclectic Ellapu---Midsummer
Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
OSAAT---Stitching
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Get Creative---Bingo (Stitching/Printer Paper/Brads)
Our Crafty Corner---ATG
Simon Says---Summer Garden
Paper Girls---The Great Outdoors
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Where the Heart Is---ATG
All Dressed Up---ATG


Have a gorgeous day everyone and looking forward to see your wonderful projects linked at our WAW Blog.  It will be nice to see the featured Word Art in your Challenge project but not mandatory.  As long as it's family friendly, inspirational and uplifting, you are free to link up to 5 projects.  Our sponsors for this week are Paper Smooches and All Dressed Up Stamps.  Just want to tell you how much God loves you and wants you to discover the very reason and purpose He created you.  Get to know Him!  Hugs and blessing, everyone! 

Scripture Series: Congratulations Wedding Center Step Card---Join the Backporch Gang for our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Good day, everyone!  After a series of rain for many weeks, we are seeing a lot of sunshine for a couple of days now.  I was grateful for the rain because it kept us cool in an otherwise very hot summer temps here in Texas.  In fact, on my way to Church yesterday morning, I felt a bit sad when I didn't see the clouds as I realized it would be a hot day...That just goes to say I am not a big fan of summer...LOL

Just a few days ago, we concluded our study on the Book of Titus (Leadership Excellence) in our Kingdom Life Bible class.  We learned a lot in the ten days we were in the classroom within the ten-week period it was scheduled.  Just like Timothy, Titus was one of Apostle Paul's trusted and dependable disciples.  Both men were with Paul's journey to proclaim the Gospel of Truth and building the Body of Christ (Church).  Titus had been through a lot with Paul yet remained faithful and true to his calling.  If you wish to know more about this wonderful man of God, read HERE!

One of the main issues Paul and Titus dealt with in the church in Crete (located in Greece) were the Judaizers.  The word Judaizer comes from a Greek verb meaning “to live according to Jewish customs.” The word appears in Galatians 2:14 where Paul describes how he confronted Peter for forcing Gentile Christians to “Judaize.” A Judaizer taught that, in order for a Christian to truly be right with God, he must conform to the Mosaic Law. Circumcision, especially, was promoted as necessary for salvation. Gentiles had to become Jewish proselytes first, and then they could come to Christ. The doctrine of the Judaizers was a mixture of grace (through Christ) and works (through the keeping of the Law). This false doctrine was dealt with in Acts 15 and strongly condemned in the book of Galatians. You can read more HERE.

In today's world, there are still many false teachings like this one that plagues the Church.  The devil is working full time (as he knows his judgment is near) to take as many people as he can by robbing them of the Truth that would jeopardize their eternity.  Teachings that combines Grace and Law/Good Works takes our focus away from our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross which is the only means by which man can be saved.  Many religions have used the Law of Moses up to this day to place additional burdens to those who became Born-again (John 3:3).  The doctrine of combining "Jesus + (something else)" is a demonic teaching.   Without knowledge of God's Word, it can lead those who are weak in faith from the path of Truth. It is not the will of God for people to be burdened by the Law for no man can earn God's righteousness by obeying it.  Not before, not ever!  Jesus came to fulfill the Law so that by virtue of our "faith" in what He had accomplished, we are no longer bound by the guilt and shame it created.   The circumcision required by the Lord is no longer of the flesh but of the heart.  Colossians 2:11-14 says, "In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands.  Your whole self-ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.  When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ.  He forgave us all our sins, having been cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross."  

GOD'S GRACE...what a precious gift delivered by Jesus Christ to everyone who believes.  God's law is not evil but it has the power to condemn those are stiff in relying on their own abilities and accomplishments to reach God.  For the proud, there will be no salvation left.  Galatians 2:19 described it perfectly, "For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me.  So I died to the law--I stopped trying to meet all its requirements--so that I might live for God."

In conclusion, anyone who tries to persuade us to obey the Law to gain favor in the eyes of God or to be in right standing with Him are messengers of Satan and the Truth is not with them.  Right standing in the eyes of the Lord can only be given by God Himself---free from man's efforts and abilities.  He gave it to Abraham simply because he trusted Him.  Now,  He brought us back to the same principle of faith and trust through His One and Only Son.  Ephesians 2:1-10 clearly states, "Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.  You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil---the commander of the power of the unseen world.  He is spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.  All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature.  By our very nature, we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else.  But God is so rich in mercy and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins,  He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.  (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!).   For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.  So God can point us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.  God saved you by his grace when you believed.  And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.  For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."  So, where is the place for good works?  Good works follows those who believe---done by the works of the Holy Spirit in human hearts and delivered by them who entrusted their lives to Christ.  We do good works not to earn God's favor but because He already favors us through His Son.

Anyway, I would like to share with you the card I made for our Anything Goes Challenge with Optional twist (Create a Wedding Stationary) at 613 Avenue Create. I used an image and sentiment from Stamping Bella called "Uptown Couple Brett and Brenda Get Married" and colored it using my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step design.  I embossed a couple of embossing folders from Cuttlebug for the panels, the lacy oval and swirls are dies from Nestabilities and the lattice border from MS Punch.  I layered some flowers from Prima, the brad from Recollections and the glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  Lastly, I did some stitching all over this project.  I'm pretty happy with the result.

CONGRATULATIONS WEDDING CENTER STEP CARD

 CONGRATULATIONS WEDDING CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS

CONGRATULATIONS WEDDING CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW

 CONGRATULATIONS WEDDING CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE

CONGRATULATIONS WEDDING CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Addicted to Stamps---Flowers
Come and Get It---Weddings
Dragonfly Dreams---Say It Flowers
Eclectic Ellapu---Wedding
Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
OSAAT---Stitching
Penny Black---Flower Power
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Our Crafty Corner---ATG
Simon Says---Summer Garden
Paper Girls---The Great Outdoors
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Where the Heart Is---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---Bring on the Summer


This it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  If you want to be challenged (like I was), take on the Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it.  Our sponsor, Bugaboo Digi Stamps is giving away a fabulous prize for our winner.  Can't wait to see what you create. Have a blessed week!