Kind of Person Card---It's Simply Anything Goes Today in our Neighborhood Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello everyone...It's another Sunday and another day to share our exciting, Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!  There is no optional Twist so, I am free to be as creative as I want to be.  I chose to highlight an image of a "Teacher" in today's project.  After all,  we grew up with several of them that became a part of the many wonderful memories from our childhood to this day.  They don't have to be limited to the people that educates us in schools but also them that taught us in our family, our social life and spiritual life.  They helped us grow in our knowledge of the physical and the unseen world.  Growing up, my best teachers were my parents.  They may not be perfect but they tried their very best to teach me about life's ups and down and have learned a lot from their individual strengths and weaknesses.  Their teachings and examples are forever going to be part of my life.  I also had a couple of favorite teachers in school that went above and beyond with their encouragement and support that inspired me to reach my goals.  I am forever grateful!  Presently, I have spiritual leaders in my Church that helps me grow in the things of God.  They always encourage everyone to diligently seek God's Word so that we can learn to discern the Truth amidst all the lies.  When there are many out there who were discouraged to learn and had their members agree without question to whatever is presented to them, I have Pastors that wanted us to study and "rightly divide" the Word of Truth.  As 2 Timothy 2:15 states, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."  If anyone is in a belief system/religion that prohibits a person to question or prove their doctrines,  it's an indication of spiritual slavery/bondage.  Get out of that denomination---avoid it like a plague!  Many disasters in history came from blind obedience who fell victim to the control of men that propagated what turned out to be occultism!  Remember that you always have a choice "to not drink the Kool-Aid."  I am grateful to belong in a community where we are encouraged to study the teachings---making sure that it lines up with the Truth of God's Word. 
 
Anyway,  all the people I mentioned above were/are all instrumental to "who I am today."  God had placed them in my life at the right time and for specific reasons and have fulfilled/are fulfilling their roles in equipping me.   Yet, I would like to give the highest honor and praise to God Himself; Who created me with a specific purpose and guided my every step through the ups and down, twist and turns of life.  I know how extremely difficult I can be and like all others---have rebelled and wondered away from His track many times.  But He stood by me and showed me what love, grace and compassion truly meant in the Person of Jesus Christ!  I am forever grateful for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit Who continues to remind me of what my Lord did at the Cross that freed me from the bondage of sin and its rightful punishment.  His presence lives inside of me and assures me of victory all the days of my life.  Thank you Lord!

In light of all these, have we asked ourselves if we are being a teacher to someone?  Be it at home with our kids, our co-workers in our place of work or in the fellowship of the believers?  Whether we like it or not, we are an influence to somebody!  I guess what we really need to ask ourselves is if we are pointing people to their Godly inheritance or showing them what not to do?...Remember that we cannot give what we do not have!  To lead someone to the throne of God is to personally have gone there yourself.  In order to help change someone's life, you should have gone through the rigorous changing process.  Many can claim of wonderful accomplishments in their lives and their influence on people but Only God can truly change a man's heart for the good.  When it is God leading us, we are sure to become good examples and worthy teachers to others.  I want to share this Scripture to all of you:

"But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,  to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,  teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,  who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you." (Titus 2)

For this Card, I used an image from one of our sponsors this week---QKR Stampede.  I colored this fun image with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a Kraft, A7 size from Paper Studio.  The DP's are from my scraps from Recollections and Paper Studio.  I layered some flowers from Prima, added glitter (Stickles-Crystal) to the petals and white bras in the center.  I stamped a swirl from Autumn Leaves and the sentiment is from Stampabilities.  I included several nail head gems. added Glossy accents to the image's eye glassed and lastly,  ran through some regular and fancy stitching all over this creation.   

 KIND OF PERSON CARD:

KIND OF PERSON CARD LAYERS:

KIND OF PERSON CARD INSIDE:

KIND OF PERSON CARD WITH ENVELOPE:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Aud Sentiment---ATG with Sentiment
Simply Create Too---ATG
OSAAT---ATG with Nature
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Sentimental Sundays---Springtime Flowers
Di's Digis---Spring is Here
Docerela---ATG (Sentiment was stamped)
Polkadoodles---Use a Die
Simply Papercraft---ATG
As You Like It---Favorite: Lines or No Lines (I like it with lines as I am not into faint colors)
Little Miss Muffet---Spring Colors 
Whimsy Stamps---Use a Die-Cut

There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.   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 that we can effectively share with others!   

