Behind the Clouds Card---Join Us at my Neighborhood, 613 Avenue Create for Anything Goes with a Twist and a Blog Hop for Paulette at Create with TLC!

Hello Everyone...I have been MIA for quite sometime as there are many things that needs me and my family's attention nowadays.  I may be out for a couple more weeks after this but once everything settles down, I can resume with my regular sharing and blogging.  The past few weeks, my faith in the Lord was tested in so many different ways.  I've hold on to His promises ever since I became a believer and though with many victories, life can be very hard at times.  Yet, I can look back and see  how the Lord delivered me and my family from difficult situations and it propelled me to grow in faith.  Recently, God impressed upon my heart (accompanied by His Word with many signs along the way) answers to many specific prayers.  If any of you wonder how God speaks, it is primarily through His Word (Bible) or sometimes---a still, small voice.  It could also be through His Holy Spirit speaking in your heart, a Word of knowledge from family, friends or even strangers or by profound signs and wonders.  However, even with a revelation of His blessings and promises in my life, what takes place in the physical realm (earthly existence) seemed to contradict the delivery of such blessings.  I don't know with you but when everything is a struggle and every step seems to be a battleground---one step up to victory is followed by two steps backwards hitting a wall in the process, it compels me to seek God's face and ask  if we are truly moving according to His direction.  I remember having experienced many trials in life but at some point, God steps in and provided victory.  But I realized that as we mature in faith, the degree of trials also increases.  Armed with the wonderful promises of God in one hand yet on the other, burdened by what physical reality shows---IT IS A BATTLEGROUND!  As a Born-again believer, we are confronted daily with a CHOICE---to live for God through faith in what Jesus had accomplished or follow the dictates of our own will which directly reacts to what our five senses perceives/encounters.  Whether we eat, sleep, work or play----this battle (choice) rages on inside everyone of us.  My desire is to do the will of my Father in heaven, ask for His direction in all my circumstances.  But there are times, He seemed to be silent.  Unlike my past experiences, it was not clear to me what road to take and when to move.  Feeling helpless, I cried to Him many times, talked to Him, letting Him know what's inside my heart.  I asked Him many "why" questions and prayed that He give me the wisdom to understand.  I asked for comfort and strength and to be given faith and courage to hold on to His promises.  Though my emotion tries to push me even further into hopelessness,  I know one thing for sure---GOD IS WITH ME (John 14:16-17)!   I may not fully grasp the reason why things are such a struggle but I know that through it all,  Jesus is with me on this rough and bumpy ride.  At times, He may be silent but it does not mean He's abandoned me.  The One Who didn't withhold His Only Begotten Son from death on the Cross to save me from eternal separation from Him is not likely to leave me alone in the danger zone of life after His redemptive work was accomplished.  If anything, I know I can trust His Love for me.  My feelings (emotions) would lie to me and everyone forsake me but my Heavenly Father would not (Numbers 23:19). 

You see, people who are sharing God's Word are not exempted from troubles and pains.  It's easy to quote the Scripture and sound spiritual in the eyes of many but the real challenge is do we live the life we share to others?  We tell others to live by faith but when trials come our way, do we anchor our lives with the same faith we preach?  We tell many of the hope we have in Christ but when we're faced with one huge storm after another, is our life saver only Jesus?  I know I have to be very honest with my God.  I tell Him all my concerns, fears and weaknesses for no one knows me more than He does (Psalm 139).  He can work with me if I give it all to Him---no pretensions nor hypocrisy.  It is in fact because of His work in my life that I am able to share His love to everyone and have compassion for others who are undergoing similar trials.  Through Christ, I count every hardship a blessing because it brings me closer to understanding why Jesus had to die for me/us (Romans 8:28).  It's not easy but I trust in the presence of God in my life.  His Word says that absolutely nothing is going to separate me from His love through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).  If you are feeling hopeless at this moment, know that the Lord Jesus wants to meet you in your time of need, to love and comfort you and to ease up your burden.  He's just a heartbeat away.  I would like to share with you this article which will sure help you when facing trials---WHY DOES GOD TEST US?  Take the time to read and you'll be blessed!

Anyway, I created this Card for our Anything Goes Challenge with an optional Twist (Use Pink) for our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  I am privileged to use a wonderful image from one of our sponsors, Time for Tea Designs called "Pedal Power" and I colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Bic markers.  The base card is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from DCWV and my scraps.  I did some embossing with my Cuttlebug, added some white nail head gems and some glitters (Stickles---Lime Green and Diamond) to the clouds and the image.  Lastly I did some sewing inside and out. 

