Scripture Series: Strength and Honour Card---It's Anything Goes at our Family Friendly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello Crafty friends!  Here I am today to feature another Scripture Word Art for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  It comes from Proverbs 31:25 which says, "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."  In order to grasp the full meaning of this verse, it is wise for us to read the entire Proverbs 31.  These verses were the sayings of King Lemuel who happened to have an extraordinary mother.  Little is known about Lemuel except that he was a king who received wise teaching from his mother.  His name means "devoted to God" and some believe that he came from the kingdom of Massa in northern Arabia.  I want to share with you the exhortation on Proverbs 31 as stated by my Life Application Bible and it says:

"Proverbs has a lot to say about women.  How fitting that the Book of Proverbs ended with a picture of a woman with strong character, great wisdom, many skills, and a great compassion.  Some people have mistaken idea that the ideal woman in the Bible is retiring, servile and entirely domestic.  Not so!  This woman is an excellent wife and mother.  She is also a manufacturer, importer, manager, realtor, farmer, seamstress, upholsterer, and merchant.  Her strength and dignity do not come from her amazing achievements, however.   They are a result of her reverence for God.  In our society where physical appearance counts for so much, it may surprise us to realize that her appearance was never mentioned.  Her attractiveness comes entirely from her character.  The woman described in this chapter has outstanding abilities.  Her family's social position is high.  In fact, she may not be one woman at all---she may be a composite portrait of ideal womanhood.  Do not see her as a model to imitate in every detail; your days are not long enough  to do everything she does!.  See her instead as an inspiration to be all you can be.  We can't be just be like her but we can learn from her industry, integrity and resourcefulness. "

Anyway, here's what God has laid in my heart regarding this chapter.  None of us women and mothers on earth can claim of any perfection.  The truth is, none of us had any training on being a wife and a mother prior to assuming these titles.  We might be blessed to grow up in a family with wonderful parents with a mother that showed us a Godly example of a virtuous and honorable woman of God.  Thus, we try to live by their examples in raising our own family.  More often than not, we end up being frustrated because our beloved husband may not be as supportive as the father we have/had.  Our children may not be as respectful or obedient as we were to our parents. In other words, we can't get all the things we need to line up properly and make things a success.  I truly believe that an honorable and virtuous woman rises up to the challenge of whatever  situation gets thrown her way.  She is resilient and the reason being is because she is planted with a very strong foundation---her unwavering love for God!  She does not look at circumstances but finds her joy in what the Lord has promised.  She lives by the Word of God and faithfully applies the wisdom and Truth of God's Word in all her dealings.  She loves Jesus and is grateful everyday for all that He has done for her.  She completely entrust her family to His Lordship and works together with God's Word to instill wisdom and knowledge in the lives of her husband and children.  She prays---unceasingly, speaks boldly and fearlessly as she acts on every endeavor that God places upon her life.  One day, God will call us to be forever in His presence and though being a wife and motherhood will not be anymore in our future as Matthew 22:30 states, "At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven,"  we sure are glad that we were given the opportunity to experience what a privilege total womanhood has been.   

For this Card, I used an image from Saturated Canary called "May" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  All the DP's are from Paper Studio "Newsworthy Stack" and a tiny scrap from Recollections.  The wonderful die-cuts are from Nestabilities which I ran through my Cuttlebug.  I layered some neutral Prima Flowers after I inked the petals with Pumice Stone Distress Ink.  The brad that held the flowers is from Recollections and the tiny dots of pearls are from Liquid Pearls (White Opal).  Last but not the least, I stitched all over this project. 

STRENGTH AND HONOUR CARD:

STRENGTH AND HONOUR CARD LAYERS:

STRENGTH AND HONOUR CARD SIDE VIEW:

STRENGTH AND HONOUR CARD INSIDE:

STRENGTH AND HONOUR CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Addicted to Stamps and More---Make Your Mark
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Crafting for all Seasons---Sketch
Creative Moments---ATG
Double Click---Mom or Girl
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Little Red Wagon---"B"elieve It! (Beauty, Brad, Butterfly)
Moo-Mania---Butterflies
Ruby's Rainbow---ATG
Simon Says---ATG
Stampin' Royalty---Mothers
Whimsy Stamps---Color an Image
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
Cuttlebug Mania---We Love to Stamp
Scrap-Creations---Mother's Day
Loves Rubberstamps--Use at least 2 Dies
ODBD---Scripture
Party Time Tuesday---ATG
TTCRD---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 Fresh Brewed Designs (digital images) and Winnie and Walter  (stamp set).  You don't want to miss out on these wonderful prizes so, make sure to join our Challenge.   Have a blessed day, everyone!  

