CAS Series: Pocketful of Sunshine Card Set---Join Us for Another Bi-Weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi everybody!  So sorry for the delay in posting this project I made for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW). Usually, I highlight the Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) in my featured project.  But today, I decided to use images from our Challenge sponsor (Taylored Expressions) to highlight one of their wonderful products.  Many of our DT members featured our verse in the project they created and you can view them at our Challenge site.  Our Scripture for this Challenge comes from Psalm 91:11 which says, " For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."

It is important to know the truth about angels and who they are  as servants of the most Holy God in order to understand their role in fulfilling God's will and purpose in this world.  Gotquestions.org shared an article about them based on God's Word.  Here's what it says:  "Angels are personal spiritual beings who have intelligence, emotions, and will. This is true of both the good and evil angels (demons). Angels possess intelligence (Matthew 8:29; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Peter 1:12), show emotion (Luke 2:13; James 2:19; Revelation 12:17), and exercise will (Luke 8:28-31; 2 Timothy 2:26; Jude 6). Angels are spirit beings (Hebrews 1:14) without true physical bodies. Although they do not have physical bodies, they are still personalities. Because they are created beings, their knowledge is limited. This means they do not know all things as God does (Matthew 24:36). They do seem to have greater knowledge than humans, however, which may be due to three things. First, angels were created as an order of creatures higher than humans. Therefore, they innately possess greater knowledge. Second, angels study the Bible and the world more thoroughly than humans do and gain knowledge from it (James 2:19; Revelation 12:12). Third, angels gain knowledge through long observation of human activities. Unlike humans, angels do not have to study the past; they have experienced it. Therefore, they know how others have acted and reacted in situations and can predict with a greater degree of accuracy how we may act in similar circumstances.  Though they have wills, angels, like all creatures, are subject to the will of God. Good angels are sent by God to help believers (Hebrews 1:14). Here are some activities the Bible ascribes to angels: They praise God (Psalm 148:1-2; Isaiah 6:3). They worship God (Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8-13). They rejoice in what God does (Job 38:6-7). They serve God (Psalm 103:20; Revelation 22:9). They appear before God (Job 1:6; 2:1). They are instruments of God's judgments (Revelation 7:1; 8:2). They bring answers to prayer (Acts 12:5-10). They aid in winning people to Christ (Acts 8:26; 10:3). They observe Christian order, work, and suffering (1 Corinthians 4:9; 11:10; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12). They encourage in times of danger (Acts 27:23-24). They care for the righteous at the time of death (Luke 16:22). Angels are an entirely different order of being than humans. Human beings do not become angels after they die. Angels will never become, and never were, human beings. God created the angels, just as He created humanity. The Bible nowhere states that angels are created in the image and likeness of God, as humans are (Genesis 1:26). Angels are spiritual beings that can, to a certain degree, take on physical form. Humans are primarily physical beings, but with a spiritual aspect. The greatest thing we can learn from the holy angels is their instant, unquestioning obedience to God’s commands."

As I meditate on our highlighted verse, I can't help but be reminded of God's promises to His chosen nation, Israel.  If we look for Israel in the world map,  it's hard to understand why this tiny country could exist with unbelievable military might in the midst of grave threats from huge neighboring countries  that publicly professed to annihilate her from the face of the earth. With unspeakable hatred, many nations have conspired to destroy this country and her people all throughout history. And to this day, the terrorists attacks on them by neighboring countries under Islamic ideology and the despicable bias aimed at them by the United Nations is mind-boggling.  I grew up in the Philippines which many have considered a small country (some people could not even locate her in the map).  But to my surprise, the Philippines is fourteen times bigger than Israel both in area and population.   If I think about Israel with a worldly mindset, without spiritual and Biblical input, it would be hard for me to reconcile how Israel and her 8.3 million people continue to dominate the world scene in the area of technological advances as well as protect their sovereignty and continue to be a significant player in the affairs of this world in the midst of overwhelming oppositions.  As a human being with limited understanding, I don't have an answer!  God has supernaturally intervened in this nation that it's hard for anybody with a carnal mindset to understand.  The truth is, the hand of  Almighty God keeps His chosen nation safe!  God will deal with the transgressions of His people in His perfect time but no one can harm God's chosen unless allowed by God Himself.  The Lord assigned angels to protect His people that no enemy could overcome.  

