Scripture Series: Faith Hope Charity Card---Join Us for Another Family Friendly/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, friends!  Back again for another Anything Goes/Family friendly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Today's featured Scripture Word Art comes from 1 Corinthians 13:13 and it says, "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." I looked for the meaning of "Charity " and what I got was mostly connected to generous giving.  One that comes closest for me described it as a Christian love which is God's love (Agape---selfless). The perfect embodiment of God's holy and pure love is His Son---Jesus Christ, our Savior.

The Bible tells us in John 1:18, "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known."  If we want to talk about true love and be able to put it into action, we can only look at the life lived by Jesus Christ on earth. He came with one purpose.  Jesus told us in John 4:34, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work." John 6:39-40 revealed "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of all those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” Wow, what a purpose! Jesus left the grandeur of heaven, wrapped Himself in flesh to live among men, demonstrated the love and ways of the Father,  and gave His life to redeem us from the bondage of Sin (Sin Nature from the very heart of Satan) and Death (Spiritual, Physical and Eternal Deaths).  How many of us would willingly face death when we know the exact time, place and manner by which we'll die?  A soldier marches into the battlefield knowing that death could come at anytime yet could hope that he would have another day to live.  But Jesus, in His omniscience, knew everything that's going to happen before His death sentence.  He knelt down and prayed at the Garden of Gethsemane in Luke 22:42-44 saying, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."  Jesus willingly gave His life to redeem mankind from their slavery to Satan and bring us back to the Father.  Romans 5:7-8 revealed, "Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  

My friends, this is the kind of love (charity) our Father in heaven wants us to extend to the world.  I must point out though that while God is a God of love, He is also a Holy God and a Just God.  He does not tolerate Sin of any shape or form.  In this day and time, when people think that the Scripture is obsolete and has no bearings in the modern world, many will die and spend eternity outside of the presence of God because they rejected the grace and the hope that is freely given to them through Jesus Christ as it is written in the Scripture!   JESUS should be the Center of our faith and Source of all our blessings.  If there's anything (and I mean ANYTHING!) we are trusting outside of the finished work (death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus Christ, we should repent and turn our lives over unto His Lordship.  No religion and ideology, power, fame, riches nor good works can ever purchase for us the gift of eternal life through our Lord, Jesus Christ!  He is the only means by which we can be saved (Born-again, John 3:3).  Knowing this, we are to be loving, yet firm in delivering the message of hope to the stubborn people of this age.  We are to make known to them the ways of the Kingdom even in the expense of name-calling and hatred.  True love does not mean giving them what they want to hear or agreeing with them while compromising God's Word.  It means having a pure motive to bring them to God through our actions.  The stakes are so high!  Tough love is often needed in  this rebellious and ungodly world.  John the Baptist didn't sugar coat God's Truth nor hugged everybody to tell people to repent from their sins for God's kingdom is at hand.  Jesus corrected and rebuked many and He didn't give people what they were eager to hear but what they needed to hear.  True love does not always translate to happy feelings and goose bumps.  Pure love, on the other hand,  always seeks and leads us to the Truth ("reality" in God's perspective). So, how should we live the example of Jesus Christ in our time?  We are to depend each waking moment to the power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in the ways God and as to how He would have us communicate His love to others.  We have no power on our own less we be led by Him.

For this Card, I used a rubber stamp from Stampendous called "Peacock Feathers", embossed it with clear embossing powder and fussy cut.  I did my own background design by using Tim Holtz Burlap Stencil and inked it with Distress Inks namely Spiced Marmalade and Peeled Paint.  I stamped some curly cues border from Fiskars and layered some Prisma flowers with a brad from Recollections at its center.  I ran it through my sewing machine for the final touch.  Quite different from my usual projects but loving it. 

