Scripture Series: Like a Watered Garden---Join Us for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty pals!  Here to highlight my inspiration project for our newest Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, we feature a Scripture Word Art  that you can download for free at the WAW site.  It comes from Isaiah 58:11 which says, "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."  What a wonderful passage pertaining to  those who truly seek and obey the Will of God and not doing things out of selfish ambitions and worldly praise.  Isaiah 58 deals with "True Fasting" in the sight of the Lord.  I would like to share what my Life Application Bible shared concerning this chapter for it truly blessed me.  It says, "True worship is more than a religious ritual, going to the temple everyday, fasting and listening to Scripture readings.  These people missed the point of a living, vital relationship with God.  He doesn't want us acting pious when we have unforgiven sin in our hearts and perform sinful practices with our hands.  More important even than correct worship and doctrine is compassion for the poor, the helpless and the oppressed.  We cannot be saved by the deeds of service without faith in Christ, but our faith lacks sincerity if it doesn't reach out to others.  Fasting can be beneficial spiritually and physically, but at its best, fasting helps only the person doing it.  God says He wants our service to go beyond our personal growth to acts of kindness, charity, justice and generosity.  True fasting is more than what we don't eat; it is pleasing God by applying His Word to our society. 

As believers (Born-again, John 3:3) of the Lord Jesus Christ, each of us are walking in different levels of FAITH as influenced by our encounter and responsiveness to the Word of God.  To put our faith (trust, believe, adhere, cling, depend, reliance) into something means that we are ready to put our lives on the line for something bigger than ourselves and for a cause much bigger than what this world can offer.  So, it's very important for the OBJECT of our faith to be Tried, True and Unchanging.  Malachi 3:6 says, "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."  The Lord created everything through His spoken Word.  John 1:1-5 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."  JESUS is the "Word of God" (Logos/Word---the expression of the thought or the totality of the message of God to man).  John 1:14 testifies to this Truth when it says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." We are so blessed by the Written Word of God (the Bible) and the historical evidence of the life, ministry and the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross (personal revelation of God in Christ) to know that we are planted on a Sure Foundation.  The natural revelation of the Lord (things we see around us) declare His undeniable power and glory.  We have proven in time that what He said would happen---happened!   You see, the currency of heaven is FAITH.  Hebrews 11:6 clearly says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."  But how do we acquire faith?  It is not earned by prayer, fasting nor doing good works.  Sometimes, we even pray for the Lord to increase our faith.  While it may sound good, but God already revealed to us how we can access "FAITH."  Romans 10:17 (AMP) says, " So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ."  The level of study/commitment/obedience you give to the Truth you hear (exposure to the Word of God) determines the level of faith/maturity/growth that influences/directs your life.  Contrary to what the world dictates, obedience to His Word is valued by Almighty God.  Anyone who adds or subtracts from God's Word deceiving many is destined for eternal damnation.  God is looking for people who will take His Word to heart and wholeheartedly apply it to honor Him and serve others.  Any exterior signs of spirituality without the right motive to obey God's Word are nothing but filthy rags in the sight of our Lord.  Matthew 24:35 says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."  If the Word of God (Jesus) is going to be with us forever, would it be beneficial for us to live this life for Him and by Him?

For this Card, I used an image from Stamping Bella called "Petunia Gets a Piggy Back" that I watercolored with my Stabilo 68 markers.  The base is an A7 pre-cut card, the lacy border was created with  an MS Punch and the metallic gems are from Imaginisce.  I also added some glitters to the image using Stickles (Crystal) and incorporated some stitching all over the card.  Simply beautiful!

 LIKE A WATERED GARDEN

 LIKE A WATERED GARDEN LAYERS

 LIKE A WATERED GARDEN INSIDE

LIKE A WATERED GARDEN WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Hope you enjoyed my featured project today at WAW...I am looking forward to see your projects linked to our Challenge.  You can include the free Word Art in your projects to link,  but not a requirement.  You can submit any inspirational, uplifting, family friendly creations (up to 5 each week) for more chances to win our prize from our sponsors this week---The Project Bin ($15 GC) and Iralamija (Digi Stamps). Everything we hear and see should always be brought to the approval and/or correction of the infallible Word of God---Jesus Christ!  He is the Author and the Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).   

