Happy Birthday Cupcake Cart Card---It's Anything Goes with Flowers at 613 Avenue Create...Join Us!

Happy Resurrection Day, Everyone!  It's that wonderful time of the year when everyone who have put their faith in Jesus Christ recognizes His finished work at the Cross for the redemption of our sins.  It's in His death, burial and resurrection  that man is able to regain what he lost in the Garden of Eden after the Fall of Man.  And it's not with any effort on man's part, none at all!  JESUS, a perfect Man and a perfect God did it all and through faith in what Christ has accomplished are we made righteous before His sight.  The scriptures said in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." It's amazing to me how man can ignore the written word of God (the Bible) and prioritize religion and traditions over God's own instructions to us.  The moment we think we can do it on our own---gain our way to salvation, apart from God, is surely the way to death.  Death being threefold---Spiritual, Physical and Eternal would be our condition without the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  But John 3:16 tells us, " For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  It's LOVE that prompted a Sovereign and Holy God to bring to us the Only solution to our doomed situation. 1 Timothy 2:5 said, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."  Adam, with all mankind, sinned against God by way of "Treason" and that is punishable by death.  Someone had to die---One that is perfect and not tainted by the sin nature that Satan has infected mankind---to redeem humanity.  No one was qualified but God Himself who is holy and pure, perfect in every way.  Hence, JESUS,  being God Himself, had to put on human flesh in order to save mankind from its sure wrath.  The Bible declares in Matthew 1:21, "She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."  The Resurrection tell us that Victory is won through Jesus Christ alone and whoever puts His faith solely in what He has done shall be saved.  Thus, the following verses are so important---John 14:6, " Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." and Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."  That is why I don't associate anymore with Easter traditions because truthfully told, those traditions have Pagan origins which I don't want my family to associate with.  This is not to be taken lightly for when we allow our kids to engage in what otherwise known as "fertility rights" hidden in bunny rabbits and egg hunting, etc. is worth our attention.  Do your own research and see what the origin of the word "Easter" means.  Here's a link to start you with---http://www.gotquestions.org/easter-origins.html.  Remember what the Bible says in John 8:32, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  I always believe that if I am going to entrust my eternity to something, I better make sure that I am grounded on a solid foundation, not just from people's opinions, cultures and traditions.  I trust Jesus and the written revelations of the scriptures in it's entirety as my solid foundation.  What about you?

Anyway, we have a new Challenge at 613 Avenue Create and it's pretty easy---Anything Goes with Flowers.  So, I created this card for your inspiration.  I used the Brat Cupcake Cart image from Bugaboo Digi Stamps and I colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor and Spectrum Noir Markers.  The DP is from Heidi Grace which is two sided hence, I was able to utilize both sides for my lay-out.  The CS are Kraft, Aqua Blue and Black which I used as matting for my panels--all laid out in a 5.5 inches Kraft Square Card base.  I die-cut one of my fave Nestablities for that lacy circle, layered my cupcakes and cart wheels and added glitters (Stickles-Diamond) to the images.  The sentiment comes from Hampton Art and the flower image from Ditto stamps is stamped several times, colored and paper pieced to create a bright, layered flower to compliment my colors.  I die cut some leaves from MS Punch and added several gems from Imaginisce and Hotfix.  And of course, this will not be complete without stitching...Hope you like it.  See, you can have as many or as little flowers in your creation so, what hope you can join us this week at 613 Avenue Create Challenge.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUPCAKE CART CARD:

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUPCAKE CART CARD LAYERS:

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUPCAKE CART CARD INSIDE:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUPCAKE CART CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


*** WANT THIS CARD?  AVAILABLE AT MY ETSY---HERE! *** 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:


Catch the Bug---Recipe Challenge
Pile It On---Handmade Flowers
Simon Says Stamp---Anything Goes
Creative Corner---Anything Goes
Happy Campers---Add Dimension
Aud Sentiments---For a Child
Paper Pretties---Cards for the Kiddos
Creative Craft---For the Kids
DRS Designs---Paper Flowers
Brown Sugar---Flowers
Flourishes---Stitching (Real or Faux)
Di's Digi Designs---Flower Frenzy
Totally Gorjuss---Something Blue
Shelly's Images---Show Us What You Got/Anything Goes
Glitter n Sparkle---Cute
Twist of Faith---Make It Sparkle
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards---Bring On Spring
My Sheri Crafts---Spring
Digi Haven---Spring
House that Stamps Built---Spring Flowers
Daring Cardmakers---Spring
Broken Box Stock---Think Spring
Make It Monday---Anything Goes

This is all I have for now and hope you have a wonderful time with your family and friends as we celebrate the true meaning of Resurrection Day.  It's all about JESUS and the victory He won for us---no one else!

