Scripture Series: He Shall Cover Thee Card---Join Us for Anything/Inspirational Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

 Hi there, friends!  I would like to share with you my inspiration project for this bi-weekly Challenge happening at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, we featured a Scripture Word Art that you can download for free at the WAW site.  Our highlighted verse comes from Psalm 91:4 which says, "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." I love what my Life Application Bible shared with regards to this verse.  It says, "God is a shelter, a refuge when we are afraid.  The writer's faith in the Almighty God as Protector would carry Him through all the dangers and fears of life.  This should be a picture of our trust---trading all of our fears for faith in Him, no matter how intense our fears.  To do this we must "dwell" and "rest" with Him (Psalm 91:1).  By entrusting ourselves to His protection and pledging our daily devotion to Him, we will be kept safe."  

 

Now,  I get why others stopped trusting in God. It is because their faith in Him is a conditional faith. The truth of the matter is, many are just trusting Him for the positive outcome to their prayers.  Yes, as the Body of Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), we stand by the promises of God in His Word especially when it comes to healing, finances and the various aspects of life.  We rejoice in seeing our love ones in critical condition overcome physical death when we pray. But this does not happen all the time and many have struggled to make sense of their love ones or their own struggle with death. Though we know for a fact that our lives in this world are temporary, we invest everything in this world and have forsaken the reality that at any day, life may come to an end here.  I can't help but be sad for many who have traded their faith in God  with worldly fear.  They are easily manipulated to give up their rights and freedom, condemning others that wouldn't succumb to fear like them convincing themselves that their own efforts could add another day to their lives.  How much are they willing to compromise for this temporary existence? And how sad it is for anyone who rejected Christ to leave this world---for the eternal torment waiting for them in the afterlife is utterly horrific.  But for a true follower of Jesus Christ to go from here to the next life is an eternity of joy and peace in the presence of our Savior.  God did not promise us a world free of danger but He did promise to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). In moments of great trials, it is imperative that we place all of our trust in the Lord Jesus who has total control over our lives. He knows what is best for us at any given time and circumstances.  Romans 8:28 tells us, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." It is that confidence that even when our prayers did not turn out the way we wanted it to be, God has our best interest in mind.  That the death of every believer is not a loss but a promotion to the everlasting life that will only happen when God says it is time.  Therefore, you can do everything in your power to preserve your life but in reality, God has the final say! One day, the Rapture of the Church will happen.  God will resurrect all believers who have died, give them glorified bodies, and we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and will receive glorified bodies as well.  And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).  What a glorious day that will be! 

Anyway, I would like to share with you something that God placed upon my heart a few days ago from Matthew 14:22-33.  Here,  Jesus walked on the water and so did Peter.  But as Peter saw the wind, he was overwhelmed with fear. He lost focus on Jesus and  began to sink.  He cried out to the Lord and Jesus pulled him out of the water saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” It's easy to say we trust God when the winds/storms of life are quite a distance from us.  But the moment it hits close to home and our lives are directly affected and threatened, can we still trust God?  Truth be told, our faith should be firmly planted to the strong foundation of Jesus Christ in order to withstand anything---even the very threat to our lives. God gave us His eternal promises in Christ to encourage and inspire us to contend for our faith and to rid us of every fear that will try to stop us in accomplishing God's purpose in our lives. I love this statement from realfaith.com that says, "Fear will sink you. When Peter had faith, he walked on water. When he had fear,  he sank in the water. The same is true for you. Fear will sink you. Is there any fear that is gripping and controlling your decision making?" When our focus is solely on our Lord Jesus Christ, we will live fearless lives with the ability to accomplish the impossible withholding nothing!  I would like to share what  Apostle Paul told us in these passages.

"Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it." When we truly know the God we serve and hold on to His promises on earth and beyond, there will be no room for fear." (Philippians 1:27-30)

For this Card, I used an image from Recollections (feathers) and stamped them in different colors using Memento Inks and Hampton Art-Tracey Hey for the rest of the images that I colored using The Creative Expert markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I used MS Punch to shape the sides and added some nail head gems from Imaginisce.   Lastly, I stitched all over this project.  

