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

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

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

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

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

 

THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD

THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD LAYERS
 

 THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD INSIDE

THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD WITH ENVELOPE

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

2 Sisters---Vacation

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Academy---Mood Board

Classic Design---ATG

Clever Dexter---Hello Summer

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

Craft Galore Encore---ATG

Do-A1 Kreatives---Summer

LeAnns World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Aperture

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Perfectly CAS---ATG

Sognando---ATG

Sweet Stampers---Summer Fun

Crafting Challenge---Summertime

YSP---ATG

 

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times each week.  Great prize package to be won from our wonderful sponsor--- Heartfelt Creations ($20 GC).  Enjoy the rest of the week and remember to call upon the Lord 24/7 whatever situation you are in---happy or sad---good or bad!  Because He truly cares for you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 BEING THIS FABULOUS SUMMER CARD

 BEING THIS FABULOUS SUMMER CARD LAYERS

BEING THIS FABULOUS SUMMER CARD INSIDE

 

 BEING THIS FABULOUS SUMMER CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Clever Dexter---Hello Summer

Craft Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

Do-A1 Kreatives---Summer

LeAnns World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Aperture

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Sognando---ATG

Sweet Stampers---Summer Fun

Crafting Challenge---Summertime

YSP---ATG

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

 TOGETHER IN UNITY CARD

 TOGETHER IN UNITY CARD LAYERS

 

 TOGETHER IN UNITY CARD INSIDE

 

 

 TOGETHER IN UNITY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

A Bit More Time---ATG 

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic Design---ATG 

Clever Dexter---Hello Summer

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

Crafts Galore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Aperture

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

QKR---ATG

Rabisco---ATG

Scribbles Designs---ATG

Sognando---ATG

Sparkles---Floral Extravaganza

The Crafting  Challenge---Summer

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

YSP---ATG

 

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can submit up to 5 entries per week.  Our wonderful sponsor for this week is  My Scrap Cabin Shop, giving away a Seam Binding Bundle  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the joy of the Lord overtake you today.  Let us unite in doing the will of God and encourage others to do the same no matter what.

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

Scripture Series: That They Would Fear Me Card---Join Us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty pals!  Here to highlight my inspiration project for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) which began a week ago.  As always, we feature a Scripture Word Art  that you can download for free at the WAW site.  It comes from Deuteronomy 5:29 which says, "O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!"  What a wonderful passage. My Life application Bible explains this verse and it says, "God told Moses that he wanted the people to incline their hearts to fear Him---to want to respect and obey Him.  There is a difference between doing something because it is required and doing something  because we want to. God is not interested in forced religious exercises and rule-keeping. He wants our hearts and lives completely dedicated to Him.  If we love Him, obedience will follow."

Obedience is one of the attributes we needed to cultivate in order to live a pretty fruitful and peaceful life with people whom God placed in leadership role in our lives.  As believers (Born-again, John 3:3), we obey God first and above all, then we revere our parents and honor the people we work for.  In the covenant of marriage (Colossians 3:18-21, Ephesians 6:1-4), God is the center,  the man is the head of the household,  the wife submit to her husband in obedience to God while their children honor and respect God by listening and obeying their parents.  At the workplace, we are to serve our employer with integrity through obedience and effective delivery of what our position required of us.  Jesus told us about the Parable of the Two Sons in Matthew 21:28-32 which says, "What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'" 'I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.  "Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him."  This parable was to expose the hearts of the Pharisees as phony representatives of God. They pretend to do God's will but in reality, they habitually disobey.  Yet there were those considered outcast of the society who knew nothing about the tenets of God but changed their thinking when they encountered the Lord and obeyed the will of God in their lives.  Just examining these verses, we can see how God value obedience from His people.  As a child of God, I want my "Yes" to be a resounding yes to God. That when He asked me to do something, my heart will not waiver but enthusiastically deliver in time what my Lord asked of me.

