Scripture Series: Cinderella Before and After Cards---Join Us for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Wird Art Wednesday!

Hi everybody!  So sorry for the delay in posting this project I made for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, one of my cards here feature the Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) from God's Word in Psalm 26:7 which says, "That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,  And tell of all Your wondrous works."

In this season of Thanksgiving here in America, we have a lot of be grateful about.  If we truly are believers of the Lord Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), we know that everything happens for a reason.  Good or bad, we know that God is in control and that we can always depend upon Him in all situations.  We express gratitude to people that God brought to our lives that blessed us in different kinds and ways.    God can use anyone to deliver His message, His blessings and hope for us---His children.  However, we must be careful not to center our focus on those whom God used but to give thanks and ascribe glory to the very Source of all our blessing---GOD HIMSELF!

Anyway,  we just finished casting our votes in the Midterm Elections and have chosen our leaders and representatives.  I will be lying if I tell you that I am extremely happy with the results after learning that the Democratic party took control of the House (Congress).  Despite the wonderful things happening in our country as God uses our current administration to restore our country back in order in just less than two years (after nearly a decade of ungodliness and destruction brought about by the previous administration), other people chose to give their support over godless men and women who have openly declared lawlessness and hatred for God to legislate on their behalf.  It's hard to fathom the utter deception that had befallen those who decided to support these kind of politicians who does not acknowledge God and our Constitution.  Because for God-fearing people that are operating with wisdom, the choice was crystal clear.  As a believer, I know that God is in control and because He is, I am at peace.  But sometimes,  I couldn't help but think of what these godless leaders would conspire to do next to harm our nation?  For their minds are  dominated with selfish and demonic thoughts continually.  They have lost all manner of decency as their evil plans to destroy this nation through lawlessness and godless acts are now proudly proclaimed and done in the open.  While I was quietly dealing with this frustration, God reminded me of a name---GIDEON!  I decided to refresh my memory about the story of this Godly man and found a video that God used to reveal His heart to me.  So I want to share with you what I wrote in my Facebook page a few hours after the 2018 Midterm elections.  You can find the VIDEO at the very end of this post and I suggest that you take the time to watch it too.  Here's what I posted:

FRIENDS, I NEED TO SHARE THIS AND I ASKED THAT YOU TAKE THE TIME TO READ AS YOU ACTIVATE YOUR SPIRITUAL EYES/EARS: As I inquire of the results in last night’s 2018 Midterm Election, I felt sad upon hearing that the lawless party has taken control of the House (Congress). How could many people be so deceived as to put these God-haters who had been proven to promote death, destruction, division, satanic worship and lunacy be given the power to govern and allow them to wreak havoc on the many great things that had been accomplished. Without any of their support, our country prospered in all levels which sure benefited every American. But it didn’t take a while for me to snap out of it as the peace and assurance of God’s control and sovereignty began to engulf me. Immediately, He reminded me of GIDEON. That in Israel’s fight with the Medianites, though they were strongly outnumbered, God reduced their army even more. Why? Because when we have everything in our favor, we as people tend to think we won because of our own might/power. When we gain victory on situation we knew none of our efforts would work, that’s when we recognize God’s hand and give Him all the glory. So, I felt that I needed to share this Gideon (short) video to all of us American who fear and rely upon the Lord. The parallelism to our time is astounding as many people turn their hearts against God worshiping other gods like Baal (child sacrifice aka abortion in our time) along with many others. We are given a leader to free us from the consequences of our sin as a nation and restore us to the righteousness of God. Remember that all things work together for good to those who love God and live according to His purpose. Please watch and be blessed! I pray that as God comforted me, it will also encourage us and propel us to continue to fight alongside God till we see the enemy vanish in this country."

This is truly profound and I know this is God's message to all God-fearing Americans at this time. Surely if we have our way, we would want to sit back and relax and have our government do everything for us.  Many would be placing their trust in our POTUS, to the leaders of our government and their positions rather than placing their faith upon God who uses people to deliver unto us His blessings and victory.  I am not saying we should not thank and acknowledge people but let's face it, many do really put their trust in people, in one's power and might, rather than God.  I see that in social media comments daily.  The Truth is, we need to acknowledge the hand of God not only in the affairs of our nation but in the world.  We cannot sit back and relax and pretend like no one wants to harm our country.  Let us continue to pray and trust God and do whatever He tells us to do as we encourage one another to fight the good fight of faith.  Though we are led by our President, God is the ultimate Commander of this entire universe and everyone is accountable to Him.  Nothing takes place without His permission. So, when things are not going our way, remember Psalm 30:5 which says, "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."  In Jesus, we are never without hope!  Let us be bold and speak up, proclaiming Truth and rebuking lies.  In every victory, always give the glory back to God!  Worship God, not man.  He alone deserves it! 

