THE BLESSINGS OF CREATIVITY...

I thank the LORD JESUS for each day that is given me to create wonderful projects...As always, I give Him all the glory.


Thursday, May 18, 2023

Scripture Series: She Shall Be Praised Card---Join our Current Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, guys! HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY  to all Crafty Mamas like me out there!  Hope you had lots of fun celebrating your special day with your love ones.  So, we began another Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) over a week ago featuring another Scripture Word Art which you can download for free at the WAW site.  It comes from Proverbs 31:30 which says, "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."  
 
Let me begin by stating what My Life Application Bible shared about Proverbs 3:10-31 which included our highlighted verse in this post.  It says, "Proverbs has a lot to say about women.  How fitting that the book ends with a picture of a woman of strong character, great wisdom, many skills, and great compassion. Some people have the mistaken idea that the ideal woman in the Bible is retiring, servile, and entirely domestic.  Not so!  This woman is an excellent wife and mother.  She is also a manufacturer, importer, manager, realtor, farmer, seamstress, upholsterer, and merchant.  Her strength and dignity do not come from her amazing achievements, however.  They are a result of her reverence for God.  In our society where physical appearance counts for so much, it may surprise us to realize that her appearance was never mentioned.  Her attractiveness comes entirely from her character.  The woman described in this chapter has outstanding abilities.  Her family's social position is high.  In fact, she may not be one woman at all---she may be a composite portrait of ideal womanhood.  Do not see her as a model to imitate in every detail; your days are not long enough to do everything she does!  See her instead as an inspiration to be all you can be. We can't be just like her, but we can learn from her industry, integrity and resourcefulness.  The book of Proverbs begins with the command to fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and ends with the picture of a woman who fulfills this command. Her qualities are mentioned throughout the book: hard work, fear of God, respect for spouse, foresight, encouragement, care for others, concern for the poor, wisdom in handling money.  These qualities when coupled with fear of God, lead to enjoyment, success, honor, and worth.  Proverbs is very practical for our day because it shows us how to become wise, make good decisions and live according to God's ideal." 

I am totally humbled by how our Father in heaven created us (women) with all Godly characteristics and potentials to be a great help mate to our spouses (men).  But because of Sin, we were marginalized and treated by many as sexual objects, not capable of doing anything big.  But when we subscribed to the Word of God and gave ourselves completely and wholeheartedly to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), He shows us that we can do great and mighty things through Him as well as our true purpose for living.  It's not about the physical beauty which is temporary but the beauty that comes from a heart that fears (in awe of) God! Unlike physical beauty, spiritual beauty gets better with time---perfected in eternity!  It does not say about being perfect in this world for none of us can boast of perfection at the moment. But we are sanctified (set apart) daily to be all God wanted us to be which will happen when we see our Savior face to face.  No matter what our past life looked like, God is able to transform our hearts and minds to the likeness of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit living inside every believer today.
 
So, in these days where an evil agenda is rampant in trying to replace women with "fake" women, let us show the world what a true woman looks like---one that truly fears God and does not succumb to the fake and the bullies.  True women are bearers of truth and would not surrender their worth, honor and integrity to the perverted, twisted and the deceived.  We speak and act God's truth in love even when it is viewed by others as hate.  Let us protect our children by first establishing a Godly foundation as early as we can and stay on top of those people, establishments and influences in their lives.  We entrust our children to the Lord in prayer as we help each other watch over our kids.  A popular quote says, "it takes a village to raise a child."  But when the village includes social media, entertainment, schools (education) and many other entities that are widely influenced by the satanic agenda nowadays, we need to specify.  So I say, it takes a village of God-fearing and concerned parents to raise a child." And us, mothers, have a big role to play. See to it that we adhere with Proverbs 22:6 which says, "Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it."
 
For this Card, I used an image from Penny Black called "Ebullient" that I colored using my Ohuhu markers.  For the base, I used a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square and used my Crop-a-dile to round the corners.  I added  Washi tape from Tape Works, some nail head gems from Imaginisce and glitters on the image from Stickles (Crystal).  Finally, I stitched all over this project.  