Scripture Series: The Lord Liveth Card---Join Us for another Inspirational Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello, friends!  I was so busy that this is coming out a day late.  I just want to share with you the Scripture Word Art (you can download for free) that is highlighted at this week's Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  It comes from Psalm 18:46 which says, "The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted."  This is one of the verses King David sang when God delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.  I have moments of victory such as this where I found myself singing spontaneously unto God.  My heart overflows with joy and I can't help but sing to the One that gave me the victory.  When you're confronted by the reality of losing your life---either by illness or somebody literally wants to destroy you, does "worry" get the best of you?   Have you ever wondered the emotional trauma of people who lived under terrorist infiltration? How they are able to eat and sleep when destruction may strike at anytime?   When your mortality is threatened and you don't know whether you will live to see another day just because of your faith in Christ?  These are questions we don't  think much about in the past but as we watch the evil agenda of the ungodly/deceived in our day and time,  these are real concerns of our generation.  The other day, I had a discussion with my friend about the current events in the Middle East...How Christians are dying (a horrendous/torturous  death) because they simply bear the name of Christ!  That in the face of death, they didn't waiver by renouncing Christ nor  converting to terrorist ideologies.  What do these martyred saints have in common with us?  They are Christians---I am a Christian!  In the midst of worldwide threats to Christians, I hold God's Word to be true when He said in Psalm 121:8, "The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."  

Everyday, we are bombarded by threats both inside and outside of our country.  Many people are so preoccupied with just thinking about their own lives that they don't really care what is happening to their community, their country and the world surrounding them.  Our life here on earth are interrelated and it's not because the war is not in your backyard, it does not mean it will not come to you.  Each day,  we can see how our freedom is being pulled from underneath us.  Freedom to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness are being challenged and the enemy is not negotiating fairly.  In the name of tolerance and moral relativism, they are out to eliminate/destroy everyone that disagrees with them.  It is not enough for them to just be tolerated, they want to be accepted and even revered.  We may not be experiencing mass killings in this country due to our faith yet but it's preparations are underway.  Take away people's freedom and you cause them to live in fear, to lose their identity and self-worth!  Without a Biblical and Eternal Perspective, they can be manipulated to believe in anything and everything that's a LIE.  The breed of terrorists is not produced overnight.  Many, if not all of them were groomed and trained from their childhood to a mindset of destruction. So-called gods and prophets of the many religions of men were born out of dreams, visions and illusions that somebody claimed to be true in whose doctrines have no real basis.  What makes our faith in Christ different?  God Almighty gave us a "road map" (Written Word of God) of Truth that can be proven through "Natural Revelation"  (things around us), by the "order" of things and by all the prophecies/events that has already been fulfilled.  We can look at history and track them down through the pages of the Scripture. Yet the most important proof of all was the coming of the Messiah---Jesus Christ!  It fulfilled the many prophecies written in the Old Testament.  He came at the Father's appointed time.  He showed us the depths of His love by dying on the Cross to save us from eternal damnation.  And as it was written, He rose again on the third day beating "Death" head on.  Every so-called gods of every man-made religions have come and gone and remained in the ground to this day.  Yet our future is glorious because Jesus promised us that He's coming back for His Bride---the Church (Called-out ones)!  This is our "blessed hope" that will come to pass in the day and time God had set.  Not a single "word or dot" is going to be left undone from the Written Word of God before the end of time. 

I've experienced many victories in my personal life and have witnessed God's powerful intervention through the intercession (prayer) and righteous actions of the saints (believers).  Though the road to victory seemed rough and hard, God has already told us of what is waiting at the end of the road.  IT'S COMPLETE VICTORY FOR ALL WHO PLACED THEIR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST!  That assurance gave many believers the much needed courage to face death.  This should serve as a "beacon of hope" for those that are still alive---to withstand trials and persevere towards sharing the"Hope" we have in Christ.  JESUS IS THAT SOMEONE WORTH GIVING MY LIFE FOR!  Therefore,  for every triumph God brings my way (be it in my personal or social life) in my community, country or the entire world, I will rejoice as King David rejoiced. Everything was made possible by the One and Only God who had blessed both my coming in and going out...Here are verses to ponder on to encourage us to walk the path of righteousness in Christ:

"Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know 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)

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority."  (Colossians 2:6-10) 

 

