Scripture Series: Waited Patiently for the Lord Center Step Card---Join Us for our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hey there, Crafty friends!  It's a freezing day out here in Texas and I stayed home the entire day yesterday to make this card in time for the Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Last night, I went to talking to my 8 year old son about a "calloused heart."  I don't remember what led us to the topic but I know that when the Lord leads me to share with my boy, He always has a purpose.  I told him that God has given us a conscience (moral compass) to know what is right from wrong.  Even though we were born in this world with the sin nature imparted by the devil to Adam and passed along the entire human race, inside of us is the knowledge of what God requires.  What makes me wonder sometimes is that how come so many people don't want to take advantage of the open door---the "free gift of salvation" through Jesus Christ that God already provided?  Why do many people try to work their salvation  (which is an impossibility) instead of just accepting by faith God's sure way of salvation through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ?  In real life, we love freebies!  Tell me where there's something "free" and I would see a line of people trying to get a hold of it.  But why is it that when it comes to the "free gift of salvation", this is not true for many?   Suddenly, the answer to these questions came crystal clear to me.  It is because coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ would require and cause a change in a person's life! I heard many people saying that they want to come to God and change their lives but when the opportunity comes, many of them are not truly ready to let go/give up whatever it is  that's holding them back.  For  many, they cannot let go of a sinful relationship (fleshly desires), addictions, vices, fame and popularity, desire for power, love for wealth and many more.  It reminded me of the rich young man that asked Jesus how to gain eternal life in Matthew 19:16-24.  He went away from the presence of Jesus very sad because He cannot give up his wealth to follow the Lord.  While these people are ignoring their conscience and the call of God in their lives,  their hearts become calloused---so hardened by their own selfish motives that in due time, it can no longer discern right from wrong.  They are so blinded that they forget they are not their own gods and that a time of judgment is going to come.  They started throwing away scriptures that does not agree with their lifestyle choices and settles with their made up god that is all about "love."  They claim that God is so loving that He will not send anyone to hell and that hell is not a real place.  The sad thing is that no matter how they delete, twist, disqualify the Bible (Word of God), their claim will always remain false!  The Bible is very clear in Numbers 23:19 and it says, "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Behold, I have received a command to bless; When He has blessed, then I cannot revoke it."  What God declared is a SIN WILL ALWAYS REMAIN A SIN---no matter how much human kind have changed.  The sins that were in existence before is still the same sins we are encountering now---remember Sodom and Gomorrah?  That is why a true believer of God will not have to apologize if God's Word (used in proper context) offended somebody.  A true child of God will not change his/her Biblical view of issues of faith---no matter how sugary sweet others make a sinful issue is.  We take the side of God not to condemn the people whose under the bondage of their selfish desires (though will always condemn the sin).  Instead, we'll earnestly pray that they come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and exchanged their hard and calloused heart for a heart of clay.  Jesus does not want us to "clean up our act" before coming to Him for He knows that it's clearly an impossibility.  He wants us to come as we are for as we follow Him, a change is going to come!  None of us can come so near to a Holy God without being conscious of how unholy and dirty our lives were before He found us.  Our desire to come to know Him, accompanied  by the witnessing of His Spirit inside of us, would prompt a change in our innermost being. Before we know it, our lives have changed from one glory to another.  For some, instantly, for others---a process! As we come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ and allow our dead spirits to come alive through the Born-Again Experience (John 3:3), the Spirit of God lives inside out hearts and reveals more things to us through God's Word.  It paints a clear picture in our spirits and reveals to us the ways of our Father and the purpose why we are to steer clear of the things of this world that could destroy us.  As a result, we hearken unto the voice of the Spirit and we surrender every thought and conduct that does not align with the will of God.  Remember that as we come unto the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we surrendered our lives to Him! We allowed Him to take over our being, be the King of our hearts which simply means that our life is not anymore our own.  Galatians 2:20 clearly speaks of the change in ownership of one's self after we come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  It says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  So, I told my son that everything we see happening nowadays is because many people have chosen to please themselves rather than to submit to God.  The free gift of salvation is always available to anyone who truly wants a change and are tired of running their own lives. Many reject it not because they don't believe it has the power to change but because they really don't want the change.  Sad but true!  Here are some verses that can encourage us to take a chance on the kind of change God is going to fulfill in our lives when we come to Him in faith:

