Scripture Series: Great are His Signs Card---Join Us for Monthly Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello everyone...I'm here to feature my card for our 613 Avenue Create Anything Goes, April Challenge.  I went on my own with Anything Goes while the other DT's  tackled the optional twist which is "In the Garden." 

The Word of the Lord exalted in this card comes from Daniel 4:2-3 which says, "I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.  How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation." In this passage, King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the great things God showed him by way of God's prophet, Daniel, who interpreted his dream about the future of his kingdom and the others to come.   He also had in his mind  the miraculous protection of God upon the three Jewish men (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) when they were thrown in the fire yet not destroyed after he punished them for refusing to bow down to his golden image.  He realized God  reigns and rules over the earth for all eternity.  But do you think that him witnessing God's salvation of His people  taught him to be humble as a ruler of Babylon?  Certainly not.  

I would like to share what My Life Application Bible wrote about our highlighted passage today.  It says, "Although Nebuchadnezzar praised Daniel's God, he still did not believe in Him completely or submit to Him alone.  Many people attend Church and use spiritual language, but they don't really believe in God or obey Him.  Profession doesn't always mean possession. How do your beliefs match with your obedience?  One of the most difficult lessons to learn is that God is sovereign.  He is above all those that are above us He limits the power and authority of all government, business and religious leaders in the world.  Those who live in freedom and with a relatively high degree of autonomy find this difficult to understand.  While we may feel as though we are free to do what we please, God is sovereign over all of our plans and desires."

What I see in the story of Nebuchadnezzar is the fact that he has a short term memory when it comes to the things of God.  Many believers today have the same problem.  When facing trials, we call upon the Lord to save us.  But shortly after, we are back into exalting our own efforts and accomplishments. For Jesus to be Lord of our lives is to give Him permission to use us as part of His bigger plan.  It's not about us---IT'S ALWAYS ABOUT HIM! We should know that disobedience to God's Word denotes rejection of God and His sovereignty over our lives. Nebuchadnezzar declared that there is no other God than the the God of Israel yet still follows other gods .  His acknowledgment didn't mean He'd made God Lord of his life.  Like him, we may acknowledge the sovereignty and power of God but if we don't acknowledge His Lordship over us, we are depriving ourselves of the opportunity to be changed and utilized for God's purpose and honor.  I hope and pray that we treasure the wonderful revelations of God that he showed us in the past along with his great and mighty works each day.  The key to not forgetting God's goodness is to fully saturate  ourselves with God's Word  and to live in obedience to Him continually. 

For this Card, I used an image from DRS Designs called "Seaside Dock" that I colored using My Creative Expert/Prismacolor markers.  I also used Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Broken China) for the background clouds using my made-up cloud stencils. The base of this card is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The pictures may not show but I also added a touch of glitter (Stickles-Crystal) to the tiny bird.  I added some Imaginisce gems as well as fancy and regular stitching to this project.This is  similar to the Card I posted last month with minor changes to the color of the image and a different Bible verse.  I don't usually repeat an image or duplicate a design but a friend requested a birthday card and a specific verse.  And when I showed the other card, she loved it and just asked to accommodate the verse she wanted.  I truly love it!

 

GREAT ARE HIS SIGNS CARD

 

GREAT ARE HIS SIGNS CARD CLOSE-UP

 

GREAT ARE HIS SIGNS CARD INSIDE

 

GREAT ARE HIS SIGNS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Bit More Time  to Craft---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic DT---ATG

Clever Dexter---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Creatalicious---ATG/Flowers

Createful Heart---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Add Flowers

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---Spring Forward

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

QKR---ATG

Rabisco---ATG

Sognando---ATG

Crafting Challenge---ATG/Easter

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

YSBP---ATG

 

 This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  If you want to be challenged, take on the Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it. Can't wait to see what you create. Remember that God is sovereign over His creation. 

Scripture Series: The Waters Cover the Sea---Join Us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

 Hi there, Crafty Peeps!  We are having another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge happening at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Our Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) comes from Habakkuk 2:14 which says, "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."  