For this Card, I used a couple of images from Mo Manning Stamps called "Cinderella (Before and After)" and colored it using my Touch Five/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored for an A2 size cards (4.25 x 5.5 inches).  The DP's are from DCWV.  The sentiments were of course our Scripture Word Art while the other comes from one of our sponsors for this Challenge, Stamp Simply from the "Words of Encouragement Set."  I purposely made a CAS design to more on the Scripture and how it relates to the images.  I love it!

 CINDERELLA BEFORE AND AFTER CARDS

 CINDERELLA BEFORE CARD WITH ENVELOPE

CINDERELLA AFTER CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A2Z---Give Thanks
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ARG
Crafts Galore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Just Keep on Creating---ATG
LeAnn's---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Oddball Art----ATG
Worldwide DT---ATG
YSP---ATG
Brown Sugar---Thankful
Creative Fingers---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 several times in two weeks.  A great prize awaits our winner from our wonderful sponsors---Stamp Simply Clear Stamps (Stamps and/or Die-cuts) and Sweet n' Sassy  Stamps (Digis).  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.  His presence in us enables us to do the impossible.

HOW GIDEON WAS USED BY GOD

Encouragement Series: One Cup at a Time Card---Join Us for our November Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, guys!  Time to highlight another inspirational card for our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  We have an optional theme of "Christmas and/or Winter" for this month.  But like always, you're free to be as creative or simple so there's no reason for you to miss our fun challenge.

I can't  believe we are almost at the end of this year.  But my fave part of being in this season is the cool temperature we have here in Texas.  After many months of just temperatures near and over hundred degrees, I am thanking God for the chill.  And I can't help but relate that to seasons we go through in our lives.  Sometimes too hot, sometimes too cold and at times, in between.  When there's no rain, we are out and about, doing a lot of things outdoors  on vacation.  We're on a past-faced mode just enjoying the no hassle, everything going well kind of days.  We are able to accomplish a lot of things and visit places we've never been.  But on rainy days, we tend to postpone things and stay home, trying to avoid the inconvenience and the hassles of driving in the rain, the puddles, the mud and also the strong winds.  We hide and slow down even more during the winter.  We are very picky where to go and only head out when necessary.  Where I live, temperatures can go from very hot to really cold in one day so, we have to have strong immune system in order to withstand the drastic changes in the environment.  Like what many of us do dealing with life in general.

But the good news is, God is present in all of our seasons! As we go through it physically and spiritually, He is always there to see us through.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:  a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God."  When we truly acknowledge the hand of God in our daily circumstances and willingly put our trust in His divine wisdom and love for us, His creation, we have a safe place to go to no matter what circumstances we encounter in this life.  By having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), I can handle everything life throws at me knowing He is with me/in me always.  Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  I consider this my life verse for it is in this Truth that I can go through each day with confidence. Whether it's summer or winter, hot or cold, dry  or wet and everything in between, He navigates His life in me and through me.  All I needed to do is to give Him the driver's seat and go along for the ride.  And because He has given me a blueprint of His plan, His Word (the Bible), I can understand the signs and takes note of His instructions while He empowers me with wisdom to lead myself and others to this special and wonderful place that He prepared for all who trusted in Him.  His Name be praised forever.

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Stamps called "Latte Love" that I watercolored using Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from DCWV and Recollections, the layered flowers are from Prima with the center embellishment from Heidi Grace, the white nail head gems from Imaginisce and the glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  I also use Nestabilites die for the Scalloped circle.  Lastly, I stitched all over this project. 