 FAITH HOPE CHARITY CARD

  FAITH HOPE CHARITY CARD LAYERS

  FAITH HOPE CHARITY CARD  INSIDE

 FAITH HOPE CHARITY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Create with TLC---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG
Digistamps4Joy---ATG
Ecclectic Ellapu---ATG
Not Just Cards---New Beginnings (New Stamp used)
Paper Creator---Love is in the Air
Petal Lu---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---ATG
Your Scrapbook Place---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Simon Says---The Color of Love
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Lemon Shortbread---ATG
Creative Ladybirds---ATG
Crafty Girls Creations---ATG
Create and Inspire---ATG


 Hope you join the fun at our WAW Challenge.  Wonderful prizes awaits our winners from Winnie and Walter ($25 GC), Crafty Individuals (15 euros GC) and the Cutting Cafe  (digis).  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 find opportunities to share the hope you have in Christ by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading.  Hugs!

Scripture Series: Lift Up Mine Eyes Center Step Card---Link with our Family Friendly, Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi everyone!  It's another Wednesday and time for our bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Today, we are featuring a Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) from Psalm 121:1-2 which says, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." I look up these verses at my Life Application Bible and it said, "This song expresses assurance and hope in God's protection day and night.  He not only made the hills but heaven and earth as well.  We should never trust a lesser power than God himself.  But not only is He all powerful, He also watches over us.  Nothing diverts or deters Him.  We are safe.  We never outgrow our need for God's untiring watch over our lives."  

Last November, we have seen the powerful move of God in the result of our election here in America.  What the enemy declared a victory over one candidate (their polls showed it all over the place though I never trusted their polls) was frustrated by a candidate many ridiculed.  Though I was not for Trump during the Republican selection process, I just knew that at the Presidential election, to vote for Clinton is travesty as she represented a demonic agenda (literally---thanks, Wikileaks!) in every shape and form.  Yes, nobody is perfect  but if we have to select between two rotten tomatoes, we can still pick out the less rotten one.  We are talking about the highest position in our country that will not only affect our lives but also the world, so we cannot have an obvious Satan worshiper to fill the position.  Just to be clear, my trust is not in any man but of the God who holds everything together.  I don't pretend to know details of the future but God's Word reveals a big picture on how things go down at the end.  I depend on the working of the Holy Spirit for the day to day wisdom and course of action.  My own thoughts and feelings takes a back seat because God's Word is independent from the way I feel and think.  I can only choose to align with what God said or fight it and lose.  

But the enemy (Satan), though he knew he was already defeated by God, would not accept his defeat and mobilized his army (deceived and paid human followers) to spread lies and rebellion to derail the plan of God for our country.  They make lots of noise using their most influential weapons (Hollywood, Media and Politicians) to further division, lawlessness, violence and hate.  The 8-year leader of this country allowed building of mosques, funded enemies of Israel (Iran Nuclear deal), free pass to our country through the refugee program by radical Islamic terrorist and for these Muslim extremists to gather in our biggest cities to shout "Death to America."  Though we had many problems in this country before, we haven't seen this much evil propagated by this traitor in the Oval office.  Though some would not agree with what I said, do I look like I care for anyone's political correctness or tolerance agenda?  If they could not see these obvious evidence of treason and just takes in what the "bought out media" airs instead of the warnings God's Word tells us, then I rest my case.  After all, I am not speaking to every man.  I speak only to those whom God has quickened to hear.  The Word of God declares in John 3:3, "Unless a man be Born-again, He cannot see the kingdom of God."  The Word of God is the order of the kingdom. Therefore, an unbeliever (those who refuse to come to the saving knowledge of Christ) would not be able to perceive nor understand the spiritual Truths pertaining to God's rule.  Furthermore, Romans 1:21-23 declares, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles."  Nowadays, they worship themselves---their fame, their careers, their wealth and power.  By the grace of God, I will not take any poison that is propagated by these people. 