First of all, HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY, EVERYONE!  This Holy Week, I spent several hours watching videos of Christians all over the world and I came across a couple of old videos about China that details the history of Christianity in that country and the horrible persecutions many of the faithful have endured and died for the sake of their love for Christ.  Thousands of missionaries and their converts gave their lives to deliver the precious message of the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ) to a country stricken with darkness; where people are chained to the ungodly leadership/policies of their government even to this day.  They met up in caves, in farms, in house basements so as not to be arrested and sentenced to prison and labor camps.  They packed these small/limited places---standing for hours with no room for chairs to sit on while under extreme heat---with no air/fans to cool them down.  With hands lifted high and both smile and tears on their faces, they sing wonderful hymns and praises to the Lord and are eager to study/hear God's Word as  many days the preacher was willing to teach.  The sad thing for me is that THEY DON'T EVEN OWN A BIBLE!  We all know that Bibles are banned in China to this day.  One Pastor in the video said that he was gifted a Bible by his sister from Hongkong.  When he preached, that Bible was passed along for everyone to see and feel for themselves. Because they were so deprived from acquiring one,  many hugged and kissed it that at the end of the day, the red cover of that Bible faded away because of people's tears.  Often, the preachers/teachers would only have a Bible that was torn and with  several missing pages.  One elderly man said that they found a Bible from an abandoned home but it was damaged that it only contained Romans 8 to Revelation 16.  Nevertheless, they used it to teach in one of the house churches.  In order to share it to other churches, three or more of them would go back three times a week to make a handwritten copy of that Bible. How amazing is that?  Another person tried to trade a very expensive, state of the art motorcycle for  a worn-out Bible that his neighbor had but the owner  refused stating that God's Word is a treasure that no amount of money could buy.  This reminded me of Matthew 13:44-46 which says, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

Folks, as I continued watching, I began to cry miserably.  I felt so ashamed for all the little things we complain about daily.  The never ending excuses for not going to Church, for not studying and prioritizing God's Word and for not going out of our way to share what God has done in our lives.  We complain about our Church building, music, lights, sounds, facilities, amenities, ambiance, preachers and preaching, and the list goes on.  Each of us have several Bibles at home and we have access to the Bible (borrowed or online) but we simply take it for granted.  We profess to be Christians but many of us support and elect people that go against the Word of God and have championed Satanic agenda to lead and govern us.  Do we have to wait till everything is taken away from us before we wake up to the Truth that knowing Christ as our Savior and Lord and having a personal relationship with Him is the only "treasure" that matters both now and forever?  God forbid.  If there's anything I learned and took from the videos of the persecuted Church in China, it is to always be grateful, to count every blessing, to value God's Word and my relationship with God and to never tire in sharing the Gospel no matter what it takes.  God has been so gracious to America and none of us today have truly experienced what many Christians are going through especially in the Communists and Islamic countries.  According to the Word of God, judgment will fall on the wicked in the hands of the anti-Christ (Tribulation Period) for a period of seven years and will culminate at the Second Coming of Christ when the whole world will see Him.  But prior to that, those who surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior have already been taken out of this world by God (Rapture of the Church) where they will live forever in His presence---where Sin, Death, Time and Distance no longer have power over them.  I know in my heart that these heavily persecuted believers, the martyrs for Christ in the past, present and future will have a great position of responsibility when we rule with Christ on earth for a thousand years (Millennial Reign of Christ)  happening after Christ's Second Coming and  before The Great White Throne Judgment meant for the wicked and the unbelieving.  This is when Satan and his followers (everyone that rejected Jesus Christ) are cast down into the Lake of Fire where they will be tormented day and night for all eternity. 

Friends, no matter what happens in this world, nobody can stop the move of God!  The Body of Christ (Ekklasia, called-out, assembly) is commissioned by God to go into all the world to preach the Finished Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins and to set the captives free.  Jesus our Messiah (Savior), the Son of the Living God is that solid ROCK---the very foundation the true Church is built upon that the gates of hell (power of the enemy) shall not prevail against (Matthew 16:15-18). History shows us that no matter how Satan tried to prevent Christ from accomplishing His purpose from the time of His birth, His death and resurrection, the persecution of the early Church in the Book of Acts, the Nazis killing the Jews. the persecution of believers all over the world today and the future plans to eliminate followers of Jesus Christ in the face of this earth, IT WILL NEVER SUCCEED!  Why?  Because IT IS WRITTEN.  What Jesus Christ accomplished at the Cross shall be proclaimed through all the earth as the waters cover the sea and everyone will know that He alone is God and apart from Him, there is no other Savior!