ONE CUP AT A TIME CARD

 ONE CUP AT A TIME CARD SIDE VIEW

 ONE CUP AT A TIME CARD LAYERS

 ONE CUP AT A TIME CARD INSIDE

ONE CUP AT A TIME CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Lots of Layers
Always Fun---Watercolors
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Path to Positivity---Anything Positive/Shades of Green
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Dragonfly Dreams---ATG
Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Penny Black---Make Someone Smile
Gem of a Challenge---ATG
All Sorts---Pretty Papers
Catch the Bug---ATG
Crafty Friends---2 or More Patterned Papers
Colour Crazy---Coloring
Crafty Catz---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Jo's Scrap Shack---ATG
QKR---ATG
Quick Quotes---ATG


This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge with optional theme, "Christmas and/or Winter.  If you want to be challenged more, take on our Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it. Can't wait to see what you create. The Cross of Christ is more than the just a story passed on from generation to generation.  It's a story of love, grace and hope that is good for today and all of eternity. 

Scripture Series: Fear of the Lord Card---Join Us for 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. I was privileged to write our WAW devotional at this time to give our Challenge coordinator, Karen, a much needed rest after her shoulder surgery.  I would like to share it here and I pray that it blesses you as well.  So, our inspiration Scripture for this Challenge that I featured in my card below comes from Proverbs 9:10 which says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

Before I came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, I grew up knowing that there is a God.  Though it was more of a religion than a relationship with Him, I knew that He watches over me and knows my every thought. I was familiar with the Ten Commandments and tried my very best to obey them.  But I also struggled with fear.  I was terrified of what God's punishment would be every time I violate a commandment or two.  After all, I was taught that God rewards the faithful and punishes the disobedient.

So needless to say, I feared the Lord greatly.  But hey, even in my limited understanding of God those days, that fear kept me out of many troubles.  The fear of the Lord is defined as "the continual awareness that our loving heavenly Father is watching everything we think, say and do."  When we ignore Gd in our lives, we deprive ourselves of understanding His ways, His love and His power.  Those who fear the Lord have a continual awareness of Him, a deep reverence for Him and a sincere commitment to obey Him.  Their fear causes them to focus on the Lord, and walk in wisdom while avoiding foolishness.

Today, nearly thirty years since I came to know God in a deeper and personal way through the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross, my fear of Him has transformed into respect (out of love for God) and awe (of His greatness).  I am fearful of doing anything contrary to His plan and purpose in my life.  Because I value him greatly, I desire to know His ways and deliver only what is pleasing to Him.  Therefore, I seek His Word and meditate on His promises daily that in my knowledge and understanding of Him, I would gain wisdom to choose and walk the path He has prepared for me.  I would like to share these passages from Proverbs 2 that tells us of the importance of seeking God's Word, gaining wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

For this Card, I used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called "Guy Walking Dog" which I colored using my Prismacolor markers.  The base is a Kraft CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP is from American Crafts and Recollections and the white brads are from Recollections too.  Lastly, I stitched all over this project.  It's simple and masculine.  I love it!

 FEAR OF THE LORD CARD

 FEAR OF THE LORD CARD LAYERS

 FEAR OF THE LORD CARD INSIDE

FEAR OF THE LORD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Creations---ATG
Creative Moments----ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG
Lemon Shortbread---ATG
Cute N Crafty---ATG
Path of Positivity---ATG (Positive)
Scrapbook Stamp---ATG
Createful Heart---Add a Sentiment
Not Just Cards---ATG
Pause Dream Enjoy---ATG
Sunny Day Crafting---ATG with Animals
Creative Crafters---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---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 prizes to be won from our wonderful sponsors---Pretty Little Studio (price package) and Stix 2 Anything (price package).  Let your trembling turn into awe and reverence as you desire to come to the saving knowledge of  our Lord, Jesus Christ.  He is truly an awesome God!

Scripture Series: Bear One Another's Burdens Card---It's Time for Another Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, Crafty Peeps! It's time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As usual, we are featuring a Scripture Word Art that you can download for free at the WAW site.  This Challenge highlights a verse coming from Galatians 6:2 which says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