As God works His plan in nations and governments, He also works with our leaders and uses the Body of Christ (His Church) to accomplish His purpose.  Don't ever think that we are alone in our fight for righteousness and freedom here in America.  God chose our nation to be an ally to Israel and we are not to abandon such  role no matter what.  The Lord granted us a window of opportunity by appointing us a President that loves Israel and seeks the betterment of this country and its citizens.  His leadership halted the Satanic globalist agenda being pushed under Socialism and eventually, Communism (government's use of force) had they succeeded in taking our right to bear arms (2nd amendment right).  Their goal was and still to this day---an all out rebellion from the One True God.  Using their major (evil) social media platforms, they promote lies, biases and divisions by twisting and perverting God's Truth.  They're doing everything they can to impeach God's leaders and representatives  that seeks the betterment of our nation.  But everyone who is adept in God's Word and God's prophetic move in this country knows that THEY WILL NOT SUCCEED.  GOD'S WORD PREVAILS!  I know that countless angels of God had been assigned to protect our nation and our President as well as all of us that fulfills His calling daily.  With Truth and boldness, we advance God's agenda. We declare the Word of the Lord to destroy their curses and spells.  Let us pray without ceasing as we bring every concern unto the Lord as we thank Him for answered prayers.  Remembering always what Romans 8:28-34 tells us, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us."  Take hold of God's promises for it will always come to pass. 

For this Card, I used images from our sponsor, Taylored Expressions, called "Pocketful of Sunshine" that I colored using  Prismacolor markers and Distress Inks.  The pocket is a die that comes with the stamp set along with all the sentiments.   The sentiment in the envelopes is from Heidi Swapp.  I created two of each design to complete a set of eight cards.  I think they came out perfect.
 

 POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE CARD SET WITH ENVELOPES

 POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE CARD 1

 POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE CARD 2

 POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE CARD 3

POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE CARD 4

This Card Set is entered into the following Challenges:


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.  An awesome GC worth $25  will be awarded to each of our two Challenge winners by our awesome sponsor---Taylored Expressions.  So excited to see what you come up with. For the meantime, serve the Lord with gladness knowing that our labor in Him is not in vain.

CAS Series: Crazy Birds Encouragement Card Set---Join Our Monthly Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello everyone.  We have a new Challenge for this month at 613 Avenue Create that started a couple of days ago.  As always, it's Anything Goes with an optional twist, "Explosion Boxes/Pop-up Boxes."  You will find some wonderful ideas on our optional theme with the projects made by my fellow DTs at our Challenge site, however, I settled for Anything Goes by highlighting a simple card set.

Last night, we were out for our midweek Bible study in my Church and we were taught "American Exceptionalism."  It revolves around what God has done to this country amidst all the challenges to fulfill His purpose for this nation and how it relates to Israel and the Body of Christ (His Church).  We also discussed how people and events come together throughout history to coincide with God's timetable.  As Americans, we are not exceptional because of our own attributes but solely because of the mandate that God bestowed upon our nation and its people to carry out God's great plan.   I was quickly reminded of the passage in Proverbs 20:21 which says, "The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." I looked into Matthew Henry's commentary on this passage and it says, "Even the hearts of men are in God's hands, and not only their goings, as he has said in Proverbs 20:24.  God can change men's minds, can, by a powerful insensible operation under their spirits, turn them from that which they seemed most intent upon, and incline them to that which they seemed averse to, as the husbandman, by canals and gutters, turns the water through his grounds as he pleases, which does not alter the nature of the water, nor put any force upon it, any more than God's providence does upon the native freedom of man's will, but direct the course of it to serve his own purpose.  Even king's hearts are so, notwithstanding their powers and prerogatives, as much as the hearts of common persons.  The hearts of kings are unsearchable to us, much more unmanageable by us; as they have their arcana imperii---state secrets, so that they have great prerogatives of their crown, but the great God has them not only under his eye, but in his hand.  Kings are what he makes them.  Those that most absolute are under God's government; he puts things into their hearts, Rev 17:17; Ezra 7:27.  

The Lord does not set aside the Natural/Spiritual Laws He established on earth in dealing with mankind's (whom He created) situations/conditions.  One of these is the Law of Sowing and Reaping.  When we don't listen to God's Word instead continue with our rebellion under Satan (remember that if you're not under the Lordship of Christ, you are by default a slave to Satan) by choosing to fulfill the lust of our flesh, eyes and our pride of life, we are going to harvest what we planted.  When we neglect God, we get leaders that may look pleasing, cordial and descent on the outside but on the inside are ferocious wolves that does everything to destroy our country both from the outside and within.  These Satanic leaders build upon the evil foundations of their Satanic counterparts.  It is a step by step agenda of destruction!  The evil you see today just didn't happen, it was planned way before and executed in a timely fashion.  Though not everyone sees beyond the evil of our time, those who faithfully inquire of the Lord are revealed beyond the writing on the wall for it can be searched by pattern throughout history and most importantly,  in the Truth of God's Word.  Satan is not doing anything new.  It's the same old despicable tricks that He pulled from the Garden of Eden to the present---making man think he can be like God.  And because of man's selfishness, he cannot see beyond the original intent of Satan----that is to destroy humankind by robbing them of their true identity as a child of God and deny them of the very pleasure of an eternal fellowship with their Maker.  Instead, they will suffer the same fate as the one who deceived them---eternity in the Lake of  Fire with their master, Satan. 