To Keep It Secret Center Step Card---Join Us for Another Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello friends...It's Sunday and had a wonderful time praising the Lord this morning.  Though tired from the hectic weekend,  God renews each day with my desire to worship and give Him glory today.  With all the things Christians (believers) are facing in this present age, it is extremely important that we don't neglect the gathering together of the brethren.  By doing so, we can encourage or be encouraged by one another.  We are blessed, as Americans, to freely go to our place of worship as often as we want.  To learn God's Word and share it with as many people in our circle of influence.  Sad to say but it may not stay that way for long if we allow our "freedom of speech" and "freedom of religion" to be snatched away without a fight as the evil influences of our government and scrupulous judges (that we didn't even elect) are ruling with a blind eye and deaf ears to the Biblical and Constitutional voices of these nation.  There comes a time and the time is now, when sound laws are replaced by obnoxious, out of this world and twisted laws that are sickening and are meant to oppress and take away our rights to proclaim the Truth---which is non other than the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus Christ.  Can't you see?  They will not care whether you bow down to a tree, an idol of any sort--- money, fame and fortune or follow every vile religion as long as it does not have anything to do with Christ.  Just like in the old, they have persecuted the Messiah and plotted evil against the Son of Man when all He did was to heal the sick, proclaimed freedom to the captives and demonstrated the power of God on earth.  Jesus taught us the true essence of loving God as a priority and without reservation and loving our neighbors as ourselves.  In His fight, He didn't raise a physical sword but He was surely guided by the Sword of the Spirit---God's Very Word! 

So here we are in a similar predicament, more than 2000 years after Jesus was put to death.  Let me point out that despite the harsh persecution, the work of the Lord in human heart could never be stopped.  If at this point, you have never been persecuted for the sake of the Gospel, then you should ask yourself---am I living for Christ or am I of the world?  The world will not care to oppose what looks like its own---ungodly living, conduct and mentality.  You need not look any further to this Truth.  Just open your television or watch typical movies nowadays and you find the glorification of the body and it's fleshly desires.  Out of every script and lives being portrayed (even used the very young kids) comes out profanity and you can count with your fingers those movies that didn't spew any curse word throughout the film.  Just face it, this nation has turned its back on the Lord of lords and the King of kings!  Were pushing His grace to oblivion and many of them that have twisted moral compass were self-proclaimed Christians who really have no bearing to the Truth and have deceived themselves upholding their own minds than that of God's Word.  Yet, there's a REMNANT OF PEOPLE who refused/will refuse to be overtaken by the darkness hovering around this nation and the world as a whole.  They are those that live by the Word of God---fearless and propelled by the Truth,  unyielding to the  powers of this world.  Unless we become like Moses, Daniel or Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah in Hebrew) whose faith in the One True God was tested to the point of death, you will be easily swallowed by the schemes and pressures of this world.  These days, we have seen the beheadings, horrible killings and attacks on Christians all over the world.  And here in America (land of freedom and liberty) of all places, people losing their businesses and receiving threats just because they stood up for God's Truth.  How can we allow ourselves to sleep spiritually?  The persecution of old is happening again---RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!  God gave us every weapon we need through the finished work of Christ with the indwelling power of the  Holy Spirit to slaughter the enemy and fight for what is "right" (Truth in God's perspective).  But the real question is, WILL YOU BE WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE?  As for me, I have tasted and seen the goodness of God and His Word is the very life inside of me.  I'll trade this life for what is most important---the EVERLASTING LIFE THAT AWAITS ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY KING!

We can take the steps in forwarding our fight in this week's upcoming local election.  It is our God-given right to elect righteous officials that will rule our community and our nation.  I hope you take the time to know your candidates and scrutinize them for their worldview.  As believers, we have to transcend party lines for neither Republicans, Democrats nor Independents can save our nation.  Jesus Christ is the ONLY hope of this county/world so---VOTE WITH A GODLY MINDSET!  That simply means look for those that align themselves closest to the Truth of God's Word.  Talk to your friends and make them realize the importance of going out to the polls and unite your votes on Godly candidates that has a best chance of winning.  Though you may be blessed with two or more Godly candidates, it is not wise to split the votes for all of them for the wicked ones can take advantage of the divide with a united vote.  Let us fervently pray for the future of our nation knowing that the Lord answers our prayers.  Let us passionately spread the Gospel making use of the technology we have at our disposal as we continue to build each other up by not neglecting our fellowship with one another against all odds.  Leaving you with these Scripture to live by:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 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. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."  (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Anyway, we have a new Challenge at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create!  It's Anything Goes with an optional twist which is "Humor." For this Card, I used an image from our sponsor, Bugaboo Digi Stamps called "Scene It-Cow Trio." I colored it using my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card design.  The DP's are from American Crafts and Recollections. The fence border was punched with an MS punch.  The Washi tapes are from Tapeworks and the nail head gems are from Imaginisce.  The funny sentiment was a freebie from Create with TLC.  And finally, I did some fancy and regular stitching all over this creation.  I love how it turned out.

