Too Much Happy Card---Come Over our Neighborhood at 613 Avenue Create for Another Anything Goes with a Twist Challenge!

Good Sunday morning, folks!  I know, I know...It's been a while since my last post but got to have that much needed break and although needing more rest after vacation (LOL), I'm back to the regular routine including Cardmaking.  It feels weird to come back to my craft table, wondering what to do first, and for an hour or so, had to browse on some Card magazines to get some inspiration.  Yet throughout the flipping of pages, I know in my heart that the Lord will guide me to the perfect theme, colors and lay-out and I am a living proof that He never fails.  I found a couple of lay-out inspiration but the rest of the ideas come as I go along.  I would like to say that the same is true in our lives.  There's many times we are out of ideas and have tried every way possible for things to go as smoothly as they can but we cannot deny the fact that everything is dependent upon what the Lord would allow.  Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." We don't even know what life may bring us in the next 5 minutes thus, it is wise to entrust everything to our Maker and His Son, Jesus Christ, to whom we are sure of victory.  You see, God created every human being with a purpose.  Yes, even the meanest, heinous, person on earth has a purpose in this life. Yet, the  Lord didn't want anyone to perish but to live.  His Word declares in 1 Timothy 2:3-4 says, "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." Sadly, people only knows of a loving, merciful God yet neglect/object the fact that He is also a Righteous Judge.  Almighty God, knowing that man's fate is eternal separation from Him, He suffered His own wrath by appointing His Son, Jesus Christ (whose the Only qualified ransom) to suffer the punishment for every man's rebellion against Him.  That if we "repent" ( making a 180 degrees turn) from our wicked ways and receive what Jesus Christ did on our behalf (dying in our place so we can live a new life in God's Kingdom as co-heirs with Him), we are sure to live eternal life with Him.  Truth to be told, people embraces a loving God but rejects a God that demands righteousness on His people. When the Word of God confronts their immorality, they throw God and His people out of the window in disobedience and rebellion.  Instead, they have obeyed their evil passions, burning with lustful desires for one another yet they invoke God's love when anyone points out to them the destruction that they subjected themselves to.  I want you to know that telling the Truth about God's call for repentance, no matter how loving and courteous you are, is translated as hate and bigotry in our days.  Yet the Bible tells us in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  God gave us these verses for such a time as this in the world.  Now, more than ever, every believer of Jesus Christ is under attack.  If you are unaware of this, come out of your bubble and seek the facts deeper than mainstream media will give you. Are we supposed to freak out and ball in tears?  No, not at all! While there is time (before the Rapture of the Church when Christ comes for His Bride---The Church), we are to make every moment count.  Be the salt and light in this world, standing up against any power that seeks to oppress men on earth and bringing the will of God on earth as it is in heaven.  We can do this by prayer of faith (without ceasing) and by putting this faith into action.  Though it may seem overwhelming, we are never to trust in our own abilities---but with everything in us, TRUST ONLY GOD!  God made me for this very moment in time and I will make my life count for Him according to the purpose He has appointed unto me before the beginning of time.  Here are some verses we can meditate on in our daily walk in this world...

“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)

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matthew 10:16-20)

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

Anyway, here's the card I made for this week's Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  As always, it's everyone's favorite---Anything Goes with an optional twist of "Create Your Own Challenge" if you want to sweat it out a bit...LOL  One of our sponsors this week is The Paper Shelter and they were generous enough to let me play with one (out of the three) image/s in the "Happy Days" Mega Pack.  I colored this very cute "Trampoline Boy" with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  I used a Kraft CS, cut and scored, measuring 5.5 inches square for a card base and matting and several DP's (some from Recollections) from my scraps.  The border sentiment is from Will 'n Way clear stamps and the wonderful main sentiment is a freebie from Create with TLC.  I added some ribbons, white nail head gems from Imaginisce, a brad top from Heidi Grace and some Glossy Accents on the trampoline image for added dimension (it may not show clearly in the pic.)  I just love how this turn out and all I can say is "Thank You, Jesus, for the strength and inspiration to create."  I would love to hear from you so, please leave me some comments. 