For this Card, I used an image from Tiddly Inks called "Emma's flowers" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Chromatix markers.  The base is a white CS  that is cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Paper Studio and Recollections.  I've been wanting to use a stencil to make a background after seeing wonderful projects with the technique.  I finally got to do it on this project.  I used a couple of Distress Inks (Mustard Seed and Frayed Burlap) and stamped on a light DP using one of my Recollections stencils.  I took another one of my old (never been used) stamp from Glitz Design and lightly stamped on top of  the distressed image.  I love it, it's pretty cool! I added some white brads, some liquid pearls (White Opal) to the image as well as glitters to the swirls (Stickles-Diamond).  The swirls are cut with my Cuttlebug using Sizzlits annd the embossed oval framing the sentiment came about using Nestabilities.  Lastly, I did some fancy and regular stitching all over this creation.

THE LORD LIVETH CARD:

THE LORD LIVETH CARD LAYERS:

THE LORD LIVETH CARD INSIDE:

THE LORD LIVETH CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Pile It On---Sentiment as Focal Point
Sweet Stampin'---Sentiment as Focus
Creative Moments---ATG/For a Special Lady
Brown Sugar---ATG
Whimsy Stamps---Use a Die-Cut
Art by Miran---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
Crafting with Attitude---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Scrapper's Delights---ATG
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
OSAAT---ATG with Nature
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
TTCRD---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 Really Reasonable Ribbon ($15 GC to their shop) and My Artistic Adventure (Digi Images).  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 thirst and hunger for God's Word. That you may know the glorious future that only faith in Jesus Christ can provide.  His Name be praised forever! 

Scripture Series: Safety is of the Lord Center Step Card---It's another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

It's the middle of  the week and here to post some inspiration for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Our free Scripture Word Art comes from Proverbs 21:31 and it states, "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD."  This talks about making the necessary preparations in facing  our battles (trials, testing) or perhaps, putting up the extra work to ensure a bright future.  We can do everything humanly possible to achieve our goals but we must realize that God still has the final say.  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."  Every victory and blessings we received in this lifetime is from the Lord.  We should be grateful  that He lives inside of us and gets us through each day.   We often make the mistake in assuming that our success comes from our own efforts and that we are deserving of everything because we are "that good."  What many of us fail to recognize is that the Lord is our Source for everything!  He is our Life, our Strength and our Sole Provider.  Apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5) I love what my Application Bible shared about this verse and it says, "All our preparations for any task is useless without God.  But even with God's help we still must do our part and prepare.  His control of the outcome does not negate our responsibilities.  God may want you to produce a great book, but you must learn to write.  God may want to use you in foreign missions, but you must learn the language.  God will accomplish His purposes, and He will be able to use you if you have done your part by being well prepared."

Looking back, I can see how our featured verse played a major role in my walk with the Lord.  Passing through the darkest moments in my life were all a preparation to cultivate the soil of my heart and making it ready for the seed to be planted, that is God's Word (Read Parable of the Sower).  God told us in Jeremiah 29:11, "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."  When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, He opened my eyes and led me in the path He has chosen for me from before time.  But He just didn't magically do that!  He opened doors and windows of opportunity and required my full cooperation in order for any of them to materialize.  From where He saved me, He sent me back to school to finish college.  I had to study well to graduate with excellent grades that when it came time for me to apply for the job, I had the proper credentials, training and  accomplishments that fulfilled the requirements. I needed to go through submitting the necessary paper works and patiently waited in the midst of uncertainties.  God empowered me to face the many bumps in the road and kept the faith when things seemed hopeless.  Through God's leading, I found a wonderful job that opened my opportunity to travel,  see wonderful places, made lots of friends and even met my hubby along the way.  I sincerely believe the Lord brought me to this country for a greater purpose!  I often wondered why would Almighty God commission someone from the other side of the globe when He can easily use somebody to fulfill His purpose from around here?  I know  that one day,  He shall reveal that purpose and the many other wonderful plans He has prepared for me to do.  

As a testimony,  I can tell you how grateful I am for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Through His constant affirmation in my life (as noted by some of my readers/followers through their encouraging comments),  they told me how they were blessed by visiting this Blog. Glory be to God!
Truthfully, I am not skilled to write.  Hey, I don't even care much to read...LOL!  Although English was one of my favorite subjects in school,  I had limitations!  Even to this day, I consider it my second language and Tagalog (Philippine National language) my first.  My husband can attest to the many times I asked/insisted for him to do the talking as I was afraid I might say things improperly or would not be able to explain myself like I wanted to.  Yet none of that stopped the Lord from using me in sharing the hope I have in Christ through this Blog.  One of my favorite verses in the Bible is found in Philippians 4:13 and it says, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."  I may not be perfect but God loves imperfect things so He can work His perfection through them.  Amazing!  I may not fully understand His entire plan for me but one thing is sure, He always have my best interest! And so I trust Him for my daily, future and everlasting...  I serve a wonderful, awesome and victorious God! 