For this Card, I used an old Magnolia Tilda Stamps called "Tilda in the Sea" and "Bridge Deck" that I colored using my Prismacolor markers.  I added a grass stamp from "Seaside Chair" of Stampendous. The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card. The DP is from Pebbles and  I used an MS Punch for the top border, layered some Prima flowers and secured with a brad from Recollections.  I die-cut some leaves using EK Success Punch. added some white nail head gems from Imaginisce and stitch all all over this project.  I truly love the result.

 

THE WATERS COVER THE SEA CARD

 

THE WATERS COVER THE SEA CARD LAYERS

 

THE WATERS COVER THE SEA CARD INSIDE

 

 

THE WATERS COVER THE SEA CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

 This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Bit More Time  to Craft---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic DT---ATG

Clever Dexter---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---ATG

Crafty Friends---Ladies and/or Girls

Creatalicious---ATG/Flowers

Createful Heart---ATG

Die-Cut Divas---Windows/Aperture Cards

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---Spring Forward

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

QKR---ATG

Rabisco---ATG

Sognando---ATG

Crafting Challenge---ATG/Easter

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

YSBP---ATG

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times each week.  You can win wonderful goodies from our awesome sponsor this week---Newton's Nook ($20 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the joy of the Lord overtake you as you continue to serve the Lord, bearing good fruits. 

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

Scripture Series: Planted in the House of the Lord Card---Join our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends!  It's time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  This time, we are using a Scripture Word Art that comes from Psalm 92:13 which tells us, "Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."

This may sound strange for some but I'm wondering why people (including me) feel a sense of guilt when asking somebody their age?  Why do I find myself saying, "Pardon me for asking, how old are you?" Truthfully,  I didn't feel the same when I used to live in the Philippines.  I'm not saying that  Filipinos don't mind it but there's a major difference (cultural perhaps) in the way people react there and here in America.  Since I started living here for many years now, I had to adapt to certain cultural etiquettes which includes refraining from asking people's age.  Unless they looked exceptionally younger, I couldn't freely ask  as some could seriously deem it offensive.  So when I sense that someone wants to know my age (unless they're total strangers with questionable intent), I usually reveal it without hesitation. It doesn't make me feel bad at all to tell the truth.  You see,  I'm always grateful for the years that God has given me and the growth and experience the Lord put me through.  The fact that He still uses me to proclaim the Gospel and bring glory to His name using the talents, abilities and gifts He blessed me with is something I am happy to share with everyone.  Though there are obviously some physical limitations that comes with aging, I know in my heart that I have given my Lord nothing less than my very best---always acknowledging that He is the One enabling me to accomplish great things for His glory. I love what Isaiah 46:4 says, "Even in your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray.  I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you."  

For a believer in Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), there is no such thing as retirement in the ministry.  There is always a room for both young and old in the Body of Christ (Church, Ekklesia).  An article from biblereasons.com  shares this, "When living by the Word of God, old age brings wisdom that is able to help and guide others in need.  Old Christian men and women have a duty to help the younger generation.  They have been through many hardships that will help your walk in faith.  No matter what age, Christians should never fear death."  We have confidence that we will be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Our body may appear older, but our insides are being renewed daily.  An elderly Christian never truly gets old.  You only do so when you stop seeking the advancement of the kingdom of God. When you cease building up others in Christ and turn to watching television all day.  This is the sad truth for many elderly believers.  Many have lost their zeal for Christ and choose to live out their days in front of the television.  Christ sacrificed Himself on the Cross to redeem us from our iniquities.  Life will never stop being about Jesus Christ.  Always remember that you're still alive for a reason"  Wow, this is so true!