For so many years now,  many call it a "conspiracy theory" when we talk about how many world leaders conspire to bring about a New World Order (Globalization) and how they meet in secret to plan and strategize in order to bring about their Satanic agenda.  And even to this day, many are still in denial and are so deceived  after videos and damning evidence have proven who these people were/are.  In our country,  I have heard Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr., Obama and the many other members of a secret society pushed forth to support that agenda using their tenure in office and are still using their societal influence to this day.  There are many before them but in my lifetime, these leaders have systematically built an altar of rebellion against the Word of God that allowed ungodliness to flourish in this nation.  We were headed for the slaughter----BUT GOD!  Through those leaderships, the faith of those who rely on the Truth of God's Word were tested and tried. Many were blinded by the fake narrative but there were those who refused to quit and called upon the Lord---the One perfectly in control.  Though many in America have forgotten God, there are those who remembers the goodness and faithfulness of God to this country!  In the 2016 presidential election, against all odds, God answered our desperate cry for help and altered the utter destruction that we thought we would fall  into.  That moment, I wasn't sure how President Trump would govern as like many Christians, I was skeptical about him.  But that election night, I joined many in celebrating the victory of knowing we were safe from Obama's extended term through Clinton.  I tell you, going through those 8 years of Obama was a nightmare for his agenda was to systematically destroy life, promote gross immorality, propel lawlessness and divide through the grounds of fake racism and an all out war in the things of God.  As President Trump took offic and fulfilled the many promises he made amidst intense hatred, betrayal and threats from every direction along with God's Word and prophetic mandate of God in his life, I can say this with utmost certainty---it was God's intervention that stopped the destructive agenda of the enemy in this country.  Personally, I knew the Lord granted us a "window of opportunity" as part of His wonderful plan for this nation and its people to fulfill His plan for His beloved nation, Israel.  And so, I encourage everybody to study and meditate on the Word of God for in it is Truth, Purpose and Revelation.  Never ever accept anyone's teaching (doctrine) without running it through the magnifying lenses of the Scripture.  Everything we see in the news today, good or bad, fake or true, is never without an agenda.  There's good (Godly) and evil (Satanic) agendas.  It is important that we rally in support of the good agendas and go against (with prayer and action) those that are demonic.  Be bold, be Salt and Light!  Always keep in mind that no matter what happens, God will work all things together for the good of those who love Him and live according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  For those Born of God (Born-again, John 3:3), this earthly story has a happy ending.  I don't know with you but I am happy to watch a movie based on tragedy  when I know beforehand that it's going to be a happy ending.  Many movie fans hate spoilers but in the story I called  "My Life in Christ,"  I'm glad to know beforehand, I have eternal victory! 
 
For this Card, I used an image from Stampers Anonymous called  "Crazy Birds"that I colored using my Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The pre-cut card base is from Paper Studio and it comes with envelopes that I stamped with a Hero Art stamp in coordinating ink colors.  All the card sentiments are from Dylusions from the set called "Quote Medley."  I love the result.   

 CRAZY BIRDS ENCOURAGEMENT CARD SET

 CRAZY BIRDS ENCOURAGEMENT CARD 1

 CRAZY BIRDS ENCOURAGEMENT CARD 2

This Card Set is entered into the following Challenges:

Gem of a Challenge---ATG
Catch the Bug---Clean and Simple
Crafter's Castle---ATG/Back to School
Colour Crazy---Coloring
Scrapper's Delights---ATG
2 Crafty Critter---Add Critter
A2Z---ATG
A Bit More Time---ATG
A Perfect Time---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Craft-Dee-Bowz---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG with Animals
Creatalicious---ATG/Humour
Colour Create Show it Off---ATG
CCC---For a Child
Digi Doodle---Birds and Beast (Include an Animal)
DL Art---ATG
Happy Craft---ATG
LeeAnns World---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
MIUCB---ATG/3-D Project
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Papercraft Business---Bear/ATG
Scribbles Designs---Include a Sentiment
Sognando---ATG
Tales from the Craft Room---For Kids
Creative Crafters---ATG
Tinker Dream---Sentiment
Worldwide DT---ATG
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. The Lord is with you every step of the way so, be at peace that you have Someone you can trust and have your back always.  