Cross references:

1. Matthew 5:11 : Isa 51:7
2. Matthew 5:11 : S Jn 15:21
3. Matthew 5:12 : Ps 9:2; Ac 5:41; S 2Co 6:10; 12:10; Col 1:24; Jas 1:2; 1Pe 1:6; 4:13, 16
4. Matthew 5:12 : 2Ch 36:16; Mt 23:31, 37; Ac 7:52; 1Th 2:15; Heb 11:32-3

 TOO MUCH HAPPY CARD:

 TOO MUCH HAPPY CARD LAYERS:

 TOO MUCH HAPPY CARD INSIDE:

TOO MUCH HAPPY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

2 Sisters---ATG
A.R.T. Card Challenges---ATG
As you Like It---Favorite Sentiment and Why (True happiness is something no money can buy)
Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Crafter's Cafe---Die Cuts/Punches
Crafting By Designs---ATG
Crafts 4 Eternity---ATG
Creative Inspirations Paint---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Frame It
Di's Digis---Show Off those Coloring Skills
Drunken Stampers---Die-Cuts
My Craft Creations---ATG
Simon Says Stamp---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
Make It Monday---ATG
Create with TLC---Show it Off Sunday
Digitally Sweet---ATG
Ladybug Crafts---ATG
Inspire Me Fridays---ATG
4 Krafty Girlz---ATG
Whimsy Stamps---Masculine

There you go, folks! I hope you have such a wonderful Sunday honoring and praising our Savior, Jesus Christ, with the rest of the people from every nation.  Don't forget to visit us and join the fun at 613 Avenue Create for an "Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Twist" and link up your projects.  If you are wondering what "Create Your Own Challenge" is (the twist this week), you can look it up at the Challenge site and we have the instructions on what it's all about.  God bless you always and love y'all!

Scripture Series: Your Speech with Grace Card---It's another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hey there, Crafty friends!  Another delayed post, another busy week for me.  Amidst the crazy project schedules, I have lots of rearranging to do at home.  We're taking all the clutter out and at the moment, my home looks like it can be a good candidate for the show "Hoarders"...LOL  Clutter just stresses me out in a profound way.  I'm not even  half a"clean freak" as my Mom but I think I did get some of her passion to keep things as orderly and clean as possible.  So much so in my life...When everything is a mess and in a clutter, it's hard to function and see things clearly.  Many times, I have tried to do it on my own---getting rid of bitterness and anger, frustrations here and there on things that are out of my control.  No matter how I try, without any help, the task is too much to bear.  But I needed to find out what was wrong with the way I deal with things first---that is relying on my own efforts and abilities to solve every problems and situations that come my way.  Now, that I have the Lord Jesus in my life as my Lord and Savior and that I am dead to myself but alive in Him---it is His life I now live and not my own (Galatians 2:20).  Therefore, I must let God take control of everything that comes my way.  In every decision making, I call on Him and ask what to do---even to as simple as what am I going to eat today, Lord?  For many, that could be a silly thing to do as many would think that God is only to be called in times of hopelessness.  But that is not what the Spirit of God, inside of me, taught me.  I am to call and depend on Him with every fiber of my being.  He does the work in my life and as a vessel for His honor, I  yield to every work that He has assigned to me.  Where He says I go, that's where I go. What He says I do, that's what I should do.  In a world that is increasingly hostile to Christians, we are to listen closely to the voice of the Spirit, never engaging in fear when it comes to the things of God.  We are in the times where we are called many hateful names as we stand for the Truth of the Gospel, speaking and proclaiming salvation only through Jesus Christ.  Are we going to back down?  I hope not!  The Word of God already told us of our victory at the end of this age and anything we suffer for in this world is nothing compared to what He already prepared for us.  Satan is using every power he can mobilize in this world, headed by people who are "lovers of themselves" and has an all-out hate for the God of the Bible, to control every sector of society, and it's now, more than ever, that we need to be grounded in the solid foundation of the Gospel (reading and understanding the context of the scriptures) and stand on the promises of God no matter what this life may bring.  Faith is not only "believing" but it's "acting on what you believe in."  The Bible tells us in James 2:17, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."  So yes, I am getting rid of all the clutter (things that does not please God) in my life by allowing His Holy Spirit to empower me.  Only He can do the work in my life and all I do is yield my life to Him.  He know what my true purpose at this day and time is so, all I can say is "Let it happen for your glory, Lord!  I would like to leave you with some encouraging words from the scriptures:

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm."  (Psalm 20:7-8)

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."  (Ephesians 1:17-21)

So, here's my card for the Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  It features Colossians 4:6 which says, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."  This verse tells me that before we can respond with wisdom and understanding to any man, we ought to equip ourselves with the Word of God.  We cannot give what we don't have.  In order to tell someone about salvation by grace, we ought to have received the same from God.  In order to teach someone about the love of God, we have to be beneficiaries of that same love. To tell someone their need to repent to God, we should have experienced humbling ourselves before the Lord and that indeed, he came to our rescue and answered our call for help.  Now, we could have memorized the Bible but if we say thing without love and compassion, tasty (salty) enough to encourage further dialogue, then we may lose the opportunity to effectively share the Truth of the Gospel with that person.  Know that we don't convert people from darkness into light---it is the sole function of the Holy Spirit.  All we can do is be instrumental in planting the seed of God's Word in someone's heart as the Lord leads us.  Anyway, this Word Art is free to download at our WAW site. 

For this card, I used a wonderful digi stamp from Saturated Canary called "Librarian" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  I paper-pieced some of the titles in the books to fit the theme of my card. The base card is a Kraft cut and scored to make a 5.5-inches square card, the DP's are all from DCWV, with 3 different color CS for matting and layering.  I used the biggest Lacy Circle Nestabilities for the die-cut shape and a circle cutter from MS.  I used one of my Cuttlebug embossing folders to add texture to one panel.  I stamped some hearts from Stampabilities, border (faux stitch) stamp from Recollections, white gems from Imaginisce and glossy accents for the image's glasses.  I enjoyed making this card in the midst of a grueling schedule (lots of chores) yesterday. 

YOUR SPEECH WITH GRACE CARD:

 YOUR SPEECH WITH GRACE CARD LAYERS:

 YOUR SPEECH WITH GRACE CARD INSIDE:

YOUR SPEECH WITH GRACE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Addicted to Stamps---ATG
Crafting By Designs---ATG
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
Crafting for all Seasons---Back to School/For a Child
Cuttin and Stampin---Back to School
Digi Darla---ATG/Twist: Back to School
Hobby Cutz---ATG
Kaboodle Doodles---Back to School
My Craft Creations---Stamped/Digi Image
OSAAT---Use a Digi
Penny's Paper-Crafty---ATG
Pile It On---Tic Tac Toe (Patterned Paper/Image/School Theme)
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
Tammy's Scrappin Corner---Back to School
Sisterhood of Crafters---Use a Digi
TTCRD---ATG
Totally Gorjuss---ATG
Tuesday Throwdown---ATG
4 Krafty Girlz---ATG
Country View Crafts---Layers
Crafts-Too Challenge You---Texture with a Twist (My style is lots of layering.  I added texture to this  project by adding some embossing as well as glossy accents to the image's glasses.)
Inspire Me Fridays---ATG
Loves Rubberstamps---Sentiment on Front
Shelly's Images---Roll 'Em (6-Item of Choice-digi image/10-Bling-white gems/3-Die-Nestabilities)
Make It Monday---ATG
Simon Monday Challenge---Embossed
Love to Scrap---ATG
Parade Your Crafts---ATG
Oozak---Die Cuts and/or Punches
Our Creative Corner---Forgotten Things (The border (faux lacy stitch) and  heart stamp)

Just want to remind you to link your projects (up to 5 creations) at the WAW Blog.  You can use the Word Art we give away for free although it's not mandatory.  As long as it's family friendly, inspirational or uplifting, you can enter any creation you made.  Lots of prizes to be won from our our wonderful sponsors this week---Digi Darla and Nice Crane Designs.  For all the wonderful people who took some time to leave me those awesome, sweet comments, thank you so much!  I may not be able to respond but just want to let you all know how much I appreciate your wonderful and encouraging words.  I pray for the Lord's abundant blessings to flow continuously in your lives and to guide you to His Truth always.

Scripture Series: They that Wait on the Lord Center Step Card---Join Us for Another Inspiraitonal Challenge at Word Art Wednesday...