 

HE SHALL COVER THEE CARD 

HE SHALL COVER THEE CARD LAYERS

HE SHALL COVER THEE CARD INSIDE

 

 

HE SHALL COVER THEE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

Stinkin' Inkers---Pick Me Up

Time Out---Brave

CAS on Friday---CAS with Balloons

Crafty Creations---ATG

Creative Moments---ATG

Ellibelle's Corner---Flora and/or Fauna

House that Stamps Built---Sparkle and Shine

Simon Wednesday---Sparkle and Shine

Sisterhood of Crafters---Cute and Simple

Paper Funday---ATG/Autumn/Fall

2 Crafty Critter---ATG with Critter

A Bit More Time---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Clever Dexter---Sparkle and Glitter

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Crafty Animals---ATG with Animals

Creatalicious---ATG

CCC Digi Creations---No Patterned Paper

LeeAnn's World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Lots of Layers

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Monochrome

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

QKR---ATG

Rabisco---ATG

Crafting Challenge---ATG

YSP---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 each week.  Our Challenge winner will be awarded a wonderful prizes from our awesome sponsor---Stix 2 Anything (Adhesive package).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, live every minute of your life fully trusting in the Lord, both physically and spiritually.  Never ever trade joy that will last for all eternity for momentary pleasure.

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Scripture Series: The Lord is Gracious Card---There is Still Time to Join our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, everyone!  A few days ago, we started another Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) as we feature another great Scripture Word Art (free for you to download at the WAW site). It comes from Psalm 145:8 which says, "The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy."

It is hard to fathom everything that is happening in our world today. For the whole world is constantly fed with incredible lies that have altered people's minds resulting to many  giving up critical thinking and common sense.  I am grateful for the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of true believers (Born-again, John 3:3) that enables us to see through the deception so that we can pray and act in accordance to the Word of God.  As God's Salt and Light, we slow down the decay and push back the darkness that will one day cover the earth.  Everyone living in truth stands by the Word of God at all cost.  In the face of persecutions, threats, insults and consequences to our way of life due to our refusal to embrace the twisted/perverted lifestyle forced upon us, we have to remember what Jesus had to endure to save us from eternal damnation and how He will reward us for our faith and boldness to live for Him while in this world.  Though we desire to live in peace, the rebellious spirit that dominates this world is hostile to the truth and like mad men, they are not content in silencing us but are bent on making us bow down to the evil they worship.   They attack us from every side and they don't rest.  They use people with influence and power to make sure they get their way through false promises of peace, safety, unity and worldwide concern when in fact, it's a facade to their diabolical agenda to erode our freedom and condition our minds to their one world agenda.  Anyone whose faith is in anything but in the Lord Jesus Christ is given over to a reprobate mind.  They are convinced they are doing good but in reality, they are worthless (literally or morally) living under Satan's spell.  If I am not standing in the promises of God, I would lose hope but God's Word gives me the assurance that no matter what happens in this world, I will live eternally in the presence of God because Jesus paid the ultimate price of our freedom with His precious blood at the Cross. Though He did it for all, only those that accept His ultimate gift of salvation will receive pardon.  He didn't have to do it but God can't deny Who He is---HE IS LOVE!  From Him comes forth grace (unmerited favor),  compassion (to suffer with), patience (long suffering) and great mercy (forgiveness, withholding punishment to the guilty).   When Adam fell into Sin, he took all humankind with him. Everyone physically born in this world came from his bloodline. Our only way out is when we die (repent and acknowledge our need for a Savior) from our association with Adam and be born-again (spiritual birth) through faith in Christ. When I acknowledged the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross (His death, burial and resurrection) and allowed Him to be my personal Lord and Savior, I became one with the Lord Jesus!  What happened to Him, happened to me.  Everything He accomplished became my accomplishment.  His passion became my passion and His purpose, my purpose.  His victory became my victory and His eternal promises is my reality.  I live in this world to do the will of my Father in heaven and never to promote myself.  Philippians 1:20-26 explains it all so clearly which says, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me."  That is why true believers cannot succumb to fear.  We are sure to live forever in the fullness of the promises of our Lord in His Word the moment He calls us to our true home.  I don't know with y'all but that is something I can truly look forward to.

I would like to share with you  what My Life Application Bible shared regarding Psalm 145 where our highlighted Scripture was mentioned as it encourages me to live each day in a positive way.  It says, "Sometimes our burdens  seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on.  David stands at this bleak intersection of life's road and points toward the Lord, the great burden-bearer.  God is able to lift us up because (1) His greatness is unfathomable (145:3); (2) He does mighty acts across many generations (145:4); (3) He is full of glorious splendor and majesty (145:5); (4) He does wonderful and awesome works (145:5,6); (5) He is righteous (145:7); (6) He is gracious, compassionate, patient and loving (145:8,9); (7) He rules over an everlasting kingdom (145:13); (8) He is our source of all our daily needs (145:15.16); (9) He is righteous and  loving in all His dealings (145:17); (10)He remains near to those who call on Him (145:18); (11) He hears our cries and saves us  (145:19,20).  If you are bending under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help.  He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden."

