Scripture Series: Whatsoever God Doeth Card---It's Anything Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, friends!  Today I am going to share with you another free Word Art you can download at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Its taken from Ecclesiastes 3:14 which says, "I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him."  Before I came to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Born-Again, John 3:3), I grew up with the Ten Commandments.  The very first command and certainly the highest of all commandments is "You shall have no other gods before me."  As a kid, I never thought about this seriously.  My idea is that if you have any god other than the God who made us, you shall be punished severely.  Like God will make your life miserable kind of punishment.  But now that I have come to know the One True God through Jesus Christ, worshiping the One and Only God has taken a new meaning and importance in my life.  You see, we have been created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27).  Many different theories that seek to destroy the true origin of mankind have been systematically promulgated to take away our reverence to our Creator and deny us the desire to seek after our true identity.  That is why they were still theories and will stay that way because they could not even prove and paint a full picture of their beliefs without sounding ridiculous.  The book of Genesis chapters 1 and 2 told us the story of Creation.  That out of the dust of the ground, we were formed and that only when God breathed unto our nostrils that we became a living soul.  I remember buying a toy for my son and when he was ready to enjoy it, we found out that batteries were not included.  That was somehow upsetting!  But when we found some  batteries and placed them in the toy, then it transformed a lifeless and useless toy into something wonderful.  Come to think of it, God didn't give us temporary batteries when He made us.  Instead, He breathe unto our nostrils the "breath of life" (spirit and soul) which is His portion.  He gave us the kind of life that will live for eternity!  We were not destined to die but to live in relationship with our Creator.  And yet, we all knew what happened.  Sin came and mankind was plunged to death.   But our Creator wouldn't allow His plan to be thwarted and His response was His ultimate sacrifice---Jesus Christ!  That anyone who places their faith upon His finished work in the Cross is going to taste the life that God had originally prepared for mankind.  Not because of any man's work! It's solely based on what Jesus Christ has done on our behalf! 

So, back to our original text in Ecclesiastes 3:14, who would not tremble in the mighty and powerful presence of God, our Creator?  He knows the ending from the beginning!  He engineered us and everything that was ever created.  He knew every littlest detail of all His creation and nothing escapes His eyes.  His plans can never be thwarted and no matter how evil things get, it will have its end. THE STORY IS TOLD AND THE END IS SET!  God painted to us a clear picture of what it's like to live without evil in Revelation 21:3-4 which states,  "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  We have complete access to the throne of God's grace in this present time.  Read the Word of God (Bible) and know "who you are in Christ."  Although God has a purpose for you to do in this world, He has given you "free will" to choose your course." It's only by total surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ that will kick start your journey to discovering and fulfilling the purpose you were wired to be.  So stop running away and turn yourself back to the loving arms of the Father!  Many people have died in the face of persecution because they simply bear the name of Jesus Christ. There is a TRUTH that is more valuable than life itself!  Our earthly life is temporary and your decisions here are the foundations of your eternal destination.  Which side are you at?  As for me, I'm with the WINNER!  I just want to leave you with the following verses which is the HOPE of every soul whose trust is anchored in JESUS:

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.""Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." (Revelation 22:1-7)

For this Card, I used a retired image from Sassy Cheryl's Stamps  and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers with some paper-piecing.  The DP is from Recollections and the gems from Paper Studio.  I incorporated fancy and regular stitches for added dimension.  I decided on a simple and pretty straight forward card to focus the attention on the wonderful verse we are highlighting this week.  I am pretty pleased!

WHATSOEVER GOD DOETH CARD:

 WHATSOEVER GOD DOETH CARD LAYERS:

 WHATSOEVER GOD DOETH CARD LAYERS:

WHATSOEVER GOD DOETH CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:0

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Scrapper's Delights---ATG
Penny's Paper-Crafty---ATG
QKR Stampede---3 of a Kind (gems)
Simon Says---ATG
Divas by Design---ATG
Addicted to Stamps---CAS
Digistamps4Joy---ATG
I Love ProMarkers---3 of a Kind (gems)
Top Tip Tuesday---Chevrons (Top Tip:  An interesting DP is all you need for interesting projects)
My Craft Creations---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Fairytale Stampers---Something New (The digi image I used is new)
Alphabet---S is for Stitching
Creative Fingers---ATG

I surely hope you will come and join us at the WAW Blog.  You can upload up to 5 entries as long as it has an uplifting/inspirational message.  Wonderful prizes are awaiting the winners courtesy of our sponsors this week---Top Dog Dies and the Flying Unicorn Store.  Our Challenge is "Anything Goes" so you can be as creative as you want to be.  I can't wait to see what you come up with.  So, this is it for me today.  Have a blessed week and remember, in Jesus, we are in right standing with God. To Him all glory is given!   