 
SHE SHALL BE PRAISED CARD

 
SHE SHALL BE PRAISED CARD LAYERS

 
SHE SHALL BE PRAISED CARD INSIDE


SHE SHALL BE PRAISED CARD WITH ENVELOPE


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:
 
A Place to Start---ATG/And Other Thing 
Aud Sentiments---Watecolor and/or Spring with Sentiment
Crafting Happiness---ATG/Flowers 
Get Creative---Flower Frenzy
Jan's Digi---ATG 
PIP---ATG
Path of Positivity---Inspired by Nature 
Passion for Markers---Use Markers and Add a Sentiment
Unicorn---Flowers
613 Avenue Create---Say it with Flowers
Stamping Sensations---Must be Stamped Image with optional Stencil 
We Love Stamping---Anything Stamped with option "In the Garden"
Allsorts---ATG/Embellish It
Penny Black---ATG/Use Patterned Paper
Crafty Catz---ATG with option Ribbon, Lace or Twine
Paper Dragonfly---Anything Goes/Flies or Island Paradise
Time Out---Inspired by Words 
Bastel-Traum---Plants/Flowers
Beautiful Blossoms---Anything Flowers with Optional Mood Board
Creatalicious---ATG/Use 3 or More Patterned Papers
DL Art---ATG 
Lets Craft and Create---ATG with optional Ribbon, Lace or Twine or all
Mix It Up---ATG/Embossing 
Rabisco---ATG
The Crafting Challenge---Add an Embellishment 
Worldwide Crafters---ATG with Image
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 this week.  Great prize to be won from our wonderful sponsor---Lawn Fawn ($25 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the love of the Lord overtake you today.  We, Moms, have a lot to be thankful for when we have Jesus inside of us!

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Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Scripture Series: Sweeter than Honey Card---Join Our Current Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends!  There's only one day left to join our current Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW). I'm posting this quite late (too many things happening) for our current challenge but a new one starts this Wednesday. The Scripture Word Art  featured in my card comes from Psalm 119:103 which says, "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" 
 
Although I drink coffee occasionally, I am not a fan of black coffee, espresso or anything that is too strong and bitter to taste.  I can withstand drinking it (if I had to) but I wouldn't probably enjoy it.  Now, if I can dilute it with some hot water, milk, sweetener or honey, I can make the coffee enjoyable for me.  Most of the time, we have an array of drinks to choose from that we can buy from stores and restaurants. At times, it's just water and/or some bitter coffee. Hey, it's okay---I will still be grateful to the Lord!  Anyway, I remember booking a room at Airbnb owned by a nurse. She left us a few K-cups to brew before she went to work early that day.  So when we woke up and made our coffees, we realized there were no milk nor sugar.  Since we're allowed access to her kitchen, we looked at the cabinets and found only two little packs of honey.  Though it wasn't enough to sweeten our coffees to our preference, that honey helped with some flavor.  When she arrived home, she was apologetic for forgetting to provide us some sweeteners after we asked her where the sugar was. 

Sugar, honey and other sweeteners are part of our daily consumption (unless you're in a diet of some sort)  just like salt and many spices.  We cannot consume too  much or too little for it will be detrimental to our physical health.  But if we focus our attention to our highlighted verse in this post, the actual honey many of us enjoy cannot compare to the spiritual sweetness, nourishment and satisfaction that comes only from the Word of God.  Yet, life can be sweet for a season and before you know it, it becomes unbelievably bitter.  But we don't have to surrender to the bitter things of life---for God's Word is available to us 24/7.  In the middle of fear, life's uncertainties, bad news and deadlines, we can choose to silence the negativity in our minds by trusting and meditating on the sweet promises of God. We fight back by rejecting the thoughts, suggestions and vision our enemy (Satan) tries to plant in us.  We should learn to actively fight the voices in our heads that makes us doubt the love and concern God promised us in His Word.  We cannot rely on our own abilities and strength to change our situations/conditions.  We need Jesus in the battle and our weapon is His Word!  2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tells us, "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
 