The past few weeks, we witnessed what the ungodly politicians would do to destroy anyone's reputation to derail the appointment of someone who would be faithful to interpret the rule of law (our Constitution) from being carried out in this country.  For the past eight years of previous administration, they wreak havoc to transform every pillars of our society towards ungodliness with an agenda to destroy this nation.  They turned many of us into a lawless, racist, divisive, unpatriotic, haters of God kind of people.  And all that time, God-fearing men and women of God vexed our souls and cried unto the Lord to save our nation from the demonic destruction it was headed to.  On Presidential election night of 2016, I felt sad in my spirit---not sure of the plight of Donald Trump whom I voted for earlier that day.   The thought of Clinton taking the office as POTUS and the evil she stood for horrified me.  So, even though I wasn't a fan of Trump (not knowing how true he would be to his promises during the campaign), I was led to vote for him as I prayed and plead the grace of God for our country.  It was not a fancy  prayer.  It was one of those prayers that words could not express coming from an honest place in my heart asking for the power of God to intervene and show our nation mercy and deliverance.  So, upon the announcement of Trump winning the election when the liberals were already celebrating their anticipated victory (I stayed up till it was announced), you can imagine how joyful and thankful I was to witness an honest to goodness miracle that day.  While rejoicing, I saw a report of the many others that did a coordinated prayer and election watch that night  not only here in this nation but all over the world, including Israel.  They showed a graph when election began to turn in our favor that night.  It was at the time when many of us prayed in unity.  Wow,  I cried tears of joy having seen an actual/tangible evidence of what I believed and claimed all along in my spirit---that God would answer the prayers of His people! 

So here we are,  nearly two years after and President Trump exceeded every expectations.  Not only did he fulfill most of his campaign promises but he stood up with all the bullies in both national and international level.  I have seen how God used him from the very day he assumed office to undo the evil the former  administration established and bring us back to the rule of law, love of country and love of God.  And its obvious to me that he's able to do all that (amidst all the threat of terrorists and God hating citizens of this country) because the guidance and protection of Almighty God is upon him.  Surely, God can use anybody.  If God used a donkey to speak to Balaam in Numbers 22:28, why would we doubt that He could use a man (who does not fit our mold of spirituality) to run this country?  When God sends a man to fulfill His holy purpose, He gives him power and authority.  So until God's plan is fulfilled in that individual, no one can take him/her out.  But of course, Satan and his minions know that their time is short and had to display their vile and utter hatred against the rule of God in this country.  So they use everything we hold dear to us and they twist and pervert them to attract support and deceive the gullible and unsuspecting---those who are blind and weak in spirit.  They do everything to get a hold of public office and target our children.  They indoctrinate them with hatred for God and country and encourage them to all sorts of sexual immorality.  So be it in school or at home (where most media programs the kids watch, including commercials, are tainted with demonic agenda) parents (some unknowingly) feed their children to these Satanic wolves.  Recently, we saw the repulsive acts of godless politicians in the nomination proceedings prior to the confirmation of  now Supreme Court Judge---Brett Kavanaugh.  The undeniable lack of decency and baseless accusations of their politicians tried to force us to condemn people without due process---anything to get their way and continue their evil agenda to destroy this nation.  Church, we better wake up!  Let us stop waiting for others who are sleeping and have turned away from the Truth.  Yes, we are to pray for them but at the same time, we need to fight the good fight of faith.  Speak the Truth in boldness and refuse political correctness.  If one of us is being attacked for doing what is right in the sight of God, we are to carry each other's burdens by uniting in prayer and marching into action.  Always remembering Proverbs 29:2 which says, "When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan."  Let us not allow the wicked mob to intimidate nor stop us.  Encourage God-fearing man to run for office and support them in every way.  Start by voting God and freedom loving candidates to office this November.  I believe we are under God's protection so, let us go out there and defeat the demonic mob by exercising our God-given right to vote.  Be proactive, never passive!  That way, we can continue to see the law of Christ reigning in this nation.  Are you with me?

For this Card, I used an image from our wonderful sponsor, Graciellie Designs, called "Daffodil" from Simple Wisdom Set. I colored it with my ProMaker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The background stamps are from Dylusions, the glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and the border punch from EK Success.  I also attached some nail head gems from Imaginisce.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  

 BEAR ONE ANOTHER''S BURDENS CARD

 BEAR ONE ANOTHER''S BURDENS CARD LAYERS

 BEAR ONE ANOTHER''S BURDENS CARD INSIDE

BEAR ONE ANOTHER''S BURDENS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
PIP---ATG
Path of Positivity---Anything Positive  with optional Purple Shades
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG/Boys or Men
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Angie's Digital---ATG
Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Corrosive---ATG
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Country View---Plant-tastic
Craft Galore Encore---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG/Texture
Color It Create It---ATG
Happy Craft---ATG
House of Cards---Autumnal Flower and/or Colors
Just Keep on Creating---ATG
LeAnn's World---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Use Strips of Paper
Love to Craft---ATG
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG
Pause Dream Enjoy---ATG
Sparkle N Sprinkle---Use Glitter/Embossing Powder/Flocking
YSP---ATG
Crafty Creations---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG/Spooky
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG


Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times each week.  You can win wonderful goodies from our awesome sponsors this week---Honey Bee Stamps ($25 GC) and Graciellie Designs (Digi Images).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, know that God is in control and His protection is upon everyone whose faith is established in Jesus Christ. Use each day to make a difference in this world.  

