Scripture Series: Thou Canst Do Everything Card---Join the Fun and Inspiration at our Family Friendly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there...Another wonderful Wednesday and here to bring you another free Scripture Word Art for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  It comes from Job 42:2 which tells us, "I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee."  If we are familiar with the story of Job, we know that he was highly favored by God in every aspect of life.  He has a wonderful family, booming livelihood and a wonderful relationship with the Lord.  We can say that when things are going well with us, it is easy to be happy and excited each day.  We can raise our hands in thanksgiving to the Lord because we don't have anything to worry about.  Though the Lord knew the heart of Job, He allowed Him to be tested by the enemy so that his true value would show forth.  In the New Testament, 1 Peter 1:3-9 explains the hidden blessing from many of the sufferings we encounter as we walk in obedience to the Lord which says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Many have started a new life (Born-again, John 3:3) filled with great experiences with God and they testified of the wonderful things God accomplished in their lives.  Yet, there were also several that abandoned their faith because some tragic events have happened and they claimed that they prayed for the Lord to answer their needs but they didn't get the answer they were expecting.  It could range from a death of a love one, failure of business, broken relationships or not getting something we really, really like.  I remember when I was a kid, I've heard someone said that a possible reason why God would not give someone the car of his/her dreams was because he/she could have an accident with that vehicle.  The same could be true for not allowing someone to get through to an audition to be in Hollywood as it could turn one's heart away from the things of God once fame and stardom kicks in.  The bottom line is, God is Omniscient (All-Knowing) and we are not...He knows the end from the beginning while we are not even aware of what will happen to us in in the next 30 minutes. Isaiah 55:8-9 clearly tells us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  We always commit the mistake of thinking that God thinks like us. Job had to learn the hard way that despite his knowledge of God, he pretty much don't know much!  God had to put him in his place and made him realize that aside from His Omniscience, He is also  Omnipotent (All-Powerful) and Omnipresent (Everywhere at the same time).  These are things no man will never ever possess!  Job realized throughout His whole conversation with God that God is able to do everything yet as a Father who loves His children, He knows that not everything we think and like will be good for us.  No matter how  we tell others of the benefit and good things our plans can achieve, Our Father sees beyond and knows our motives.  We cannot hide anything from Him.  Our secret place is not so secret in the eyes of our Almighty God.  Psalm 139:11-12 says, "If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."  This is why we can only approach God by way of FAITH!  Faith is trusting, adhering, believing, confidence and hope that God has our best interest no matter what happens in this life.  Surely, there will be a lot of things we will not understand but knowing the love of God for mankind as shown by the sacrifice He allowed His Son, Jesus Christ to suffer for our salvation and freedom through and by the Cross, we can catch a glimpse of how valuable we are in His sight.  We have to embrace the eternal value of our existence here on earth to be able to raise up our hands and sing praises unto the Lord even in the midst of great trials, persecution and a load of pain in our hearts and tears in our eyes.  God gives rewards to them that never gives up!  Concluding this message with these verse in 2 Corinthians 4:16:18 and it says, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

For this Card, I used an image from one of our sponsors, All Dressed Up called "Mirror Mirror" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from DCWV and Recollections, the layered flowers from Prima and the button from  Paper Studio.  The swirl is cut using Sizzix die, the white nail head gems from Imaginisce and the glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  To add dimension to the mirror, I coated it with Glossy Accents and lastly, I stitched all over this creation. 

THOU CANST DO EVERYTHING CARD:

THOU CANST DO EVERYTHING CARD LAYERS:

THOU CANST DO EVERYTHING CARD INSIDE:

THOU CANST DO EVERYTHING CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Paradise of Stamps---ATG
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Brown Sugar---ATG
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Digitally Sweet---ATG
Art by Miran---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Digi Designs---Hand Colored image
Allsorts---Add a Butterfly
Fussy and Fancy---Things with Wings
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Top Tip Tuesday---Bingo (Sparkles/Flowers/Stitching)
Love to Scrap---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Catch the Bug---Color Challenge
CCC Digi Creations---ATG
Scrapper's Delights---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Crafter's Cafe---Use Some Buttons
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Crafty Gals Corner---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Bingo (Die-cut/Image/Flowers)
I Love ProMarkers---3 or More Layers
Paper Shelter---ATG
Simon Says Stamp---ATG
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
Fan-Tastic Tuesday---ATG with a Twist:  Make it Feminine
Inky Chicks---Use Metal Embellishment (white nail head gems)
Eureka Stamps---ATG
Make my Monday---Flowers
Not Just Cards---ATG
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---Bling it On