For this Card, I used a stamped image from the Dress Up Stamp Kit from "Me and My Big Ideas." There's already pieces of clothing with it to choose from which I simply attached to the stamped girl. I used my Prismacolor markers to color the face and hair.  I've had this kit for years and it's the first time I decided to play with it.  The base is white CS, cut and score to make a 5.5 inches square card but rounded the corners using my Corner Chomper.  The DP's are from Recollections, the flower from Prima and I added a fuzzy cut leaves that I stamped using Fiskars "Petals from Scratch."  Lastly, I added glitters using Stickles (Crystal) and some regular and fancy stitching.  

                                       

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS CARD

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS CARD LAYERS

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS CARD INSIDE

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Colour Crazy---ATG

Creative Fingers---ATG

Aud Sentiments---Thinking of You/Get Well/Sympathy Sentiment ("Compassion" in my Sentiment)

A Bit More Time---ATG

Bastel-Traum---Plant

Createful Heart---ATG

Creative Crafters---ATG

Worldwide DT---ATG

Ellibelle's Corner---Flora and/or Fauna

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times each week.  An adhesive package awaits our winner from our lovely sponsor for this Challenge---The Project Bin ($15 GC). So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, meditate on the goodness of the Lord and rely on His promises.  Expect only wonderful things from Him each day.  We are part of His plan in this world.

Ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Find out how on the sidebar...

Scripture Series: All Things is at Hand Card---Join Us at Word Art Wednesday for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge!

 Hi there, everyone!  A week ago, we started another Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) as we feature another great Scripture Word Art (free for you to download at the WAW site). It comes from 1 Peter 4:7 which says, "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer."

Nowadays, I can't help but think of the many end time prophecies revealed to us in the Bible.  More than ever before, I am seeing the horrific reality of the delusion and deception that have surely blinded many.  What used to puzzle me thirty years ago as new believer in Christ (Born-again, John 3:3) have now become our sad reality---people calling good as evil,  and evil as good.  The once plain and simple principles of truth and common sense have now been contaminated with lies using some measure of truth mixed with a huge dose of fear and human emotions to capture the hearts and minds of the gullible.  And they claim to be loud using every pillars of our society to deliver their toxic/perverted message.  I have to turn off the noise (mainstream and social media) to maintain peace, calm and sanity.

The NIV Bible translates our highlighted verse this way, "The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray."  We got to get rid of all of the clutter, things that entangle us---that which hinder us in focusing on what is important with regards to God's higher calling in our lives.  We have to take hold of our emotions to avoid hasty and ineffective decisions which could come back anytime to haunt us.  And do not allow worldly fear to dampen your faith and cause you to compromise your well being (body, soul and spirit).  God's Word is very clear in 2 Timothy 1:7 in the Amplified version, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].  Remembering that in Christ, we are never victims---we are victors!  And that in life or in death, we are established in Him.  That my friend is what true freedom is all about.  It is the same freedom that we can share with others when we continue to share the Gospel to the lost while there is time.  Let us cover each other in prayer with our Father's protection, strength and wisdom as we navigate this deceptive, darkened and dangerous world.  

Lastly, I would like to share what My Life Application Bible wrote regarding our highlighted verse which says, "Suffering helps us be like Christ, yet people will do anything to avoid pain.  Followers of Christ, however, should be willing and prepared to do God's will and to suffer for it if necessary.  We can overcome sin when we focus on Christ and what He wants us to do.  Pain and danger reveal our true values.  Anyone who suffers for doing good and still faithfully obeys in spite of suffering has made a clean break with sin. People whose lives change radically at conversion may experience contempt from his or her old friends.  They may be scorned not only because they refuse to participate in certain activities, but also because their priorities have changed and they are now heading in the opposite direction,  Their lives incriminate their friend's sinful activities.  Mature Christians should help new believers resist such pressures of opposition by helping them to be faithful to Christ, surrounding them as new friends, and encouraging them to develop new habits and activities that are not only enjoyable but positive for their spiritual growth.  The basis of salvation is our belief in Jesus (Acts 16:31), but the basis for judgment is how we lived.  All people will be judged: believers for the rewards they will receive; unbelievers for punishment.  Those who inflict persecution are marked for punishment when they stand before God.  All will give an account to God, so we must be ready.  This may give you a new perspective on your activities and actions today.  Are you prepared to explain them to God.  We should live expectantly because Christ is coming.  Getting ready to meet Christ involves continually growing in love for God and others.  It is important to pray regularly, and it is also important to reach out to needy people.  Your possessions, status, and power will mean nothing in God's kingdom, but you will spend eternity with other people. Invest your time and talents where they will make an eternal difference."

