Treat Yourself-Wonderful Day Card---Join Us for an Anything Goes Challenge at MayzyArt!

Hi guys!  This is the promised 2nd post this Sunday.  My family and I had a wonderful time in fellowship with the Body of Christ at our Church. I am so blessed at the revelation of God as shared by our Pastor today.   It's an eye opener to learn that all of us pass through these following stages of our lives and cannot escape them...That is BIRTH, DEATH, RESURRECTION, REWARDS (for believers...JUDGMENT for those that didn't believe) and ETERNITY.  All of us are born into this world carrying the sin nature that was deposited in Adam by the enemy (Satan) at the Fall of man, Unless that is extinguished by a new birth (Born-Again experience as mentioned in John 3:3) by faith in Jesus Christ in our time here on earth, we face Death with a horrifying truth---  the reality of facing our Creator without taking advantage of the saving grace found in Christ!  It does not matter whether we are a good person, how many people we helped, how rich or poor, famous or powerful we are because the issue is not base on what we accomplished or not accomplished here on earth...People are going to miss eternal life in Christ not by what they've done but by WHO THEY ARE!  Let me explain that---When something is broken at home like a pipe leakage, most of the time, we'll find something to temporarily patch the leak and though it may work for a while, it does not last because we have to literally remove the part that is broken, get into the core of the issue and replace the broken part.  The reason why any good works that we do, outside of faith and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, does not merit us in the sight of God is that it only covers what is broken in our lives but it does not solve the problem which is in our core---our spirits which lost it's relationship with our Creator since the Fall of Man.  The scripture states in Isaiah 64:6, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."  God knowing that man was bound hopelessly without any means of escape from eternal damnation, sent His One and Only Son, JESUS CHRIST, to solve the core of the problem---that is our SPIRITUAL SEPARATION from God.  The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." Also in Romans 3:25, "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood--to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished."  Notice in these couple of verses, no human effort was mentioned for there is no way we can get ourselves out of our situation except that we allow Jesus through faith (trust, believing) in what He has done (death, burial and resurrection) to pay the price to release us from the hands of the enemy.  If we reject the Only Way God has provided for us, we pay for our own sins by the law.  This brings us to either Rewards for Believer or sure judgment for those that rejected Christ.  For them that believe, we shall rule and reign with Christ---ETERNALLY!  For those that hardened their hearts and took the punishment of their sins on their own---ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD in the Lake of Fire---FOREVER!  This may sound cruel to some of you but outside of the sacrifice and selfless LOVE that God demonstrated to us through His Son that He made available for us---God has given  HIS VERY BEST!  And for anyone to reject that FREE GIFT of SALVATION is outright rebellion and cruelty and insult to our Maker.  This statement stayed with me when quoted by my Bible teacher in class, "People will go to hell not because of what they've done but for who they are."  This means that just by being born naturally (In Adam), we are already destined to eternal damnation till we decide (free-will) to allow Jesus to take our place as ransom for our sins by faith in what He has already accomplished. Romans 1:17 states, "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed--a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Hence, the first problem to deal with is our CORE (Spiritual separation from God brought by the Fall) and Jesus addressed that in John 14:6:  “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  We are just a breath away from our Eternal future, with whom do you want to spend it with and which place is it going to be?  Jesus is knocking at the door of your hearts right now?  It is best to let Him in...

Anyway, we have a New Challenge at MayzyArt this week.  It's Anything Goes with an optional theme---"Rainbow."  It was not easy for me to make a card with this theme as I am not  big fan or placing all the colors of the rainbow at least in one card...LOL  So, I colored this MayzyArt image called "Shapaholic" with all the colors of the rainbow (I actually had to call my 7-year old son to find out what the colors are and he was brilliant enough to tell me in order...LOL) using my Promarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  I laid all my panels to a Kraft 5.5-inch CS for my base card.  The DP's are from Recollections and K & Company.  I cut a couple of circles with my MS Circle Cutter, added some ribbon (from Ribbon Boutique) and layered some Prima flowers placing a brad in the center to hold it.  I stamped some flourishes from Inkadinkado to eliminate a lot of the blank space and incorporated a wonderful sentiment I got free from MMDesigns.  For the final touch, I got some of my Hotfix gems attached and stitched all over this card.  By the way, that fancy shape/border was just cut-out from one of my DP's.  I love it!  I love to hear your feedbacks about this creation.

