Scripture Series: In the Fear of the Lord Card---Join us for an Uplifting/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Great Wednesday, everyone!  I'm back to showcase another inspirational card for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  This week had been extraordinarily busy for me that there were times I purposely had to pause and communicate with my Father.  In the busyness of life, it's easy to get lost and forget what and Who is most important.  I am thankful to the Lord that He is constant and unchanging.  That  His love for me is not based on any human effort--but solely relies on the finished work of Jesus Christ.  If it was not so, I would be wondering, on a daily basis, whether I would be worthy to be in His presence when the time comes.  You see, as a believer of Jesus Christ and having a personal relationship with Him, there was a time in my walk with Him, that I didn't fully understand the extent of His sacrifice for me.  When testing came and I fell short (believe me, there were lots of those times), I was beating myself up because I knew  I was not worthy of His presence.  Although I knew what God wanted me to do yet selfish desires arose within me and allowed them to take over at some point.  Yet, in the midst of that, God wrote His Word in my heart.  Step by step, He reminded me of His faithfulness and in the midst of my stubbornness, He showed me compassion.  For my rebellion, He showed me love and in the midst of my breaking His heart,  He forgave me.  He never showed me how upset or disappointed He was of me.  In my Spirit, He looked at me without any condemnation and I remember seeing His wonderful eyes staring back at me with absolute forgiveness and reminded me that Jesus already bore all my sins (past, present and future) .  I thought He'd already left me alone but He stood by me.  He knew all along that I would go back to Him (like the prodigal son) and He'd welcome me with open arms---and HE DID!  As I mature in the faith through studying God's Word, these passages gave a whole new meaning in my life:

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  (Romans 8:35-39)

^"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.  For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.  So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." (2 Corinthians 4:8-12)

That is why I love the Word Art/verse we are sharing with you today.  It's about "fearing the Lord."  To fear Him is to give Him utmost respect, honor and love.  I remember my childhood days and how much I wanted my Dad's love and his approval in my life that it saved me from doing a lot of crazy things.  I respected my Dad and I want to show my love by honoring him with my actions.  I knew that if I disobeyed, there's consequences for my actions and wouldn't like to grieve my Dad.  Likewise, with our Father in Heaven.  Those who fear Him will save themselves from destruction as He becomes our refuge.  Every Word that comes out of God's mouth is filled with blessings and it would be wise for us to obey.  To rebel would be to get off a safe refuge where the enemy can easily devour us.  The enemy will not show mercy...

So, here's the card I came up with for our Word Art.  I used a Sassy Cheryl image (retired) called "Topiary Birdhouse Trio" and colored it with ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  My base card is a white 5.5" square white CS and used blue, yellow-green and more white CS for matting and layering.  I didn't stitch on this card so, I chose to stamp a fancy border around the card (from Fiskars), added some Recollection flowers and die-cut some leaves using MS Punch.  I added glitters (Stickles-Diamond),  Liquid Pearls and Imaginisce gems for dimension.  The wonderful embroidery border is a MS Deep Edge Punch.  I hope you guys like it. 

 IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD CARD:

  IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD CARD LAYERS:

 IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD CARD INSIDE:

 

 IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Make it Monday---Anything Goes
Sister Act---Anything Goes
Path of Positivity---Uplifting Post/Project
My Heart Pieces---Be Sentimental
Challenges 4 Everybody---Anything Goes
Rubber Buggy---Anything Goes
Kaboodle Doodle---Anything Goes
Fab 'n' Funky---For the Girls
Crazy Challenge---Use Sentiments
Pause Dream Enjoy---Use Foam Tape
Inspire Me Fridays---Anything Goes
Paper Makeup Stamps---Anything Goes
TTCRD---Anything Goes
Lacy Sunshine---Anything Goes
Joanna Sheen---Girls, Girls, Girls
Bearly-Mine---Color
Pile It On---Put a Bird on It
SweetPea Stampers---Birds of a Feather
Wags 'n Whiskers---Anything Goes
Frosted Designs---Punches
Crafting by Designs---Anything Goes
Creatalicious Challenge---For the Girls
Simon Says Stamp---Anything Goes
Clear it Out---Critters and Earth Tones
Crafty Boots---Rainbows
Creative Inspirations Paint---Anything Goes
Dream Valley---Animals
Everybody Art---Sketch

Make sure to join us in the WAW Challenge this week for there are 12 prizes to be won from our wonderful sponsors.  Pink Persimmon Stamps is going to give away 5 wonderful clear stamp packages to one blessed winner (these are priced and gorgeous stamps) and 11 others will win chipboard letters from Scripture by Design.  You are welcome to use our Word Art in your project but not a requirement.  You can enter up to 5 projects as long as it has uplifting/inspirational and family friendly messages.  I am excited to see what you come up with.  Have a blessed day and remember that God loves you!