For this Card, I used an image from Mo Manning Stamps called "Lil Ballerina" that I colored using The Creative Expert and Prismacolor markers.  The base is a pre-cut A7 card and the DP's are also from the Paper Studio.  I layered flowers from Prima, add glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and placed a white brad from Paper Studio.  I incorporated a die-cut border using Momenta die template and added some leaves using an EK Success Leaf Punch.  Lastly, I adhered some white nail head gems from Imaginisce and ran some panels through my sewing machine for regular and fancy stitching.  I love it.

 

ALL THINGS IS AT HAND CARD 

ALL THINGS IS AT HAND CARD LAYERS

ALL THINGS IS AT HAND CARD INSIDE

ALL THINGS IS AT HAND CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

As You Like It---Fave Color and Why?  I love bright colors but if I will based it on which color I get 

                           complimented on, I have to say "blue" in any shade. I tend to include it more in my 

                           projects.

Aud Sentiments---ATG with Sentiment

Cards 4 Galz---Texture

MAWTT---Summer Fun/Colors

Time Out---Running Stitch Design

Crafty Creations---ATG

Crafty Gals Corner---Summer Fun

Creative Moments---ATG

Paper Shelter---ATG

Sisterhood of Crafters---ATG

Paper Funday---ATG/Cute Critters

Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Classic Designs---ATG

Crafts Galore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

CCC Digi Creations---Use Flowers

DL Art---ATG

LeAnn's World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Polka Dots/Stripes

Love to Craft---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Mixed Media

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Bestie International---ATG

My Bestie Spanish---ATG

Pearly Sparkles---ATG

Sognando---ATG

YSP---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 each week.  A wonderful prize awaits our winner from our lovely sponsor for this Challenge---Cas-ual Fridays Stamps (Stencil Package).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, be very vigilant, pray always and practice your God given rights.  As long as God is seated on the throne, we are never without hope.  We are part of His plan in this world.

Ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Find out how on the sidebar...

Scripture Series: Consider the Lilies Scripture Note Cards---Join our Ongoing Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday...

 Hi there, friends!  It's time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  This time, we are highlighting  a Scripture Word Art that comes from Psalm 147:3 which tells us, "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." You can download this for free at WAW site and you can see how the other DT's used it for their featured cards.  I chose to make a project that highlighted Stamp Simply who happens to be our sponsor for this Challenge.

In this earthly life, we will never run out of things that could break our hearts and wound us. We could be basking from joy and victory one day and suddenly, bad news come to ruin the next day.  Just when we thought we have everything mapped out and have learned to navigate life based on previous experiences, we come face to face with situations and trials that's beyond our control. Some may have been caused by others while some we've inflicted upon ourselves.  And there are those that come to test our faith like what happened to Job. Even people that have all the riches in the world can face trials that no amount of money can solve.  We  just think they are invincible because most of the trials we encounter in this world are pretty much tied up with finances.  But come to think of it, no matter how rich one is, he cannot stop death (physical) from knocking on his door.  Only the Creator of heaven and earth has the power and the authority over His creation---both seen and unseen.  He already predetermined our beginning to our ending. And none of us can buy a minute or a second more once He says it is time.  Yet a true believer of Christ (Born-again, John 3:3) has nothing to fear because God's Word tells us of a life that is beyond this earthly life. The true value of this temporary existence is in knowing our Savior Jesus Christ whose death, burial and resurrection  freed us from the ultimate penalty of Sin that we inherited from Adam from the time we were born in this world.  That ultimate penalty is "Eternal Death" for everyone who chooses to  reject Christ and His gift of salvation. Their eternal dwelling place is the "Lake of Fire (Hell)" with Satan and his minions.  But for us that fully surrendered our lives to our Savior, we become ambassadors of Jesus Christ in this world---His Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16), to proclaim the Gospel of Truth and declare His glory to this darkened world.  At the end of our journey, we will see and live in the presence of our Lord for all eternity in a place where all good things abide.