TO KEEP IT A SECRET CENTER STEP CARD:

TO KEEP IT A SECRET CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

TO KEEP IT A SECRET CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

TO KEEP IT A SECRET CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

TO KEEP IT A SECRET CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Catch the Bug---Photo Inspiration
Pile It On---Same Pattern Different Ways
CCC Digi Creations---Add Some Sparkle
Fresh Brewed---So Cute
Loves Rubberstamps---Add Flowers
Penny's Paper-Crafty---Spooled Items (Washi Tape)
Scor-pal---More than One Score: Spring and/or Flowers  (I used it on the shape and envelope)
Sugar and Betty's---ATG/Layers
TTCRD---ATG
Crafting for all Seasons---Milestone Celebrations
Sister Act---ATG
Allsorts---Bring on the Bling
ABC---H is for Happy Birthday
Digitally Sweet---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG
Inky Impressions---Punch It
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Little Red Wagon---Seeing Spots
Paper Shelter---It's a Celebration
Whimsy Stamps---Color an Image

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

Scripture Series: Shall Be Like a Tree Card---It's Wednesday and Time for Anything/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello, Crafty Peeps!  I am experiencing a busy week and an even more busy weekend ahead.  I cannot spend a lot of time crafting so,  I had to think of something wonderful with less time to make for our highlighted Scripture Word Art (you can get for free) at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) Challenge.  It's found in Psalm 1:3 which says, "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."  Psalm 1 is a very short chapter so we might as well consider the first two verses that came before our featured verse to find some context.  Psalm 1:1-2 says, "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. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."  I would like to share with you the entire exhortation to these verses in my Life Application Bible as I thought it explained it so effectively.  I hope you are blessed as I did upon reading...

"The writer begins this psalm extolling the joys of obeying God and refusing to listen to those who discredit or ridicule Him.  Our friends and associates can have a profound influence on us, often in very subtle ways.  If we insist on friendships with those who mock what God considers important, we might sin by becoming indifferent to God's will.  God doesn't judge people on the basis of race, sex or national origin.  He judges them on the basis of their faith in Him and their response to His revealed will.  Those who diligently try to obey God's will are blessed.  Their happy condition is like, fruit bearing trees with strong roots (Jeremiah 17:5-8), and God promised to watch over them.  God's wisdom guide their lives,  In contrast, those who don't trust and obey God have meaningless lives that blow away like a dust.  Only two paths of life lay before us---God's way of obedience or the way of rebellion and destruction.  Be sure to choose God's path because the path you choose determines how you will spend eternity.  

Verses 2 and 3 of Psalm 1 hold simple wisdom---the more we delight in God's presence, the more fruitful we are.  On the other hand, the more we allow those who ridicule  God to affect our thoughts and attitudes, the more we separate ourselves from our source of nourishment.  We must have contact with unbelievers if we are to witness  to them, but we must not join in or imitate their sinful behavior.  If you want despair, spend time with mocking sinners, but if you want God's happiness, make friends with those who love God and His Word.  

The phrase "whatever he does prospers," does not mean immunity from failure or difficulties.  Nor does it guarantee health, wealth and happiness.  What the Bible means by prosperity is this:  when we apply God's wisdom, the fruit (results or by-products)  we bear will be good and will receive God's approval.  Just as a tree soaks up water and bear luscious fruit, we also are to soak up God's Word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God.  To achieve anything worthwhile, we must have God's Word in our hearts. "

For this Card, I used an image I got for free at Free Vintage Digital Stamps.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I used my Cuttlebug and my Honeycomb Cuttlebug folder to create the embossed background and a couple of metal brads for accent.  Finally, some fancy stitching for added dimension.  I am proud of this simple design which is quite a change from my usual layered and bold colored creations.  This week, I am going for some elegance...LOL

SHALL BE LIKE A TREE CARD:

SHALL BE LIKE A TREE CARD LAYERS:

SHALL BE LIKE A TREE CARD INSIDE:

SHALL BE LIKE A TREE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Gals Corner---Girls. Girls, Girls
Scor-pal---More than One Score: Spring and/or Flowers (I used my Scor-pal on the envelope-box)
Sugar and Betty's---ATG/Layers
TTCRD---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Mod Squad---Encouragement
Ruby's Rainbow---CAS
Simon Says---CAS

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 (Brand new stamp set) and Sweet-N-Sassy Stamps ($10 Digi Stamps).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the peace of the Lord overtake you today.  Stay firm in God's Word no matter what!  