Believe in Today Center Step Card---Join Us for our Anything Goes/Monthly Challenge 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, "Use Something Wooden."  I highlighted a card using stamped branches as background image to take on the twist for this Challenge.

Anyway, I am so thankful to the Lord for some much needed vacation time for mine and my son's Birthdays last month.  We couldn't justify an extravagant get-away but with what we came up with, it turned out great.  Been to some wonderful Asian restaurants and supermarkets and bought some of the food products I haven't seen for years from my country of birth, Philippines.  For my  second and third time, I tried two Airbnb accommodations and were very happy with the amenities we were provided.  We had some gloomy days with some heavy rain on a couple of the days when we were out in the coast but even that didn't stop us from enjoying the scenery.  We had lots of pictures with some dark clouds in the background but hey, it's not everyday we see them clouds...

What I really like to share is that thankfulness/gratitude does not come from having perfect life/situations.  Even in lack, there's always something to be thankful about.  I'm grateful for waking up each day, living and breathing the air that God provides.  I'm grateful for a sound body and mind, for opportunities, for food on our table, for family but most of all---for having Jesus in my life.  The other night, I experienced another battle with the enemy (demonic attack) as I was trying to get some sleep.  As I was physically laying in my bed, I felt as if I was being strangled (in the spirit). As I gasp for air, there was an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness that's trying to take a hold of me.  It tried to convince me that I would get no rest and that I would die.  In the physical, I didn't feel any pain as I laid comfortably in the same position.  But in the spirit, I was fighting an evil presence.  It's hard to explain as there are some things that can't be put into words and are only discerned spiritually.  I know what I'm talking about as this is not the first time it happened to me.  Throughout the course of serving the Lord, there were more intense situations similar to this that I experienced in between the physical and spiritual realm.  Most, if not all,  happened when God was about to  transition me to a higher level of service.  So, while I was battling the negative thoughts and the fear that goes with it in the spirit, the Holy Spirit reminded me that I didn't have to put up with this demonic influence.  That I have His power inside of me to stop and drive it out.  It was a light bulb in my spirit and right there in that instance, I spoke and said (in the spirit), "You have no power over me, Satan!  I am a child of the Most High God.  Stay away from me!"  And at that very moment---SILENCE!  Peace came through in my spirit.  The next thing I heard was my phone alarm.  I turned the alarm off and looked at the time.  I was amazed to see that I slept for 4 hours straight. And I exclaimed "Thank you Lord!"  Some may think I was only dreaming but I am not here to convince anyone to believe.  I am here to express my gratitude to the Lord for His Holy Presence inside of me that guides and protects me through both my physical and spiritual battles.  I have nothing to fear and have every reason to be thankful daily.  Praise be to His Holy Name! Just want to share the following verses to encourage us when we experience all kinds of battle:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." (Ephesians 6:10-20)

For this Card, I used an image from Penny Black that I had for many years now and colored it using my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers. The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card design.  The DP's are from My Mind's Eye, the stamped background (branches) is from Ditto and the stamped sentiment is from Stampabilities.  I punched some leaves using Fiskars punch, layered flowers from Prima, added a brad from Recollections and added some glitters using Stickles (Diamond).  Finally, I stitched over some panels.

 BELIEVE IN TODAY CENTER STEP CARD

 BELIEVE IN TODAY CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW

 BELIEVE IN TODAY CENTER STEP CARD

 BELIEVE IN TODAY CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE

BELIEVE IN TODAY CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This  Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
PIP---ATG
Path of Positivity---Anything Positive  with optional Purple Shades
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG/Boys or Men
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Addicted to Stamps---Autumn Colors
Angie's Digital---ATG
Dare 2B Artzy---Fall
Dragonfly Dreams---Autumnal Colors
Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Penny Black---Autumnal Splendour
Stamping Sensations---Shades of Autumn
Corrosive---ATG
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Artistic Stampers---Inktober
Classic DT---ATG
Craft Galore Encore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---ATG with Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG/Texture
Color It Create It---ATG
Daisy Chain---Autumn/Fall
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/Use Free Stamp
Eclectic Ellapu---Fall
Happy Craft---ATG
Just Keep on Creating---ATG
LeAnn's World---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Use Strips of Paper
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---Fall Back
Scor-pal---More than One Score (Fall)
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG
Pause Dream Enjoy---ATG
Scribbles Designs---Patterned Paper
YSP---ATG 
Crafting with an Attitude---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 (like I was), 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.  