So, what I'm trying to say is that we need to shut the noise of the enemy and stand on the Word of God.  If God heard our prayers during the election process, He already made a way for us and we need not fear the attacks of the enemy.  Speak up and loud about the Truth of God's Word and support those who are unapologetic about it.  Oh, and beware of those religious leaders who corrupted the Truth for their own fame and monetary gain (many of them with Mega Churches)  as they are everywhere right now.  Ask yourself, why am I not open about my faith in God and why I am afraid to speak the name of Jesus among friends or in social media?  Am I protecting my career, my business, my wealth, my standing, whatever?  For if so, you just need to admit to yourself that you have placed something else above God in your life.  It's called IDOLATRY, folks!  The Ten Commandments were summed up into two in Mark 12:29-31 which says, “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” If the Lord is not your highest priority as a believer, repent from your sin  and live boldly for Him while there is time.  With all the evil happening around us, I lift up my eyes (focused my attention) beyond the chaos and noise of this world and anticipate (with eagerness and certainty) what God will do.  My trust is not in any human being (yup, not even in our upcoming President) with regards to healing this country.  Anything and everything comes from the God (through Christ) who loves me and cares for His people. 

For this Card, I used a rubber stamp from Stamping Bella called "Tiny Townie Sally Rides her Snail" that I watercolored using Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card design.  The DP's are from my scraps, the flowers I layered are from Prima and the mini brads from Recollections.  The stamped swirls behind the flowers are from Inkadinkado which I believe completed my design.  And finally, I also incorporated stitching to this creation.  I am so pleased with the result.

 LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD

 LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS

 LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW

 LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE

LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Creations---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Create with TLC---ATG
Artistic Stamper---ATG
Card Mania---Layer It
Classic DT---ATG
Country View---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore----ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Sunny Day Crafting---ATG
Crafty Girls Creations---ATG
Delicious Doodles---Something New (The image is new)
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/All About Love
Not Just Cards---New Beginnings (I used a new image)
Paper Creator---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG
World Wide Open DT---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 up to 5 times this Challenge.  Wonderful prize to be won from our great sponsor---Simon Says Stamp ($25 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the joy of the Lord overtake you today while being sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  Pray and keep on praying.  The Lord is going to do great and mighty things to our nation.

Scripture: Redeemed of the Lord Card---Join Our First Challenge for the New Year at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends! We thank God for another year of inspirational challenges that's going to take place at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  We have wonderful sponsors lined up for you and I encourage you to link with us your wonderful Anything Goes/Family Friendly creations. Our Scripture Word Art (free to download at the WAW site) comes from the first part of Psalm 107:2 which says, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy."

To further understand this verse, we are to incorporate Psalm 107:1 which tells us, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever." Those who are redeemed by God ought to declare/proclaim God's love and goodness so that others may know.  So,  who are the redeemed?  The Bible tells us in Genesis 3 how the first Man (Adam) plunged all of humanity to the bondage of Sin Nature (found in the heart of Lucifer) and Death (spiritual, physical and eternal deaths).  Whether we like it or not, we are all descendants of Adam by birth (physical).  We cannot change the nature handed down to us.  There is absolutely nothing human beings can do to break free from the demonic power that held us captive.  But God had a plan!  He clothed Himself in flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin---therefore untainted by the seed of Adam.  He showed us Who God is (His attributes) and what perfect love (Agape---selfless) looks like.  And in His perfect time, He died for all the sins of the world and buried it with Him at the Cross.  And when He rose again from the dead, He sealed the victory!  Jesus' finished work at the Cross (death, burial and resurrection) became the Gospel (Good News) that all of the redeemed (through faith in Christ) tell others.  The following verses further describes who God's redeemed are:

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.  This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. (Romans 3:20-28)

Knowing what Jesus Christ won for us,  let us not grow weary of sharing the hope we have in us.  Remembering that we are the hands and feet of Jesus in this world.  Anyone who has not placed their faith in what Jesus Christ has done by confessing Him as their Lord and Savior (Born-again, John 3:3), will spend eternity outside of the presence of God (eternal damnation).  If we truly love our family and friends, we are to make this Truth known even if they condemn us for it.  Many of them are in bondage with their religion which is based on good works and void of God's Truth.  Every man-made religion is harmful and the Truth of God is not in them.  Almighty God gave us His One and Only path to salvation and that is by faith in Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6).   Not in man-made idols of saints and religious characters, nor by wealth, power and fame.  Those who have been redeemed by the Lord Jesus have to proclaim this Truth in love to anyone whom God will place in our path no matter what the cost. Time is running out.

