Scripture Series: Trust the Lord and Do Good Card---It's Another Inpirational "Anything Goes" Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hey there, Crafty peeps.  Days are passing by to so quickly, it's hard to keep up. After a long day yesterday, I am able to post this project a day late  for our new Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Anyway,  I don't know with you but I have access to many movies at home through a Cable provider but when I browse for some worthwhile movie to watch that promotes good moral values, I cannot find anything at all.  I hunted from about 300 movie titles and not find a single thing worth my precious time.  Aside from Hero movies which has cool effects, gone were the days when you can just relax and not worry about movies recommended for kids.  Almost every movie is full of promiscuity, bad language, sexual innuendos, violence etc.  They sometimes sneak up in the film, We have to be vigilant especially having our kids watch with us every now and then. The  movie ratings does not really mean anything and cannot be trusted.   It's truly a crazy world we're living in.  Should I be surprised?  Not at all.  Satan, the god of this world, will use every pillar of society to demonize the people.  Is it coincidental that freedom of religion/belief was and still being attacked to this day?  How about the taking away of the prayer at schools and the move to remove prayer and worship in public areas? How about the fight of people to continue abortion on demand under the banner of women's rights?  Friends, we are definitely in the days where we cannot be inside a little bubble thinking that if we don't do anything, we are not affected.  Now, more than anything else, our core beliefs/values are going to be in constant attack.  Satan wants us to believe anything we want to as long as that knowledge keeps us far away from the only hope of salvation to man, Jesus Christ!  Is it not obvious that people used the name of Jesus for cursing, to make fun of, attacking the very character of our Savior, inserting every kind of doubt in our minds?  There was even programs by our local government to get children as early as possible to go to school.  Though this may sound wonderful but the truth is, it is a pushed to get kids early away from the influence of their parents and have them adapt to a non-Biblical worldview.  Have you heard about the family in Germany that were homeschooling their kids and was arrested by government agency because of not sending their kids to regular school, instead they grew up being home schooled?  They were being separated as a  family and the government taking the kids so they can educate them the way they want them to learn.  And the kids have no say at all!  If they insist on the benefits of their parents homeschooling and prove how they were taught so well, they were considered brainwashed.  Isn't that utterly ridiculous?  Home schooled kids have been proven to be smart  and they don't have to deal with the rules that would restrict them against praying, what and what they can't learn. I am so glad I choose to home school my kid because I can raise him up not only with  great educational standards but in the knowledge of His One and Only Creator.   I didn't think it was possible but while this country allows it, I will take advantage of it because the times are not so promising.  God says in Revelation 3:3 says, "Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you."  If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, this is the time to get to know Him for He is the Only key to eternal life. Read the Book of John for starters for therein is how you can find out about "who you are in Christ."  Call unto Him, repent from your sins, ask Him to be your personal Lord and Savior and thank Him.  Because the moment you wholeheartedly utter those things in prayer, you have become a child of God (John 3:3---New Creation/Born-Again).  Find a Church that depends solely on the teachings of the Scripture and meditate on the Word of God as much as you can.  Here are some things that can prepare us on what's coming ahead to this world as the Bible prophecies continues to unfold:

"Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." (Matthew 24:4-9)

"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 in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."  (Matthew 10:10-14)

"For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time." (Matthew 24:21-25)

Anyway, I don't want to give you a heavy message but this is what the Lord wants me to share today.  We see the fulfillment of God's Word all around us and we cannot allow ignorance to take us captive.  On the other hand, I would like to share with you the free Word Art we are highlighting for this week's Challenge at WAW.  It comes from Psalms 37:3 which says, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed."  This is very crucial in our day and time.  We may not understand everything that happens around but we are to trust in the Lord, in whatever situation we are in.   There's no other choice! We are to overcome evil with good, not by our own effort, but by the leading of the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us.  He alone can produce pure goodness, untainted, that will give Him absolute glory.  He has prepared a place for us in His Kingdom and in His promises we can trust.  For this Card, I used a sweet image from Dustin Pike Digi Stamps that I colored using my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base card is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5-inches square.  The DP's are all from Paper Studio (Kellerkurtz & Company collection).  I die-cut an Octagon using my Nestabilities that I ran through my Cuttlebug. I stamped the flower image (Ditto Stamps) several times at a DP and cut and layered them for added dimension and stamped the leaves (Hampton Art) too.  I adhered a few metal gems to highlight our free scripture Word Art and did some fancy and regular stitching on this Card.  What do you think?


