Scripture Series: Will Hope Continually Card---It's Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Ard Wednesday! Come and Join Us...

Hello there, friends!  This is coming out a day late but I'm here to bring you an inspirational post featuring our wonderful Scripture Word Art (you can download for free) at our Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  It's taken from Psalm 71:14 which says, "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more."  When we go through the entire chapter of Psalm 71, it talks about God's ever present help from the time we were born till we are old and gray.  When the time comes for us to leave this temporary existence, our lives should be a testimony to others of the faithfulness of God.  We were born in this world as a sinner that inherited the sins of Adam.  We were hopeless and helpless from ever pleasing God.  We were marked for death and such was our fate had we not received Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior in this lifetime.  No matter where we came from, the color of our skin, the people and culture we grew up with and the good deeds (or the lack there off) we've done, we are going to suffer the same punishment less we receive the new birth Jesus offered us (through His finished work at the Cross) to be set free from our bondage to Adam.  We are misled if we think that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the same as merely knowing His name or occasionally calling upon Him and aligning Him with the many other saints and idols that religions of the world  taught us to embrace.  What I'm talking about is a personal experience of truly knowing the God of the Bible!  An intimate encounter with the Alpha and Omega---the Creator of heaven and earth.  An incredible and supernatural event in every believer's life  knowing that the Lord of lords and the King of kings is inside of you through faith which gives birth to repentance and surrender.   Jesus is not somebody we just read about!  Knowing Christ is lifting Him off the pages of the Scripture and experiencing the reality of His presence through faith.  The Bible declares in John 4:24, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."  There is a parallel reality that we know is true yet our five senses cannot perceive nor our minds can fathom.  God has given us spiritual faculties such as conscience, communion and intuition to attest to the reality of the spiritual world. Deep inside each of us is a longing for the spiritual filling that only God can satisfy.  When I allowed Christ to be my personal Lord and Savior, I realized the importance of all the years I wasted running my own life.  I became aware of all the deceptions of religion and worldly principles that have shaped my being which were all designed to separate me further from knowing Christ.  But everything made sense when God's Word in Romans 8:28 spoke into my heart and it said, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  I realized that all the joy, pain, triumph and hardships I encountered in my early life made me who I am today and have been used by God to bring me to His presence and equipped me to fulfill the work He has set for me to do.  I had lots of happy memories but there were those that were depressing and had brought me a great deal of hopelessness.  I thank Him because even at the lowest point of my life, He was with me, prodding my heart to take His hand to save me from the sinking sand I was in.  I came to the Lord just as I was---all broken and torn up!  I offered to Him every piece of my life and He restored me, better than who I was before.  After many years, He is still adding meaningful colors to my life.  No matter how old I become, one thing is sure---He is there for me through thick and thin!  I am never alone in the triumphs and struggles of this life!  For all of that, I am grateful for the privilege to praise Him daily and for all eternity!  Jesus deserves all the glory! I hope you consider to investigate the religion or belief system you are in today.  All you really need is to know is the One who gave His life on the Cross to save you from death (spiritual, physical and eternal deaths).  The answer is in the pages of the Scripture.  You owe it to yourself to seek the Truth so as not to risk the only life you have by refusing God's only plan of salvation.  While we are leaving and breathing, there is always hope and I pray you start now.  Leaving you with Bible verses that tells us the importance of knowing Christ...

"Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"  Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:5-7)

"This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches,  but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.(Jeremiah 9:23-24)

"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.  We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.  But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him:  Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." (1 John 2:1-6)

For this Card, I used an image from Sassy Cheryl's Stamps called "Noah's Tire Swing" which I colored with ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to create 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are all from Paper Studio (Barnwood Pretty Stack) and the brads are from Recollections.  I rounded a couple  of corners using my Corner Chomper.  Lastly, I added some regular and fancy stitching all over this card.  It's been a while since I made a masculine card.  What I love about it is that you don't have to go overboard with embellishments.  Colors are simple and neutrals are a must.  I am truly happy with this creation.

