Scripture Series: Work of Thy Hand Card---Join the Fun in our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello friends!  I'm here to highlight another wonderful Scripture Word Art for our bi-weekly Challenge happening at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  We are re-using a Scripture Word Art that we originally shared on October, 2014 and you can download it for free at WAW in case you don't have it in your collection.  It comes from Isaiah 64:8 which says, "But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."

In today's world, we can see the evidence of ungodliness in everything we are exposed to---in every facet/aspect of our society.  With media and entertainment playing a central role in shaping the minds of our generation, anyone who are adept to the Word of God and are spiritually discerning would agree that there's a systematic attack happening around us to turn the minds of many towards total rebellion and ungodliness.  I tell you, though there are hundreds of movies and programs to choose from our TV subscription, I couldn't find any clean, inspirational,  wholesome entertainment for my family to enjoy.  Almost everything emphasizes  on profanity, violence and sex.  When I go online for local and global news, the ones front and center are from liberal and fake news stations that no longer engaged in actual facts but are devoted to a demonic agenda that divides, rebels and destroy the very things that made this country great.  Why is this so?  Because many of the powers, businesses and corporations had been bought by the puppets of Satan aiming deceive those who are unsuspecting.  Let us remember that Satan is the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4) and in these last days, he is working overtime to deceive those who are not grounded in the Word of God.  

Friends, what is presented to us daily (global or local scenario) does not usually reflect the true evil agenda these people have for our country and the world.  Nations without borders/walls, gender confusion, racial tension/division, rebellion from authority/God, destruction of life in the womb are just few examples of issues we engaged with passionately these days.  But many of those out there (some even profess to be Christians) are oblivious to the real agenda in the core of all of them.  These satanic worshipers wants total control of this world to set it up for the reign of the anti-Christ.  Why do you think "America First" and Nationalism/Patriotism is radically hated nowadays?  Why is there an all-out condemnation for the traditional structure of the family?   Folks, ask God to open your spiritual eyes and ears!  Those of the world will continue to be deceived where we can no longer rationalize their behavior.  But if you are a child of God, you need to repent and acknowledge the degree of deception you are in and go back to the firm foundation of the Word of God!  Truth be told, God does not respond to our emotions---He responds to His Word.  Like Isaiah did in our highlighted verse along with the entire chapter of Isaiah 64, he acknowledged the power and glory of God and that our sins made us so unclean that we couldn't approach Him.  He pleaded for God's mercy and compassion for His people reminding Him of the humanity He created (as Potter molds the clay) and the favor He showed to them in the past.  I am so grateful to live in this dispensation of time called the "Age of Grace" when anyone who humbly comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (placing their trust in His finished work at the Cross) are no longer bound by the Sin of Adam but are set free and washed clean by the blood of the Lamb/Christ.  Therefore, I can come to the throne of my Father in heaven and ask for anything in accordance to His Word and receive favor in His sight. 

For this Card, I used an image from Stampin' Up.  I stamped the image several times. colored them with my Touch Five/Prismacolor markers and fuzzy-cut each one of them.  I used a coordinating Distress Ink color to provide the background for each butterfly using a stencil from Dylusions.  I added a bit of glitters (Stickles-Crystal) for sparkle in each butterfly.  Lastly, I ran it through my sewing machine for some fancy stitching.  I love it!

 WORK OF THY HAND CARD

 WORK OF THY HAND CARD LAYERS

 WORK OF THY HAND CARD SIDE VIEW

WORK OF THY HAND CARD INSIDE

WORK OF THY HAND CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:


Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can submit up to 5 entries per week.  Our wonderful sponsors for this week are Stamp Simply Store (item from their store) and Imagine That (digi images). So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the wisdom of the Lord guide you daily.   

Scripture Series: Blessed is the Man Adventure Card---Join Us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends!  It's time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Today, we are re-using a Scripture Word Art we originally shared on March, 2015 and you can download it for free at WAW in case you don't have it in your collection.  It comes from Psalm 1:1 which says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."