Not a Card but an Explosion Purse---Join us For This Week's Anything Goes Challenge with Optional Theme at 613 Avenue Create!

Good morning, everyone!  I am back to highlight a wonderful project for our Anything Goes Challenge with a Twist (Bags, Tags, Boxes and More) at 613 Avenue Create.  My hubby and I are praising our Lord for reaching another milestone in our lives, having been brought together by the covenant of marriage for 13 years this week.  Hubby and I had been blessed with many wonderful moments and withstood many trials as well. In the shocking statistics of divorce nowadays, to stay married is such a blessing but one that entails a lot of work as well.  Not that my husband and I are perfect people---oh no!  In fact, we found many things that we don't have in common---oh, you have no idea!  We have gone through some marriage wrecking circumstances in life too but our commitment to each other goes beyond US---it goes all the way to GOD!  When storms come and beat the patience out of us, we run to God!  Many people have walked away from their marriages when it could have been prevented if only they come to God for wisdom and comfort. Instead, they chose to follow the advise of their friends or family that had failed marriages as well.  I believe that a person cannot give what he/she does not have so, if you are consulting people who does not have knowledge of God's saving grace and His role in marriage, then you are really getting an advise they can only give.  Those promises we agreed in our marriage vows---to love in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer---these are impossible to undertake unless you take on God's brand of love (unselfish) and God Himself in the midst of it all.  After discovering that your partner is not as thoughtful as you thought he was or as spot on as you knew he was and many other reasons countless to say,  is there anything else to hang on to a relationship?  What about issues of unfaithfulness, irresponsibility, disrespect, lack of intimacy to name a few?  My answer is YES, there is hope!  When both parties are willing to see God's way and repent from each crucial role in the deterioration of a marriage and in turn, allow God to show forth each one's strength---nothing is impossible!  God is the third and the most important string that binds my marriage together and because of Him, we are strong!  I don't know what the future may bring but I can only trust God and that He will see us through.  It is not God's will for marriage to end.  His original intent came from the beginning of His Word in Genesis 2:22-24 which says, "Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, ' for she was taken out of man."  For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."  This Truth is expanded in the New Testament in Matthew 19:6-7 telling us, "So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."  All I can say is that "God is good" and every year added to my marriage is but a precious blessing from the Lord's throne of grace.

Anyway, just want to share what I made for this week's Challenge at 613 Avenue Create. I used an image from one of our sponsors this week, Bugaboo Stamps called "Balloon Giraffe" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base DP is Tim Holtz Craft Core (Core'dinations) and the others from my scraps.  The outside sentiment was a freebie from TLC Creations (Thanks, Paulette) and the inside sentiments from Cloud 9, Printworks and Fiskars.  I also added some white nail head gems from Imaginisce, a button from Paper Studio and a ribbon from my stash.  Finally, I got some stitching done too!  This is my first attempt on this design and will surely not be the last.  For more details on how I was able to construct this, I followed a  You Tube tutorial HERE.  Finished size is 4" x 4".  I think it's pretty cute...

EXPLOSION PURSE:

 EXPLOSION PURSE SIDE VIEW:

 EXPLOSION PURSE FRONT VIEW:

 EXPLOSION PURSE OPEN:

 EXPLOSION PURSE WITH MESSAGE SPACE:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art by Miran---ATG
Brown Sugar---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG with Optional Twist
Loves Rubberstamps---Warm Colors
Scrapper's Delight---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Sisterhood of Crafters---Fall Colors
Simon Says Stamp---Use Kraft
Sweet Stamps---ATG
Add a Little Dazzle---ATG
Digistamps4Joy---Animals
Fab 'n' Funky---In Stitches
Moo-Mania---Metal
Paper Pretties---Birthday

