Ice Cream Birthday Card---Join us for Another Anything Goes Challenge with Optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello there, Crafty friends!  This is coming out a day late and I am having such a hectic time doing lots of things that needs to get done.  But I have created this project for our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create and we are inviting everyone to join us in our Anything Goes Challenge with optional theme "Add a Heart."  I am very grateful to the family and friends that God surrounded me with because they have made my birthday very special a few days ago.  There were also lots of situations that tried and tested our faith but God is always faithful using different people to bless our family in every way.  Sometimes, we make a big mistake on giving people the glory for blessing our lives.  I am not saying we are not to be grateful but we are to acknowledge Who truly is the source of all these blessings.  I've experienced blessings from complete strangers and in times I am greatly vulnerable, God sends someone to deliver His Word of hope, encouragement or tangible support to let me know that He is there.  You see, God knows everything about us.  The scripture tells us of an all-knowing God (Omniscient) in Psalm 33:13-15 which says, "From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-- he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do."  And for us who are living in complete dependence to what Jesus Christ accomplished (at the Cross), who are born from above (John 3:3) and are called out of darkness to show forth His light---we hold the promises of God Who sees us through whatever situation we get ourselves into.  Nothing makes us special in the sight of God but the blood of His Son that was poured out for us.   It has nothing to do with our abilities/capabilities at all.  We can boast of God's righteousness because we are in Christ! And yes,  we can do wonderful and great things because Jesus lives inside of us.  In no way should we do anything for our own merit.  Our aim is for "Christ in us" receiving all the glory as He uses us as vessels for His own will and purpose.  If you are going through any kind of hardship at this very moment, know that Jesus don't want you to carry it all alone.  His Word tells us in Matthew 11:28, “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."  The first step is to acknowledge that you need to be saved from your sins thus needing a Savior that holds the victory from every sin.  By being one with Him through faith, you are making His victory your own.  Know His promises and allow Him complete access to work in your life and trust that He has your best interest at hand in whatever situation.  Living in faith daily is not without trials and/or pain.  It is important to hold God's promises in your heart in order to face the battles each day brings.  But the good thing is that we are no longer alone.  I can call upon the Lord anytime (24/7) and I know that He sees me and send His help in many ways unimaginable.  I have a friend in Christ and I see Him in every family, friends and strangers that He sends my way daily.

For this inspiration Card, I used an image provided by one of our sponsors this week---Oak Pond Creations.  It's called "Party Pig Boris" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS that is cut and scored to create a 5.5 inches square card.  I embossed several panels with three varieties of Cuttlebug folders.  Since our optional theme is "Hearts," I incorporated embossing with hearts and attaching some heart gems from Imaginisce.  I layered some Prima Flowers and attached a brad at it's center, added some ribbon, glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to the image and nail head gems from Imaginisce.  I used a Word Art I got free from Create with TLC (freebies given away daily---thanks, Paulette!) to make this card come alive.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  Pretty cute, huh!

ICE CREAM BIRTHDAY CARD:

 ICE CREAM BIRTHDAY CARD LAYERS:

 ICE CREAM BIRTHDAY CARD INSIDE:

ICE CREAM BIRTHDAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Creative Moments---ATG/Use 3 Layers
Sister Act---ATG
Brown Sugar---ATG
Incy Wincy---Something Old, Something New (Old: Ribbon/Flowers, New: Party Pig Image)
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
DL.ART---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Sisterhood of Crafters---ATG
Art by Miran---ATG
Lauralcraft---Celebrations with Jewels or Pearls
Fairytale Stampers---Flowers/Ribbon
Glitter n Sparkle---Use Some Flowers
OSAAT---ATG with Flower
Opus Gluei---Happy Birthday
Scribble and Scrap---3 Entries Only!
Artistic Inspirations---ATG/Cooking/Baking
Eureka Stamps---Use Some Bling
Make my Monday---Die-cuts and/or Punches
My Craft Spot---Sweet Treats
Not Just Cards---ATG
Ppinkydolls---ATG/Make It Girly
The Pink Elephant---ATG
Use Your Stuff---Food or Drink 

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---Oak Pond Creations (3 Digi Images) and Lacy Sunshine ($20 GC to their store).  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!