Scripture Series: Your Ways Are Not My Ways Card---Get Ready for Another Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

A wonderful morning , everyone!  Today, I would like to share another card project that will highlight another verse in the Bible.  I am truly grateful to be part of Word Art Wednesday (WAW), a Blog that not only promotes the Word of God but comprise of a group of women who upholds the Word of God in our daily lives.  All of us have been radically changed by God in our core that we know the very importance of sharing God's word in every facets of society---yes, even in Crafting!

Today's free Word Art (you can download it from the WAW Blog) comes from Isaiah 55:8 which tells us that God's ways and thoughts are far above our own ways and thoughts.  We are foolish to think that we know what goes on the mind of God and His plans.  Through His Word (Bible), we can rely on the written revelations of God as penned by men and women of God through the Holy Spirit.  He has revealed everything we needed to know to live our lives here on earth but I know we are barely scratching the surface.  The vastness of God's infinite knowledge and wisdom is unfathomable and without Him revealing Himself to man, it is impossible for us to grasp the fulness of His radiant Wisdom.  It's unwise for us to try to fit God in our mold---to make His plans and purposes conform ours.  Instead, we must strive to fit in His plans for our lives.  He is the Creator and we are the created.  He wired us to do specific things---each with a unique purpose!  So, anytime you think of acting like somebody else but yourselves, remember that you were created to fulfill a purpose which only you can do.  The Bible says in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."  In order to fulfill your full potential, you are to be connected to the right Power Source---JESUS!  Only He can unlock the true purpose of God in your life. 

So here's my inspiration card for all of you. The Lil' Ballerina image is from Mo Manning which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir and Bic markers.  I used a Kraft base card measuring 5.5 inches and laid my panels of Kraft, Dk. Brown, Neon Green and Tangerine CS.  The DP is from Heidi Grace where I cut-out the flowers as well (yes, it's all in one DP---love it!).  I embossed some panels using a Sizzix Tim Holtz Texture Fades.  The border punch is from MS Punch, the gems from Imaginisce, the button from Paper Studio with a bit of twine from my stash, the glitters are Stickles-Diamond and I added a touch of Liquid Pearls to the center of the flowers (Buttercup and White Opal).  Of course, the sentiment is our free Word Art that I altered by adding some colors to match my project using my Paint program.  And lastly, this will not be complete without stitching.  Hope you like it.  

YOUR WAYS ARE NOT MY WAYS CARD:

YOUR WAYS ARE NOT MY WAYS CARD LAYERS:

YOUR WAYS ARE NOT MY WAYS CARD INSIDE:

YOUR WAYS ARE NOT MY WAYS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


*** WANT THIS CARD?  AVAILABLE AT MY ETSY---HERE! *** 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

DP2 Challenge---For Women in our Lives
Divas by Design---Use Metal
Simon Says Stamp---Anything Goes
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
Ladybug Crafts Ink---Anything Goes
TTCRD---Anything Goes
MyGrafico---Anything Goes
Oozak---Anything Goes with Spring
Our Daily Bread Designs---True Meaning of Easter
Pause Dream Enjoy---Anything Goes
Three Scrappy Gals---Spring is in the Air
Sweet Stampin'---Lots of Layers
Love to Create---Pastel Colors
Challenges 4 Everybody---Anything Goes
Fussy and Fancy---Spring days
Crafty Boots---Flowers
Creative Corner---Layer It Up
Jen's Digi Stamp---Inspired by Spring
Sandy's Crafty Creations---Anything Goes with a Twist
Sisterhood of Crafters---Easter/Spring
2 Sisters---Easter/Spring
Melonheadz Friends---Easter/Spring

I hope you consider joining our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  You can use the Word Art in any creation and link it at WAW although it's not a requirement.  You can submit upto 5 projects and the only requirement is that they contain uplifting messages.  There's lots of prizes to be won at the end of the week and you don't want to miss out.  I can't wait to see the inspiration you'll come up with.  God bless and remember to lift up the name of Jesus in your life each day!  Hugs!

Scripture Series: Crucified with Christ-Flower Easel Card---Join us at Word Art Wednesday's Inspirational Challenge!