 

Cross references:

1. Matthew 24:3 : S Mt 21:1
2. Matthew 24:3 : S Lk 17:30
3. Matthew 24:3 : Mt 13:39; 28:20
4. Matthew 24:4 : S Mk 13:5
5. Matthew 24:5 : ver 11, 23, 24; 1Jn 2:18
6. Matthew 24:7 : Isa 19:2
7. Matthew 24:7 : Ac 11:28
8. Matthew 24:9 : Mt 10:17
9. Matthew 24:9 : Jn 16:2
10. Matthew 24:9 : S Jn 15:21

TRUST THE LORD AND DO GOOD CARD:

TRUST THE LORD AND DO GOOD CARD LAYERS: 

 TRUST THE LORD AND DO GOOD CARD INSIDE: 

 TRUST THE LORD AND DO GOOD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX: 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG 

Craftin Desert Diva's---ATG 

Crafty Sentiments---ATG 

Created with Love---ATG 

Creative Inspirations Paint---ATG 

Die Cuttin Divas---ATG 

Lacy Sunshine---ATG 

LEJ Designs---ATG 

My Craft Creations---ATG 

Pile It On---Embellishment Crazy

Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG (Use Kraft) 

Simon Says Stamp---ATG 

Corrosive Challenge---Tic Tac Toe (Bling/Image/Layers) 

TTCRD---ATG 

Twisted Tuesday---Free For All

Whimsy Stamps---ATG 

Inky Situation---ATG 

HIMCR---Use a Critter 

Digistamps4Joy---3 DP's and 3 Layers 

Tammy's Scrapin Corner---ATG 

Paper Nest Dolls---ATG 

Make It Monday---ATG 

Twist of Faith---Postcard/Card and Envelope Packet 

Party Time Tuesday---ATG 

Creative Moments---Halloween/ATG 

Create with TLC---Show It Off Sunday 

Crafty Creations---Make It Yourself

I hope you take the time to join us at our WAW Challenge by using the free Word Art for your download at the WAW site. You can use it in your project and link it to our ongoing Challenge although it's not mandatory.  You can submit up to 5 projects as long as it's family friendly, inspirational or uplifting.  Since our goal is to honor God, please be mindful of your submission especially those that are Halloween inspired.  Though it may be for fun, it's not going to be appropriate for our Challenge.  Please make sure to read the "Challenge Rules" before linking.  We don't like to delete any entries not meeting our deadlines, but may have to do so.  There's a couple of sponsors giving away wonderful prizes this week---Fred She Said and Pam Korte (Close to my Heart) .  I can't wait to see what you come up with.  I encourage you to read the Word of God, look around you and  make use of the time given to us everyday to lift up the Name of Jesus that more people will come to His safety. 

Scripture Series: Rejoice In Hope Card---Join Us for Another Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Twist at our Neighborhood, 613 Avenue Create!

A beautiful Monday morning, everyone!  So sorry for yet another delayed posting of this project for our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  My husband and I just had our 12th Year Anniversary this past weekend and the loads of invitations by friends to their kid's birthday parties and a day at the Church made it difficult for me to find the time.   I am just glad I was able to make the card in time for the Challenge.  God is so good! 

Anyway, this week, we see a lot of people getting busy with Fall Festivals, which leads us to more celebrations to the New Year.  It's easy to get out of track on what's really important because of the many traditions that had been handed out from generation to generation and we just do them because we were brought up to observe them.  But did we really take the time to get into the core value of such holiday celebrations?  Halloween is just around the corner and there was a point in my life that I don't really paid much attention to what could this be all about.  I was told that people dress up in most of what is scary, evil and demonic entities to scare the demons away or to camouflage themselves from being bothered by them.  Knowing what I knew now, this is the most ridiculous reason for celebrating this holiday and certainly is not Biblical in any way, shape or form. I am not trying to change anyone's view of this particular holiday but all I ask is for everyone to research the Truth about what we are allowing ourselves to get into,for we are literally passing them on to our children.  Many of the holidays we observe have "pagan origins" and that we must be careful that it does not put us into shame as believers of Jesus Christ.  For me, there is absolutely no benefit in dressing my kid like a demon, vampire, zombies etc. that will point people to honoring God.  Instead, to do so would promote the fascination of people to seek after them (demonic spirits) and empowering the dead.  The Bible is clear in Deuteronomy 18:9-12 which says, "When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you."  