Scripture Series: Seek the Lord Center Step Card---Be Inspired with our Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

It's Wednesday once again and time for another wonderful and inspiring Challenge from Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Making a project each week that highlights the Word of God is more than just making people/recipients/viewers happy.  The Bible declares in John 6:63, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you--they are full of the Spirit and life."  God's Word has the power to transcend racial, cultural and traditional boundaries and give birth to faith when we continue to expose ourselves to God's instructions.  Hebrews 4:12 declares, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  So, when I give a Scripture Card to a family or friend, I know I am giving so much more than love and friendship.  I am conveying and sharing the kind of love and hope that can only be found in God's Word.  I take it as being a co-worker of the Lord planting the seed of God's Truth to a human spirit.  Sometimes, I would be allowed to water, tend and witness the growth but other times, the Lord just instructs me to plant the seed and let others do the watering and the harvest.  Any which way, we are privileged to be used by the Lord to proclaim what Jesus Christ has done.  To be counted worthy and righteous by our Creator to work His plan on earth towards the salvation of souls.   I will be dishonest if I tell everybody that it's easy for me to do this all the time but I know that in my weakness, God is strong!  I tell you friends, I'm running on Jesus' fuel daily.  The Holy Spirit sustains me when my desire to obey is lacking.  God's Word speaks into my life and gets me through the day.   I realized I've been part of WAW Challenge Team for nearly 3 years now and each week had to make Scripture cards that declares the glory of the Lord.  In those years, I only took about 6 weeks break.  Oh wow---I thank the Lord for He is always faithful.  I may not see the growth of people who had been touched through what they have seen and read in this Blog but I am grateful that the Lord has allowed me to be a part of His great commission.  Through His divine guidance, I will continue to obey!

Today's Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at WAW) comes from Acts 17:27 which says, "That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him , though he be not far from every one of us."  God's original intent for creating mankind is for us to have a love based relationship with Him.  Being our Maker, we ought to be grateful, respectful and give due reverence to the One Who gave us life and every good thing.  We are to serve Him wholeheartedly through unselfish love and obedience.  But sadly, we knew how the story went in the Garden---as man betrayed God and gave his God given authority to the enemy.  They've deserted their post and went into the enemy's camp and united with Satan, aided the killing, stealing and destruction of human race and all of God's creation.  It's a crime of high-treason and is punishable by death!  We are scattered  in the four corners of the earth with predetermined existence and boundaries.  We are here for a limited  time yet with all of God's creation sustaining us, we should have longed for and realized what we had been missing all along---our need to fellowship with our Creator!  In our searching and discovering of things, we should have stumbled upon the questions, "Who made all these great and wonderful things we see?  Who spread the heavens and placed every heavenly body in it's place and determined their precise movement?  Who made me with every organ functioning harmoniously inside my body to sustain life?  In our sinful state, God gave us such a longing for Him that if we look outside (His marvelous creation) and inside of us (what our conscience tells us), we could have seen Him for He is imprinted in all His creation.  Though we were separated from Him, He was never far away from us!  He was waiting for us to call unto Him---believe that He exist and has a great plan for our lives.  We know that because even before the Law of Moses came to be, God was in the business of making people righteous by faith as we've seen with His relationship with Abraham (Galatians 3:6).  But such was not the case instead,  man looked at the created and gave their worship and allegiance to them (Idolatry) instead of the Creator.  Though mankind abandoned God, He didn't do the same thing to us.   His Word declared in Romans 5:6-8, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, we can be reconciled to our Father and enjoy the same fellowship with Him as if the Fall never happened.  He has guaranteed for us a mansion in His Kingdom and an eternal life in His presence.  And that starts by seeking the Lord through repentance and faith in what Jesus has done (His death, burial and resurrection) on the Cross.  He is never far away from us---He's as close to us as a prayer!  I have taken Him for His Word and He gave me life, peace and joy beyond understanding.  Sharing with you these Bible verses today:

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."  (1 John 4:10)

"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?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.  Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."  (Romans 8:32-34)

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."  (Ephesians 5:1-2)

For this Card, I used an image I got for free a while back from Sheri Baldy called "Lolita" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Sharpie markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step design.  The DP's are from Paper Studio and die-cuts were produced using Cuttlebug and Nestabilities.  I layered several Prima flowers and added a Recollections embellishment at the center, punched a border using Fiskars, added some glitters to the image using Stickles-Crystal and finally, regular and fancy stitching all over this project.  I love how the colors popped from a neutral background.  Mission accomplished!