 

The totality of the Scripture was given to us so that we can navigate and discover God's purpose and perfect will for us in this world.  Because of our darkened spiritual condition after the Fall of Man, He gave us our only way out from sure death---Jesus Christ!  He redeemed and saved everyone (who would receive Him) from the eternal consequences of our Sin.  When we come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and obey His instructions, only then will we find true meaning  for our existence.  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."  It is necessary for us to see God's Word as the absolute and final Truth in living a Godly (both inwardly and outwardly) life.  I know it is easier said than done for the moment you committed your life to the Lord Jesus and your spirit  man is reborn, a barrage of temptations will come against you to hinder you from obeying God.  Your biggest enemy will be yourself (human nature).  That's a fact!  Overcoming them will involve crucifying our own selfish ways---putting into submission to God our soul man (our mind, our will and our emotions) and the dictates of our body (five senses).  But God does not expect us to do this on our own which is the very reason why He gave us the Holy Spirit to empower us and guide us towards living the victory He already won for us.  One of the Armor in Ephesians 6:10-18  that God provided us is the "Sword of the Spirit" which is the Word of God.  We use the other weapons (armor) in a defensive manner but God's Sword is both offensive and defensive.  Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  The powerful Word of God gets inside the innermost part of a person and transforms a fertile heart so radically that when we speak God's Word in agreement with God, it is sharper and powerful.  The Word that proceeded out of God's mouth in all its power  is now coming out of our mouths which gives a deeper meaning to the Greek Word "distomos"  which means---double mouthed/double edged. Amazing, huh!  Today, we are bombarded by too many words from different people and so called experts and influencers.  They have created different idols to go to for every condition/situation people are in.  These days, the god of self is radically promoted and God's Word is trampled on and perverted to deceive many.  If you can still sense the prompting of the Lord in your heart, open up yourself to Jesus Christ!  He is the Word of God and He is the answer to everything we know nothing about in this life and the next. 

  

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions and watercolored it with my Stabilo 68 markers.  The base is a white pre-cut A7 card from Paper Studio that comes with an envelope.  The DP is from DCWV and I added some stitching for dimension.  I choose to make this as simple as possible highlighting the background and the Scripture.  I'm very happy with it.  

THAT THEY WOULD FEAR ME CARD

THAT THEY WOULD FEAR ME CARD LAYERS

THAT THEY WOULD FEAR ME CARD INSIDE

THAT THEY WOULD FEAR ME CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Colour Crazy---ATG

Crafty Catz---ATG/Animal

Creative Fingers---ATG

As You Like It---Fave Tip (Find a paper that will serve as your background for fun and to save time)

Aud Sentiments---ATG with Sentiments

Krafty Chicks---CAS

Crafty Creations---ATG

Double D---Signs of Summer

Ellibelle's Corner---ATG/CAS

Paper Funday---ATG/Sparkle/Shine

2 Sisters---Maritime

A Bit More Time---ATG

Perfect Time---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Clever Dexter---Fave Technique (Layering)

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Designer Paper

Creatalicious---ATG/At or In the Water

Createful Heart---ATG

Creative Craft---ATG

LeAnn's---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Buttons

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---No Rulz

MIUCB---ATG

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

QKR---ATG

Rabisco---ATG/Once Upon a Time

Scribbles Designs---ATG

Sognando---Free Time

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 enter up to 5 times each week.  An awesome GC worth $30 will be awarded to our Challenge winner by our awesome sponsor---Pretty Pink Posh.  So excited to see what you come up with. For the meantime, faithfully serve the Lord in total obedience with gladness knowing that our labor in Him is not in vain. 

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

Scripture Series: The Lord Will Perfect Card---Join Us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

 Hi there, everyone!  Here to highlight another project featuring our Scripture Word Art for our bi-weekly Challenge that started a week ago at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As usual, you are invited to link with us your inspirational  (Anything Goes) cards/projects.  Our featured Word Art this Challenge (you can download for free at the WAW site) comes from the first part of Psalm 138:8 which says, "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." 