Although some of the things we were able to do in the Ministry when we were younger could no longer be done the same, it doesn't mean that we cannot use the talents/abilities God has given us in some capacity.  In fact, He can give us new things to do if we're willing to continue learning.  Romans 11:29 in the Amplified version says it clearly, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call)."  So whether we are young or old, we are an important part of the Body of Christ.  Do not allow your age to define and limit your work in the service of God.  Each of us are valuable in the sight of our Lord as He chooses to partner with us to spread the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus Christ  to save the lost and fulfilling His purpose here on earth.  So in conclusion, I would like to share what My Life Application Bible wrote pertaining to our highlighted verse above.  It says, "Palm trees are known for their long life.  To flourish like palm trees means to stand tall and to live long.  The cedars of Lebanon grew to 120 feet in height  and up to 30 feet in circumference; thus they were solid, strong and immovable.  The writer saw believers as upright, strong and unmoved by the winds of circumstance,  Those who place their faith firmly in God can have this strength and vitality.  Honoring God is not restricted to young people who seem to have unlimited strength and energy.  Even in old age, devoted believers can produce spiritual fruit.  There are many faithful older people who continue to have a fresh outlook and can teach us from a lifetime experience of serving God.  Seek out an elderly friend or relative to tell you about his or her own experiences with the Lord and challenge you to new heights of spiritual growth." 

For this Card, I used an image from DRS Designs called "Seaside Dock" that I colored using My Creative Expert/Prismacolor markers.  I also used Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Broken China) for the background clouds using my made-up cloud stencils. The base of this card is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The pictures may not show but I also added a touch of glitter (Stickles-Crystal) to the tiny bird.  I added some Imaginisce gems as well as fancy and regular stitching to this project.  I love the result.

 

PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD CARD 

PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD CARD CLOSEUP

PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD CARD INSIDE

 

 PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

Cardz 4 Guys---By the Water

Crafty Sentiments---ATG

Digi Choosday---ATG

Lemon Shortbread---ATG

TTCRD---ATG

A Bit More Time---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Createful Heart---ATG/St. Patrick's

DL Art---ATG

LeAnn's---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Green/Purple

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Morgan's---ATG

QKR----ATG

Sognando---ATG/Pastel

Sweet Stampers---Easter/Spring

Creative Crafters---ATG

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

YSBP---ATG

I hope you'd take the time to join us at our WAW Challenge.  It's Anything Goes as long as it's family friendly with uplifting and inspirational messages, you can link up to 5 projects per week.  Our sponsor this challenge is DRS Designs giving away a $20 GC to spend at their shop.  I can't wait to see your projects  and leave you some encouragement on your Blogs.  Always remember that serving God is not dependent on how old you are, it relies solely in your commitment to be used by your Maker!

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

Fun/Humor Series: H'Atta Girl Slider Card---Join the Fun for Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello everyone...I'm here to feature my card for our 613 Avenue Create Anything Goes, March Challenge that started last week.  I took on the Optional Twist like the other DT's  which is to create a "Slider Card."  I've had this fun stamps for a while but it's only now, I am able to use them. I love it!  I hope you join us and have some fun crafting and creating.

As a believer (Born-again, John 3:3), I have so many things to be grateful about in life not only for the blessings God delivers daily but also for all the promises He revealed to us in His written Word.  2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."  In these verses, it is very clear that the message is addressed to a specific group of people---the Body of Christ in whom God bestowed upon His divine power, enabling them to live a godly life (kingdom standards) having been freed from their sinful nature by the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.  Jesus Himself is God's promised Savior and the only way human beings can benefit from God's redemptive plan is by placing their "faith" (trusting, believing, accepting, clinging) in all that Jesus accomplished on our behalf; when we make a personal decision to follow (obey) Christ.  As we go before the Father in Christ, God sees us "justified" (righteous, no blemish) in His sight.  Jesus lives inside a believer's heart and changes us from within as we surrender ourselves wholeheartedly to His process of sanctification (setting apart for God's purpose).  Sadly, there's so many people that thought they were living for God by following religions and traditions of man yet oblivious about God's move in this world today.  That's because they didn't take the time to get to know the One True God as well as to study and obey His Word.  Therefore, they act so blindly---often carried away by their emotions and experiences, perverting God's Word.  Driven by fear, they cower on every worldly pressure, dictates and doctrines of man.  With no ability to discern right from wrong, they subject themselves and others to the altar of  deception, fueled and ruled by fear.  