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3)

"For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness."  (Romans 6:14-19)

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  (Romans 12:1-2)

Anyway, we have a wonderful Word Art (by Karen Murray) available for free at the WAW Blog.  It comes from Psalm 40:1 which says, " I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry."  As a believer of Jesus Christ, we always come to the Lord to give glory and praise to His Name for the wonderful things He has done in our lives.  We also come to Him to pray for things that concern us and issues that the Holy Spirit placed in our hearts.  Some of these prayers are answered instantaneously yet others requires patience, trust and persistence.  We have to remember that we serve a God who knows everything from  past to future.  Although we may view some situations urgent for us, it is God who knows the  perfect day and time to answer our prayers.  We are to be familiar with the Word of God so that we can pray with thanksgiving knowing that He always fulfills His promises/His Word.  Some people would pray for healing and ask God to heal if it's His will.  Well, it may sound good but we know that the scriptures reveal that throughout Jesus' ministry, He healed the sick and one of the benefits of Him enduring the lashings on His body before He was crucified was for our healing.  The Bible tells us in Isaiah 53:5. "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."  We serve a loving and faithful God so, we ought to come to Him knowing that when we pray in accordance to His Will, He always hears us.  As we wait for the manifestation of His answer, we ought to be patient knowing that God answers in His perfect time.  For my inspiration card today, I used an image from Mo Manning called "Elke and Bear" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  I used a Kraft base CS which is cut and scored to make a 5.5-inches Center step design.  The DP's are from  my scraps, the die cut shape from my Nestabilities, the layered flowers from Prima, brads from Recollections, die cuts fence and leaves from MS Punch and nail heads gems from Imaginisce.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  So, what you think?

 WAITED PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD:

 WAITED PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

 WAITED PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

 WAITED PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

WAITED PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafting for all Seasons---For the Girls
Crafty Creations---Seasonal
Creative Moments---ATG/Add Some Sparkle
Miriam's Crafting Blog---Flowers
Penny's Paper-Crafty---Spots and Dots
Pile It On---Animals
Rhedd and Rosie---ATG
Scrapper's Delights---Favourite Color (Pink, Blue and Green)
Stamping Chef---ATG
Bearly-Mine---Colour Inspiration
Pause Dream Enjoy---Friendship
TTCRD---ATG
Make It Monday---ATG
Bunny Zoo's Crafts---Stitching
Glitter n Sparkle---Bling It Up
Sister Act---ATG
Rubber Buggy---ATG
Craftitude---ATG or I see Fluffy
HIMCR---For a Loved One
Paper Pretties---Texture (Some wonderful texture on the flowers)
Paper Creator Crafts---ATG
Crafting by Designs---Think Warm Thoughts
Crafting with Dragonflies---Cards/ATG
Little Red Wagon---Child's Play

Time to go, everyone!  Please make sure to visit us at WAW and link up the projects you make out of our free Word Art although not mandatory.  You can link up any inspiring, uplifting, family-friendly projects, up to 5.  We have a very generous sponsor by the name of  The Scrappy Gourmet who is giving away a $50 GC to  one winner.  How awesome is that?  So, head over to WAW and show us your wonderful projects.  Have a blessed week and know that God is always with you to love, care and protect you.  Let us continue to pray for others who have not experienced the Father's perfect love yet because time is running out.  For where God is, there is perfect peace, joy and happiness!