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Scripture Series: Trust Ye in the Lord Center Step Card---Join Us for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, everyone!  Here to share the card I made for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring the Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) found in Isaiah 26:4 which says, "Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." As we come into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (Born-Again, John 3:3), it is important that we know why we believe what we believe---Who we are and what we have in Him!  When we make life-changing decisions (getting married or even buying a house), we have to know the ins and outs of what we're getting into, right?  Some of those decisions could be emotionally driven but once you've settled, you need a clear understanding of the actions you took. My Life Application Bible shared a very important explanation surrounding our highlighted verse which I'm sharing with you.  It says, "Isaiah 26 is a psalm of trust, praise and meditation.  Once more, God revealed the future to Isaiah.  We can never avoid strife in the world around us, but with God we can know perfect peace even in turmoil.  When we are devoted to Him, our whole attitude is steady and stable.  Supported by God's unchanging love and mighty power, we are not shaken by the surrounding chaos (See Philippians 4:7).  Do you want peace?  Keep your thoughts on and your trust in God.  At times the "path of the righteous" doesn't seem smooth and it isn't easy to do God's will, but we are never alone when we face tough times.  God is there to help us through difficulties, to comfort us, and to lead us.  God does this by giving us a purpose (keeping our mind centered on Him, Isaiah 26:3) and giving us provisions as we travel.   God provide us with relationships of family, friends and mentors.  God gives us wisdom to make decisions and faith to trust Him.  Don't despair, stay on God's path.

Have you heard about a couple of famous Christians recently denouncing their faith on social media? One of them was a former Pastor and wrote a book about marriage before sex which became a best seller.  After a couple of weeks of his divorce to his wife of many years, he came over social media to renounce his faith and apologize for everything he wrote on his book against homosexuality and have recently participated in Canada's Pride Parade.  You can find more of this story HERE.   The other guy is a worship music writer, singer and active member of Hillsong.  He wrote many of the songs that is sang in many Church worship today.  Read more of him HERE. Every time I come across anyone denouncing their faith in Christ for whatever reason, my first reaction is sadness and concern not only for the people involved but for the many people that are following them gullible enough to be influenced to follow the same path.  Truth be told, there are many Christians struggling with their faith but to announce it to the world using social media platforms and proudly declare your rejection of Christ (The very One who opened your eyes to the Truth and gave you a new life) is diabolical.  Why?  Because apart from Christ, there is no other Savior.  Anyone who tasted and seen the grace, love and freedom that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ but turn around and trample on God's Only Son is tragic.  I can't think of a word that can best describe the abomination of such an action.  Let's face it, there are many people in the Church that are not rooted in the Word of God.  Some Pastors water down the Gospel or avoid critical topics so as to please people. And there are many other so-called Christians that attends Church with superficial things in mind.  If their favorite Pastor is not assigned to speak, or they find the style of music boring or there's not adequate facilities for their children to play or meet other kids, they don't show up or leave.  It seriously makes me wonder if they genuinely encountered Christ on a personal level and if they understand the depth of their relationship and commitment to Jesus Christ and His promises to us.    Surely, the Bible speaks of many trials that would come to believers that are designed to test our faith. Many throughout history and to this day are losing their lives in a horrendous way because they believed God and the Truth they received.  They are not rich in material possessions and had to rely on God for safety and provision---just to live another day.  If our faith is NOT grounded in  the infallible (unchanging) Word of God, we have no foundation to stand on.  Just because something didn't work the way you wanted/planned and He didn't wave the magic wand to answer your request does not mean God is unreal.  And not because you don't understand something about life and nobody in your Church taught you about suffering, eternal judgment and why Sin and Death are present in this world as people die in famine, sickness and diseases, does not mean that God is unreal.  God provided all the answers in the Scripture.  So if you need understanding, seek first the order of the Kingdom of God which is in His Word.  Study, do a research and listen to respected ministers in Apologetics yet also careful to investigate on the teachings you hear, making sure they line up with God's Word.  Personally, I only support one's Truth claim after confirming it with the Word.  This is a constant process that believers must undergo especially with all the media fake news we see daily.  I have doctrines that were enhanced with greater revelation through study.  And there are those that I found to have very little basis on God's Word.  Whoever I am listening to, I take only what is good (sound Biblical doctrines) and discard the garbage.  I don't follow or give my allegiance to any person.  What draws me to a person is the presence of Christ in his/her life.  I would like to describe myself as a modern-day BEREAN!  If you are attending a Church where the Word of God is watered-down, leave that Church and find one that feeds their flock with all the nutrients of God's Word.  Wanting to be filled with the Truth of God's Word in not a superficial need---it is a MUST for every believer!