Scripture Series: I Will Dwell in the House Card---It's a Start of Another Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi friends!  I'm here to feature the card I made for our Challenge that started July 4th at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  So sorry for not posting it sooner due to busy schedule and not feeling well the past couple of days.  Our Scripture Word Art (you can download for free) at WAW comes from Psalm 23:6 which says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Psalm 23.  My Life Application Bible shared a wonderful exhortation about this Psalm that I would like to impart it to you.  It says:  "In describing the Lord as a Shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for the sheep (1 Samuel 16:10-11).  Sheep are completely dependent upon the shepherd  for provision, guidance, and protection.  The New Testament calls Jesus the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20-21), and the Chief Shepherd (1Peter 5:4).  As the Lord is the Good Shepherd, so we are His sheep---not frightened, passive animals, but obedient followers, wise enough to follow one who will lead us in the right places and in right ways. This psalm does not focus on the animal-like qualities of sheep, but on the discipleship qualities of those who follow.  When you recognize the Good Shepherd, follow Him!

One of the videos I've seen a while back was of a farm where people were encouraged to call a flock  of sheep by teaching them the word/sound to make.  One by one, they tried to call the sheep and they all failed as the sheep seemed deaf to the noise they're making.  Then finally, the shepherd (farmer)   called them and all of a sudden, they heard him and rushed toward his direction.  It was a wonderful sight as I was reminded of what Jesus said in John 10:27-28 which says, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."  See the video HERE.

In the world today, we hear a lot of different voices (noise) that tempt/lead us to follow a different path other than what the Lord Jesus provided for us.  Many of them are outright evil that promotes temporary pleasures for the body while simultaneously destroying it as well.  Drug addiction, alcoholism, smoking, sexual perversion are some we see daily on TV, movies or even in our neighborhood (just to name a few).  While many other temptations are hidden under a spiritual disguise---those that deceive people to find their own way to God.  One great example of that is RELIGION (man's way to reach God).  Every religion incorporates a certain truth taken from the Word of God.  Like the Devil, Religion perverts God's Word by adding or subtracting to the Truth in order to persuade many to follow them.  Salvation through good works, bowing down to idols of every kind and earning (bogus) rewards by killing and harming others are some of the things made up by people's religion.  You don't have to look very far to see how "TRUE LOVE" is given a whole new meaning in today's society. Their  new worldly definition requires that you love people and embrace their sinfulness to the point that you not only tolerate it but practice it as well.  That if anyone points them to the Truth of God's Word that contradicts their sinful lifestyle, you are hateful and judgmental.  John 3:16 shows us what LOVE truly means when it says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  GOD IS LOVE and God's kind of love is UNSELFISH!  God calls us to serve than to be served.  In our service to God, we want people to find the Truth even in the midst and danger of persecution in the hopes that in their repentance, they will find eternal peace with God.  Another thing this world is pushing these days is selfishness---"Be an American Idol/Icon, show off our talents, fulfill our dreams to stardom and to follow our own path to success. It teaches us to love ourselves and not deprived us of all the pleasure we crave for."   Though it may sound wonderfully encouraging---IT IS NOT!  I used to sing the song "My Way" by Frank Sinatra as it's a fave of my Dad.  But now, I could no longer identify with the lyrics.  Since Christ ruled my life, I no longer do it my way but "God's Way!" Everyone who placed their faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ should acknowledge this Scripture in Galatians 2:20 which states, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."  The moment we came to the saving knowledge of Jesus, we also surrendered to Him our earthly lives and dreams.  That when His Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us, we acknowledge that He makes the decision where to take and use us.  So when a believer says, "Live/Follow Your Dreams" to a congregation/audience,  I can't help but ask, "whose dreams he or she is talking about?"  For "living our dream" for many (sadly even for most believers) always involve power, fame, influence and material success.  These things are not bad in itself but we saw how many were destroyed by the very things they crave for and  how it caused them to be blind and deaf to the true voice and calling of their Shepherd (the Lord).  The farther away we distance ourselves from the flock (Church-Body of Christ) and God's Word, the less we hear of God's voice.  Without our Shepherd, we are vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy (1 Peter 5:8).  For our safety is in knowing Jesus Christ,  the Truth of His Word and having other believers to encourage us to follow Him daily.  For everything in this world is temporary.  While we are here, we experience the goodness, grace and love of our Father through the Holy Spirit that leads us in His straight, narrow and safe path.  Let us focus on the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who is able to lead us out of the temporary to eternal happiness in His presence.  Like the sheep who knows and follows the Shepherd, let us eagerly follow Jesus, our Good, Great and Chief Shepherd who will keep us to Himself now and forever.    


