Friendship Series: Hugs My Friend Camera Embossed Card---Join us at Word Art Wednesday for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge!

Hi Crafty peeps!  Here's the other card I made for our bi-weekly challenge that started  a week ago.  You can make an Inspirational/Anything Goes projects that you can link to our Challenge site, Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  You can also choose to incorporate the Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) or save it for future use. Check out my card that highlights the Scripture Word in my follow up post later.  I made this card exclusively to highlight images/sentiments from our sponsor this Challenge---Stamp Simply.

A good friendship is the foundation of all healthy relationships.  It needs one's utmost trust, respect, time and effort to stand the tests of time.  Anyone who spent years and staying strong in their relationships can attest to that. This also means that no matter what situations you encounter (because no relationship is perfect), you are to be fully committed to not easily give up and let go.

Jesus spent a good 3 years of His life and ministry by gathering, building and training His disciples.  As a perfect Man, He had to experience physical challenges and the limitations that time and distance had put us all through.  And as a Holy God, He had the knowledge of what He must do and go through and what His future entailed.  Though He didn't explain in great detail to His disciples what He must endure and give up to set mankind free from their bondage to Sin because of their limited understanding prior to His death on the Cross, He made perfect use of His time, strength and ability to demonstrate the love and ways of the Father for mankind. He ate, slept, walked , talked and suffered with them.  They marveled at the miracles they witnessed as Jesus showed them what "faith" and "obedience" to the will of His Father could do.  In His brief ministry on earth,  He showed us what the true ingredient of a perfect and loving relationship was all about---SELFLESSNESS!  1 John 3:16 says, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."  And because Jesus only did what His Father told Him to do, we can be assured of our Heavenly Father's great love for us.  John 5:19 clearly reveals, "Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you,the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." We have this blessed assurance that when we place our trust in the Person of Jesus Christ, we entrust our lives to the One who loves us perfectly---the Father!  John 3:16 is the ultimate proof of the Father's love for us revealing this, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Nowadays, I find it alarming to see all  this promotion pertaining to "SELF LOVE." Many of the messages the entertainment industry, social and mainstream media is pushing to the masses has nothing to do with the truth of "loving your neighbor as yourself" which is next to the greatest commandment of all, "loving the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind." (Matthew 22:37).  Loving oneself can only find its true meaning not in the world, but seeing our worth in the eyes of God, our Creator.  Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "God saved you by his grace when you believed.  And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.  For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."  It is imperative that we value ourselves according to how God value and sees us (His masterpiece) so we can understand our purpose and reason for being.  Every time someone/something tries to destroy us, we have a strong core and reason for self worth.  And when we have a Godly perspective of ourselves, we will value our existence and treat others the same way.  But the dangers of worldly self-love is that it takes God out of the equation.  It's always materialistic and self-serving.  It centers on pleasing oneself and gets its validation from the world.  Jesus knows the love of the Father.  It is rooted in selflessness that He had to send Him (His One and Only Son) to this world to save the world.  Jesus embodied that same selflessness by obeying His Father and ultimately fulfilling His purpose to die on the Cross to redeem mankind.  If we truly value our worth and the people in our relationships, we should start by placing our faith and embracing the finished work (His death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus Christ at the Cross.  Once we are in Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), we can show our love for others by leading them to Jesus.  He is the true gift that keeps on giving.   

For this Card, I used an image and sentiments from Stamp Simply Clear Stamps called "Stick Family" and colored the image using my The Creative Expert markers.  The embossed camera image and other background elements are all from  Sizzix A2 Impresslits.  I added a bit of DP, some nail head gems from Imaginisce and some regular and fancy stitching.  Love it!

 

 

 HUGS MY FRIEND CAMERA EMBOSSED CARD

 

 

HUGS MY FRIEND CAMERA EMBOSSED CARD CLOSE-UP

 

 

 

HUGS MY FRIEND CAMERA EMBOSSED CARD INSIDE

 

 

HUGS MY FRIEND CAMERA EMBOSSED CARD WITH ENVELOPE

 

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

 

 

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.  Our sponsor this week is Stamp Simply Clear Stamps giving away 2 Stamp sets or a Stamp set and a Die-cut from their store.  I can't wait to see your projects  and leave you some encouragement on your Blogs.  Pray without ceasing and let God's promises inspire you to share the hope you have with others. 

 

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Scripture Series: Before the Eyes of the Lord Card---Another Bi-Weekly Challenge Happening 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 Proverbs 5:21 which says, "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings."