Scripture/CAS Series: Be Brave Be Strong Bird Cards---Join Us for our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, everyone!  Back again for another Scripture Word Art for our bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As usual, you are invited to link with us your inspirational  (Anything Goes) cards/projects.  Our featured Word Art this Challenge (you can download for free at the WAW site) comes from 1 Corinthians 16:13 which says, "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."

Throughout the New Testament Scripture,  we were told to be watchful.  For everything in this world (with all it's fleshly, ungodly desires) could be used by the enemy to entrap/tempt  us.  This world and everything in this world  came under the ruler-ship of Satan  after Adam  (whom God gave authority over His creation) turned over his authority to Satan in an act of disobedience and betrayal (treason) in the Garden of Eden. Since then, all men were under the curse of Sin and Death and are in rebellion with God, helplessly taking the side of the enemy with no hope of freedom/deliverance.  But that changed  when Jesus Christ came to this earth for the sole purpose of redeeming mankind from their hopeless situation and take us back on track to the original plan of God when He created us.  By faith in what Jesus accomplished at the Cross (His death, burial and resurrection), He graciously freed us from our bondage with Satan and brought us back to the Kingdom of our Father in heaven.  Other than what Jesus established, there's no other way any man could be saved. Upon our acceptance of what Jesus accomplished for us (Born-again, John 3:3), we become God's representative here on earth---no longer walking in the ways of this world but following the will of our Father, written in His Word (the Bible) and by carefully following the examples of our Lord Jesus (His ministry) when He came to earth.

So, when the Lord warns us to be watchful, we are to take this instruction seriously.  Every waking moment here in this world, we are engage in a constant battle between God's Truth and the lies of the enemy.  Because we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:20-21), we are always at war with the works of the enemy.  The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life have always been there to deter us from moving forward to the things of God.  Deceptive teachers/preachers in sheep's  clothing are constantly looking for those they can easily manipulate (1 John 4:1-6).  Like before,  self centered teachings delivered by false teachers distort God's Truth and aims to take souls to the path of destruction.  It conditions us to think more highly of ourselves and takes us farther away from  Jesus and His Cross.  When we decide to make somebody (other than Jesus Christ and His Word) our spiritual source of Truth and refuse to cross-examine and study their teachings against the standard of God's infallible Word, we are placing ourselves in grave danger with eternal ramifications.  Thus, it is so important that we stick to the Truth of God's Word trusting solely on the finished work of Jesus Christ (the Gospel/Good News).  We need to stand firm on this Gospel of salvation, refusing to back down at any cost.  We are to be brave in dealing with the enemies of our faith, to be strong in addressing Sin (includes all acts of sin) and offer sound solutions with the readiness and boldness that comes from the Holy Spirit, driven by God's love and compassion.  My friends, we have the power of God living inside of us---all of us who are in Christ.  When our foundation, faith and focus is established on the bedrock of the finished work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we will remain in His Truth and no power of the enemy can ever take us down.  When the faith of Jesus becomes my faith, I am always victorious.  I would like to share the following Scripture to encourage you to stand firm in each day's spiritual battle:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
 
For this Card, I used an image from Ranger Dylusions Stamp and Stencil Set called "Holy Birds" that I colored using my Touch Five/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make an A2 card.  One of the cards feature the Scripture Word Art  and the other sentiment was from Stamps Simply Clear Stamps (our sponsor for this Challenge).  I added some washi tapes from Recollections and glitters from Stickles (Diamond).  I also incorporated some stitching on this project.  The sentiment in the envelope is from Illustrated Faith Stamps.