On the other hand, this POST is very special because I want to dedicate it to a dear friend here at Blog land---PAULETTE from Create with TLC!  She encountered an accident at home which caused her to be hospitalized and undergo surgery.  She's looking forward to better days taking some rest.  However, if you are like me, then you have been a recipient of her generosity through her daily sharing of free digital stamps!  I have a wonderful collection of great sentiments and images from her which I always refer to when I create my cards.  I know I can always find something wonderful that will suit every kind of theme I can think of.  In short, she does not share simple artwork but are in fact, the best sentiments and images one can find at no cost.  She would rather receive thank you comments and that truly makes her happy.  And even those she sells at her store are the most affordable sets one can ever find.  I am blessed to be a part of her Design Team and make projects with her artwork every now and then.   She's truly an amazing lady!  To make her smile today, we (her DT's) have arranged a BLOG HOP to bring sunshine to her cloudy days. 

I AM THE LAST STOP which means you came from HETTY'S BLOG and have enjoyed your time hopping to 10 others before her.   After me, you can proceed back to the main Blog---CREATE WITH TLC if you want to link a get well/encouragement project/s and/or send your well wishes to our dear, Paulette!  I know she has touched so many lives and this is just a small token of appreciation to brighten her day.   I am featuring a freebie sentiment I got from her in today's project and  would like to encourage her with its message.  Hope for your speedy recovery, Paulette!  We truly miss you! 

BEHIND THE CLOUDS CARD:

BEHIND THE CLOUDS CARD LAYERS:

BEHIND THE CLOUDS CARD INSIDE:

 

BEHIND THE CLOUDS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Addicted to Stamps---Polka Dots
Ditzie Digi---ATG
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
OSAAT---ATG
Pile It On---Kawaii/Cute
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Corrosive Challenge---Color Me Happy
Squirrel and the Fox---Metal (White nail head gems are metal)
CCC Digi Creations---Digi/Flowers
Divas by Design---3or More Layers
Digi Designs---Lots of Layers
Crafty Catz---Stitching
Sugar Pea---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/For the Boys
Hambo Hoedown---Summer
Paper Pretties---Summer Fun
Crafty Girls---ATG
Creative Corner---Summertime
Just for Fun---Here Comes Summer
Lia Stampz---Summer Fun
Sisters of Craft---ATG
A Creative Need---ATG
Crafting Musketeers---Stamped Image (Including Digi)
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Stampin Royals---ATG
Paper Crafting Journey---ATG
Sunshine Mail---ATG
Loves Rubberstamps---Spots and Dots
Rhedd and Rosie---ATG
Stamping Chef---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---Bugaboo Stamps, Hannah Lynn Art, Lee's Digi Shop and Time for Tea Designs.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  Also, thanks for stopping by my Blog to check what I have for Paulette of Create with TLC and thank you for checking the rest of the DT's Blog. Have a wonderful week and remember that for a believer, Christ is with us and for us, no matter what! 

Scripture Series: Whom Have I in Heaven Card---It's Time for Another Inspirational /Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there!  I'm a day behind for my Wednesday post but wanted to share with you this project that highlights another Word Art (you can download for free) at our Word Art Wednesday (WAW) Challenge.  It's taken from Psalm 73:25 which says, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee."  I wonder what is going on in the mind of the psalmist in order to utter such words of love and adoration to God.  Obviously, if we look into the minds and hearts of many people throughout history and our present  time, such dependence, trust and faith unto the Lord is uncommon.  If we place ourselves and get lost in what could be going on inside the mind of the psalmist, we'll see that knowing and experiencing the reality of the presence of  the One True God comes from placing our trust in all that God is.  It is the knowledge that Almighty God, the Creator of haven and earth, is with me, in me and is for me.  Because God loves me, I am secured in His arms and there's nothing far more important to me (both now and the eternal) but to be in His presence.  It is that knowledge deep inside the very core of our spirit that God is really all we need in our lives.  This worship and adoration is not forced or taught but it comes from realizing how God so loved us and reciprocating that love wholeheartedly (from one's free will).  God's greatest commandment is spoken in Deuteronomy 6:5-9 which says, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.^"