In this day and time, it is so important WHO we place our trust on.  Yes, I love my family and friends but they are people that can be emotionally unstable at times.  Only God is unchanging (Malachi 3:6, Numbers 23:19, James 1:17) so I must rely on Him at all times. As we live in the last of the Last Days, God warned us in His Word of the "Great Apostasy" (Falling Away).   Read more HERE.  This should not surprise us.  Let us hope that God's grace and wisdom  touch these people that they may find the error of their ways.  As we hear more of this happening in the future, we are to continue to pray and keep grounded in the Lord so as not to fall into the same trap.  Here are some verses I would like to share with you today:

"And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away."  (Luke 8:13)

"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”(2 Peter 2:20-22)

"You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability." (2 Peter 3:17)

"For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned." (Hebrews 6:4-8)

"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

For this Card, I used an image from Wild Rose Studio called "Bella with Friend"  that I watercolored using Distress Inks.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step design.  I  used several embossing folders from Darice and Park Lane, Nestabilities for the scallop frame and leaves punch from Fiskars.  I layered some flowers and brads, both from Recollections. I added some glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  Finally, I stitched all over this card.  I'm happy with the result.

TRUST YE IN THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD

TRUST YE IN THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS

TRUST YE IN THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE

TRUST YE IN THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Gem of a Challenge---ATG
Allsorts---Feminine
Crafty Friends---Add Embellishments
Colour Crazy---Coloring
Scrapper's Delights---ATG
2 Sisters---Anything with the letter "S"  (I got "Scripture")
A2Z---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG/Humour
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Scribbles Designs---Include a Sentiment
Sweet Stampers---Dies and/or Punches
Creative Crafters---ATG
Tinker Dream---Sentiment
Worldwide DT---ATG


Time for me to go!  Please make sure to visit us at WAW and link up the projects you make out of our free Word Art although not mandatory.  You can link up any inspiring, uplifting, family-friendly projects, up to 5.  Our wonderful sponsor this week is Newton's Nook Designs ($20 GC). So, head over to WAW and show us your wonderful projects.  Enjoy your week.  Always remember to trust in God alone and the power of His Word.  All things will pass away but His Word will not!

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Scripture Series: Our Sufficiency is of God Card---Join Us for our Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty Peeps!  We are having another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge happening at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Our Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) comes from 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 which says, "And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God."  The Church of Corinth was plagued not only by sexual immorality but great division.  In this verse, the Apostle Paul was dealing with many false teachers that created division and poisoned the minds of God's people.  They presented fake letters of recommendations to authenticate their authority as ministers of God to deceive people from the Truth.  Yet true men and women of God were proven by the work they've done in the lives of others as a result of their obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Not that they did the work of converting the hearts of this people through their own efforts but had been willing instruments of the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of every individual God placed in their care.  Therefore, no servant of the Lord could take credit for converting individuals.  We deliver the Good News (death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ) to whom God sends us to and it's the sole work of the Holy Spirit to implant this Good News in a person's heart and cause it to flourish. I love what my Life Application Bible says about our highlighted verses and would like to share it with you.  It says, "Paul was not boasting; he gave God the credit for all his accomplishments.  While the false teachers boasted of their own power and prestige, Paul expressed his humility before God.  No one can claim to be adequate without God's help.  No one is competent to carry out the responsibilities of God's calling in his or her own strength.  Without the Holy Spirit's enabling, our natural talent can carry us only so far.  As Christ's witnesses, we need the character and special strength that only God gives."