WILL HOPE CONTINUALLY CARD:

WILL HOPE CONTINUALLY CARD LAYERS:

WILL HOPE CONTINUALLY CARD SIDE VIEW:

 WILL HOPE CONTINUALLY CARD INSIDE:

WILL HOPE CONTINUALLY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Inspiration Destination---ATG
Moo-Mania---Masculine
The Paper Shelter---Layers and Lots of Them
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Simon Says---ATG
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
As You Like It---Matt or Shiny and Why?  (I love Matt papers because it's easy to work with)
Cute Card Thursday---Stamping Mad
Clear It Out---Thank you/Stitching
Scrap-Creations---Favorite Embellishment (Brads)
Inky Chicks---ATG
Party Time Tuesday---ATG
Sweet 7---Anything New (image is new)
TTCRD---ATG
Tuesday Throwdown---Facets of Crafting (Brads)
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Sketch
Love to Scrap---ATG
My Craft Creations---ATG
DL.ART---ATG
Art by Miran---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---ATG
Kit and Clowder---ATG
The Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
The Pink Elephant---ATG
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG

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---Loves Rubberstamps ($10 GC) and All Dressed Up Digi Stamps (3 Digi Stamps).  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! 

Scripture Series: Wish Above All Things Card---Join Us at Word Art Wednesday for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge!

Hello there, everyone!  Wow, it's another Wednesday and I'm here with another project to show a wonderful Scripture Word Art you can download for free at the Word Art Wednesday (WAW) Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge.  Today's Word is taken from 3 John 2 which says, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."  In this passage, the Apostle John wrote this epistle (letter) to Gaius who had been a big help in the ministry of the Gospel.  He had welcome men of God/missionaries to his home and provided time, money and effort to see to it that they have everything they needed.  It's amazing how the Lord would allow simple men and women of faith to be acknowledged in the pages of the Scripture.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  What an honor for any servant of the Lord to be used by Almighty God in His written revelation (the Bible) to show a positive example for all generations to come.  After Jesus ascended to heaven, the Apostles who were all filled with the Holy Spirit at the the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) shared the Gospel to all nations and made disciples of them that received the finished work (death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus Christ.  They didn't stop there but also kept these believers under their care by making sure they communicate and follow-up with them.  They also pray for them to be blessed in all aspects of their lives.  We can do so much more if we have a passionate spirit, a healthy body and an adequate financial resources to do the work of the Lord.  Each  of us have different gifts that we can bring to the table.  God blesses you with every good thing to equip you to do His will here on earth for the purpose of serving others.  If God blessed you financially, let Him reveal to you how you may use it for His glory.  Prosperity is not a bad thing unless that is the only thing you focus on!  The Lord wants us to be prosperous in whatever we do.  The Lord's prayer in Matthew 6:9-10 tells us, "This, then, is how you should pray: " Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."  If we can imagine a place where there is nothing lacking---where every tree yields its fruit in its season, the water flows in abundance and where beauty is perfected with no iota of ugliness present---that is God's dwelling place.  God wants earth to have all the wonderful things heaven offers.  And through Jesus Christ, we have access to that all the time through faith and prayer.  In everything we do, our motivation should be to further God's Kingdom, not selfish ambitions!  I believe that each day we are allowed to live in this planet is an opportunity to advance God's Kingdom.  So, we are to pay attention to our spiritual well-being/growth, our resources (finances) and our overall health to make the most of our service with God.  Like the Apostle John to Gaius, we are to look out and pray for one another to provide much needed encouragement as we walk in obedience to God daily.  I would like to share with you these verses that speaks of blessings to them that obey God's commands...

"If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.  All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God:  You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.  The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock--the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.  Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.  You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.  The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.  The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.  The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways.  Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you.  The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity--in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground--in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you.  The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.  The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.  Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them."  (Deuteronomy 28: 1-14)

For this Card, I used a wonderful image from Tiddly Inks called "Lily Bean-All My Heart"  which I paper-pieced and colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is from a box of corrugated cards from Recollections that comes with an envelope although I made my own envelope-box due to the thickness of this project.  The DP's are from my scraps from different companies.  I added several white nail head gems from Imaginisce and finally, some stitching all over this creation.  Quite a simple make but eye catching indeed!   I love it!