Growing up in the Philippines, I don't remember Halloween being celebrated as big as it's here in the States.  On All Saint's Day, I grew up going to the cemetery to visit memorials of dead family members, camping there (more like having a picnic), light up candles and praying for their souls, which is encouraged in the religion where I belonged that time, Roman Catholicism.  Well, this is based on the belief of a Purgatory---a place where not so evil people's soul can still have a chance of going to heaven.  It's like halfway point between hell and heaven.  Of course, not really knowing the Word of God and having no personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I believed the practice with all my heart.  So, we prayed with the rest of the family with the hopes that we can promote the souls of dead relatives to heaven.  Knowing God's Word now, it is extremely foolish for anyone to believe those things to be true.  Thanks be to God who unveiled my eyes from the deception that my religion, culture and tradition have blinded me with.  There is absolutely no Biblical support for all this belief and all my spiritual effort (if there were really any) was a complete waste of time.  Today, I am free from this practice and have told my son the Biblical reasons why we should not be practicing it.  If you want to know more about Halloween, it's origin, what the Bible has to say about it, you can go here and here.  These are just starting points to study this one holiday we subject ourselves to and our family every year.  I would like to share the following verses for you to ponder on:

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." (Ephesians 5:8-11)

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." (Revelation 22:14-15)

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." (Psalm 1:1-3)

"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)

Anyway, here's a card I made for your inspiration for our Challenge.  It features the scripture from Romans 12:12 which says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  This just tells us that in whatever circumstances we find ourselves into, we are to always place our trust in the God that loves us and has our best interest in every situation.  Come to think of it, if our lives have always been smooth sailing, we will not learn to appreciate/value the blessings that the Lord showers us daily.  Our faith is challenged when impossibilities knock on our door and we absolutely don't have any idea what to do.  This causes us to call upon the Lord and entrust everything to Him knowing that His promises are not only good for this lifetime but for everlasting.  I have come to the point in my life that I don't wait for the big challenges to come my way before calling on the Lord.  Prayer is an attitude of the heart!  So, whether I am waking up in the morning starting my day, I pray to give the Lord thanks. When I'm making choices on what to wear, I pray for the Lord to provide me the right clothing for that day. Even when it comes to posting things/topics here in my Blog, I ask Him for divine guidance to supply the words to say.  In everything I do and everything I say, I want the glory of the Lord to shine, that He may be praised and glorified through my life.  This is what we are here for---to fulfill the purpose that God has predestined us to do before the beginning of time.  For this card, I used an image from our sponsor this week, Squigglefly, called "My Favorite Kind of Weather," and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base card is a Kraft CS that is cut and scored to make a 5.5-inches square card.  The DP's are all from Paper Studio called "Newsworthy."  Since our optional twist is "Paper Piecing," I did some of that on the image's window and the girl's shirt with 2 of the papers I used for the panels.  I sprayed 2 shades of Walnut Ink from Tsukineko to the flowers (Prima) to create a vintage effect, layered them and added a brad and a ribbon.  I die cut the Lacy circle with my Cuttlebug using my Nestabilities.   I stamped a wonderful scripture sentiment from CDS stamps (now, out of business) and stitched all over this card.  I am not an expert on vintage card but love that I incorporated some of it in this creation.  Hope you like it too. 
 

Cross references:

1. Deuteronomy 18:9 : Dt 9:5; 12:29-31
2. Deuteronomy 18:9 : S Lev 18:3; 2Ki 21:2; 2Ch 28:3; 33:2; 34:33; Ezr 6:21; 9:11; Jer 44:4
3. Deuteronomy 18:10 : S Lev 18:21
4. Deuteronomy 18:10 : 1Sa 15:23
5. Deuteronomy 18:10 : S Ex 7:11
6. Deuteronomy 18:10 : S Lev 19:31
7. Deuteronomy 18:11 : Isa 47:9
8. Deuteronomy 18:11 : S Ex 22:18; S 1Sa 28:13
9. Deuteronomy 18:12 : S Lev 18:2

 

 REJOICE IN HOPE CARD:

 REJOICE IN HOPE CARD LAYERS:

 REJOICE IN HOPE CARD INSIDE:

 REJOICE IN HOPE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Creative Inspirations Paint---ATG
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
Pile It On---Embellishment Crazy
Stamping Sensations---All Creatures Great and Small
Corrosive---Tic Tac Toe (DP's/Image/ Sentiment)
Hiding in my Craft Room Door---Use a Critter
My Sheri Crafts---A Little Comfort
Sugar Creek Hollow---Birds of a Feather
Sweet Stampin'---Wood, Trees or Leaves
My Creative Moments---Anything
Wags 'n' Whiskers---Paper Piecing
Everybody Art---Feather
House that Stamps Built---Paper Piecing
Brown Sugar---Autumn
Card Crafter's Circle---Autumn Splendor
Craftyhands---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Craftin' Boutique---ATG
Crafty Little Fairies---ATG
Paper Crafting Journey---ATG
Perfectly Rustics---Pattern Paper
Use it Tuesday---Creatures (Hoarded Supplies are DP's and Prima Flowers)
Inspire Me Fridays---ATG
Make It Monday---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Create with TLC---Show It Off Sunday
Artistic Inspirations---Fall colors/ATG
Delightful Challenges---Winged Things

There you have it, friends!  I hope you  consider joining our Challenge for this week at 613 Avenue Create.  There's really no excuse not to join because if you are not interested in joining us for the Twist, you can always submit any project for the ""Anything Goes."  And did I tell you there's a prize awaiting the winner from our sponsor, Squigglefly, who happens to have so many darling images?  So, what are you all waiting for?  I can't wait to see what you showcase for us in this Challenge.  I love it when you make it difficult for us to choose a winner. Have an awesome week and always remember to trust in the Lord in everything and to read His Word every opportunity so as not to be deceived by false teachings.  This is only possible after a new birth (John 3:3) has taken place in your life.

Scripture Series: God Forbid I Should Glory Card---Join for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, friends!  I am a day delayed posting my artwork for Word Art Wednesday (WAW) Challenge in this Blog but got it posted in the Challenge in time.  With all the things that needs attention each day, it's easy to just get distracted.  That and all the craziness happening in this world has some sort of an impact in my life.  God has gifted me with compassion that I truly get affected by not only the things happening around me but what is happening in the world.  I rejoice when there's good report and gets so sad when evil is apparent, mostly when the Truth ("reality" in God's perspective) is being twisted by selfish people who does not feel accountable to God for their actions.  I stopped listening to "mainstream media" who have long stopped reporting a "balanced news" but have made themselves "agents" and "puppets" of a demonic force.  I say  demonic because they primarily support anything that is against the "Word of God."  I had a discussion with a new found friend and had to tell her that I don't want to be affiliated with any Government parties because my affiliation is truly with the Lord Jesus.  Whatever God says is what I am going to support.  A policy may sound so good but if it's contrary to the Word of God, I will not support it in anyway.  Take for example Woman's right vs. Abortion---The  Word of God declares in  Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God knows us before He forms us in the womb. Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of God’s active role in our creation and formation in the womb. Exodus 21:22-25 prescribes the same penalty—death—for someone who causes the death of a baby in the womb as for someone who commits murder. This clearly indicates that God considers a baby in the womb to be as human as a full-grown adult. For the Christian, abortion is not a matter of a woman’s right to choose. It is a matter of the life or death of a human being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6).  How about amnesty for illegal immigrants?  Romans 13:1-7 makes it abundantly clear that God expects us to obey the laws of the government. The only exception to this is when a law of the government forces you to disobey a command of God (Acts 5:29). Illegal immigration is the breaking of a governmental law. There is nothing in Scripture that contradicts a nation having immigration laws. Therefore, it is a sin, rebellion against God, to illegally enter another country.  I am very familiar with going through Immigration Laws as I went through every legal means needed when I decided to marry my husband.  There were uncertainties, time and emotions invested as we go from one document to another.  The time of separation, external forces that came unexpectedly affecting results, we both had to bear it all.  Yet in all that, I have a God that knows my future and had comforted me that as I relied upon Him in doing the right thing, He's with me.  And I tell you, He never failed and I am now here with the same right as any American to make an impact to this country.  How about Biblical Marriage vs. Marriage (Gay Rights) Equality---The Bible is abundantly clear that homosexuality is an unnatural sin (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). The Bible presents marriage as God’s invention, and God has defined it as a covenant between a man and a woman for a lifetime (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 7:2-16; Ephesians 5:23-33). Biblically speaking, a homosexual union is not a marriage. It does not matter if the government legislates a new definition of marriage. It does not matter if society is overwhelmingly in favor of same-sex marriage. A homosexual union always has been, and always will be, a perversion of God’s creation.  You see, man can choose to disobey God's word but it does not invalidate God's principle.  Spiritual laws are far above human laws for without the former, the latter would not even exist.  People can be all emotional about it, especially when we are involved, ourselves or members of our family are caught in the situation. But if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and have tasted the love and mercy of God (through a Born-Again experience, John 3:3), it will be very unwise to disregard the Word of God to pacify human principles.  We are not to hate those that are struggling with those situations, but we cannot condone. Instead, point them to the Truth of God's Word.  It is not love to lie to them and allow them to live a deceived life.  After all, not telling the Truth to those we love for fear of hurting them may seem like a wonderful thing to do but you are truly just plunging them to the inescapable ETERNAL DEATH once this life is over.  I'd rather offend people now, pointing them to the Truth of God's Word, than to cover up the Truth leading them to eternal destruction.  Which of these two is "TRUE LOVE" for you?