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---Bugaboo Stamps and Beansie Doodles.  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: Thou Art Our Father Double Easel Card---Join Us for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there and great Wednesday to y'all!  Yesterday morning, I talked with my son and shared with him the importance of having a goal in life.  I told him that the reason why I get up every morning--- even though at times I would love to stay in bed,  is because I would like to accomplish something each day.  Now as a believer in Christ, it's not anymore my own goals that are important to me. Today, I am more concerned in discovering and accomplishing the Lord's purpose and will for my life.  When I accepted Jesus Christ, I surrendered my life and my will to Him.  It is not I who live but Him living in me.  I love the way the scriptures put it together in Galatians 2:20 which states, "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."  Jesus paid the price to save me from the bondage of sin.  He did finished it all at the Cross and was sealed by His resurrection.  I am no longer living in Adam (my old self/life)!  When I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, I am Born-again in Christ (John 3:3)!  Yes, that simple!  In the constant temptations of this world, I have to live each day by faith.  I need to stand firm in God's Word and speak His promises to myself to keep walking the path of righteousness.  Though things get tough and many times I felt like giving up, I AM NEVER ALONE!  Christ lives inside of me and with His Holy Spirit, I have the victory!  He brings me countless opportunities to serve His people.  I don't like the sun going down on me without fulfilling what God has prepared for me to do each day.

So, I would love to share with you the free Scripture Word Art we have for you at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) this week.  It's taken from Isaiah 64:8 which says, "But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." This acknowledges the fact that we are made by God Himself.  He formed, built and wired us according to His purpose.  I often ask my son the purpose of things we see at home.  There was a time he was rocking a chair and fell off.  I told him that it was not built to rock and he was using it inappropriately which caused his accident.  I have heard of a news where a kid used the dishwasher to wash his clothes.  Sure enough, the soap overflowed and it created a big mess!  My point is, man's inventions are with specific purposes.  Use this wonderful technology in something it was designed for and it will make you life easy.  But use it in ways it was NOT designed to do and you will render it useless.   Where did man get this concept?  We can only understand this because God revealed it to us.  Likewise, God created man in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26) and each one is built with unique talents and abilities for the job God wants him to do.  Do we have a choice on how were made and equipped?  Certainly not!  The potter forms the clay into a wonderful creation that only he had in his mind.  Nobody in their right mind makes something ugly and useless!  I surely don't gather my materials and say to myself, "Today, I am going to make a card that is so ugly!"  Truthfully, if that is my goal, I'd rather use my time for something else.  Our God (Our Potter) formed us wonderfully unique from one another.  Though, we can try to copy others or live the life our neighbors have, we cannot be fulfilled until we discover the real purpose and reason why we exist.  Consider all the abilities, talents and opportunities God has given/is giving you and ask Him to show you the purpose of your gifts.  One thing is for sure, they are given to you not for your own advancement but to serve others.  As God provided us with many gifts, we are to use every single one of them unselfishly to bless others.  Remembering that only those that we do for Christ is of value in the eternal life.  If you don't know your purpose, ask the Potter!   Inquire from God, our Maker, what He has will for you to do.   Knowing your purpose will give you the passion to wake up each morning and do great and mighty things for God's glory!  Here are verses about God's purpose for each one of us:

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."  (Proverbs 19:20-21)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."  ( Jeremiah 29:11-13)

"This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head. All things are done according to God's plan and decision; and God chose us to be his own people in union with Christ because of his own purpose, based on what he had decided from the very beginning. Let us, then, who were the first to hope in Christ, praise God's glory! And you also became God's people when you heard the true message, the Good News that brought you salvation. You believed in Christ, and God put his stamp of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised. The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory!" (Ephesians 1:10-14) 

Anyway,  I saw an inspiration for this card at my old Quick Cards Magazine (September, 2011 Issue) where I found this clever fold.  I am very happy to have a part of my work done for most of my time is usually  spent on deciding what sort of lay-out and design to make.  But aside from the fold, everything about this card---theme and embellishment are my own.  Here, I used an image from Saturated Canary called "Wombat Love" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is Kraft at A7 size.  The DP's are all from "Barnwood Pretty" of Paper Studio.  I layered some flowers from Prima and Recollections and added a brad from Recollections at the center of the flowers.  I made a bigger brad as a stopper using my I-top tool.  I stamp a sentiment inside using my clear stamp from Printworks.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  I am very happy with this card design. 