WISH ABOVE ALL THINGS CARD:

WISH ABOVE ALL THINGS CARD LAYERS:

WISH ABOVE ALL THINGS CARD INSIDE:

 

WISH ABOVE ALL THINGS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafter's Cafe---Stitching
Crafting by Designs---Under the Weather/Get Well
Crafty Creations---Something Old, Something New (Old:  DP's/ New: Image and Word Art)
Creative Moments---ATG/Sketch
Fresh Brewed---Favorites (Scripture Word Art, Gems)
Moo-Mania---ATG
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Scrapper's Delights---ATG with a Twist: Fave Colors (Red, Turquoise and Kraft)
Simon Says---Have a Heart
Sisterhood of Crafters---ATG with a Twist: New Stash (I used a new image and sentiment)
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
Scrap-Creations---Favorite Embellishment (White Nail Head Gems)
Inky Chicks---ATG
Party-Time Tuesday---ATG
PDE Linky Party---3D Projects
Sweet 7---Anything New (New Image and Word Art Sentiment)
Sweet Stamps---Hearts
TTCRD---ATG
Top Tip Tuesday---Something New (New Image and Word Art Sentiment)
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Eureka Stamps---The Color Red
Get Creative---Anything New (New Image and Word Art Sentiment)
Imagination Crafts---ATG
Love to Create---Color Inspired
Love to Scrap---ATG
Melonheadz Friends---CAS
My Creative Moments---New Something (New Image and Word Art Sentiment)
My Craft Creations---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
The Pink Elephant---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---ATG

There you have it friends!  Hope you enjoyed browsing at the pics and reading this post.  Please don't forget to join us at this week's WAW Challenge by linking your "Anything Goes" projects.  You can use the free Word Art in your entry but it's not mandatory.  As long as your creation is family-friendly, inspirational and uplifting, you can enter up to 5 projects to have more chances of winning.  Our sponsors for this week are The Flying Unicorn ($ 25 GC to their store) and Fred She Said Digi Stamps (giving away 3 images).  You don't want to miss out on these wonderful prizes so, make sure to join our Challenge.   Have a blessed day, everyone! 

The Smallest Things Card---Another Wonderful Anything Goes Challenge with a Twist Happening at 613 Avenue Create! Join us...

Hi there, friends!  This is coming out a day late as I had quite a busy day yesterday.  Lots of things going on and I feel like there is not enough hours in a day to come close to accomplishing everything I want to do.  These days are full of challenges for our family and no matter how many times we go through trials, it's never easy.  But one thing we know for certain---that Jesus has control over everything and anything!  Things may be in shambles, chaos, and nothing seem to work for us at times.  Our emotions are saggy, and our hearts and minds are filled with hopelessness.  When there's a million things going on inside my head, I choose to quiet myself down and let the voice of the Spirit living inside of me have His way.  You see, a life of a believer is full of battles!  Not just from the outside circumstances that affects our daily routine but from all the suggestions and decisions we need to sift through before we turn every single one of them into action.  It is very important for every Christian to advance from the initial experience of coming to know Christ to becoming a mature believer with a biblical and eternal worldview.  The Word of God builds our faith and equips us with His promises to triumph against all kinds of situations that seek to destroy us.  Spend some time reading and let your spiritual man grow, strengthened and nourished by the power of God's promises.  We need to see the great and eternal plan of God beyond our present circumstances in order to avoid drowning from the storms and trials heading our way.  Oh yes,  God's promises are "life" to me and it never fails to give me the strength to face the unpredictability of each day.  I want to share the following verses to strengthen you today and give you hope for the bright future God has prepared for those who have received Him (Born-again, John 3:3).  Be blessed!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you,  who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,  for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,  trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.  It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.  Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;  for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."  Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.  For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,  but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.  He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.  Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.  Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.  For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.  For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,  but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you"  (I Peter 1:3-25)