One of the many things I love about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3)  is being certain that I no longer navigate this world alone.  That no matter what happens each day, God is with me always and that all things will work together for the good.  And though I hold this truth in my heart,  I am not immune to pain, suffering and uncertainties,  The enemy is trying so hard to inflict us with doubts, fear and hopelessness when were in the midst of storms and trials in our lives.  My biggest challenge is patience.  I'm the type of person that if I can do something today, I would not wait for tomorrow to accomplish it.  So when I'm faced with a problem, I do everything I can to find solutions (the same day) before it becomes a bigger problem.  Now, this is not wrong in itself as God can also lead us to immediate solutions.  But I must admit that most of challenges I have dealt with in the past involved things that are beyond my control and ability which brought me worry, frustration and even doubt and fear as to what the future could bring. All of a sudden, my focus was no longer on what God could do but on my failure to deal with the problem. The truth is none of us can develop the virtue of patience overnight.  For as long as I live and breathe in this world,  I know the Lord will continue to mold me toward trusting His perfect timing while giving me His peace (that surpasses all understanding) to counter the uncertainties of waiting.  Each day, I am learning more and more to trust the promises of God in His Word.  When my focus is in Jesus Christ and what He accomplished at the Cross, the  problems of each day no longer dampens my joy (inspired happiness, deep rooted in God).  I remind myself of all the wonderful things God has done for me---in good and bad times and realize how His presence made a huge difference on how I view and live life in general! Though slowly but surely, it's all for His glory!

Let us be reminded that we are in this world not for our own selfish desires but by the sovereign will and purpose of God.  It is also in this world that we are given a chance to make a decision whether to accept Christ as our Lord and Savior for the redemption of our sins or reject Him and share the faith of Satan in the lake of fire forever.  Without the blood of Jesus Christ (shed on the Cross for the redemption of Sin) cleansing you from all unrighteousness, the Sin each human being inherited from Adam will be yours to bear and the punishment is ETERNAL DEATH (separated from the glorious, perfect and loving presence of God forever).  More than thirty years ago, I made my decision to give my life to Jesus Christ.  Yes, it is a decision!  It's not based on feelings, emotions, needs and wants for such things are subject to change constantly.  It is however rooted in LOVE (Agape---Selfless) and TRUST in what was accomplished by/through/in JESUS CHRIST, OUR LORD!  I can boldly declare that in life or in death, all of us believers in the Body of Christ (Church) can depend upon God's Word in Romans 8:35-39 which tells us, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. ”No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

Lastly,  I would like to share the devotional I found from christiansunite.com regarding our  Scripture Word Art above for it truly blessed me.  It says, "If we indulge in any confidence which is not grounded in the Rock of Ages, our confidence is worse than a dream, it will fall upon us, and cover us with its ruins, to our sorrow and confusion.  All that nature spins time will unravel, to the eternal confusion of all who are clothed therein.  The Psalmist (David) was wise, he rested upon nothing short of the Lord's work.  it is the Lord who has begun the good work within us; it is He who has carried it on; and if He does not finish it, it never will be complete.  If there be one stitch in the celestial garment of our righteousness which we are to insert ourselves, then we are lost; but this is our confidence, the Lord who began will perfect.  He has done it all, must do it all and will do it all.  Our confidence must not be in what we have done, nor in what we have resolved to do, but entirely on what the Lord will do.  Unbelief  insinuates, "You will never be able to stand,  Look at the evil of your heart, you can never conquer sin; remember the sinful pleasures and temptations of the world that beset you, you will be certainly allured by them and led astray." Ah yes, we should indeed perish if left to our own strength.  If we had alone to navigate our frail vessels so rough a sea, we might well give up the voyage in despair.  But thanks be to God, He will perfect that which concerns us, and bring us to the desired haven.  We can never be too confident when we confide in Him alone, and never too much concerned to have such trust."  What a great exposition.  And here's what My Life Application Bible shared regarding the verse, "Every person dreams and makes plans for the future.  Then they work hard to see those dreams and plans come true.  But to make the most of life, we must include God's plan in our plans.  He alone knows what is best for us; He alone can fulfill His purpose for us.  as you make plans and dream dreams, talk with God about them."

For this Card, I used images from Art Impressions and watercolored it using Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  The base is white CS, cut and score to make a 5.5 inches center step card design.  The DP's came from DCWV, the leaves are punched using Ek Success puncher and the fence border punch from MS Punch. I also added white nail head gems from Imaginisce, glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and  a bit of washi tape.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card. 