It's Wednesday morning and I'll be highlighting another Card that utilizes our word art for the week at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) which you can download in our group's Blog.  The scripture talks about "Being Crucified with Christ, living my life through Him (Jesus) as He lives in me."  When Adam plunged the whole human race out of the presence of God, something in us died---Genesis 2:17 tells us the penalty for eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is "death."  Yet, when it happened, man didn't die from what we can see but inside of him is a spirit that communes with God and that is the one that died that day.  So, every human being that is born in this world carried that curse---the sin nature which was inherent in Satan has affected all humanity.  Our spirits are darkened with NO WAY to fellowship with God like we originally enjoyed before the Fall.  Because we (human beings) cannot save ourselves (all our efforts, deeds, works are futile) because of that sin nature inside of us, God made a way by sending His Only Begotten Son to live amongst us and be our Savior.  He is perfect for He is God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (which means he is not from the line of Adam thus He does not have the sinful nature that plague man), but wrapped in human flesh to live in the midst of His people.  His very purpose is to redeem man from the bondage of Satan and the death that comes with it and to reveal the Father and the ways of His Kingdom.  By accepting the gift of life that Jesus won for us through His death, burial and resurrection, we were born-again from the old nature (sin and death) to the new nature (which is newness in Christ Jesus).  We needed to die from old self to fully embrace the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our hearts (John 3:3).  Our bodies are no longer our own, our minds renewed daily through His Word and we know that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).  We are declared "righteous" in His sight not because of anything we do or not do but solely based on what Jesus Christ did for us. (Romans 1:16-17)   As the first Man (Adam) took all of humanity to the pits of death so as One Man (Jesus) restored all of humanity back to God.  Yes, Jesus died for every single one of us so that we no longer have to bear the guilt of our sins and suffer all their punishments. But have you accepted Him in your heart and allowed Him to take your sin away?  Many are clinging to their own strength, doing their own way as religion dictates but tramples on the very cure God has prescribed every man for which to be saved.  It is sad but while the door of grace is open for anyone who wants to come in, a lot of people are saying, "I have this God!  I have everything under my control."--- I hope that we learn from the story of Noah and the flood that swept all that were living that time except for Noah's household.  Noah was declared righteous by God because He believed even when many were laughing and mocking him (Genesis 6:9-10:1).  If you are not sure on what you stand on at this time and don't know what awaits you in the eternal, it's time to find out.  While you are still breathing, the door of grace is still open.  When the door closes, it will be too late!

Anyway, here's the inspiration card I want to share.  Our sponsor at WAW this week is Crafty Secrets which gave us some wonderful images to work on.  I have chosen this image which is part of their Poppy Stamp/Digi Set (love this!).  I colored it with my Prismacolor and Spectrum Noir markers, added some glitters in the center (Stickles-Champagne and Lime Green).  I stamped the butterflies using MS punch), cut them out and applied glitters to them (Stickles-Silver).  I inked the edge of the image with Walnut Stain Distress Ink and added some ribbon and brads.  The base card is 5.5 inch square Kraft CS with Neon Green and Baby Blue CS for panels and Dk Brown CS for matting.  I embossed with a Cuttlebug and Paper Studio folders.  Lastly, I stitched all over this creation.  

 CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST-FLOWER EASEL CARD:

  CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST-FLOWER EASEL CARD WHEN CLOSE:

  CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST-FLOWER EASEL CARD SIDE VIEW:

  CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST-FLOWER EASEL CARD LAYERS:

  CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST-FLOWER EASEL CARD WITH MESSAGE SPACE:

  CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST-FLOWER EASEL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


*** WANT THIS CARD?  AVAILABLE AT MY ETSY---HERE! *** 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:


Pile It  On---Circles and/or Squares
TTCRD---Anything Goes (1/2)
Tuesday Alchemy---Anything Goes
Creative Moments---Animals
Fab 'n' Funky---Color Combo
Forever Friends---Flowers
Fussy and Fancy---Flowers
Oozak---Anything Goes/Spring
Crafty Bloggers Network---Spring or Pastel
Visible Image---Spring
Scrap-Creations---Favorite Embellishment ( I love brads of all colors and shapes)
LEJ Designs---Add Flower/s
Color Throwdown---Color Combo
MilkCoffee---Go Green
Sandy's Crafty Creations---Shades of Green
Crafting Cafe---Favorite Color (Reddish Pink)
Artistic Inspirations---Use Some Metal (My brads are metal)
Lady Anne's---Nana Vic's Challenge
Sentimental Sunday's---Anything Goes
Love to Create---Anything Goes
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
Shabby Tea Room---Anything Goes
Stamp n Doodle---Anything Goes

Just want to encourage you to enter our WAW Challenge for a chance to win wonderful prizes at Crafty Secrets.  You are allowed to enter up to times as long as your entries are different projects and with encouraging and uplifting messages.  Can't wait to see what you will make using our Word Art or those that you have in your stash.  Hugs and blessings everyone and know that Jesus truly loves you!