Birthday Tops the Charts Card---My Final GDT Card for The Outlawz Challenge!

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!  Let us not forget the men and women who have courageously put their lives in harms way so we can live free in this country.  I pray for every perfect blessing from the Lord to shower our military personnel and their families all the days of their lives and that you all  may know the hope and peace that is found only in the knowledge of the One, True God! I also pray this prayer to every Missionary from here and around the world who are tirelessly fulfilling the great Commission and putting their lives in danger for the sake of reconciling people to God.  I pray for the power of God to be demonstrated in your lives, freedom for those who were being tortured in prison and the strength and power of God for the persecuted  Sadly, today, we are bombarded not just by those who wants to physically and economically harm us but those who attack the very Constitution that America was governed since it was adopted in 1787.  It was based on a Judeo-Christian principles that have Biblical foundations.  Many people don't know the value of freedom because they have never experienced living in a country whose rights were suppressed either by their forms of government, their religions or the belief system that prevailed in those countries.  We will not know the value of freedom till it is taken away from us and if you look at what is happening nowadays, we can see how we are being robbed of our Godly heritage daily.  Throughout my life, I have watched documentaries on rise and fall of nations and paired with the knowledge God has allowed me to possess through His Word, people are set to repeat history by simply not learning from the mistakes of the past.   The Bible talks about the oppression the Israelites faced under the hands of the Egyptians in the Book of Exodus.  He sent Moses to free His people from this bondage and slavery and through the process---God has shown  how He cared for His people.  Miracles upon miracles---Cloud by day, fire by night!  He has given them the Mosaic Law which reveals God's Holy Ways which we can never fulfill.  It was not given as a checklist for man which will gain him salvation---that would be impossible.  It was given for us to realize the depth from which we've fallen from the ways of God and to point us to a desperate need---A Savior!  Jesus Christ was the promised seed (her seed) in Genesis 3:15 which states, "And I will put enmity between thee (Satan) and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."  Consider this, right after the Fall of Man, God has spoken of a coming Savior, one that will bruise the power of Satan and take back the God-given authority that he has stolen from Man.  The Bible and everything on it speaks of that Savior, a Messiah that would come to save His people and that anyone who confesses their faith in Him is part of His Body---the Church and is saved (Romans 10:9).  From Genesis to Revelation, there is only One Story---how Jesus Christ fulfilled the will of the Father and was faithful to the end.  He resurrected and took back what we've lost as He delegated to His Church the preaching of the Gospel (Good News) which consist of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is the Source of every believer's power here on earth.  Because Jesus triumphed, He will be the One to judge the living and the dead at the coming of age.  What a blessing to be at the side of the Victor!  Though our situations look different as we see the rise of rebellion, lawlessness and depravity not just in this nation but all over the world.  Kids being brought up without the knowledge of and accountability to God, the slaughter of the unborn by the millions and hailing sexual depravity at the fore front while forcing everyone opposing to not discriminate but to tolerate.  This is what the world is battling with today and they may not involve physical weapons but the scripture told us in Ephesians 6:12-15, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."  I know it is hard to deal with those people that were being used by the enemy to bend the Truth of God to suit their fleshly desires but we are told to pray of them and extend compassion while standing up for the Truth of God---knowing that they are under the deception of the enemy, like we were, before we were freed by Jesus Christ through faith in Him.  Thus, we say, "we love the sinner but will always hate the sin."  I want to share this comforting Word of God for whatever struggles you may have at this time:

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  (Galatians 6:9)

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." (1 Timothy1:7)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

I hope we all took courage and understanding from those powerful scriptures.  So, here's my inspiration card for Memorial Day.  As GDT for The Outlawz Challenge this month, we were asked to make a Masculine Vintage Birthday card and here's what I came up with.  I am not into making vintage projects but I can say I tried my very best (with the Lord's help, of course) to aged this project to perfection.  I used a wonderful digi image called "Big Guy Grilling" from one of my fave artist---Mo Manning.  I tried to color it with Sepia combinations in mind thus a lot of brown shades using my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers with some paper-piecing of the shirt and applying Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Walnut Stain) to the edges of my DP's.  My base card is a Kraft 5.5-inch square, the 3 DP's were from DCWV, together with some gems from Imaginisce.  The wonderful sentiment is a freebie I got from Create with TLC.  It was so much fun making this and hope you enjoy it too. 