SEEK THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD:

SEEK THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

SEEK THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

SEEK THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

SEEK THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafting by Designs---Shaped Cards
Crafty Creations---Seeing Spots
Creative Moments---Spring/Easter
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Moo-Mania---Feelings of Spring
Penny's Paper Crafty---One for the Girls
Whimsy Stamps---Color an Image
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
City Crafter---Case a Card
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
Inky Chicks---Stitching
Papertake Weekly---Words, Words, Words
Party Time Tuesday---ATG
PINspirational---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG with a Twist: Spring
Aurora Wings---ATG
Card Mania---Flowers
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Love to Scrap---Dots/Stripes
Melonheadz Friends---2 or More Patterned Papers
Mema's Crafts---ATG with a Twist: Use a Die and/or Punch
Not Just Cards---ATG
OLLCB---At least 5 Layers
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG with Optional: Mother's Day
Creating in FHL---Scripture
Stamp and Create---ATG
Crazy Challenge---Springtime
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Use Your Stuff---Spring is Sprung
Whoopsi Daisy---Flowers

Make sure you download the free Word Art at WAW Blog.  We would love for you to create something with it and link it up to our Challenge.  Another way to join us is by linking up to 5 projects per Challenge that features a family friendly and uplifting sentiments and you may win some fabulous prizes from our sponsors this week---Flying Unicorn ($25 GC) and Fred She Said (Digi Images). So get some Crafting juice flowing and remember to call on the Lord for inspiration.  Have a wonderful week, everyone!

When Life Gives Lemons Card---Join Us for Another Fun Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hi there, Crafty Peeps!  Just a quick post today highlighting my card for our Challenge this week at 613 Avenue Create.  I had a busy weekend so, this is coming out a day late.  Our optional twist is to Create Your Own Challenge by selecting elements from 3 groups of options to include in our projects.  I selected the A2 card size, Encouragement for the occasion and to use stencils and sequins.  I've been wanting to utilize the sentiment I got from Studio G since I bought it a few years ago but could not find the opportunity.  Having an image that captures its message from one of sponsors, Scrapper's Delights, made this possible.  It says, "When life gives you lemons, make a lemonade and drink up." Lemons are bitter, sour and somewhat painful to eat.  Each of us can attest that our lives are not full of just sweet and happy moments/memories.   Many times, we go through trials that are very difficult to bear---when there's nothing we can do but feel so helpless with our situation.  Let's face it, there's just many things that are simply out of our control!  Take for example, mo matter how healthy we think we are, sickness can just hit us without warning.  When our mortality is at stake, we realize that we are powerless to save ourselves from possible death.  We may have all the money to pay for doctors and experts but the bottom line is---there's no guarantee!  The truth is, we don't have all the answers to many things in life because we are to turn and entrust our every moment to the One Who created us and knows everything about us.  Philippians 4:5-7 tells us, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  I submit to you that without faith anchored to the One True God, it would be painful for any of us to face the trials of life. After the Fall of Man, mankind have no power in ourselves to face the arrows aimed at us by the enemy.  Many people thought that the passage in 1 Corinthians 10:13 applies to every human being.  It says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."  While it is such an encouraging Truth in the scripture, this passage only applies to those who have fully surrendered their lives to Christ.  Having Jesus living inside of us makes a lot of difference!  We are weak in our flesh but the the Holy Spirit that lives inside every believer is mighty to overcome.  If one truly accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior, he hold God's Word in Galatians 2:20 to be a reality in his life.  It says "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  What part of "therefore, I no longer live" is not clear in this passage?  When we repented of our sins and made Jesus our Lord and Savior, we have died from our old nature in Adam and been born-again in Christ.  We are a new creation (new birth)---the past is gone, behold all things are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Right after that moment, we are never alone!  Jesus fights our battles for us and through us.  And because He overcame the world, we also are victorious in all circumstances.  In times of trials and pain, we are confident that all things are going to work together for the good (Romans 8:28).  Who does not desire to live a trial-free life?   Yet as long as we are living in this fallen world, trials are sure to come in every shape and form.  But us that have the Lord can change our attitude towards our circumstances.  We can face them head on and turn it to something positive by completely trusting and relying upon the faithfulness of Christ to see us through.  Sharing these verses with you:

"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."  (Psalm 55:22)

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  (1 Peter 5:6-7)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

For this Card, I used the image called "Fruity Babies Citrus" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is white pre-cut, A2 size.  The stencils are from Scotch and Recollections and inked with Distress Inks (Tumbled Glass and Worn Lipstick),  The stamped border is from Hot off the Press and the Washi tapes are from Tapeworks.  I added three sequins for the big finish.  Stenciling is truly out of my comfort zone but I am really impressed with the many possibilities it can add depth to a project.  Needless to say, I dusted my old stencils because I know I will use them again in the future.  Hope you like it.