THOU ART OUR FATHER DOUBLE EASEL CARD:

 THOU ART OUR FATHER DOUBLE EASEL CARD WHEN CLOSE:

THOU ART OUR FATHER DOUBLE EASEL CARD WITH MESSAGE SPACE:

THOU ART OUR FATHER DOUBLE EASEL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Melonheadz Friends---Lots of Layers
Art by Miran---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG with Optional Twist
Loves Rubberstamps---Warm Colors
Scrapper's Delight---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Sisterhood of Crafters---Fall Colors
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Simon Says Stamp---Use Kraft
Sweet Stamps---ATG
Add a Little Dazzle---ATG
Crafty Creations---Thinking of You
Digistamps4Joy---Animals
Fab 'n' Funky---In Stitches
Mod Squad--- My Favorite
Moo-Mania---Metal 

Hope you enjoyed my featured project today at WAW...I am looking forward to see your projects linked to our Challenge.  You can include the free Word Art in your projects to link,  but not a requirement.  You can submit any inspirational, uplifting, family friendly creations (up to 5) for more chances to win our prize from our sponsors this week---The Frantic Stamper (giving away a Die-Cut valued at $12.99) and Moonlighting Designs (3 Digi images).  I'll be back this weekend to highlight another project for our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create!  Always remember to call on Jesus 24/7 if you need someone to talk with.  He is always willing to listen and is able to meet everyone whose heart is seeking after Him.   

Scripture Series: Whom Have I in Heaven Center Step Card---See what I Made for a Friend...

Hello there, Crafty peeps!  Today, I am not featuring a project for the Word Art Wednesday (WAW) Challenge as we don't have a free Word Art available this week.  Instead, some of the WAW DT's highlighted the stamps from our sole sponsor this week, Our Daily Bread Designs.  I decided to take  a much needed week off but I will be highlighting a Scripture card I made just recently for a friend.  It features one of my favorite verses in Psalm 73:25 which says, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee."  I remember when I was little kid, I was taught about a God who created everything and knows everything...I also learned that He abhors evil and delights with the Truth.  I pictured Him as a God I could call in hopeless situations and One whose disappointed with me when I made mistakes.  I didn't think much about Him because I had my parents who took care of my needs.   I was only reminded of  God when they would ask me to lead a prayer at home or when we would visit the church to practice our religion.  I would only think of God when I'm frustrated with my parents for not giving in to my requests but I also taught I had to be good enough to ask God for something. 

I grew up thinking my parents were perfect but shortly after, I realize they were not.  Lies and deceit weakened our family until respect for each other was nowhere to be found.  We went through a financial crisis and suffered many problems that I never taught I would go through based on our previous status.  All the people I trusted had let me down.  At that time, the pain was deeper and more real than I've ever felt before.  There was hopelessness to what the future could bring.  Nobody could really understand the feeling of emptiness I had in my heart and I just cried---I cried when there's no one around, in my sleep. 

One of those depressing nights, I was confronted on the truth about God!  In my lowest point, I pleaded wholeheartedly for His help.  I knew deep inside of me that He's the Only One who could shed a light to my hopeless existence.  I uttered an unfamiliar/unrehearsed prayer.  It was more like groaning from the innermost part of my heart  pleading, "God help me!  I need you right now..."  I knew I had no one but God!  Though the fulness of His love was not yet clear to me, He gave me the faith to believe in Him and I felt His deep concern towards me and my well-being.  That one precious night, He planted a seed of longing in my heart to know Him more.  Shortly after that, He led me to a TV program (in the privacy of my living room) to surrender my life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the rest was history...He had a plan for my life!  I had to come to the end of myself and realized there nothing that can satisfy me but Him.  You may have everything you need right now but my challenge to you is to think ahead and imagine your life when those things were no longer of value.  When you are at the end of your life and no riches, friends nor family is able to pull you out from sure death.  Only Jesus Christ has the power between life and death.  Accept Him in your life right now before it's too late.   If you made a decision, here's how to PRAY!  Leaving you with some verses about God's call in your life.

"Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."(Acts 2:38-39)

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 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. He 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 him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." (Ephesians 1:18-23)

For this Card, I used a gorgeous image from Saturated Canary called "Denise" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card.  The DP's are taken from all my scrap papers from companies like Recollection and DCWV.  The shapes were cut using my Nestabilities and MS Circle Cutter.  The wonderful verse was free from Word Art Wednesday way back.  I added a brad from Recollections, some white nail head gems from Imaginisce and did some stitching on this project.  My friend adored it.   

WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN CENTER STEP CARD:

 WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN CARD LAYERS:

 WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

 WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafter's Cafe---Use an Image with a Hat
Crafty Creations---Thinking of You
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG in Disguise
Country View---Sparkle and Shine
CCC Digi Creations---Digi/Glitter Power
Die Cut Diva's---Change of Seasons
Sisters of Craft---ATG
MilkCoffee---Lots of Layers
TTCRD---ATG
Crafty Sentiments---Things that start with "G" (glitter, gems, girl)
Craft Place---Girls but no Pink
Loves Rubberstamps---Pretty Woman
Addicted to Stamps---Make Your Mark
Aud Sentiments---ATG
Inky Impressions---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Whimsy Stamps---ATG
Sweet 7---Sassy
ABC---V is for Vibrant
Moo-Mania---Bright and Cheerful
Crafting at the Weekend---ATG
My Craft Creations---ATG
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Pinspirational---ATG
Melonheadz Friends---Lots of Layers

There you have it folks...I hope you visit our WAW Challenge and be amazed by the cards my fellow DT's have prepared for you today.  Link your "Inspirational/Anything Goes projects and get a chance to win a fabulous prize from Our Daily Bread Designs.  Have a blessed day.  Know that God wants what is best for you in all circumstances.  Trust His Word---Trust in Christ!

CAS Series: Caring Thoughts Cards---Join Us for at our Neighborhood 613 Avenue Create for an Anything Goes Challenge with Optional Twist!

Good Sunday morning, everyone!  I am blessed to be given another wonderful day by the Lord to worship and lift up His name with other believers.  My Church is thankful to welcome in our midst a guest whose a former terrorist that met the Lord and is now radically serving the One and Only God.  We were enlightened by his testimony on how he came to infiltrate and destroy the Judeo-Christian foundation of this country, turn people against each other and establish their strongholds in the 7 Mountains of Culture/Pillars of our society namely--- business, government, media, arts and entertainment, education, the family and religion.  This took many years in the making and we have seen what seem to be their success in today's time.  He unveiled many names of radical terrorists who came here the same time he did and have succeeded in holding lead and key positions in our government today.  Officials who were appointed to secure us may not really be working for our best interest.  They have their affiliation with the Muslim brotherhood and leading our country to its demise.   The saddest thing is that we are being attacked under our own soil while the Church is doing absolutely nothing!  We have many churches that continue doing what they are doing with no concerns to the signs of the times and refuse to educate their people to stand up for their faith.  Many have watered down the Word of God in the name of tolerance and personal gain.  Yes, God told us to love but He also warned us that those who would not listen and accept the Only Way to salvation through Jesus Christ will suffer eternal death.  If I truly love, I would tell people the Truth in the hopes that they will find the error in their ways,  come to Christ and be eternally saved though that person may feel offended.  While we are living and breathing here on earth, there's always that chance but if no one speaks the Truth for fear of intimidation and persecution, how can we impart the light and subdue the darkness taking over us now?  Luke 8:16-17 tells us, "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open."  After listening to this man of God for a while, I felt sadness inside of me thinking, "How can we turn this nation who'd been blessed by God for  centuries (despite her  rebellion) and bring her back to the knowledge of God and stop moral  degradation?"  If we keep waiting for others to stand up against terrorism and call evil like it is and face the enemy of God head-on, we might as well expect a death sentence! The truth is, people who hate God (who come under their false god) is out to get us and will not stop till they eliminate everyone who bears the name of Jesus Christ in this world.  They are willing to die for that purpose and unless the knowledge of Christ come upon them, their goal will never change!  When a person who lived that life and knows the ins and outs of that religion of death tells you that to eliminate the Jews and Christians was his sole purpose for coming to this country, you better wake up from an illusion they'll give you a hug and let you live in peace.  Take for example, if you heard that someone (you don't even know) is coming for you with the intention of chopping your head just because you're of different faith, will you stand by your door, welcome this person and help them carry out their plan against you?  Anybody whose wise will pray and ask the Lord for help and protection, do some preparation then stand and act upon your faith.  WE HAVE TO START WITH OURSELVES!  God's help is always available for us but are we willing to take up His full armor?  God's instructions are clear in Ephesians 6:13, "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."  Our speaker, Kamal Saleem, shared some shocking truths last night yet along  with them was a powerful testimony on the Lord's supernatural work in His life that transformed him from a terrorist serving the Muslim brotherhood to being an Ambassador for Christ!  Even with treats to his life, he took and is continuing to take a stand!  God wants us to TAKE A STAND FOR HIM!  At times, He may not require us to fight the battle and that all He really want is for us to show-up.  I have taken a stand against the annihilation of babies in this nation through Abortion and had gone out to the streets to share the forgiveness and healing of God. I stood with other people on the side of the street holding up signs of hope and telling the Truth about how we allowed over 50  million genocides in  our own soil since Roe vs. Wade.  The sad thing is that these babies weren't able to fight for themselves and were murdered by the very people that were supposed to protect them.  God has placed that cause in my heart and nobody had to convince me to fight for their rights.  I know that the Lord wanted me to take a stand for these little ones.  So, even in the heat of the sun (the Lord knows I don't like being on it) with people mocking or putting up a finger as they pass by me, I stand there along with many who had been called to the same cause.  Many were from different denominations yet fighting for the same purpose.  You might ask, am I raised an activist?  Not at all!  In fact, it's really just out here in America that I felt the need to stand up!  I love this country though I was not born here.  I am not going to wait for the enemy to destroy her without putting up a good fight of faith.  Are you ready to take a stand for our country?  I pray and hope so!  First, you must know Who you're standing for?  Are you serving the Great I Am?  As for me,  I declare Him as Lord of lords and King of kings and I am under His protection now and forevermore.  His Word (Bible) is my road map  and in it are all the instructions I will ever need in this life.  I have a purpose in Him and He will make sure of my safety for until the time He calls me home.   Finally, I want to share with you God's Word in 1 John 4:18-19, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.We love because he first loved us." 