My friends, my family is currently going through some bitter days!  I prayed to the Lord and He gave me His Word in 1 Peter 5:7 and told me, "Cast all your anxiety on Me because I care for you."  That immediately lifted up my spirit.  I look it up in my Life Application Bible and the commentary says, "Carrying your worries, stresses and daily struggles by yourself shows that you have not trusted God fully with your life. It takes humility, however, to recognize that God cares, to admit your need, and to let others in God's family help you.  Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness  are not God's concern.  But when we turn to God in repentance, He will bear the weight even of those struggles.  Letting God have your anxieties calls for action, not passivity.  Don't submit to circumstances, but to the Lord who controls circumstances."  I am totally in awe that the God of all creation gave me such a loving message.  How do I know it?  It's because the Lord and I have this personal relationship for 33 years now where He revealed/reveals Himself to me and I would/will hear Him. Jesus said in John 10:27-28, "The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; 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."  His message of casting and caring truly encouraged me.  But the days following, the enemy cranked up the negativity as he challenges our faith and patience to wait on the Lord.  Everyday, we have to actively battle and go against every negative thoughts and emotions trying to drown our faith in God.  Truth be told, our biggest enemy is often ourselves!  Don't give in---live by God's Word!  If you are experiencing bitter/stormy situations and are going through depression and hopelessness---JESUS CARES FOR YOU!  He loves you and would like to speak to you. Surrender your life to Him and let Him be your personal Lord and Savior (Born-again, John 3:3).  Don't delay!  Your eternal destination depends on this very important decision you have to make before you die.  You can use the prayer I shared in the sidebar as your guide.  Then read God's Word and find a Bible-based Church that will help you grow in your spiritual walk with God.  Believers are not exempt from trials but our great advantage is having our Savior's presence with/in us no matter where life takes us. And that is super sweet!
 
For this Card, I used an image from Stampendous called "Fran's Mini Clear Set Whimsical."  For a change, I did not color the flowers but paper-pieced them with DP from Pebbles.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square.  I also used a stencil (honey comb) from Recollections and Distress Inks to make the background panel. I added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to the leaves and center of the flowers.  Lastly, I ran it through my sewing machine.  

 
SWEETER THAN HONEY CARD 


SWEETER THAN HONEY CARD LAYERS
 

SWEETER THAN HONEY CARD INSIDE
 

 
SWEETER THAN HONEY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX
 
 
This Card is entered into the following Challenges:
 
Aud Sentiments---Watecolor and/or Spring with Sentiment
Crafting Happiness---ATG/Flowers
Get Creative---Flower Frenzy
Path of Positivity---Inspired by Nature
Crazy is our Fame---Use Stencil with Flowers
Unicorn---Flowers
613 Avenue Create---Say it with Flowers 
Stamping Sensations---Must be Stamped Image with optional Stencil 
We Love Stamping---Anything Stamped with option "In the Garden" 
Paper Dragonfly---Anything Goes/Flies or Island Paradise
Happy Little Stampers---Use Stencil 
Lets Craft and Create---ATG with optional Ribbon, Lace or Twine or all
Mix It Up---ATG/Embossing 
Rabisco---ATG 
The Crafting Challenge---Add an Embellishment
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  Your Next Stamp, giving away a $20 e-GC.  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the joy of the Lord overtake you today.  Let us pray and encourage one another to trust God's Word always!

Ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Find out how on the sidebar...
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Friday, April 28, 2023

Scripture Series: Power of the Holy Ghost Card---Join our Current 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).  However, what I'm posting today is the project that I made previously before this week's current challenge. I know it's extremely late but I want to share it anyhow as it may still bless somebody. 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."

This verse is very timely to the core issues we're dealing with in this country  nowadays. It's hard to ignore the many Bible prophecies that were fulfilled right before our eyes the past few years. As technology continues to advance, human beings annihilating themselves by what they created are becoming more apparent.  Artificial Intelligence (AI) featured in fantasy movies before are now an existential threat to humanity, as revealed by several famous tech leaders nowadays.  On the other hand---indecency, immorality and total insanity have saturated the minds of many political leaders and self-proclaimed intellectuals, influencers and Hollywood crazies.  They are living in all falsehood and are trying to convince everyone to abandon God's Word as an authority of Truth!  Those they managed to convince are spreading their poison through woke social media  who had given them a huge and unhinged platform.  Though their arguments made no sense at all, we had given them a chance to explain their insanity. But no matter how they tried to use big words to sound smart and logical, all they were able to do is spread more confusion.
 