These are just a few of things dividing our nation today.  Why the division?  Because more and more people are forsaking God in their lives.  They have been softened to sin by the media programs that seek to undermine God and teach us and our children to be okay with everything vulgar, sexual innuendos, witchcraft, profanities in every show, cursing here and there, making fun or Jesus and His Holy Name.  We have allowed prayer to be taken off from our schools and we wonder why our society is heading towards self-destruction?  Galatians 6:7-8 says, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."  I am making a choice as an individual, bought by the precious blood of Christ, to uphold the Word of God every step that I'd take.  I'm not going to be perfect but I will run the race that the Lord has set for me and finish it, not of my own effort, but through the One who gives me strength.  He has already guaranteed my victory in Christ Jesus!

Anyway, I am so glad to make this Card for your inspiration for our WAW Challenge.  It highlights the wonderful message given by God through Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:14 which says, "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." You see, Apostle Paul had a lot to boast about, when it comes to qualifications as an educated Pharisee, Hebrew of Hebrews, respect and an authority in the Law of Moses.  But when God called him to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ) which is against the religion (Judaism) He defended with zealousness, He saw the Lord, amidst the clouded mindset he was enslaved with, and made a decision to follow Christ to the point of death.  And with those verses, he told us that nothing in his past life was ever worth anything compared to the revelation, grace and freedom given to us by God through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.  Only through the shedding of the the blood of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, can we be free from the penalty of sin which carried through by every single descendant of Adam (all humanity).  Nothing we possess is worth any glory---but the sure presence of God in our hearts through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  What an awesome Truth I have to meditate on everyday.  No matter how crazy things can be, I know where I am headed and it's the most glorious place---in the arms of  Almighty God.

Anyway, for this card, I used a freebie image I got a while back from Digital Two for Tuesday called "tt5."  I colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers and inked the edges with a "Walnut Stain" Distress Ink.  The base card is white CS cut and scored to make a 5.5-inches square card, used a yellow-green CS for panel and matting.  I used a Cuttlebug folder to emboss and combined fancy and regular stitching.  I used some brads to embellish and for a wonderful, finished look.  Hope you like it.

 GOD FORBID I SHOULD GLORY CARD:

 GOD FORBID I SHOULD GLORY CARD LAYERS:

 GOD FORBID I SHOULD GLORY CARD INSIDE:

GOD FORBID I SHOULD GLORY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Creative Moments---ATG/Use Some Lace
Digistamps4Joy---Embossing
Fab 'n' Funky---Distress
Inklings and Yarns---ATG
Inkspirational---ATG
Lady Anne's---Stamps ATG
Little Red Wagon---Brads/Eyelets
Male Room---Nature
Nutcrafters---Lots of Layers
Rhedd and Rosie---ATG
Creative Craft 2---ATG
Inky Chicks---Your Fave Sentiment
Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Make it Monday---ATG
My Craft Creations---ATG
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
Stamp & Fun = Creativity---3D
My  Creative Moments---Anything
Craftin' Boutique---ATG
Crafty Little Fairies---ATG
Paper Crafting Journey---ATG

This is all I got for now, folks!  Don't forget to stop by our WAW Blog to avail of the free scripture Word Art I shared here.  You can use it in your project and link it to our ongoing Challenge although it's not mandatory.  You can submit up to 5 projects as long as it's family friendly, inspirational or uplifting.  Since our goal is to honor God, please be mindful of your submission especially that Halloween is around the corner.  Though it may be for fun, it's not going to be appropriate for our Challenge.  Please make sure to read the "Challenge Rules" before linking.  We don't like to delete any entries not meeting our deadlines, but may have to do so.  There's a couple of sponsors giving away wonderful prizes this week---Your Next Stamp and Shabby Cottage Studio.  I can't wait to see what you come up with.  Please remember that in this life, it is better to please God than man.  Let us continue to uphold the Truth of God's Word. 