For our optional theme of CAS cards at 613 Avenue Create, I used images from one of our wonderful sponsors for this week, Melonheadz Illustrating called "Kidlettes 3 Bundle" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Bic/Sharpie markers.  The base are A2 white cards that come with envelopes.  I made this simple topper by stamping a cute border from Dylusions and different sentiments from Studio G and Stampendous.  I have an option to select an image or two and build a card with it but many if not all images in the Bundle are so cute that I got carried away.  LOL  Therefore, what took sometime was the coloring of the images but building the card was fun.  I seldom make CAS card (as you can see from the cards I posted in this Blog) but I long to make more of them.  I can only hope I can have the time.  What do you think?

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARDS:

 DELIGHT IN LITTLE THINGS CARDS:

 TODAY IS THE DAY CARDS:

THANKFUL FOR YOU CARDS:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Melonheadz Friends---ATG/Fun Folds
Sister Act---ATG
Anything Goes with a Twist---Female
Papertake Weekly---ATG
Loves Rubberstamps---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Whimsy Stamps---ATG
Arty by Miran---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
ABC---U is for Unique (ATG)
Crafting at the Weekend---ATG
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Craft for the Craic---Suited for a Child
Creative Corner---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG
DL.ART---ATG
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Pinspirational---ATG
Sisters of Craft---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Stamping Sensations---Warm Autumn Colors
Sweet Stampin'---For a Friend
Polkadoodles---ATG but a Square

There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create featuring an optional twist, "CAS."  There's wonderful prizes awaiting the winners from our lovely sponsors for this week---Melonheadz Illustrating and The Stamping Boutique.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  I hope you take to heart the signs of our times and be passionate to carry out the plan and purpose that God has for your life.  It all starts with total surrender to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  Let us shine the light of God so that our children will not have to live in total darkness.  Hugs, always!  

Scripture Series: Prayer Unto Thee Card---Join Us At Word Art Wednesday for Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge...