Hope you join the fun at our WAW Challenge.  There's wonderful prizes awaiting our blessed winners from two of our sponsors this week, All Dressed Up (2 Digi Stamps) and Kraft Outlet ($15 GC).  You can choose to incorporate the free Word Art (sentiment) you see in my card for projects you wish to make and link with us though it's not mandatory.  You can submit up to 5 projects (Anything Goes) as long as it's family friendly, inspirational or uplifting.  Can't wait to see what you come up with. Have a blessed week and always remember to share unto others the hope you have in Christ.  Hugs!  

Congrats on Your Wee One Center Step Card---It's Anything Goes with an Optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello fellow Crafters!  It's Sunday and time to showcase another project for our newest Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  It's Anything Goes with an optional theme of "Shabby Chic."  Before I even get to that, I am glorifying our Father in heaven for giving me a chance to wake up each day and live to proclaim His Name.  But I also am horrified with the events each day brings especially when it involves our beloved country, the world and God's chosen nation.  With everything that is happening, can we still say that America is a Christian nation?  A lot of us would say, "Not anymore" judging on the ungodly activities and leadership we have today.  But the Truth is, this nation is not a Godly nation based on the number of people who professed to be Christians.  Our country is a Godly nation because we are governed by a Constitution that was brought together by people who acknowledged that Godly principles written in the Scripture was the Only Way a civilized nation could be governed.  And because of this, our Constitution stood for many years now and set our nation apart from others.  Without the statutes of the Maker of heaven and earth, we will not have an unselfish standard on how to engage with one another.  Man, without the spirit of God alive in his being, is primarily selfish and wants to be recognized for his talents, abilities and gain power through riches, fame and influence.  Where did they get that from?  From their father, the devil, who ever since Man's fall into sin, have ruled every human being.  Each one of us, in our own efforts and abilities, have no power to control this very nature of sin (Sin Nature) that was implanted in us by the Sin of One Man---Adam!  This causes us to do everything that is against God's Will and purpose---a total rebellion against our Maker!  Though such was our condition, God didn't leave us without a "Way Out" from His Wrath.  By a simple act of faith, He gave us a chance to come back to His presence by Way of the Cross where we can experience and live a life of redemption through the victory purchased for us by the blood of our Only Savior, JESUS CHRIST!  Satan knew this defeat and wants to take as many people as he could to that eternal place of torment designed for him and his cohorts.  So he uses them that have rejected Christ---the ignorant who just follows the culture, traditions and religions passed on to them without question.  The ambitious and self-centered individuals who will do everything and anything for their own gain.  He also fuels those who are emotionally hanged-up with their social and economic statuses with all their areas of confusion about race, gender, skin color and many more.  But more than that, he uses the unforgiving and the compromising!  Have you been among the ignorant?  Are you one of those who are too blind to see how the ungodly have done everything to mock Jesus Christ and those that profess His Name?  Have you seen how they make fun of "Jesus" using His Name (the Name above every name, Philippians 2:9) as an expression, to curse and joke about?  Have you seen how they tried to dispute His divinity, His sinless existence and water down or add man-made doctrines to twist/pervert His Word?  I have not seen any "religion of men" being trampled upon systematically this way.  Do you even wonder why?  Here's why---Because the moment you know the Truth about Jesus Christ, it will also reveal your true identity, purpose and eternal glory that awaits you being in Him!  Instead of an ally, you will be Satan's worst nightmare!  Suddenly, you have a choice to resist his instructions but most importantly, you are now the son/daughter of the Most High God and possess the power to destroy his works.  You were not forgiven and saved from the hands of the devil to just sit in the corner.  You are now to change the world and rule with Christ in His Kingdom here and  throughout eternity.  Sin and death will no longer have power in your life and time is of no essence.  We will be in an eternal existence where everything is "Good."  This "Good" is not of man's standard but God's!  Everyday, I have to remind myself of God's promises and His Word comforts me like no other.  The Lord has given me the power to bind and destroy the spirit of darkness and render it powerless to a given situation and at the same time, release the blessings in accordance to His Will. I don't know with you but such is the kind of power I'd like to have!  I'm a Game-Changer---someone who is used by God to make a difference!  I AM NO ORDINARY!  I have the power of God in me 24/7 and I have eternal inheritance which no one can take away.  Glory be to God!