You see, before Man fell into sin,  He enjoyed a close and personal relationship with God.  He was given dominion over God's creation and  would rule the earth as God rules the heavens. His spirit, soul and body (Tripartite Being) only desires what God wills and the very presence of God clothe them. But Man fell into temptation and rebelled against the very God who created and gave them everything.  They were tricked into exchanging the greater glory of God to depravity of the human will---thinking that the created can trample over his Creator.  They assumed the will of Satan (John 10:10---to steal, to kill and to destroy) and have taken up his cause, believing in the devil's lies and promises of false glory.  Truth to be told, every person born on this earth desires wealth, fame, fortune, power and the approval of men.  Unless God reveals Himself to any of us, we only think of OURSELVES! It is because of this that a NEW BIRTH (Born-again, John 3:3)  is extremely important.  We have to die from that old sinful nature and be reborn in order to reconnect with God---like we were in the beginning.  Acts 4:12 says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."  1 Timothy 2:5 also reveals, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." Before the law of Moses (Torah),  Man's wholehearted faith in God made Him righteous before the Lord.  We see this in the life of Abraham as spoken of in Romans 4:3, "What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."  Notice that it was not based on his works, his strength, his own efforts and abilities.  Him believing God made him a recipient of God's righteousness.  Only God can place us in right standing with Him.  Apostle Paul, bearer of God's many great revelations in the New Testament had been greatly used by the Lord even though his past life involved persecuting and murdering Christians.  God saw in him what others failed to see---that one day, Paul would give up everything and took responsibility of the task He purposed him to do.  Paul, the Pharisee of pharisees was blinded by false religion and killed many because of his ignorance of the truth.  When the Lord called him, he believed, emptied himself and renewed His mind to the perfect will of God.  What I want you to understand is that there is no other way we can trust and depend on God till we believed that He is Who He said He is and in turn, surrender to His Lordship.  Salvation is by faith alone---before Jesus Christ' ultimate sacrifice---it is still by faith that we can come to God this day through what Christ has done!  Having given myself totally to His divine will, I can utter with absolute confidence the same words as the psalmist in Psalm 73:25.  I declare this,  "Jesus, You are all I have! I desire nothing on earth  and in my life than to be in your presence."  I want to leave you with this wonderful scripture, written by Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to encourage you to seek the greater things of God---eternal and unchanging:

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."  (Philippians 3:7-12)

For this Card, I used a wonderful image from Time for Tea called "Polly" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base card is size A7, the DP's are from Recollections, the ribbon from my stash and the ribbon flower, I made.  I know you are all used to my bright cards but I decided to make this simple and subdued for a change.  I added some regular and fancy stitching to finish this Card.  Turned out really good.  Tell me what you think.

 WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN CARD:

 WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN CARD LAYERS:

 WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN CARD INSIDE:

 WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN CARD WITH ENVELOPE:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Pile It On---Use Patterned Paper
Melonheadz Friends---Summer Fun
A Creative Need---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Sister Act---Any Card Goes
The Paper Shelter---Summer Time
Digi Designs---Ribbons/Bow
Craft for the Craic---Summery/With Flowers
Get Inky---Get Inky this Summer
Fussy and Fancy Friday---Outdoors
Stampavie and More---Summer
Time Out---Summer with Optional Flowers
Card Mania---Flowers
Digitally Sweet---All for Girls
Digistamps4Joy---Flowers, Flowers, Flowers
Creative Moments---ATG/Monochromatic
Crafty Creations---Tic Tac Toe (Flowers/Ribbon/Digi Image)
Creative Romance---ATG with Optional Birthday
Art by Miran---ATG
Stampin' for the Weekend---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Inky Impressions---For the Girls
Loves Rubber Stamps---Clean and Simple

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.  We have a couple of wonderful sponsors this week namely, Docerela Stamps (Stamp Set), Really Reasonable Ribbon ($15 GC) and our Karen Letchworth (WAW DT Coordinator) will have a special prize to give away.  That means three chances to win so, head over to WAW and show us your wonderful projects.  Have a blessed week and remember to put your trust in the Lord for He truly cares for you.

True Friends are the Rainbows Center Step Card---Visit our Neighborhood---613 Avenue Create for Another Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Twist!