 BIRTHDAY TOPS THE CHARTS CARD:

 BIRTHDAY TOPS THE CHARTS CARD LAYERS:

 BIRTHDAY TOPS THE CHARTS CARD INSIDE:

BIRTHDAY TOPS THE CHARTS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

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

Enjoy all the wonderful things you have planned today.  Don't forget to join us at The Outlawz Challenges .  You must be a registered member in order to post and comment but it's super easy to join and lots of prizes to be won.  Have a blessed day and let us continue to fight for what is right in God's Word. 

Faith: Believing God Said So Card---Join us for an Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello, everyone!  This post is a bit late due to my always busy Sundays.  Had a wonderful time praising and worshiping the King of kings in the midst of the congregation early this morning and it was an honor to usher the people to the throne of our Almighty God.  I've been a part of the Music Ministry in all the Churches God took me since I came to know Him many years ago.  You see, God has given us all talents and has wired us to be good at certain things in order to fulfill His purpose here on earth through us.  Unless we submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, that purpose will remain foreign to us because only when we are connected to our power Source that we can unleash our full potential.  Before I came to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I thought I got my life going.  I've been singing all my life and was doing great in other forms of art like dancing and acting.  Back in my college years, I realized I could make singing as a career and I have gotten wonderful words, which I took as confirmation, from the many great talents I was surrounded with.  But I had to rethink my future the time I lost my voice due to the stressful hours of rehearsals I had to go through at one of our Singing competitions.  I was devastated that my dream would never come to pass.  I somehow resented God wondering how He could have given the talent and then took it back.  It was frustrating not being able to perform in the same level I was able to.  That, together with many other problems  life brought me at the exact time sure plummeted me to hopelessness.  THEN, CAME JESUS!  Growing up in one of the most influential religions in the world, I thought I knew Jesus!  I found out that I just knew His name but not truly knew Who He was in my life.  I began to read His Word----there was that hunger and thirst to discover that love, grace and compassion He alone can provide.  My life is a living testimony that He never failed.  I took what was left of my voice and offered it back to Him.  It is so wonderful to serve the Only One who is worthy of all my praise---the One who loved me so much that He had to give His life for my sake.  In times of trials and moments of stubbornness,  He remains constant, unchanging of His love for me.   He wraps me in His arms and tells me to calm down and lets me rest while He takes hold of the driver's seat.  And all I need to do is to allow Him---That simple trust is FAITH!  Many of us think we know everything and that we are capable enough to be in charge of our lives.  We want to rest in the evening knowing that we did everything we possibly can to live a successful life---rich in all the pleasures that go with it.  This mentality is nothing but rebellion to the Only One true God.  Come to think of it, we cannot even prevent death from coming.  We are helpless in natural calamities and not one of us can stop an earthquake from happening no matter how rich or powerful we are.  The scripture tells us that there is life after death and only the Bible has detailed what would become of those that didn't put their faith (trust) in Jesus Christ (had been Born-again of the Water (Word of God) and the Spirit (Holy Spirit)---Read John 3) and the legacy of those that have done so before our physical life is over.  I challenge you to seek the Scriptures and lay out all your questions to our Almighty God.  He has every questions answered. We are a heartbeat away from eternity and I ask that you don't take it lightly for it may be too late.  I would like to share to you these scriptures Jesus told us about the Rich man and Lazarus.  I hope this provides a glimpse of the reality of eternal life according to the Word of God and how we are a tripartite being possessing a spirit, soul and body:

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire. But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” (Luke 16:19-31)

  

With all these verses, it is most important that we trust in what the Word of God says.  The Bible has 66 books that comprised both the Old and the New Testaments.  They were written by several authors with many years in between each book yet, it does not have any error.  Why so?  Because it didn't come from the mind of man but of God.  Men were used by God to write but the thoughts were from God Himself---the Holy Spirit.  I can identify with that because when I am sharing here in my Blog, I am amazed at some of the posts I share and I can tell you, it is not my thoughts but God's. I am simply a vessel for Him.  So, here's my inspiration card for you today for our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  It's Anything Goes this week and our lovely sponsor is Meljen's Designs.  I chose the "A Girl and her Overalls" that I had for quite sometime (rubber stamp) and colored it with ProMaker/Prismacolor markers.  I laid every panel on a 5.5-inch square Kraft card base, the DP's are from Recollections and DCWV and the CS's are Kraft, Green, Blue, Pink and Yellow from my scraps.  I layered some Prima flowers, add buttons and glitters (Stickles-Diamond), ribbon and Liquid Pearls (White Opaque).   I stamped some swirls from Inkadinkado and the sentiment is from CDS Stamps which I recently purchased (Hurry, I think they still have a moving sale).  Hope you enjoy the pics.