 TREAT YOURSELF-WONDERFUL DAY CARD:

  TREAT YOURSELF-WONDERFUL DAY CARD LAYERS:

  TREAT YOURSELF-WONDERFUL DAY CARD INSIDE:

 TREAT YOURSELF-WONDERFUL DAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Pile It On---April Showers Bring May Flowers
Simon Says Stamp---Anything Goes
Sisterhood of Crafters---Free for All
Penny's Paper-Crafty---Anything Goes
Creative Belli---Spring
Creative Moments---Spring
Craft-room--- So Sentimental
Paper Crafting Journey---Use a Sentiment
QKR Stampede---Favorite Things (Love Prima Flowers and Ribbons)
Forever Friends---Lots of Flowers
Crafting By Designs---Anything Goes
Crafty Calendar---Sunshine and Showers
Die Cuttin Divas---Flowers
Crafty Ribbons---Anything Goes with Ribbon
Shelly's Images---Flowers
Crafts 4 Eternity---Perfect Papers
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
Wags 'n Whiskers---May Flowers
My Time to Craft---Kraft
Sandy's Crafty Creations---Anything Goes with Stitching
Ecclectic Ellapu---Anything Goes
Sparkle N Sprinkle---Use a Digital Image
Inspire Me Fridays---Anything Goes
Sister Act---Anything Goes
Challenges 4 Everybody---Anything Goes

So, what are waiting for?  Hop on over the MayzyArt Blog and join our Challenge. A couple of winners will be selected by Mayzy, herself.  You have nearly a couple of weeks to link your projects and we can't wait to see them.  Have a blessed day and let me know if you have any questions.  God bless!

Life is a Beach Center Step Card---It's Another Challenge Week at our Neighborhood---613 Avenue Create!

Hi there!  It's another Sunday morning and I would like to highlight the first of the 2 cards I'm set to post today Watch out for the other one later on today).  But before that, just want to thank the Lord for the rain (lots and lots of it!) that came pouring down here a few hours ago.  Growing up, rain usually makes me sad.  I remember as a kid, we would occasionally asked my parents if we could all head out and have some family fun.  My Dad usually tells me, "Let's see, if it does not rain, we'll head out and have some fun." My brother and I would be so excited but after a few hours, the sky would go dark and the cold wind blew and we would end up sitting in front of the window just hoping that rain would not come, but it did!  We were so upset as that rain meant a cancelled plan.  In case you're wondering, I was born in the Philippines and rain is very common there.  We only enjoy 2 seasons---wet or dry!  It comes usually in the form of typhoon for most of the time and I remember praying to the Lord (As a believer) to spare our home from flooding.  It happened quite often (my last experience was many years ago---it was waist deep inside our home) that rain just gave me some "not so wonderful" memories.  That childhood experience shaped my life in a way that I became so determined to not allow any rain or calamity (even the earthquake I experienced which registered  over 7  in the Richter scale when I was 19) to hinder me from fulfilling a plan or a promise.  I remember going to the university on different occasions and had to go against my Mom's advise not to proceed due to flooding.  I told her that until I hear of any news suspending classes, I would have to find a way to go especially during final exams and such.   You see, the way we were brought up affects our character, decisions, passions and personalities.   My experience in life taught me that if I give my word to somebody, that I fulfill my word no matter what.  If I couldn't, that I'd have the courtesy to inform that someone before any trust is broken.  Everything that we encounter in life has a purpose and if we come under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and have established a personal relationship with Him by trusting His finished work on the Cross, we will view every experience that comes our way to work towards the fulfillment of His purpose.  A wonderful Pastor told me once, "God is not just concerned about your salvation but He's more interested in developing your character."   That was awesome!  Just want to share with you the following scriptures which tells us that  as we trust God with out lives, both the good and bad things we encounter along the way has a purpose---to bring glory to Jesus in whom all blessings flow.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8:28)

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)

"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,  in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.  And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,  who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory."  (Ephesians 1:11-14)

Anyway, speaking of going somewhere, this is what I want to share with you through this card I created.  It's all about vacation and having fun at the Beach.  We have an "Anything Goes with Picture Inspiration Challenge" at 613 Avenue Create and our sponsor for this week is Shelly's Images.  I was able to use this wonderful "Beach Signs" image from them (love it!).  To add fun to the card, I included another favorite image from Mo Manning's Digi Stamps called "Summer Girl" (Isn't she cute?!).  I colored both images with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir and Sharpie markers.  I used a Kraft base card cut at 5.5-inches center step card design.  All the DP's are from my scraps (Recollections/K & Company/Heidi Grace).  The perfect sentiment is a freebie from Create with TLC (thanks, Paulette).  I added glossy accents to the glasses of the girl image, applied some glitters (Stickles-Orange Peel) to the image's Popsicle and my favorite white gems from Imaginisce.  I also used Distress Ink (Tim Holtz-Tumbled Glass) to the Beach Image's horizon and it worked out great.  Lastly, I went ahead and stitched all over this card.  I just love the fun vacation conveyed by this card and makes me want to head over to the nearest beach...LOL  Hope you like it too. 