The truth is that nowadays, I am sickened by "trans radicals" that would like to convince everyone that they are now a woman!  Yet no matter how many physical alterations they go through to change their outside appearance, a man cannot be a woman and a woman cannot be a man! Contrary to what human beings feel emotionally, God did not make any mistake.  God is never confused!  It is human beings that have sinned, betrayed his Maker and followed the devil in rebellion.  From then on, humanity was infected by the very nature of Satan.  Without a Savior, there's only eternal damnation for human kind.  But Jesus came to save us from sure death by way of the Cross so that by placing our faith in the victory He has won for us, we can be free from the shackles of Sin, Death and Satan.  Jesus paid for mankind's Sin so that anyone who comes to Him in repentance and accepts what Jesus accomplished at the Cross will be saved.  John 3:16 clearly 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." A new and personal relationship with Jesus Christ begins as we grow and walk in the wisdom that God's Word brings to us.  For we have to be very familiar with the genuine in order to identify the fake.  Know that we are surrounded with deceitful spirits, twisting and perverting our minds and our hearts to validate what is false and unpleasant in the sight of God.  False preachers show their true colors by abandoning the inerrancy of  the Bible to grow their congregation for money and influence.  They have adopted the ways of the world while using Jesus' name maliciously to cover up their demonic motives.  Sadly, not everybody claiming to be a Christian can discern that.  The truth is, we have to crucify ourselves from the world in order to understand and obey God.  Simply put, we have to yield to God, not Him yielding to us!  Psalm 12:6 says, "The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times." Likewise, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 
 
We have to respect and honor God and His Word, even if it's not convenient for us.  For God didn't tell us that following Him would be easy. However, once we desire to follow God wholeheartedly, we will see through the lies that seeks to devour us so we can boldly proclaim the truth. According to our highlighted verse, the end of all things is at hand.  Jesus told us what to expect these days so we can respond appropriately by being sober (clear/balance mind) and watchful in prayer.  God equips His saints (Born-again, John 3:3) with wisdom so that we'll know the right thing to do at any given situation. James 3:13-18 says, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
 
For this Card, I used an image that I got from Amazon and colored it with my Ohuhu markers.  The base is a white A7 pre-cut card from Paper Studio.  The lacy circle was die-cut using Nestabilities and a perfect addition to highlight the Scripture Word Art for this Challenge.  I incorporated some nail-head gems from Imaginisce and some glitters from Stickles (Crystal). The sentiment I used inside  the card and on the envelope came from Stamp Simply Clear Stamp from the set called "Pretty Poppies." Lastly, I ran the panels through my sewing machine for some fancy and regular stitching. 


 POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST CARD
 

 POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST CARD LAYERS

POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST CARD INSIDE
 
POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:
 
Crafty Catz---ATG/Things with Wings 
Crafty Gals---Easter/Spring

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---Your Next Stamp ($20 e-GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, be very vigilant, pray always and meditate on God's Word.  As long as God is seated on the throne, we are never without hope.  

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

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Sunday, April 9, 2023

Scripture Series: Power of His Resurrection Card---There's Still Time to Join our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty Peeps!  First of all, HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY, EVERYONE!  There's still a few days left from our current Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) and as always, you can use the Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) like I did in my card sample here and link your finished project with us.  Our Word comes from Philippians 3:10 which says, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death."
 
I have been absent from the Blogging world for more than a month and it just felt like a week or so ago.  Time is surely fleeting!  But this week is so important for me because I want to celebrate with everybody the fact that JESUS, OUR SAVIOR IS ALIVE! Everyday, we see the degradation and abomination of humanity (no longer concealed) but proudly  displayed by many. The intense corruption and obvious lies propagated by our government are made to look like wonderful endeavors by fake news, entertainment and social media daily.  How about the despicable abuse and deception over the minds and physical well-being of our children teaching them vile things in school confusing them of their gender?  The only way we can withstand the deception of our days is if we are rooted deeply in the Word of God!  Many so-called intellectuals and famous influencers driving the social media these days don't even know what a woman is and how she differs with man.   You see, I don't believe they don't know!  Not a bit!  They'd rather look stupid than to lose their well-paying career and power for speaking truth. What was plain and common sense in the past are twisted and perverted to fit a narrative that is all based on selfishness and emotions.  The goal has been confusion to hinder people from seeking God.   Think about it, Jesus was crucified by the so-called intellectuals of his time who claimed to know the commandments of God.  They used their influence to serve their own purpose and took advantage of people's emotions to rally the people against Jesus.  They succeeded in killing Jesus and thought they won!  Little did they know that what they've done to Christ would pave the way for the redemption of mankind.  For Jesus didn't remain in the grave but rose again on the third day defeating death forever. Acts 2:22-24 says, "Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches."
 