At this day and time where individualism and materialism are often encouraged, let us not forget that our life here is temporary and we should resist any temptation of glorifying ourselves/other people based on our/their talents and achievements.  While it is normal to see this world caught up in the web of deception and utter selfishness, every true follower of Jesus Christ need to be grounded in the truth of the Word of God to avoid being deceived.  Isn't it interesting that many of the famous talents of our time came from a Christian upbringing?   Yet they pursued fame and fortune and used the talent God gave them to serve their own interests till they no longer recognize the One that gave them such talent in the first place.  They not only rebel but have encouraged others to follow the same path of deception.  It is very easy for anyone to say they are Christians but the genuine believers of Jesus Christ are distinguished from the fake by their fruits.  Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-17, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit."  I have to share a portion of an article from Gotquestions.org regarding these latter verses that truly opened my eyes to the importance of discernment.  It says, "In our lives, every word and every action is fruit from our hearts. Sinners sin because that’s what is in their hearts. Thieves steal, rapists attack, and adulterers cheat because those sins are the fruit being produced from an evil heart. Bad hearts produce bad fruit. When Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruit” concerning false teachers, He was giving us a guide for identifying them. False prophets, speakers of lies, will have actions that correspond to their errant message. Just as their message is anti-God, so will be their works. They will stray from the path of righteousness.  When we repent of our sin and receive Jesus as Lord of our lives (John 1:12; Acts 2:38), He changes our hearts (2 Corinthians 5:17). Now the fruit that is produced is good fruit. Galatians 5:22 lists some of the fruit produced by a heart in tune with God. Our attitudes, actions, words, and perspectives change as we walk in fellowship with the Holy Spirit (1 John 1:6–7). When our hearts change, our fruit changes.  Many false prophets have come and gone, and many of them lived in blatant sin while preaching their message.  Jim Jones openly engaged in adultery, drug use, and profanity.  David Koresh had child “wives” as young as 11. False teachers might display the “fruit” of sexual immorality, greed, materialism, gluttony, and other sins while justifying their behavior and lifting themselves up as something holy. Unfortunately, many people through the years have been duped into following such characters and joining them in justifying the sin. If only they had heeded Jesus’ warning that “you will know them by their fruit.” No matter how good or convincing someone sounds, if he is bearing bad fruit, his message should be avoided. 

Godly teachers will display good “fruit” such as making disciples (Matthew 28:19), using their gifts to benefit others (Romans 12:4–8), leading lost people to Jesus (James 5:20), loving their fellow believers (1 John 3:14), and seeking humble ways to do good everywhere (Jeremiah 29:7). All of these things are indications of a good heart. Often, people profess faith in Jesus as Savior, but it is a mere profession with no real faith. Some religious groups encourage baptism, confirmation, or other religious rites that are supposed to ensure one’s future in heaven. But as time goes on, the fruit being produced in such a life looks nothing like what is clearly prescribed in the Bible (1 Peter 1:16). Some attend church services but spend the rest of their time living entirely for themselves. Some may rise to prominence, even teaching or preaching, writing books, or dominating the media, but the fruit of their lives belies their words (Matthew 24:24). Greed, deception, immorality, pride, or dishonesty defines them, making them false prophets by Jesus’ standards (2 Peter 2:1–3). While we can never know anyone else’s heart, we can make wise assessments about other people by observing the regular fruit of their lives. All of us stumble from time to time, and we may go through seasons of bearing little fruit (1 John 1:8). But 1 John 3:4–10 makes it clear that those who know God will not continue a lifestyle of bearing bad fruit. We have been transformed, and the fruit of our lives is evidence of that transformation. Apple trees don’t produce bananas, and strawberry plants don’t produce figs. This fact of nature is also true in the spiritual realm. We can identify those whose hearts have been redeemed by the fruit we see in their lives." 

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions called "Road Trip" that I watercolored with Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  The base is a white A7 pre-cut card from Paper Studio.  I originally planned colorful background using fancy DP's but the watercolor is highlighted wonderfully using a white backdrop.  To add more interest to this card, I just included some washi tape from Tape Works and some white nail head gems from Imaginisce.  I also scribbled "Jesus" on the arrow.  Lastly, I stitched on the card panels and walah, a card I truly love. 

 OUR SUFFICIENCY IS OF GOD CARD

 OUR SUFFICIENCY IS OF GOD CARD LAYERS

OUR SUFFICIENCY IS OF GOD CARD INSIDE

OUR SUFFICIENCY IS OF GOD CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

2 Sisters on the Blog---Transport
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Craft Dee Bowz---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG
Color Create Show It Off---ATG
CCC---Summer
Daisy Chain---Summer
Fabrika Fantasy---ATG
Happy Craft---ATG
LeAnn's---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Entwined
Love to Craft---ATG
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG/Circle
Pearly Sparkles---Something starting with a "B" (Besties)
Scribbles Designs---Include a Sentiment
Sognando---Travels/Holidays
Tales from the Craft Room---Summer Fun
Creative Crafters---ATG
Tinker-Dream---Sentiment
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.  You can win wonderful goodies from our awesome sponsor this week---The Project Bin ($15 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 serve the Lord, bearing good fruits.

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Crochet Corner: Crochet Basket with Amigurumi Dog---Join Us for our Anything Goes Challenge this August at 613 Avenue Create!