My friends, I truly pray that you allow God to use you mightily in this lifetime.  God is no respecter of persons!  Acts 10:34-35 says, "Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."  No matter what your situation is right now, He can provide a clear path for you and it starts with accepting Him as your Lord and Savior and experiencing a personal relationship with Him (Born-Again, John 3:3).  Great and mighty things await as you step into the doors that He would open for you.  Though the journey may not be as smooth, He will get you through every bumps and hurdles as you keep your eyes fixed on Him.  Here are some verses that will encourage  you to place your trust solely in the One True God.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"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 8:28-29)  

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. "  (Ephesians 20:10)

For this Card, I used an image from Sassy Cheryl's Digi Stamps called "Yankee Doodle Rides" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step design.  The DP's are all from Recollections, the nail head gems from Imaginisce, the Hexagon shaped was cut through Cuttlebug with a die from Nestabilities and lastly, I stitched all over this project.  I love to find the image that goes so well with our free scripture Word Art this week.  Hope you enjoy it too.

SAFETY IS OF THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD:

 SAFETY IS OF THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

SAFETY IS OF THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

SAFETY IS OF THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

SAFETY IS OF THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Creative Moments---ATG with an optional Twist
Hambo Hoedown---Happy March
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Scrapper's Delights---ATG
Whimsy Stamps---Use a Die-Cut
Crafting with an Attitude---Freestyle
DL Art---ATG
Creating in Faith, Hope and Love---Throwback Thursday )I have the main stamps for years)
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Sassy Studio---ATG
Scrapbooker PhD---Bling
Crafty Sentiments---Bright Colors
Digi Choosday---Anything but a Square Card
Loves Rubberstamps---A Touch of Metal
Party Time Tuesday---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Try It On Tuesday---Hat
Tuesday Throwdown---More than One Fold
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Cutie Pie---Cute
Mema's Crafts---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
OLLCB---Lots of Folds
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
FHL Challenge---Scripture

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---Classy Cards 'N Such ($15 products) and Eureka Stamps (Digi Stamps).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, meditate on the goodness of the Lord and rely on His promises.  Expect only wonderful things from Him each day.  We serve a good and faithful God---Jesus Christ!  

I "Soda" Love You Card---Join the Fun at our Neighborhood Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create!

Good morning, Crafty Peeps!  It's Sunday and another day to praise the Lord and to be grateful for the blessings of another week.  You see, life is full of uncertainties---we really don't know what is going to take place one minute after another.  One day you are perfectly great and the next day, things are not working in your favor.  Things that you take for granted daily may become the most important thing in your life in a split second.  Many people ignore/deny God because they don't see the need for Him while things are going well for them.  In fact, many nowadays act like they are going to live forever in this world.  But when trial comes, ones true character is tested and it is good to know that Someone greater than us is in control of our lives.  Even people who placed their faith in Jesus Christ is gripped with fear initially at the thought of death.  I've never seen any brethren rejoiced after a diagnosis of terminal illness, for example.  As I watched my Mom's battle of cancer a few weeks before she passed away many years ago, I asked her if she wanted to live and be with us much longer. Even in the obvious pain she was in, she told me "Yes!"  I knew that part of it was because she still wanted to see our (me and my brother) marriages grow and how she wanted to see her grand kids....LOL  Too bad that neither me nor my brother was prepared for parenthood at that time.  She might not be a Bible scholar but with her simple childlike faith, I've seen her spiritual strength. Not even once did I see her cry, complain or blame God for her situation.  This was new to me as I knew my Mom to be very emotional.  She cried a lot even when she's happy (tears of joy).  We both had a Kleenex beside us when we were watching meaningful movies and we laughed while teasing each other of our tears.   All of these didn't mean she was fearless but I knew that despite the fear, she was comforted by her knowledge and relationship with our Lord and Savior---Jesus Christ.  