Hello there, Crafty peeps...Yet, another delayed post for this Card because yesterday was another busy day dealing with our local government and the unconstitutional ordinance which they have pushed to pass in our city giving special rights to the LGBTQ agenda.  Today, after a record turn-out of people opposing this bill (you will not see evidence of this from the media whose bias to liberal agenda), 7 out of 10  councilmen and the Mayor voted to pass the ordinance amidst the people's request to table it and let the people (we, the people) vote for it.  An ordinance that violates our nations first amendment right and the Texas Constitution should not be left for council people to vote on.  The problem is that in our day and time, we have allowed the government to control our lives and gave them the power to play gods?  In what way did we do that?  By not acting on the God given rights that God has placed upon us---one of them is TO VOTE.  To elect Godly officials who fears the Lord and has reverence for Him.  Instead, we have allowed ourselves to be dictated by the media, Hollywood opinions and ungodly officials stating the "separation of Church and State.  In fact, the true essence of this "separation" is to take the government out of the affairs of the Church and not the other way around.  We have been bombarded by propaganda softening us to accept perverted behaviors, profanity and cursing through radio, movies and television under the banner of entertainment.  I went to see a movie the other day and although the trailer didn't show much about it, it contained profane language, the most I've ever heard in a single movie I watched.  What saddened me was that people are more concerned at laughing at the slap-sticks in the movie than the words spoken. It was sad that people nowadays, exchange what is pure, good and true for something without value.

You see, the Bible have spoken about signs/events before the coming of the Lord (Day of the Lord).  Matthew 24:10-13 clearly says, "At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."  I have no expectations from those who are rebelling against the Lord because they are just doing what the sinful nature (flesh) wants them to do.  But it is those who profess to be Christians and claims to know Jesus yet mocking the Lord by their disobedience and perverted behavior (lust of the flesh, eyes and all it's forms) and rallying God-fearing people not just to tolerate but to accept.  They want us to teach our children and educate them like those are normal behaviors.  Literally, what they are saying is we ought to tear the pages in the Bible that speaks of the abominable behaviors and never tell anyone again that there's a way out of their condition because they are "born that way!"  That Jesus don't have the power to change homosexual people and that His death on the Cross was in vain because they're beyond saving.  That is why they bullied and are still bullying the many others who were delivered and have found God in their lives because they don't want people to hear that there such a thing as EX-GAY.  They don't want to hear the reality that they were not born that way----THEY CHOSE TO BE THAT WAY!  Nothing is too difficult for Jesus if only they wholeheartedly seek His help in a desire to be transformed.  For everyone that comes to the Lord must acknowledge that they have sinned against Him.  Acts 3:19 says,  "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."  A friend of mine asked me this morning, "If you see a homosexual needs help (her scenario---sick and family and friends already abandoned the person), will you help him/her?  Without batting my eyelashes,  I said, "YES!"  For in my heart, there is no hate for these people! God loves them and died in the Cross for them too so they can be saved. In obedience to the Lord, who showed me compassion and accepted me to His Kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ, I love them too!  What God could not tolerate is their sin to the point Jesus died that He may be able to set them free from the bondage of sin--- that is the very reason why I could  NOT approve of their homosexual lifestyle choices as well.  True love tells the one they love of impending danger (in this case---their ETERNAL LIFE is at stake---why wouldn't I be concerned?) and if they hate me for telling the Truth, I will live with that than not try to warn them of their road that leads to death.  What other hurtful names can they call me---BIGOT, HYPOCRITE, PRIMITIVE, IDIOT, FREAK (amongst others) that Jesus had not been labelled at His time?  For the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that has the very power to save them, I'll endure anything they have to say with the help of the Holy Spirit, if that will at least give them a chance to hear the TRUTH ABOUT JESUS WHICH IS THEIR  "ONLY" CHANCE FOR SALVATION.  

Though my heart aches for my city, the Lord has given His Word of comfort and peace through a revelation in my prayer time this morning.  That in the midst of a storm that will sweep by our city, the wicked will be gone but the righteous (saved by grace in Christ) will stand firm forever."  (That is in Proverbs 11:23-25).  Praise be to His Holy Name.  Thanks for those people who helped pray for our city while this was ongoing and ask to keep San Antonio, Texas in your prayers in the wake of this ordinance.  I'll do the same for you as well.  Be sure to keep yourselves involved in the affairs of your city and be "SALT AND LIGHT" (Matthew 5:13-16) here on earth.