For this Card, I used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called "AKV Army Truck" (retired) that I colored using my Prismacolor markers.  The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Recollections and Paper Studio.  The metal embellishments are from Imaginisce and the stitching are added using my sewing machine. 

 I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE CARD

 I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE CARD LAYERS

 I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE CARD INSIDE

I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Colour Crazy---ATG
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Crafty Catz---ATG/Summer Fun
Creative Fingers---ATG
Jo's Scrap Shack---ATG
QKR---ATG
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG


Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times this week.  Wonderful prizes to be won from our wonderful sponsors---Wild Orchid Crafts (flowers and leaves), Sunny Studio Stamps ($25 GC) and Jane's Doodles (digi stasmps).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the peace of the Lord overtake you today.  I follow a good and faithful Shepherd---Jesus Christ!  

Especially Made: Enjoy the Ride Birthday Card---Join Us for our July Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello everyone.  So sorry if I'm super late in posting this card here on my Blog as the past weekend was super duper busy for me.  This card is my inspiration card for our monthly Challenge at 613 Avenue Create and we invite you all to link your wonderful projects with us this July.  As always, it's Anything Goes but you can take the optional theme of  "Make Your Own Background" to challenge your creativity.  I chose to make a CAS card and you can do so as well.

Nowadays, I am praying for the country I originally came from---the Philippines.  I was born and raised there before I got married and became an American citizen.  All the time I lived there,  I witnessed how dirty politics has been and how many of the leaders succumb to corruption.  I know that no government is perfect and how Filipinos grew tired of a system that was influenced by voter buying and popularity votes.  Many elected politicians came into power because people saw them in the movies as actors and actresses.  Though some were qualified, many other candidates were voted for because they were famous.  Aside from politics, another influential pillar in the Philippine society is religion.  Majority of the people there are Roman Catholics.  I was part of this religion for 20 years till I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior and  became Born-again (John 3:3). I learned of God's redemptive plan through the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross through the written  Word of God (Scripture/Bible).  I am grateful for the foundation I got from the Church I served there for many years.  Yet is was  only when I came to America (after working for years in the Cruise ship) that I started truly growing in the knowledge of the Word of God after attending Bible classes offered by our Church Bible school.  I'd been going for nearly 10 years now.  All the foundations I learned from my Church in the Philippines started to make sense and each teaching became meaningful as my new Church connected everything like puzzle pieces that now showed me a clear picture of what Jesus did for me. It's all in the Bible.   Through the Holy Spirit, I learned not to depend on any teaching or opinions of man (no matter who they are) unless it aligns with the infallible Word of God.

It's because of this that my heart is heavy for what is happening in the Philippines.  For the incumbent President (Rodrigo Duterte) mocked and cursed the God of Creation and ridiculed/insulted (with filthy language and cussing) the Word of God in many of his public speeches.  Many of his supporters were saying that he was just attacking the Roman Catholic church---their practices and doctrines.  But personally seeing several videos of his speeches, many of them were a direct attack to the One True God.  Growing up in the Catholic religion, I realized that many of their doctrines contradict the Word of God (which is why I left).  Like any religion (man-made), there's a lot of twisted/perverted teachings that causes people to stumble.  Yet, after seeing several videos of Duterte's mockery of God (supposed to be directed towards Catholic priests and nuns), his attacks truly goes beyond the religion.  In one video,  he questioned the Biblical teaching of Creation calling God "stupid" (a few times) for creating a perfect world yet allowing Adam and Eve to be tempted, therefore destroying his creation.  He also pointed out that mankind should not be condemned as sinners due to the sin of Adam and Eve (to the dismay of some while others were laughing in the audience).  On another video, he told people that if they build a church named after him which he called,  "iglesia ni Duterte" (church of Duterte)," everything is permissible. That if a man would want to marry five women, it's okay.  Another video questions the validity of the Bible as he questioned who published it since there's no printing press in those days.  There's so much more but I can't write it all down here.  All his mockery coupled by filthy language and cussing is truly hard to digest.  It's very obvious that this man doesn't know anything about the Word of God.  Though he claimed to have a God, it's evident he's not talking about the God of the Bible.  Ive heard many people mocking God but not so openly like this President .  He does not only distort the Word of God but invites others to believe his deception---poisoning the minds of those who are easily persuaded. And as their leader, he willfully invites the judgment of God to the entire nation.  Galatians 6:7-8 says, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." You can read more about this Scripture HERE.  To all who worship the One True God in the Philippines and are brokenhearted by the conduct of this leader, I join you in praying for your President---that he comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  I pray that the Truth of God's Word penetrate his heart as God uses people to impart to him the Truth of the Gospel.  Salvation does not come from any man but from God alone.  God listens to the petitions of His people, those whose faith is focused on Him.  Let us believe for the miraculous intervention of God among your leaders.  Nothing is impossible with God!  If you have any questions about Bible teachings/topic, please write it down in the comments.   I would love to share some answers based solely on the infallible Word of God.  God does not want anyone to be ignorant but want  everyone to know of His great plan and purpose.