No matter how ugly this world is becoming, everything that is happening today is already written in the Scripture. As a child of God, it's apparent that we will be facing great challenges and persecutions to continue being Salt and Light of this world. God is the Only One who knows what's ahead of us but I know that in the nick of time, before all hell breaks loose, He will snatch us away from this world where we will  be with Christ forever. But for those left behind,  God's wrath  (unlike no other) awaits those who hated and rejected Christ---along with their supporters.   So when my focus is on God's promises in His Word---FEAR DISAPPEARS AND FAITH ARISES!  Matthew 24:35 says , "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."  What a great assurance for all of us that believe.

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Clear Stamps that I colored using my Prismacolor markers and some paper-piecing. The sentiments are also from the same set.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 4 x 5.5 inches slider card (excluding the pull tab on top).   The DP's are from Recollections (used to paper-piece), the heart gem from Imaginisce and I ran it through my sewing machine for some stitching.  If you want  to see where I got the design, this VIDEO from Jennifer McGuire and I used my Paper Cutter as I don't have the template she used. 

H'ATTA GIRL SLIDER CARD

 

 

H'ATTA GIRL SLIDER CARD WHEN PULLED

 

H'ATTA GIRL SLIDER CARD TOP VIEW

 

 

H'ATTA GIRL SLIDER CARD INSIDE

 

H'ATTA GIRL SLIDER CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

 

 This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

 

Crafty Creations---ATG 

Creative Moments---ATG

House That Stamps Built---Fun Folds 

Paper Funday---ATG/Luck of the Irish

Art Impressions---Itty Bitty

As You Like It---Fave Way to Cut Image (99% I fussy cut as it's cheaper that way) 

Aud Sentiments---Show Us Inside Sentiment (Two hidden sentiments inside when tab is pulled)

C.R.A.F.T.---Feminine

Craft Rocket---Use Dies and/or Spring 

Moving Along---Spring is Coming 

Time Out---Different

Beyond the Blue---Use What You've Got 

Colour Crazy---ATG 

Crafty Catz---ATG/3 of Your Fave Colors

Creative Fingers---ATG 

Pattie's Creations---ATG

Unicorn---Feminine

A Bit More Time---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

Createful Heart---ATG/St. Patrick's

Daisy Chain---Flowers

DL Art---ATG

Girlz Creative Crafts---Girlz

LeAnn's---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Green/Purple

Lost Coast---Where's My Hat?

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Scor-Pal (More Than One Score)---ATG/St. Patrick's

Morgan's---ATG

QKR----ATG

Scribbles Designs---Spring Fling

Sognando---ATG/Pastel

Sweet Stampers---Easter/Spring

Creative Crafters---ATG

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

YSBP---ATG

This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  If you want to be challenged, take on the Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it. Can't wait to see what you create. Think about your relationship with Jesus Christ right now for tomorrow may be too late. 

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

Scripture Series: Ointment and Perfume Card---Join Us for Anything/Inspirational Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty friends! It's the second week of our Challenge happening at Word Art Wednesday (WAW). As always, we feature a Scripture Word Art that you can download for free at the WAW site.  So, our inspiration Scripture for this Challenge that I featured in my card below comes from Proverbs 27:9 which says, "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel."  

Generally speaking, we spend money for great products that would make us look and feel good.  Even when I was a child, I always appreciate the captivating fragrance of a perfume and the beauty products I saw my Mom used.  Ointments for beauty and/or wellness are infused with great fragrance so as to leave the user feeling and smelling great.  Whether we spend hundreds or very little (like me) on these things, I haven't seen or known anyone buying a stinky perfume and a do nothing ointment even if it's just a buck or two.  Because no matter how inexpensive they are, they have to deliver what is says it's made for otherwise, it is useless.  

Earthly ointments and perfumes may have temporary benefits but for a moment, it strongly captures our senses/attention. But a Godly friend who is there to provide us with true and wise advice and always abounding in kindness in leading us to the Gospel of Jesus Christ to improve, encourage or even correct us is  likened to a sweet aroma of gladness---a fragrance that will benefit us for eternity. Knowing Jesus website shares this, "In the scripture the oil of gladness and incense of joy, are so often seen as the adornment of the man or woman that loves righteousness and hates wickedness, while the perfumer’s ointment and sacred anointing incense is frequently seen in Scripture, ascending up to the Lord as a good and acceptable, freewill offering; a love offering – a burnt sacrifice and sweet-smelling savor that is so pleasing in the sight of the Lord. How true that the genuine counsel, caring words or gentle correction of a good an honest friend becomes the oil of gladness, and a sweet-smelling perfume of costly "spikenard." All too often the counsel that we receive from others, even Christian brethren can come with a barbed delivery, causing pain and often leaving a bitter taste. This ought not to be - but let us seek never to return evil for evil but to seek to bring the joy that comes from the Lord, to the heart of all our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us become that friend that is kind one to another and that sticks closer than a brother. Let us be that friend that brings forth the sweet aroma of Jesus, as He lives in and through us."