But while we're still in this world, God gave us the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit to comfort us in times of need.  Many of us suffer physically yet many other's are broken and wounded in their spirit but refuse to admit it or ask for help.  Let me tell you that God is still interested in healing anyone who is wounded and brokenhearted be it physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. He is still the Great Physician and anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus Christ will find comfort and healing and will never be turned away.   Jesus spoke in Matthew 11:28-30 saying, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  In conclusion, I would like to share this commentary from biblestudytools.com regarding our highlighted verse for it truly blessed me.  It says, "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. This the Holy Spirit mentions as a part of the glory of God, and a reason for our declaring his praise: the Lord is not only a Builder, but a Healer; he restores broken hearts as well as broken walls. The kings of the earth think to be great through their loftiness; but Jehovah becomes really so by his condescension. Behold, the Most High has to do with the sick and the sorry, with the wretched and the wounded! He walks the hospitals as the good Physician! His deep sympathy with mourners is a special mark of his goodness. Few will associate with the despondent, but Jehovah chooses their company, and abides with them till he has healed them by his comforts. He deigns to handle and heal broken hearts: he himself lays on the ointment of grace, and the soft bandages of love, and thus binds up the bleeding wounds of those convinced of sin. This is compassion like a God. Well may those praise him to whom he has acted o gracious a part. The Lord is always healing and binding: this is no new work to him, he has done it of old; and it is not a thing of the past of which he is now weary, for he is still healing and still binding, as the original hath it. Come, broken hearts, come to the Physician who never fails to heal: uncover your wounds to him who so tenderly binds them up!"

For this Card Set, I used a layering flower image from American Crafts using inks from  Stampabilities and Memento.  The wonderful Scripture sentiments are from Stamp Simply from two of their wonderful sets namely Farmhouse Scriptural Thoughts and Farmhouse Scriptural Quotes.  I bought a few stamp sets for layering but I've never really tried to make something out of them.  It's a bit of a challenge to line up the images but I love the result.   Like anything else, I know I will need to practice to get the hang of it. 

CONSIDER THE LILIES SCRIPTURE NOTE CARDS

 

CONSIDER THE LILIES SCRIPTURE NOTE CARDS SET 1

 

 

CONSIDER THE LILIES SCRIPTURE NOTE CARDS SET 2

This Project is entered in the following Challenges: 

Crafty Creations---ATG

Creative Moments---ATG

Double D---Colors of Summer

House that Stamps Built---ATG

Paper Shelter---ATG

Simon Says Stamp---ATG/Slimline

Paper Funday---ATG/Summer

Crafty Sentiments---ATG

Digi Choosday---ATG

Everybody-Art---Summer

Lemon Shortbread---ATG

TTCRD---ATG

Unicorn---Summer

Coloring in Scrapland---ATG/Blue/Stripes

Crafting Happiness---ATG

Get Creative---ATG/Show Water

Pammie's Inky Pinky---ATG

My Time to Craft---ATG

TayloredMadeCards4U---ATG/Holidays in July

Angie's Digital Stamps---ATG/Use a Flag

Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG

Corrosive---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 submit up to 5 entries per week.  Our wonderful sponsor for this week Stamp Simply (Stamps and/or Dies). So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the Word of God comfort you today.  

Ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Find out how on the sidebar...

Scripture Series: The Lord is a Strong Tower Card---Join our Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty friends! We have a new Challenge happening at Word Art Wednesday (WAW). As always, we feature a Scripture Word Art that you can download for free at the WAW site.  So, our inspiration Scripture for this Challenge that I featured in my card below comes from Proverbs 18:10 which says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." 

Why so many of us today are living under the state of fear and uncertainties?  Many of our younger generation have fully embraced secular humanism, moral relativism, socialism, communism and even their newest addition which is the critical race theory--- all of which takes God outside of the affairs of man, boasting about what humanity can do for each other as if man's life does not depend on the very grace of their Creator minute by minute.  God's absolute truths are trampled on and replaced by every lie that are deceitfully coated with some truth using every outlet possible (social media, news media, advertising, entertainment and even education).  Many, if not all pillars of our society are held hostage by a demonic agenda to rid us of our faith in the One True God and His established truth. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father but by me." So, what is Truth?  Truth is the highest form of reality in God's perspective.  Everything God says and do is based upon His pure and ultimate truth which originates from Him.  Jesus is the physical embodiment of God's Truth when He came to this world in the flesh.  No sin nor darkness was found in Him.  Instead, He radiated God's holiness and endless glory.  Acts 4:12 backs the claim of Jesus saying, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." There's no one like Jesus Christ for He's the Only One who can do what He did to change the fate of mankind.  1 Timothy 2:5-6 further emphasized, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.  This has now been witnessed to at the proper time."  It is because of this that we are seeing a total attack on Jesus and God's Truth.  Nowadays, you cannot watch a movie that does not use the name of Jesus as a mindless expression or a cuss word. Have you heard gods of other religions being attacked so systematically?  Not at all!  It just goes to show that there's something in Jesus Christ that the demonic minions are so hateful about.