Hi there, guys.  We have a brand new Challenge happening at 613 Avenue Create so feel free to link your Anything Goes projects with optional theme of  "Make/Decorate a Container” for the fun of sharing your craft.  I’ve been so preoccupied that this post came very late.  I don’t want to delay this much longer so, I’ll add my usual Scripture devotional soon.  Please check on my Blog again next week. I hope you enjoy my featured project and that it inspire you to create more.

August 17, 2019 (Added post)
As promised, here's a devotional I wanted to share with you and it comes from 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 which says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."  I chose these verses as it deals with "jars of clay" that coincides with our optional theme of decorating/creating a container.  I created this basket not with clay but using some appropriate yarn, tools and the skill and ability the Lord blessed me with.  From the talents we are given, we are able to produce beautiful and useful things.  But have we pondered on the reality that apart from our creation, we are first masterfully created by God to be beautiful and useful for His kingdom?  As human beings, we intentionally create things for a purpose.  Just as I created the basket you see in here to hold my yarn and stuffed animal, God has a unique purpose/mission for each and everyone of us.  

Though we were given talents, we couldn't function without the life, strength and the brain that also comes from God to produce something.  Acts 17:28 clearly states, "For in him we live and move and have our being.’As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ It is sad to see people boasting of their own talents and abilities as if they are their own god.  It is total madness as anyone with a clear mind could tell that no human can survive without God.  It is solely by His grace that we are alive today.  Every Born-again (John 3:3) believer should always consider each waking moment as an opportunity to serve the Lord knowing that He has equipped us with everything we needed to carry out His purpose as directed by His Holy Spirit inside of us.    I would like to share the exhortation I read in my Life Application Bible regarding the highlighted verses in this post.  It says, "The supremely valuable message of salvation in Jesus Christ has been entrusted by God to frail and fallible human beings ("jars of clay").  Paul's focus, however, was not on the perishable container but on its priceless contents---God's power dwelling in us.  Though we are weak, God uses us to spread His Good News, and He gives us power to do His work. Knowing that the power is His, not ours, should keep us from pride and motivate us to keep daily contact with God, our power source.  Our responsibility is to let people see God through us.  Paul reminds us that though we may be at the end of our rope, we are never at the end of our hope. Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and suffering, but God never abandons us.  Because Christ has won the victory over death, we have eternal life.  All our risks, humiliations and trials are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate His power and presence in and through us.  We must ask ourselves, "Could I handle the suffering and opposition Paul did?"  The success syndrome is a great enemy of effective ministry.  From an earthly perspective, Paul was not very successful.  Like Paul, we must carry out our ministry, looking to God for strength.  When opposition, slander or disappointment threaten to rob you of the victory, remember that no one can destroy what God has accomplished through you."

For this project, I decided to take on the Optional Theme of our Challenge and that is to "Create or Decorate a Container."  With the very little time I had,  I knew that it would take me a shorter time to make this than to create or decorate some kind of box under paper crafting.  So, I saw this wonderful VIDEO tutorial at YouTube from "MJ's Off the Hook" channel.  Since I happened to have all the materials needed, I went on with it and I was amazed at how it turned out really cute.  It measures 9 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height using the Big Twist Super Bulky Yarn in the color gray.  Now, I crochet the Amigurumi Dog a while back and it's one of the 7 dogs I already completed from Kerry Lord's Book called Edward Menagerie Dogs.  This dog is called "Geoff the Westland Terrier" and is 9.5 inches when sitting and about 14  inches when standing. I used a worsted weight yarn. Some of the instructions are also in YouTube and it truly helped when I could not understand  portions of the written pattern and special stitches.  I am planning to post all the dogs I completed  here one day and I am sure I'll be adding a few more dogs in the future.  So, just watch out for them.  In case you don't know, next to Papercrafting, I am into Crochet a lot for several years now and made mostly clothing.  I hope I can find the time to post the projects I made soon.

CROCHET BASKET AND AMIGURUMI DOG

 CROCHET BASKET AND AMIGURUMI DOG TOP VIEW

CROCHET BASKET

AMIGURUMI DOG

This Project is entered into the following Challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Craft Dee Bowz---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG with Animal/s
Fabrika Fantasy---ATG
Happy Craft---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Pearly Sparkles---Something starting with a "B" (Basket)


This it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge with an optional theme.  Can't wait to see what you create. The Lord is with you every step of the way so, don't compromise God's Word nor be afraid of the what the future holds based on your faithfulness to His Word.  Great is our eternal reward in heaven for us whose trust in not of the world but in Christ!