 LIFE IS A BEACH CENTER STEP CARD:

 LIFE IS A BEACH CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

 LIFE IS A BEACH CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

 LIFE IS A BEACH CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

LIFE IS A BEACH CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Simon Says Stamp---Anything Goes
Sisterhood of Crafters---Free for All
Penny's Paper-Crafty---Anything Goes
Creative Belli---Spring
Craft-room---So Sentimental
Paper Crafting Journey---Use a Sentiment
Bearly-Mine---Digi Days
QKR Stampede---Favorite Things (I love this card design and the white gems)
TTCRD---Anything Goes
Crafting By Designs---Anything Goes
Pumpkin Spice---Nature
Art Impressions---Layer it Up
Crafty Calendar---Sunshine and Showers
Crafts for Eternity---Perfect Papers
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
My Time to Craft---Kraft
Paper Pretties---Fabulous Folds
Sandy's Crafty Creations---Anything Goes with Stitching
Ecclectic Ellapu---Anything Goes
Sparkle N Sprinkle---Use a Digital Image
Inspire Me Fridays---Anything Goes
Sister Act---Anything Goes
Challenges 4 Everybody---Anything Goes

Have an awesome day, everyone and praying that the blessings of our Almighty God in Christ shower your lives this week.  It is good to be in the presence of the Lord and to rely upon Him every moment of my life here where it's temporary and the eternal future.  I thank the Lord Jesus---for my everyday is certain in Him!  Don't spend another day without Him.  He is calling you to His arms of love---I pray you respond...

Scripture Series: Bless the Lord, My Soul Card---Join us for Another Uplifting Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Good morning, everyone!  I'm back with the first of the 3 cards I am set to do for this week.  I can tell you right now that I would have to camp at my Craft Room at least till the weekend is over...LOL But like I mentioned before, I love making cards so, this is truly my kind of fun till I'm at a race with the deadlines for each creation.  But the amazing thing is God always gets me through.  Oh the faithfulness of my Father in Heaven! 

Today, we have a very famous Word Art to highlight at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  It's found in  Psalm 103:2 which talks about blessing the Lord.  In the same verse, it commands our soul to give glory to our  Source, the Lord God Almighty, and to remember all the wonderful things He has done for us.  As human beings, we were created with a spirit, a soul and a body (we are tripartite beings).  The spirit part of us communes with God because based on the scriptures in John 4:24: "God is a Spirit.  And those that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."  When Adam sinned against God, that spirit in us was darkened and our fellowship with God was severed and humanity was left in the hands of Satan in whom we were bound hopelessly.  But God had a plan!  In due time, He sent His One and Only Begotten Son, JESUS CHRIST (the Only One qualified to save humanity---conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, perfect and not tainted by Adam's sin as He didn't come from the line of Adam),  to pay for the punishment intended for humanity. He paid for everything by means of His Blood shed on the Cross of Calvary.  It was a one-time, once and for all  sacrifice that paid for man's past, present and future iniquities hence, His final words at the Cross were, "IT IS FINISHED!"  (John 19:30).  By His resurrection, He sealed the victory over Satan and took back everything the devil stole and delegated that power and authority to His Church (believers of Jesus Christ). He told His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”  Having this in mind,  the Only way we can avail of what Jesus Christ has done for us is by being Born-Again (Read John 3:3) which means "Born from Above."  We are to die from the old sinful nature of being in Adam in order to be born-again with Jesus.  Take for example in marriage, we are in covenant with our spouse till one dies, then the survivor is free to marry again.  Romans 10:9 said:  "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."  When we become Born-Again, our spirit once darkened literally comes back to life and can commune with the Father again but our soul and body needs to be renewed each day.  Our soul is made up of our mind, will and emotions. In order for that part of us to be conformed with God, we got to take in new thoughts by filling our mind with God's Word and allow the Spirit of God in us to lead our souls.  Our whole life here on earth will be spent on putting our soul man unto submission to the will of God.  Let's face it, we are always affected by what we think, feel and see and most of it are determined by the dictates of our physical bodies.  Yet as we are empowered by the Spirit of God, believers are given the assurance that we are not alone in this fight. Take heart in what God has promised with the following Scriptures:

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,  in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires"  (Romans 8:1-5) 

So here is my inspiration card for you.  I used a very cool image called "A day with Mom" from Sassy Cheryl Digi Stamps  which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  I used a pre-cut A7 Kraft base card, the DP's from K & Company and Paper Studio which I matted with some Kraft CS.  I die-cut the circles with Nestabilities and MS Small Circle Cutter.  I used an MS Border Punch for the fence as well as the leaves.  I layered several Prima flowers and incorporated matching brads at the center of the flowers.  I added some glitters (Stickles-Diamond) to the stems, leaves and flowers and stitched all over this card.  I think it came out great.

 BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL CARD:

 BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL CARD LAYERS:

 BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL CARD INSIDE:

BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL CARD WITH ENVELOPE:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Simon Says Stamp---Anything Goes
Sisterhood of Crafters---Free for All
Penny's Paper-Crafty---Anything Goes
Creative Belli---Spring
Creative Moments---Spring
Craft-room---So Sentimental
Paper Crafting Journey---Use a Sentiment
Bearly-Mine---Digi Days
TTCRD---Anything Goes
Forever Friends---Lots of Flowers
Craftign By Designs---Anything Goes
Art Impressions---Layer It Up
Crafty Calendar---Sunshine and Showers
Die-Cuttin Divas---Flowers
Shelly's Images---Flowers
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
Nutcrafters---Anything Goes
Wags 'n Whiskers---May Flowers
Sparkle N Sprinkle---Use a Digital Image
Inspire Me Fridays---Anything Goes

I surely hope you will come and join us at the WAW Blog.  You can download the Word Art for free and incorporate it in your project and link to our Challenge.  But this is not a requirement.  You can upload up to 5 entries as long as it has an uplifting/inspirational message.  We will be awarding 12 prizes to 12 blessed entries courtesy or our sponsors this week---Shabby Cottage Studio (1 winner), Close my Heart (1 winner) and Scripture by Design (10 winners).  Our Challenge is "Anything Goes" so you can be as creative as you want to be.  I can't wait to see what you come up with.  So, this is it for me today and will highlight a couple more cards this weekend.  Have a blessed day and remember, Jesus is just a breath away and He's waiting for you to call on Him. 

Scripture Series: Making Mention of Thee Card---It's Time for Another Inspiring Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

It's another blessed Wednesday morning, everyone!  In spite of the past stressful day, we can always look forward for another day that God has given us.  In my case, I am looking forward for a bit of rest after I post this project.  There are many things that needs attention at home that has been push aside the past few days.  Anyway, I am thankful to the Lord for every opportunity to exalt His name wherever I go.  You know, believing and trusting in Jesus Christ is not a matter of words but it's a lifestyle that every true Born-Again believer (John 3:3) walk daily.  Everyday, we are bombarded by situations that would test our faith and if we truly understand what and Who we believe in.  At this day and time, people can take offense just by mention of the name of Jesus!  In our everyday conversation with unbelievers, do we find ourselves choosing our words so as not to offend them?  I must admit that when challenges like that comes to me, a decision inside my heart has to be made.  And with the help of the Holy Spirit, I just say what comes naturally to me as a believer of Jesus Christ and that is to give Him praise and glory for everything.  Wherever I go, I tell people how good God is through my experiences that day.  It could be when they ask me, "Hey, how are you doing this morning? "  I would respond by saying,  " I am doing great, God is good!" When people share some difficult situations in life, I hear myself sharing with them some verses and doing what the Holy Spirit leads me to do.  You see, I don't practice things I needed to say.  I realized that the more I spend in fellowship with God by prayer and studying His Word,  I am able to listen to the voice of my Father and be sensitive to His leading.  Things that I thought were difficult to give up before were not as difficult anymore.  Take for example, listening to worldly music and Christian music.  Before, I have to make a conscious decision which music to listen to but now, I can't wait to listen to songs that honor my God.  I have a couple of Christian music stations in my truck and it's my only choice for listening.  As we walk with Jesus faithfully, our life changes!  It's exciting and challenging at the same time.  I do acknowledge that I walk in His strength and not mine.  Here are verses that reminds me of the life I have in Christ:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Today, I am featuring an inspiration Card for the Word Art Wednesday (WAW) Challenge.  The message today is from Philemon 1:4 which describes the relationship believers of Jesus Christ share with one another.  Philemon is a Christian brother who helped the Apostle Paul in caring for the brethren in the Church of Colosse.  His love and loyalty were his strong traits and to be given a personal mention in the Bible through Paul's letter as part of the 66 books of the Bible, tells us how this person served to the fullest.  As part of the Body of Christ, we are to carry each others burden and pray for one another.  The Bible declares in John 13:35:  "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." This love sets us apart from the world. 