It's A Sweet Day---Join us for Anything Goes at Mayzy Art!

Hello there, everyone!  I had a busy weekend so, this post is just coming on today.  We have a brand new Anything Goes Challenge at MayzyArt with an optional theme of Animal Print.   So, here's my inspiration card for you.  I used Molly and Booboo image you can find at MayzyArt shop which I colored with my Promarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  I used a Kraft base card measuring 5.5 inches together with a dark blue and golden yellow CS for matting my panels.  The DP's are from Recollections and DCWV.  I punched the sides of the card to alter the shape using an MS Punch and die-cut the lacy circle with Nestabilities.  I stamped the banners utilizing CDS stamps and cut them out to triangles.  The paw print stamp is from Recollections and the sentiment is from Stampendous.  I added some twine, brads (Recollections), gems (Imaginisce) and stitching all over this card for a complete look.  

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

This is one of those cards that I didn't have a clear idea what to do but God helped me put it altogether.  I love when I create and know that God is with me helping pick colors as He impressed upon my heart how each panels and layers are to be placed.  Many times, we think that we can only call on Him on desperate situations.  When we tried everything and nothing worked.  We sometimes think that God is too busy to be mindful of this little craft of ours.  Yet, "This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?" (Acts 7:49) Just with this verse, we can only imagine how big God truly is.  He created the earth and the fulness thereof.  The Word of God further declares in Luke 12:7, "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."  This verse tells me how involved God is in my life.  If he knows even the daily count of my hair, this tells us that he is never out of reach.  In fact, when I allowed/accepted Him (Jesus) as my Lord and Savior, He lives inside my heart.  He is closer than a heartbeat.  He is my everything and without Him, I cannot do anything (John 15:5).  The issue with us (created beings) is that we tend to put God's mind to our level of thinking.  Yet God declared in Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." Think about it by looking around you, all the things we see and cannot see are testimonies of a great Creator.  Man can only discover what God allows Him to and unless we fully surrender our lives and come to terms with Him, we will not know the great mysteries He has in store for them that love Him.  His Word says in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."  I've decided to live my life for Him and through Him with every step, big or small.  He has proven His love for me by what He's done at the Cross.  He paid on my behalf the ultimate price (death) for my freedom from the hands of Satan and all his powers and He declared me righteous before His sight, not by any good works that I've done or the lack thereof but solely based on Jesus' sacrifice.  Pretty awesome!  If you have not experienced that kind of love and acceptance, call unto JESUS.  His promises are as true from the beginning of age, in His time, our time and beyond.  

 IT'S A SWEET DAY CARD:

  IT'S A SWEET DAY CARD LAYERS:

  IT'S A SWEET DAY CARD INSIDE:

 IT'S A SWEET DAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


*** WANT THIS CARD?  AVAILABLE AT MY ETSY---HERE! *** 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:


Creative Moments---Add a Sentiment
Aud Sentiments---Girl Power
Cute Card Thursday---Anything Goes
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
Fab 'n' Funky---Add a Sentiment
One Stop Craft---Anything Goes
Challenges 4 Everybody---Anything Goes
Lacy Sunshine---Layer It Up
No Matter Which Challenges---Anything Goes
Sentimental Sundays---Anything Goes
Glitter n Sparkle---Easter/Spring Colors
Inky Impressions---Add Blue
Shelly's Images---Roll 'Em (3 Layer/Brads and Bling/Kraft Paper)
Card Mania----Lots of Layers
Melonheadz---Easter or Spring Colors
Mygrafico---Anything Goes
Card Makin Mamas---Spring Colors
Pile It On---Circles and/or Squares
TTCRD---Anything Goes
Tuesday Alchemy---Anything Goes
Deep Ocean---Cute and Cuddly
Forever Friends Monthly---Flowers
Fussy and Fancy---Flowers
Natalie and Amy---Diecuts
MAWTT---Spring is in the Air
By the Cute and Girly---Favorite Things (I love my Markers, Nesties, DP's and Digis)
Whimsy Stamps---Stitching
Spark Your Creativity---Anything Goes
One Crazy Stamper---Anything Goes
Artistic Inspirations---Use Metal (My brads are metal)

Just want to make sure you visit us at MayzyArt and enter as many as you like (new cards only) in our current Challenge.  If you have not started collecting Mayzy's stamps yet, this is your opportunity to start the collection as we will give away a few of those to our winners.  Okay, have an awesome Monday and the rest of the week.  