 WHEN LIFE GIVES LEMONS CARD:

WHEN LIFE GIVES LEMONS CARD WITH ENVELOPE:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Addicted to Stamps---CAS
I Love ProMarkers---Ink It Up
Inky Impressions---Spring is in the Air
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Little Red Wagon---Spring is in the Air
Moo-Mania---Feelings of Spring
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Wonderful Wednesdays---ATG
As You Like It---Favorite Alcohol Inks (ProMarker and Prismacolor---great blend and affordable)
Crafting with Attitude---Freestyle/Fantasy
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
ScrapbookerPHD---Focus on Sentiment
Crafty Calendar---Add a Sentiment
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG with a Twist: Spring
Sisters of Craft---ATG
A Gem of a Challenge---Spring is in the Air
Art by Miran---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Deep Ocean---Things with Wings
Not Just Cards---ATG
One Sweet Challenge---Spring Has Sprung
Pile It On---Fancy Frames and/or Beautiful Borders

There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create with an optional twist.  There's wonderful prizes awaiting the winners from our lovely sponsors for this week---Scrapper's Delights, Melonheadz and Di's Digi Stamps .  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 over whatever life may throw at us!  Thank you Lord...

Scripture Series: Great Things for Us Cards---Another Inspirational and Family Friendly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello, everyone!  I am here to highlight the cards I made for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) that started yesterday.  It's been super duper busy for me this week that I was unable to get this out on time.  I know that some of my Blog friends anticipated my post so, I would like to apologize and at the same time, thank you for always checking my post and my projects.  God is faithful so, I know He's going to help me get this out as quickly as possible.  I don't usually make two projects for the same Scripture Word Art.  However, I was provided a wonderful image called "Waking Up Birdie" by one of our sponsors, Robyn's Fetish.  On the other hand,  I couldn't resist but also feature an image called "Girls Happy Trio" from one of my fave digital companies, Bugaboo Stamps. I am grateful to the Lord for giving me the time and the strength to get both  of them done.

Anyway, our Scripture Word Art (free to download at the WAW site) comes from Proverbs 126:3 and it tells us, "The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad."  Examining the simple message of this passage, it tells us that the Source of true gladness and thanksgiving is based on the realization of the many wonderful things God has done for us.  Living in today's fast-phased, technically advanced society, many of us are usually preoccupied by lots of things we juggle in a day.  Gone were the days when life was really simple and children play out on the streets because they don't have tablets, cellphones, high tech toys and gadgets to spend time with.  Life and relationships were more personal and conversations more detailed---not limited to a few text messages.  I remember how my hubby and I didn't sign up for text messaging service for many years because we didn't see the need for it.  Having unlimited talk time on our phones, I thought to myself, why should I spend time text messaging when I can make a personal call?   But things have truly changed!  I came to the conclusion that the reason why many people prefers to text than to call is because the former allows us the flexibility to limit the conversation when we're busy and have no time to talk nor listen.  It's amazing how easy it is to terminate the conversation with just a simple group of letters like---''K, BYE!  TXT U L8TR."  

So, when do we really plan to slow down?  It's sad to admit but sometimes, we only come to a halt and remember the importance of personal love and care when we get so sick, lost a job or lost a love one.  All of a sudden, time stands still!  Our life unfolds before our eyes, hoping someone would take the time to reach out to us.  Have you asked these sort of questions in your life?  Like for example---What am I to do if I only have few months to live?  Who am I going to spend it with?  Truthfully, each one of us must prepare ourselves everyday to answer and act on those questions.  Obviously, our life is not our own!  It belongs to the very One Who created each and everyone of us.  Our Maker knew our beginning and our ending.  This is so clear in Job 14:5 and it says, "A person's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed."  Literally, we can choose to spend our life on worthless things (worldly/fleshly existence) or make use of your time here to do what truly matters most---that which is ETERNAL!  The Written Revelation of God (The Bible) contains many revelation of LIFE EVERLASTING, accessible solely by FAITH IN CHRIST!  How can we appreciate all the great things the Lord has done for us if we don't stop and smell the roses? (Take the time to study God's Word)  We are to look closely and examine the beauty around us revealing the glory of our Creator?  Through God's Natural Revelation (things created), we can argue man's knowledge and wisdom by closely examining the unique, detailed, intelligent, precise and magnificent order of God.  His intelligent design is alive in the pages of the Scripture.  As if these two were not enough to show the glory of our Maker, He sent His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, to personally reveal Himself (Personal Revelation)...Hebrews 1:3 tells us, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."