For this Card, I used an image from Art impressions called "Got Style" that I colored using my Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make an A2 size card.  I also stamped and colored the banner image from Stampabilities.  I included a bit of washi tape from Tape Works and some glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  I made this for the mother of my friend as she is always so sweet to me and my family every time we come and visit them.  For something I put together at the last minute, this came out really well. 

ENJOY THE RIDE BIRTHDAY CARD

 ENJOY THE RIDE BIRTHDAY CARD LAYERS

ENJOY THE RIDE BIRTHDAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Creative Fingers---ATG
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG


This it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  Can't wait to see what you create. The Lord is with you every step of the way so, don't be afraid of the what the future holds---we are safe in the arms of Christ always.  Remember to pray for our leaders and put into office those who fear and acknowledge God.    

Scripture Series: Work of Thy Hand Card---Join the Fun in our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello friends!  I'm here to highlight another wonderful Scripture Word Art for our bi-weekly Challenge happening at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  We are re-using a Scripture Word Art that we originally shared on October, 2014 and you can download it for free at WAW in case you don't have it in your collection.  It comes from Isaiah 64:8 which says, "But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."

In today's world, we can see the evidence of ungodliness in everything we are exposed to---in every facet/aspect of our society.  With media and entertainment playing a central role in shaping the minds of our generation, anyone who are adept to the Word of God and are spiritually discerning would agree that there's a systematic attack happening around us to turn the minds of many towards total rebellion and ungodliness.  I tell you, though there are hundreds of movies and programs to choose from our TV subscription, I couldn't find any clean, inspirational,  wholesome entertainment for my family to enjoy.  Almost everything emphasizes  on profanity, violence and sex.  When I go online for local and global news, the ones front and center are from liberal and fake news stations that no longer engaged in actual facts but are devoted to a demonic agenda that divides, rebels and destroy the very things that made this country great.  Why is this so?  Because many of the powers, businesses and corporations had been bought by the puppets of Satan aiming to deceive those who are unsuspecting.  Let us remember that Satan is the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4) and in these last days, he is working overtime to deceive those who are not grounded in the Word of God.  

Friends, what is presented to us daily (global or local scenario) does not usually reflect the true evil agenda these people have for our country and the world.  Nations without borders/walls, gender confusion, racial tension/division, rebellion from authority/God, destruction of life in the womb are just few examples of issues we engaged with passionately these days.  But many of those out there (some even profess to be Christians) are oblivious to the real agenda in the core of all of them.  These satanic worshipers wants total control of this world to set it up for the reign of the anti-Christ.  Why do you think "America First" and Nationalism/Patriotism is radically hated nowadays?  Why is there an all-out condemnation for the traditional structure of the family?   Folks, ask God to open your spiritual eyes and ears!  Those of the world will continue to be deceived where we can no longer rationalize their behavior.  But if you are a child of God, you need to repent and acknowledge the degree of deception you are in and go back to the firm foundation of the Word of God!  Truth be told, God does not respond to our emotions---He responds to His Word.  Like Isaiah did in our highlighted verse along with the entire chapter of Isaiah 64, he acknowledged the power and glory of God and that our sins made us so unclean that we couldn't approach Him.  He pleaded for God's mercy and compassion for His people reminding Him of the humanity He created (as Potter molds the clay) and the favor He showed to them in the past.  I am so grateful to live in this dispensation of time called the "Age of Grace" when anyone who humbly comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (placing their trust in His finished work at the Cross) are no longer bound by the Sin of Adam but are set free and washed clean by the blood of the Lamb/Christ.  Therefore, I can come to the throne of my Father in heaven and ask for anything in accordance to His Word and receive favor in His sight. 