FAITH: BELIEVING GOD SAID SO CARD:

FAITH: BELIEVING GOD SAID SO CARD LAYERS:

FAITH: BELIEVING GOD SAID SO CARD INSIDE:

FAITH: BELIEVING GOD SAID SO CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

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

This is all for today and I am posting my next inspiration card for The Outlawz Challenges tomorrow.  Hope you have a good start of the week and know that the Lord has prepared for you a life of purpose as you surrender your life to Jesus Christ!  Hugs and blessings...

Scripture Series: But the Lord is Faithful Easel Card---Time for Another Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Great Wednesday to all you Crafters out there!  Sorry for my delay in posting this but just been hammered with loads of things to do the past few days that I felt I would be snoozing over my computer instead of completing a post.  But got a bit of rest now and ready to share God's Word.  My card today is a very special one because I used an image that I felt very strongly about.  Honestly, when I saw this image from Sassy Cheryl, I felt so emotional about it.  That is because I saw in the image something about myself and the love of God for me.  It's a picture of a little boy hugging a bear.  It should not be a big deal but if you noticed, the bear is falling apart, unwanted, all used up, tired and good for tossing away but the little boy picked it up and showed love and compassion for it.  He sees the potential over this unwanted bear and knew he can still bring out the best in it. So much so, the love of God for us...His grace, compassion and love drew Him to us who in return have rebelled against Him, did everything possible to betray Him and turned our backs against Him and in the process hurt ourselves---physically, emotionally and spiritually!  We were created in the image of likeness of our Father in Heaven.  Genesis 1:26 says, "Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."  Not only did He gave us a spirit but He made us rulers with authority to rule over His creation.  We are His precious creation and was only expecting love in return.  But history showed us failing in Genesis 3.  Sharing the desire to be God (which is the very heart and nature of the devil when he said in Isaiah 14:13-15, "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."), we became slaves to Satan and thus we are seeing the very evidence of his ruling on this earth which is bombarded with killing, stealing and destroying (John 10:10).  Romans 1:21 says, "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."  Sad to say but like the bear in my card, we were without hope, only good for tossing away...BUT GOD NEVER GAVE UP ON US!  He saw our potential, our future and refused to dwell in the past.  He's relentless, passionate and faithful.  He sent His One and Only Son---Jesus Christ---to suffer His own wrath (which clearly says that as God is love, He is also a JUST God that won't let sin  go unpunished) to ransom us from the hands of the devil.  He purchased us with His own blood---through Jesus death on the Cross so that he may condemn sin in the flesh.  He gave up His own life so that we may have ours back.  Don't you understand it?  He loves us more than His own life!  The Bible says in John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  I cried when I saw this cute digi image because I didn't see myself making the same choice as this boy.  When I purchase something, I want it to be in the most perfect condition, no tears nor spots.  I wouldn't want to pay for anything that needs some work unless I am desperately in need of it.  I realized the very God of heaven desperately needs me back in His arms that He is willing to give up His life for me.  He wants me for Himself---I, who have been disobedient, unfaithful, stubborn in many ways.  But that's who He is---HE LOVES!     I am good for tossing away but He sees me more precious than any jewels.  He saw my potential, not my present situation.  Tell me, how can I not love Him back?  Knowing Him and what He has done for me is the best thing that ever happened in my life and I am eternally grateful.  I want to share with you some verses to ponder on:

"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."  (Isaiah 1:18)

"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (Isaiah 43:25)

"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." (1 John 2:1)

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," (Acts 3:19) 

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life In Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2)

So, here's my inspirational card for you today at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) and it features 2 Thessalonians 3:3 which I added some color using Paint Program.  You can download this scripture Word Art at the WAW Blog for free.  The Sassy Cheryl  image (already retired, I think!) is colored using my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  I used a Kraft 5.5" square base card.  The DP's are from Recollections and K & Company.  I used Nestabilities for my Hexagon die cut, some brown brads and a sanding dust cloth from Making Memories for that touch of fiber.  I stamped the "love border" from Fiskars and the inside sentiment is from Studio G.  Lastly, as always, I stitched all over this card.  Hope you are blessed with it as much as I am. 

