Scripture Series: Toward the Goal Card---It's time for Another Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Good Monday morning, everyone!  This post is coming to you a day late...I had my hands full yesterday to have it ready for our Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Twist (Color Challenge) at 613 Avenue Create.  But the card featured here, made it in time for the Challenge which highlights  one of my favorite verses in Bible.  I'm talking about Philippians 3:14 which says, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Whether you recognize it or not, all of us are in a journey!  God equipped us with talents, abilities and the passion to fulfill the purposes He has for us on earth.  But we are not to achieve any of them without the guidance of the One who created us.  Before Man fell into sin, Adam and Eve lived in constant fellowship with the Father.  There's no inclination nor knowledge and desire to rebel against God---no SIN to separate them from Him!  He was their Perfect Source for everything.  So, where did sin come from?  The Word of God clearly tells us that it was found in Lucifer (Satan) as stated in Ezekiel 28:13-17.  This very nature of sin (SIN NATURE) has plagued man right after Adam disobeyed God.   The first man gave away our dominion (God-given authority), and brought us all to become slaves to Satan.  So we asked, why is there so much evil happening all around us?  Only when you have complete understanding on what Adam gave up and whose in-charge of the affairs of this world since then, will you be able to make sense of all the horrible things mankind have experienced and still experiencing throughout history.  John 10:10 states, "The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  This verse tells the very source of all evil and what he wants to accomplish. Yet in the same verse, what Satan meant for destruction, the Lord Jesus will bring to life and restoration.  We must understand that God's plan can never be thwarted and I meant, NEVER!  We may have deviated from the purpose that God has for our lives but if we admit to our sins and trust in the antidote that God has provided for the salvation of mankind against the poison that the devil have injected upon every single one of us, we leave the old nature (in Adam) and becomes "Born-Again" (John 3:3) into the Kingdom of God (in Christ) where we were before the Fall happened.  

You see, the Father didn't detail the ups and downs, the different twist and turns each of our lives is going to take.  We need to know that God is Sovereign and being the One who knows the ending from the beginning, we are to put our complete trust that whatever life may bring us, He is under complete control!  Everything that we have and enjoy comes from the finished work of Jesus Christ---His death, burial and resurrection!    If in this lifetime, we have not come to the knowledge of Him and cling to the hope and salvation that He already provided for us, that simply means that we have placed our trust in "OURSELVES" and that we are saying to God (Who made us, the heavens and the earth) that "We don't need You!"...This may seem harsh but if we say "NO" to the saving grace that is in Jesus Christ alone before death, we have already sealed our destination---in the lake of fire, where Satan and all his cohorts are destined eternally.  One can say goodbye to every ounce of good thing for such is a place of inconceivable evil---the absence of anything that we know is good!  So please, I encourage anyone who have ears to listen---whose heart God is knocking at right this moment (as you read this post).  Get to know the God of the Bible---JESUS CHRIST!  He is our "ONLY WAY OUT" from the lies and deception that the devil has placed upon us.  The ticket to the Kingdom of God can only be accessed here on earth but if you fail to receive it (Jesus' gift of salvation in your behalf), you need not do anything because the ticket to damnation have long been arranged.  Sorry to be blunt but that's the truth! No amount of prayers nor what your love ones can do here on earth, will reverse that outcome (Read "The Rich Man and Lazarus at Luke 16:19-31) once a person dies.  That is why it is useless to pray for the dead---we are to pray for the living! 