Scripture Series: God Maketh My Way Perfect Center Step Card---It's "Anything Goes" (Inspirational) Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Good morning, Crafty friends!  It's Wednesday once again and as always, here to feature another Card for Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Yesterday, I invited a friend to spend time with my family to thank her for just blessing our lives in many different ways.  We met in the Gym as we both go to the same fitness classes together.  What started as just a simple "Hi's and Hello's" before class has blossomed into a wonderful friendship that God has blessed.  You see, as a Born-again believer, we live a life that is fashioned not of worldly ways but a "Kingdom Citizen" lifestyle.  We didn't pay our way to a fashion and etiquette school to just train ourselves to act and think that way.   Many have tried that path and sure, they learned how to conduct themselves in public but when no one is around, they are back into the person they truly are.  That is because "true change" comes from within.  It comes by renewing our minds (taking in new thoughts) and acting on those new thoughts.  Whatever you allow yourself to be exposed to, that will shape your way of thinking.  Though people were made by God with conscience yet we see some who seem to not have one.  Why?  First, because of the Fall of Man in which our spirits were darkened and separated from God (Our True Source of Light) and the environment and culture to which we were born to and exposed to.  Hence, people uphold different values or the lack thereof.  Without God's Word, all hell will break loose as man is incapable of making selfless decisions for the benefit of everybody...Our fallen state gears us to be selfish, greedy, always thinking of what we can get first more than others.  But when the Word of God touched a person's life and grow inside a humble heart, it produces a change.  This change is first from within that challenges us and battles with every thought we got/get exposed to and brings it unto the Lordship and knowledge of God.  This is clear in 2 Corinthians 10:5 which tells us, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  This new found love and obedience to Christ changes us from within and bears fruit that is undeniably seen in the way we conduct the new life we received in Christ.  

I don't believe in accidents for God has purposed everything in my life before time.  So every friendship is a treasure as I begin to walk in the friendship the Lord had blessed me with by bringing another friend in my life.  Though she may have a smile on her face, she carries with her a burden brought about by people who professed they are serving God but treated her differently as she tried to discover her calling in the Church she used to visit.  She was there for 4 years and despite the indifference she experienced by some so-called elders of the Church, she was faithful to her task till she couldn't take it any longer.  I don't know the whole story but if there's any truth to what she shared with me, she is still carrying this heavy burden in her heart that time has not completely healed.  Of all people she could have made friends with, she chose to confide with me when she heard me say at one time, "I have a Church to go to, this evening!"  You see, I know that the Lord will use me mightily in this friend's life and help her get back on her feet by pointing her to the Word of God.  Many of us have trusted on relationships and connections  for our happiness but everything that is not built in Jesus Christ can easily crumble.  When people at our Church fails us, it does not mean that God failed us too.  We are to realize that each believer is still in the process of changing from glory to glory.  None of us have got it altogether till  we come face to face with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, then, the change is going to be complete.  We are not to trust man, instead TRUST GOD ALONE!  That way, we are not easily taken by emotional issues that stops us from our walk with the Lord. Here's some verses I want to share with you today to encourage you to walk in the path the Lord has set for you to travel:

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart^.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun."  (Psalm 37:4-6)

"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)

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

Here's the card I made for your inspiration featuring the free Word Art we are highlighting today at WAW.  It is in Psalm 18:32-33 which says, "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."  What an awesome scripture that tells us of what we possess as a child of God.  First, we are never out of strength as He is our Source.  I am simply a vessel in which the very strength and power of God flows. Since that is my reality, nothing that comes from that Source is in vain for He takes away everything in me that does not bear fruit and changes me from glory to glory till I come to the perfection of His likeness.  He gives us the power to reach new heights and upholds us with His power.  How awesome is that?  The time I accepted the Lord Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I know that anything that is asked of me to do is possible.  When someone ask me to pray, to lead a song, to fulfill a task for the Lord, I am able to do.  To say, "I cannot do it!" is not an option.  Why would it be when everything is made possible by God through me?  It is Him whose going to speak, sing, perform the task through me.  What am I going to be afraid of?  The key is knowing that in Christ, we are dead to ourselves and alive in Him.  Thus, this verse holds true to what we all are as we trust wholly in the Lord.  It's in Acts 17:28, "For in him we live and move and have our being."  I can take comfort in that. For my image, I used Sassy Cheryl's "Sassy Sally's Winter Morning Social" that I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers, and added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal). The base card is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5-inches (square) center step card.  My DP's are all from My Mind's Eye, the die-cut from using my Lacy Oval from Nestabilities, the border fence from MS Punch and the flower chip boards from Colorbok.  I finished it all up with stitching.  I really like the result.  Hope you like it too.