And finally, here to feature my Card for Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  I am highlighting the free Word Art (you can download by going to the WAW Blog) which can be found in Isaiah 40:31 which says, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."  This is a very timely promise to what I've experienced today.  Many times, we carry the weight of our battles.  We are worn-out and go through frustrations and hopelessness in the midst of trials.  We will continue to feel that way if we fight all the spiritual wickedness in high places with our own strength and as we do so, there's no way we can win. But when we realize that the battle is not ours but the Lords, we exchange positions with the Lord---wait for His instruction and direction and let Him take the lead.  Because we  are under the protection of Almighty God through the blood of Jesus---we renew our strength, we will fly and soar like eagles, always fighting the good fight of faith.  Trusting God in everything moves mountains.  Going to battle without Him is a sure defeat.  Thank You, Lord, for Your magnificent Word!  Anyway, I used an image from Sassy Cheryl's Digi Stamps called "Sally Meet Bella"  and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base card is a Kraft CS cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I wanted to achieve sort of a vintage look for this card so, I selected some neutral color DP's from Recollections Stack.  I added a doily, a trim and a crochet flower (that I make and sell at My Etsy Shop---see the sidebar) with a glass pearl at the center.  For the final touch, I added more pearls and stitched all over this card.  I seldom make cards that have vintage or distress feel to them but when I do,  I am pretty satisfied.  I would love to hear your comments.

 THEY THAT WAIT ON THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD:

  THEY THAT WAIT ON THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

 

THEY THAT WAIT ON THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

 THEY THAT WAIT ON THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD:

 THEY THAT WAIT ON THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

4 Krafty Girlz---ATG
As You Like It---Favorite Flower or Tree (I like the roses because I can crochet them like this one)
Aud Sentiments---Any Sentiment
Paper Crafting Journey---ATG
Addicted to Stamps---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---Buttons or ATG
Country View Crafts---Layers
Creative Inspirations---ATG
Creative Moments---Birthdays or ATG
Cuttlebug Mania---Back to Nature
Eureka Stamps---Tender Thoughts
Loves Rubberstamps---ATG
Papertake Weekly---ATG
Penny's Paper Crafty---Spooled Items
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---Texture
Make It Monday---ATG
Parade Your Crafts---ATG
Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Bearly-Mine---ATG
Rhedd and Rosie---Something for the Ladies

There you have it folks!  Please join us at our WAW Challenge by linking any projects you make with this week's Word Art but not mandatory.  As long as your creation fits the family, uplifting, inspiring category, you may enter up to 5 times.  We have 2  great sponsors this week namely Jelly Park Digi Images and Verve Stamps.  Hurry and don't miss the chance to snag a prize.  Have a wonderful week and know that though you may be surrounded by difficult situations in life---put your trust in the Lord!  He is in full control!

Not Too Old for Goofy Stuff---It's Another Anything Goes Challenge at our Neighborhood, 613 Avenue Create!

Wonderful Labor Day morning, folks!  I know this is supposed to be posted yesterday but my weekend went crazy and by the time I got done yesterday, all I want to do is to hit bed...LOL  Anyway,  I invited a friend to Church yesterday and spend a good amount of time talking with her after the service over lunch. She had been hurt by several people in a Church she served with for more than 4 years and because of that, she told me that it caused her to question her faith.  As I listen more and more to her story, it made me think how our actions as  believers of Jesus Christ can cause others (believers and unbelievers) to turn away from the very God who is able to save us, knowingly or unknowingly.  It's sad reality but because we expect a lot from people, that when they don't deliver, we leave ourselves broken and frustrated.  We could have saved ourselves from emotional turmoil if we only focus our attention to the One who died for us, instead of our fellow human beings. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:1-3, "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