With the things of this world being forced on us 24/7, it is important that we stick to the wise counsel of the Bible and surround ourselves with men and women who loves God and His truth.  We are to care, account, uplift and strengthen one another as Jesus did with His disciples and the people in His time.  Acknowledging that none of us already arrived to Christ-like perfection, we have to give each other allowance for growth and refuse to be offended by littlest things/issues that divides the Church. With Christ in us,  let us be true representatives of Jesus to our brothers and sisters in the Body (Ekklesia) and let the sweet aroma of God's Truth permeate this world.  There's very little time.

For this Card, I used an Art Imrpessions Stamps called "That's You Set" that I colored using The Creative Markers.  The base is white CS. cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I die-cut some frames using my Nestabilities, punched some leaves using Spellbinders and MS punch.  The flowers that I layered and the brad are from Recollections, the glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and finally, some stitching for added dimension.  I love it.

 

     OINTMENT AND PERFUME CARD

 OINTMENT AND PERFUME CARD SIDE VIEW

 

OINTMENT AND PERFUME CARD LAYERS

 

 

OINTMENT AND PERFUME CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

 

Crafty Creations---ATG

Creative Moments---ATG

Paper Funday---ATG/Luck of the Irish

Art Impressions---Itty Bitty 

As You Like It---Fave Way to Cut Image (99% I fussy cut as it's cheaper that way) 

C.R.A.F.T.---Feminine

Craft Rocket---Use Dies and/or Spring 

Time Out---Different

Beyond the Blue---Use What You've Got 

Colour Crazy---ATG 

Crafty Catz---ATG/3 of Your Fave Colors 

Creative Fingers---ATG

Pattie's Creations---ATG

Unicorn---Feminine

A Perfect Time---ATG

Ching Chou Kuik---Easter/Floral

Academy---Purple

Classic Design---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Daisy Chain---Flowers

DL Art---ATG

LeAnn's---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Green/Purple

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Morgan's---ATG

Sognando---ATG/Pastel

Sweet Stampers---Easter/Spring

YSBP---ATG

 

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times each week.  Great prize package to be won from our wonderful sponsor--- Seth Apter Designs (2 Winners with $25 GC each).  Always remember that every believer is important to the Body of Christ and none of us are without talents and gifts to contribute to the Body.  God placed us at this time when many have succumb to darkness and the hope and light of the Gospel is the only cure.

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Scripture Series: In the Beauty of Holiness Card---Join Us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone, Sorry for the very late post... I'm here to share the card I made featuring our Scripture Word Art for our Word Art Wednesday (WAW) current Challenge.  Like always, you can download it for free at the WAW site if you want to use it for your projects.  It comes from Psalm 29:2 which says, "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."

   

I would like to share what My Life Application Bible shared about Psalm 29.  It says, "The cedars of Lebanon were giant trees that could grow to 120 feet tall and 30 feet in circumference.  A voice that could break the cedars of Lebanon would be a truly powerful voice---the voice of God.  "Sirion' means Mount Hermon (Psalm 29:6).  All that was impressive to people was under God's complete control.  Throughout history, God has revealed his power through mighty miracles over nature, such as the great flood (Genesis 6-9).  He promises to continue to reveal His power.  Paul urged us to understand how great God's power is (Ephesians 1:18-23).  The same power that raises Christ from the dead is available to help us with our daily problems.  When you feel weak and limited, don't despair.  Remember that God can give you strength.  The power that controls creation and raises the dead is available to you. 