 GOD MAKETH MY WAY PERFECT CENTER STEP CARD:

 GOD MAKETH MY WAY PERFECT CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

 GOD MAKETH MY WAY PERFECT CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

 GOD MAKETH MY WAY PERFECT CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

GOD MAKETH MY WAY PERFECT CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Sassy Cheryl's---Punches and/or Dies
Make It Monday---ATG
2 Sisters---ATG
Emerald Faeries---Sparkle
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Brown Sugar---ATG
Cards Galore---Flowers
Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Color Me Creative---ATG
Crafter's Cafe---How Adorable
Created with Love---Sewing (Real or Faux)
DL.ART---ATG
Inky Impressions---Fall/Autumn
Inspire Me Fridays---ATG
Jo's Scrap Shack---Favorite Technique (Stitching)
Ladybug Crafts---Use Your Die-Cuts
My Craft Creations---ATG
My Heart Pieces---ATG
Paper Creators Crafts---Dies and/or Punches
Quirky Crafts---Favorite Things (Designer Papers, Stitching)
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
Stampin' for the Weekend---ATG
SweetPea Stampers---Sparkle and Shine
Paper Girls---Sew It On
Sisterhood of Crafters---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Craftitude---ATG/Things that starts with "S" (Stitching)
Anything Goes---ATG
Bearly Mine---ATG
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG

This is all I have for now.  Don't forget to link our projects to our WAW Challenge this week.  You can use the free  scripture Word Art that I featured here by downloading it from our WAW site but not mandatory.  You can link upto 5 projects as long as it has family friendly, inspirational, uplifting message to it.  Our desire is to glorify the Lord so, some cards that are intended for Halloween may not fit the purpose so, please read the Challenge Rules before you submit your creation.  We don't want to remove any projects that does not meet the rules but sometimes, we have to.  We will be selecting 2 winners at the end of the week and will win fabulous prizes from our sponsors---Freckled Fawn ($15 GC) and Flying Unicorn Scrapbook Store ($25 GC).  So what are you waiting for?  Inspire us with your creations...Have an awesome day!  Always remember that our peace, happiness and victory is not dependent of this world but with every promises that God gave us.  Can't you tell, I just love the Lord?

Wishing Gifts and Giggles Card---Come Join the Fun in Our "Anything Goes" Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello there, Crafty peeps!  It's another wonderful Sunday morning to give praise and thanks to the Lord.  The world we are living in is not getting any better but our trust should be to the One Who holds this world in the palm of His hands, Our Lord God Almighty!  Everyday is filled with uncertainties...What used to be a God-fearing nation is now being conquered by godless men and women who seek to devour this country that was established by men and women who fought with their lives to see that our Godly heritage stands the test of time.  No other constitution had lasted 225 years like that of the United States which should be enough proof of it's effectiveness in governing this country.  But I am sad to see that in our time,  a move to change very crucial foundations of our Constitution were permitted without a fight by the Church (Body of Christ) due to passivity.  We have allowed media and government to take over our values and allowed them to corrupt our minds, our children's minds, softening us towards tolerance and political correctness. We have exchanged our trust in God, our Creator, with selfish desires and ambitions, fame, power and connections that we have sacrificed the very principles that made this country great just to promote ourselves.  By not doing anything, we have allowed the enemy to establish his throne in the government and if it wasn't enough, we became blind and drunken with the poison (lies) being forced on our throats that nobody even care to fight anymore.  Without God, we are in total darkness, total chaos, not being able to distinguish right from wrong. Why I am not surprised?  Those that have hardened their hearts (like in the time of Moses and Pharaoh) will keep on doing evil things and there's no amount of Truth you can place in front of them that will change their minds for by rebellion (denial and disobedience to God), they have deceived themselves.  The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."  Having a Biblical worldview is what keeps me going at these very trying times.  As a believer of Jesus Christ, my Savior equipped me with wisdom and understanding through His Word (the Bible) on signs of the times and seeing the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies come to life everyday is terrifying yet full of hope.  It is sad that many people will choose destruction over life just because they missed the time when the door to salvation was wide open.  Anybody whose not Born-Again (as per John 3:3---born of water and of the Spirit) will not see the Kingdom of God.  It does not matter how good we think we are, how much charities or people you helped in your lifetime, even if you gave all your money to the poor and sacrificed all your life to serve people, you are going to the same place the devil goes.  Why?  Because it's not what we have done (our own efforts, actions) that takes us there but "WHAT WE ARE." 