For this Card, I used an image from Stampin' Up.  I stamped the image several times. colored them with my Touch Five/Prismacolor markers and fuzzy-cut each one of them.  I used a coordinating Distress Ink color to provide the background for each butterfly using a stencil from Dylusions.  I added a bit of glitters (Stickles-Crystal) for sparkle in each butterfly.  Lastly, I ran it through my sewing machine for some fancy stitching.  I love it!

 WORK OF THY HAND CARD

 WORK OF THY HAND CARD LAYERS

 WORK OF THY HAND CARD SIDE VIEW

WORK OF THY HAND CARD INSIDE

WORK OF THY HAND CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Aud Sentiments---ATG with Sentiment
Cardz 4 Galz---Summer Sunny Days
CRAFT---Summer
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Country View---The Written Word
Crafteezee---Summer
Craft Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG with Critters
Crafty Girls---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG/Flowers
Create and Inspire---ATG
Creative Craft Cottage---ATG
Creative Sketchy Girls---Summer Card
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/Men in your life
DL Art---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Fabrika Fantasy---Animals
HLS---CAS
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Punch It
Lost Coast---Round and Round
Love to Craft---ATG
Morgan's---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG/Use Oldest Paper
Scribbles Designs---ATG
Sweet Stampers---Animals
Creative Crafters---ATG
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 sponsors for this week are Stamp Simply Store (item from their store) and Imagine That (digi images). So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the wisdom of the Lord guide you daily.   

Scripture Series: Blessed is the Man Adventure Card---Join Us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends!  It's time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Today, we are re-using a Scripture Word Art we originally shared on March, 2015 and you can download it for free at WAW in case you don't have it in your collection.  It comes from Psalm 1:1 which says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."

Psalm 1 is a very short Bible chapter comprising of just six verses but it will help us understand where true blessedness (condition or state of being in God's grace or favor) comes from.  Psalm 1:2 tells us, "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." Our obedience to the will and purpose of God which He revealed to us in the Scripture is what brings true happiness not only in this world but in the eternal life ahead.  Let us remember that our earthly life is just a temporary/training ground for the true life God prepared for us in His presence.  If we lived selfishly like Godless people here on earth, we would go into eternity without the presence and goodness of God.  Where God is not present, there's torment and evil continuously.  I would like to impart what my Life Application Bible shared regarding Psalm 1:1-2  that truly blessed me.  It says, "The writer begins his psalm with extolling the joys of obeying God and refusing to listen to those who discredit or ridicule Him.  Our friends and associates can have a profound influence on us often in very subtle ways.  If we insist on friendships with those who mock what God considers important, we might sin by becoming indifferent to God's will.  This attitude is the same as mocking.  Do your friends build up your faith, or do they tear it down? True friends should help you draw closer to God, not hinder your relationship with Him.  God doesn't judge people on the basis of race, sex or national origin.  He judges them on the basis of their faith in Him and their response to His revealed will.  Those who diligently try to obey God's will are blessed.  Their happy condition is like healthy, fruit bearing trees with strong roots (Jeremiah 17:5-8), and God promises to watch over them. God's wisdom guides their lives.  In contrast, those who don't trust and obey God  have meaningless lives that blow away like dust.  Only two paths of life lay before us---God's way of obedience or the way of rebellion and destruction.  Be sure to choose God's path because the path you choose determines how you will spend  eternity.  You can learn how to follow God by meditating on His Word.  Meditating means spending time reading and thinking about what you have read.  It means asking yourself how you should change so you will live as God wants.  Knowing and meditating on God's Word are the first steps toward applying it to your everyday life.  If you want to follow God more closely, you must know what He says.  The "law of the Lord" means all Scripture: the first five books of Moses, the Prophets and the other writings.  The more we know of the whole scope of God's Word, the more resources we will have to guide us in our daily decisions.  