Psalm 1 is a very short Bible chapter comprising of just six verses but it will help us understand where true blessedness (condition or state of being in God's grace or favor) comes from.  Psalm 1:2 tells us, "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." Our obedience to the will and purpose of God which He revealed to us in the Scripture is what brings true happiness not only in this world but in the eternal life ahead.  Let us remember that our earthly life is just a temporary/training ground for the true life God prepared for us in His presence.  If we lived selfishly like Godless people here on earth, we would go into eternity without the presence and goodness of God.  Where God is not present, there's torment and evil continuously.  I would like to impart what my Life Application Bible shared regarding Psalm 1:1-2  that truly blessed me.  It says, "The writer begins his psalm with extolling the joys of obeying God and refusing to listen to those who discredit or ridicule Him.  Our friends and associates can have a profound influence on us often in very subtle ways.  If we insist on friendships with those who mock what God considers important, we might sin by becoming indifferent to God's will.  This attitude is the same as mocking.  Do your friends build up your faith, or do they tear it down? True friends should help you draw closer to God, not hinder your relationship with Him.  God doesn't judge people on the basis of race, sex or national origin.  He judges them on the basis of their faith in Him and their response to His revealed will.  Those who diligently try to obey God's will are blessed.  Their happy condition is like healthy, fruit bearing trees with strong roots (Jeremiah 17:5-8), and God promises to watch over them. God's wisdom guides their lives.  In contrast, those who don't trust and obey God  have meaningless lives that blow away like dust.  Only two paths of life lay before us---God's way of obedience or the way of rebellion and destruction.  Be sure to choose God's path because the path you choose determines how you will spend  eternity.  You can learn how to follow God by meditating on His Word.  Meditating means spending time reading and thinking about what you have read.  It means asking yourself how you should change so you will live as God wants.  Knowing and meditating on God's Word are the first steps toward applying it to your everyday life.  If you want to follow God more closely, you must know what He says.  The "law of the Lord" means all Scripture: the first five books of Moses, the Prophets and the other writings.  The more we know of the whole scope of God's Word, the more resources we will have to guide us in our daily decisions.  

I hope you are aware of the daily dose of poison being administered to us by way of media and entertainment.  I may not spend a whole lot of time browsing the web than an average person nowadays but every time I'm on it, I am shocked/saddened by the dominance of fake news and negativity that aims to pervert and twist our minds farther away from the Truth of God.  Though the world is full of God's wonderful goodness manifested by those who fear and trust Him, they don't make it to the mainstream news for many to watch nor hear.  Instead,  popular headlines are geared towards dividing people, destruction of lives and endless mockery of God made possible and paid for by the ungodly.  These days, movies, TV shows and even commercials make it cool to be an irresponsible individual by destroying the Godly father image and replacing it with perverted images of fatherhood/manhood.  They make homosexuality and gender dysphoria a normal part of our society, making them more and more exposed in movies and entertainment programs.  They have mocked God and called evil good and good evil.  Honestly, as a follower of Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3),  I cannot put my (spiritual) guard down when it comes to issues I come across with daily.  I have to purposely shut the world down and make a decision to learn God's Word in order to flush all the spiritual poison forced upon us every minute of everyday.  As believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot find happiness/blessedness in the things this world offers.  Whether we are rich in material blessings or lacking thereof, true blessedness can only be experienced when we are obedient to God's will and purpose.  In our obedience, we are at peace with God and are  living a life led by the Holy Spirit.  True happiness is only possible when we have Almighty God living inside of us.  Though storms may come in different directions, our blessedness is not defined by our condition (ups and downs of life) but is rooted in the position of righteousness His very presence in us secured.  Oh the goodness of God through Jesus Christ and the Cross! In Him, I am eternally grateful and blessed!

For this Card, I used images called "Country Walk" and "Adventure Dad" from Make It Crafty Digital Stamps.  I colored both with my Prismacolor/Touch Five markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I added a bit of Glossy accents (from Inkssentials) on the binoculars and three brads from Recollections.  The sentiment inside is by Momenta Clear Stamps.  Lastly, I stitched all over this project.  The simple lay-out highlighted the beauty of the digi stamps along with our Scripture Word Art today.  I love it!

 BLESSED IS THE MAN ADVENTURE CARD

 BLESSED IS THE MAN ADVENTURE CARD LAYERS

 BLESSED IS THE MAN ADVENTURE CARD INSIDE

BLESSED IS THE MAN ADVENTURE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Gals---Summer Colors
House that Stamps Built---Summer Vacation
Ellibelle's---Masculine
Inspiration Destination---ATG/Use Real Stamp
Crafty Addicts---ATG/Flowers
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Country View---The Written Word
Crafts Galore---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG/Photo Inspiration
Daisy Chain---For Boys/Men
Digistamps4Joy---For the Man in your Life
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Punch It
Love to Craft---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
MIUCB---ATG/Smooshing
Morgan's---ATG
Color It---ATG/Guys
Paru's---Masculine
Scribbles---Masculine
YSP---ATG


Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can submit up to 5 entries per week.  Our wonderful sponsor for this week is  Lawn Fawn, giving away a $25 GC.  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the joy of the Lord overtake you today.  If you are trusting in Jesus, you are blessed beyond measure.

Fun/Humor Series: Go Together Double Slider Card---Join us for our June Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create...