On the other hand, those of us who have placed our trust in Jesus Christ are to press toward the goal.  While on earth, we depend upon the Lord to finish the race.  We may encounter a fall, an injury, extreme exhaustion that would slow us down or send us crawling in the track.  But if we persevere (truly depending in the power of the Holy Spirit to get us there) and fix our eyes on the prize (the crown of life), God will supply us with the strength and passion to stand up and go on with the journey at whatever cost.  Our very purpose comes from God and He can make that a reality as you solely depend upon the Victor of victors---Jesus Christ!  He will be there---face to face with us at the end of our journey and oh, what a glorious moment that will be. Here are some verses that would encourage all of us to run the race---keeping our focus on the prize:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."(Hebrews 12:1-3)

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."  (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

For this Card, I worked with a digi stamp from one of our sponsors, Kenny K Downloads.  I chose the "Olympic Runner" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  I chose my DP's (from Paper Studio) based on our optional color themes (3 color combos to choose from).  I chose blue/purple/turquoise because the other two color combos were too girlish!  It was not an easy task to work with those colors because truthfully, I would not think of putting those 3 colors together in one project...LOL  The hardest color for me to include was purple because it may deviate from my original plan of creating a masculine card.  So, I left the colors to the DP's and colored my image with my own color choices.  I can't imagine placing a purple anywhere in the image and still make it look manly---but I did try, yet felt I couldn't use it, specifically with this image...LOL.  Anyway, the base card is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I used an MS Circle Cutter to produce the circles, added some glitters to the image (Stickles - Orange Peel and Yellow), some metallic nail head gems from Imaginisce and ran the panels into my sewing machine for some stitching.  The wonderful scripture sentiment was put together by yours through Word document.   

 TOWARD THE GOAL CARD:

 TOWARD THE GOAL CARD LAYERS:

 TOWARD THE GOAL CARD INSIDE:

TOWARD THE GOAL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Anyone for Anya---Masculine/Grungy
OSAAT---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Crafty Hazelnut---ATG with Patterned Papers
Creative Moments---ATG/Optional Things with Wings
Sister Act---ATG
Stamping Chef---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Fan-Tastic Tuesday---ATG
Country View---Paper Chase
Artistic Inspirations---Easter Colors/ATG
Crafty Catz---ATG
Paper Crafting Journey---ATG
HIMCR---Freestyle
Creative Fingers---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Corrosive Challenge---Show Us Your Metal
Crafting from the Heart---Cute and Cuddly/ATG
Craftin Desert Divas---ATG
Kraft Journal---Inside and Out
Make My Monday---One for the Boys
Make Something Monday---Sparkle
My Craft Creations---ATG
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
Simon Says Stamp---ATG
Crazy Challenge---Bling It Up
Color Me Creative---Sparkle It
Creative Moments---ATG
Craftitude---ATG/Add a Brad or Eyelet
Stampin with the Dragon---Bling It Up

There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge with an optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create.  There's wonderful prizes awaiting the winners from our lovely sponsors for this week---Kenny K Downloads and Aurora Wings.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  I hope you have a wonderful week filled with the divine inspiration of God's Word to carry through the journey of life.  Would love to hear your comments too.   Hugs, always!

Scripture Series: Him In Perfect Peace Card---Join Us in our Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello Crafty friends! It's the middle of the week and it's time for another wonderful Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW). It's been a gloomy day out here and looking outside, the weather seem uncertain of what it's going to be---a bright, sunshiny day or a cold, rainy day.  As the clouds continued to thicken, it was becoming more evident what it's going to be.  That is what every ordinary human beings do when we go through life.  We take what's in front of us and based our beliefs and actions on the circumstances that are present.  We operate with our five senses, feeding our soul (mind, will and emotions) to rely on situations, hoping for a good amount of luck.  Yet that is not what God has purposed for every believer that comes to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:1-3 tells us, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."  We are to look beyond our circumstances and find the blessings---the promises of God which are hidden beneath the dark clouds of a storm.  Psalm 19:1-2 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge!"  The Bible, which is the written revelation of God, detailed to  us "who we are" and "what we have" as Kingdom citizens through the finished work of Jesus Christ!  We are to be people of faith that relies solely on the promises of God, no matter what our circumstances may be.  We may not be exempted from the passing storm but we can choose to face it head on knowing that the ark of salvation, our faith anchored in Jesus Christ, is sure to carry us to safety and victory.  I am so grateful for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life for He has given me wisdom, knowledge and understanding to look beyond what's in front of me.  To see that underneath the heavy storms of life, there is a bright, sunshiny day awaiting on the other side.  I need not worry myself of anything! The faith I have in Christ, which the Holy Spirit deposited in my heart, is more than sufficient to complete the work He started in me. Romans 8:28-30 tells us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." In Christ, I have a purpose and meaning and that every trial that comes my way is but a tool to sharpen my faith in Him Who called me.