I hope you are aware of the daily dose of poison being administered to us by way of media and entertainment.  I may not spend a whole lot of time browsing the web than an average person nowadays but every time I'm on it, I am shocked/saddened by the dominance of fake news and negativity that aims to pervert and twist our minds farther away from the Truth of God.  Though the world is full of God's wonderful goodness manifested by those who fear and trust Him, they don't make it to the mainstream news for many to watch nor hear.  Instead,  popular headlines are geared towards dividing people, destruction of lives and endless mockery of God made possible and paid for by the ungodly.  These days, movies, TV shows and even commercials make it cool to be an irresponsible individual by destroying the Godly father image and replacing it with perverted images of fatherhood/manhood.  They make homosexuality and gender dysphoria a normal part of our society, making them more and more exposed in movies and entertainment programs.  They have mocked God and called evil good and good evil.  Honestly, as a follower of Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3),  I cannot put my (spiritual) guard down when it comes to issues I come across with daily.  I have to purposely shut the world down and make a decision to learn God's Word in order to flush all the spiritual poison forced upon us every minute of everyday.  As believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot find happiness/blessedness in the things this world offers.  Whether we are rich in material blessings or lacking thereof, true blessedness can only be experienced when we are obedient to God's will and purpose.  In our obedience, we are at peace with God and are  living a life led by the Holy Spirit.  True happiness is only possible when we have Almighty God living inside of us.  Though storms may come in different directions, our blessedness is not defined by our condition (ups and downs of life) but is rooted in the position of righteousness His very presence in us secured.  Oh the goodness of God through Jesus Christ and the Cross! In Him, I am eternally grateful and blessed!

For this Card, I used images called "Country Walk" and "Adventure Dad" from Make It Crafty Digital Stamps.  I colored both with my Prismacolor/Touch Five markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I added a bit of Glossy accents (from Inkssentials) on the binoculars and three brads from Recollections.  The sentiment inside is by Momenta Clear Stamps.  Lastly, I stitched all over this project.  The simple lay-out highlighted the beauty of the digi stamps along with our Scripture Word Art today.  I love it!

 BLESSED IS THE MAN ADVENTURE CARD

 BLESSED IS THE MAN ADVENTURE CARD LAYERS

 BLESSED IS THE MAN ADVENTURE CARD INSIDE

BLESSED IS THE MAN ADVENTURE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Gals---Summer Colors
House that Stamps Built---Summer Vacation
Ellibelle's---Masculine
Inspiration Destination---ATG/Use Real Stamp
Crafty Addicts---ATG/Flowers
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Country View---The Written Word
Crafts Galore---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG/Photo Inspiration
Daisy Chain---For Boys/Men
Digistamps4Joy---For the Man in your Life
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Punch It
Love to Craft---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
MIUCB---ATG/Smooshing
Morgan's---ATG
Color It---ATG/Guys
Paru's---Masculine
Scribbles---Masculine
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  Lawn Fawn, giving away a $25 GC.  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the joy of the Lord overtake you today.  If you are trusting in Jesus, you are blessed beyond measure.

Fun/Humor Series: Go Together Double Slider Card---Join us for our June Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create...

Hello there, Crafty Peeps!  It's been a while since my last post.  I kept myself busy with Crochet (Yay, finished several projects!) and reviewing for my Bible class finals that went very well several days ago. Anyway, we started our Monthly (Anything Goes) Challenge at 613 Avenue Create with an optional twist, "Use Buttons and Bows." yesterday.  For my card  inspiration today,  I went for Anything Goes. 

The past several months, I've studied Homiletics which is the science and art of preparing sermons and preaching it.  Some people think that this study only benefits those who are called to be preachers.  While it is essential for preachers, I find the course very useful for anyone who shares the Word of God.  Every believer whom Jesus entrusted with the Great Commission, that is to preach the Gospel (death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ), will find this course beneficial.  I would like to highlight  what Gotquestions.org shared regarding Homiletics.  It says, "The term homiletics comes from the word homily, which basically means “a sermon.” Those who study homiletics seek to improve their skill at communicating the gospel and other biblical topics. The discipline of homiletics falls under the umbrella of pastoral or practical theology.  Preaching and, therefore, homiletics have always been associated with the pastor of a church. A pastor is sometimes referred to as the “preaching elder,” based on 1 Timothy 5:17. However, a study of homiletics can be beneficial to anyone who teaches the Word of God. Historically, homiletics has integrated biblical teaching and rhetoric (the art of speaking persuasively or for effect). However, theologian Karl Barth insisted that preaching has a different purpose from rhetoric; preaching does not rely on stylistic devices or tools of persuasion, so homiletic and rhetorical studies must be separate.  Paul described his preaching as “not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). Many take this to be Paul’s preference for plain, non-rhetorical discourse. However, there is no command against rhetoric in preaching.  Paul himself waxed eloquent when it seemed the best way to communicate the truth, especially when he spoke at the Areopagus, the center of intellectual discussion in Athens, Greece (Acts 17). And Paul used rhetorical questions, asking, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14). Apollos was known for his excellence in speaking and persuasive words (Acts 18:24, 28).   Applying the tools of rhetoric and a deep knowledge of the Bible are helpful to biblical preaching. Someone called to preach would do well “to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6), and homiletics is useful in that pursuit. It is a worthy study, but, at the same time, we must not forget that God can work through anyone, with or without formal training, to communicate Christ in everyday situations.