Hello there, Crafty Peeps!  It's been a while since my last post.  I kept myself busy with Crochet (Yay, finished several projects!) and reviewing for my Bible class finals that went very well several days ago. Anyway, we started our Monthly (Anything Goes) Challenge at 613 Avenue Create with an optional twist, "Use Buttons and Bows." yesterday.  For my card  inspiration today,  I went for Anything Goes. 

The past several months, I've studied Homiletics which is the science and art of preparing sermons and preaching it.  Some people think that this study only benefits those who are called to be preachers.  While it is essential for preachers, I find the course very useful for anyone who shares the Word of God.  Every believer whom Jesus entrusted with the Great Commission, that is to preach the Gospel (death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ), will find this course beneficial.  I would like to highlight  what Gotquestions.org shared regarding Homiletics.  It says, "The term homiletics comes from the word homily, which basically means “a sermon.” Those who study homiletics seek to improve their skill at communicating the gospel and other biblical topics. The discipline of homiletics falls under the umbrella of pastoral or practical theology.  Preaching and, therefore, homiletics have always been associated with the pastor of a church. A pastor is sometimes referred to as the “preaching elder,” based on 1 Timothy 5:17. However, a study of homiletics can be beneficial to anyone who teaches the Word of God. Historically, homiletics has integrated biblical teaching and rhetoric (the art of speaking persuasively or for effect). However, theologian Karl Barth insisted that preaching has a different purpose from rhetoric; preaching does not rely on stylistic devices or tools of persuasion, so homiletic and rhetorical studies must be separate.  Paul described his preaching as “not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). Many take this to be Paul’s preference for plain, non-rhetorical discourse. However, there is no command against rhetoric in preaching.  Paul himself waxed eloquent when it seemed the best way to communicate the truth, especially when he spoke at the Areopagus, the center of intellectual discussion in Athens, Greece (Acts 17). And Paul used rhetorical questions, asking, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14). Apollos was known for his excellence in speaking and persuasive words (Acts 18:24, 28).   Applying the tools of rhetoric and a deep knowledge of the Bible are helpful to biblical preaching. Someone called to preach would do well “to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6), and homiletics is useful in that pursuit. It is a worthy study, but, at the same time, we must not forget that God can work through anyone, with or without formal training, to communicate Christ in everyday situations.

I am so grateful for the opportunity God gave me to go deeper in the study and communication of His Word.  Gone were the days when I would pick passage/s in the Bible and share them without checking out the context of that passage/s.  It makes a lot of sense when we receive a letter or a document that we read the content of the letter in its entirety.  Reading just parts of it would cause us to miss vital information that could be beneficial to us.  Say for example, we received an invitation to a friend's Birthday party.  Apart from knowing whose birthday and when it's going to be, we also need to know where it would take place plus crucial information (mentioned in the invitation) that would prepare us for the event.  So, why would it be any different when it comes to telling people about the things of God?  Many people perish (spiritually) because they don't bother to study and prove the "so-called truths" that were handed to them.  Countless times I heard people saying, "I'll die for what I believe in."  The question is:  "Are you absolutely sure about the truth you claim to believe?"  It's sad but many of these people could not even explain why they believe what they believe.  You see, we heard of the many believers who were martyred for the sake of the Gospel.  All the apostles of Jesus Christ except for John (died of old age in Patmos) and Judas Iscariot (committed suicide) died violent deaths for the sake of their faith in Jesus Christ.  And today, Christian persecution happens all over the world.   If we are to give our lives to the Truth we hold so dearly, we owe it to ourselves to be absolutely knowledgeable and sure about that Truth.  

What makes me sad nowadays are the Christians who have long been attending Church and heard of many wonderful teachings from sound teachers of the Word yet are acting like those of the world. They may appear perfect in conduct yet they tackle personal and outside circumstances/issues at face value (how they appear) with lack of discernment/understanding on the spiritual origin, objective and goal of the enemy (Satan) hidden and in disguise in the many issues of life.  We need to remember that everything that happens in this world have a spiritual significance.  The Holy Scripture reveals to us God's plan and purpose (past present and future) for His creation.  As members of  the Body of Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), we are to operate in accordance to the prophetic time line of God which He revealed to us in His Word.  Goes does not work things randomly!  He is always working in accordance to His plan.  How are we going to know His plan if we don't intentionally seek His Word?  When are we going to mature spiritually?   For we were once babies in the faith.  But babies grow and turn into adults.  From milk, we are now capable of chewing solids---the meat of the Word of God.  God provides us His full armor  and has equipped us with His power through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to destroy all the works of the enemy.  So my plea to all of my brothers and sisters in the faith, study the Word of God intentionally.  Never ever take any preacher's teaching (no matter how famous they are) without examining their teachings through the infallible Word of God.  With great understanding, we can effectively share the Gospel as the Salt and Light of the world that God intended us to be.  I would like to encourage you with the following passages:

"Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you learned them. From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work."  (2 Timothy 3:12-17)


For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Stamp from Golden Oldies Collection called "Bikers."  I watercolored the image using my Stabilo 68 markers.  The base is Kraft CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Recollections, the white nail head gems from Imaginisce and the Washi tape from Recollections.  I also did some fancy and regular stitching in most of the panels in this card.  This is the second time I made a Double Slider card and though I find it really tricky remembering how I did it the first time, I'm always happy with the result.  Here's the VIDEO tutorial that inspired me.

GO TOGETHER DOUBLE SLIDER CARD

GO TOGETHER DOUBLE SLIDER CARD LAYERS

 GO TOGETHER DOUBLE SLIDER CARD WHEN TAB IS PULLED

 GO TOGETHER DOUBLE SLIDER CARD INSIDE

GO TOGETHER DOUBLE SLIDER CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Door Openings
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Country View---The Written Word
Crafts Galore---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG/Photo Inspiration
Create with TLC---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
MIUCB---ATG/Smooshing
Morgan's---ATG
Color It---ATG/Guys
YSP---ATG


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the fun by joining our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.   Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week. Realize that when you hunger and thirst for God, He will always fill you up with great understanding that you can effectively communicate with others. 

Scripture Series: If We Faint Not Card---Join Us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, guys!  So, we began another Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring another Scripture Word Art which you can download for free at the WAW site.  It comes from Galatians 6:9 which says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

I often shared to y'all the importance of having an eternal perspective as we walk this life on earth in the Lord Jesus.  From the time we were born, all we care about is our own little world.  We are driven by our desires to get what we want to better ourselves.  And many define/measure success based on the money they possess, how powerful, famous and respected they are in the world.  We do everything we possibly can to fulfill those desires even to the point of stepping on others just to get ahead and accomplish our dreams.  For many  of us, this is what life is all about.   But for some, the seed of God's Word came and regenerated in our fertile (receptive) human heart that all of a sudden, we become aware that things don't really revolve around us.  That we were created by a Creator whose plans and purpose graciously included us to fulfill His will which He predestined us to do from before time.   The closer we get to the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (depending on our hunger and thirst for His presence),  the more aware we become of what's truly important in this life.  A friend once asked me why I decided to become a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM) instead of pursuing a career using the many talents God has given me.  It was an honest question that requires an honest answer.  Like anyone else, I too had many dreams that I tried (my hardest) to pursue earlier in life.  But the Lord had a different plan.  As I go through triumphs and disappointments (there were many), the Lord never failed to instruct and direct me to a better plan.  Most of the time, the path/task He wanted us to pursue does not generate wealth, power and notoriety.  As a matter of fact, it usually involves hard work and sacrifice but the spiritual benefits (how it builds you up on the inside) gives us so much more (of greater worth).  It's hard to explain but we know (down in our spirits) that that's exactly where He wants us to be for the time being.  

The great rewards promised to us by the Lord in His Word can't be found in this world.  For what we can get here is nothing compared to the true riches we have in Christ Jesus.  Think (or even imagine) of the very best thing you can have in this world yet it will still fail in comparison to what Jesus has prepared for us in the afterlife.  So, Ive made up my mind to pursue the high calling of Christ in my life and to forfeit every earthly and selfish ambition that wouldn't benefit me eternally.  I'm not saying it's wrong to dream but just be careful that such dream doesn't turn into an idol (anything you value, seek, pursue above God).  The Scripture reveals to us everything that is valuable in the sight of God.  Spend time learning and studying God's Word and you'll reap the rewards of your diligence and obedience.  I would like to leave you with the verses in 1 Peter 1:3-9 which says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

For this Card, I used an image from Wild Rose Studio called "Bella with Daisy" and one the images from Art Impressions Try'Folds Stamps called "Garden TF."  I watercolored both images using Ranger Distress Inks.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The blue embossed CS is from Bazzill.  I also added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to parts of the images and ran the panels through my sewing machine for wonderful stitching.  I didn't feel like adding any more embellishments to allow the watercolor scene along with the inspirational verse to speak for itself.  I'm very happy with the result.