So this needs to be asked---what is the significance of the name of God?  I would like to share some of the things I read from MacLaren's expositions of Proverbs 18:10.  It says, 'The name of the Lord.' of course is the Biblical expression for the whole character of God.  His name proclaims Him to be self-existent, eternal; and as eternal, changeless, infinite in all the qualities by which He makes Himself known. This boundless Being, all full of wisdom, power and tenderness, with whom we can enter into relations of amity and concord, surely He is "a strong tower into which  we may run and be safe.  But far beyond even the sweep of that great name, Jehovah, is the knowledge of God's deepest heart and character which we learn in Him who said, "I have declared Thy name unto My brethren, and will declare it."  Christ in His life and death, in His meekness, sweetness, gentleness, calm wisdom, infinite patience, attractiveness; yearning over sinful hearts, weeping over rebels, in the graciousness of His life, in the sacredness and the power of His Cross, is the Revealer to our hearts of the heart of God.  If I may so say, He has builded 'the strong tower' broader, has expanded its area and widened its gate, and lifted its summit yet nearer the heavens, and made the name of God a wider name and a mightier name, and a name of surer defense and blessing than ever it was before." Everyone redeemed by the blood of Christ and have experienced the miraculous works of our Lord when we call upon His name are extremely blessed to be living in this great period of grace under the New Covenant.  Though we haven't seen Jesus personally and lived in His time, we have the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us (since we became Born-again---John 3:3) to remind us of His great love  as we navigate the rest of our journey in this world.  And while we are still here, let us complete our mission to preach the Gospel (His death, burial and resurrection) to everyone who is willing to listen.  When we call upon the name of our Lord, we will not be turned away.

For this Card, I used an image from Mo Manning called "Alisa with Roses" that I colored using my Promarker and Prismacolor markers.  The base is an A7 pre-cut card with envelope from Paper Studio.  I used a border punch from Martha Stewart and an embossing folder from Paper Studio. I added the white nail head gems from Imaginisce and some glitters from Stickles (Crystal) for some added dimension.  It turned out great. 

 

THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD

THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD LAYERS
 

 THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD INSIDE

THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD WITH ENVELOPE

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

2 Sisters---Vacation

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Academy---Mood Board

Classic Design---ATG

Clever Dexter---Hello Summer

Ching-Chou Kuik---Embossing (Wet and/or Dry)

Craft Galore Encore---ATG

Do-A1 Kreatives---Summer

LeAnns World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Aperture

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Perfectly CAS---ATG

Sognando---ATG

Sweet Stampers---Summer Fun

Crafting Challenge---Summertime

YSP---ATG

Mo's Digital Pencil---ATG

Corrosive---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 each week.  Great prize package to be won from our wonderful sponsor--- Heartfelt Creations ($20 GC).  Enjoy the rest of the week and remember to call upon the Lord 24/7 whatever situation you are in---happy or sad---good or bad!  Because He truly cares for you.

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Fun/Humor Series: Being This Fabulous Summer Card---Join Our July Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello everyone...I'm here to feature my card for our 613 Avenue Create Anything Goes, July Challenge that started several days ago.  While the other DT's took on the Optional Twist which is "Watercolor, " I settled with Anything Goes.  I've had this fun stamp for quite sometime but it's only now that I'm able to use it. I hope you join us and have some fun crafting and creating. I also trust that you are enjoying your summer with your family and friends, perhaps some swimming like the image featured in my card.  However, I want to share God's Word with you which is always a source of wisdom and knowledge needed at this time.  Hope this blesses you.

Isaiah 12:2  says, "Surely God is my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid.  The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."  My Life Application Bible shared this explanation about Isaiah 12 which says, "This chapter is a hymn of praise---another graphic description of the people's joy when Jesus Christ comes to reign over the earth.  Even now we need to express our gratitude to God---thanking Him, praising Him, and telling others about Him.  From the depths of our gratitude, we must praise Him. And we should share the Good News (Gospel) with others." The time will come when a remnant of God's chosen nation will acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ and will experience true peace and security promised by God as He comes to rule and reign on this earth,  Presently, it is sad that many of the Israelites are lost in their own religion and remained blind to the salvation found only in Jesus Christ.  