For this Card, I used an image from retired shop of Saturated Canary with an image called "Miss Personality" and colored it with my Touch Five markers with some paper-piecing.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I used an MS Punch for the hearts border, Recollections stamp for the stamped and fussy cut leaves and Studio 112 for the flower.  I also added some glitters in the clothing and flower and Glossy Accents for the image's heart eye glasses.  Lastly, I incorporated some stitching for a complete look. 

REDEEMED OF THE LORD CARD

REDEEMED OF THE LORD CARD LAYERS

 REDEEMED OF THE LORD CARD SIDE VIEW

REDEEMED OF THE LORD CARD INSIDE

REDEEMED OF THE LORD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Card Mania---Layer It
Classic DT---ATG
Connie Can Crop---ATG
Country View---ATG
Craft Galore---ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG
Daisy Chain---Add Some Sparkles
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/Love
Not Just Cards---ATG
Paper Creator's---ATG
Paradise of Stamps---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---ATG
YSBP---ATG


Don't forget to join our WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Scripture Word Art this week to make a project and link it to our Challenge although it's not mandatory.  You can also link other projects (up to 5) as long as it has uplifting/inspirational messages.  Our sponsors this Challenge are The Greeting Farm ($40 GC) and Craftin' Desert Divas (2 Digi Images).  Have a blessed day and remember to always be grateful and hold on to the promises of God in your life no matter what.  Let the Holy Spirit comfort you with God's Word and empower you daily as you share the hope you have with others.

Sweet Girl Birthday Card---Join our Backporch Gang at 613 Avenue Create for another Monthly Challenge!

Hi there, friends!  A BLESSED AND GLORIOUS NEW YEAR TO Y'ALL!  We are starting the first day of the New Year with an Anything Goes Challenge with Optional Twist "Favorite Technique" at 613 Avenue Create.  We had a wonderful run the past year and we thank all of you  for sharing your wonderful projects with us in 2016.

Before anything else, I am very grateful for another year the Lord blessed us with...Our country had been through so much for nearly eight years now.  It was strategically and purposely harmed by people who would like to remove it from the position it was originally established as a Godly nation.  This work had been going on much longer than that but the attack on our religious freedom and constitutional rights had been non-stop the past eight years and still going.  Yet I have seen the hand of the Lord and believed that He heard our prayers (His people) when we prayed/called for His help (2 Chronicles 7:14) especially during the course of our latest Presidential election. He saved us from the destruction that the forces of darkness was prepared to unleash in order to demonize this nation.  God stepped in and destroyed the plans of the enemy.  They were in complete shocked and didn't know what hit them.  But God's people knew!  IT WAS THE POWER OF GOD! (I say, "Thank you, Jesus!")

However, it is important to understand that our hope does not come from any man.  No person can do anything unless the God of heaven and earth enables him/her to do so.  No one is capable of saving this country---but GOD!  Last November, the final two presidential candidates gave me very little to no hope in man's leadership until I saw the power of God broke through the darkness.  What people taught would be an easy win for someone (whose satanic and abominable acts and affiliation is beyond words) miraculously turned into an upsetting defeat.  (Praise the Lord!) Because of that, I have every reason to rejoice and expect great and mighty things happening in this country despite the efforts of the outgoing leaders to wreak havoc to this nation, our allies and the world as a whole using every bit of power they have left.  What they don't realize is that they don't have power on their own.  Like their father (Satan), they are defeated and no weapon they wage against God's people shall prosper.  Isaiah 54:16-17 tells us, “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD."  Unless the Lord allows it, they're powerless against them whose faith is in the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross.  