I am so grateful for the opportunity God gave me to go deeper in the study and communication of His Word.  Gone were the days when I would pick passage/s in the Bible and share them without checking out the context of that passage/s.  It makes a lot of sense when we receive a letter or a document that we read the content of the letter in its entirety.  Reading just parts of it would cause us to miss vital information that could be beneficial to us.  Say for example, we received an invitation to a friend's Birthday party.  Apart from knowing whose birthday and when it's going to be, we also need to know where it would take place plus crucial information (mentioned in the invitation) that would prepare us for the event.  So, why would it be any different when it comes to telling people about the things of God?  Many people perish (spiritually) because they don't bother to study and prove the "so-called truths" that were handed to them.  Countless times I heard people saying, "I'll die for what I believe in."  The question is:  "Are you absolutely sure about the truth you claim to believe?"  It's sad but many of these people could not even explain why they believe what they believe.  You see, we heard of the many believers who were martyred for the sake of the Gospel.  All the apostles of Jesus Christ except for John (died of old age in Patmos) and Judas Iscariot (committed suicide) died violent deaths for the sake of their faith in Jesus Christ.  And today, Christian persecution happens all over the world.   If we are to give our lives to the Truth we hold so dearly, we owe it to ourselves to be absolutely knowledgeable and sure about that Truth.  

What makes me sad nowadays are the Christians who have long been attending Church and heard of many wonderful teachings from sound teachers of the Word yet are acting like those of the world. They may appear perfect in conduct yet they tackle personal and outside circumstances/issues at face value (how they appear) with lack of discernment/understanding on the spiritual origin, objective and goal of the enemy (Satan) hidden and in disguise in the many issues of life.  We need to remember that everything that happens in this world have a spiritual significance.  The Holy Scripture reveals to us God's plan and purpose (past present and future) for His creation.  As members of  the Body of Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), we are to operate in accordance to the prophetic time line of God which He revealed to us in His Word.  Goes does not work things randomly!  He is always working in accordance to His plan.  How are we going to know His plan if we don't intentionally seek His Word?  When are we going to mature spiritually?   For we were once babies in the faith.  But babies grow and turn into adults.  From milk, we are now capable of chewing solids---the meat of the Word of God.  God provides us His full armor  and has equipped us with His power through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to destroy all the works of the enemy.  So my plea to all of my brothers and sisters in the faith, study the Word of God intentionally.  Never ever take any preacher's teaching (no matter how famous they are) without examining their teachings through the infallible Word of God.  With great understanding, we can effectively share the Gospel as the Salt and Light of the world that God intended us to be.  I would like to encourage you with the following passages:

"Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you learned them. From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work."  (2 Timothy 3:12-17)


For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Stamp from Golden Oldies Collection called "Bikers."  I watercolored the image using my Stabilo 68 markers.  The base is Kraft CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Recollections, the white nail head gems from Imaginisce and the Washi tape from Recollections.  I also did some fancy and regular stitching in most of the panels in this card.  This is the second time I made a Double Slider card and though I find it really tricky remembering how I did it the first time, I'm always happy with the result.  Here's the VIDEO tutorial that inspired me.

GO TOGETHER DOUBLE SLIDER CARD

GO TOGETHER DOUBLE SLIDER CARD LAYERS

 GO TOGETHER DOUBLE SLIDER CARD WHEN TAB IS PULLED

 GO TOGETHER DOUBLE SLIDER CARD INSIDE

GO TOGETHER DOUBLE SLIDER CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Door Openings
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Country View---The Written Word
Crafts Galore---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG/Photo Inspiration
Create with TLC---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
MIUCB---ATG/Smooshing
Morgan's---ATG
Color It---ATG/Guys
YSP---ATG


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the fun by joining our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.   Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week. Realize that when you hunger and thirst for God, He will always fill you up with great understanding that you can effectively communicate with others. 