 

THE LORD WILL PERFECT CARD 

THE LORD WILL PERFECT CARD LAYERS

THE LORD WILL PERFECT CARD SIDE VIEW

THE LORD WILL PERFECT CARD INSIDE

THE LORD WILL PERFECT CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

Crafty Sentiments---ATG

Digi Choosday---ATG

Lemon Shortbread---ATG

Paperminutes---With Glasses

TTCRD---ATG

A Place to Start---ATG

Crafting Happiness---ATG/Drink Up

Double Trouble---Something/Anything/Everything

Dream Valley---Die-Cuts and/or Punches

Jan's Digi Stamps---ATG

PIP---ATG

Use Your Stuff---Tic Tac Toe (Flower/Watercolor/Fun Fold

Di's Digi---Sparkle

My Time to Craft---Floral

Creative Creases---Fun Fold

Creative Fingers---ATG

2 Crafty Critter---ATG

A Bit More Time---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Clever Dexter---Fave Technique (Center Step card Layering)

Craft Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

I hope you'd take the time to join us at our WAW Challenge.  It's Anything Goes as long as it's family friendly with uplifting and inspirational messages, you can link up to 5 projects per week.  Our wonderful sponsor this Challenge is Pink & Main ($20 GC) .  Can't wait to see your projects  and leave some encouragement on your Blogs.  Though the world is surrounded by darkness, let your faith in Jesus Christ shine like a beacon on a hill. Demonstrate the love of God to everyone you meet.  Pray without ceasing and believe that God can use you for His purpose and glory.  

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CAS Series: You're the Best Flower Mini Notecards---Join our Monthly Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello everyone...It's almost the middle of the month and I finally found the time to post the project that I featured for our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create which started the first Sunday of this month.  You still have plenty of time to join the fun by visiting our site.

Day after day, there's always something to do and I couldn't keep up.  It felt like time is whisking away and more than ever, many of the prophetic promises from the Word of God is coming to pass daily.  Some will not care as they are not aware of God's plan, have rejected God or are totally deceived.  Some are paralyzed by fear and hopelessness that they do whatever their so called experts tell them to do though it defies logic and wisdom.  Some are demonic possessed that they carry out the Satanic destruction by promoting lies to deceive many as leaders and media influencers.  And there are those who war with both the spiritual and natural realm to continue the work and the plan of God for the freedom to preach the Gospel for the salvation of many souls.  

2 Corinthians 4:18 says, "We fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen." I would like to share  a devotional from Our Daily Bread dated June 22, 2020 (written by Estera Pirosca Escobar) exhorting this verse.  It says,  "Eternal eyes, that's what my friend Madeline prays her children and grandchildren would have.  Her family has gone through tumultuous season that ended with the death of her daughter.  As the family grieves from this horrific loss, Madeline longs for them to be less and less nearsighted---consumed by the pain of this world.  And to be more and more farsighted---filled with hope in our loving God.  The Apostle Paul and his-co-workers experienced great suffering at the hands of persecutors and even from believers who tried to discredit them.  Yet, they had their eyes fixed on eternity.  Paul boldly acknowledged that "we (Born-again, John 3:3) fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  Although they were doing God's work, they lived with the reality of being hard pressed on every side," "perplexed," "persecuted," and "struck down" (2 Corinthians  4:8-9).  Shouldn't God have delivered them from these troubles?  But instead of being disappointed, Paul built his hope on the "eternal glory" that supersedes momentary troubles (2 Corinthians 4:17).  He knew God's power was at work in him and had complete assurance that "the One Who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:14).  When our world around us feels shaky, may we turn our eyes to God---the eternal Rock that will never be destroyed." This message resonated with me as I contemplate on everything that is happening in our country,  around the world, the Body of Christ and Israel.  

If we want to get a glimpse on where we are in the prophetic timeline of God, we need to take a close look on what is happening to these three indicators---1) The Body of Christ (the Church)  2) God's chosen people (Israel) and 3) The World (Nations).  Though we were blessed with great freedom here in America, our very way of life protected by our Constitution are being trampled on and perverted by the ungodly whose sole purpose is to establish the reign of the Antichrist (One World Government, One Religion, One Currency).  The illegitimate government that runs our country for the past few months are looking for ways to abandon our greatest ally Israel---by lifting sanctions placed by President Trump against those who wish to harm Israel.  Instead, this fake administration funds the enemies of Israel under the disguise of humanitarian aid and when these countries get our money, they use it to procure weapons and missiles to attack Israel and Christians.  All over the world, demonic leaders are  disguising as Covid experts doing their best to mandate vaccines, enticing the public to get their shots using lotteries and bonuses for those who would comply with a vaccination that is still in its trial phase using humans as guinea pigs.  With no guarantees and knowledge on the long term effect/s it will do to the population, the fearful bow down while trying to find ways to criminalize those who wouldn't comply by threatening us with the implementation of vaccine passports to take away our rights.  If you think this is not a precursor to the mark of the Beast in Revelation 13:15-18, think again.  It's all about using fear to condition people's minds.  And I tell you bluntly right now---(unless it's fear of the Lord) FEAR IS NOT OF GOD!