In the wake of the horrors that  the EVIL activities of Planned Parenthood was exposed recently, not only in the promotion and destruction of innocent lives through lies and deceit labeling it as "Women's Right", but also the continuous lack of apathy for the babies they kill, whose certain body parts and tissues they carefully preserve in their abortion procedure for a "Lamborghini" and every kind of selfish gain---I call upon the Most High God and I summon the power of the Heavenly to come about this nation and destroy this evil weapon of Satan down to its very core.  I speak forth eternal judgment to each and everyone who had been a part of this organization (in participation and support) without mercy unless they repent and accept the forgiveness available through Jesus Christ in this lifetime.  Today, I release Your Holiness and Truth in the lives of men and women that have committed an abominable decision to subject their unborn to death because of their lust and poor choices in the name of convenience.  Upon acknowledgement of their murder and surrender to Jesus' Lordship, that they come out from their hiding and be a voice of hope for them that are going through the same situation and warn those who are considering to walk in the same path.  I claim your protection upon every man and woman who have taken the stand to expose this evil and pray for exceeding blessings to them and their families in every shape and form. I also let loose your mighty works upon our nation and humbly ask for your divine love and mercy to turn our country around.  I declare Your awakening of every members of your Body (the Church) to repentance and dependence solely unto You that we can lead our nation and the world as a whole towards your glorious plan.  Empower us to be fearless , brave warriors of Your kingdom both now and forever.  Thank you, Father God, for answering my prayer and petition as it is done in the Name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  AMEN!  I would like to share with you the following Scripture as a solemn warning and instruction on how we are to live in this time.  We are not to give up our Godly heritage just because the ungodly(even if their kings, presidents, judges etc.) have chosen to change laws and continues to trample on our Godly established Constitution.  Remembering that this life will pass away and only what was done in/for Christ will last forever.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians3:23-24)

"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. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Ephesians 5:1-20) 

So today, I'm going to highlight a Baby Shower Card (my own little way to protest the evil committed daily to the unborn of this nation for many years now).  In this project, I used an image from High Hopes Stamps called "Bubble Fun" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card.  The DP's are from DCWV and Recollections, the layered flowers from Prima and the brads are from Recollections.  The die-cuts were ran through a Cuttlebug using a couple of Nestabilities.  The border die is by EK Success, the glitters from Stickles (Diamond) and the cute sentiment from Clearly Wordsworth.  Lastly, I stitched all over this project. Anyway, the optional Twist of our Challenge is "Shabby Chic" but I made this more alongside "Anything Goes" as my card style is not really geared towards such a lay-out.  But that is why you can participate in our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create. You can choose to create with the theme or just stick with the style/project you are comfortable with in Anything Goes.  And yes, you can win prizes if chosen winner/s. 

CONGRATS ON YOUR WEE ONE CENTER STEP CARD:

CONGRATS ON YOUR WEE ONE CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

CONGRATS ON YOUR WEE ONE CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

CONGRATS ON YOUR WEE ONE CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

CONGRATS ON YOUR WEE ONE CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Card Mania---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---Stamp/Digi Anywhere
Crafting Musketeers---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Crafty Time---Punches or Dies
Creatalicious---More than One Fold
Creative Craft Cottage---ATG
CCC Digi Creations---ATG
Digi Galore---Summery/Bright
Crafty Friends---Use a Punch
Digistamps4Joy---ATG
More than One Score---Summer
Natalie and Amy---Summertime
Oddball---Die-Cuts
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Our Creative Corner---Mexico Moods
Paradise of Stamps---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG
Come Colour with that Craft Place---ATG
Sisters of Craft---ATG
World Wide Open DT Challenge---ATG
Your Scrapbook Place---ATG