Scripture Series: Not a Card but a "Humble Yourselves in the Lord" Gift Card Holder---Join our Inspirational /Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello Crafty Friends.  It's the middle of the week again and we are almost done with January.  Days are passing by so quickly.  I know it,  because I can't seem to fulfill the many chores that I used to accomplish before.  Things are piling up on me and all I can say is. "Oh Lord, help me!  Anyway, we have a free Word Art (by Karen Murray) being highlighted  at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) today, at our Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge.  It comes from James 4:10 which tells us, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."  As we all know, Lucifer was overtaken by pride in his desire to be God (Isaiah 14:12-15), iniquity (sin) was found in him (Ezekiel 28:13-18).  Out of pride comes multitude of sins!  When we start to think we can do it on our own and we don't need our Creator in our lives, this is how we align ourselves to the likes of Lucifer (Satan).  The Bible clearly says in Acts 17:28 that "For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'" God formed us from the dust of the ground, unto His image and likeness but until He breathed unto our nostrils the "breath of life"---we were useless (Genesis 2:7).  Its God's breath that gave us life!  So how on earth can any of us look unto ourselves and declare in our hearts, "I don't need God!?"  Who among us knows what could happen in the next 5 minutes of our existence?  Who can stop a drop of rain from falling nor control our own mortality?  I tell you, in God's Kingdom, there is but One King and rebellion will not be tolerated.  God wants us to come to Him like a little kid who depends solely on his parents for love, sustenance and protection.  We are to humble ourselves before Him, call unto Him every moment of our lives!  He has our best interest for He knows everything in our past, present and future.  He will not turn away anyone who calls upon His Name (Jesus) and answers our cry for help in His perfect time.  More than that, He already prepared a place for us in the eternal where sin and by-products of sin can no longer ravage us.  Jesus paid for our freedom---past, present and future---through His finished work in the Cross.  Because of this, we can walk with utmost confidence because our shame is taken away and we possess the righteousness of God as His children.   Best of all, His gift of salvation is free for those who seek His face, who would come to Him at their wits end, broken and hopeless from trying it on their own.  He is the Only One who can make beauty out of ashes, joy out of sorrow, love out of hatred.  Call unto Jesus---He is waiting for you!  I want to share some verses to encourage you to seek the Lord:

"God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God." (Psalm 53:2)

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."  (Matthew 7:7-8)

So, here's my inspiration project for you at WAW.  For this gift card holder, I used an image I got for free at Time for Tea (gorgeous images, if i can only get all of them...LOL) a while back called "Moving Day" which I colored with my ProMarker and Prismacolor markers.  One of our sponsors for this week is Paper Temptress and was so generous to allow us to choose and sent us (postage free---thank you!) some wonderful, high-quality papers that I used in this project.  All of the CS you see here except the grey one is from them.  It's pretty thick so I didn't feel the need to layer a lot on this project.  I stamped a flower image from Stampendous, added a layered Prima flowers with brad and attached a white nail gem from Imaginisce.  I punched a small circle and attached it to the top and punched it to create a hole.  I decorated it with a ribbon and made a bow using some twine.  Lastly, I stitched all over this project and placed a gift card for photographing.  I got some inspiration for this project as I browsed a book called "Card Sketches for Paper Crafters" from a sketch by Kim Hughes.  Just perfect for my project today. 

 HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE LORD GIFT CARD HOLDER:

 HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE LORD GIFT CARD HOLDER LAYERS:

HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE LORD GIFT CARD HOLDER IMAGE CLOSE-UP:


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

This Project is entered into the following Challenges:

Make It Monday---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
My Sheri Crafts---Delightful Digis
Glitter n Sparkle---Stitching (Real of Faux)
OSAAT---Use a Digi
Artistic Inspirations---ATG/Use Ribbon
Card Mania---ATG
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG/Option: Use Real Ribbon
Party Time Tuesday---Use Ribbon
TTCRD---ATG
Divas by Design---ATG
2 Creative Chicks---ATG
Crafting for all Seasons---For the Girls
HIMCR---CAS
SweetPea Stampers---Flower Power
Bunny Zoe's Crafts---Stitching
Always Something Creative---Stitching
Natalie and Amy---One for the Girlies
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Card and Scrap---Use Bling (Brad, glitters and white gems)
Life in Details---Bling (White gems, brad and glitters)
Scribbles Designs---Sparkle It Up
Seemacrafts---ATG
Crafting Cafe---ATG
Crafting by Designs---Get Your Girl On!
Digistamps4Joy---Add Real Ribbon
Fab 'n' Funky---All About Words
Inky Impressions---Ribbon
Little Red Wagon---CAS
Paper Pretties---ATG
Paper Shelter---Digi Image + Sentiment


Time to go, everyone!  Please make sure to visit us at WAW and link up the projects you make out of our free Word Art although not mandatory.  You can link up any inspiring, uplifting, family-friendly projects, up to 5.  We have a couple of wonderful sponsors this week namely, Moonlighting by Mary and Paper Temptress.  That means a couple of chances to win so, head over to WAW and show us your wonderful projects.  Enjoy your week.  Always remember that God loves you and has a great plan for your life!