Yet in their spiritual blindness, God opened the doors of salvation to all the people of this world.  We were the uninvited guest (Gentiles) in the Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22:1-14.  Because those that were originally invited (Jews) refused to come to honor the King's Son (Jesus Christ) and have mistreated and even killed many of the King's servants (prophets) who brought the joyous invitation to them. So the  King was enraged and sent an army to avenge their death (God's wrath).  He then asked His other servants to invite anyone they can find (both good and bad) from outside the wedding hall (God's kingdom)  and the banquet was filled with guests.  And these people were provided with beautiful wedding garments that reflects the occasion.  And yet, the King noticed somebody who refused to wear the  garment provided to the guests. That in spite of the generosity of the King and His Son, this person chose to cling to his old ways.  Therefore, He was thrown outside of the banquet---where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Gotquestions.org shared a great explanation to this Parable of the Wedding Feast.  It says, "This was Jesus' way of teaching the inadequacy of self-righteousness.  From the very beginning, God has provided a "covering" for our sin.  To insist on covering ourselves is to be clad in "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). Adam and Eve tried to cover their shame, but they found their fig leaves to be woefully scant.  God took away their handmade clothes and replaced them with skins of (sacrificed) animals (Genesis 3:7, 21).  In the book of Revelation, we see those in heaven wearing "white robes" (Revelation 7:9) and we learn that the whiteness of the robes is due to their being washed in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). We trust in God's righteousness, not our own (Philippians 3:9).  Just as King provided wedding garments for His guests, God provides salvation for mankind.  Our wedding garment is the righteousness of Christ, and unless we have it, we will miss the wedding feast. When the religions of the world are stripped down to their basic tenets, we either find man working his way toward God, or we find the cross of Christ.  The Cross is the only way to salvation (John 14:6)."

It is therefore through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that we, Born-again believers (John 3:3) can rejoice exceedingly in the grace that was extended to us by our great Father in heaven..  On our own, we cannot do anything to change the Sin Nature that kept us in bondage from the day we were born in this world.  We were hopeless!  But Jesus paid the debt that humanity owed since Adam and Eve fell into Sin,  He paid it with His own blood.  It is the ONLY valid payment.  He died, was buried and resurrected back to life so that He can invite all of us to His wedding feast dressed up in the wedding garments of righteousness He provided for us.  God did all the work---our part is to come!  One day, we will sing of all the marvelous things Jesus has done along with the great multitude of people from all walks of life who trusted in the Word of the King and the redemptive work of His One and Only Son.  Whatever situation we are in right now, always remember that things are already settled in heaven and victory is already given to us who believed.  If you know exactly what that means, fear will not rule your heart.  

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions from their "Girlfriends Collection" and colored it with my Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from American Crafts and Paper Studio, the washi tapes are from Tape Works and Recollections and the layered flowers are from Prima.  I also added a brad from Recollections and some glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  Lastly, I did some regular and fancy stitching all over this card. 

 

 BEING THIS FABULOUS SUMMER CARD

 BEING THIS FABULOUS SUMMER CARD LAYERS

BEING THIS FABULOUS SUMMER CARD INSIDE

 

 BEING THIS FABULOUS SUMMER CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Clever Dexter---Hello Summer

Craft Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

Do-A1 Kreatives---Summer

LeAnns World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Aperture

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Sognando---ATG

Sweet Stampers---Summer Fun

Crafting Challenge---Summertime

YSP---ATG

This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  If you want to be challenged, take on the Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it. Can't wait to see what you create. Think about your relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you don't have a personal relationship with Him, today is the day.  He will not turn anyone who calls on His name.

Ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Find out how on the sidebar...

Scripture Series: Together in Unity Card---Join Our Bi-Weekly Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends!  It's time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  This time, we are using a Scripture Word Art that comes from Psalm 133:1 which says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" 

 

Unity is the coming together of people and can only be possible when we share a common goal or interest in pursuit of an endeavor that will benefit us, others or both.  It is easier to unite with a small group of people as the larger the group, the more ideas and arguments arise especially when it has to cross different cultures and traditions.  But for believers of Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:16), we belong to a kingdom that never ends and governed solely by God's eternal Truth.  He created everything and only through Him will all His creation continue to exist.  Before the Fall of Man, everything worked in perfect unity based on the perfect system and principles placed by God.  There was no Sin and Death and the highest form of reality which is God's Truth was the order of each day.   But we know what happened when Man fell into Sin.  The Sin Nature (that comes from Satan) infected every human being and our own human nature darkened our hearts to the Truth.  We began to rebel from the Truth and live based on the dictates of our own flesh.  God's Truth is perverted and twisted to promote lies and deceive the gullible.