Our free Word Art (by Karen Murray) at WAW today comes from  Isaiah 26:3 which says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."  Faith is not only trusting but believing, adhering, sticking to, rely on, hope on, cling on and having complete confidence in God alone and His promises through Christ.  Knowing that we serve the One, True God,---John 17:3 says, "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."  Because we have everything in Him, we can rid ourselves of any worry for our blessings does not come from an unknown source. It comes directly from the One who have purposed and created everything.  Right this very moment, the Lord knows the cries of my heart and have entrusted Him of my future.  Creating the Card featured here brought me a prophetic message of the Lord's goodness and provision in my life.  I will have to hold off sharing it with you till the perfect time has come.  Day after day, God never failed to encourage me with many signs and wonders confirming the blessings He has prepared amidst the contradicting circumstances in the seen world.  He has given me peace, comfort and joy to wait in His perfect timing.  One may ask, "Is it easy to live by faith?  If you're relying on human abilities, NOT AT ALL!  But for a child of God, purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ, it is the only way to live. Since Jesus Christ lives inside of me, I can live by faith daily because it is "HIM IN ME" that enables me to.  To God be the glory forever and ever!  I would love to share with you the following verses to encourage you to put your faith solely in the One True God---the God of the Bible:

PSALM 91:1-16

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,  nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.  A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.  If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge-- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;  they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.  "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

For this Card, I use a free image I got from Alley Way Stamps a while back and colored some parts of it with my Prismacolor markers.  Other parts were paper-pieced using some of my scraps.  The white base is cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The main panel was embossed with my Cuttlebug using one of my Cuttlebug folders.  I cut-out some clouds from  one of the DP's, matted it, added some glitters (Stickle-Crystal) and white nail head gems from Imaginisce.  I ran the panel in my sewing machine to create some regular and fancy stitching and presto, this Card was done.  I just loved it!

 HIM IN PERFECT PEACE CARD:

  HIM IN PERFECT PEACE CARD LAYERS:

  HIM IN PERFECT PEACE CARD INSIDE:

 HIM IN PERFECT PEACE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Creative Moments---ATG/Things with Wings
Little Red Wagon---Bling it Up!
Paper Pretties---Paper Piecing
Paper Shelter---Spring Delights
Rhedd and Rosie---Trees/Wood
Cuttin and Stampin---Paper Piecing
Cuttlebug Mania---Let's Get Dotty
Fan-Tastic Tuesday---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Tuesday Throwdown---Digi Dimension
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Aurora Wings---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG/Spots or Stripes
Crafty Bloggers Network---Nature
Creating in Faith Hope and Love---ATG with Scripture
Fitztown---ATG
Kaboodle Doodles---Dreaming of Spring
My Craft Creations---ATG
My Craft Spot---ATG
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG/Optional Butterfly
Stamp and Create---Ready for Spring
Whoopsi Daisy---Welcome Spring
Come and Get It---Easter/Spring
Glitter n Sparkle---Use Some Blue
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
Craftitude---ATG/Add a Brad or Eyelet
HIMCR---Let's Get Digital
Crafty Girls---ATG
Pattie's Creations---ATG
Little Scrap Pieces---Show it Off Linky Party

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times this week.  Lots of prizes to be won from our two wonderful sponsors---Paper Sweeties ($10 GC) and Bugaboo Stamps (3 Digis).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the peace of the Lord overtake you today.  I serve a good and faithful God---Jesus Christ! 

Stays at the Salon Center Step Card---Many Thanks to Paulette from Create with TLC for the GDT Spot Every now and Then!