 BUT THE LORD IS FAITHFUL EASEL CARD:

 BUT THE LORD IS FAITHFUL EASEL CARD SIDE VIEW:

 BUT THE LORD IS FAITHFUL EASEL CARD WHEN CLOSE:

 BUT THE LORD IS FAITHFUL EASEL CARD WITH MESSAGE SPACE:

BUT THE LORD IS FAITHFUL EASEL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

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

I am so grateful to God for His help posting this.  He is my Source of inspiration in all my  projects and posting.  Without Him, I will not have anything worthy of sharing.  I hope you join us at WAW and link up to 5 inspirational , family friendly projects to our Challenge.  If you decide to make something out of the free Word art, we would like to see it but if you don't, it's not a requirement.  I am excited to see what you create this week. Lots of prizes to be won from our sponsor this week, V's Sweet Ideas.  Have a blessed day and meditate on the love of Jesus for you.  If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus and would like to know how, message me and I will be more than happy to introduce you to Him.  Hugs!

A Girl-Classy and Fabulous Card---My 3rd Week at GDT at The Outlawz Monday Greetings Challenges...

Happy Monday, everyone!  I am having such a wonderful time being GDT for the first time this whole month of May for the Monday Greeting Card Challenges at The Outlawz.  It was an honor to be asked and be surrounded by people who encourages me to create my best and also appreciates what I deliver.  The theme is "Purplelicious" and I didn't know how difficult it was till I realize that through the years of making cards, I probably used purple twice or thrice.  It was hard looking for the papers that will work well together and have the purple shades as dominant as possible in my card.  I decided to pray and ask my Father in heaven what to do and for Him to create through me.  It may seem a small issue but  I believe with all my heart that God is the very inspiration for all my creations.  Without Him, nothing will make sense and no matter how I tried my hardest, without His direction, I'll end up with a card that I am not artfully satisfied with.  After a few minutes, I felt in my spirit, ideas started flowing---beginning with finding the image that I already colored way back in mostly purple (it was awesome since I was already pressed with time) and it was Bugaboo (our sponsor for this week) and found the DP's that will complete the design.  And finally a clear idea of the lay-out to use, the embellishments and the sentiment that I found right away.  It was awesome, clearly, God answered my prayer and when I got it done, I was greatly amazed!  

It brings me comfort and peace that God cares and wants to be part of everything I do.  I know that I am here in the world of Crafting to blog about God's role and work in my life.  Without Him, my words and efforts will be meaningless.  Without His salvation (through Christ), I'll be a total lost!  Many friends visiting my Blog told me that what they see in my projects were not just crafted pieces of paper, put together neatly---there's so much more to it!  Those were great words and I am truly humbled because I knew it wasn't just me creating---IT IS GOD THROUGH ME!  I am His earthly vessel---His feet on earth!  I could have chosen to walk my own path but JESUS GAVE ME THE GRACE to know Him and be a recipient of His Spirit.  The scripture clearly states in the following scriptures how a Born-Again Believer (see John 3:3) is to live his/her life in total dependence to God by virtue of the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ.

"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." (Galatians 2:20)

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

"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." (John 15:5)

So, here is my inspiration Card for the Purplelicious at The Outlawz.  I used the image "JJ Calendar Months-April" that I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The card base is a 5.5-inch square Kraft CS and the very fitting sentiment is a freebie I got way back from Create with TLC. The DP's are from Recollections, DCWV and Me and My Big Ideas.  Other CS's used are from my scraps colored pink, cream and purple. The Lacey Oval is from Nestabilities, layered some Prima flowers and added a brad at the center , the die-cut swirls is from a Sizzix "Sizzlit"' die and added some glitters (Stickles), Crystal and Diamond.   I also incorporated a doily, a mesh fabric and some white pearl gems from Imaginisce.  For the image's glasses, I used Glossy Accents and lastly, I stitched all over the card.  Hope you like it.  

 A GIRL-CLASSY AND FABULOUS CARD:

 A GIRL-CLASSY AND FABULOUS CARD LAYERS:

 A GIRL-CLASSY AND FABULOUS CARD INSIDE:

A GIRL-CLASSY AND FABULOUS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

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

That's it for me today, folks!  Please join us at The Outlawz by posting your entry project on Monday Greeting Card Challenge.  If it is your first time to join and visit The Outlawz Blog, you will need to sign-up in order to post or comment.  It's easy and free.  I truly appreciate everyone reading my Blog and leaving wonderful comments about my post.  God is faithful and I believe in my heart that whatever He ask me to post is for someone's benefit so, if you've been inspired, strengthened or challenged by God's Word, please let me know.  You are also an inspiration to me given by the Lord.  I am grateful for all of you.  Have an awesome week!  Hugs!