Normally, I should be in a panic mode these days---both naturally and spiritually.  But several months ago, I poured my heart to God and laid every concern I have for our country, this world and the "so-called Christians" that are persecuting the true Body of Christ.  God allowed me to rest upon Him that day and He calmed my spirit.  From then on, He gave me "supernatural peace" that always reminds me that no matter what happens,  I AM IN HIM!  He impressed upon my heart that while I am still here, He will continue to use me as His Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)  for the salvation of  many.  Worries and fear no longer rule my life.  Brief existence in this temporary world is nothing compared to a life without end in the arms of my great Savior and Lord, JESUS CHRIST!  Entrusting my life to God in this life and the next is the secret to a fearless, peaceful and totally free life no matter what the circumstances are.  

For this Card, I used an image from Glitz Design Stamp for the background and the flowers from Recollections that I colored using my Prismacolor markers.  The sentiment is from Technique Tuesday and the sentiment on the envelope is from Printoworks.  The base is a packed notecards with envelopes that I bought at Michaels years ago.  I made a total of six cards with two of each kind for a set.  These are totally cute.  

YOU'RE THE BEST FLOWER MINI NOTECARDS

YOU'RE THE BEST FLOWER CARD 1

YOU'RE THE BEST FLOWER CARD 2

YOU'RE THE BEST FLOWER CARD 3

 This Project is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Gals Corner---For the Ladies

Ellibelle's---ATG/Blooming Beautiful

Card Concept---Garden Pleasures (I was inspired by the beautiful flowers)

Paper Funday---ATG/Flowers/Florals

Colour Crazy---ATG

Crafty Catz---ATG/Just Chill

Creative Fingers---ATG

Pattie's Creations---ATG

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

LeeAnns World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/No Patterned Paper

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Pearly Sparkles---CAS

PINspirational---Photo Inspiration

Crafting Challenge---Flowers and/or Butterflies

YSP---ATG

This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge with optional theme, "Mood Board."  If you want to be challenged more, take on our Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it. Can't wait to see what you create. In every situation, put your trust in God alone.  In Him you'll find love, peace and joy no matter what.

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Card Set: Beauty in Everyday Note Cards---Join our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

 Hi there, everyone!  Back again for another Scripture Word Art for our bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW). My sample project below does not include our Word Art but you can check our WAW site to download it and see how it was used in the beautiful projects made by the other DT's.  As usual, you are invited to link with us your inspirational  (Anything Goes) cards/projects.  Our featured Word Art this Challenge comes from Psalm 33:18 which says, "Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy."

Last night, I watched a true to life movie regarding a couple who tried to save the life of over 300 Jews in Warsaw, Poland when their country was overtaken by Hitler and the Nazi Germans during World War 2.  I got so emotional trying to make sense of the evil that possessed an army of human beings to commit such a demonic endeavor---killing helpless human beings because they were Jews?  Very sad, but to this day, this threat is still very real not only to the Jews but for believers of Jesus Christ.  It's brutal, barbaric and demonic.  Though many non-Jews were against such injustice, only a few we're willing to put themselves in harm's way to save others.   When God made man, He created us in His image and likeness and gave us dominion over His other creation (Genesis 1:26-28).  He breathed  unto us the breath of life which made us alive (Genesis 2:7).  We were clothed in God's glory---holy, pure and without blemish like our Creator.  But all of that changed when we allowed ourselves to be tempted by the enemy.  Lucifer (in the form of snake) perverted and twisted God's Word in Genesis 2:17 and man started doubting God's Word and began to take on the mindset of Satan which is "to be like God" (Isaiah 14:13-14). From then on, all human beings became slaves to Satan and inherited Sin (Satan's nature) which brings Death (Spiritual, Physical and Eternal Deaths).