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---My Whimsical Little World Digi Shop, Crafty Secrets and Poppyseed Graphics .  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: Be Ye Stedfast Unmoveable Card---A Family Friendly Challenge Happening at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone...This is a delayed post but just want to feature my creation for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  A new challenge began yesterday and it features our Scripture Word Art that you can download for free at the WAW site.  It's taken from 1 Corinthians 15:58 which tells us, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." Consider why God wrote this message for all believers...Why do we need to be steadfast (firm, unwavering) and immovable (rooted, situated, established, fixed) in our faith and work in the Lord?  That is because many have tried to uproot us from the Truth that was revealed to us by way of the Cross.  Jesus warned us against those kinds of people in Matthew 7:15 which says, "“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."  Have you asked yourself why there's an all-out war on Christianity all over the world?  Why there's a progressive attack on the name of Jesus,  His Divinity, His Word under the conspiracy put up by famous and influential people in our government, media, entertainment and other pillars of our society?  Why senseless, unproductive, divisive and perverted ideas are being sanctioned against our Constitution bypassing the will of the people that will lead to the death of a civilized society?  I submit to you that all of these aims to silence and instill fear to everyone whose trust is in the Lord!  The devil and his minions know that if they can get believers to doubt God's promises and focus on the chaos in this world, they can get them to compromise God's Word and eventually render them ineffective to fulfill their true purpose. 

Many of you may not understand the urgency of my messages in this Blog.  And why these kind of messages?  Many out there are more skilled to write yet the Lord uses someone like me to deliver His message.  Honestly, I don't know why but the Lord knows my heart.  He does not look at anyone's talent and abilities.  He looks at our obedience!  God's Word is available to anyone and everyone who wanted to inquire of Him their origin,  their  purpose while on earth and their destination after this life.  Tucked in the Scripture is a demonstration of God's great love for mankind and His Way to Salvation by faith solely in His Only Son, Jesus Christ!  It also reveals the events that have unfolded, currently unfolding and will unfold about the victory that awaits those who have been faithful to the Son of God.  While the believers victory is certain, so as the wrath of God that is going to come to devour the wicked and the rebellious.  I am humbled that Jesus have chosen me to be among those that see the direction our country and this world is heading for.  Because many have hardened their hearts to God, they knowingly or unknowingly placed themselves as pawns by the devil to carry out his filthy work which ends in sure defeat. They may deny and be outraged by their deception but such is the position of someone who does not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3).  Whether they like it or not, they are willing soldiers of the devil.  So, why do I have to share these messages to you and sacrificed much needed sleep, time and effort to convey the message of the Gospel in our time?  That's because in the middle of our hopeless and darkened situation, the Lord wants to provide hope for those who would like a WAY-OUT!  Whatever your situation is and no matter how far you've wandered away from the love of God, He wants you to go back home to Him.  While we are still alive and before the Church (Ekklesia, "Called Out Ones) is taken away (Rapture of the Church), the Ark of Mercy is still open for them who wants to come in and be saved from the Wrath that will befall the ungodly.  Without the preaching of the Word, no one will be convicted of sin.  Without one's acknowledgement of his transgressions, they'll be no need for a Savior. Without Jesus, there's no forgiveness of Sin and everyone will suffer the ultimate penalty of ETERNAL DEATH (eternal separation from God).  That is why, loving a person alone is not enough unless we love and live under the guidance of the Word of God.  I may not see earthly rewards for my faithfulness to the task the Lord assigned me with in this life but my faith is rooted in His Word and He told me that my work for Him is not in vain.  When the Lord promised us His rewards, we can be sure He's going to deliver.   I want to share the following verses to encourage every member of the Body of Christ (Church) to get out there and fulfill the work God assigned you to do.  Despite the chaos and persecution, He wants us to locate the wounded and those crying out for help and deliverance...I believe that this is the very reason why we are still on earth at this time.  Don't shrink back---fight the good fight of faith!

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved." (Hebrews 10:19-39)

For this Card, I used an image from Sugar Pea Designs from the Set "Bushel and a Peck" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The sides were shaped using an MS Punch.  The DP's were all from one of my fave sets from Paper Studio called "Barnwood Pretty."  I stamped a few more images using my stamps from Inkadinkado called "Flourishes" and added some glitters all over the card using Stickles (Crystal).  Lastly, I stitched all over this creation.  I think it turned out pretty good.

BE YE STEDFAST UNMOVEABLE CARD:

BE YE STEDFAST UNMOVEABLE CARD LAYERS:

BE YE STEDFAST UNMOVEABLE CARD SIDE VIEW:

BE YE STEDFAST UNMOVEABLE CARD INSIDE:

BE YE STEDFAST UNMOVEABLE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Aud Sentiments---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Simon Says---Sparkle and Shine
Simply Papercraft---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Crafting with Attitude---ATG
DL Art---Summertime
DRS Designs---A Stitch In Time
Sassy Studio---Sparkle is a Girl's BFF
Crafty Gals Corner---To Die For
Creative Moments---ATG/Bingo (Die Cut/Image/Flowers)
Paper Shelter---ATG
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
Digi Choosday---All About the Girl
Papertake Weekly---Build It Up
Passion for ProMarkers---Flowers
Top Tip Tuesday---Bingo (Sparkles/Flowers/Stitching)
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Card Mania---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Path of Positivity---Sharing  (Sharing God's love through the Gospel)
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG/Holidays
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Use Your Stuff---ATG
Amusing---ATG
Great Impressions---Use Your Fave Stamp
Penny Black---Sentimental Inspiration
Corrosive---To Die For
Art Impressions---In with the New

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---Loves Rubberstamps ($10 GC) and Sweet-N-Sassy Stamps ($10 Digi Images). So get some Crafting juice flowing and remember to call on the Lord for inspiration.  Have a wonderful week, everyone! 

Scripture Series: Ye Shall Go Out with Joy Doily Card---Another Family Friendly Challenge Happening at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, everyone!  Today, I'm bringing another Scripture Word Art that is sure to inspire you for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  You can download it for free at our Challenge site and use it for your projects and get a chance to win some prizes if you link those creations with us.  You can also create any family friendly project using any materials you have.  Anyway, our Word Art comes from Isaiah 55:12 which says, "For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Wow, what an awesome Word that is available to us today yet the full manifestation of this verse will be seen by everyone who loved God and placed their faith in Jesus Christ (God's only Way to salvation)  in our soon eternal future.

Every waking day in the life of a believer is a promise of peace and joy.  Though trials attack us in many direction, we are assured by our Father in heaven through His Son and the indwelling of His Spirit within us, that we are recipients of His promises.  These promises are outlined in His written Word (the Holy Bible).  Isaiah 54:10 declares, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you."  Though we have many imperfections, the Lord sees us as the righteousness of His Son, Jesus Christ!  By completely abiding in Him, we are being changed from glory to glory.  I can't even begin to imagine the glorious day when all of us who trust and obeyed the Lord comes face to face with our Savior and the fullness of all He accomplished at the Cross is completed in us.  Yet for the time being, we are in a world that is dominated by SIN (Sin Nature) with confusion and rebellion evident in all direction.  When all we see is a glimmer of light and our heart breaks because our love ones, friends, neighbors have mocked the Only One who is able to save them.  When our beloved country is ruled by tyrants and traitors that so deceived many to their doom.  When many countries gather against God's chosen people and plots to destroy God's holy nation.  THERE IS A CRY INSIDE OF ME!  A holy cry seeing the very dark future that awaits this nation and the world just because it refused/still refusing the Hand of its Maker!  But amidst the  sorrow, the Lord of my heart tells me to be excited---to dance and praise His Holy Name!  For those things must happen in order to arrive at the next chapter of God's timetable. He wanted me to focus on what is beyond the dark clouds of this life.  I realized,  Godly joy and peace does not depend on our circumstances!  It should stand firmly on the fact that the Prince of Peace and the Joy of our salvation lives inside each of us.  Though for a moment I am in this world,  I have an everlasting life ahead of me!  It has everything good, beautiful and praiseworthy; where no more tears will be shed.  Even the earth awaits this glorious day---when all is new, the grass is greener, the trees yields a bountiful harvest, the flowers will show forth their wonderful garments to the delight of their Maker.  And all of us who were washed by the blood of the Lamb shall burst out in a song and dance to honor our King for Who He is and His marvelous works.  In times of despair, I think about these things and I find myself overflowing with the joy and peace of God.  I want to share with you the following verses to encourage you to rely daily in the promises of God---no matter what.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthian 4:7-18)

For this Card, I die-cut a tree image in my Serenade cartridge and a frame from the Stamping cartridge through my Gypsy and cut with my Cricut machine.  The Kraft base is also cut to make a 5.5 inches card using my Wildcard cartridge.  It's been years since I last used my Cricut and I just found myself using it again for a change.  Hopefully I would be better in alternating my love for stamping and die-cuts in my future projects. The DP's are from DCWV, Paper Studio and Pebbles.  I layered some Prima flowers, added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal), some small white heart brads and finally, some stitching.