Hello everyone!  It's another Wednesday and time to share another free Word Art at our Word Art Wednesday Challenge.  It's taken from Psalm 5:3 which says. " My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."  As human beings that is made in the image of Almighty God, we are to always connect to our Source to walk through the circumstances of life.  We are to depend on Him wholeheartedly.  Being that He made us, He alone knows our abilities, capabilities and weaknesses.  He even knows our very purpose and what will become of us.  We are finite, He's infinite!  The only way He mandated us to communicate with Him is through "prayer."  Whether it's for a personal need or a prayer of intercession for other people or for major issues that our country or the world are facing, there's nothing our God would not hear.  Some choose to pray for long hours in their prayer closets or like me---short minutes all throughout the day, what is important is to know why are we praying and Who we are praying to.  I strongly believe that prayer is so much more than uttering words of petition.  Each of us should recognize that we should not pray to anyone who does not have the authority and the power to hear our prayers.  For us redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, we pray to the God who created heaven and earth, the One and Only Powerful, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Rock of the Ages God in whom everything originate.  No one created Him and He is accountable to no one but Himself.  He is the Author of both "justice and love." He makes everyone accountable for their sins but He's also the only One Who offered mercy and grace to them that will access His pathway to salvation.  God allows trials to come our way but He also provides the way out.  Sometimes, we want things to happen in our own time and many have lost their faith in God because their request was not granted.  They forgot that God knows what is best for He sees our future and that we don't really own our lives.   Yet, He allows us to call upon Him and to bring our request.  You see, I have many answered prayers and there's also those that He told me to wait and those that He said "No."  Though my mind could not comprehend why my Mom had to die in the year she did, God's Word tells me in Romans 8:28, "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."  Knowledge of the Word of God helps my prayers as I know I can place my faith safely in whatever God said and  that He's got my best interest whatever happens.  Jesus showed us that even the Son of God didn't exempt Himself from the beatings of life and that victories can be hidden inside what people may call defeat.  Jesus had to endure all the beatings to the point of death in order to achieve a greater glory---mankind living with Him for all eternity.  

To start our day with a prayer to our Almighty God is the way to go about the challenges of the day.  Truthfully, I don't pray to be close to God.  I pray because I am already close to Him and I have confidence that He hears my prayer because of what Jesus Christ done for me.  Jesus is the Only means by which I can connect with my Father.  The Holy Spirit gives me the faith and desire to be in that state.  I may not pray for hours but for me, Jesus is everything!  He is the One sitting beside us every meal, my Companion when I'm driving to and fro, the One Who gives me answers to life's most simple and difficult questions, the One that comforts me when I am down and the One that rejoices with me in triumphs.  I talk to Him like a Father whose also a Friend.  He knows me more than I know myself so, there's nothing I can hide from Him.  All I need is to be completely honest and to always believe that He's with me through life's ups and downs.  Most especially, He's going to be with me when this life is over---for all eternity!  I am so grateful that He called me to His kingdom and would love for everyone to have the same experience.  Call upon Him today, He still answers prayers!  Leaving you with some verses to ponder:

"Be joyful always; pray continually;  give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

"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 hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.  And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having 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."  (Ephesians 1:11-14)

"Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.  In that day you will ask in my name (Jesus).  I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.  No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God." (John 16:25-27)

For today's inspiration card, I used an image from Sassy Cheryl called "Sassy Happiness" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from my scraps, the layered flowers from Prima with a brad from Recollections.  I also incorporated some white nail head gems from Imaginisce and glittery ribbon from my stash.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.

 PRAYER UNTO THEE CARD:

 PRAYER UNTO THEE CARD LAYERS:

 PRAYER UNTO THEE CARD INSIDE:

PRAYER UNTO THEE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafting with Dragonflies---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Recipe Challenge
Fab 'n' Funky---Anything with Ribbon
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Sweet 7---Sassy
Papertake Weekly---ATG
Loves Rubberstamps---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Whimsy Stamps---ATG
Arty by Miran---ATG
Crafting at the Weekend---ATG
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Craft for the Craic---Suited for a Child
DL.ART---ATG
Pinspirational---ATG
Sisters of Craft---ATG
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Dragons Laire---ATG

I hope you'd take the time to join us at our WAW Challenge.  It's Anything Goes as long as it's family friendly with uplifting and inspirational messages, you can link up to 5 projects.  Our sponsors this week are Verses Rubber Stamps ($20 GC for wood of cling stamps) and  Sweet and Sassy Stamps ($10 GC to their shop).  I can't wait to see your projects this week and leave you some lovin' on your Blogs.  Have a blessed day and I pray that you acknowledge the glory of the Lord in yourself and in everything around you.  His Name be praised forever! 