So as we welcome the New Year, let us thank God for every blessing as well as the the physical and spiritual victory He has prepared for us.  Let us lift up in prayer the upcoming leadership in our national, local and state levels.  Let us go outside the four walls of our Churches and be involved in all pillars of our society and saturate them with the fear (reverential) and knowledge of God.  Use every social media opportunities to tell the Truth (God's Word) and stand against political correctness and worldly tolerance.  If you are a child of God (Born-again, John 3:3), BE BOLD, BE STRONG and REFUSE TO BE SILENT!  It is time to take our country back and stand with God's chosen nation, Israel!  I would like to share some of these wonderful verses to empower us to live and proclaim God's Truth in this day and time.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7)

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you (John 16:13-15)

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is Godʼs will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:12-17)

For this Card, I used an image from Recollections (Label Me Sweet) and Stampers Anonymous (Crazy Things).  I colored some parts with my Touch Five Markers and the rest were done with one of my fave techniques---Paper-piecing (Learn it HERE).  I also incorporated another technique I love which is Fussy Cutting (Shown HERE).  If you are familiar with my style/creations, these two wonderful crafting techniques are commonly seen in my projects.  This is a simple Birthday card but I love how the colors and patterns gave it the "Wow" factor... I think it's wonderful!

 SWEET GIRL BIRTHDAY CARD

 SWEET GIRL BIRTHDAY CARD LAYERS

 SWEET GIRL BIRTHDAY CARD INSIDE

SWEET GIRL BIRTHDAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Artistic Stamper---ATG
Card Mania---Layer It
Classic DT---ATG
Connie Can Crop---ATG
Country View---ATG
Craft Galore---ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/Love
Not Just Cards---ATG
Paper Creator's---ATG
Paradise of Stamps---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---ATG 
YSBP---ATG 


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the fun by joining our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.   Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week. I hope you have a great start of the year 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: To Every Good Work Card---Join Us for Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello, Crafty Peeps!  Just want to take this opportunity to wish everyone A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!  Anyway, it's Wednesday and time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, it's Anything Goes and you can choose to feature our (free) Scripture Word Art or anything inspirational and family friendly. Our featured Scripture for this Challenge comes from 2 Corinthians 9:8 which tells us, "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."  The context of 2 Corinthians 9 is about the importance of GIVING not  only of our resources but more than anything---ourselves.   People of the world work daily with the talents and resources given to them by God (though they seldom acknowledge that fact) to better themselves (selfish gain).  I remember watching some Hollywood personalities saying that everything they enjoy are of their own doing and that they don't need to thank God for He has nothing to do with their success during those widely telecast, Awards night.  They made sure they expressed to many their hate and blasphemy for our Creator.  But if we are going to use common sense, it's not difficult to determine the void in their arguments/worldview.  You see, take away everything that God provides them (air to breath, health, strength, soul, life and countless more) and they will cease to exist.  It's so ridiculous that I now have better understanding why Jesus asked God to forgive those who mocked Him while He gave His life to save mankind at the Cross.  In Luke 23:34, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Though I must admit how it makes my blood boil when I hear people mocking Jesus Christ, His Cross and His Church  using their vague fame to influence the weaklings, I have to take the same approach Jesus did.  I need to pray for these people for they have truly been deceived.  If not for the calling of Jesus in my life that one faithful day 26 years ago, I could not imagine what my life would be this very moment.  Who knows, I could have made it big but without the knowledge of God, it would not be worth it.  The Word of God keeps me in His Truth and without the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence, I could be an easy target of the enemy and could be spiritually blind and deceived like any other.

With all these, I implore everyone to recognize every blessing that God has showered you with.  From the smallest to the biggest of gifts (material or spiritual)---be grateful!  Recognize that whatever God gives us is not only to provide for our needs but to to also bless and share with people He's going to place in our path.  We do that with our talents, abilities, time and resources.  Yet those would be incomplete if we don't deliver them with a cheerful heart.  Remember that God always looks at the intent of our heart.  Many of us may struggle with cheerful giving or even giving in itself but if we constantly yield to the Holy Spirit and continue in faithfulness/obedience to His Word, we will find ourselves happily doing it for God's glory.  For to give is to truly trust God---knowing that He will continuously provide to accomplish His work.  I know what I'm talking about as I'm a work in progress in this area.  It's easy to share when you have so much but when you have just enough, it can be a challenge.  But our featured verse said something worthy of understanding.  God supplies us with everything we need and more so that we are able to give something.  There was not a time we only had enough unless I consider all the other things I want (luxury).  I always hold this quote true in all areas of my life----"I cannot give what I don't have."  God supplies me with more than my needs so I can share and do good works for Him.  Note that "good works" does not benefit a believer prior to us knowing the Source of all our blessings.  All the good works that would count towards our rewards in heaven (when we stand in the presence of the Lord at the Bema Seat) is a direct result of our acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior---the Source of everything we have in  this life and beyond.  Each and every believer of the Body of Christ are living the abundant life God has promised and are capable of every good work God prepared and equipped us to do.  And yes, it's not for our own glory but for God and God alone.  The following are some of the verses we should meditate upon that would help us understand the blessings in giving and gratefulness.