 

The context of the entire chapter of  Proverbs 5  deals with the importance of marriage and the madness of defiling that covenant we made not only with our spouse but with God. Studylight.org provided a good explanation to this chapter including our highlighted scripture in Proverbs 5:21.  It says,  "Strong warning is given to beware of the prostitute and the temptations she offers. (The frequency of this warning in Proverbs indicates that prostitution must have been a widespread social evil at the time.) The pleasure that the prostitute brings is shortlived, but the bitterness that follows is lasting. It leads eventually to death (5:1-6). A man must flee the temptations offered by such immoral company, otherwise he may finish a physical and moral ruin. Moreover, he could find that he loses his possessions to those who have mercilessly deceived him (7-10). In addition to being disgraced by his own conduct, he will be overcome by despair as he thinks back on his stupidity in refusing to heed advice (11-14). The married man should be faithful to his wife and seek his sexual pleasures in her alone. He should seek no pleasures from the immoral women who move around the streets and market places trying to seduce people (15-20). Married or single, a man must bear in mind that God sees everything. He must remember also that if he lacks self-discipline he will fall to temptation and eventually bring suffering upon himself (21-23)."

 

Ephesians 5:22-33  showed us how God patterned the relationship between a husband and a wife to the relationship between Jesus and the Church. As the Body of Christ focuses  on Jesus alone, the relationship between husband and wife should be one of love, trust, respect and commitment.  We are not to think or do anything that would defile the sanctity of that union as it is sacred unto the Lord. Likewise in my personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, I have given myself to Him as my Father, my Lord and my Savior.  I'm committed to serve Him and Him alone. His Word is true and His faithfulness to His creation is immeasurable.  From the beginning, God provided us with every good thing but mankind betrayed Him by taking the side of the enemy and inherited  Satan's Sin (rebellious, depraved) nature.  But even in our wicked condition, He chose to save us by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the ransom for our freedom with His blood. Romans 5:6-8 clearly tells us, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." But the sad thing is that many have chosen/will choose to reject this gift of salvation.  They come up with senseless excuses all the while trying to hide the truth that they love the things of this world---depravity and all!  Gone were the days when people are actually ashamed of their sins. Not only are they proud of their sinful lifestyle choices nowadays but they encourage and empower the weak, the gullible, the young and the confused of our society (including the children)  to partake and support their demonic confusion/delusion. In exchange for worldly wealth, fame and power, they sell their souls to Satanic cults/groups to lie, steal, kill and destroy not only themselves but others as representatives of Satan to the world.  They conspire with each other to hold everyone hostage to their globalists plan by calling God's Truth false and their lies as truth using education, mainstream/social media, entertainment, dirty/ungodly politicians as their representatives while censoring and eliminating  facts that destroys their demonic agenda.  

All of these things were already revealed to us in the Scriptures so that we, the Body of Christ (Born-Again, John 3:3), would be wise in discerning the times so as not to fall for their deception.  The ungodly thinks that they can hide their evil plots from the Lord and mock God's omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence.  They are fools!  For everyone that rejected God's Only Way of salvation will suffer the wrath of God's justice for motives and actions done in this world---out in the open or in utter secrecy. They are society's modern day prostitutes that's trying to destroy the family unit.  God reserved a horrendous place of eternal torment for them with their father, Satan.  But while they're still on earth, make sure you don't drink of their poison. You can only do so by saturating yourself with the Word of God, pray without ceasing and be sensitive to the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit.  In thought and in deed, stay true to the calling made possible by our New Covenant in Christ Jesus!

 

For this Card, I used a rose cutting die from Momenta and a DP from My Mind's Eye.  I found a great design on the paper I chose that would compliment my die-cut and where I could print the Scripture Word Art.  It turned out great and I was happy with the lay-out. I chose to keep it simple but adding the brads and the fancy stitching elevated the vintage feel to this project.  I'm truly satisfied with the result.

 

BEFORE THE EYES OF THE LORD CARD 

BEFORE THE EYES OF THE LORD CARD CLOSE-UP

BEFORE THE EYES OF THE LORD CARD INSIDE

 

BEFORE THE EYES OF THE LORD CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Creations---ATG

Crafty Gals Corner---Hello Fall

TTCRD---ATG

Inspiration Station---Autumn Countryside

PIP---ATG

Stamps & Fun---Color of Fun

A Bit More Time---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Clever Dexter---Hello Autumn

Country View Crafts---Autumnal Colors

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

Die Cut Divas---ATG with Die-cuts

CCC---Autumn

Daisy Chain---Autumn

HLS---ATG with Dies

LeAnns World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Things with Wings

Love to Craft---ATG

MIUCB---ATG/Paper Piecing

Morgan's ArtWorld---ATG

Papercraft Challenges---Sentiment as Focus

Pearly Sparkles---Autumn

QKR Stampede---ATG

Dreaming of Scrap---ATG with Autumn

Sparkles---Autumn Colors

Crafting Challenge---Autumn Colors

Four Seasons---ATG Fall

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

YSP---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 Studio Katia ($30 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. Stay faithful as He is faithful!