Though we sinned against God, He never left us without His Truth.  God gave us His natural revelation---the wonderful things we see in nature reveals His glory.  He also gave us His Law through Moses and revealed to us His will and purpose through His prophets.  And then He used men anointed with the Holy Spirit to bring us the Scripture,  But more than that, He gave us His one and only Son to redeem us from our sins and as a testifier to the Truth (John 18:37).  The Body of Christ is made up of people who received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior by the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word.  If we are true disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to subject ourselves solely to the will and purpose of God as instructed in His Word.  No matter what this world dictates, we are asked to follow the law of the land but only to the point where it does not go directly against the principles of Truth established by God. We are to firmly stand against every entity that would force us to do anything contrary to God's will through peaceful and legal means   The Bible contains God's instructions and no matter what country and culture we came from, we believers can unite for the same purpose and that is to uphold God's Truth.  But why there's so much misunderstanding and division in the Church today?  Could it be that many so-called Christians have been contaminated by the poison of self-centeredness and have exchanged the glory of God's Truth with political correctness, human secularism and moral relativism for the purpose of fame and notoriety.  Sad but true,  For if we truly abide in God's Truth, though we may have differences in minor things, we would all agree in the foundational doctrines of the Scripture.  Abortion would be called "murder,"  Sodomy is not about love but an abomination in the sight of God, Pedophilia is  child abuse and Illegal immigration is in every sense of the word "ILLEGAL. These are just some of the issues we face daily and God's Word are absolutely clear on where believers should stand.  And yet there are many Christians who are ignoring the Word of God and propagating false teachings and lies to appease the world.   That is why we cannot unite our country these days.  I'm not saying it's an impossibility but we cannot wait for everyone to wake up from their deception before the rest of the Body (remnant) unite to push the True agenda of God.  We have to get the Truth out there---boldly, unapologetically with compassion and love as our motive.  Even with the purest intention, we will still be judged as haters because we couldn't agree with their perversion.  But God's Word is clear in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  Let us remember that in telling the Truth, we are giving somebody a chance to repent and get it right with God.  Yes, he/she may take it positively which would eternally benefit that person's soul or---negatively and subject ourselves to their hatred.  Any which way it's taken, the important part is that we obeyed God. 

I would like to share what My Life Application Bible wrote about our highlighted verse in this post.  It says, "King David stated that unity is pleasant and precious.  Unfortunately, unity does not abound in the Church as it should. People disagree and cause division over unimportant issue.  Some delight in causing tension by discrediting others.  Unity is important because (1) it makes the Church a positive example to the world and helps draw others to us; (2) it helps us cooperate as a body of believers as God meant us to, giving us a foretaste of heaven; (3) it renews and revitalizes ministry because there is less tension to sap our energy.  Living in unity does not mean that we will agree on everything; there will be many opinions just as there are many notes in a musical chord.  But we must agree on our purpose in life---to work together for God. Our outward expression of unity will reflect our inward unity of purpose."

For this Card, I used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called "Flower Pot 3" that I colored using my Prismacolor markers and paper piecing.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP is from American Crafts, the Washi Tape from Tape Works, the white nail head gems from Imaginisce and the stencil used in the background is from Recollections, inked with Distress Ink.  Lastly, I used some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) and included some regular and fancy stitching for added dimension. 

 

 

 TOGETHER IN UNITY CARD

 TOGETHER IN UNITY CARD LAYERS

 

 TOGETHER IN UNITY CARD INSIDE

 

 

 TOGETHER IN UNITY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

A Bit More Time---ATG 

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic Design---ATG 

Clever Dexter---Hello Summer

Country View---Use a Stencil (or Two)

Crafts Galore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Aperture

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

QKR---ATG

Rabisco---ATG

Scribbles Designs---ATG

Sognando---ATG

Sparkles---Floral Extravaganza

The Crafting  Challenge---Summer

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

YSP---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 submit up to 5 entries per week.  Our wonderful sponsor for this week is  My Scrap Cabin Shop, giving away a Seam Binding Bundle  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the joy of the Lord overtake you today.  Let us unite in doing the will of God and encourage others to do the same no matter what.

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