Great day to all of you, Crafty Peeps out there!  If you have read my Blog post prior to this, you will recall how I mentioned about the blessing of having new friends whom I know God has brought to my life.   They have been great support and encouragement as I share God's Word in the wonderful world of Crafting.  Paulette, from Create with TLC,  has been so generous in providing us with loads of inspirational sentiments to use in our creations.  She shared with many (followers and stragglers) some images and sentiments for free daily.  Many of my cards came to life because of those wonderful  images.  If I am in need of a sentiment, guess where I go first?  I can't thank you enough for your generosity and friendship, Paulette! 

God promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). Whether we are happy or sad,  God uses His Word to give comfort and peace.  He also gave us family and friends to help us go through life.  Romans 8:28 states, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  It is not by accident that we meet people along the way that would inspire, support and encourage us to fulfill God's purpose here on earth.  The same is true to those that challenged, wronged and hurt us.  All of these people and circumstances contribute to who we are today.  As we rely and trust God's Word, we will understand that God is ultimately in control.  Whether in triumphs or trials, as we focus on Him, we're on the winning side.  Ephesians 1:11-15 tells us, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory."  As we live each day, we can choose to be a blessing to somebody.  We affect each other's lives in many ways we are unable to fully comprehend.  For those whose trust is in Jesus, He can use/send you to where He wants you to be in order to accomplish His purpose in yours and other people's lives.  Many have expressed to me how blessed they were having found my Blog and how they been encouraged by God's Word.  Still,  there are those who would visit and would not leave any comment but have received the blessing of God's Word.  I picture my Ministry (My Blog) like a fisherman casting a net (of salvation).  I may see a great catch or not much at all, but that is not what's important to me.  What's significant is that I CAST THE NET!   Jesus have given us (believers) the Great Commission as stated in Matthew 28:19-20 which says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” I'm living in obedience to what my Father in heaven asked me to do.  The results are entirely up to Him (the work of the Holy Spirit).  The Lord is so gracious that He sends me people that may knowingly or unknowingly help me do His Work.  In my life, I have but a few friends.  The number is not very important to me but the quality of friendship is what means a lot more.  I have friends in the inner circle and those that are outside of that.  Those that go beyond the usual HI's and HELLO's, genuinely concerned with your well-being are quite rare.  They are precious jewels that God has placed in your life that you certainly must treasure.  My prayer is to be a blessing to somebody in the Crafting world remembering that I would not be able to please everybody---only those whom the Father placed in my path.  I am so glad to have met many and yet another special friend in the Blogging world.  Paulette (from Create with TLC), you are truly a blessing!  Here's some Bible verses that speaks about Godly friendships:

"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up."  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) 

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."  (John 15:12-13)

Now, here's my Card using a wonderful sentiment from a set called "Salon Fashions" which Paulette provided me as Guest DT in Create with TLC.  I love humorous sentiments and it goes wonderfully with the image I chose from Art Impressions Girlfriends Stamp called "Beauty In Progress."  I colored the image with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Chromatix markers.  The white base card is cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches Center Step Card.  The DP's are from Pebbles and the gems from Imaginisce.  I die cut the Nestabilities Lacy Oval using my Cuttlebug.  Finally,  I stitched all over.  Oh , I think it's so cute!

 STAYS AT THE SALON CENTER STEP CARD:

  STAYS AT THE SALON CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

  STAYS AT THE SALON CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

  STAYS AT THE SALON CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

STAYS AT THE SALON CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered  into the following Challenges:

Emerald Faeries---Girly "Pretty in Pink"
Bearly-Mine---One for the Girls
Crafts Galore Encore---Use a Stamp or Digi
Country View---Paper Chase
Digi Galore---ATG
Just B Creative Crazy---Just Because (ATG)
Just For Fun---ATG
LEJ Designs---Favorite Die-cuts
Oddball Art Stamp---Use a Digi (Sentiment is a digi)
Treasured Times---ATG with Layering
Whimsie Doodles---Seeing Spots
Gem of a Challenge---Mother's Day/Female Birthday/Special Lady
Color Me Creative---Show Some Skin
HIMCR---Let's Get Digital (Sentiment is a Digi)
Inkspirational---Photo Inkspiration
Pumpkin Spice---Dots
Creative Moments---ATG
Brown Sugar---ATG
Craftitude---ATG/Add a Brad/Eyelet
Crafts 4 Eternity---ATG
Crafty Catz---Bling it Up
Creative Corner---A Little Texture (nail head gems)
Creative Fingers---ATG
Cut It Up---ATG
Daring Cardmakers---Do Die-licious
Pattie's Creations---ATG(Must Use an Image)
Sister Act---ATG
Stampin with the Dragon---Bling it Up
Wags 'n Whiskers---Rainbow
Crafty Girls---ATG
As You Like It---Favorite Coloring Medium (Any brand of markers as they are readily available)
Aud Sentiments---ATG with Sentiment
Dream it Up---ATG
MAWTT---Photo Inspiration
Paper Crafting Journey---Photo Inspiration
Red Rubber Inspirationals---Color In the Lines

This is all I've got to share for the day.  If you haven't done so, please visit Create with TLC to visit Paulette's Shop and to avail of those wonderful freebies she shares daily.  If you have wonderful friends, give them a hug and thank them for always being there through every season of your life.  Remember that true friendships stems from the love and grace of God. 

Scripture Series: Behold Thy Face in Righteousness Card---It's an Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday and also a GDT Spot at Crafting by Designs...

It's another Wednesday and I'm bringing to you a new Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  God has been so wonderful that as we obey His calling in our lives, He allows us to enlarge our tent and meet some wonderful people along the way.  I am  honored to be asked to be GDT for the Challenge at Crafting by Designs and the same project is featured today in their new Challenge.  In the midst of constant attack on everything that is Godly, I am meeting more and more people that have the same purpose in their Blog.  That is, to honor God and spread the good news of His Word in this troubling days.  I just won a Challenge in a site called Creating in Faith, Hope and Love and I had fun playing because I can make anything with a Bible verse as a sentiment.  I love meeting people who are not only loving everything Crafty but recognizes that everything that God has gifted us with should be used to declare His glory in this world.  Romans 10:17 tells us, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."  How awesome it is for every believer to step up in faith and share the grace and love that God has shown us through His Son using the very talents He equipped us with.  I knew I love to Craft but never did I imagine that I would be this passionate in creating paper crafts that showcases the hope I have in Christ.  Furthermore, I didn't consider Blogging about the wonderful things that God has imparted in my life on a weekly basis.  I can choose to just post my cards, share the technique and tools I used and be done with it.   It wasn't my ambition to write.  I don't really enjoy reading as a hobby so, I thought I would not have factual things to say.   Little did I know that one simple decision to attend a College level Bible class would empower me to share God's wonderful works in my life.  That desire to attend one class (10 weeks) continued to the present, nearly 5 years of learning God's Word.  There was hunger and thirst in my heart to know the Lord in the most intimate way.  On my second year attending, I asked my Pastor/Teacher what could be the reason for all the studying?  I was certain  there's a purpose but haven't figured it out.  One day, I was going about blogging one of my creations and found myself sharing what I learned from studying God's Word.  From then on, I could not post anything that would not include sharing God's message.  I didn't plan things to happen that way.  It just did!  God knew that  I am a vessel for Him so, He used my life to inspire, enlighten and encourage people.   I am so amazed and honored to be one of the many Ambassadors of Christ here on earth to which we are all called.