Good morning, Crafty Peeps!  This post is a day late...I hope and pray that every one of you are greatly blessed by God's goodness today.  The fact that you wake up this morning is enough evidence that you still have a purpose in this world and is capable of making a choice to make a difference...To shine the light that God has placed upon your life and to lead those who are blind to the Only Source of Light and Life---Our Savior, Jesus Christ!  God didn't purpose for us to do His work on our own.  He connects us with other believers (Born-Again, John 3:3) to encourage us, to provide help and ease our burdens or simply an ear to listen.  We are to surround ourselves with friends who does not only tell us nice things but that which can tell us the truth (no matter how hard it is to accept at times).  We are to be accountable to each other.  We are imperfect individuals under God's transformation and until the moment we see God face to face, it's very likely we'll commit mistakes from time to time.  Yet God told us in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." God can work with us if we surrender everything to Him.  He has given us free will and if we allow Him total control by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, He can use us to fulfill the divine purpose He has created us for in the first place.  Friends with the same accountability with God can be used by Him to talk to us and lead us to His path.  While on earth, we are on a roller coaster ride---dealing with many different trials and triumphs. Godly friends are there with us through thick of thin.  They rejoice with us in victories but also remind us of God's grace and goodness in times of need.  If you have trustworthy friends given by God, we are to be grateful for every single one of them.  At this day and time, they are hard to come by.  On the other hand, we are to ask ourselves whether we are also a blessing to somebody's life.  We are to give---not just receive!  When we've gone through difficulties in life and God delivered us from all of them, this is not something we just keep to ourselves.  The testimony of God's goodness can be a beacon of hope to those who are enduring similar hardships.   I don't know with you but when someone comes to me and tells me of their trials and difficult situations, I try to put myself in their place to have a better understanding of what they might be going through and ask the Lord how may I impart hope in that person/friend's life.  Yes, we can give an arsenal of scriptures but without genuine concern, we are missing the target!  Sometimes, it is better to give a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on to demonstrate the love of God to our friends.  I cannot describe how valuable it is when I know that someone is there to devote some time to listen and pray for me and my family.  Each of us can make unwise decisions at a spur of a moment and end up regretting them for the rest of our lives.  Galatians 6:1-3 tells us, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."  Rejoice in the Lord if you have Godly friends surrounding you.  They are not only there to encourage you with nice words but also to deliver correction and instructions of righteousness when needed.  Anyway, here are important scriptures to guide us in our relationships:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:2-6)

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other."  (John 15:12-17)

For this Card, I used an image from one of our sponsors---A Random Fan called "Travel Bug" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Chromatix markers.  I also incorporated a sentiment called "True Friends" from our other sponsor---Eureka Stamps.   The base card is a white CS that is cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card.  The DP's and CS' are all from my scraps from many wonderful companies.  I made the border fence by using an MS Punch and created a scallop circle using my Nestabilities.  The circles were cut using an MS Circle Cutter.  The layered flowers were from Prima that I added glitters on using Stickles-Crystal and adhered some ribbon.  You'll also see a couple of brads, yellow nail head gems on the image's headlight as well as some white nail head gems.  Lastly, I did some fancy and regular stitching all over.  I think it came out pretty good.

 TRUE FRIENDS ARE THE RAINBOWS CENTER STEP CARD:

 TRUE FRIENDS ARE THE RAINBOWS CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

 TRUE FRIENDS ARE THE RAINBOWS CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

 TRUE FRIENDS ARE THE RAINBOWS CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

TRUE FRIENDS ARE THE RAINBOWS CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Girls---ATG
Crafty Little Faeries---Spots and Stripes
Cute Card Thursday---Perfectly Pink
Delightful Challenges---All Tied-Up (Use Ribbon, String or Twine)
Paper Crafting Journey---Perfect in Pink
ScrapbookerPHD---Die-Cuts (Used my Cuttlebug to cut the Nesties)
Southern Girls---Sparkle, Shine with a bit of Bling
Time Out---Summer (Optional twist-Flowers)
Dazzling Diva---Vellum/ATG
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Crafty Creations---It's all About "S" ( I used Stitching here)
Creative Moments---ATG/Monochromatic
Digistamps4Joy---Girly/Feminine
Hambo Hoedown---Here Comes Summer
I Love ProMarkers---Digi Does It
Nutcrafters---Animals/Insects
Paper Shelter---Flower Power
Scrapper's Delight---ATG with a Twist:  Layer It Up
Whimsy Stamps---Tic Tac Toe (Summer/Die-Cut/Sentiment)

There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create featuring an optional twist, "Bestfriends Day."  There's wonderful prizes awaiting the winners from our lovely sponsors for this week---A Random Fan, Vectoria Designs and Eureka Stamps.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  I hope you have a wonderful week filled with the divine inspiration of God's Word and friends to share it with.  Hugs, always! 