Anyway, we have our newest Challenge happening at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create!  As always, it is "Anything Goes with an Optional Twist" (use a Winnie the Pooh quote).  There are several Word Art at the Challenge site that you can download for free.  I used a very cute quote for the image and project I had in mind and it says, "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."  One of the most wonderful experience of my life is when I gave birth to my gorgeous son, nine years ago!  It was so much more than "love at first sight" or "a match made in heaven."  That tiny baby was inside of me and a part of me.  Seeing through his wide opened eyes, holding his fragile hands/feet and protecting him in my arms gave me a glimpse of the love of God towards me.  Something deeper and magical at the same time yet no words to describe exactly.  That small baby is God's gift to me and so as every little child in a mother's womb.  I would never understand the ugliness of any human being that chooses to hurt these little children.  NEVER!  Every little child is important in the eyes of God and that is all that matters.  Though my little baby has grown into a handsome little man today, he will continue to be this little person that takes up the most room in my heart forever.  For this Card, I used an image from one of our sponsors this week---Sami Stamps.  It's called "Stroller Mom" and I did some paper-piecing and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from American Crafts.  I rounded two opposing corners using my Corner Chomper and die cut a scallop circle and the circle using my Spellbinders dies and Cuttlebug.  I also layered some Prima flowers and added a button and glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to the flower and the stroller.  I attached several gems to compliment the image and stitched all over this project.  For the sentiment, we are supposed to use quotes by Winnie the Pooh so, I computer generated this wonderful saying to go with my creation.  I just love how the colors came together.  I  am very happy with this card and thanking the Lord Jesus for direction and inspiration.

THE SMALLEST THINGS CARD:

 THE SMALLEST THINGS CARD LAYERS:

THE SMALLEST THINGS CARD SIDE VIEW:

THE SMALLEST THINGS CARD INSIDE:

THE SMALLEST THINGS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Sami Stamps---Use Glitter
Fairytale Stampers---Flowers
Glitter n Sparkle---Cute
Jellypark Friends---Bling It Up
OSAAT---ATG with Something New (Image is new)
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Sentimental Sundays---New Beginnings
Stamping Sensations---Dies/Punches
That Craft Place---Love/Valentine
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Get Creative---Anything New (New Image and Word Art Sentiment)
Imagination Crafts---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
My Creative Moments---New Something (New Image and Word Art Sentiment)
My Craft Creations---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
The Pink Elephant---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---ATG
Crafty Calendar---What's New?  (New Image and Word Art Sentiment)
Paper Creator's---ATG
Dragons Lair---New Beginnings

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---Sami Stamps and Fitztown.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  I hope you have a wonderful week and know that through faith in what Jesus accomplished through the Cross, we have complete victory always!   

Scripture Series: Let Your Light Shine Scenic Card---Time for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, Crafty Friends!  It's Wednesday and here to share some inspiration for our weekly Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Today's free Scripture Word Art (download at WAW) is taken from Matthew 5:16 which says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  Have you ever been in a place or situation where there was a total black-out?  I've experienced quite a few in my life .  I remember when there's power failure almost everyday in the Philippines.  In those times, we were not informed of when it would happen and it would go on for many hours.  I remember having to buy tons of candles and matches and we positioned them in every room in the house.  Some nights, when the light from the moon was shining brightly, I could see a ray of light creeping in from our windows and it gave a bit of comfort.  But when there's  total absence of light, fear started to get the best of us. In times I could not physically see myself nor anyone in front or beside me, panic started to take over.  You see, light brings comfort and security.  It exposes our surroundings so we can see clearly and act accordingly. 