After the Fall of Man, everyone born from Adam had been a slave to the devil, had been cursed with a "sin nature" which gives us the irresistible urge to rebel against God.  Take for example a toddler---even if we don't teach them to lie, they know how to.  Everyone is guilty of disobeying "The Law" (Law of Moses) and no one is saved by obeying the law because no one can really follow them all (to break one is to break all).  Man's only hope of salvation from the condition Adam plunged us into is Jesus Christ!   He was the Only One qualified to pay the ransom to free us from slavery to Satan and He willingly gave His life to do so, once and for all...By accepting what Jesus done in your behalf  and the freedom He won for us, our darkened spirit died from our old self (being in Adam),  and a new spirit is born-again (born from above) to a new creation in Christ.  Hence, we are restored to our original state of righteousness just like when we were with Him before Adam sinned and the best thing is that we haven't done anything in it ourselves to achieve it.  It's all God's work and only He deserves the glory.  The Bible declares in Romans 10:9, "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."  With our situation in this country right now, it is extremely unwise to leave God out of our daily existence.  He is our Only Hope and I can only rejoice every morning,  no matter what  problems the day holds, because I know where my true citizenship is at.  I rely on the very same hope Apostle Paul gave us in Philippians 1:20-21 which says, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."  I encourage everyone not only to pray for our country but also to accompany your faith with action.  Encourage those that need encouragement (especially government officials that fight for our rights) and point out the wrong in our society in every outlet we can (Media is suppressing the Truth, we cannot rely on them) so that those that can still see will see.  In the Lord, there's always HOPE.

On the lighter side of things, I am here to invite you for another "Anything Goes" Challenge with an optional Twist (Pile It On) starting today at our neighborhood, 613 Avenue Create.  Here's my inspiration card for this Challenge.  We are sponsored by Lacy Sunshine so, I am happy to use this wonderful image called "Eleanor Circus Clown" and had fun coloring it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers, added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) and some Liquid Pearls (Key Lime) for dimension.  The base card is a Kraft CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5-inches square card.  The DP's are all from Recollections, the eyelets came from my Crop-a-Dile, the border strip from Heidi Grace and the banner/pennant is from Recollections.  The main sentiment was a freebie from my favorite site,  Create with TLC.  I die-cut the Lacy Circle with my Nestabilities and punch the sides of the card using my MS Border Punch.  Last but not the least, stitching all over this card. 

 WISHING GIFTS AND GIGGLES CARD:

 WISHING GIFTS AND GIGGLES CARD LAYERS:

 

 WISHING GIFTS AND GIGGLES CARD INSIDE:

WISHING GIFTS AND GIGGLES CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Create with TLC---Show it Off Sunday
2 Sisters---ATG
Emerald Faeries---Sparkle
Brown Sugar---ATG
Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Color Me Creative---ATG
DL.ART---ATG
Inspire Me Fridays---ATG
Jo's Scrap Shack---Favorite Technique (Stitching)
Ladybug Crafts---Use Your Die-cuts
My Craft Creations---ATG
My Heart Pieces---ATG
Paper Creators Crafts---Dies and/or Punches
Quirky Crafts---Favorite Things (Designer Papers, Stitching)
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
Stampin' for the Weekend---ATG
SweetPea Stampers---Sparkle and Shine
Corrosive Challenge---Dress Me Up
Paper Girls---Sew It On
Sisterhood of Crafters---ATG
MilkCoffee---Spots and Dots
Craftitude---ATG/Things that starts with "S" (Stitching)
Anything Goes---ATG
Make It Monday---ATG

There you have it, friends!  Make sure to visit our Challenge Blog---613 Avenue Create to join us for our "Anything Goes" Challenge with an optional Twist (Pile It On).  If you are like me who loves to layer, then, this  Challenge is an easy peasy for you.  But even if you have a simple card, you are still invited to join.  That's what I love about our Challenge.  You can do whatever you fancy with your projects and have a chance to win a fabulous prize.  Let us all come together and honor the Lord with songs or praise and thanksgiving.  He is totally in control thus, I have peace!  God bless, y'all!