No Act of Love is Wasted---Join Us at Another Challenge at our Neighborhood---613 Avenue Create!

Hello, guys!  It's another Sunday morning and we are bringing you another Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  It's Anything Goes with optional color "Green" and so, I made a card that is primarily green but cannot stay away from using other shades.  Our sponsor for this week's Challenge are My Heart Pieces and Creative Bug Digitals.  The image I am highlighting in this Card came from the latter and I colored her with my Promarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  I also used the Marvy Uchida Embossing markers to heat embossed with a clear powder to the image's flower bouquet and headband to give that wet, embossed look.  Pretty cool, huh?  I utilized a Kraft, A7 card base to hold my CS (2 shades of green and burgundy) and a 2 kinds of DP's both of which are from Recollections.  I die-cut the image using Nestabilities-Octagon and inked around the image and sentiment using Tim Holtz Distress Ink-Victorian Velvet.  The vines were also cut with Nestabilities.  The layered flower is from Prima that is held together by a pearl brad.  The heartfelt sentiment is from Cloud 9 Designs and the "love" sentiment in the image's dress if handwritten by me.  I added a satin ribbon and finally. I stitched all over this card.

I just love the sentiment in this project.  It talks about love and how a simple act of kindness does not get unnoticed.  But of course, if we look for appreciation from people, that may not always be the case.  In fact, there's some that are not good in expressing their appreciation.  But the Bible says in Luke 6:35, "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."  If God Himself can forgive the wicked and the evildoers that come to Him and ask for forgiveness, how much more us, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (who also needed His forgiveness and mercy everyday of our lives) not show love to anyone that God brings our way.  I know it's easier said than done but if we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ and let Him live inside our hearts, He is going to show us how it is to love unselfishly as we yield to His working in our innermost being.  So, we strive to show love to our neighbors not for earthly but eternal gains.  God is the Author of rewards and the Bible says in Revelation 22:12 which are promises to those who had placed their faith in what Jesus Christ has accomplished on the Cross.  He said,  ""Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done."  Praise be to the Name of the Most High God!

 NO ACT OF LOVE IS WASTED CARD:

 NO ACT OF LOVE IS WASTED CARD LAYERS:  

 NO ACT OF LOVE IS WASTED CARD INSIDE:

NO ACT OF LOVE IS WASTED CARD WITH ENVELOPE:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:


Creative Moments---Add a sentiment
Aud Sentiments---Girl Power
Cute Card Thursday---Anything Goes
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
Fab 'n' Funky---Add a Sentiment
One Stop Craft---Anything Goes
Challenges 4 Everybody---Anything Goes
Lacy Sunshine---Layer It Up
Gingerloft---The Color Green
Glitter n Sparkle---Easter/Spring Colors
Great Impressions---Going Green
Scrappy Frogs---Use Green
Shelly's Images---Roll 'Em (3 Layer/Glitter/Ribbon)
Card Mania---Lots of Layers
Mygrafico---Anything Goes
Card Makin Mamas---Spring Colors
Tuesday Alchemy---Anything Goes
Forever Friends Monthly---Flowers
Fussy and Fancy---Flowers
Natalie and Amy---Diecuts
Penny's Paper-Crafty---Diecuts and Ribbon
MAWTT---Spring is in the Air
Ribbon Carousel---Spring is in the Air
MilkCoffee---Go Green
Sassy Studio---Seeing Green
Whimsy Stamps---Stitching
Spark Your Creativity---Anything Goes
One Crazy Stamper--Anything Goes

I hope you have an enjoyable week.  Always remember that what you do for others, you have done for the Lord.  God bless and hope to hear your comments soon.  

Scripture Series: For Them That Love God Easel Card---Another Inspiring Challenge from Word Art Wednesday!