In spite of our hopeless situation, Psalm 19:1-4 tells us how God reveals Himself to us through His creation (Natural Revelation).  He has also given us "conscience" simply defined as inner feeling or voice acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one's behavior.  No matter what the world says, the absolute standard of right and wrong can only come from the Creator of all things which He revealed to us in His written Word. When we buy a new product in the market, we look for the manufacturer's manual in order to effectively operate the product to it's full capacity. All truth comes from God and His truth never changes no matter how man tries to change it.   Romans 2:12-17 says, "For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.  For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus." My Life Application Bible explains, "If you traveled around the world, you would find evidence in every society and culture of God's moral law.  For example, all cultures prohibit murder, and yet in all societies the law has been broken.  We belong to a stubborn race.  We know what's right, but we insist on doing what's wrong. It is not enough to know what's right; we must also do it.  Admit to yourself and to God that you fit the human pattern and frequently fail to live up to your own standards (much more to God's standards).  That's the first step to forgiveness and healing."

For all of us who came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3) by placing our faith in His redemptive work at the Cross, we are not just seeing God through His creation but we now have a special revelation of who God truly is.  In Adam, our spiritual connection with God was severed but in Christ, it was reestablished.  Christ brought us back in  right standing with God (justification by faith) and are purifying us each day to become more like Jesus (sanctification by faith).  But those who have rejected the redemptive work of Jesus Christ have manifested their allegiance to Satan by killing, stealing and destruction (John 10:10).  These people didn't learn from the horrors of war and merciless killings committed by evil men that they deceptively follow the demonic promptings of the god of this world.  They do whichever is right in their own eyes and promote hatred, rebellion, ungodliness and immorality of all shapes and forms.  It's sad to see the collapse of common sense and their depraved mind are full of evil continually.  I truly pray for the fear of God to come upon these lost souls.  I believe that the Body of Christ is still in this world because God is still using us to share the hope of the Gospel to anyone who would listen.  These are perilous times but we are not to fear anything in this life.  Our hope comes from such a stable and unchangeable Source---God Almighty!  He's the Only One I fear (holy fear) and revere!   My Life Application Bible adds, "The plans of the Lord stand firm forever. "Are you frustrated by all the inconsistencies you see in others, or even in yourself. God is completely trustworthy---His intentions never change.  The Bible promises that good and perfect gifts come to us from the Creator who never changes (James 1:17).  When you wonder if there is anyone in whom you can trust, remember that God is completely consistent.  Let Him counsel you and trust in His plans for your life.  Horse refers to military strength.  Because God rules and overrules every nation, leaders  should never put their trust in  their physical power.  Military might is not the ground of our hope.  Our hope is in God and in His gracious offer to save us if we will trust in Him.  This is not an ironclad guarantee that all believers will be delivered from death and starvation.  Thousands of Christian saints have been beaten to death, whipped, fed to lions or executed (Romans 8:35-36, Hebrews 11:32-40).  God can (and often miraculously does) deliver His followers from pain and death, though sometimes, for purposes known only to Him, He chooses not to.  When faced with these harsh realities, we must focus on the wise judgments of God. In times of crisis, we can place our hope in God."

For this project, I used images from Stamp Simply Clear Stamps called "Seasonal Wreaths-Spring/Summer" that I colored using The Creative Expert markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 4 inches square.  I also used a sentiment from another Stamp Simply set called "Farmhouse All Occasion Greetings" for the sentiment in my handmade envelopes.   I love how it simple yet elegant. 

 

BEAUTY IN EVERYDAY NOTE CARDS

 

BEAUTY IN EVERYDAY NOTE CARD 1

 

BEAUTY IN EVERYDAY NOTE CARD 2

 

BEAUTY IN EVERYDAY NOTE CARD 3

 

 

BEAUTY IN EVERYDAY NOTE CARD 4

 

This Card Set is entered into the following Challenges:

A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Crafts Galore---ATG

Createful Heart---ATG

Do-(A1)---Pastel Colours + Spring Flowers

Dream Factory---Broken Circle

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG with Layering

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Pearly Sparkles---CAS

QKR---ATG

Rabisco---ATG/Pink and Brown

Sweet Stampers---Lots of Layers

Crafting Challenge---Flowers and/or Butterflies

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 enter up to 5 times each week.  Our Challenge winner will be awarded a wonderful prize from our awesome sponsor---Stamp Simply Clear Stamps.  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up as we meditate on the promises of God today.  His Word drives away every fear!

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