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

HE SHALL COVER THEE CARD 

HE SHALL COVER THEE CARD LAYERS

HE SHALL COVER THEE CARD INSIDE

 

 

HE SHALL COVER THEE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

Stinkin' Inkers---Pick Me Up

Time Out---Brave

CAS on Friday---CAS with Balloons

Crafty Creations---ATG

Creative Moments---ATG

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

House that Stamps Built---Sparkle and Shine

Simon Wednesday---Sparkle and Shine

Sisterhood of Crafters---Cute and Simple

Paper Funday---ATG/Autumn/Fall

2 Crafty Critter---ATG with Critter

A Bit More Time---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Clever Dexter---Sparkle and Glitter

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Crafty Animals---ATG with Animals

Creatalicious---ATG

CCC Digi Creations---No Patterned Paper

LeeAnn's World---ATG

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

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Monochrome

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

QKR---ATG

Rabisco---ATG

Crafting Challenge---ATG

YSP---ATG

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times each week.  Our Challenge winner will be awarded a wonderful prizes from our awesome sponsor---Stix 2 Anything (Adhesive package).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, live every minute of your life fully trusting in the Lord, both physically and spiritually.  Never ever trade joy that will last for all eternity for momentary pleasure.

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

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

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

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

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

                                       

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS CARD

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS CARD LAYERS

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS CARD INSIDE

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Colour Crazy---ATG

Creative Fingers---ATG

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

A Bit More Time---ATG

Bastel-Traum---Plant

Createful Heart---ATG

Creative Crafters---ATG

Worldwide DT---ATG

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

ALL THINGS IS AT HAND CARD 

ALL THINGS IS AT HAND CARD LAYERS

ALL THINGS IS AT HAND CARD INSIDE

ALL THINGS IS AT HAND CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

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

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

                           projects.

Aud Sentiments---ATG with Sentiment

Cards 4 Galz---Texture

MAWTT---Summer Fun/Colors

Time Out---Running Stitch Design

Crafty Creations---ATG

Crafty Gals Corner---Summer Fun

Creative Moments---ATG

Paper Shelter---ATG

Sisterhood of Crafters---ATG

Paper Funday---ATG/Cute Critters

Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Classic Designs---ATG

Crafts Galore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

CCC Digi Creations---Use Flowers

DL Art---ATG

LeAnn's World---ATG

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

Love to Craft---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Mixed Media

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Bestie International---ATG

My Bestie Spanish---ATG

Pearly Sparkles---ATG

Sognando---ATG

YSP---ATG

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times each week.  A wonderful prize awaits our winner from our lovely sponsor for this Challenge---Cas-ual Fridays Stamps (Stencil Package).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, be very vigilant, pray always and practice your God given rights.  As long as God is seated on the throne, we are never without hope.  We are part of His plan in this world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONSIDER THE LILIES SCRIPTURE NOTE CARDS

 

CONSIDER THE LILIES SCRIPTURE NOTE CARDS SET 1

 

 

CONSIDER THE LILIES SCRIPTURE NOTE CARDS SET 2

This Project is entered in the following Challenges: 

Crafty Creations---ATG

Creative Moments---ATG

Double D---Colors of Summer

House that Stamps Built---ATG

Paper Shelter---ATG

Simon Says Stamp---ATG/Slimline

Paper Funday---ATG/Summer

Crafty Sentiments---ATG

Digi Choosday---ATG

Everybody-Art---Summer

Lemon Shortbread---ATG

TTCRD---ATG

Unicorn---Summer

Coloring in Scrapland---ATG/Blue/Stripes

Crafting Happiness---ATG

Get Creative---ATG/Show Water

Pammie's Inky Pinky---ATG

My Time to Craft---ATG

TayloredMadeCards4U---ATG/Holidays in July

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

Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG

Corrosive---ATG

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can submit up to 5 entries per week.  Our wonderful sponsor for this week Stamp Simply (Stamps and/or Dies). So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the Word of God comfort you today.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD

THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD LAYERS
 

 THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD INSIDE

THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER CARD WITH ENVELOPE

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

2 Sisters---Vacation

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Academy---Mood Board

Classic Design---ATG

Clever Dexter---Hello Summer

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

Craft Galore Encore---ATG

Do-A1 Kreatives---Summer

LeAnns World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Aperture

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Perfectly CAS---ATG

Sognando---ATG

Sweet Stampers---Summer Fun

Crafting Challenge---Summertime

YSP---ATG

Mo's Digital Pencil---ATG

Corrosive---ATG

 

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

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