 IF WE FAINT NOT CARD

 IF WE FAINT NOT CARD LAYERS

 IF WE FAINT NOT CARD SIDE VIEW

 IF WE FAINT NOT CARD INSIDE

IF WE FAINT NOT CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Aud Sentiments---Cute + Sentiment
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Sasayaki Glitter---Flowers
Time Out---Inspired by Words
Alphabet---D is for "Dots"
Colour Crazy---ATG Coloring
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Crafty Catz---ATG/Cute Image
Creative Fingers---ATG
Jo's Scrap Shack---ATG
Pattie's Creations---Flowers
QKR Stampede---ATG
Simply Papercraft---ATG
2 Crafty Critter---ATG with Animals
Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Artistic Stamper---Backgrounds
Classic DT---ATG
Color Sisters---Color Palette
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG with Animals
Crafty Girls---ATG
Create and Inspire---ATG/Springtime
Createful Heart---ATG/Spring/Mother's Day
CCC---Flower Power
Daisy Chain---Animals
Delicious Doodles---Flowers
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/For Mum
Fabrika Fantasy---Flowers
LeAnns World---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Lace. Ribbon or Twine


Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times this week.  Great prizes to be won from our wonderful sponsors---Pink and Main ($20 GC) and Sweet-N-Sassy Stamps (Digit images).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the peace of the Lord overtake you today.  In Christ, we have a very bright and joyful (literally) future!   

Especially Made: Happiness Coming Your Way Card and Crochet Blanket and Toy Set for a Special Friend...

Hi there, guys.  We have a brand new Challenge happening at 613 Avenue Create so feel free to link your Anything Goes with optional theme (Mainly Blue) projects for the fun of sharing your craft.  I'm so sorry this post is coming a couple days late as many things came up that kept me occupied.

Today, I would like to share with you God's Word in 1 John 3:7-9 which says, "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God."  My Life Application Bible did a wonderful job explaining these verses so I would like to share it here.  It says, "We all have areas where temptation is strong and habits are hard to conquer.  These weaknesses give the devil a foothold, so we must deal with our areas of vulnerability.   If we are struggling with a particular sin, however, these verses are not directed at us, even if for the time we seem to keep on sinning.  John is not talking about people whose victories are still incomplete; he is talking about people who make a practice of sinning and look for ways to justify it.  Three steps are necessary to find victory over prevailing sin: (1) seek the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word; (2) stay away from tempting situations; and (3) seek the help of the Body of Christ---be open to their willingness to hold you accountable and to pray for you.  "No one who is born of God will continue to sin" means that true believers do not make a practice of sinning, nor do they become indifferent to God's moral law.  All believer's still sin, but they are working to gain victory over sin.  "God's seed remains in him" means that true believers do not make practice of sinning because God's new life has been born into them.  We are "born of God" when the Holy Spirit lives in us and gives us Jesus' new life.  Being born again is more than a fresh start; it is a rebirth, receiving a new family name based on Christ's death for us.  When this happens, God forgives us and totally accepts us; the Holy Spirit gives us new minds and hearts, lives in us, and begins helping us to become like Christ.  Our  perspective changes too because we have a mind that is renewed day by day by the Holy Spirit (See Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:22-24).  So we must begin to think and act differently.  See John 3:1-21 for more on being born again. "

You see, I planned to share something in the line of what I'm dealing with these days (physical condition) but as I seek God's Word, He took me to a different direction.  I believe it is of utmost importance that I share this message considering the moral and social dilemma prevalent in our society these days.  There is a continuous attack on the Word of God that's determined to move us and our children away from the knowledge of God and towards Moral Relativism.  Moral Relativism (or Ethical Relativism) is the position that moral or ethical propositions do not reflect objective and/or universal moral truths, but instead make claims relative to social, cultural, historical or personal circumstances.  No matter how good one presents this, it is utterly dangerous and demonic in its core.  See more about Moral Relativism HERE.   In case you are unaware of it, our schools are the best place to start this evil indoctrination.  We hear of school board (closed door) meetings that takes away our rights as parents and citizens to have a say in our children's education.  In California, there's an ongoing fight by concerned parents that are opposed to school district's subjecting their kids to controversial sex education courses and gender bending propaganda.  Satan knows the importance of the next generation to secure the decay of our society.  His demonic agenda has saturated all pillars of our society using media, entertainment and politics in the forefront.  It gained access towards many churches as well whose teachers and preachers became traitors to the teachings of Christ and have placed their own understanding above God's Word.  In essence, these people have sold their souls to the devil for fame, power and money.   Them and their congregation had been deceived by the enemy for they refused to check the teachings handed down to them against the infallible Word of God.  Teaching about God's love without stating God's justice and wrath is an incomplete teaching that will send people to eternal damnation (eternal separation from God in the Lake of Fire).  Outside of faith in what Jesus Christ accomplished at the Cross (His death, burial and resurrection), there is no other way for man to be saved.  Jesus' death justified us (legally) and made us righteous before God followed by sanctification by faith (where He sets us apart solely for His purpose).  This sanctification is an ongoing process of being Christ-like and requires our trust, cooperation and dying from ourselves (not us but Christ in charge of our lives).  By the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us, we learn to battle with our selfish ambitions, emotions and proclivities in submission to the will of God.  Unlike those of the world (unbelievers), we no longer act based on our own advancement/satisfaction but taking into consideration the fulfillment of God's plan as a whole.  And when we make mistakes (acts of sin), we don't justify it but confesses it unto the Lord for forgiveness (1 John 1:9).  