Scripture Series: Crown of Old Men Card---Join Us for Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, Crafty Friends!  This post is a day late (time is a luxury for me nowadays!) but I'm here to highlight the free Scripture Word Art for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW). Each day is challenging for me and my family this month (we ask for your prayers!).  I know God has something wonderful in store for us as we stand in faith but that same faith is under attack every minute, everyday!  I know that many of us who solely trust in the Lord encountered many situations like this in our lifetime.  I am reminded of the story of  Abraham in Genesis 15 when he received a promise from God that he will have a son---against all odds.  Genesis 15:6 tells us, "Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness."  Like everybody, Abraham faced the agony---the reality that he would not have a son to carry his bloodline.  At that day and time, it meant everything for a man.  He looked at his aging body and his barren wife and everything in the physical realm suggested a hopeless condition.     BUT GOD gave him His Word  and he believed in God's report against the physical realities surrounding him.  As we read further in Genesis, we'd learn that many years passed and still, the promise of God to Abraham was not yet.  All that time of waiting took a toll on Sarah, Abraham's wife.  She devised another way for Abraham to have a son through their servant, Hagar, which later gave birth to Ishmael.  To make the long story short, Sarah and Abraham made a horrible mistake by focusing on their situation/condition instead of continuing to trust in what God said.  Up to this time, descendants of Isaac and Ishmael are still fighting with each other as we witness this truth in the events happening in the Middle East throughout history.  God's plan could not be thwarted by man's mistakes.  As God said, Isaac was born to Sarah and in him was the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to be the Father of many nations. 

My point is---all of us can receive a Word from God regarding His plans and purposes in our lives.  Like me, you can be in a situation where God gave you His Word of blessing and His Spirit living inside of you, confirms that blessing.  But as the days go by, everything that is happening around suggest the opposite.  You wake up in the morning believing/full of hope that it's going to be a wonderful day yet the first news you received was depressing. To make things worst, all the other news that followed plunges you to even greater degree of hopelessness.  It's in times like this that we are tempted to give up, settle for something less or totally abandon God's revelation (promise/blessings) in our lives.  Like Abraham and Sarah, we may get the wrong idea that God needs our help in order to fulfill His promises to us.  But I submit to you, this is not the case!  When we intervene, we actually create more problems!  You see, God is more than able to deliver His blessing without an ounce of help from any of us.  Our part is to continue to trust and wait  for the perfect timing of the Lord.  I know---it is easier said than done.  I'm experiencing this kind of battle ---more so, these days.  God's promised blessing to our family is under attack daily but with the help of the Holy Spirit,  I am choosing to hold on to His truth, goodness and perfect timing.  I am not saying that I don't get scared---oh yes I do!  But I know the everlasting love Almighty God has for me and knowing that trumps all my fears.  His love becomes my security! 1 John 4:18 tells us, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."  So when you are faced with many trials today, hold on to the promises of the Lord in your life.  As the battle rages on, let Jesus calm your spirit as you leave everything in His care.  Always remember what Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Here are verses that will empower you to stand on the promises of God no matter what...

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." (Jeremiah 32:17)

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24)

"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:31-34)

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

Anyway, our featured Word Art (by Karen Murray) you can download for free at the WAW site comes from Proverbs 17:6 which says, "Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers."  This is so true to a father who came to know Christ as his personal Lord and Savior (John 3:3).  One who raised up his kids in the fear and admonition of God.  Men are mandated by God to be the head/leader of his household.  Not only is he to provide for the financial needs of his family but as a spiritual leader that lives by the example of Christ.  As Jesus loves the Church, men are to love their wives and children.  One day, the children will become parents and will live by the examples shown to them by their fathers growing up.  The legacy of a God-fearing father will be passed on from generation to generation and the fruit of his labor of love will be eternally sweet and satisfying.  Nowadays, it is sad to see how we are lacking men of truth, honor and spiritual understanding.  Therefore, we see a lot of kids that are confused---lacking identity.  God Almighty is our Eternal Father and in Him alone can we truly understand what fatherhood is truly like.  Encourage every men to take time to read the Word of God (Bible) and to place their trust solely in Jesus Christ in order to take their place in the great plan of God for every family on earth.  Our true purpose and identity can only be found in connection with God who created us and empowered us.  For this Card, I used an image from Penny Black Cling Stamps called "To Daddy" by Mo Manning and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  I used Kraft for my card base, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from my scraps,  black brads from Recollections and added some glitters in the center of image's flowers using Stickles-Lime Green.  I also paper pieced a part of the image's skirt and lastly, I did some regular and fancy stitching on this Card.  Perfect for a masculine Father's Day card.  What do you think?