Everyone of us is uncertain of the exact day and time our stay on earth is over.  God's greatest commandment in Matthew 22:35-38 took a deeper meaning in my life recently.  These verses tell us,  "One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."  I realized that as one faces the last days of his life here on earth, this is the only kind of love that will outlast this life through the next.  Our love for God was what propelled us to love our neighbor as ourselves.  All other love and relationships are but temporary.  We will wake up one day in "God's reality."---the unseen world (spirit world) that many people rejected for they relied solely on what their five senses perceived.  I hope and pray that as you are reached by this message and you know that you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Born-Again, John 3:3), harden not your hearts!   Allow God to show you who He has created you to be and who you are in Him (Read the Book of John for starters).  In your own private time, seek God's Word and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you and show you Jesus---the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)!  Do it for your own sake---for the "eternal life" that depends upon your decision here on earth.  I don't care whether you are an atheist, murderer, idolater, fornicator, religious, pagan, whatever!   You cannot save yourself nor are you saved by the opinion of your friends that convinced you that "you cannot change" for "you are born that way!"  Neither are you saved by the many ideals you chose to believe because some famous person you look up to said so.  You owe it to yourself to know the "Truth" (Reality in God's perspective).  That if you believe in something, you are 100 % sure you can bet your life on it.  As for me, I want to stay in this world for as long as God wants to use me but when my time comes, I know that I have entrusted my eternity to the One True God  Whom I've encountered, experienced and loved.   I am safe in the arms of Jesus Christ forever!   Here are some verses to encourage you of our hope and future in Christ.

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."  (1 John 5:13-14)

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."  (Matthew 7:13-14)

"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.  You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. "Selah"  Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.  "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."  (Psalm 39:4-7)

For this Card, I used an image that was generously provided by one of our sponsors---Drawn with Character called "I Soda Love You!"  I also added a stamp from MayzyArt called "McKenzie" and I colored both with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Paper Studio and DCWV.  I paper-pieced the girl image's blouse and used some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) for some sparkle.  I incorporated some pink brads from Paper Studio and stitched all over this card.  Our task is to incorporate the "Optional Twist" in our creation and it's all about "caffeine." Hope you enjoy my take...

I SODA LOVE YOU CARD:

I SODA LOVE YOU CARD LAYERS:

I SODA LOVE YOU CARD INSIDE:

 

I SODA LOVE YOU CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

2015 Design Team Challenge---Any Project
Amusing---Paper Piecing
Ecclectic Ellapu---ATG
Fairytale Stampers---ATG
Glitter n Sparkle---Glitter and Sparkle
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
OSAAT---ATG with Women
Pile It On---Use 3 of Something
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Crafts Galore---ATG
Creative Ladybird---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
DL Art---ATG
Party Time Tuesday---ATG (Have used Spectrum Noir along with a couple other brands)
Sister Act---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Crafty Calendar---Add Some Metal
Crazy 4 Challenges---Bring on the Bling (Glitter on the hearts and clothes)
Inkspirational---She Art/Image of a Woman
My Time to Craft---For a Special Lady
Suzy Bee's---ATG with a Twist (Spots and/or Stripes)

This it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  If you want to be challenged (like I was), take on the Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it.  Our sponsors--- Drawn with Character, Fitztown and Bugaboo Digi Stamps are giving away some fabulous prizes.  Can't wait to see what you create. The Lord is with you every step of the way so, don't be afraid of the what the future holds---we are safe in the arms of Christ always.

Scripture Series: I Will Never Leave Thee Card---Join Us for Another Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone!  I had a hectic Wednesday so, this post is coming out a day late.  Anyway, we are featuring another Scripture Word Art created by Karen Murray and is available for free download at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).   It's taken from Hebrews 13:5 which says, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."   As human beings, we have desires for comfort and luxury. Some of us came from humble beginnings and wanted to shower our family (especially our kids) with all the things we weren't able to enjoy back when we were their age.   I remember the time when my brother and I were little kids and were just content to play outside with a small ball, or a stick, a wooden car, rubber bands or just plain 'ole hide and seek.   We didn't have the finest or the latest toys and games.  We often went to the park and enjoyed the swing and the see-saw with our peers.  Life was simpler with lots of hands-on time to bond with our family and friends.  Although technology did us a lot of good when it comes to communication and advancement, it also kept us all apart in some way.  Have you heard of people that text-ed themselves while they were sitting across each other in a table?  I know, it's ridiculous!  I often tell my 9 year old son stories and lessons learned when I was small and how simple my childhood was.  I didn't have as many toys like he has now yet grew up happy and content. 