Hello, everyone!  Wow, it's been a week since my last post and it's about time to highlight another creation that the Lord and I made...It is great to know that I am not alone walking this life through.  Jesus is in me and concerned with me every step of the way.  Today is a start of another weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday and I am delighted and honored to be a part of a Challenge Blog that exalts the Word of God.  A project that has scriptures on it does not only please the eye and cater to the emotion but feeds a person's spirit.  We feed our bodies with earthly food but the food of our spirit is God's Word.  The Bible says in Hebrews 4:12:  "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  For all that have experienced the "New Birth" (also called the Born-Again Experience), we all know that this scripture 1 Peter 1:23 is so true---"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."  I am thankful for this God's written revelation.  It affirms His love for me as I go through life and all kinds of circumstances, laid out His forgiveness, salvation and promises through what Christ accomplished through the Cross and tells me of His matchless plan to rule and reign with me in the future.  Everything we need in one book called "The Bible."  

So today, let's examine what our WAW word is about in 1 Corinthians 2:9b.  This is one prophetic scripture that is dear to my heart. It talks about this unimaginable things with all the beauty therein that God has prepared for those that love Him.  I like to tie it up with the scriptures in Isaiah 11:6, "In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all."  This speaks forth of the Golden Age (known for believers as "Millennial Reign of Christ") where there will be no death, sorrow, pain or sickness. Satan, the author of killing, stealing and destruction (John 10:10) is bound for a thousand years and thus, everyone who enters that period (including the saints and those that survived the Tribulation period) will experience the perfect rule of Christ where a Godly Kingdom will be established.  I am so excited because God's word says that I shall rule and reign with Him forever and this will be a part of that everlasting life He has promised those who'd been washed by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus).  So, the image that I've chosen to highlight our scripture for today is from Sassy Cheryl's Digi Stamps (Big Bear Hug) which one of the things I would love to do---hug a bear, lion, tigers and many other wild animals and to play with them.  I can just imagine giving that tiger an ear rub like what I do with every regular cats I see.  It would be awesome.  I love this Sassy Cheryl image as it shows how much a loving God is willing to welcome anyone with a childlike faith and wrap us in His arms.  Totally awesome!  All I can say is Jesus died for all of mankind but a choice has to be made by each one of us (because we were given a "free will").  Are you for God or against Him?  My answer lies in this scripture from Joshua 24:15---"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Anyway, I colored my  image using ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers and added some glitters (Stickles-Diamond) hear and there.  I laid out every panel to an Easel card  measuring 5.5 inches and used 3 embossing folders for texture (2 from Cuttlebug and 1 from Paper Studio).  The flower stamp is from Scrappy Cat, layered and pieced together and I die-cut some leaves and border with MS Punches.  I placed some white gems and used some metallic aqua grey brads for more blings.  The stamp that I used for the message panel "Just a note" is from Printworks.  I opted to use a light purple, light grey and white CS for this project.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  

 FOR THEM THAT LOVE GOD EASEL CARD:

  FOR THEM THAT LOVE GOD EASEL CARD SIDE VIEW:

 FOR THEM THAT LOVE GOD EASEL CARD WHEN CLOSE:

 

 FOR THEM THAT LOVE GOD EASEL CARD LAYERS:

 FOR THEM THAT LOVE GOD EASEL CARD WITH MESSAGE SPACE:

FOR THEM THAT LOVE GOD EASEL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


*** WANT THIS CARD?  AVAILABLE AT MY ETSY---HERE! *** 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:


Creative Moments---Add a Sentiment
Aud Sentiments---Girl Power
Make it Monday---Anything Goes
Fab 'n' Funky---Add a sentiment
No Matter Which Challenges---Anything Goes
Shelly's Images---Roll 'Em (3 Layers/Glitter/Embossing)
Card Mania---Lots of Layers
Mygrafico---Anything Goes
TTCRD---Anything Goes
Tuesday Alchemy---Anything Goes
Deep Ocean---Cute and Cuddly
Stamp and Create---Fur or Feathers
Forever Friends Monthly---Flowers
Whimsy Stamps---Stitching
Spark Your Creativity---Anything Goes
One Crazy Stamper---Anything Goes

I hope that this card inspires you as much as I was inspired creating it.  Don't forget to join us at WAW and link upto 5 projects with inspiring/uplifting messages.  You can download the Word Art you've seen here for free at the WAW Blog.  Lots of prizes to be won including those from Nice Crane Designs and a $25 GC from Verve stamps.  So, what are you waiting for?  Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and inspirational designs this week.  Hugs and blessings, always!