You are free to download the Word Art at WAW Blog and use it in your project although it's not a requirement.  You can link upto 5 projects provided that they contain inspirational/uplifting messages.  Here, I featured a freebie image from Melonheadz Illustrating called "Preshus" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Sharpie markers.  I used a 5.5-inches square Kraft card base, the DP's are mostly from K & Company and DCWV.  I gathered some CS that matches my DP's by using my scraps.  I die-cut that fancy shape from Nestabilities and cut a circle with my MS Small Circle Cutter.  I added a silk ribbon and a crochet flower which I made and also sell (See My Etsy if you wish to buy).  I added a brad and some gems from Imaginisce too.  Lastly, I stitched this card inside and out.  Very happy with the results. 

 MAKING MENTION OF THEE CARD:

  MAKING MENTION OF THEE CARD LAYERS:

  MAKING MENTION OF THEE CARD INSIDE:

 MAKING MENTION OF THEE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Delightful Challenges---Color My World/Anything Colorful
Pink Elephant---Paper Piecing
Challenges 4 Everybody---Anything Goes
Digi Makeover---Girly
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
Sparkle N Sprinkle---Use a Digital Image
V's Sweet Ideas---Anything Goes
Pin and Tack---Anything Goes
TTCRD---Anything Goes
Glitter n Sparkle---Stitching: Real or Not
Melonheadz Friends---Fancy Folds/(Anything Goes for those using Melonheadz digis)
Sandy's Crafty Creations---Anything Goes with Stitching
Creative Card Crew---Handmade Flowers
Everybody Art---Bling
Penny's Paper Crafty---Use a Sentiment
Stamp n Doodle---Anything Goes
Our Daily Bread Designs---Scripture or Hymns
Crafty Emblies---Anything Goes
Crafty Ribbons---Color (Pink and Green)
Deep Ocean---Flowers and Fantasy
Bunny Zoe Crafts---Favorite Color Combo (Pink and Green and Aqua)

Have an awesome day, everyone and remember to join us at Anything Goes at WAW this week.  Lots of prices to be won from our awesome sponsor, Freckled Fawn.  Thanks for all who sent me some encouraging message about my projects and the Blog postings.  I pray for the love  of Jesus to continue to dwell in your hearts and in your household.  Let us do everything for the glory of God!

It's the Tiny Blessings Maternity Card---See Some Exciting Changes at our MayzyArt Challenge...

Hi, everybody!  These past few days were extra crazy for me and I am so thankful that I have the Lord to help me create when I get so stressed out from the many roles I play in life.  I love Crafting and take away the deadlines on some projects needed to be submitted as a DT, Crafting truly relaxes me.  I love it when I get into every little detail of coloring, cutting, designing and putting things together as I make my cards or crochet a blanket, flowers, making tags or gifts.  It's awesome!  But when things are needed all at the same time, then my happy world turns crazy but then I realize,  I can depend on Jesus to get me through.  I want to tell you that every time I sit at my Craft table to make the cards I showcase here, I ask the Lord to help me select the image to use, the coloring of the images, lay-out and everything that has to do with putting a project together.  If you are blessed with what you see both in my post and projects, it's because I don't craft without my Father's inspiration in my life.  There are times I don't have any clue what to do and if it happened to you, you know that can really be frustrating.  Then, the Spirit of God in my heart would quicken me to pray and I would ask God to help me and lead me to whatever it is He wanted me to create.  As I start gathering my materials, a moment's time, I would have something in mind.  It makes me smile when at the end of every project, I could not figure out how my project turned out great.  And all I can say is, "It is God's work through me."  