Scripture Series: I Lift Up Mine Eyes Center Step Card---Another Inspirational Card for 613 Avenue Create "Anything Goes" Challenge!

Hi there, everyone!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend with your family and had reflected on the freedom that was won during this remembrance of  Martin Luther King Jr.'s Day.  Every human being is equal in the eyes of the Lord regardless of one's color, culture and background.  Each one of us has a right to fulfill the purposes of God in our lives.  Whether you are red, white, brown, black or yellow, the Lord loves us all and would like for us to have a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.  When the day comes, our color would not mean anything.  It's Who you put your faith on (what you believe) that will hold you accountable.  It's easy to entrust our lives to people whom we attribute the freedom we call today but the truth of the matter is,  even Martin Luther King held on to something much bigger than himself and stated the very heart of God's Word as he cried for equal rights for people with color.  He believed that the love of God does not allow for any of the oppression present at that time.  He fought and believed God's Word to be True and proclaimed the statutes of God without fear.  Today, we believers have a different war to wage.  We find ourselves having to stand up for the Truth of God's Word.  Many people have latched on the Civil Rights Movement, twisted its true value, and have attempted to legalize lifestyles and way of living that is contrary to the very Word of God.  And it's their aim to punish and persecute everyone that does not agree with them.  Are we going to watch along the sidelines and allow them to rule our nation?  A nation founded under the light of God's Word in the very heart of its Constitution?  I certainly hope not!  We know the power that is in us and as much as we need to pray for all that persecute us, we also have to stand up for our God-given rights as citizens to see that the light of God's Word never departs this country.  Though this world is going to be covered in darkness as prophesied in the Scriptures, we are still in this place to shine the light of God's Word.  We are going to leave this world in God's time (Rapture of the Church) but until then, we are commissioned by Jesus in His word in Matthew 28:19-20, ""Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  But we ask, how can I possibly make a difference?  It has to start from the heart...Let the Lord changed you from the inside out through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Take on His Word and renew your minds by putting the thought of God instead of worldly thoughts.  Lastly, act on His Word in love, share it to others and exercise your God-given rights to change your worldly environment and elect people to govern not based on their color, personal beliefs nor popularity.  We are to support those who have a genuine Biblical worldview.  Our fight in today's world is not physical but spiritual in nature and we are to put on the full armor of God to triumph against the wiles of the enemy.  We are to take on the courage that David had when He accepted Goliath's challenge.  We know the Power that lies within us, so, we are not to fear.  We know our glorious destiny so, whether we live or die, we don't have anything to lose!  When we accepted Jesus Christ in our hearts, we transferred from the losers side to the winners side.  Though the world spirals in chaos, we can remain at peace because we know that God is in control and He's coming for us, His Church!  God has placed in our hearts His living Word---so, let's preach it without fear!  Here are God's Word to encourage all of us at this time:

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.  They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats do not be frightened." (1 Peter 3:9-14)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident." (Psalm 27:1-3)

I have a couple of projects made for your inspiration at 613 Avenue Create, Anything Goes with a Twist (Winter Shades of Blue) Challenge.  This is my second creation which features an image called  "Mark Twain DS3" from one of our sponsors this week, Nice Crane Designs.  I colored the image with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers and the flower is from Ditto stamps colored with my Tim Holtz Distress Markers.  I used my Cuttlebug with a couple of Cuttlebug folders to emboss the panels.  I also applied Distress Inks (Tumbled Glass and Faded Jeans) on its edges.  I attached some blue brads for dimension. Lastly, incorporated a free Word Art (by Karen Murray) to convey a wonderful message featuring Psalm 121:1-2 which says, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."  I cherish this passage since I entrusted my life to Christ many years ago.  I know Who my Only Source of Everything is---He is my Lord, Jesus Christ!  All the things that I have in me and I possess came from Him---as well as all of my future!  I cannot trust anything or anyone more than Him.  He alone is worthy of praise and glory!

I LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD:

 I LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

 I LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

 I LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

 

I LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Make It Monday---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
My Sheri Crafts---Delightful Digis
OSAAT---Use a Digi
Card Mania---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---Fancy Folds
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG/Option: Use Real Ribbon
Pile It On---Wood (Tree)
2 Creative Chicks---ATG
Whimsy Inspirations---Something New (New Image)
Creative Craft---New (New Image)
SweetPea Stampers---Flower Power
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Card and Scrap---Use Bling (Brads)
Life in Details---Bling (lots of brads)
Scribbles Designs---Sparkle It Up
Seemacrafts---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Buttons and Pearls
Craftin Desert Diva's---Shaped Cards
Eureka Stamps---3 Fave Embellishments (embossing, brads, colored flower image)
Lexi's Creations---Fancy Folds
OLLCB---A Man Card
Stamps &Fun = Creativity---Embossing

This it for now, guys.  I f you want to see the other project I featured for the 613 Avenue Create Challenge, it's HERE!  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  If you want to be challenged (like I was), take on the Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it.  Our 3 sponsors---Fitztown Store, Eureka Stamps and Nicecrane Designs are giving away some fabulous prizes.  Can't wait to see what you create. The Lord is with you every step of the way so, don't be afraid to carry out His work in your life---to be the Salt and Light of this world.

Butterfly Sentiments Mini Note Cards---Come Join the Anything Goes Challenge with a Twist at 613 Avenue Create!

Great Sunday, friends!  Hope you had such a wonderful day meeting up with God's people in the Churches this morning.  I was battling some annoying allergies for many days now but that didn't stop me from singing and praising my wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ!  Life is full of ups and downs and I know for sure that it's going to continue on till we trade this physical body to an eternal (glorious) one when it comes time.  I had a conversation with a friend at Church whose experiencing a number of trials and frustrations in life and anywhere she turns, the door slams into her face.  I admire that even though she was battling many troubles in life and in spite of her frustrations, she still continues to exercise her faith.  The truth is we can encourage other believers to be strong and remind them of the promises of God about their situations but we must also be sensitive enough to listen and identify ourselves to the trials our friends are going through.  I've been to many situations in my life that placed me in so much misery and frustrations and in the midst of impossibilities, God came through!  I tell you, it was not pleasant to go through all of them because the uncertainties and the wait can be a torture.  Yet, even with all those experiences, I cannot say I am now a "pro" in handling difficult situations.  I still go and find rest in my Savior's arms and seek His wisdom and knowledge through His Word in my daily walk with Him.  The Truth is He's the Only One who can satisfy the longings of my heart.  In my anxiety, He tells me not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34).  In my uncertainties, He tells me that He holds my future (Jeremiah 29:11).  In my afflictions, He reminds me that by His stripes I was healed (1 Peter 2:24).  And in  my panic, He tells me to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).  So when this friend asked me, "But when is God going to come through for me?," I didn't have to invent any answer!  I told her, "In His perfect time."  I cannot see her and mine's earthly future but I know deep in the core of my heart (as the Holy Spirit bear witness to the victory that is in Jesus Christ), I have an All-Knowing Father Who loves me and cares for me/us, enough to send His One and Only Son to the Cross so that I/we may live eternally.  He sees my/our ending from my/our beginning and when all this is said and done,  He shall wipe every tear in my/our eyes (Revelation 21:4).

So, when storms of life comes pounding to test everything that you hold true and dear in your life, do not withdraw from the very Source of Power that enables you to overcome.  Instead, take Jesus'  invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 which says, "“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Continue to press on against all the wiles of the enemy (Satan) that bombards your mind and destroy them by meditating on the goodness of the Lord, the work He has done in my life since I came to His saving knowledge.  I still get choked up every time I'm reminded of the meaningless life I had in the past.  The Lord took me in His arms 23 years ago and from then on, my life (including the afterlife) took on a whole new meaning.  All I know is that I serve a God whose trustworthy and fulfills every Word He said.  My prayers may not meet its answer in my time frame but in God's time---His perfect time.  Here's a few verses to encourage us in difficult times:

"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:6-7)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  (James 1:1-4)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:6-7)

I have a couple of projects made today for our Anything Goes Challenge with an optional Twist (Winter Shades of Blue) at 613 Avenue Create.  One of our wonderful sponsors, Fitztown Store, have supplied us with images to use and I chose "Fae 18" (butterflies) which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  I purchased some blank  mini note cards (3 x 3" square) last year and finally got the chance to use it for this project.  I used my Cuttlebug to emboss a Cuttlebug folder in a panel and stamped 3 various kinds of sentiments from Dylusions Clear Stamps.  I just how these sentiments coordinates with my images.  Super cool!  Lastly, I incorporated some white nail gems from Imaginisce and some White Opal Liquid Pearls for added dimension.  It's not easy for me to create with Color Challenges as I want the freedom to use colors according to my preference but this is as much blue I can add to this project.  Hope you like 'em.  

 BUTTERFLY SENTIMENT MINI NOTE CARD WITH ENVELOPES:

 BUTTERFLY SENTIMENT MINI NOTE CARD 1:

  BUTTERFLY SENTIMENT MINI NOTE CARD 2:

  BUTTERFLY SENTIMENT MINI NOTE CARD 3:

  BUTTERFLY SENTIMENT MINI NOTE CARD LAYERS:

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

This Project is entered into the following Challenges:

Make It Monday---ATG
Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---What a Fuss
My Sheri Crafts---Delightful Digis
OSAAT---Use a Digi
Card Mania---ATG
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG/Option: Use Real Ribbon
2 Creative Chicks---ATG
Whimsy Inspirations---Something New (New Digi Stamp)
Creative Craft---New (New Image)
Natalie and Amy---One for the Girlies
Emerald Faeries---Things with Wings
Feeling Crafty---Butterflies
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Card and Scrap---Use Bling (white gems)
Scribbles Designs---Sparkle It Up
Seemacrafts---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Buttons and Pearls

There you have it guys.  I have another post to make on top of this post so, please check it out as well.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  If you want to be challenged (like I was), take on the Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it.  Our 3 sponsors---Fitztown Store, Eureka Stamps and Nicecrane Designs are giving away some fabulous prizes.  Can't wait to see what you create.  I pray for the peace of God to continue to abide in your life and for those who don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to call unto Him and allow Jesus to touch your life. 

Scripture Series: Whose Hope is in the Lord Card---Join us for an Anything Goes (Uplifting) Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, friends!  I am so glad to be back to my Wednesday posting for Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  I was down sick for several days last week that I had to skip making a project to get some rest.  Hubby only allowed me to go online just to inform concerned people of my condition.  Anyway, the worst days are over but still battling with colds and congestion (allergy-related).  As I was about to begin the featured project here, I prayed for the Lord's help to guide me and strengthen me to work even with such an inconvenience and I can tell you that He never failed me.  This New Year came to my family with challenges lined up one with another.  Health and financial issues have appeared early in the year and I will be in denial if I say they don't bother me.  I am usually a planner so, not having a clear perspective of the future is always a challenge.  Yet, I believe that God started to equip me, the past several years,  with greater knowledge and understanding of His working in my life by sending me to learn of His Word through Bible classes, wisdom through experiences and allowing me to reflect on moments that I was in a very trying situation yet, He saw me through.  Today, we are faced by several trials wanting to put us down and send us to the road of frustration.  Yet, I think to myself, is there another option?  But of course, THERE IS NONE!  It's either I trust in the Lord all the way or be devoured by the enemy (Satan) who does not have any  good intention but to kill, to steal and destroy me (John 10:10).  Though trials are coated with pain and suffering, it is also  in those times that I should cling to the Lord Jesus, my Savior, and meditate on the promises that was won in our behalf through His finished work in the Cross.  There, He defeated sickness and diseases, took our authority back from Satan, freed us from all kinds of bondage to sin, sin nature and Satan himself and won us our victory from death and eternal death.  No stone was left unturned when Jesus came and save all mankind.  His salvation is free and it's accessible to all by FAITH in Jesus Christ alone.  Therefore, I can claim the victory over sickness and diseases, over financial troubles, over every situation that seeks to put me down.  I remember our Pastor told us one morning, "God does not respond to our bawling, complaints and murmurings."  He responds to His Word---His promises!  We are to speak His Word to our situation and pray without ceasing till will see the manifestation of His promises in our lives.  We are people who depend so much on how we feel yet, faith is not a matter of feeling.  It is solely based on TRUST---knowing that we serve an awesome God who knows our beginning from our ending, He knows what's best for us!  Every minute of the day, my faith is tested based on what I feel, the condition of my body, family situation, relationships, finances and every aspect that affects human beings.  I can choose to break down and cry, yet what good will it do to my situation?  Nothing at all.  So amidst all the inclinations to worry, I made up my mind to keep trusting the Lord!  I know His answers come in the perfect time and all I need to do is to completely trust His working in my life.  Here's one of the verses given by the Lord that I hold onto each time I am bombarded by worries:

“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 than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 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. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."  (Matthew 6:25-34)

Anyway, here's my inspiration card for this week's WAW Challenge.  It features the free Word Art (designed by Karen Murray) in Psalm 146:5 which says, "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God."  This simply tells us that out trust should be founded in our Almighty God, our Creator, and not unto any man (establishment or government).  If we put our trust in man, we are destined to fail for man is full of imperfections.  God created us and knows the very purpose for each and everyone, based on the abilities and talents He has placed upon us.  He is more than capable to provide all of our needs and to equip us to fight the works of the enemy through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ!  He wants us to call unto Him for every concern, need, decisions and want to be the integral part of our lives.  When we put out trust in Him, we are putting our faith in a Solid Rock, the Rock of All Ages, the Strong Foundation that no powers of hell shall ever conquer.  To trust in man is to put our faith in a house made of sand---it crumbles and is washed away.  So, no matter what my situation seem to appear, I made up my mind to keep trusting the Lord who is in charge of my past, present and eternal future.  I am certainly in Good Hands!  For this Card, I used a very cute image from Mo Manning called "Superduper Boy" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The base card is Kraft measuring 5.5 inches square.  The DP's are all from Paper Studio from the Newsworthy Stack (love this a lot!).  I die cut an octagon using my Nestabilities and adhered several metal brads for added dimension.  Lastly, I did some fancy and regular stitching all over this creation.  It was hard working with coughing and congestion but the Lord had been my source of inspiration and strength.  All glory to His Name!

 WHOSE HOPE IS IN THE LORD CARD:

 WHOSE HOPE IS IN THE LORD CARD LAYERS:

 WHOSE HOPE IS IN THE LORD CARD INSIDE:

WHOSE HOPE IS IN THE LORD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Create with TLC---Show it Off Sunday
Make It Monday---ATG
2 Creative Chicks---ATG
Cards Galore Encore---ATG
Doodle Pantry---Any Digi Goes
Heck of a Challenge---New (New Sentiment, Image and Papers)
Crafting Cafe---ATG
Crafting for all Seasons---All Things Bright and Beautiful
Creative Moments---ATG/Buttons and Pearls
Sisterhood of Crafters---Out with the Old, In with the New (Old: Brads/New: DP's, Image, Sentiment)
Whimsy Stamps---Something New (New Sentiment, Image and Papers)
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
Creative Craft Challenges---New (New Sentiment, Image and Papers)
Die Cuttin Divas---Out with Old, In with New (Die-cut: Nesties Old: Brads New:DP's, Image)
Inky Chicks---ATG
Just Inspirational---Children
LEJ Designs---ATG
Loves Rubberstamps---Use Metal (My brads are all metal)
Papertake Weekly---New Stash (New Sentiment, Image and Papers)
TTCRD---ATG
Try It On Tuesday---In with the New (New Sentiment, Image and Papers)
Lexi's Creations---ATG
Crafty Boots---ATG
Jo's Scrap Shack---ATG
Penny's Paper Crafty---Embellishments
My Heart Pieces---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG

Time to go, everyone!  Please make sure to visit us at WAW and link up the projects you make out of our free Word Art although not mandatory.  You can link up any inspiring, uplifting, family-friendly projects, up to 5.  We have a couple of wonderful sponsors this week namely, Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps and Yours or Mine Paper Crafts.  That means a couple of chances to win so, head over to WAW and show us your wonderful projects.  Have a blessed week and remember to meditate on the Word of God day and night.  God has answers for every question, concern you have. 