A person that's been truly born of God does not delight in lies but seeks the Truth that can only be found in the Word of God.  Anyone who places their own understanding, feelings, experiences, culture, tradition, skin color, political affiliation, education, talents, and many more above the Word of God is not of God.  All human beings were born sinners (being in Adam) but those who placed their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ died in Adam and are born-again in Christ.  Therefore, the curse (Sin and Death) that humans carry by being in Adam have already been severed (no longer have power over us) and we possess in us the newness of life (Spirit life) in Christ Jesus.  Though we have to unlearn all the rebellious acts we were used to doing (process of sanctification), we no longer have to do it on our own.  The Holy Spirit (God's seed in us) helps us every step of the way as we yield our lives to Him.  There are many others out there who needs to hear this Truth. While there is time, we have to tell them about salvation by faith in Christ while we battle to destroy the works of the enemy in the lives of our children and the society as a whole.  This is not the time to sit down and relax.  We have a lot of work to do as God grants us a window of opportunity.  If we have to fight against unjust laws to follow the just laws of God in our society, let us do that!  For no man-made laws are above God's laws.  I would like to encourage you with the following verses to inspire you to live for the Lord daily:

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the Law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous standard of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s Law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet the Spirit gives you life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells within you."  (Romans 8:1-11)

  
For this Card, I used this wonderful image from Stamping Bella called "Baby Carriage Abella" that I water colored using my Stabilo 68 markers.  The sentiment came from the same set.  I added some glitters to the image using Stickles (Crystal).  I made this for a friend who had her Baby Shower last month along with a wonderful Crochet Baby Blanket and Piggy Buddy Set (pictures below) that I worked with for close to two weeks .  Nothing is worth more than a gift you spent plenty of time to make in order to express how important that friend is to you.  That's how I see handmade gifts.  It's really more than a gift----it's a gift of LOVE!  Anyway, I followed the pattern from a book from Annie's Crochet called "Baby Blankets and Toys."  My friend loves green so, I had to incorporate green with pink for a baby girl (well, with some yellow) to complete this design.   She's very happy with it...

 HAPPINESS COMING YOUR WAY CARD

HAPPINESS COMING YOUR WAY CARD CLOSE-UP

HAPPINESS COMING YOUR WAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE

 CROCHET RIPPLES BLANKET AND PIGGY BUDDY FOLDED

CROCHET RIPPLES BLANKET AND PIGGY BUDDY

The Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Simply Create Too---Anything but a Card
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Card Mania---Anything but a Card (Crochet Gift Combo)
Classic DT---ATG
Color Sisters---Color Palette
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Createful Heart---ATG/Spring/Mother's Day
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/For Mum
LeAnns World---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Lace. Ribbon or Twine


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. 

Scripture Series: Be Ye Strong Card---Join us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, friends!  I'm back to feature the card I made for another Challenge happening at Word rt Wednesday (WAW).  As always, we highlight a Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site and it comes from 2 Chronicles 15:7 which says, "Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded."

The Bible said that King Asa of Judah (Southern Kingdom) did good and  right by the sight of God.  He got rid of foreign altars and high places, destroyed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles.  He commanded people to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to obey His laws and commands.  Let me share what my Life Application Bible said about King Asa's earlier reign:  "Asa's reign was marked with peace because "he did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord, His God."  This refrain is often repeated in Chronicles---obedience to God leads to peace with God and others.  In the case of Judah's kings, obedience to God led to national peace, just as God promised centuries earlier.  In our case, obedience may not always bring peace with our enemies. but will always bring peace with God and complete peace in His future kingdom.  Obeying God is the first step on the path to peace.  Simply attending worship services is not enough to secure God's peace.  Like Asa, we must also actively remove anything that is is offensive to God.  Becoming more active in Church attendance or good deeds will still leave us in turmoil if we have failed to eliminate sinful practices from our lives.  We should continually ask God to remove any source of temptation from our lives.  