Truthfully, it does not take a super talented and intelligent individual to represent Christ.  What He does require is faith ( complete trust in Him) and obedience.  The Bible declares in 1 Corinthians 1:27-31, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”  I tell you, I am incapable of comprehending the things of God had he not placed the wisdom and understanding of His Kingdom in my heart.  I've encountered people who claimed to be intellectuals but cannot understand anything spiritually.  For the things of God is not of this earth, it is spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).  Man lost that spiritual connection with God when Adam sinned. It was restored by the finished work of Jesus Christ!  Anyone who placed their trust in the Lord Jesus, have been Born- Again with a new spirit as if the Fall never happened.  Therefore, I can stand before my Father in heaven without shame of any wrongdoing because Jesus paid for my sins and nailed them all to the Cross with Him.  No amount of good works can replace the victory that Jesus won for us.  That victory is present in us today and will stay with us in the eternal.  How can I not give my life to Someone who took my punishment, freed me from bondage of Satan and washed me white as snow?  He did it all because He loves us.  There's no hopeless situation that  God cannot pull you out of the moment you ask for His help.  All you need to do is quit trying to save yourself and allow Him to completely take-over as you trust in His love.

So, today's free Scripture Word Art (by Karen Murray) comes from Psalm 17:15 which says, "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."  We all know that one day, we will die in the physical (unless Rapture comes first).  Death is such a difficult thing to understand especially if you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Yet for those who are washed by the blood of the Lamb, death is merely a "separation." In this case, we are going to be separated from our mortal bodies as our spirit and soul returns to the Lord.  It is illustrated in the story of Lazarus and the rich man which you can find in Luke 16:19-31.  We are literally going to wake up in the spiritual realm and everything that God has spoken about through Jesus and His written Word will be crystal clear to us.  Everyone that claims to not believe in God will be confronted of the reality that He exist and that He will proclaim judgment to those that followed their own paths to destruction.  Yet on the happy note, He would also give rewards to the faithful.  Everyone who have placed their faith in Jesus would not be under any physical bondage, from that time on, for the Lord would give us glorified bodies like unto Jesus.  I know that as we go through life, we can commit mistakes but be encouraged that as you grow mature in the knowledge of God, He is changing you from glory to glory till we completely transform to His image and likeness upon seeing Him face to face.  What a wonderful scripture to ponder on.  You can download this for free at WAW.  Here are some Bible verses about our hope of Christ-likeness.

"God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger."  (Romans 2:6-8)

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."  (Philippians 2:12-13)

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." (Philippians 3:20-21)

For my inspiration card, I use an image from one of our sponsors, Deedee's Digi's called "DA Sunshine and Smiles" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The white base is cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Paper Studio and Pebbles, the ribbon from my stash and and I used my MS Circle Cutter to make the circles.  Crafting by Designs theme is to "Add a Ribbon" and that's what I did, exactly.  Lastly, I stitched all over this project.  I was coloring this sunflower in traditional yellow but had a change of heart.  I went for the colorful ones instead.  Just because I want the image to pop.  I am pretty happy with the results. 

 BEHOLD THY FACE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS:

 BEHOLD THY FACE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS LAYERS:

 BEHOLD THY FACE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS INSIDE:

BEHOLD THY FACE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Just Keep On Creating---ATG
Doodle Garden---ATG
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
OSAAT---Use a Digi
Fitztown---ATG
Inky Impressions---Think Spring
Dazzling Diva---Frames/ATG
Crafter's Cafe---Make a Square Card
Divas by Design---Flower Power
Handmade Harbour---Spring
Hobbybrook---Time for Spring
Little Red Wagon---Rainbow of Colors
City Crafter---Spring in the Garden
Crafty Sentiments---It's All About Spring
Cuttin and Stampin---ATG with Specified Colors
Fan-Tastic Tuesday---ATG
Ike's World---Spring Into Spring
Ladybug Crafts---For a Special Lady
Papertake Weekly---For Mum or Girlie
Sweet Stamps---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Tuesday Throwdown---Tic Tac Toe (Bling (nail head gems)/Digi Image/Ribbon)

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 up to 5 projects as long as it has family friendly, inspirational, uplifting message to it.  We will be selecting 2 winners at the end of the week that will win fabulous prizes from our sponsors---Verses Rubber Stamps ($20 GC) and Deedee's Digis (3 stamp sets of choice) .  Don't forget to visit Crafting by Designs as well and link your awesome ribbon cards. So what are you waiting for?  Inspire us with your creations...Have an awesome day!  Always remember that God is not finished with you yet.  He keeps changing you daily till we become perfect in His presence.  Keep your focus on Him!