Yes, Jesus died to free us from our slavery to Sin, Death and Satan. By repenting of our sins and entrusting our lives to the finished work (death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus Christ at the Cross, we shall be saved from eternal damnation.   The very fact that Jesus lives and resides in the heart of every believer tells us that Jesus' victory is our victory!  We are in Him and He is with us!  As Jesus bravely stood for truth and righteousness to save the lost in His time, we are to follow His example in our time at all cost!  We have to face Satan and his minions today to bring the lost to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  I would like to share what My Life Application Bible wrote regarding our highlighted verse today.  It says, "No amount of law keeping, self-improvement, discipline or religious effort can make us right with God.  Righteousness comes only from God, and we are made righteous (receive right standing with Him) by trusting in Christ.  He exchanges our sin and shortcomings for His complete righteousness.  When we are united with Christ by trusting in Him, we experience the power that raised Him from the dead.  That same mighty power will help us live morally renewed and regenerated lives.  But before we can walk in newness of life, we must also die to sin.  Just as the resurrection gives us Christ's power to live for Him, His crucifixion marks the death of our old sinful nature.  We can't know the victory of the resurrection without personally applying the crucifixion.  Paul gave up everything---family, friendship and freedom---in order to know Christ and His resurrection power.  We too have access to this knowledge and this  power, but we may have to make sacrifices to enjoy it fully.  What are you willing to give up in order to know Christ?  A crowded schedule in order to set aside a few minutes each day for prayer and Bible study?  Your friend's approval?  Some of your plans and pleasures?  Whatever it is, knowing Christ is more than worth the sacrifice.
 
For this Card, I used an Amazon  clear stamp that I colored using my Ohuhu markers.  The base is white CS that I laid on a pre-cut card from Paper Studio. I added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to the image and some white nail head gems from Imaginisce.  The sentiment used for the envelope was a rubber stamp  from Stampin' Up.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  
 
 
POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION CARD 
 

POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION CARD LAYERS
 

POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION CARD INSIDE 


 
POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION CARD WITH ENVELOPE

 
 This Card is entered into the following Challenges:
 
DL Art---ATG
Incy Wincy---Easter Wishes
LeAnns---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Pink and Grey 
Rabisco---ATG
Crafting Challenge---ATG/Easter
Four Seasons---ATG Spring
YSBP---ATG
Stamping Sensations---Anything Stamped/CAS
We Love Stamping---Any Stamped Image/Non Fantasy Animals


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.  You can win wonderful goodies from our awesome sponsor this week---The Stamps of Life ($25 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the joy of the Lord overtake you as you continue to trust and  serve the Lord, knowing that in our best and worst day, we are in Christ!


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

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Thursday, March 2, 2023

Scripture Series: Hot Java Card---Join Us for Anything/Inspirational Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

A wonderful day, everyone!  The Challenge where I featured the Card in this post just ended and we have a new WAW Challenge that's posted yesterday featuring a new Scripture Word Art that you can download for free.  However, I wanted to create a proper post for the project I made from the previous Challenge.  Life had been extraordinarily busy that blogging had to take a back seat.  Many times, I thought of taking a (very long?) break from DT position to rid of deadlines and just post at my own time.  But I persevere because I know the Lord wanted me to continue spreading God's Word through our WAW group.  So, I am choosing to obey God!  Okay, the Scripture Word Art from our previous Challenge was found in Romans 12:12 which says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." You can find the past Challenge HERE if you want to download for free the previous Scripture Word Art.
 
As Jesus offered Himself to die on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins (Born-again, John 3:3) through faith in His finished work at the Cross, we also need to pour ourselves wholeheartedly and sacrificially to spreading the Good News of the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection) to the lost sheep of this world.  I am delighted to hear of the great move of God spreading like wild fire here in our country and around the world--- especially among our younger generation these days.  I've seen several videos of young and old  confessing how their thirst and hunger were satisfied by God which was something they have never before experienced.  While rejoicing, I also pray for many to break away from the chains and destructive influence of social media, entertainment and woke culture/education.  For them to be thoroughly exposed to the infinite Word of God and to find a sound Church that will help them grow in their faith so as not to be deceived again by the wiles of the enemy. However, there are also some who have chosen not only to rebel from God but have dedicated their lives to inventing evil.  They're not even hiding their despicable deeds. Romans 1:28-31 says, "Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them."
 