"As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:1-4)

"One person gives freely, yet gains even more;another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."  (Proverbs 11:24-25)

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."  (I Timothy 6:17-19)

For this Card, I used an image from Sassy Cheryl Stamps called "A Special Girly Gift" that I paper-pieced with DP from Paper Studio and colored using my Touch Five markers.  The base is a pre-cut A7 card from Paper Studio.  I added some some metal gems from Imaginisce, glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and stitching to complete this design.  It may not have many layers like I normally do but it surely is one of my fave cards.  The  wonderful image and colors truly compliment our awesome Scripture in this creation.

 TO EVERY GOOD WORK CARD

TO EVERY GOOD WORK CARD LAYERS

 TO EVERY GOOD WORK CARD SIDE VIEW

 TO EVERY GOOD WORK CARD INSIDE

TO EVERY GOOD WORK CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Gals---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Simon Says---Make it Sparkle
Crafty Addicts---ATG/Let It Snow
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
Card Mania---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafting Musketeers---ATG
Crafts Galore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG/Christmas
Digistamps4Joy---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG
Sunsational Stamps---ATG/Christmas/Winter
World Wide Open DT---ATG
Your Scrapbook Place---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 to share unto others the hope you have in you.  Hugs!

Scripture Series: John 3:16 Winter Bird Card---Join Us for Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, everyone!  I am posting a day late as I had internet connection problems yesterday that took a while to resolve.  But praise be to God as the enemy is unable to hinder this inspiration project from being published.  As always, we have a brand new Scripture Word Art (you can download for free) at the Word Art Wednesday (WAW) site.  Our bi-weekly Challenge started yesterday with our usual theme, "Anything Goes that is Family Friendly/Inspirational."

Our featured Scripture for our Challenge comes from a very familiar passage in the Bible from John 3:16 and it declares, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  There's important factors we need to understand in order to fully grasp the Truth and Hope that this passage conveys.  First, we must ask why is there a need for God (our Creator) to send His One and Only Son to die at the Cross to redeem us?  To answer this, we must look into what happened to mankind in the beginning (Genesis).  Genesis 1 and 2 revealed God's creation process and how Man came into being.  He's created in God's image and likeness and we became alive (a living soul) when God breathe unto us the "breath of life" ( a portion of Himself).  Man lived in constant fellowship with God and was given by God authority over all His other creation.  But tragedy happened in Genesis 3.  Man betrayed God through disobedience, gave up the dominion (authority) the Lord gave him by handing it over to Satan and plunged the entire human race to Death (spiritual, physical and eternal deaths) ruled by Satan and his Sin Nature. Though Man didn't die physically that day, he did die spiritually and his intimate relationship with his Father was totally severed.  Since then, there's nothing human beings can do to regain that original status of righteousness (declared right) before the presence of God unless the Father intervenes.  As every man is tainted by original Sin, not one human being is qualified to redeem us all from the horrors of our ultimate and eternal separation from God.  We were utterly hopeless until JESUS came!