 YE SHALL GO OUT WITH JOY DOILY CARD:

YE SHALL GO OUT WITH JOY DOILY CARD LAYERS:

YE SHALL GO OUT WITH JOY DOILY CARD SIDE VIEW:

 YE SHALL GO OUT WITH JOY DOILY CARD INSIDE:

YE SHALL GO OUT WITH JOY DOILY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Color My World---ATG
Dragonfly Dreams---Midsummer Delights
Glitter n Sparkle---Summer Sunshine
OSAAT---Chillaxing
Creative Card Crew---Die Cuts
Crafty Sentiments---Country
Top Tip Tuesday---Summer Fun
DL Art---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Card Mania---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Papertake Weekly---Don't be a Square
Natalie and Amy---Summertime
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG

Time to go, everyone!  Please make sure to visit us at WAW and link up the projects you make out of our free Word Art although not mandatory.  You can link up any inspiring, uplifting, family-friendly projects, up to 5.  We have three wonderful sponsors this week namely, V's Sweet Ideas ($10 GC), and Robyn's Fetish (3 digi images).  That means a couple of chances to win so, head over to WAW and show us your wonderful projects.  Enjoy your week.  Always remember that God loves you and He is there to lead you to your glorious future in Christ!  

Fun/Humor Series: Happy Birthday-Old Enough Doily Card---It's Anything Goes with an Optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello there, Crafty Peeps!  I'm posting a day late for our Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Twist (Create Your Own Challenge Chart) at 613 Avenue Create!  Though my title says fun and humorous which depicts my project today, there is no humor in the message God wants me to share in this post.  Anyway, I can't believe we passed halfway through the year and there are many things that had happened in our country that makes me very sad.  Yet the hope of God's promises to His people (the Church) remains true no matter how crazy this world has become.  The Sovereignty of the One True God never changes.  Just because one does not believe He exist, it does not mean that he is outside God's jurisdiction.  Let's see what Job penned about God in the following verses:

"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. What he tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man he imprisons cannot be released. If he holds back the waters, there is drought; if he lets them loose, they devastate the land. To him belong strength and victory; both deceived and deceiver are his. He leads counselors away stripped and makes fools of judges. He takes off the shackles put on by kings and ties a loincloth around their waist. He leads priests away stripped and overthrows men long established. He silences the lips of trusted advisers and takes away the discernment of elders. He pours contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty. He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light. He makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and disperses them. He deprives the leaders of the earth of their reason; he sends them wandering through a trackless waste. They grope in darkness with no light; he makes them stagger like drunkards." (Job 12:13-25)

What powerful words that speaks about the works of the Lord.  The verses also gave us a picture of the condition our country today.  We have become a place that allowed everything that is detestable in the eyes of God to rule and reign in our nation.  We entertained the false pretenses of the "separation of Church and State" to keep us (God's people) from the affairs of our government.  We were deceived into thinking that the principles of God has no place in governing the country though the fact of the matter is that this law was created to protect the Church from the control of the State.  Our Constitution was made under the meticulous governance of God's Word and great men and women of God wrote it under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  And because it was so, it made America the greatest country it was known for.  But what have we done today?  We have allowed the ungodly to re-write what the Lord gave us.  By a stroke of a pen, they made us subject to their prostitution of this country?  Why such a strong word?  Because we have allowed anything and everything that is detestable to God and are practiced by many countries to defile us.  In the name of tolerance, we permitted everything to control and shape our thinking and abandon the statutes that has governed our nation to greatness.  In the past, people come to our nation and they learned to live as Americans do.  Yet now, they form their groups and demand that they'd be pleased by the entire nation.  Everyone are forced to learning their ways, their traditions, their language and a whole lot more in exchange for their support?  I came to this country having prepared myself for what is waiting for me...I learned the language and the ways, rules and principles that must be followed as a lawful citizen of this country.  That does not mean I abandoned the country and the ways I grew up with.  I just don't enforce them on others instead, I share them with those that would like to learn about them.  Who are the unwise people that changes things that are effective for things that have already been proven to fail?  Only them that wants to see this nation fail; those that bite the hands of them that feed them---the TRAITORS!  I want to share the following verses as an eye opener to them that are defiant to God:

"All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced. The Israelites secretly did things against the Lord their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city they built themselves high places in all their towns. They set up sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree. At every high place they burned incense, as the nations whom the Lord had driven out before them had done. They did wicked things that aroused the Lord’s anger. They worshiped idols, though the Lord had said, “You shall not do this.” The Lord warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your ancestors to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.” But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked as their ancestors, who did not trust in the Lord their God. They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors and the statutes he had warned them to keep. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the Lord had ordered them, “Do not do as they do.” They forsook all the commands of the Lord their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves, and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts, and they worshiped Baal. They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger. So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left, and even Judah did not keep the commands of the Lord their God. They followed the practices Israel had introduced. Therefore the Lord rejected all the people of Israel; he afflicted them and gave them into the hands of plunderers, until he thrust them from his presence." (2 Kings 17:7-20)