Scripture Series: The Words of My Mouth Center Step Card---It's Time for Another Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, Crafty guys and gals!  It's another day to praise Jesus for all His goodness in our lives.  Even those situations that are not going that well, we can be thankful for we know that as we continue to trust in Him, He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).   God is not just into meeting our needs but is more concerned in developing our character.  If all things work to our favor, what is there to trust and need?  Why would we call for help when everything is brought to us in a silver platter?  To make gold to something wonderful, it first need to go through the fire and melted completely before molding it to the shape it needs to be.  The truth is, apart from God, we cannot do anything (John 15:5).  I can boldly declare that apart from God, I am nothing!  It is in Him that I live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28).  Before I came to know Him, I was living my own life, some dictated by religion but mostly, the way I wanted it to be.  I found out the hard way that despite of the things I did and accomplished, life was empty and the way I would say it, "There's no clear meaning and purpose."  I thought I would seek happiness from friends but all they could offer were temporary relief---like what they usually said, "Don't worry about it, just have some fun!" I turned to my family but even that went catastrophic.  I found myself crying in my sleep, thinking what's more to life than this?  Little did I know, God was there all along?  Preserving me, protecting me, making sure my heart is prepared for our meeting.  And one day, in a simple television program, I heard His voice calling for me to receive Him in my heart, to lay down my heavy burden unto His feet so I need not carry them anymore.  He offered Himself to me and told me what He did on the Cross to save me from sure death.  I may not have seen Him physically but His presence was so strong that I felt a heavy weight was taken off of me and at that instant, I was never the same!  I met God that night and all I can say is "He loves me." Despite my frailties, my stubbornness, He accepted me!  He is Real and True in my life. It's been 23 years ago and though life was never easy after that day, I knew I am never alone.  Jesus is in me and I in Him  and that relationship is meant forever because it solely depends on what Jesus accomplished on the Cross, not on any good works.  His Name be praised!

Anyway,  I want to share with you the Card I made for your inspiration at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  You have to join us as I am sure you'd be blessed.  We have our free Word Art that you can download at WAW Blog, make a project and link it to our Challenge.  You can also link up to 5 cards as long as your project/s is family friendly and has encouraging and uplifting message.  Lots and lots of prizes to be won.  For my card, I used a Mo Manning Image called "Checking FB."  Well, she looks like she is praying for her friends too, right?  I colored her with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir Markers.  I opted for a Center Step Card using a 5.5 X 11 inches Kraft CS base and a brown-grey CS for matting.  All the 3 DP's are from DCWV.  I used a Nestabilities (Hexagon) die to cut the shape where the image is mounted. I added a layered Prima flowers with grey brads in the center and glittered with Stickles-Diamond.  I die cut several leaves using an MS punch and glittered that too.  I altered the Word Art by adding some colors and changing some colors to suit my card design and printed it on one of my DP's.  I added some white gems from Imaginisce and did some fancy stitching all over this card.  I love the results.

 THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH CENTER STEP CARD:

 THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

 THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

 THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


*** WANT THIS CARD?  AVAILABLE AT MY ETSY---HERE! *** 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

DP2 Challenge---Bling with a Mo Manning image
Sweet 'n' Sassy---Girl Time
Challenges 4 Everybody---Anything Goes
Glitter n Sparkle---Mother's day/Ladies Cards
No Matter Which Challenge---Anything Goes
Corrosive Challenge---All That Glitters
Cupcake Craft---Sparkle
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
MyGrafico---Anything Goes
Paper Playtime---Anything Goes
Spark Your Creativity---Anything Goes
A and T Emerald Faeries---Bling
Crazy Amigo---Women
Papertake Weekly---Anything Goes/Optional Card for Female
Lady Anne's-  Nana Vic's Anything Goes
Digital Tuesday---Buttons and/or Bling
Cuttin and Stampin---Use Flowers
Creative Stamp Friends---Spring Colors
Forever Friends---Lots of Flowers
One Crazy Stamper---Anything Goes

I love what this week's Word Art shared.  It is my utmost prayer that whatever I say and do, God be glorified!  One of my favorite verses in Galatians 2:20 says:

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Jesus paid the penalty for all my sin...I died in the old self and now Born-again in the newness of life which is in Christ Jesus.  I surrender myself to Him and He now leads my life.  With Him, everything I do will please Him and bring honor and glory to His Name.  Have an awesome day and I would be glad to hear what Jesus has done in your life.  Hugs!

Reach Out in Friendship Card---Join Us For Another MayzyArt Challenge!

Good Monday morning everyone.  This post was supposed to make it here in my Blog last Saturday but because the MayzyArt Challenge was delayed and only posted yesterday, that is why I am just posting it now.  The Challenge theme is "Stars" so, you are welcome to interpret this theme the way you like it. Take for example, this Card, I only have the stars on the image's outfit.  