The truth of the matter is, immediately after having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Born-Again, John 3:3),  I realized that true happiness and contentment is nestled in the depth of our knowledge of our Heavenly Father!  I used to be dependent on my circumstances (opportunities and disappointments) to measure success in life.  Knowing the Lord and who I am to Him/in Him tells me that no matter what my circumstances turn out to be, He is always there to provide and care for me.   I know that He who didn't withhold His One and Only Son to die in my behalf would not deny me of wonderful things this life could offer.  Romans 8:32 says, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" We often make the mistake of thinking that what we want or see others have is what's best for us so, we end up feeling bitter when we don't get what we like or even prayed for.  We forget that we are the "created" and the "Creator" knows what is best for us.  He specifically made us with a purpose and equipped us to do what is pleasing in His sight.  Jeremiah 29:11 stated this very clearly, "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."  But we became blind with sin and without the "New Birth" in Christ, we will forever be lost when it comes to fulfilling what we came on earth for.  We look for outside sources to find happiness, peace and contentment when the Truth is, we need to look inside our hearts and hear what our conscience is trying to tell us.  Peace, joy and contentment only comes from answering the call of the spirit inside of you to be redeemed.  Material things only provide temporary satisfaction. Ask all the successful people with millions/billions of dollars in their name yet chose to end their lives at the height of their success throughout history.  Despite their fame, power and fortune, they were looking for that inner peace and contentment they clearly avoided in their lifetime.  They deprived themselves of a personal and up-close relationship with Jesus Christ!  I have experienced God's goodness and have proven His Word so true in my life.  I like how my Application Bible explained "contentment."  It says, "How can we learn to be content?  Strive to live with less rather than desiring more; give away out of your abundance rather than accumulating more; relish what you have rather than resent what you're missing.  We become content when we realize God's sufficiency for our needs.  Christians who become materialistic are saying by their actions that God can't take care of them---or at least that He won't take care  of them the way they want.  Insecurity can lead to the love of money, whether we are rich or poor.  The only antidote is to trust God to meet all our needs.  See God's love expressed in what He has provided, and remember that money and possessions will pass away."   In times when we are tempted to voice out any discontent, remember the goodness of God and you will see the blessings in each day.  Focus on that blessing before speaking and see how it will change your attitude and disposition for the better.  Leaving you with God's Word to encourage us to entrust our lives to the One Who created us.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:6-11)

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."  (Matthew 6:19-24)

 

For this card, I used an image graciously provided by one of our sponsors, Taylored Expressions called "Shooting Stars" which I colored with my Prismacolor markers.   The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Recollections, the fence border was created with an MS Punch, the glitters from Stickles-Crystal and Diamond and the white nail head gems from Imaginisce.  The sun was die-cut using Cricut and the Doodlecharms cartridge and the sentiment stamped on it came from Studio G stamps.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.

 I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE CARD:

 I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE CARD LAYERS:

 I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE CARD INSIDE:

 I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Cardmania---Spring
Dream It Up---Marching Into Spring
Allsorts---Spring is in the Air
Hanna and Friends---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Mema's Crafts---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
My Craft Creations---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Sisters of Craft---ATG
Your Scrapbook Place---ATG
That Craft Place---Mother's Day/ATG
Art by Miran---ATG
Cards Galore Encore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Scrapping4fun---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG with Twist: Green
Creative Moments---ATG/Spring Greens
Crafting with an Attitude---Freestyle
DL ART---ATG
Little Red Wagon---Cute, Cute, Cute
Scrapper's Delights---ATG
Whimsy Stamps---ATG
Artistic Stamper---Spring is Coming (Sheep is rubber stamp)
Card and Scrap---Bling, Glitter or Pearl
Country View Crafts---ATG
CCC Digi Creations---All that Glitters
Die-Cut Divas---Spring/Children
Lia Stampz---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.  Sponsors for this week are Taylored Expressions and Bugaboo Digi Stamps (3 Digi Images). I can't wait to see your projects and leave you some lovin' on your Blogs.  Have a blessed day and I pray that you acknowledge the presence of the Lord inside of you and give Him the glory by sharing the hope we received from Him to others. 