For those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God is with you and "IN YOU!"  We have to come to Him everyday for fellowship, whether we are happy or sad, good mood or bad mood.  The reason we were created is to depend on Him for each moments need.  I know we were taught and trained to be independent but independence applied to our relationship with God means "rebellion."  He does not want us to live each day without His guidance.  The truth of the matter is, we need Him whether we admit it or not."  Even the very contents of the air we breathe is regulated by our Creator, in that it contains the exact mixture of gasses that supports our survival.  A little bit more or less of oxygen will harm or kill us.  The very air that touches my face proves that there is a God who cares and keeps everything in order.  Some wanted to see miracles happening before their eyes in order to believe but I tell you, it's those little things we don't pay attention to that makes our life meaningful and if you only stop to glance at each of them, you'll see an impression of a loving and perfect Creator .  I want to share with you the following passages from the Bible declaring the awesomeness of our Creator, the One True God:

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; (Job 1:27)

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psalm 19:1b)

So, here's a card I want to share with you for the MayzyArt Challenge.  I used "Mama Mina" from MayzyArt Shop and colored her with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  I used a 5.5-inches square Kraft CS for my base card.  My DP's are from DCWV, My Mind's Eye and K& Company which are mostly scraps.  I matted them with coordinating colors of CS, also from my scraps.  It is really good to be able to use these papers as I have way too many of them already.  I die-cut a Large Scallop Nestabilities and adhered a circle that I cut with my MS Small Circle Cutter.  I included a fancy ribbon and adhered one of the crochet flowers that I made (I sell them too, check My Etsy on the side) and used a brad to keep the bow and the flower together.  The wonderful sentiment is a freebie I got from Create with TLC way back and used my Paint Program to change the color on  a couple of words.  I love how it fits my image perfectly.  We all know how a "new baby" in the family is one of God's tiny yet greatest blessings to us!  We are to take care of them and  protect them from any harm, right?!  Anyway,  I adhered some white gems from Imaginisce and stitched all over this project.  What do you think?

 IT'S THE TINY BLESSINGS CARD:

 IT'S THE TINY BLESSINGS CARD LAYERS:

 IT'S THE TINY BLESSINGS CARD INSIDE:

IT'S THE TINY BLESSINGS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Challenges 4 Everybody---Anything Goes
Digi Makeover---Girly
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
Mema's Crafts---Anything Goes
Sparkle N Sprinkle---Use a Digital Image
V's Sweet Ideas---Anything Goes
Pin and Tack---Anything Goes
TTCRD---Anything Goes
Glitter n Sparkle---Stitching: Real or Not
Card Mania---Punches and/or Die-cuts
My Craft Spot---Anything Goes
A Little Bit Crafty---Anything Goes
Sandy's Crafty Creations---Anything Goes with Stitching
Creative card Crew---Handmade Flowers
Everybody Art---Bling
Crafty-Emblies---Anything Goes
Deep Ocean---Flowers and Fantasy
Bunny Zoe Crafts---Favorite Color Combo (Love Golden Yellow and Aqua)

Just want to remind you to visit our Anything Goes Challenge at MayzyArt with an optional "Theme."  There are some changes to the Challenge so, be sure to read before linking your projects.  Instead of winning digital images, Mayzy is going to award the winners with a gift amount code to use at MayzyArt Shop.  That way, you can avail of the awesome digi packages if you're chosen as one of the two winners.  So, hurry and link your new creations now at MayzyArt Blog.  Looking forward to see what you come up with.  Have a blessed day and know that God cares for you. 

A Ray of Sunshine Card---Join us at our Neighborhood---613 Avenue Create "Anything Goes or Sketch Challenge!"

Good morning, fellas!  It's another Sunday morning and ready to give glory and praise to my Savior, Jesus Christ, with believers all over the world.  It's amazing to know that right at this wee hour in the morning of Sunday, people around the globe are giving praise unto our Maker.  I ask myself, what can I do to please my Almighty Father today?  The answer is absolutely "NOTHING!"  With this, I meant "nothing" from my own ability.  All the things that I thought I can do (talents, gifts, abilities, good deeds and behavior) are not going to win me His favor.  Outside a personal relationship and  Lordship of Jesus Christ, we are totally bankrupt and cast out from the presence of God which affected all of humanity after the Fall of Adam.  As Adam committed high treason in the eyes of God by disobeying God and taking the side of the devil, allowing the very "sin nature" of the devil to be deposited in him and all humanity, we were all sentenced to die three folds---spiritual, physical and eternal deaths.  There was no hope for human beings no matter how good a person you are.  Seeing this sad situation, God gave the Law (Mosaic Law) which was not meant to save people but to teach people how Holy God is and for us to see how helpless we are to obey the law.  The Bible declares in Romans 3:20, "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."  The Law is meant to point us to Jesus Christ---our Only Hope of  Salvation!  Galatians 4:24 says,  "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by FAITH."  Jesus Christ fulfilled all the requirements of the Mosaic law through His death, burial and resurrection.  Those who believed and put their trust in Him identified with His death burial and resurrection, triumphed over the Law and entered into a new covenant with Him and the Father---"Salvation by Faith."  The Holy Spirit lives inside a believer and directs our ways as a vessel in whom God can use.  Galatians 2:20 sums up a Born-Again (John 3:3) believer's life in this verse,  "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  But how about those who would not accept Jesus' sacrifice on the cross?  It's sad to say but they will pay of the due penalty of their sins, under the Law.  In such, there's no escape of judgment!  So, if you hear the voice of God today, harden not your hearts.  Allow Him to be your Savior, your Lord and enter into the life that He has intended us to have both on earth and the eternal life.  These scriptures told me how to come to the saving knowledge of Christ in Romans 10:8-10,  But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:  If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