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Scripture Series: Riches and Honour Come of Thee Card---It's Time for Another Bi-Weekly Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone!  It's been a couple of weeks since our last Challenge so we are starting another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge today at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring a new Scripture Word (you can download for free at the WAW site).  It comes from 1 Chronicles 29:12 which says, "Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all." In order to capture the context of this verse, it is necessary that we include the preceding verse which is 1 Chronicles 12:11 which says, "Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all." In both of the verses, we can simply conclude that everything that sustains us and gives us purpose and strength to live in this world is from the Lord and for the Lord alone. 

The first thing that came to mind after I read the aforementioned verses were God's Word in Acts 17:24-31 that tells us, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”   When we acknowledged our Creator, we would always be reminded that He is the reason why we are alive!  We were but dust before He formed us and His breath of life made us a living soul (Genesis 2:7).  Who among us manually controls the beating of our hearts?  So you wake up each morning and commands the sun to do its job in the day and calls the moon to light up the  night?  Do each of us check the air composition in the earth's atmosphere daily and regulate it to sustain our need to breathe?  Who provides water that we drink and gives us the abilities/talents in order to work and prosper.  I could go on and on just pointing out the obvious.   Anyone who cannot fathom or accept who God is and his need for Him is called a "fool." Psalm 14:1 states, "The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good." The longer one stays in this spiritual deception, the more depraved they become. Without accepting Jesus and His gift of salvation through the Cross, people remain spiritually dead in their sin with no hope of ever being reunited with God.  If you want to find out the Truth, start by turning off the world and take the time to look and listen to what God's creation and nature tells you.  Instead of appreciating just the physical attributes of God's creation, ask WHO is behind the creation and why did He create what you see?  If you are serious in your pursuit of Truth, you'll find the answers will always lead you to the Word of God which would reveal you Jesus and His finished work at the Cross.

To wrap up my devotional post today, I would like to share this article from Gotquestions.org that answers a critical question that we stumble upon in our earthly journey.  This inspired me and I believe it will do the same for you.  Here it is:  Question: "What is the purpose of man, according to the Bible?" The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God created man and that He created him for His glory (Isaiah 43:7). Therefore, the ultimate purpose of man, according to the Bible, is simply to glorify God. A harder question to answer, perhaps, is what does it look like to glorify God? In Psalm 100:2–3, we’re told to worship God with gladness and “know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Part of what it looks like to glorify God is to acknowledge who God is (our Creator, for starters) and to praise and worship Him as such. We fulfill our purpose of glorifying God also by living our lives in relationship and faithful service to Him (1 Samuel 12:24; John 17:4). Since God created man in His image (Genesis 1:26–27), man’s purpose cannot be fulfilled apart from Him. King Solomon tried living for his own pleasure, yet at the end of his life he concluded that the only worthwhile life is one of honor and obedience to God (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). In our fallen state, sin separates us from God and makes it impossible to glorify Him on our own. But through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, our relationship with God is reconciled—our sin is forgiven and no longer creates a barrier between God and us (Romans 3:23–24). Interestingly, we are able to glorify God because He gave us glory first. David writes in Psalm 8:4–6, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.” (This is also repeated in Hebrews 2:6–8.) This verse reveals another purpose that God has given man: dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28–29). Again, though, this can only be properly fulfilled through a right relationship with God. The more we get to know our Creator and the more we love Him (Matthew 22:37–38), the better we understand who we are and what our purpose is. We were created to bring Him glory. God has unique plans and purposes for each person (Psalm 139:13–16), but we can know that, whatever those plans look like, they will ultimately result in His glory (Proverbs 3:6; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

For this Card, I  used the flowers/leaves images from Fiskars called "Petals from Scratch."  I also used a Hot of the Press stamp for the background in each of the flowers and for matting.  I created the pocket  after printing the highlighted verse on it.  Lastly, I stitched all over and added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) for some sparkle and shine.  I was just not in the mood to color anything today hence, I created my own patterned paper for some color...LOL

 RICHES AND HONOUR COME OF THEE

 RICHES AND HONOUR COME OF THEE LAYERS

 RICHES AND HONOUR COME OF THEE INSIDE

RICHES AND HONOUR COME OF THEE WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Country View---Texture
Craft Dee Bowz---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---ATG
CCC---Summer
Fabrika Fantasy---ATG
Happy Craft---ATG
LeAnn's---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG/Circle


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.  An awesome adhesive prize package will be awarded to our Challenge winner by our awesome sponsor---Stix 2 Anything.  So excited to see what you come up with. For the meantime, be grateful each day for all the blessings we receive from our Lord in Jesus Christ.  He made a way for us to be reconciled to God, our Creator.  Our future is bright (no matter what) both now and forever.

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