Scripture Series: Blessed is the Man Card---Join Us For Anything Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello Crafty Peeps!  I am back with my regular DT post at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  February flew by so fast that I must admit, many things I wanted to accomplish still remained in my "To Do List."  Anyway, the free scripture Word Art we are highlighting today and featured in my card comes from Psalm 1:1 which tells us, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."  I hope you are aware that in this day and time---honesty, credibility and integrity are very hard to come by.  The media whom we trust to deliver an unbiased news have abandoned their calling and instead adds or deletes essential facts in every story to promote an ungodly agenda.  Them together with other pillars of our society (Government, Family, Business, Education, Religion and Art and Entertainment) have all left their Godly heritage and is promoting the abandonment of "Moral Absolutes."  You see, it should not come as a surprise for anyone who reads the Word of God what's taking place all over the world for we were warned even then about this dreadful time in history.  It is very sad to see how blind people had become by not seeing  the danger behind their choices happening before their very eyes. 

Last night, I  watched the speech Israel's Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) made in the US Congress.  He laid his case about the obvious threats that they are facing from Iran who desires Israel's extinction and the demise of America and every freedom loving citizens of this world.  And yet,  quite a few lawmakers including the man in the oval office "zombied out." Like people who drank the Kool-aid of Satanic deception, they have completely lost their minds and could not distinguish good from bad and right from wrong.  Look, if this country is ruled by Godly people,  why on earth are we even speaking of "Sharia Law."  Who permitted this to creep in our country?   Just the slavery, crimes and abused of women alone in the countries that practice this is enough evidence of its evil.  Why are we condoning by our inaction the killing of Christians by radical Islamic terrorists?  You can deny it all you want but there's a conspiracy to drag this country to its fall and if we think one person can save us from all of these, we are greatly mistaken.  The Church (the "Called-out Ones, True Believers of the Lord Jesus Christ) should take a firm stand.   In this fight, the cowards are not welcome and those who are not willing to fight the good fight of faith and act upon what is TRUE and JUST till the end should get out of the way.  God spoke against "lukewarmness" in Revelation 3:14:21.  Those who would deny Christ in the assembly of people will be denied by Him in the presence of the Father as stated by 2 Timothy 2:12.  If like me, you still love this country and care for the future of our children---SPEAK UP!  It is a spiritual crime to be silent in the face of deception, injustice, killing of the innocent, false teachings, media bias, false tolerance and false racial divide being shoved in our throats---ENOUGH ALREADY!  We need to pray for the guidance and grace of God for Israel, America and the rest of the world.  AND WITH OUR FAITH---ADD ACTION!  Though it grieves my heart to see what is being done to our country and the fulfillment of God's prophetic Word in our day and time, I also rejoice because at the end of the tunnel, the Lord has prepared an eternal reward for every believer (Born Again, John 3:3) that stood up against ungodliness, those that called sin as sin without compromise and for them that reject the company of the scornful and rebellious. Yes, Blessed are they, our Lord said!  I want to share with you God's stern warning on the "Last Days"  as stated in His Word:

"As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.  For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of birth pains.  “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.  At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,  and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."  (Matthew 24:3-14)

For this Card, I used an image from Fresh Brewed Designs called "Fairy Sweet" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is Kraft that is cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The sides were punched by an MS Punch.  The DP's are all from DCWV and the colored CS are from my scraps.  I added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to parts of the image, placed some nail head gems from Imaginisce and stitched all over this project.  I think it came out great.

BLESSED IS THE MAN CARD:

 

BLESSED IS THE MAN CARD LAYERS:

 

BLESSED IS THE MAN CARD INSIDE:

BLESSED IS THE MAN CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Craft Your Passion---ATG
The Paper Shelter---Away with the Fairies
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Loves Rubberstamps---ATG
Penny's Paper Crafty---One for the Girls
Simon Says Stamp---Special Lady/Girly
TTCRD---ATG
Tuesday Throwdown---Circles
Crafting for all Seasons---Girly Girls
Dragonfly Dreams---Add Some Embellishments
Eclectic Ellapu---Pink Team: ATG
Glitter n Sparkle---ATG
Robyn's Fetish---Use a Digi
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
That Craft Place---Mother's Day/ATG
Corrosive---Follow Your Heart
Digi Galore---It's All About Her
Inkspirational---Sprinkle (Glitters on Mushroom and Heart)
We Do Doobadoo---Spring/Greens
Fairytale---Use Kraft
Stamping Boutique---More than One Layer

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---Shop 3130 and The Cutting Cafe.  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!  In Him, I am without fear!