So, what then can I offer unto the Lord as a believer of Jesus Christ?  I offer Him all of me---my life, my heart, my soul and my spirit.  As I stand to sing praises to Him and lead His people to His presence, I have complete confidence of  His Holy Spirit working in me and will utter words that will please my God.  The blood of Jesus (shed at the Cross of Calvary) has taken all my shame and gave me victory against all powers and principalities seeking to devour me. I don't come in the presence of God with my own abilities, instead, I come with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who gained all authority in heaven and on earth after His resurrection, who washed me clean, without blemish in the eyes of my Father God.  Jesus Christ saved me from every sin---past, present and future and nothing can truly separate me from the love of God through Christ Jesus! I remember what my Pastor told us one day in my Bible class.  "A believer's worst day is better than any unbelievers best day."  And all I can say is---"Thank You, Jesus!"

Anyway, I have my inspiration card for you today for our Sketch/Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  Our sponsor is Bugaboo stamps so, I am grateful that they allowed me to use this very cute digi from their collection.  It's called "Molly Moo Corn Stalks" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Sharpie Markers.  We were provided a Sketch to follow and I think this is my very first time to follow a Sketch.  It's not very easy since I am used to deciding my own lay-outs but after cutting all the pieces I needed, it went smoothly.  I used a Kraft card base measuring 5.5-inches square.  I gathered some of my stash of CS and matched them with my DP's from DCWV.  I die-cut the biggest of my Lacey Circle Nestabilities to produce that awesome shape where I laid my image and die-cut another Spellbinders using one of the Creative Page Tabs which produce those flowery tabs (I love it!).  I incorporated one of Heidi Grace die-cut pieces---the sun and the cloud and added some glitters to the sun and also to some parts of the main image using Stickles (Diamond).  The very cute sentiment is a freebie from Create with TLC.  I added some color to the sentiment to fit the colors in my card using Paint Program.  My son (7 years old) suggested that I make it like a sign and so I did using one of my Cuttlebug folders and embossing machine.  I love my boy---he always appreciates my work!  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  I love how it turned out!

 A RAY OF SUNSHINE CARD:

 A RAY OF SUNSHINE CARD LAYERS:

 A RAY OF SUNSHINE CARD INSIDE:

A RAY OF SUNSHINE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

TTCRD---Anything Goes
V's Sweet Ideas---Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly---Bingo (Diagonal:  Gems/Free/Glitters)
Totally Gorjuss---Spring Shades
Cupcake Inspirations---Polka Dots
Lacy Sunshine---Spring Fever
Forever Friends---Die-cuts and Punches
Pile it On---Embossing
Whimsical Designs---Emboss It
Splendiferous Creations---Emboss Me
Sister Act---Anything Goes
Bearly Mine---Anything Goes
Card Mania---Punches and/or Die-cuts
MilkCoffee---Welcome Spring
Sparkle N Sprinkle---Use Digital Image
DRS Designs---One Stitch at a Time
Digistamps4Joy---Anything Goes
Pattie's Creations---Make it Sparkle (Must always use an image)
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
Mema's Crafts---Anything Goes
Paper Shelter---Spring Delights
Creative Moments---Weather (Cloudy with a Ray of Sunshine)
OSAAT---Bright
Pin and Tack---Anything Goes
Scrappy Frogs---Think Spring

I better get going but let me remind you to visit our Blog at 613 Avenue Create and join our Anything Goes or Sketch Challenge.  That means that it's not mandatory to follow the Sketch but we'd be happy if you consider.  Lots of great prices to be won from our great sponsor---Bugaboo Digi Stamps!  Have an awesome day praising the Lord and would appreciate any comment you will leave me here.  If you enjoyed visiting my Blog or found some wonderful inspiration, please consider being a Follower.  Leaving you with this, "A life without Jesus is no life at all."  God bless!