If all human beings will just take these three---Natural, Written and Personal Revelation of God to examine every concept, theories, traditions, religions and belief system known to men, our hearts would be open to the Light of God's presence!  Our darkened spirits would meet the Light and Truth of God's existence and we will realize that the great and wonderful things happening to us, including life itself, is sustained by the grace and goodness of God.  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."  The fulness of God's revelation is Jesus Christ! The "Only Way" for one to  come to the presence of the Most High God is by accepting the sacrifice that Jesus laid at the Cross.  To declare with complete confidence that His victory is my victory!  I encourage every person that have not encountered Christ personally through the "New Birth"  (Born-Again, John 3:3) to look into the claims of Jesus and see the Bible come alive in your life.  You can bring all your questions and ask the Lord to reveal the answers to you through His Word.   Don't believe just anybody's claims, dreams and visions.  You owe it to yourself to seek the Truth that your gladness (joy) may be full.

For both these cards, I colored the images with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  For the first card,  the base is an A7 Kraft.  The DP's are from Recollections, the border was achieved using MS Punch, the circle and lacy circle by using Nestabilities and the glittered white nail head gems from Imaginisce.  I stamped the dotted border from Art Warehouse and the border sentiment from Will n Way.  I stitched all over this project for a final touch. 

GREAT THINGS FOR US CARD:

GREAT THINGS FOR US CARD LAYERS:

GREAT THINGS FOR US CARD INSIDE:

GREAT THINGS FOR US CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

For this second card,  I decided to make it CAS to emphasize both the Scripture Word Art and the lovely image.  As much as I am into layering for most of my creations, there's this side of me that also appreciates the simple.  I've spent so many hours to make my first card and only a portion of that to make this other card but both of them showcase the diversity the Lord has gifted me with to create.  There's so much styles out there I desire to explore but time does not allow me (yet!...LOL). I know some of you out there understands me perfectly! 

 CAS---GREAT THINGS FOR US CARD:

CAS---GREAT THINGS FOR US CARD WITH ENVELOPE:

These Card/s is/are entered into the following Challenges:

Inky Impressions---Spring is in the Air
Addicted to Stamps---CAS
Fab 'n' Funky---Bingo (Sentiment/Digi Image/Die-Cuts)
I Love ProMarkers---Ink It Up
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Little Red Wagon---Spring is in the Air
Moo-Mania---Feelings of Spring
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Simon Says---April Showers/Spring Flowers
Whimsy Inspiration---Use a Die-Cut
4 Crafty Chicks---Die-Cuts
As You Like It---Favorite Alcohol Inks (ProMarker and Prismacolor---great blend and affordable)
Crafting with Attitude---Freestyle/Fantasy
DL Art---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Red Rubber Inspirationals---Spring Flowers
ScrapbookerPHD---Focus on Sentiment
Crafty Calendar---Add a Sentiment
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Natalie and Amy---Frame It (Sentiment is Framed on 1st Card)
Sisters of Craft---ATG
Catch the Bug---Stella says Sketch
Art by Miran---ATG
Card Mania---Flowers
Creatalicious---ATG 
One Sweet Challenge---Spring Has Sprung

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.  We have a couple of wonderful sponsors this week providing awesome prizes.  They are Robyn's Fetish (Digi Images) and V's Sweet Ideas ($10 GC).  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: Rock of My Salvation Card---Join the Fun and Inspiration of our Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello Friends!  It's Resurrection week and I'm here to highlight a project that would exalt the wonderful work of the Kings of kings and Lord of lords!  We have a beautiful Scripture Word Art (free to download) at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) that we featured in all our creations.  It comes from 2 Samuel 22:47 which says, "The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation."  I once was asked what "TRUE WORSHIP" meant to me?  And my answer was, "True worship is what I give back to God that overflows from my personal experiences and the depth of my relationship with Him."  This is nothing I've seen from textbook---it literally came straight from the conviction of the Holy Spirit in my heart.  Before I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior (Born-Again, John 3:3), I knew Jesus from a distance.  My knowledge of Him came from what people told me about Him.  I see a Bible displayed from behind the altar in the religion I was in, but I don't recall being persuaded by the clergies to read God's Word myself.  In fact, it was discouraged because they professed that only leaders can understand/interpret the Bible.  I didn't even know what the difference between a chapter and a verse till I was 15 and figured it out.  When I was 10, a New Testament Gideon Bible was given to the students in our school and I was so happy receiving a pocket size "freebie" book.  I read from the beginning (Book of Matthew) and remembering being so confused and bored especially on the part of the "genealogy of Jesus."  I don't recall going any further. 