I know this is very hard to take in but God does not want us to be ignorant of our wrongdoings.  He warns us so we can turn from where we are heading and go in another direction.  We must not be silent anymore but we must shout the decrees of the Lord from the hilltop and proclaim His Word over all.  Participate in the affairs of your state, fill in governmental positions, be active and assume responsibilities in your community.  Let's take the message of the Gospel from the pulpit outside the four walls of the Church and  support everyone who stands up for the Truth.  This is not the time to be cowards but a time for the brave men and women of God to stand up and be heard.  Fear has no place for them that truly serve the One True God.  He is the Power that is behind us and the One that goes before us.  When there seems to be no hope---trust His Word, trust His heart!  As it is written, VICTORY IS OURS!

Wow, that was intense!   This is what the Lord wants me to write and I am just obeying...On the lighter side, I am sharing an Anything Goes type of creation for our challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  How about a stylish birthday card?  In this Card, I used an image from Stamping Bella called "Uptown Girl Bianca Loves Her Big Cake" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base card is a white CS that I cut using my Wildcard Cartridge (through my Gypsy) and ran through my Cricut machine, measuring approximately 5.5 inches.  The two Dp's are from Pebbles that I layered, weaved and stitched.  The flower is from Prima with a mini  button at the center from my stash.  I added some Stickles Glitter (Crystal and Diamond) to the cake and the dress of the image.  The leaves were cut using MS Punch.  The funny sentiment came as a freebie from Create with TLC.  Lastly, I did some more fancy and regular stitching all over this creation.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY-OLD ENOUGH DOILY CARD:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY-OLD ENOUGH DOILY CARD LAYERS:

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY-OLD ENOUGH DOILY CARD INSIDE:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY-OLD ENOUGH DOILY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Color My World---ATG
Cupcake Inspirations---Color Challenge
Dragonfly Dreams---Midsummer Delights
Glitter n Sparkle---Summer Sunshine
Great Impressions---Use Your Favorite Stamp
Creative Card Crew---Die Cuts
Top Tip Tuesday---Summer Fun
DL Art---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Card Mania---ATG
Natalie and Amy---Summertime
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Sisterhood of Crafters---Happy Birthday
Wags n Whiskers---Birthday
Not Just Cards---ATG 

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--- Scrapper's Delights, Stamplorations and Oddball Art 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 what the future holds---we are safe in the arms of Christ always. 