 BE BRAVE BE STRONG BIRD CARDS

 BE BRAVE BE STRONG GREEN BIRD CARD

 BE BRAVE BE STRONG YELLOW BIRD CARD

BE BRAVE BE STRONG BIRD CARDS WITH ENVELOPES

This Project is entered into the following Challenges:

4 Crafty Chicks---Alcohol Inks
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Crafting by Designs---Encouragement
Crafty Creations---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG
Brown Sugar---All Creatures Great and Small
Colour Crazy---Coloring
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Simply Create Too---Stitching

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times each week.  Our Challenge winner will be awarded a wonderful prize from our awesome sponsor---Stamp Simply Clear Stamps.  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up as we meditate on the name of Jesus today.  There is power in His Name and it's available to everyone that believes.

CAS Series: Hugs XOXO Card Set---Join 613 Avenue Create for our Monthly Anything Goes Challenge...

Hello everyone!  I'm featuring this Card Set for this month's Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  So sorry for posting late as I've been super busy the past few days.  We would love to have you link with us your wonderful projects and share the fun of crafting the entire month of September.  As always, it's Anything Goes with an optional twist of Clean and Simple (CAS).

Yesterday, my family and I went to Six Flags (Amusement Park) to swim, eat and have fun.  Though there were some attractions that were closed, we managed to make the most of our time and enjoyed the partially cloudy weather which saved us from the usual scorching Texas heat.  Then we went for dinner in one of the park's restaurants.  We noticed the clouds turned dark and before we could even start our meal, a heavy rain started to pour. Then came thunder and lightning.  Despite all of that, we took our time to finish our meal believing that it was just a passing cloud.  That it would soon be over and we could go to the final attraction of the night---the Fireworks Show!

But it never lit up.  The rain poured heavy with no end in sight.  Convinced that the final show was canceled, we prepared ourselves to go through the severe rain to make it to my vehicle in the parking lot.  Without any umbrella, we asked the restaurant for some trash bags which we converted into ponchos and off we went.  My head, feet and legs were drenched but the rest of me stayed dry.  We walked through puddles and flooded surfaces laughing at ourselves (how we looked like with the makeshift ponchos) while surprisingly enjoying the experience.  And then, I told my hubby, "Out of all the things we did that day, the time we go through that rain was the most memorable and fun of all because it was different and out of the ordinary."  And he agreed.

So why am I sharing this?  It's because when the rain began to pour, I started praying and believing that the rain would stop in time so as not to go through it.  There were similar situations in the past when God answered my prayers---He calmed the storm, the thunder and lightning (literally) showing His faithfulness to us.  But there were also situations such as this that though He didn't stop the heavy rain from pouring, He provided us the means to go through it.  Come to think of it, He supplied the makeshift ponchos and the right spirit to tackle the situation.  It reminded me of a famous saying, "If life gives you lemons, make some lemonade."  It's evident that  I can only make wonderful lemonade out of the lemons of life when Jesus Christ is there to encourage and empower me to take the necessary steps towards faith in Him through the leading of the Holy Spirit.  That no matter what life brings, good or bad, expected or unexpected, He is my one and only Source!  So whether I'm faced with physical storms or the endless storms of life, I keep a positive attitude and gain wonderful experiences because God is always with me.  When we acknowledge the move of God in every situation, we find the joy that surpasses all understanding after every/any storm.  I would like to share this verse to encourage you in your walk with the Lord.

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.  He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.  They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind." (Psalm 107:28-31)

For this Card set, I used an image from Stampendous and colored it with my Prismacolor markers.  The sentiments are also from the same stamp set. The sentiment on the envelope is from another set of Stampedous stamps.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make an A2 size cards (4.25 x 5.5 inches).  I also made the coordinating envelopes using my Envelope Punch Board from We R Memory Keepers.  I love the result since our Challenge optional twist is Clean and Simple (CAS).  It's as simple as it can be.

 HUGS XOXO CARD SET

 HUGS XOXO CARD SET 1

HUGS XOXO CARD SET 2

This Card Set is entered into the following Challenges:

Time-out---Inspired by Words
2 Crafty Critter---Add a Critter
A2Z---CAS
A Bit More Time---ATG
A Perfect Time---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Craft Galore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG with Animal
Crafty Girls---ATG
Color It---ATG
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/Flower Frenzy
DL Art---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
HLS---CAS
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Morgan's ArtWorld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG/Thankful
Paru's Cardmaking---ATG
Sunny Day Crafting---ATG with Animal
Creative Crafters---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---ATG
YSP---ATG


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to link with us.  I hope you have a great week and know that through faith in what Jesus accomplished at the Cross, we have complete victory over the works and schemes of the enemy!  Let us share this hope to countless others in the world.