"Rest on every side" means that Judah had peace with all her neighbors.  Times of peace are not just for resting.  They allow us to prepare for times of trouble.  King Asa recognized the period of peace as the right time to build  his defenses---the moment of attack would be too late.  It is also difficult to withstand spiritual attack unless defenses are prepared beforehand.  Decisions about how to face temptations must be made with cool heads long before we feel the heat of temptation.  Build your defenses now before temptation strikes.  Asa wisely welcomed people with close relationship with God, and he listened to their messages.  Azariah (God's prophet) gave the armies an important  warning and encouraged them to stay close to God.   Azariah said that Israel (Northern Kingdom) was "without the true God." Eight kings reigned in Israel during the 41-year rule of Asa in Judah, and all eight were evil.  Jeroboam, the first ruler of Israel, began this wicked trend by setting up idols and expelling God's priests.  Azariah used Israel's problems as an example of the evil that would come to Judah if they turned away from God as their northern brothers and sisters had.  Azariah encouraged the men of Judah to keep up the good work, "for your work will be rewarded."  This is an inspiration for us too.  Recognition and rewards are great motivators that have two dimensions: (1) The temporal dimension.  Living by God's standards may result in acclaim here on earth.  (2) The eternal dimension.  Permanent recognition and reward will be given in the next life.  Don't be discouraged if you feel your faith in God is going unrewarded here on earth.  The best rewards are not in this life but in the life to come."  

What I concluded from the life of King Asa as I go through 2 Chronicles 14 to our featured verse in 2 Chronicles 15:7 was how he honored God through obedience.  He destroyed the seat of idolatry that permeated his kingdom and influenced his people to obey the One True God.  He recognized his limitations as a human being and asked God for help to conquer  His enemies.  He also listened to the counsel  of Godly people and took into account what they had to say.  In our day and time, as the Body of Christ (Church), we all need one another.  We are facing vicious attacks daily that threatens our faith and our lives if we don't conform to the worldly and evil standards of this world.  None of us can accomplish things on our own.  Christ is the Head and we are His body.  We work effectively when each member work in unity toward the same goal.  Jesus gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 18:19-20 which says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Whatever calling we hold as disciples of Jesus Christ today, we are to stay true and reliant to the teachings and examples of our Master.  We are to be strong both physically and spiritually for there would be times where that strength would be tested.  The Lord uses other believers to encourage us to continue the fight and stay faithful to the mission.  At no time will God leave us to fight the battles on our own.  Thus, we should be sensitive to His move and them which He sends.  For we do everything unto the Lord not for temporary rewards but that which is eternal.  Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

For this Card, I used an image from CC Designs called "Cinnamon Paints RS13"  that I water colored using Distress Inks.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Paper Studio, the flowers that I layered are from Prima, the brad frm Paper Studio, the doily from my stash and the glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  The leaves were die-cut with Fiskars punch and for added dimension, I stitched all over this card.  I also distressed the edges using a Tim Holtz distress tool. 

 BE YE STRONG CARD

 BE YE STRONG CARD SIDE VIEW

 BE YE STRONG CARD LAYERS

 BE YE STRONG CARD INSIDE

BE YE STRONG CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Creations---ATG
Crafty Gals---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Sisterhood of Crafters---Leaves
Crafty Addicts---ATG
Star Stampz---Hand-colored Image
Calling All Sistahs---Encouragement/Color and/or Photo Challenge
The Color Sisters---Color/Photo Inspiration
Create and Inspire---ATG/Dies/Stencils
Creative Craft Cottage---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Creative Crafters---ATG
Tinker-Dream---Mother's Day/Flowers


Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times this week.  An awesome GC of  $25 worth will be awarded to our Challenge winner by our awesome sponsor---Winnie & Walter.  So excited to see what you come up with. For the meantime, serve the Lord with gladness knowing that our labor in Him is not in vain.

Scripture Series: He Will Sustain You (Cast Your Cares) Mini Note Card Set---Join Us for Anything Goes (Inspirational) at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends!  This post is coming out really late.  Just been busy these past few days.  But I would like to share with you my inspiration project for this bi-weekly Challenge happening at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, we are featuring a Scripture Word Art that you can download for free at the WAW site.  Our highlighted verse today comes from James 1:5 which says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

If you are keeping yourself informed on what's happening in the world in relation to Biblical prophecies and timeline, you and I should be convinced right now that we are living in what we call the last of the Last Days.  Everywhere we look,  the world calls evil good and good evil.  We wake up daily to a worldwide attack on our faith in Christ and the suppression of our right to practice what we believe.  Rebellion is at the heart of every agenda that is targeted in attacking life, marriage, family, morality---among others.   Through the use of Godless and liberal media, they have pushed us to the brink of spiritual collapse as a nation.  Every scenario played/sensationalized in public is not truly what we think they are.  There are puppeteers (with such an evil intent) that are using their puppets (deceived people) to move this nation to Socialism/Communism where it can be controlled by someone so evil---the anti-Christ!  Every effort to ban guns, knives, open our borders, etc is promoted for the so-called "safety and concern for people" but what they don't disclose is their Satanic agenda---that is to strip away the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms and fight when the evil government arises in the future.  People of the world and sad to say, many who professed to be Christians, bought into this agenda and are oblivious of the evil they have subjected themselves and their children to be enslaved with.  They have become the puppets of Satan, being represented by many leaders with great influence around the world.  