Photographic Memory Card---Join us for Another Anything Goes Challenge with a Twist at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello Crafty Peeps...Here I am again to feature the second card I made for our Anything Goes Challenge with a Twist (2D/3D Flower) in my neighborhood---613 Avenue Create.  I especially enjoy making this Card highlighting one of the two sponsors we have this week.  I chose this wonderful sentiment from Eureka stamps called "Photographic Memory" as it gave me a pretty clear idea what to do when I came across it.  I can definitely identify with the message of this card being not as young as I was and have forgotten stuff from time to time...LOL  The other day,  I asked my son to help me find one of the panels I already prepared to place in my card.  I looked everywhere and if I had asked my son, it's because I already tried my best to locate it.  Without even standing up from the couch, he told me that it was by my elbow on the right side of the table where I was sitting.  I smiled in embarrassment though I told him it was upside down, the reason why I didn't see it...LOL  At one point, it was my bifocals, which was, duh---on the top of my head!  Anyway, all of these things convinced me that I was not the young lady I was and that I am facing the reality of getting old...(Did I just say that?)  Despite the wrinkles and many other signs of aging, I am happily maturing because the wisdom and knowledge of God have also grown,  adding to my arsenal of experiences in life.  I can say that I have a better perspective---a Biblical perspective!  I am able to teach my son about life with the help of experience and constant study of the Word (perfect combination) and to live in the fear of the Lord.  I know that I have many years left that God will use for His glory.  Therefore, I will continue to live this life to serve God to its fullest (ignoring some body aches and pains...LOL).  God has numbered our days in accordance to His purpose. The very reason for our existence is to fulfill the will of God in our lifetime.  While there's a breath left in me, I will proclaim all the wonderful things Jesus accomplished in my life and will tell of His glory till He takes me home by physical death or Rapture (Catching Away).  Here are some verses to inspire all of us who are not so young anymore.  Be of good cheer because the Lord is our strength always...

"The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  Planted in the house of the LORD, They will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will still yield fruit in old age ; They shall be full of sap and very green,  To declare that the LORD is upright ; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him"  (Psalm 92:12-15) 

"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)

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,  who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." (Philippians 3:20-21)

So here's my second inspiration card for our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  If you want to see the other project I posted for our Challenge, it is HERE.  I use the image from Bugaboo stamps called "Miss B" to give life to this cute sentiment from Eureka Stamps.  I colored it using my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The white CS are cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are all from DCWV (Handy Dandy Stack), ribbon from my stash and I layered some flowers from Prima and added a button at the center from Paper Studio.  I used my MS Punch to add a shape to one of the panels, glitters (Stickles-Crystal) on the image's slippers, white nail head gems from Imaginisce and stitched all over this card.  I love it and hope you like it too.   

PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY CARD:

 PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY CARD LAYERS:

 PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY CARD INSIDE:

PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Lacy Sunshine---ATG
OSAAT---Use a Digi
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Sunday Stamper---Happy
Craft Place---Flowers and/or Mother's day
Squirrel and the Fox---Autumn or Spring
Crafts Galore Encore---Use a Stamp or Digi
Country View---Paper Chase
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Doodle Pantry---Any Digi Goes
Feeling Crafty---Use a Digi and Bling
Just For Fun---ATG
Ladybug Crafts---Spring is Here
Crafter's Cafe---Flowers
QKR Stampede---ATG
Stampin' for the Weekend---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Use Patterned Paper
Aud Sentiments---ATG with Sentiment
Artistic Inspirations---Kids/ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Steampunk
Crafts and Me---ATG
Just B Creative Crazy---ATG
Sister Act---ATG

 There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  There's wonderful prizes awaiting the winners from our lovely sponsors for this week---Eureka Stamps and Scrapper's Delight. If you want to see the other project I posted for our Challenge, it is HERE!  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  I hope you have a wonderful week filled with the divine inspiration of God's Word.  Hugs, always!