 CROWN OF OLD MEN CARD:

 CROWN OF OLD MEN CARD LAYERS:

 CROWN OF OLD MEN CARD INSIDE:

 CROWN OF OLD MEN CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

 This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Girls---ATG
Aud Sentiments---Any Sentiment for a Guy
C.R.A.F.T.---Father's Day/Male
Milkcoffee---For Dad/Special Male
MAWTT---Father's Day
Sassy Studio---Summer Lovin'
Time Out---Summer (Optional twist-Flowers)
Dazzling Diva---Vellum/ATG
Crafter's Cafe---Masculine
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Crafty Creations---It's all About "S" (I used Scripture, Stitching)
Creative Moments---ATG/Monochromatic
Fab 'n' Funky---Father's Day/Special Male
Hambo Hoedown---Here Comes Summer
I Love ProMarkers---Digi Does It
Paper Pretties---Hip to be Square
Paper Shelter---Flower Power
Scrapper's Delight---ATG with a Twist:  Layer It Up 
Simon Says Stamp---Father's Day/Masculine

Don't forget to join us at the WAW Challenge.  You can use the free 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 week are  Freckled Fawn ($15 GC) and Crafty Ribbons ($10 GC).  Have a blessed day and remember to hold on to the promises of God in your life no matter what.  Let His Word His Spirit comfort and empower you daily.

Scripture Series: Thou Hast Made Heaven Card---Join Us for Another Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello fellow Crafters.  It's time for another Challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  If you haven't joined us before, we feature a free Word Art (by Karen Murray) that you can download  each Challenge.  You can use it in whatever project you desire to make, link it to our Challenge for a chance to win some fabulous prizes or keep it for future use.  Today's Word Art comes from Nehemiah 9:6 which says, "Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee."  Anyone in their right mind would agree that everything has an origin.  Take a good look around you and all of nature reveals this truth. If we see a tree, we know that a seed was planted. If we see a kitten, we know that somewhere in there is a Mommy kitty.  When we see wonderful structures, we know that an architect planned it and an engineer built it.  Everything that is on earth is explorable for as much as God would allow us to discover things in our environment.  But how about things in the heavenlies?  Truthfully, we have very limited knowledge when it comes to our universe/galaxies.  Our telescopes can only go so far in seeing all of what's out there.  But just because we are limited doesn't mean there's nothing beyond what we can see.  Throughout history, we relied on many theories from finite beings with regards to how the heavens and the earth came about.  We allowed them to shape our minds and fill us with their ridiculous, outrageous and bizarre theories as if they were absolute truths.  We were led to believe that we evolved from apes rather than seeking the Truth from the account of an infinite God, who not only gave us his General Revelation (General Truths revealed by God through things that were created---Nature) but also His Special Revelation (Specific Truths revealed by God through supernatural means---includes physical appearances of God, dreams, visions, the written Word of God, and most importantly—Jesus Christ) to prove our origin.  All creation speaks of a Creator Who is intricate, systematic, perfect and all powerful.  He holds everything together in their proper time and space.  Psalm 19:1-3 tells us, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard."  Romans 1:20 also tells us, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."  But God didn't stop there.  He revealed Himself even more through His written revelation (the Bible) and perfected His divine revelation by sending His One and Only Son---Jesus Christ in order to rescue mankind from sure death!  Jesus was the perfect image of the Father in human flesh.  This was made clear to us in John 14:8-11, “Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied. Jesus replied, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do."  

What I am trying to say here is that all the answers to our daily existence are seen through what God has created.  Each one has an expression of their Maker.  We didn't come here by accident.  God made us and equipped us with everything necessary to fulfill the purpose and function He intended us to do while on earth.  Each one is unique and beautiful in their own little way.  We are to work under God's supervision and keep communion with him all the days of our lives.  Yet the Fall of Man changed all of that as it corrupted our spirit and injected us with Satan's nature.  Unless we die from that old sinful nature (in Adam) and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, we are at a lost---detached and oblivious of our full potential.  We often tell people , "You can be anything you want to be!" But I beg to differ...We can try everything to be someone else but the result of it is a sad and empty life.  At the end of the tunnel, we can only be "truly" fulfilled if we walked in the purpose and function God had predestined us to do.  Until we exchanged our finite minds and allow the infinite mind of  God to shape our worldview, we will always have questions and doubts on the world around us--even our own existence.  The Word of God contains all the answers to all of our questions in both the seen (physical) and the unseen (spiritual) world.   If we take off our blinders and see with our spiritual eyes (only possible through new birth in Christ---John 3:3), we'll see a God Whose love for us is boundless and immeasurable---we can only bow down to His magnificent presence.   One day, we will come face to face with the King of kings and the Lord of lords.  As Philippians 2:9-11 tells us, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  Blessed are those who came under His covering for they shall never be apart from Him.  Are you ready to meet your Creator?