I often ask people who is convinced they know Christ this question---"If you truly know Christ, can you tell me who He is to you and what are His characteristics based on your relationship with Him?" By asking, I did not mean to test their intellectual knowledge but to really have a glimpse of the kind of relationship that individual have with Christ, our Savior!  Many of them began their response with the words, "Some people say Jesus is-------."  I can picture this response as someone going to a museum and looking at an exhibit.  They read the description on the side and just by that, they profess they know everything about the exhibit.  Many, if not all, didn't go beyond what they see to find out the deeper story behind it---how it came about, it's origins, its purpose, when was it made or who was it for.  In reality, they have very little knowledge and the same is true of their knowledge with Almighty God, the Creator of everything!  Of course, we can say something idealistic about Jesus Christ from a textbook point of view but like any relationship, if we don't make an effort to get to know somebody, you will remain strangers to one another.  

The good news is God wants you to know Him!  Not from behind the viewing glass but in Person.  Jesus was sent to this earth so that He can be one with His people, reveal Himself to them, minister to their needs and hurts and ultimately give His life on the Cross so that we can be with Him forever.  Though He did it for all mankind, only them that places their faith in Him and accept the salvation that Jesus willingly died for in our behalf  will benefit from His sacrifice.   It's like going to a hands-on exhibit where you can feel, touch, play and discover.  Unlike our view from a distance, we now have access to know as much as we can and understand the mind of God as we allow ourselves to learn more of Him.  Experiencing salvation through Jesus Christ had changed my view of Him profoundly.  Through triumphs and trials, happiness and sadness, He has been and will always be with me/inside of me.  He has truly been my Rock, my Fortress, my Comfort, my Shield, my Deliverer, my Strength, my Lord forever!  He is MY ALL IN ALL!  I have truly tasted and seen the goodness of my Lord, have been blessed greatly by His mercy and love, a humble recipient of His righteousness and co-heir with Christ in His Kingdom.  Knowing what I have in Jesus and the power He has in me, I will not be swayed by the evil in this world no matter how ugly they become because I know the glorious life that awaits me in the eternal.  My focus is to do the Will of my Father that sent me and to model Jesus in this lifetime---to speak the Truth without apologies and to uphold True Justice.  Out of my relationship with Jesus Christ and the things we went through together, I can always sing a new song of praise and worship to the One who deserves all the glory.  Jesus died on the Cross and on the third day, He rose again from the dead and now sits on the right hand side of the Father.  In time, He will come back for His Bride (the Church) and we shall forever be with Him.  This is what we are to rejoice for in this season---way beyond eggs, bunnies, gifts and nice clothing which in reality does not have any spiritual significance on these days.  Curious to know?  Find some of the answers HERE and HERE. No condemnation intended,  just telling the Truth!  I want to share with you this Scripture of praise and adoration to the One True God:

"Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength, ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!" (1 Chronicles 16:23-31)

For today's inspiration, I used an image from Sassy Cheryl's Stamps called "Home Tweet Home" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is  a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Recollections and Paper Studio.  I used a couple of dies from Nestabilities (Oval and Scalloped Oval) to frame and layer the Scripture sentiment.  I also added a bit of glitters (Stickles-Crystal), white nail head gems, ribbon from my stash and lastly, fancy and regular stitching.  I am very satisfied with the result.

ROCK OF MY SALVATION CARD:

 ROCK OF MY SALVATION CARD INSIDE:

 ROCK OF MY SALVATION CARD SIDE VIEW:

 ROCK OF MY SALVATION CARD INSIDE:

ROCK OF MY SALVATION CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Pile It On---Easter/Spring
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Get Creative---Use a Die
Inky Impressions---Thank You
Aud Sentiment---ATG with Sentiment
TTCRD---ATG
Simply Create Too---ATG
Dazzling Diva---ATG/Color Challenge
Just Inspirational---Easter
Eclectic Ellapu---April Showers/Spring
Fairytale Stampers---Things with Wings
OSAAT---ATG with Nature
Scribble and Scrap---ATG
That Craft Place---Easter Spring
Di's Digis---Spring is Here
Fun with Shapes---Easter
Kitty Bee---Easter
Polkadoodles---Use a Die
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Stamping Boutique---Easter
As You Like It---Favorite: Lines or No Lines (It's with lines for me as it defines the object)
DL Art---ATG
Creating in Faith Hope and Love---Scripture Monday
Little Miss Muffet---Spring Colors
Addicted to Stamps---Holiday
Crafter's Cafe---Easter
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Crafting for all Seasons---Animal Magic
Crafty Creations---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/ATG but a Card
Fab 'n' Funky---Lots of Layers
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Little Red Wagon---Call the Vet
Paper Shelter---Easter Time
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Sisterhood of Crafters---Come Fly with Me
Whimsy Stamps---Use a Die-Cut

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 Craftin' Desert Divas (giving away a stamp set), Live and Love Crafts (GC to their store) and Deedee's Digis (giving away some digis).  You don't want to miss out on these wonderful prizes so, make sure to join our Challenge.   Have a blessed day and Happy Resurrection Sunday, everyone!