Scripture Series: He Giveth Power to the Faint Card---It's Time to Join Us for a Great Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday...

Good morning, y'all Crafters out there!  I'm back for another inspirational project for Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Have you ever experienced being at the lowest point of your life?  I asked because when we are growing up, everything we need (sometimes, even our "wants") are provided by our parents.  Under normal circumstances, we don't need to worry about what we are going to eat, drink, clothing, shelter because Mom and Dad is around.  But as we quickly approach adulthood, we realize that our parents cannot provide everything for us anymore and if we end up making wrong decisions, things can quickly get out of hand.  You know, I thought I was okay and having a father that had a very influential job, I thought my future was secure---grow up, finishing school, land a good job (possibly a professional singer---I love to sing, and dance and act) and travel all over the world.  But the people and things I counted on didn't deliver.  I lost control of my voice after an intense rehearsal for a Choir competition in College that stressed my vocal cords and never recovered from it, lost respect for my father one lie after another, stress in the household due to financial turmoil and friends that are concerned about having fun but never delivered a comfort and strength I was looking for.  And the last straw, a knight in shining armor that left without a word.  It literally felt the world came crashing down on me all at the same time...Though I kept a good attitude in front of everybody, they didn't know that I was broken and devastated inside.  I felt like I was in a sinking sand and no help in sight.  I was at my lowest point, so much so, that I don't see any point in living.  In that state, I utter a simple prayer asking God to take me---and He responded!  HE TOOK ME IN HIS ARMS AND COMFORTED ME LIKE NO ONE HAS EVER DONE.  He began to show me who JESUS is in my life using different means---new friends that came my way, Christ centered TV programs and of course, His infallible Word.  It was many years ago, I surrendered my life to the One who died for me and took me out of the darkness and brought me to His glorious light.  I walked with Him , talked to Him and depended on Him. Even in my unfaithfulness and stubbornness---He's relentless!   Jesus' love for me is immeasurable---no height, no depth, no width.  As my 7 year old son puts it---it's INFINITY...ETERNAL, UNCHANGING!  If you are in some kind of turmoil as I was and have been tired of looking for help in all other places---bring it all to JESUS!  He didn't come just to save me, He also came to save YOU along with all of humanity.  It is in your weakness that He's strength is made perfect.  The Bible reveals to us the love of God through Jesus Christ and I would like for you to ponder on these promises:

"Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  (Matthew 11:28-30)

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

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  (Isaiah 41:10)  

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

"I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me." (Psalm 120:1)

"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." (John 3:16)

This brings me to my inspirational card and the featured Word Art at our Anything Goes Challenge at WAW which highlights Isaiah 40:29 which talks about God strengthening those are weak and giving them power to overcome every wiles of the enemy.  You see, this does not only pertain to sickness or physical disabilities.  Those who know that there's nothing we can do in everyday situation without God in our lives is empowered and strengthened by God as we place our faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross.  This is a wonderful promise that we have to keep in our hearts.  I have chosen one of the images of my fave artist, Mo Manning, and it's called "Girl and Dog." I had it for a while now but I'm glad I finally got to use it as I love the wonderful expression on that girl's face and the funky dog...LOL.  I colored it with my Promarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  I used a 5.5-inch Kraft card base with more Kraft and yellow green CS for matting.  The DP's are from Recollections, the circle was cut with my MS Circle Cutter,  the border punch (houses) is a Sizzix die  that I ran through the Cuttlebug and inked with several Distress Inks (Vintage Photo, Peacock Feathers, Fired Brick and Rusty Hinge).  I used Fiskars border punch for the slits where I threaded the ribbon.  I attached a brad in the center of the crochet flower that I made (See My Etsy Shop on the side of my Blog if you want to purchase) and adhered our featured Word Art/Verse which colors I altered with my Paint program.  Lastly, I stitched all over this Card.  Hope you enjoy the pics.

 HE GIVETH POWER TO THE FAINT CARD:

 HE GIVETH POWER TO THE FAINT CARD LAYERS:

 HE GIVETH POWER TO THE FAINT CARD INSIDE:

HE GIVETH POWER TO THE FAINT CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

I hope you'd take the time to join us at our WAW Challenge.  You can download the free Word Art by visiting our site, make a project out of it and link it to our Challenge.  This is not a requirement but if you have projects that are family friendly with uplifting and inspirational messages, you can link that too (you are allowed up to 5).  Our sponsors this week are Heart and Soul Rubber Stamps and The World's Most Artsy Penguin.  I can't wait to see your projects this week and leave you some lovin' on your Blogs.  Have a blessed day and always remember, Jesus cares for you, a lot!