Scripture Series: Rejoice in Thy Salvation Card---Join Us for an Inspirational and Family Friendly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello fellow Crafters!  Here's to another day of sharing the inspiration of the Scripture in our weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  I would like to share a revelation God has given me through my conversation with my son this morning.  He approached me and asked if he can be allowed to eat some snack foods  that I know would not be healthy for him to consume altogether.  I'm not a big health buff but I know that what he wanted would not benefit him and if I keep on agreeing with his preferences, it would cause him great harm in the long run.  I know many parents out there can identify with what I am saying.  Like the many other instances when I had to put my foot down,  I had to explain to him that it's because of my enormous love for him that I cannot just let him do whatever he wants when I know that it's going to lead him in harm's way.  And yes, he has the choice to obey or disobey.  But as a Mom, who loves him very dearly,  I had to lay the consequences to himself and its effects on our relationship (love and trust) had he chosen to disobey.  In that very moment, I picture a parallelism of God's love for us.  God placed us above our children so that we can guide them towards His path of righteousness (according to His Word).  Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  The Scripture is very clear about the two paths that men travels in Matthew 7:13-14 which says, "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."  If we walk according to our flesh (human nature), we find ourselves in the wide road where majority of people travel.  Why?  Because it feels good,  exciting,  gratifying and full of wild adventures.  It caters to the "rebellious nature" that was planted to us by the enemy when Adam fell into sin.  This very nature (Sin Nature) is the irresistible need to rebel against God, our Maker!  Man by himself is powerless to get out of this road unless he takes a conscious decision to ask the Only One (The Way, the Truth and the Life---John 14:6) that can lead him out of this destructive path.  For Jesus was once offered the same path but came out victorious, having nothing to do with it's filth.   And it is only through Christ that we are able to walk the narrow path for He was the first one who walked it.  He is the very Key to this road and the Light to its path.  If this road (according to the Scripture) leads to Life, then you can very well conclude where the wide road leads.  Today, you have a choice!  You are automatically placed into the "wide road" just by being born into this world.  In it, we are without escape to the destruction that awaits everyone who travels there----DEATH (spiritual, physical and eternal deaths)!  Contrary to what many think, it is not our deeds that primarily causes us to miss God's Holy presence.  It is however our affiliation with Adam (born in Adam, having the Sin Nature) that qualifies us to destruction!  Everyone, from the time they were born, were already sentenced to death by virtue of our relationship with Adam.  The sins we commit along the way are just the result of our Fallen State.  So, when people of the world ask, "Who are we to judge them?,"  the response is simply, "God has already made judgment to this world and I am simply a messenger to tell everyone of the Way-out."  God's Word tells us in Romans 3:10, "As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one." We are all destined to suffer the Wrath of God just by being in Adam----until JESUS CHRIST came to remove us from that path as He ransomed humanity through His blood.  His sacrifice is free and available to anyone who is willing to place their faith in Him.   Now, there is a choice!  We can choose to remain in the wide road to destruction (not accepting what Christ did)  or allow Jesus to show us His path.  Romans 3:21-25 could not be clearer, "But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew (God's chosen nation) and Gentile (everyone else), for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."  Today, you have a choice which road to take.  To stay in the road where all in Adam travels or the narrow road everyone who is born of God (Born-again, John 3:3) leads you through faith in Christ.  Obviously, it is a DEATH AND LIFE MATTER!  If you choose death, you don't have to do anything crazy but if you want eternal life---Christ is the clear choice!

Anyway, today's Scripture Word Art (you can download for free) comes from Psalm 20:5 and it says, "We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions."  This verse shows the great confidence King David had for God Almighty.  He had divine understanding and love relationship going on with our Father that he could be still---knowing that God would deliver him from every situation that would come against his people and that every request (petitions) made known to God would be accomplished.  Today, our country is faced with many problems---threats outside and inside, conspiracies and moral degradation in an all time high.  God's Word is written so that we can have complete assurance that God's promises is fulfilled.  Let us speak God's Word into our situations and release the power of God into our nation as we pray, proclaim and carry  out God's Word.  Though  laws can be created/altered to criminalized God's Word, every Born-again believer whose trust and confidence is in the Lord know the Power that resides within us.  Whether we live or die, we have complete assurance of the victory that awaits us.  Therefore, there's no room for fear!  King David is but one man but he knew Who His Deliverer was.  And because we know Him too, we can lift up a banner declaring "Salvation Solely Through Christ"  to save our nation. 

For this Card, I used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called "Birdhouses" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from American Crafts and Recollections.  I added some white nail head gems from Imaginisce and glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  The stamped butterfly image is from Inque Boutique.  Lastly, I stitched all over this project. 

REJOICE IN THY SALVATION CARD:

REJOICE IN THY SALVATION CARD LAYERS:

REJOICE IN THY SALVATION CARD INSIDE:

REJOICE IN THY SALVATION CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Catz---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
Natalie and Amy---Summertime
Creative Moments---Monochromatic
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Clear It Out---ATG
Deep Ocean---Two Stamped Images
Fan-Tastic Tuesday---ATG with a Twist: In the Garden
Loves Rubberstamps---ATG
Papertake Weekly---ATG
Passion for ProMarkers---Fancy That
TTCRD---ATG
Top Tip Tuesday---Summer Fun
Artistic Inspirations---ATG/Summer
Card Mania---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Get Creative---Flowers
Kraft Journal---Summer
Not Just Cards---ATG
OLLCB---All that Glitters
Scrapbook Stamps Society---ATG
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Use Your Stuff---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---Bling it On
Lacy Sunshine---Color Your World
Come and Get It---ATG with Flowers
Glitter n Sparkle---ATG
Great Impressions---Use Your Fave Stamps (I love Bugaboo Images)
Stamping Sensations---Feature a Creature

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 submit up to 5 entries.  Our wonderful sponsors for this week are The Flying Unicorn ($25 GC) and Fred She Said (Digi Stamps).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and praying for God's revival and mercy on our nation as we continue to wave the banner of the Lord Jesus upon your lives and steadfast in our faith.