Scripture Series: I Am Called By Thy Name Center Step Card---Join Us for Another Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

 Hi there!  It's another Wednesday morning and that means, I am going to highlight another card for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  Today's featured Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW Blog) is from Jeremiah 15:16.  As Jeremiah knew the importance of God's Word in His day and time,  the Word of God is to become our daily source of sustenance for our spiritual nourishment.  As food feeds out physical bodies, we are to feed our spirit with spiritual food.  The Bible declares in John 6:63, "The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."  Jesus is the perfect and most complete revelation of God to us yet the Scriptures (Bible---God's Word) is His written revelation so, when we begin to meditate on the Word of God, His Word becomes alive in us.  As we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and our hearts to what He wants to reveal, we will find those scriptures come alive in us as we respond to His instructions.  We'll find joy and peace in that whatever comes our way, we know that His promises He's going to fulfill.  The Bible tells us that God's Word knows our thoughts (motives) 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."  When we step in faith, follow God's Word and enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we have the blessed assurance from God's Word that what Jesus accomplished by way of His death, burial and resurrection is ours to claim. As we were all identified with Adam in the Fall of Man and lived in darkness so are we identified with Jesus' victory upon the Cross and His Resurrection by solely trusting in Jesus Christ.  Without the guidance of God's Word, we will remain ignorant of the saving grace God already provided.  Through His Word, I know I am called by His Name and have been predestined to live with Him eternally.  If you haven't read the Bible, why not begin now.  I am here to help if you have any questions.  I boldly declare this scripture in Psalm 119:105 in my life, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

So, here's my inspiration card for you today.  I used one of my fave digis from Mo Manning called "Peaches" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  I laid all my panels in a 5.5 inches Center Step Kraft Card base.  The DP's are from DCWV and the CS are pink, aqua green, yellow and kraft.  I used my Cuttlebug to die cut a couple of Nestabilities dies (Scallop Square and Scallop Circle) and cut some circles with my MS Small Circle Cutter.  I added some glitters on the peach and butterflies using Stickles (Diamond).  And finally, I went crazy placing several of those white gems from Imaginisce (definitely my fave embellishment) and stitched all over this card.  I am super happy with how the colors turned out.  Looking at it just makes me happy.  What do you think? 

I AM CALLED BY THY NAME CENTER STEP CARD:

I AM CALLED BY THY NAME CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

I AM CALLED BY THY NAME CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

I AM CALLED BY THY NAME CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

I AM CALLED BY THY NAME CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Fab 'n' Funky---Spring Colours
Our Daily Bread Designs---Other Than a Classic Square or Rectangle
Crafty Creations---No Squares
TTCRD---Anything Goes
Catch the Bug---Anything Goes
Twist of Faith---Shaped Cards
Pink Elephant---Use Spring Colors
Crafty Bloggers Network---Anything Goes
My Grafico---Anything Goes
Melonheadz Friends---Make It Girly
Hiding in my Craft Room---Color (Yellow, Green and Pink)
Cute Card Thursday---Something Borrowed (Image previously used in another project)
Creative Moments---Things with Wings
Shelly's Images---Use Scallops
V's Sweet Ideas---Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly---Bingo (Diagonal: Gems/Free/Glitter)
Forever Friends---Die-Cuts and Punches
Little Miss Muffet---Anything Goes
Bearly Mine---Anything Goes
Card Mania---Punches and/or Die-cuts
Sparkle N Sprinkle---Use Digital Image
Digistamps4Joy---Anything Goes
Make It Monday---Anything Goes
Mema's Crafts---Anything Goes (2/3)
Paper Shelter---Spring Delights
Pin and Tack---Anything Goes
Scrappy Frogs---Think Spring

Don't forget to join us at the WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art this week to make a project and link it to our Challenge although it's not mandatory.  You can also link other projects (up to 5) as long as it has uplifting/inspirational message.  Our sponsor this week is Verses Rubber Stamps and there'll be other prizes to give away so, please don't miss out.  Have a blessed day and remember that Jesus is just a heartbeat away.  If you haven't let Him in your heart, today is the day!