Friends Fill You With Smiles Card---My 2nd GDT Card for the Monday Greetings Challenge at The Outlawz!

Hey there, fellow Crafters.  I usually don't post anything on Mondays but this entire month, I was honored to be invited as GDT for one of The Outlawz Challenges---that is Monday Greeting Cards.  It's quite late posting this today because I just came from my favorite hobby, and that is---shopping!...LOL  While I was out and about, I was reminded of the prayer which my son (7 years old) utter before we eat at our dining table.  He said,  "Thank you, God, for creating us even though you knew we would sin."  The first time I heard him said that, I was in awe because that just gave me a glimpse on the working of the Lord in my son's life.  I attend a Bible school and have learned a great deal from the years I've been going.  In explaining things to my boy regarding behavior, discipline and life in general, I would end up taking Him to the scriptures to explain our existence and why we need Jesus in our lives.  I would hope he listened to everything I said but I don't have a way of knowing till he expresses what he learned in words and in deed.  What came out of his mouth that day he first said it, was something deep and I knew that the Holy Spirit has imparted into this young mind a glimpse of God's Love! 1 John 4:8 tells us,  "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."  God's very nature is LOVE...It's Agape (self-sacrificing)!  God is the Author of Love and without Him showing us, we will not know LOVE!  You see, God can live without man but man cannot live without God.  We need to reconcile this reality in our hearts---that the LOVE of GOD prompted Him to create us.   Why?  Love cannot exist without a beneficiary---it must be willingly given and is only perfected when the recipient, in his own free will, love God back .  God did not make us robots, without a heart and an ability to decide our actions.  Genesis 2:7 declares, "Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."  He gave us a spirit (to commune with Him), a soul (to think, to decide and to feel) and a body (to commune with one another and adopt to the earth He created for us).  Yet, history showed the high treason man committed to a God who gave him his life---thus the Fall!  BUT GOD HAD A PLAN!  At the darkest hour of man in Genesis 3:15, He provided a HOPE of a coming Savior (Seed of the woman) that will bruise the head (authority) of the serpent (Satan)----No other than JESUS CHRIST!  He is the perfect demonstration of God's love for mankind.  He was faithful to God till the end of His life---spotless, blameless!  He is the ONLY WAY by which man can be saved---from the beginning to the  end! (John 14:6) I would lie to anyone if in an attempt to please everyone, I would say that you can worship different gods based on your religion.  God provided one solution for man's salvation---the Man, Christ Jesus!  I would like to share with you the following verses to show how much God values each and everyone of us:

"God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself. and became obedient unto death, even
the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  (Philippians 2:8-11)

"See what kind of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.  (1 John 3:1)

"In my Father's house are many rooms.  If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."  (John 14:2-3)

You see, God wants me to love Him back out of a willing and grateful heart.  He did everything necessary to take me back from the hands of the enemy without my own effort.  My only part is to believe (trust) that I have complete victory through what Christ did for me.  How awesome!  How gracious that when He revealed Himself to me, I fell truly, madly and deeply in love with Him.  If you are in search of true love and are looking in all the wrong places, open your heart to the Lord!  He is willing to take you no matter how ugly, broken and blemished you are.  He will show you the true beauty that lives inside of you and once you reconnect with Him, you'll be able to share the same  grace and love He has given you in your everyday relationship with other people.

So, here's my GDT and inspiration card for you today highlighting fun and friendship.The image is from Make It Crafty featuring "Sam and Dylan Fishing" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  I used a 5.5-inch white CS for card base and embossed a white CS with my Cuttlebug.  I used a grey and blue CS for matting, added some brads, incorporated a sentiment from MMDesigns and stitched all over this card.  This is what I like about male cards, you don't have to embellish it a lot.  Simplicity is the key!

FRIENDS FILL YOU WITH SMILES CARD:

 

FRIENDS FILL YOU WITH SMILES CARD LAYERS:

FRIENDS FILL YOU WITH SMILES CARD INSIDE:

 

FRIENDS FILL YOU WITH SMILES  CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

I hope you enjoyed this card as much as I did making it.  Don't forget to visit The Outlawz Challenges and enter your card to the Anything Goes Challenge at Monday Greeting Card Challenge.  There are lots of prizes to be won.  If you haven't been to The Outlawz site, you need to sign-up before you can upload your entry since this is a private group.  It's pretty easy and the Crafters there are very warm and helpful...Have a wonderful week and see you on Wednesday for another inspirational card feature for Word Art Wednesday. 