Nowadays, what saddens and concerns me the most is when I hear many "so called" famous Christians fall/fell into the trap of the enemy.  God has given us His Word filled with examples on how Satan and those people that followed his bid had fallen.  God did not hide the sins of the past so that we can learn and avoid the same fate today.  From the beginning, the enemy uses the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life to test the core of our faith in the Lord and how the love for one's self always gets in the way of truly serving God.  Many people have dedicated themselves for their own advancement so that they can buy whatever their hearts desire.  And depending upon how rich, famous and powerful they want to be will determine how much of themselves they are willing to compromise.  Don't believe me?  Just look at the history of many big artists today. You can see a big difference in their attitude and image before and after fame!  I used to be so happy for people winning some talent contest, especially when they come from humble beginnings but sadly, majority of them changed their image, minds and conduct when they reach stardom.  So many of them grew up in the Church and used their talents to give glory to God. What went wrong?   You see, "SELF" started to take over and they became like everyone in the world that denied and mocked God.  A few weeks ago, I watched a very famous "Christian music artist" expressing how sad he was that Gospel Music don't have the same moments like the Hip hop music at the Grammy's 2023 and how the Hip hop genre were highlighted as well in other award giving bodies. And that Gospel music is limited to fewer and fewer moments. That there's a lot of great Christian artists but you may not know them because there's fewer doors to highlight them and that creates tension within his community."  Wow, that statement frustrates me!  I'm not sad  because I agree with his sentiment but I seriously question his desire to be acknowledged and awarded by a secular, satanic inclined award giving bodies!  Since when did God told us in his Word that we are supposed to entertain the world?  2 Corinthians 6:14-15 says, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?  Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?"  No matter how great your talent is, you shouldn't step into the Church stage like you are auditioning for American Idol. Period! There's nothing wrong if you are great at what you do---just make sure that your motive is to bring glory to Jesus and not to yourself. A true servant of God would offer their talent solely for the glory of God who had given them the talent in the first place.  It does not seek or demand accolades and approval from the world. If we are complimented for our service to the Lord, we make sure to give the Lord all the glory.  Remember to desire the reward that comes from heaven.  The moment we turn our focus from God to our "self" among other things, that is the start of one's downfall.  In other words, don't use Gospel music/platform to gain stardom!  Don't use what's holy for unholy things!  1 John 2:15-17 clearly warns us. "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever."
 
My fellow believers, don't idolize anybody for anything---even servants of God!  We can draw inspiration from people who exemplifies God on a case to case basis but be careful that you don't place them on a pedestal.  This is how many have fallen!  In my entire life, I have never been a crazy fan of anyone.  I don't go out of my way to follow famous people for autographs nor cried in excitement upon seeing famous people I admired.  Even before I became a believer, I always knew in my heart that we are all created equal in the eyes of the Lord no matter what our status, influence, looks, color and more.  All of us need to repent and come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ to worship and serve only Him.
 
For this Card, I decided to use a Stamp Simply sentiment (our sponsor last Challenge) from "A Cup of Java (Coffee)" Set to compliment my project. I used an image from Art Impressions called "Cathy Caffeine" that I watercolored using Distress Inks.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card that I rounded on two opposite ends using my Corner Chomper.  The DP's are from The Paper Studio, the flowers I layered from Prima with the brad and washi tape from Recollections. I added some glitters on the flowers from Stickles (Crystal) and finished it all up with some fancy/regular stitching. 
 
 
HOT JAVA CARD 
 
HOT JAVA CARD LAYERS
 
HOT JAVA CARD INSIDE
 
 
HOT JAVA CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX
 

 This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

2 Sister on the Blog---Spring/Easter Card
Beautiful Blossoms---ATG/Florals Mood Board
DL Art---ATG
Lost Coast---Spring has Sprung
Mix it Up---ATG/Distressing
Pearly Sparkles---Include a Sentiment/Verse
Four Seasons---Anything Spring Goes
Worldwide Crafters---ATG with Image
YSP---ATG
Krafty Chicks---Stamp Act
Paper Shelter---Dots and/or Circles
Paper Funday---ATG/You're Brewtiful

Make sure you join our new 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 prize from our awesome sponsor---Pretty Pink Posh ($30 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, as believers of Jesus Christ, freed from the bondage of Sin through faith in Jesus Christ, let us use our God given talents to serve God with a pure heart void of selfish motives.