Anyway, this Card is another testimony of God's goodness as I didn't really know how the creation is going to look like except for the image that I had chosen from no other than MayzyArt called "Prom Zilpha and Trevor."  I proceeded on looking for a sentiment that will give life to the images and found it at Create with TLC which I have purchased a while back but didn't used yet.  I didn't want it to be just another sweet card but to speak about how real relationships are formed.  These days, most people look into each other for a second and the next thing you know, they are living together outside of marriage.  And this goes on and on, oftentimes resulting to a painful process of frustration and hopelessness when what we truly need is to find someone we can truly trust.  There can never be a person living in this world that can truly be perfect to as not disappoint us.  We ourselves can disappoint others while unaware of it.  So, to become a true friend to someone, you need to connect with the Truest Friend one can ever have----His Name is JESUS!  He is everything we need in this life.  He already proven His love for us by dying on the Cross on our behalf, taking to Himself the punishment that was intended for us so that we can all come to Him and be with Him.  We need to learn His ways through His Word as His  Holy Spirit guides us in our walk with Him.  I lived with this mindset in mind:  "I cannot give what I don't have."  Simply put, I cannot love anyone if love has not been shown to me. I can't forgive anyone's offense toward me if I have not been forgiven myself.  I cannot truly love if I have not experienced true love.  But it's hard for people who grew up abandoned and abused by those who were supposed to care for them.  In my lifetime, many times I thought I was loved; only to be left frustrated.  Betrayals are the hardest of them.  But I came to the knowledge of the One who loved me unconditionally---with forgiveness and salvation---I found out what "sacrificial love" means.  One that gives and keeps on giving without expecting anything in return.  "Agape Love," the highest form of love that Only comes from the Source of Love Himself---JESUS!  He is all you'll over need in this lifetime through life everlasting.  The Scriptures is not just a book but speaks volume on the love of God bestowed upon His creation and His plan to restore them after they rebelled against Him.  If you haven't laid your hands on the Bible, there in it's pages is the  the Answer to your every need.  Don't allow anyone/anything to keep you away from the incorruptible treasures you can find there.

So, back to the inspirational card I made for this MayzyArt Challenge, I colored this beautiful image with my ProMarker/ProMarker/Spectrum Noir and Sharpie markers.  I used a White CS cut to a 5.5-size square card as my base together with some Purple and Black CS for matting.  The DP's are from Recollections, Paper Studio, K & Company and the hearts were cut out from a DP from Me & My Big Ideas. To deviate from  having a square card, I punched an MS Border Punch to 2 sides of the card hence making this a nice-shaped card.  I stamped some swirls on the panel using a clear stamp from Stampendous.  I scribbled inspirational words to the hearts using an MS pen marker.   Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  I haven't created a card in purple tone and didn't intend to do it but I was surprised how the colors turned out wonderfully.

REACH OUT IN FRIENDSHIP CARD:

REACH OUT IN FRIENDSHIP CARD LAYERS:

REACH OUT IN FRIENDSHIP CARD INSIDE:

REACH OUT IN FRIENDSHIP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:


One Crazy Stamper---Anything Goes (2/5)
Craft Us Crazy---Anything Goes
Creative Corner---Designer Paper
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
Challenges 4 Everybody---Anything Goes
No Matter Which Challenge---Anything Goes
Love to Create---Pick 2 (Die Cut and Sentiment)
By The Cute and Girly---Favorite Things (Digi Stamp to color and Great sentiment)
LadyAnne's---Nana Vic's Challenge
Creatalicious---Color Palette
Cute Card Thursday---Something Old (The DP's are old)
Debbie Dolphin---Anything Goes
Twist of Faith---Stitching---Real or Faux
Craft Your Passion---That is Odd
My Heart Pieces---Use Your Favorite 3 Things (Digi Image, Brads and beautiful DP's)
Paper Playtime---Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp---Anything Goes
4 Crafty Chicks---In Stitches
Victorine Stamps---Anything Goes

CMC Copic/Other Alcohol Markers---Anything Goes

This is all for today, folks.  Hope you join us at the MayzyArt Challenge and win fabulous prizes as we reveal the winner in 2 weeks.  You don't need to use a Mayzy image to join and any Craft will do.  Just make sure you incorporate some "Stars" on it.  Have an awesome day and know that Jesus is knocking on the door of your hearts, waiting for someone to let Him in.  Much love to y'all!