God has ordained every Born-again (John 3:3) Christians to not only be "Salt" but also "Light" of this world.  Salt not only flavors but also preserves.  Light destroys/eradicates darkness.  All of humanity was plunged into total spiritual darkness when Adam fell into sin.  How?   Because every person that lived on this earth came from him---the first Man!  That is why the scripture clearly states in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  No matter how cute and innocent looking we are when we were born, we all carried with us the "sin nature."  All of us  inherited this from Adam which came from the very heart of Satan.  We are spiritually dead and without hope of reconciliation with our Maker---God Almighty.  We all live in "total darkness."  We are all in prison--- destined for eternal damnation!  But God, in His love and mercy didn't want mankind to suffer that horrendous fate and be eternally condemned.  So He sent His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our sins, break the bondage of Satan in us and his sin nature.  All that and more so that we can be free to reconcile with Him in this life and the eternal through what Jesus Christ has accomplished (His death, burial and resurrection).  Apart from Christ, we are never going to step out of the darkness we were in.  Colossians 1:12-14 sums it all for me, "Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.  For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."  The moment we repent and receive Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior (Born-again experience), we leave darkness and becomes a vessel of light for Christ. We carry in us the presence of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that transforms us from one glory to another unto Christ-likeness.  Some changes may come instantaneously, others months or years while some may take a lifetime.  True faith in Christ will radiate beams of light that will be seen by everyone around us.  Those that want to live in total darkness will hate being exposed to that light but those who are looking for Truth, peace, happiness and security will find refuge in that light.  So, whatever level of faith we are in, whatever God has delivered us from and whatever talents God has equipped us with, use them all as a beam of light to expose darkness and give hope to those seeking God's light.  Share with everyone what the Lord has done in your life not only with words but complete with action. Colossians 3:23 says, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."  Live a life so different from the world and it's fleshly desires.  Show mankind the ways of the Kingdom and for everything,  give God the glory...Be the light, be the life, be God's glory!  I want to share with you more verses in the Scripture on the importance of being God's light. 

"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."  (Proverbs 4:18-19)

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.  Do everything without complaining or arguing,  so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."  (Philippians 2:13-15)

Today's inspiration card is something that I pictured in my mind as I saw our Scripture Word Art and a couple of images from Bugaboo Stamps.  They are the "AKV House" and "Lawn Mower Guy" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers and did some paper piecing.  I usually build the lay-out as I go along but this one I had pictured clearly in my mind.  It's meant to highlight the wonderful works that God can do in us and through us when He is the One who rules our lives.  All the volunteer work---giving of time, money and effort---to serve the Body of Christ and being "Salt and Light" of this world.  No matter how big or small the task is, it's the love of Christ that propels us to keep doing the good things that God has set for us to do as we walk with Him everyday.  In my Card,  I wrote "Volunteer" at the lawn mower and "Home for the Elderly'" to the house image to show that we can make a difference in the life of our neighbors by showing them the ways of the Kingdom.  As I told you in my previous post, "Leadership in the Kingdom means Servant-hood!  If there is anything we can do to bless others, do it for the glory of God!  Anyway, the base card is a white,  A7 CS.  The DP's are all from my scraps from different companies.  The fence border is achieved with an MS Punch, the circles cut with an MS Circle Cutter and the clouds were fancy-cut from a DP.  I added a touch of glitters (Stickles-Crystal) in the center of the flowers.  Lastly, I combined regular and fancy stitching all over this card.  So proud of this and thankful for the Lord's guidance as I was making it. 

 

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE SCENIC CARD:

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE SCENIC CARD LAYERS:

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE SCENIC CARD INSIDE:

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE SCENIC CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Addicted to Stamps---Make Your Mark
Dazzling Diva---ATG/Color Challenge
Creative Moments---ATG/New Beginnings
Digistamps4Joy---bingo (Die or Punch/Flower/Stitching)
Fab 'n' Funky---Something New (New Digi Stamps)
Fresh Brewed---Favorites (My fave are Scripture Word Art and some nail head gems in my card)
Hambo Hoedown---New Year, New Stash (New Digi Stamps)
I Love ProMarkers---Hobbies
Inspiration Destination---ATG
The Male Room---New Beginnings (New Digi Stamps)
Moo-Mania---ATG
Paper Shelter---Punches and/or Dies
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Scrapper's Delights---ATG with a Twist: New Beginnings (New Digi Stamps)
Simon Says---It's a Guy Thing
Sisterhood of Crafters---ATG with Something New (New Digi Stamps)


Hope you join the fun at our WAW Challenge.  There's wonderful prizes awaiting our blessed winners from two of our sponsors this week, V's Sweet Ideas ($10 GC) and Robyn's Fetish (3 Digi Images).  You can choose to incorporate the free Word Art (sentiment) you see in my card for projects you wish to make and link with us though it's not mandatory.  You can submit up to 5 projects (Anything Goes) as long as it's family friendly, inspirational or uplifting.  Can't wait to see what you come up with. Have a blessed week and always remember to share unto others the hope you have in you.  Hugs! 