Now, that we established Man's dilemma after the Fall of mankind, we can now examine the second important factor of John 3:16 that is---the LOVE of GOD!  It is not the will of God to abandon us into hopelessness.  He is committed to fulfilling His purpose for man to rule earth the same way He rules heaven.  Though the enemy tried to delay that, God's Word and His purpose can never be thwarted.  It is through His Son, Jesus Christ, that He would accomplish this.  Jesus, Who is God, willingly clothe Himself in human flesh and became  a man (but without Sin) to redeem humanity from eternal doom.  God's love for us allowed the death of His One and Only Son to bring us all back to Himself.  The sacrifice Jesus did at the Cross destroyed every claim of the enemy over mankind. Through His death, burial and resurrection, we now have a means to fellowship with our Father like Adam did in the beginning.  This bring us to the third factor contained in John 3:16 as revealed by the phrase "Whosoever believed!" Though Jesus died for all of mankind, only those that believe in what He has done at the Cross shall receive His free gift of salvation.  To truly believe is to place you faith, trust, adhere, rely, depend your life on something you know is True though you don't  see it with your physical eyes.  Jesus revealed this kind of faith to Thomas (one of his disciples) who was doubtful of his resurrection in John 20:29, "Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Today, there are many religions and doctrines seeking to further deceive man so that they may never inherit ETERNAL LIFE which can only benefit those who put their complete trust in what Jesus did at the Cross.  Anything that deviate from the Only Way the Father has provided, no matter how religious or good it may be, is undermining what Christ has done for mankind's redemption.  People who embrace such teachings/doctrines are following the ways of man and have allowed themselves to be robbed of the Truth.  Here in America, people will have no excuse!  The Word of God (the Bible) is readily available to anyone who is willing to know the Truth and there are many teachers who teaches the full counsel of God and are willing to lead others to God's perfect will.  Yet many are too busy with mediocre things than what is truly important.  Our life on earth is too short compared to the eternal life that follows right after.  My plea to  each and everyone of you (family, friends and even strangers) that reads this post---please don't take what you read here for granted.  If you don't have an intimate/personal relationship with Jesus Christ nor have a clear understanding of what He has done for you at the Cross, take the necessary step!  Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and be prepared to take the time to study His Word and investigate His claim.  Each of us is very important to Him and He does not want any of us to share the eternal punishment designed for Satan and his followers.  RELIGION DOES NOT SAVE PEOPLE,  JESUS IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN! Do it before time runs out.  I did the very same thing 26 years ago and I have absolute confidence on spending eternal life in the arms of Christ based on what He did on my behalf.   If you have questions, please don't hesitate to leave me a comment and I will do my best to accommodate you.  

For this Card, I used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called "Winter Bird Trio" that I colored using my Touch Five markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  Finally, I'm able to use my Frantage embossing enamels and glitters to create a winter background. I also die-cut the lacy oval  with Nestabilities, some inking around the Oval frame using Distress Ink (Pumice Stone), flowers from Brides and the nail head gems from Imaginisce.  I added some stitching to complete this design.  I love it!

 JOHN 3:16 WINTER BIRD CARD

 JOHN 3:16 WINTER BIRD CARD LAYERS

 JOHN 3:16 WINTER BIRD CARD INSIDE

JOHN 3:16 WINTER BIRD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Animal Friends---ATG
Create with TLC---ATG
Card Mania---ATG
Ching-Chou Kuik---Bright and Beautiful
Christmas Cards---Christmas/Holiday
Classic DT---ATG
Connie Can Crop---Baby, It's Cold Outside
Country View---Christmas
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG (with Bugaboo Stamp)
Crafty Enjoyments---Christmas
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG with Optional Traditional Christmas Colors
Daisy Chain---Happy Christmas
Die-Cut Divas---Layers/Layer It
Doodle Pantry---Anything Digital Goes
Paper Creator---Christmas
Pearly Sparkles---Merry Christmas
Petal Lu---ATG
Scrap N---Glitter
Scribbles Design---Happy Holidays
12 Months of Christmas---Christmas
YSBP---Sparkles


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.  Our wonderful sponsors this week Crop Stop (prize package) and All Dressed Up Stamps (2 digi image). 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!  

Awesome and Grateful Card---Join our neighborhood, 613 Avenue Create, for our December Anything Goes with Optional Twist Challenge!