Anyway, my inspiration card today is more of a CAS style.  Many of you are familiar with my elaborate cards with lots of layers and bold colors but when I saw the scripture we are featuring, I wanted it to be the focus.  So, I chose a cute image (freebie) from "A Day for Daisies" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers with neutral colors.  The white base is cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I embossed with my Cuttlebug, die cut with my Nestabilities and adhered some white nail head gems from Imaginisce.  I added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) as well as Liquid Pearls (Petal Pink) to the image and stitched all over this card.  Hope you like it. 

 THOU HAST MADE HEAVEN CARD:

 THOU HAST MADE HEAVEN CARD LAYERS:

 THOU HAST MADE HEAVEN CARD INSIDE:

THOU HAST MADE HEAVEN CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Pile It On---Metal
Craft Hoarders Anonymous---Glass or Metal
TTCRD---ATG
Paper Crafting Challenges---My Faves  (I love Scripture Word Arts)
Sister Act---ATG
Card Mania---CAS
Artistic Inspirations---ATG/Things with Wings
Creative Moments---ATG/Use Twine
Inkspirational---Bloom
Crafty Creations---It's All About "S" (Spots/Sentiment)
Inky Impressions---ATG
Crafting Cafe---Creatures
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Dazzling Diva---ATG/Color
Rhedd and Rosie---No Flowers/Nothing Floral
Sweet Stamps---No Designer Paper
Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Dream Valley---Things with Wings
Whimsy Stamps---Two or More Die-cuts
Sweet Stampin'---Sparkle and Shine
Digistamps4Joy---Girly/Feminine
CCC Digi Creations---Digi/ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Simon Says---ATG
A Random Fan---ATG
Craft-room---Things with Wings
Deep Ocean---Wings
Everybody-Art---Bling Bling
Fan-Tastic Tuesday---ATG
Inky Chicks---Use Metal Embellishment (The white nail head gems are metal)
Paperminutes---Animals
Created with Love---Lots of Layers
Creating in Faith Hope and Love---Scripture
The Kraft Journal---CAS
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---Lots of Layers
OSAAT---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Sentimental Sundays---Things with Wings
Corrosive Challenge---ATG

I hope you'd take the time to join us at our WAW Challenge.  It's Anything Goes as long as it's family friendly with uplifting and inspirational messages, you can link up to 5 projects.  Our sponsors this week are Cheery Lynn Designs (giving a Fall Harvest 2 Die), Frantic Stamper (Cheesy Card Panel Die cut) and Diane's Daydream Designs (three sets of digis).  I can't wait to see your projects this week and leave you some lovin' on your Blogs.  Have a blessed day and I pray that you acknowledge the glory of the Lord in yourself and in everything around you.  His Name be praised forever!

The "Zing" in Amazing Card---Join us at my Neighborhood, 613 Avenue Create, for Another Anything Goes with Optional Twist Challenge...