For Your Birthday Easel Card---Join the Fun at 613 Avenue Create for our 2nd Annual Block Party! Lots of Prizes to be Won...

Good Sunday morning, everyone!  I am not scheduled to make a project today but because it's our 2nd Annual Block Party in my neighborhood, 613 Avenue Create, the Team A DT's created with Team B to bring you an awesome Challenge Party.  You would not believe the load of prizes we prepared for everyone who will join our Anything Goes with Optional Twist (1,001 Techniques) Challenge as well as those who would play our exciting DT Trivia.  You will also find some links for tutorial on different techniques many paper crafters love to use and may learn a lot from those you have not tried yet.  So, I will reserve my "inspirational post" next week and instead, share with you the link to the exciting DT Trivia Questions you can try and answer in exchange for some awesome prizes.  You will find the questions, how to play, and where to submit your answers through this link:  

BLOCK PARTY AND PRIZE PAGE

For my Card today, I included several techniques namely Easel Card, Layering, Die Cutting, Fussy Cutting, Alcohol markers coloring, Paper Piecing. Handmade Brad and Sewing.   I used an image from one of our sponsors this week, A Day for Daisies.  It's called "Strawberry Birthday Cake" that I paper pieced and colored using my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches Easel style card.  The DP's are all from my stack of scraps from different companies.  I used Spellbinders for the Lacy Oval and an MS Punch to shape a panel's border.  I custom made a brad using my I-top, added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to the cake image and attached a few white nail head gems from Imaginisce.  The sentiment beside the cake is from Stampendous while the ones by the message space is from Studio G.  The funny and main sentiment is from Create with TLC (I love it!  Thanks, Paulette!).  Lastly, lots of stitching done in this card.

FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY EASEL CARD:

 FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY EASEL CARD LAYERS:

 FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY EASEL CARD WITH MESSAGE SPACE:

FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY EASEL CARD WHEN CLOSE:

FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY EASEL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Come and Get It---Humorous Cards
Jellypark---Bling it Up
Lacy Sunshine----Sparkly and New (New Image)
OSAAT---ATG with Something New (New Image)
Pile It On---Something Edible
Scrappy Hands---Layers
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Stamping Sensations---Dies and Punches
Catch the Bug---Bingo (Textrure/3D Object/Stitching)
Corrosive---Shiny and New (New Image)
Clear It Out---ATG
Loves Rubberstamps---ATG
Papertake Weekly---ATG
Sassy Studio---ATG
Die Cut Diva's---ATG
Mema's Crafts---ATG
Divas by Design---ATG
CCC Digi Creations---Digi and Embellish
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Simply Create Too---Let's Celebrate
Wags 'n Whiskers---ATG
Sisters of Craft---ATG
Party Time Tuesday---ATG
Allsorts---New and Cute (New Image)
Sweet Stampin'---Girly but no Pink
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
Seize the Birthday---Birthday Theme
Cards Galore Encore---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/New Beginnings
My Craft Creations---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Artistic Inspiration---ATG with Twist: New (New Image)
Crafty Gals---ATG
Tuesday Throwdown---Favorite Embellishment (Nail Head Gems)
Love to Scrap---Initials (C is for Cake, B is for Birthday)
Simon Says---Something New (New Image)
Scrapping4fun---Happy Birthday

This it for now, guys.  Make sure to join the fun at  our 2nd Annual Block Party at 613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge and DT Trivia Questions.  If you want to be challenged (like I was), take on the Optional Twist (1,001 Techniques).  We have gazillion sponsors (too many to name) giving away fabulous prizes.  Can't wait to see what you create as well as read your lovely comments. Thanks for all the support you gave us the past couple of years at 613 Avenue Create and looking forward for many more.  I thank the Lord for enabling me to share the hope that comes from spreading the Gospel through this Blog.  I'm grateful for the support of all the other DT's as well as Chana and Kathi (owners of 613 Avenue Create) for their constant patience and encouragement.  Leaving you with God's Word in Ephesians 6:13-15 which says, "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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."  God bless, everyone!