Scripture Series: If We Faint Not Card---Join Us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, guys!  So, we began another Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring another Scripture Word Art which you can download for free at the WAW site.  It comes from Galatians 6:9 which says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

I often shared to y'all the importance of having an eternal perspective as we walk this life on earth in the Lord Jesus.  From the time we were born, all we care about is our own little world.  We are driven by our desires to get what we want to better ourselves.  And many define/measure success based on the money they possess, how powerful, famous and respected they are in the world.  We do everything we possibly can to fulfill those desires even to the point of stepping on others just to get ahead and accomplish our dreams.  For many  of us, this is what life is all about.   But for some, the seed of God's Word came and regenerated in our fertile (receptive) human heart that all of a sudden, we become aware that things don't really revolve around us.  That we were created by a Creator whose plans and purpose graciously included us to fulfill His will which He predestined us to do from before time.   The closer we get to the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (depending on our hunger and thirst for His presence),  the more aware we become of what's truly important in this life.  A friend once asked me why I decided to become a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM) instead of pursuing a career using the many talents God has given me.  It was an honest question that requires an honest answer.  Like anyone else, I too had many dreams that I tried (my hardest) to pursue earlier in life.  But the Lord had a different plan.  As I go through triumphs and disappointments (there were many), the Lord never failed to instruct and direct me to a better plan.  Most of the time, the path/task He wanted us to pursue does not generate wealth, power and notoriety.  As a matter of fact, it usually involves hard work and sacrifice but the spiritual benefits (how it builds you up on the inside) gives us so much more (of greater worth).  It's hard to explain but we know (down in our spirits) that that's exactly where He wants us to be for the time being.  

The great rewards promised to us by the Lord in His Word can't be found in this world.  For what we can get here is nothing compared to the true riches we have in Christ Jesus.  Think (or even imagine) of the very best thing you can have in this world yet it will still fail in comparison to what Jesus has prepared for us in the afterlife.  So, Ive made up my mind to pursue the high calling of Christ in my life and to forfeit every earthly and selfish ambition that wouldn't benefit me eternally.  I'm not saying it's wrong to dream but just be careful that such dream doesn't turn into an idol (anything you value, seek, pursue above God).  The Scripture reveals to us everything that is valuable in the sight of God.  Spend time learning and studying God's Word and you'll reap the rewards of your diligence and obedience.  I would like to leave you with the verses in 1 Peter 1:3-9 which says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

For this Card, I used an image from Wild Rose Studio called "Bella with Daisy" and one the images from Art Impressions Try'Folds Stamps called "Garden TF."  I watercolored both images using Ranger Distress Inks.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The blue embossed CS is from Bazzill.  I also added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to parts of the images and ran the panels through my sewing machine for wonderful stitching.  I didn't feel like adding any more embellishments to allow the watercolor scene along with the inspirational verse to speak for itself.  I'm very happy with the result.

 IF WE FAINT NOT CARD

 IF WE FAINT NOT CARD LAYERS

 IF WE FAINT NOT CARD SIDE VIEW

 IF WE FAINT NOT CARD INSIDE

IF WE FAINT NOT CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Aud Sentiments---Cute + Sentiment
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Sasayaki Glitter---Flowers
Time Out---Inspired by Words
Alphabet---D is for "Dots"
Colour Crazy---ATG Coloring
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Crafty Catz---ATG/Cute Image
Creative Fingers---ATG
Jo's Scrap Shack---ATG
Pattie's Creations---Flowers
QKR Stampede---ATG
Simply Papercraft---ATG
2 Crafty Critter---ATG with Animals
Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Artistic Stamper---Backgrounds
Classic DT---ATG
Color Sisters---Color Palette
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG with Animals
Crafty Girls---ATG
Create and Inspire---ATG/Springtime
Createful Heart---ATG/Spring/Mother's Day
CCC---Flower Power
Daisy Chain---Animals
Delicious Doodles---Flowers
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/For Mum
Fabrika Fantasy---Flowers
LeAnns World---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Lace. Ribbon or Twine


Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times this week.  Great prizes to be won from our wonderful sponsors---Pink and Main ($20 GC) and Sweet-N-Sassy Stamps (Digit images).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the peace of the Lord overtake you today.  In Christ, we have a very bright and joyful (literally) future!