Great Outdoors Outhouse Card---It's Anything Goes/Shaped Cards Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Happy Mother's Day, everyone!  What have you got planned today?  For me, I just want to worship the Lord with my family and celebrate the remaining hours outside of my Craft Room...LOL  I've been stuck making projects for a couple of days so, after this post, I want to spend my time with my family.  I'm sure most of you thought of the same thing.  Anyway, my project today highlights the simplicity of life and being content with your blessings.  I still remember spending several years of my life with my Grandma back in the central part of the Philippines, and at age 3-5, my Grandma had a wonderful house made of mostly different kinds of bamboos, wood and other natural resources---far  from the hustle and bustle of the city.  Life was so much simpler then.  There was no TV or stereo, all we have was a radio.  We slept with a mat (no padding) on the floor we call "Banig" with a mosquito net.  We cooked using wood and there was no refrigerator.  The floor in the kitchen and dining area had gaps that you can see below as the house was elevated from the ground with stilts and under that was where the bathroom and toilets were located.  I remember having to wake up my Grandma and carry a flashlight or a candle in the middle of the night.  As a kid, that was always a scary thing for me to do.  Yet, looking back, spending time with my Grandma in a very simple life is one of my fondest memories of being a kid.  There was more time for togetherness---time to listen, to teach one another (she taught me how to crochet and many other crafts, braid my hair etc.) and to show love and affection for  one another.  

I've tasted the simple life and was happy and content.  So, what is contentment?  One dictionary defines it as "the state of being mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are.”  In essence, Jesus is telling us to be content with what we have.  Here are some verses I want to share with you today: 

"Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25)

Apostle Paul said, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13)

Jesus said,  “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:32-33).

Whether we live a simple or complex life, God told us to be content with what we have.  I believe people can only appreciate plenty when they experienced lack.  In both conditions, I learned to appreciate the blessings of the Lord in  my life.  I thank Him for His provisions when things are going well and humbly cling on Him when times are tough.  Our Father in Heaven knows what we need and He wants us to completely trust in Him for every little and significant things involving our lives.  We must understand that Jesus Christ is the means by which every blessing flows to us from the Father.  Through Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, He established the way that was severed by rebellion when Man fell.  Because Jesus won the victory, it is by faith in Jesus' finished work  that we come to God, our Father, and received from Him the righteousness that is bestowed upon every sons and daughters of the King in God's Kingdom.  There's nothing we can do---good works, self-reliance, accomplishments, obeying the laws (Mosaic Law) and anything man can conjure up by himself---in order to receive this righteousness (right standing) with God.  It is solely by faith in Jesus Christ and what He accomplished on the Cross that gives us that status in the sight of God.  Noah and Abraham were just two of the people that lived before the Law of Moses.  Yet what did God say about Abraham in Galatians 3:6, "In the same way, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith."  This only means that we are to come to God the same way Abraham did before the law.  That is by way of faith---in Jesus Christ!

So, for this week's Challenge at 613 Avenue Create, I am featuring an "Old Fashioned Outhouse" from our sponsor, Rick St. Dennis.  I colored the image with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  I used a 5.5-inch white CS card base.  To shape it (to go with the optional theme), I used an MS Punch and my Corner Chomper to shape the corners/edges.  I embossed with my Cuttlebug using a Paper Studio folder, die cut with Nestabilities using the Lacey Circle, added the border and butterfly accent from Heidi Grace and adhered several glittery gems from I-Rock.  The outside sentiment is from Studio G and the inside is from Stampabilities.  As always, I run this card in my sewing machine.  I love how the colored image pop in a primarily white bacground.  This surely reminds me of my time with my Grandma which I cherish a lot---the simpler life!

 GREAT OUTDOORS OUTHOUSE CARD:

  GREAT OUTDOORS OUTHOUSE CARD LAYERS:

  GREAT OUTDOORS OUTHOUSE CARD INSIDE:

 GREAT OUTDOORS OUTHOUSE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

That's it for me today.  Hope you join us at 613 Avenue Create for our Anything Goes/Shaped Card  Challenge.  There are a load of inspiration from my fellow DT's that you need to check-out there.  I will be coming back tomorrow to highlight the card I made for my second week as GDT at The Outlawz Challenges.  Have a blessed and wonderful day, all you Moms out there!  Hugs!