 

Psalm 29 was written by King David and it reveals to us God's great power displayed by nature known as Natural Revelation.  If we take the time to "stop and smell the roses" (as the saying goes), it will be hard not to notice the awesome wonder, power and the creativity of the very One that created all things.  We don't even have to look further than our own existence and the very breath and heartbeat that keeps us alive.  Everything functions in order and are operating to our advantage.  When something disturbs that order, we come to the experts in hopes that their knowledge and skills (which is also given by God) can bring us back to normalcy of health, or rid us of the pain and suffering caused by sickness/diseases that plague this world since the Fall of Man.   And because of the advancement in science and technology, many have forgotten that God is still behind every healing and that no matter how far we think we achieved, mankind will always fail in comparison to the mighty and supernatural healing power and wisdom of God.  

 

You see, every knowledge man acquired had to be revealed by God for everything comes from the Lord and without His permission, nothing known would be made known.  God Almighty has total control over His creation.  Nothing brings us closer to that realization than when we experience catastrophic situations involving nature like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tornadoes, extreme weather conditions among many others.  Experts try their best to predict, counter and prepare for them but none of us can ever stop them from happening.  Anyone who tells me that they have full control over their lives are in denial of their limits as human beings and are deceived and spiritually blind.   For none of us can even prevent death when it comes knocking on our door.  It can come anytime whether we're out and about or while we're relaxed and asleep.  Anyone who says they don't need God is walking in rebellion for they despise Him by denying His power over their lives."  Yet  their mortal existence counters their lies and though they would not dare to admit it,  they're definitely aware of it.  For as long as their hearts beat and they're breathing God's air, their existence is dependent upon God's goodness and mercy.   On the other hand,  those who acknowledge the hand of God in everything He created (which includes all human beings) knows exactly whose in-charge of nature and our existence.  Whether we encounter natural disasters or the emotional storms of life, we can trust God to give us both the peace and the strength to overcome all of them.  We should put our complete trust in the Lord and call upon Him always!  Never ever put our trust in a man/men or even the government.  For sure, God can use people and government to accomplish His purpose but praise and glory belongs to the Lord alone.  For at the end of man's ability, the miraculous working and power of God shines brighter and He alone deserve the honor and the glory.  When we get this truth in our hearts, we will never be hopeless no matter what situation we find ourselves into. We will always find the rainbow after every storm which is God's symbol of faithfulness to His promises for everyone who believes. I could not say the same thing for those who have chosen to reject God. 

 

For this Card, I used an image from Prima Cling Stamps called "Keira" that I colored using my Prismacolor markers.  This stamp don't have a face so, I used a stamped I had a long time ago from Peachy Keen Stamps to add eyes, nose, mouth and eyebrows.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 4 x 8 rectangular card.  The SP's are from My Mind's Eye, the white brads are from Recollections and the accent glitter from Stickles (Crystal).  Lastly, I did regular and fancy stitching on this project.

 IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS CARD

IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS CARD LAYERS

 

IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS CARD INSIDE

 

 

IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

Gem of a Challenge---ATG 

Allsorts---ATG/Number

Crafter's Castle---ATG 

Taylormade---ATG/Love Potion

Colour Crazy---ATG 

Crafty Catz---ATG/In the Garden 

Creative Fingers---ATG 

A Bit More Time---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG 

Classic Design---ATG

Craft Galore Encore---ATG 

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper 

Createful Heart---ATG 

Creative Sketchy---Girls Only 

Digi Doodle Studios---Include a Sentiment

LeAnn's World---ATG

Lets Craft and Create---ATG/Red, Pink and/or White 

Love to Craft---ATG 

Mix It Up---ATG/Fancy Fold

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Pearly Sparkles---ATG 

QKR---ATG

Creative Crafters---ATG

World Wide Open DT---ATG

 

Time for me to go!  Please make sure to visit us at WAW and link up the projects you make out of our free Word Art although not mandatory.  You can link up any inspiring, uplifting, family-friendly projects, up to 5 each week.  Our wonderful sponsor is The Project Bin ($15 GC). So, head over to WAW and show us your wonderful projects.  Enjoy your week.  Always remember put your trust in God alone.  

 

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Art Impressions Entry Card for Challenge "Best of 2020"

This is one of my favorite  cards that I made on February of 2020.  Featuring the image "Love Thing Set" that I watercolored.  My original post for this project complete with encouraging message is located HERE. 

 

 

 

 

 

This Card is entered into the Art Impressions Blog with the Best of 2020 Challenge.