Scripture Series: Word of our God Side Step Card---It's Anything Goes Once Again at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, friends!   It's time to highlight another free Word Art (you can download for free) at our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday.  It's taken from Isaiah 40:8 which says, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."  Have you ever wondered about all the people that used to live on this earth and where they are now?  Have you ever thought of your love ones that passed away and remember the wonderful times you shared with them?  Have you reminisced your younger years and thought about the people that became part of your life and wished you're able to relive those happy moments?  Like you, I have my share of great times with family, friends and extraordinary experiences---some happy, some sad!  Our life passes by so quickly that the present becomes a thing of the past in a split second.  Things are constantly changing and no matter what we do, we cannot stay the way we are.  The increasing amount of gray hair and wrinkles reminds me of that every time I look at the mirror.  Nothing good on earth last forever but the same is true when we experience sorrows, that too shall come to pass.  Our lives are bombarded daily with many ungodly ideas and we become indoctrinated with many principles that are against the very Word of God.  A child who learned about the love of God through God's Word and the examples of his/her parents may one day turn into a rebel after hanging out with bad company or a quest to follow a dream to fame.  The love between husband and wife when they tied the knot and promised God to stay together for richer and for poorer may soon be gone after hardships ran its course.  Sad, isn't it?  But the same is also true for a wayward child who returns to the love of his/her parents after the seed of the Word of God spoke through his/her heart.  And it's also true to the couple that find reconciliation and gather the pieces together to rebuilt their marriage after the light of God's Word shine through their life.  What I am trying to say is that all the things in this world are not permanent.  Things can turn from good to bad or vice versa.  It's an unending cycle of life for as long as we live in this physical state.  A flower no matter how beautiful it is will not stay as pretty the next day.  Everything withers and passes away including our very existence here on earth.   We are all under TIME!  But God told us of the one thing that is never affected by time---The WORD  OF GOD!  It is comforting to know that God Himself and His Word never changes.  The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is as powerful and effective as it was before to this very day.  What God has promised to us in His written Word can still be claimed today while all the warnings that He has spoken in His time are still the very same things we should stay away from daily.  James 1:17 tells us, ":Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  I don't know with you but I am at peace because God's Word keeps me under His care.  Though my physical existence could come to an end, His promises of a greater and everlasting future holds more promises that only an unchanging God can keep.  And so in Christ, I have hope!  God's Word made that very clear!  I hope you allow God to work  in your life for His living Word has the power to set you free.  I would like to share with you the following passages that summarizes our existence and the power of our unchanging God:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:  a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account." (James 3:1-15)

Well, it has been a long time since I made a side step card.  Ive always loved making one but it's a bit more time consuming and I'm always short with time.  I am grateful that I am able to make one today.  For this inspiration card,  I use a couple of my rubber stamp images from Magnolia Stamps (Tilda) and Ditto Stamps (flowers) which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  It was ages ago when I created a  side step card so, I was inspired to do it again using a 5.5 x 11 inches white base card that I cut and scored to create this fold.  The DP's are from my favorite "Newsworthy" stack from the Paper Studio.  I added lots of white nail head gems from Imaginisce and incorporated some glitters using Stickles (Crystal).  I added a butterfly from Recollections and stitched all over this project.  Love the result.

WORD OF OUR GOD SIDE STEP CARD:

 WORD OF OUR GOD SIDE STEP CARD LAYERS: 

 WORD OF OUR GOD SIDE STEP CARD MESSAGE SPACE: 

WORD OF OUR GOD SIDE STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX: 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Creative Moments---ATG/Use 3 Layers
Die Cuttin Divas---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
DoubleClick---Use Pink
Brown Sugar---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Papers
Incy Wincy---Something Old, Something New (Old: Tilda Image, New: Nestabilities Die)
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Sisterhood of Crafters---ATG
Art by Miran---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---Pink Team (Flowers)
Glitter n Sparkle---Use Some Flowers
Lovely Hanglar or Sweet Magnolia---Just for Girls
OSAAT---ATG with Flower
Scribble and Scrap---3 Entries Only!
Sentimental Sundays---Use Kraft CS with Sentiment
Artistic Inspirations---ATG/Cooking/Baking
Dutch Magnolia Lovers---ATG
Eureka Stamps---Use Some Bling
Make my Monday---Die-cuts and/or Punches
Melonheadz---Fun Folds
Not Just Cards---ATG
Ppinkydolls---ATG/Make It Girly
The Pink Elephant---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---2 or More Designer Papers

Have an awesome day everyone and looking forward to see your wonderful projects linked at our WAW Blog.  It will be nice to see the featured Word Art in your Challenge project but not mandatory.  As long as it's family friendly, inspirational and uplifting, you are free to link up to 5 projects.  Our sponsors for this week are Loves Rubberstamps ($10 GC at their shop) and Milkcoffee Digital Stamps (3 Digis).  Just want to tell you how much God loves you and wants to have fellowship with you if you'll allow Him.  Hugs and blessing, everyone!