Not a Card but Party Time Sour Cream Containers---Our 1st Year Blogaversary and Another Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hi there, wonderful and crafty Peeps...It's been a less productive week for me since I was down sick for several days.  I realized that when I was laying in bed, I felt even sicker thinking how I was unable to accomplish anything.  It literally felt like time and everything around me was moving rapidly while I was standing still.  Truly an awful feeling plus the fact that I pretty much didn't have the appetite for anything.   I am grateful to the Lord for He heard my cry for help and gave me comfort and strength.  I know that Jesus conquered every sickness and diseases known to men 2000 years ago, even those that are still unknown.  Because of this knowledge, I expected the victory of Jesus to make manifest in my body at the time when I had very little strength.  Thank God, In His perfect time, I was physically restored.  I am very grateful to my little man and hubby who patiently helped and supported me when I could not do anything for them.  We made it through couple of days of freezing temps, all bundled up (I had 3 to 4 blankets more due to fever, chills, colds, coughing etc.) while the house became a mess and the chores piled up.  Hoping to get caught up soon...LOL The ever changing weather in Texas can be very physically challenging.  If you are affected by the recent extreme/cold weather and is down sick like I was this week, know who is in control of your spirit, soul and body.  If you have given your life to the Lord Jesus, know that He has your best interest.  Depend upon Him for protection, comfort, warmth, healing, provision---everything!  Yes, even the weather answers to Him!  Meditate on these verses as you go through any kind of sickness and diseases (in all aspects of life).  It's very comforting to know that you are not alone in the pain and suffering.  Jesus is with you every step of the way because He loves and cares for you:

"Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.  He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.  Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men."  (Psalm 107:19-21)

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:21-24)

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Anyway, I had to take things easy still so, I created something simple yet wonderful for this week's inspiration  at our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create with an optional Twist of "Party Time."  We have several wonderful sponsors lined up because of our 1st Year Blogaversary and one of them is Vectoria Designs who graciously provided us with some wonderful digi papers and images to use for our projects.  I decided to make my favorite "Sour Cream Containers" by printing one of the digi papers available for us to use.  I filled it up with some Hershey's Chocolates and sealed it with my paper crimper.  I also printed some tickets from the images we were provided.  It was blank in the center so I was able to stamp some "party related" sentiments from my Inkadinkado stamps.  I cut each one out and attached them to the containers by using Making Memories Staples.  They turned out so cute...Love them and best of all, it didn't take me hours to make...LOL

PARTY TIME SOUR CREAM CONTAINERS:

PARTY TIME SOUR CREAM CONTAINERS CLOSE-UP:

This Project is entered into the following Challenges:

Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Make It Monday---ATG
Great Impressions---Use Something New (DP's and stamps use in this card are all new)
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
Crafty Boots---ATG
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
Crafty Sentiments---New (DP's and stamps use in this card are all new)
Creative Craft---ATG
Papertake Weekly---ATG/Optional (Celebrate Something New)
Crafter's Cafe---ATG
Penny's Paper-Crafty---ATG
Pile It On---Holidays/Celebrations
OSAAT---Something New (DP's and stamps use in this card are all new)
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
The Squirrel and The Fox---Show Off Your New Stuff (DP's and stamps use in this card are all new)

Hope you enjoyed this post.  Make sure to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create  this week for we have lots and lots of prizes to give-away to those joining our Challenge.  Our Amazing line up of sponsors are Vectoria Designs, A Day for Daisies, DigiStamp Characters, Lee's Digi Shop and The Cutting Cafe.  You can submit any kind of project (wholesome please!) or challenge yourself to create something that are along the lines of our Optional Twist (Party Time).  So, what are you waiting for?  Visit our neighborhood at 613 Avenue Create and celebrate with us on our 1st Year Blogaversary.  I pray for excellent health in all aspects of your life through what Jesus Christ has accomplished on the Cross!  Be blessed and be a blessing!