Hello Paper Crafters! I know I haven't posted much the past few months.   I've been so busy---like CRAZY busy.  Aside from Cardmaking, I also love Crocheting and I'm trying to fulfill some orders that my family and friends requested.  Some of my projects takes a lot of time to finish but once I'm done, it truly gives me pleasure.  I'm always grateful to the Lord for the talents He entrusted me (those I'm born with and those acquired) for I know that He has a greater purpose for all of them.   James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  Creative talents along with spiritual gifts are all blessings from our Creator.  Whatever we make of them is certainly the gift we present to our  Father in  heaven when the time comes.   

ARE WE PRAYING?  I certainly hope so!  Despite the hustle and bustle of this season, we ought to be grateful for every blessing we receive each day.  Remembering that there are many enemies (both physically and spiritually) who are furious and angered by the joy and freedom we enjoy and would like to steal, kill and destroy the works of the Lord in this country.  I hope that in the midst of our busyness, we take the time to thank and bless the Lord for His protection, provision and leading in this country.  For the life of every man and women whom He uses to guard this nation from eminent danger.  For the military and law enforcers who honestly and faithfully serve and uphold the law of the land.  To the men and women in the political arena who fight against the demonic agenda of death (Abortion, Sodomy, Pedophilia/Pizza Gate, Racial Division/Tension, Media Lies/Manipulation, Rebellion, Persecution of Christians, Support of Radical Terrorism, Satanism and so much more)  as promoted by the current leadership.  To the voices of Pastors and Preachers who tirelessly speak in behalf of the entire Truth of the Gospel; refusing to conform to political correctness and allowing fame and selfish gain to rule their hearts and deceive their congregation.   For every believer who go outside the four walls of their Church to share the Gospel and represent Christ in their communities either to help those who are in need or to fight for the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves.  And to those who come together to pray---simple men and women--- kneeling, praying and pleading to God for His intervention in our nation.  Every believer has a part in God's kingdom here on earth.  Nobody's more important than the other.  Each one is significant in the eyes of the Lord.  Whatever we are doing and no matter where we are, when we think of the freedom and blessings God set forth upon this country---PRAY!  When we hear alarming news,  PRAY and don't allow fear to dominate your life.  You see, when we call upon the Lord, we are acknowledging the fact that He is Sovereign and therefore have complete control of everything that unfolds.  Christ in us is the evidence of God's love for us!  In Him, we are sure that the Father hears our prayers and has our best interest always.  Leaving you with the following verses to encourage you to trust in the Lord and pray continuously.

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowlerʼs snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.  If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.  “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:1-16)

So, I'm here to highlight the project I made for our Challenge this month at 613 Avenue Create.  As always, it's Anything Goes with an optional twist of "Holiday Happiness."  For this Card, I used an image from Saturated Canary called "Country Mama" that I colored using my Touch Five markers.  Though the store is now closed, I have a collection of wonderful images that I can still use for my future projects.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card including the butterflies I die-cut using Sizzix On the Edge Die.  The DP's are from my scraps, the leaves were punched with Fiskars, the flowers I layered from Prisma and the doily from Martha Stewart.  I also added some white nail head gems from Imaginisce, the brads from Recollections, glitters by Stickles (Crystal) and the awesome sentiment was a freebie I got from Create with TLC.  This card was a request done for a dear friend.   

 AWESOME AND GRATEFUL CARD

 AWESOME AND GRATEFUL CARD SIDE VIEW

 AWESOME AND GRATEFUL CARD LAYERS

 AWESOME AND GRATEFUL CARD INSIDE

AWESOME AND GRATEFUL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Card Mania---ATG
Ching-Chou Kuik---Bright and Beautiful
Classic DT---ATG
Crafting Musketeers---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG with Optional Traditional Christmas Colors
Die-Cut Divas---Layers/Layer It
Digistamps4Joy---Make it Sparkle
Doodle Pantry---Anything Digital Goes
Petal Lu---ATG
Scrap N---Glitter 
YSBP---Sparkles 


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge with an optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create.  There's wonderful prizes awaiting the winners from our lovely sponsors for this week---Bugaboo Stamps,  Di's Digi Stamps and Rick St. Dennis.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week. Have a blessed day, everybody!