Now more than ever, we need the wisdom that comes from God and His Word.  It's not enough to have just knowledge.  Gotquestions.org explains the difference between wisdom and knowledge and I would love to share it with you.  It says, "Wisdom and knowledge, both recurring themes in the Bible, are related but not synonymous. The dictionary defines wisdom as “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.” Knowledge, on the other hand, is “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.” Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but not the other way around. One can be knowledgeable without being wise. Knowledge is knowing how to use a gun; wisdom is knowing when to use it and when to keep it holstered. God wants us to have knowledge of Him and what He expects of us. In order to obey Him, we have to have knowledge of the commands. But as equally important as having knowledge is having wisdom. Knowing facts about God and the Bible is not all there is to wisdom. Wisdom is a gift from God (James 1:5). God blesses us with wisdom in order for us to glorify Him and use the knowledge we have of Him. The book of Proverbs is perhaps the best place in the Bible to learn of biblical wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 speaks of both biblical knowledge and wisdom: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” To fear the Lord is to start on the path to knowledge, and God can then begin to provide us with wisdom through Christ, who the Bible says is wisdom itself: “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).  Knowledge is what is gathered over time through study of the Scriptures. It can be said that wisdom, in turn, acts properly upon that knowledge. Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom applies the brakes. Knowledge sees the quicksand; wisdom walks around it. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. Knowledge learns of God; wisdom loves Him."

Finally, I want to share what my Life Application Bible said about our featured verse.  It says, "By wisdom, James is talking not only about knowledge, but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances.  Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God, and He will generously supply what we need.  Christians don't have to grope around the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers.  We can ask God's wisdom to guide our choices.  The wisdom that we need has three distinct characteristics:  (1)  It is practical.  The wisdom of God related to life even the most trying times.  It is not wisdom isolated from suffering and trials.  This wisdom is the tool by which trials are overcome.  An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person put profound ideas into action.   Intelligence will allow someone to describe several reasons why the car broke down.  The wise person chooses the most likely reason and proceeds to take action.  (2) It is divine.  God's wisdom goes beyond common sense.  Common sense does not lead us to choose joy in the middle of trials.  This wisdom begins with respect for God, leads to living by God's direction, and results in the ability to tell right from wrong.  (3)  It is Christlike.  Asking for wisdom is ultimately asking to be like Christ.  The Bible identifies Christ as the "wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24; 2:1-7)

For this Card, I used a 3-inch square, pre-cut cards with envelopes for my base.  I gathered six Distress ink colors and use it for inking stencils from Stamper's Anonymous as backgrounds for these cards.  The wonderful images came from Ranger Media (Dina Wakley) and all the Scripture sentiments (except for one) came from Stamp Simply Clear Stamps, from the set called "Fear Not."  Because these cards with their matching envelopes are a wonderful set, I had to make a coordinating envelope-box to accommodate them.  I love how it turned great.

 HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU (CAST YOUR CARES) MINI NOTE CARDS

 HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU (CAST YOUR CARES) MINI NOTE CARDS SET 1

 HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU (CAST YOUR CARES) MINI NOTE CARDS SET 2

HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU (CAST YOUR CARES) MINI NOTE CARDS ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafting by Designs---Elegant Ladies
Crafty Creations---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Pause Dream Enjoy---ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG/April Showers
4 Crafty Chicks---ATG/It's Raining Cats and Dogs
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
A Perfect Time---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Create and Inspire---ATG/Use Dies or Stencils
Createful Heart---ATG
Creative Craft---ATG
Digistmps4Joy---ATG/Bright Colors
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Through a Window
Love to Craft---ATG
MIUCB---ATG/Bleaching
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG/Birthday
Sunsational Stamps---Mother's Day
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 several times in two weeks.  A great prize awaits our winner from our wonderful sponsor---Stamp Simply Ribbon Store (stamps and/or dies).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, meditate on the goodness of the Lord and rely on His promises.  As we see the world becoming more deceived each day, let us hold on to the hope and strength that only the Word of God can give.  We serve a good and faithful God whose never going to leave us nor forsake us!