I learned at the very young age of my faith as a "Born-Again" (John 3:3) believer that we are not to look to men as our role model or icon because like any human beings, they too, can make mistakes.  I am sad to hear when parents aid their kids in their desire to idolize a certain celebrity/ies or teeny bopper/s (buying posters, going to concerts and buying iconic jewelries and fashion items among a few) and see their kids become like whom they idolize.  A few years later, this iconic figures do all the outrageous and despicable things that parents became outraged by their actions and blames those so-called celebrities for being such a bad role model.  Now, I've gone through childhood and teenage years too and I've been a fan to a few celebrities in the 70's through the 90's.  But I didn't remember, even once, that I chased any of those people, nor cried my heart out just seeing their faces on TV and when I came across to meeting an actor I admired in those days, I just looked at him from afar and smiled that he came to where I was standing and greeted me.  You see, people, no matter how good-looking, famous or influential we think they are, are just people.  I am not saying it is wrong to appreciate others but there's a distinct line between appreciating and idolizing.  Jesus said in Luke 10:27, "He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"  When we see our kids trying to look like their "idols" by acting up and dressing up like them and does not point them to the right direction of modeling Christ in their life, then, we have failed them and all that is going to come back to us in due time.  Matthew 6:20-21 tells us, ""But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  I always tell my son (7 years old) that whatever/whoever he spends most of his time with, that becomes his treasure.  We all know the attraction of video/computer games to our kids these days and I have to tell him that while it entertains him, these games have no lasting (eternal) value.  When a good amount of his day is spent on advancing himself from one level to the next and leave all the important things unattended, a discerning Mom must take responsibility and point him to things which is of value.  The same is true when we spend our time watching TV and movies, every kind of sports, social networking or many other lifestyle choices that takes all of our time away from the true purpose of our existence which is----to know and give glory to the God, our Maker. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  Here are some verses that will help us steer clear of idolatry and selfish pleasures in all shapes and forms:

"Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them." (Acts 14:15)

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (Titus 2:11-14)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9)

Now, here's my card for this week"s Challenge at 613 Avenue Create featuring "Anything Goes" with optional "Spotlighting Technique."  I am unfamiliar with this technique and had to watch some videos from You Tube for ideas.  I managed to get some done with the cloud and the sentiment.  I fell in love with the "Girlfriends" stamp from Art Impressions from the moment I saw them.  So, I tried to collect several of them and for the first time, I am featuring one of the images in this card.  It is called "Pedal Push" and I colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base card is a white CS cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  All the DP's are from DCWV and the clouds were cut out glittered (using Stickles-Crystal) from a Heidi Grace DP.  The lacy circle was cut in my Cuttlebug using Nestabilities and the stamped image is from Inkadinkado.  The humorous sentiment is a free from Create with TLC (Thanks, Paulette!) who is so wonderfully generous to offer a daily freebie in her blog site.  The moment I've seen it, I know right away I would like to use it with one of these "Girlfriends" stamp.  Anyway, I finished it all up with my usual stitching.  Hope you like it.

 NOT TOO OLD FOR GOOFY STUFF CARD:

 NOT TOO OLD FOR GOOFY STUFF CARD LAYERS:

 NOT TOO OLD FOR GOOFY STUFF CARD INSIDE:

NOT TOO OLD FOR GOOFY STUFF CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Make It Monday---ATG
Art Impressions---People Parade
Addicted to Stamps---ATG
Allsorts---All About the Sentiment
Aud Sentiments---Any Sentiment
Catered Crop---Add a Sentiment
Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Country View Crafts---Layers
Crafting By Designs---ATG
Creative Inspirations---ATG
Glitter and Sparkle---ATG
HIMCR---Freestyle
Inspire Me Fridays---ATG
Lacy Sunshine---Dies and/or Punches
Loves Rubberstamps---Favorite Color Combo (Red, Yellow and Green)
Sister Act---ATG
Totally Gorjuss---Texture
Oozak---ATG/Die Cuts/Punches
Our Creative Corner---Forgotten Things (The stamped image were forgotten clear stamps)
Color Me Creative---Retro Fun, Funkify it Up
Artistic Inspirations---Buttons or ATG
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---Texture

There you have it, folks.  Please make sure you visit our Blog at 613 Avenue Create and link your projects (up to 3) to our Anything Goes Challenge.  Lots of prizes to be won from our wonderful sponsors this week---Di's Digis and Sandi's Samples.  Have an awesome day and remember to do something significant today as the Holy Spirit leads you.  Hugs and blessings!