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Sunday, February 12, 2023

Scripture Series: Also Love One Another Card---Join the Fun at our Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

 Hello there, guys!  ADVANCE HAPPY HEART'S DAY, everyone!  So, we began another Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) over a week ago featuring another Scripture Word Art which you can download for free at the WAW site.  It comes from John 13:34 which says, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." 
 
It is important that we take  this verse in context in order to understand how it differs from the world's definition of  "LOVE" nowadays.  Jesus was having His last supper with His disciples when He began to tell them some of the things that would transpire in the future hinting to His death and how they should love one another (the way He loved them) to identify them as His disciples.  Hence, we can say that Jesus gave final instructions  specifically to the people closest to Him.  For not everyone would know how Jesus loves unless they spent a close and personal relationship with Him overtime.  Nobody could understand what He meant by the words "as I have loved you" unless they are direct recipients of Jesus' love!  So  expecting an unbeliever to fully capture what Jesus said in this verse would be a mistake. Now that we've established the context of our highlighted text, is it just me or have you also noticed that we are being bombarded 24/7 by emotional doses of  "self-love" programs from entertainment and social media sources?  The world promotes and embraces it as a good thing.  But something about it is creepy and toxic compared to the biblical definition of love personified and demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."  Even as believers  (John 3:3, Born-again), none of us will ever love the perfect way Jesus did in His lifetime.  But the good news is that we are being changed (sanctified) daily till we are conformed to the image and likeness of our Savior.  Redeemed by the blood of Christ, the Father sees us in the perfection of Christ even though we are still walking through the process daily.  

The world is trying its best to define love using people's emotions as its best weapon.  When celebrities and influencers use self-love to tell people how they cope up with failed relationships, what it truly conveys is pampering yourself, seeking your advancement, all eyes on me kind of mentality.  In other words---SELF-SEEKING!  For if we truly want validation and assurance of our worthiness, we need to SEEK GOD!  Jesus showed us what true love embodies in Romans 5:6-8 which says, "For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  I am a grateful recipient of our Lord's Agape (selfless) love!  He withstood everything (mockery, pain and suffering all the way to his death on the Cross) so that everyone who  places their faith in Him will be reconciled with God.  That is true love and the kind we are to show our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ.  The whole world is watching. The world does not know that kind of love.  We can show them by how we love one another.  
 
I would like to share what I read from My Life Application Bible regarding our highlighted verse. It says,  "Our society confuses love and lust. Unlike lust, God's kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves.  It is utterly unselfish.  This kind of love goes against our natural inclinations.  It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love while expecting nothing in return.  Thus, the more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others.  To love others was not a new commandment (see Leviticus 19:18), but to love others as much as Christ love others.  Now we are to love others based on Jesus' sacrificial love for us.  Such love will not only bring unbelievers to Christ; it will also keep believers strong and united in a world hostile to God.  Jesus was a living example of God's love, as we are to be living examples of Jesus' love."

For this Card, I used an image from Stamping Bella called "Baloonabella" that I colored using my Ohuhu markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card with rounded edges.  I used a border punch to shape the sides of this card from MS Stamp.  The sentiment stamp on the envelope and the inside of the card is from W Plus 9.  I added little dots of glitters to the image's dress from Stickles (Crystal) and lastly, some fancy stitching.  Love the simple but elegant design.

 
ALSO LOVE ONE ANOTHER CARD 


ALSO LOVE ONE ANOTHER CARD LAYERS


ALSO LOVE ONE ANOTHER CARD INSIDE


ALSO LOVE ONE ANOTHER CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX


 This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Allsorts---ATG/All About Hearts
Di's Digis---One or More Hearts
Just Us Girls---Sparkle (little dots on the image's dress in glitters)
Taylormade---ATG/Vintage/Romance
Crafty Catz---ATG/Add a Little Love
As You Like It---Love or Friendship Card and Why?
  (I love making Scripture Cards that can be given to friends or love ones/  Most of the time though,
    I give cards to friends).
Cardz 4 Galz---One Heart or More
C.R.A.F.T.---Love/Valentine
Craft Rocket---Love/Valentine
DL Art---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.  Great prize to be won from our wonderful sponsor---Top Flight Stamps ($25 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the love of the Lord overtake you today.  In Christ, we literally have the greatest love of all from our Father in heaven.

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

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