It's Monday and Happy Memorial Day, everyone!  So thankful for the men and women who gave up their lives for us to enjoy the freedom we have and those that are still fighting to maintain that freedom.  The Bible tells us in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."  Out in the battlefield, we are faced with possibility of death or victory fighting for many different reasons.  Yet to fight for a cause that is greater than one's own agenda, the kind that forsakes personal gain so that others may keep theirs is what we consider "true heroes" are made of.   Such kind of love does not originate from a man's heart.  It stems directly from the heart of a God whose love is Agape,  selfless not selfish, perfectly demonstrated by our Father in heaven Who gave us His One and Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, so that mankind can enjoy freedom from the bondage we would otherwise not escape.  A God Who continues to give when He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and remind us of the victories we have in Christ---our Helper in our everyday existence as we continue to live the life the Father has purposed for us in this world.  As we accept the gift of salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit living inside of us allow us to see the heart of God and His love for those who are perishing.   Our military men and women fought and are still fighting so hard to keep our country free from the forces that have no value for life and wants to enslave people by force.  But I tell you that all of us are in a battle far more than what our physical eyes can see.  Since the Fall of Man, each of us were enslaved by Satan and out of that slavery, we were subjected to three-fold nature of Death---spiritual, physical and eternal deaths.  Jesus' finished work on the Cross broke the yoke of Satan and the Death he has inflicted us with more than 2000 years ago.  Christ is our Only hope and cure.  To be Born-again (John 3:3) is to die from the old nature in Adam and to come to life IN CHRIST.  We may be physically living in a free country but are we truly spiritually free?  People in prison have their physical freedom stripped away from them but if they have come to know Jesus Christ while there, they are more free than anyone who is out of the prison doors.  True freedom comes from acknowledging that we must become free of the spiritual bondage first and everything else will follow.  After all, physical existence will come to an end and only that of the spirit (unseen) will continue on for eternity.  There is a way to secure that spiritual freedom while here on earth.  Consider what Jesus Christ has done for us.  Accept His sacrifice---His finished work on the Cross and allow Him to be the Commander of your heart.  He will carry us to safety, freedom and victory both here and the life beyond.  Here are God's Word that will help us appreciate the freedom we have in Christ:

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."  (Galatians 5:13)

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15)

"These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit." (1 Corinthians 2:10-14)

Anyway, I created a card for your inspiration in this week's Challenge in my neighborhood---613 Avenue Create!  It's Anything Goes with an optional theme of "Add Metal." I used a wonderful image provided by one of our sponsors, Lacy Sunshine Stamps called "Daisy Delite Sunshine Girl Pin-up"  and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Bic markers.  The card measures approximately 5.5 inches square using Kraft CS as base.  I die cut a Lacy Circle and Swirls using my Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Sizzix die and Tag-Along and adhered a vellum. I layered some Prima and Recollections flowers and added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) for sparkles.  I incorporated a brad and lots of metal gems from Imaginisce.  I also used a touched of Liquid Pearls (Silver Pearl) to the image.  I incorporated a wonderful sentiment I got free from Create with TLC (thanks, Paulette!) that sure made this card come alive held together  by two clothes pin.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  I say, pretty cute!

 THE ZING IN AMAZING CARD:

 THE ZING IN AMAZING CARD LAYERS:

 THE ZING IN AMAZING CARD INSIDE:

THE ZING IN AMAZING CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Pile It On---Metal
Craft Hoarders Anonymous---Glass or Metal
Paper Crafting Challenges---My Faves (I Love Imaginisce Metal Gems)
Sister Act---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG/Things with Wings
Ladybug Crafts---Fave Embellishment (I Love Imaginisce Metal Gems)
Creative Moments---ATG/Use Twine
Inkspirational---Bloom
Stampin' for the Weekend---For the Girls
Stampin with the Dragon---Flowers
Emerald Faeries---Flowers/Ribbon/Lace
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Digi Makeover---Flowers
Love to Scrap---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Whimsy Stamps---Two or More Die-cuts
Sweet Stampin'---Sparkle and Shine
Craftyhazelnut---Patterned Papers
CCC Digi Creations---Digi/ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---Lots of Layers
Craft Your Passion---Frame It
Crafty Cardmakers---One or More Flourishes(there's 3 flourishes under the flower)
Crazy Challenge---Bingo (Pearls (liquid pearls)/Flower/Die-Cut)
Paper Nest Dolls Norway---Sparkle/Glitter/Bling
Pink Elephant---ATG
Use Your Stuff---Bling
Come and Get It---Lots of Layers
Fairytale Stampers---Flowers
Glitter n Sparkle---Add Some Metal
Lacy Sunshine---Dies and/or Punches
OSAAT---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Corrosive Challenge---ATG 
Squirrel and the Fox---Let's Hear It for the Girls

There you have it, everyone.  I hope you were inspired to make a wonderful project to link for our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  It's always "Anything Goes" so you can have some fun yet we created an optional "Twist" for those who want a bit of Challenge.   Whether your artwork is simple or elaborate, we invite you to link up.  There's a wonderful prize awaiting our winner from our sponsors, Lacy Sunshine Stamps and Creative Bug Digital Snapshots .  Can't wait to see your creation soon.  Hope you have a wonderful time giving honor the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom and the highest glory and praise to Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate sacrifice and our only hope for Freedom of freedoms!