A Royal Treatment Card---It's Anything Goes at our neighborhood 613 Avenue Create...Join Us!

Hello everyone, this is coming out pretty late for our Challenge that started yesterday.  Sunday was such a busy day for me so, I apologized for the delay.  Anyway, we are enjoying such a wonderful weather out here...Yesterday was a bit chilly but the sun was out so, a perfect spring weather, I should say.  I don't know with you but I do wish there's more hours in a day.  Recently, I made 3 cards (which is not usual due to the amount of time it takes for me to complete a project) spending close to 18 hours.  Oh yes, I didn't get much sleep...LOL.  Though I needed to make them due to DT deadlines, I enjoy the creative process on each card that I don't feel the time quickly passing by.  Aside from Cardmaking, I have other Craft projects I wanted to start or learn.  If I can only grab the hours that other people (who claimed to be bored) would not care having and add it on my hours, I would be happy to do so...LOL

Anyway, it is evident that "Time" knows no status...Whether we are rich or poor, big or small, young or old, each one of us is given the same amount of time in a day.  We can choose to waste our time or use it for the good.  The key to spending time wisely is to start the day communicating with the One who gave us time in the first place---our Almighty God.  Jesus told us in Luke 10:27 in response to the question of a man whose a teacher in the Law (Torah), "He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"  Jesus summed up the Ten Commandments into these two greatest commandments.  Before we can even do good to our neighbors, we must know who is love and what it truly means.  To love and to be loved in the "Agape" (unconditional and selfless) love that stems our from the heart of God.  Hence, we must inquire from the Lord Who is Love (Himself) and  our ultimate Source for every good thing.  He has given us His Word (His written revelation) and His promises are declared in every precious page of the Scriptures.  God didn't leave anything unanswered when it comes to man's need.  Since He does not change (always faithful an true), we can be confident in  relying  on His every promise.  Moreover, Matthew 6:33 tell us, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  You see if we start the day inquiring of God, He will bless the work that we have for that day.  Nothing on earth happens by accident.  Everything is mandated by God to occur in its perfect time and place according to Ecclesiastes 3:1.  So as a child of God (redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ) we are to start each day by reporting to our Big Boss/Big Abba (Daddy) for guidance each day. Ask Him to bless the work of your hands, relationships and encounters daily for His glory.  I want to share a few inspirational verses to ponder on:

"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left."  (Ecclesiastes 10:2) 

"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure." (Isaiah 33:6)

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8)

I made 2 cards for our Anything Goes Challenge with a Twist (2D/3D Flowers) at 613 Avenue Create, each one to highlight a stamp from our 2 sponsors this week.  This one comes from Scrapper's Delight called "CU Princess Digi 4" which I colored using my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The Kraft card base is cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Recollections and American Crafts.  I use an MS Border Punch to shape the sides of the panels and included a sentiment I got for free from Create with TLC.  Added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to the clouds and some fancy stitching.  Came out pretty good!  If you want to see my other card, it is HERE.

 A ROYAL TREATMENT CARD:

  A ROYAL TREATMENT CARD LAYERS:

  A ROYAL TREATMENT CARD INSIDE:

 A ROYAL TREATMENT CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


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

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Challenges 4 Everybody---ATG
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
OSAAT---Use a Digi
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Sunday Stamper---Happy
Squirrel and the Fox---Autumn or Spring
Crafts Galore Encore---Use a Stamp or Digi
Country View---Paper Chase
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Just For Fun---ATG
Ladybug Crafts---Spring is Here
QKR Stampede---ATG
Stampin' for the Weekend
Crafty Girls---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Use Patterned Paper
Aud Sentiments---ATG with Sentiment  
Artistic Inspirations---Kids/ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Steampunk
Creative Romance---Seeing Double
Just B Creative Crazy---ATG
Sister Act---ATG 

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 2 sponsors---Eureka Stamps and Scrapper's Delight 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, fix your eyes on Him and inquire of His Word daily.