Scripture Series: In Thee Do I Trust Center Step Card---Join Us for our First Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge for 2015 at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone and welcome to my very first post (just a day late) this year for our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  A year has come and gone and I still have so many left over projects that needed to be done this year.  I guess, such is a  life of a Crafter---having endless projects!...LOL  Anyway, our Scripture Word Art this week (you can download for free at the WAW site) focuses on God's Word in Psalm 143:8 which says, "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."  This was David's psalm/prayer in the midst of hopelessness and depression.  Even though David was a king and had power and riches gold and silver  could buy,  it didn't at all satisfy and exempted him from many trials any human being could suffer from.  He had many enemies and had to struggle with his own humanity as a man of God.  The truth is, none of the things we see, acquired and achieved is ever going to satisfy in this life.  When we hear of impending calamities and danger, all we can really do is to get out of harms way if and when we are able to.  None of us with all our wealth, abilities and capabilities can stop an act of nature from wreaking havoc on earth.  With that alone, we should realize that we don't hold any kind of power in our hands except it be from God's throne of grace who created everything, including us.  I always tell my friends, "We cannot give what we don't have."   God provided us with life, a sound mind, numerous talents and abilities to sustain ourselves for the purpose of serving others.  When we increase, it's not for us to go spending it on lavish things but to extend help  for those who are in need.  If we have a wonderful voice to sing, it's not for us to showcase it to others in order to get recognition/glory from the applause of men.  We are to sing of the hope we have in Christ and to give reverence and glory to His name.  If we can dance, it's not for showing it off to a wide audience for them to appreciate how wonderful a dancer we are.  It is to convey the message of the Lord through spontaneous movement to declare His glory through your life.  Whatever you are good at and whatever you are given is not for you to be famous for but it's for JESUS to be famous in your life.  Without a Born-again experience (Born from above, John 3:3), it's impossible for any man to please God.  It all starts with faith and knowing that what Christ has done for you is enough to satisfy your every hunger and need.  Hunger for wealth, power and possessions are replaced by a hunger to be in the presence of Almighty God.  Yes, we will have dreams and aspirations but having Jesus as the Lord of your heart, these should all be subject to the will of our Lord and His input should always be welcomed.  He may say "Yes, No or Wait."  Through the Holy Spirit and the infallible Word of God, He will guide us to His perfect will and if your heart is set on Him, though it may not give you material/worldly satisfaction, you know that your reward from the Father will be much greater.  

Now, King David knows the importance of having a God to call to in the midst of helplessness. Though He was a powerful man in his time, He submitted and committed himself to the One Who holds all authority.  When we are under trials and enemies are on every side, God has given us a Name above every name to trample on the works of the enemy---His Name is JESUS!  When we approach a fork in the road and we could not decide which way to take, we can call upon Him to direct our feet unto His perfect will.  This means that we are not taking any step without the leading of our Almighty God.  Last night, my nine year old son (Jared)  had to ask me whether he can download a game app he used to play a while back in his tablet.  I told him that he needed his Dad's approval in order to key in the password.  He told me that it was not needed since it was an app he used to have, it will be installed without asking for the password.  Many things have gone through my mind as I was deciding to consent or decline. But then I realized how wonderful for my little man to have asked permission when he could have uploaded it without my approval. He chose to ask permission out of his love and respect for me and the rules we had set for him about games and usage.  With this, I saw a parallel  on how we are to be in our relationship with the Father.  As believers, we are given the freedom to do many things and we can choose to obey or disobey, to bring shame or honor to the finished work of Jesus Christ in our lives.  But if we truly love, we would think many times and ask the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us with our decisions so that we can reflect our love for God and the sacrifice He has done for us and become  beacons of hope for others who don't know Him.  Honestly, when I am frustrated, I can choose to lash out on anybody or succumb to negativity.  But since I truly know Who my Father is and what He can do---I will go against what I feel and apply the Truth of His Word in my circumstances. This is easier said than done cause after all, we allowed ourselves to be guided by our feelings the whole time before we came to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  To separate from our emotions and live in God's Truth is something we need to practice daily.  Our soul (comprised of our mind, will and emotions) are easily affected by our bodies (five senses).  When a part of our body aches, it does not make us feel good.  When we see or hear something against us, we get hurt.  But as citizens of the Kingdom, we are to rely solely on God's Word and not our feelings.  Take for example the passage in Matthew 5:10-12 which says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  What I'm trying to say is that the principles of the Kingdom of God is entirely opposite worldly principles.  Sometimes, what we consider trials and sufferings here can be a blessing in disguise to prepare us to the kind of ruler we are to be in the eternal Kingdom.  Let us remember God's promises in the following verses and keep it close to our hearts in times of trials and hopelessness:

"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 likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:28)

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."  (1 Peter 2:9)

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 3:12-14)

  

For this Card, I used an image from Make It Crafty called "Adventure Girl" 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  design.  The DP's came from Recollections and I incorporated a few butterflies also from Recollections. The die-cuts were created using Spellbinders and ran through my Cuttlebug.  I added some liquid pearls (White Opal), glitters (Stickles-Crystal) and finally lots of stitching to complete this design.  It took a while but it's so much fun to make and I am happy with the result.

IN THEE DO I TRUST CENTER STEP CARD:

IN THEE DO I TRUST CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

IN THEE DO I TRUST CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

IN THEE DO I TRUST CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

IN THEE DO I TRUST CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Gals Corner---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/New Beginnings
Inky Impressions---Something New (New DP's and Image)
Penny's Paper-Crafty---ATG
Simon Says Stamp---Something New (New DP's and Image)
Crafter's Cafe---Something New (New DP's and Image)
TTCRD---ATG
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
Crafty Hazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Catch the Bug---ATG
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
As You Like It---Favorite Fold ( I love all kinds of stepper cards as it gives wonderful dimensions)
Crafty Catz---ATG
QKR Stampede---ATG
Gem of a Challenge---Something New (New DP's and Image)
Crafty Calendar---What's New? (New DP's and Image)
My Time to Craft---All Things New (New DP's and Image)
Glitter n Sparkle---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Dazzling Diva---Inspirational Photo/ATG
Corrosive---Shiny and New (Glitters on Butterflies and New DP's)
Cute Card Thursday---What's New? (New DP's and Image)
Lacy Sunshine---Sparkly and New (Glitters on Butterflies and New DP's)
Loves Rubberstamps---ATG
Natalie and Amy---All Things New (New DP's and Image)
Not Just Cards---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
Sisters of Craft---ATG
Sweet Stampin'---New (New DP's and Image)
Art Impressions---What's New? (New DP's and Image)
Artistic Inspirations---ATG with a Twist (New) (New DP's and Image)
Connie Can Crop---Sparkles (Glitters on Butterflies)
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Little Red Wagon---Sparkle and Shine (Glitters on Butterflies)
Mema's Crafts---ATG
Party Time Tuesday---ATG
Polkadoodles---Tic Tac Toe (Die Cuts/Stitching/Polkadots)
Paper Girls Challenge---Sparkle and Shine (Glitters on Butterflies)
V's Sweet Ideas---Something New (New DP's and Image)

Time to go, everyone!  Please make sure to visit us at WAW and link up the projects you make out of our free Word Art although not mandatory.  You can link up any inspiring, uplifting, family-friendly projects, up to 5.  We have three wonderful sponsors this week namely, Newton's Nook Designs ($15 GC), Lilla Rose (Hair jewelry) and Sweet and Sassy Stamps ($10 voucher for digi images).  That means a couple of chances to win so, head over to WAW and show us your wonderful projects.  Enjoy your week.  Always remember that God loves you and has a great plan for your life!