Joy Found in Friendship Watercolor Card---It's Anything Goes at 613 Avenue Create!

Hi there, friends!  It's late Sunday evening and I'm here to highlight the card that I made for our new Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  If you would like, take on the optional twist of  including in your projects "Lace and/or Pearls."  My card is more in line with Anything Goes so, I just stamped a fave image and enjoyed coloring before assembling the card.

Before I go any further with my project, we all know that we're in a critical moment in the history of this country to vote for a new President towards the end of the year.  But right now, we are in the midst of primary elections/caucuses to determine the final candidates that will best represent us. It's amazing how others have not seen the importance of carefully examining each candidates, their qualifications, experience, and thought process.  A trustworthy leader should be a person of INTEGRITY (a quality of being honest, having strong moral principles and values moral uprightness).  He must also be STABLE mentally, emotionally and spiritually and should be an example of SELFLESS LEADERSHIP (genuine desire to serve and not to be served).  We need a God-fearing leader who  has great understanding on what catapulted this country into greatness, having an exceptional knowledge of our Judeo-Christian heritage that is evident in the founding doctrines laid out in the longest running, tried and tested governing principles of the United States Constitution.

In light of all these important qualities we need to look for in a leader, I refuse to be politically correct and be ran by emotions that would undermine my faith and knowledge of God.  I need to be firm and refuse to exchange God's Word or set them aside just to make a statement to a certain political party.  Truthfully, I am not surprised why people are voting foolishly (deceptively) for candidates whose evil intentions/agenda is to transform this country to something that made many nations bankrupt, starving and hopeless.  Many if not all will not admit to it but people who are diligent in studying the Word of God can see bright as daylight how these men and women allowed themselves to work Satan's plan (John 10:10---to steal, kill and destroy) by giving their support to Godless individuals.  When a presidential candidate can say bluntly that he has very loyal supporters that if he shoots people, he will not be losing any vote---Yikes, that's a different breed of loyalty!  This boastful candidate is talking about leading a group of people who are far worst than those hundreds of people that drank the Kool-Aid and poisoned their children in a cult many years ago.  Many of the supporters of this man also call themselves Christians but are they really?  Let's examine a very important passage which every man should watch out for as laid out by God's Word in the following passages in Matthew 17:15-29:

TRUE AND FALSE PROPHETS:
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

TRUE AND FALSE DISCIPLES:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"

THE WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS:

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."

It is sad to see people abandon the tenets of their faith in God which led them to lose common sense and intelligent reasoning---having no ability to make sound judgment!  Yet that is one's condition when we allow ourselves to rely on our limited knowledge and abilities instead of humbling ourselves unto God and allowing His Word and the examples of the life of Christ through the Holy Spirit to do the vetting and selection of candidates for us.  History showed us how Israel made a wrong move when they chose a man (King Saul) to govern them  instead of God Himself during their time.  Check out the story HERE!  But I submit to you, in spite of all the circumstances surrounding our country nowadays where destruction is evident, I refuse to give up!   That's because I know the God I serve and the victory every believer has in Him.  I know that the Lord's timing is perfect and His protection is upon those who fully trust in Him.  Therefore,  I'm making a solemn declaration that the righteousness of God shall prevail in this country and the "man" He sent to carry out His plan (to bring us back to His saving knowledge and rule under the banner of God to restore us to our founding principles) will lead this country through the supernatural power of God, in Jesus's Name!  Keep praying, declaring and acting upon the promises of the Almighty, saints.  Nothing is impossible with Him!
 

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Stamps called "Joy Found Window" which I water-colored with Distress Markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I embossed a couple of embossing folders, one from Stampin' Up called "Pretty Print" and the other from Cuttlebug called "Polka Dots."  The Lacy Square Die is from Nestabilities and the brads are from Recollections and.  Lastly, I machine stitched all over this card.  I'm going for simple elegance and I am happy with the result.

                                       JOY FOUND IN FRIENDSHIP WATERCOLOR CARD:

                                   JOY FOUND IN FRIENDSHIP WATERCOLOR CARD LAYERS:

                                  JOY FOUND IN FRIENDSHIP WATERCOLOR CARD INSIDE:

                        JOY FOUND IN FRIENDSHIP WATERCOLOR CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Amusing---ATG
Color Your World---ATG
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
OSAAT---ATG with 3D
Penny Black---ATG with Stamp and Die
Pile It On---Paint (Watercolor)
Stamping Sensations---ATG
Catch the Bug---Color
Chocolate, Coffee and Cards---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG
Crafty Girlz---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Julia Spiri---ATG
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Let's Color Linky Party---ATG with Something Colored
Scrapper's Delights---ATG
Art by Miran---ATG
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
PDE Linky Party---ATG
Aud Sentiments---Cute and Sentiment
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Crafty Girls Creations---ATG
Sassy Studio---ATG


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 sponsor for this week---Star Stampz.  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 and be able to share the Hope you have in you to bring light to the dark places in your sphere of influence.  Would love to hear your comments too.   Hugs, always!   

Scripture Series: Thou Upholdest Me Card---Join Us for Another Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty Peeps!  Here to feature another Card for our bi-weekly Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Our free Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) comes from Psalm 41:12 and it says, "And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever."  This world we live in was made by Almighty God with all the beauty, wonders and blessings that originates from the loving hand of our Creator. It is one of which humanity dwells and was given the responsibility to tend and to keep along will the rest of God's creation.  This is very clear in Genesis 1:26 which reveals, "Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

But in an awful turn of events, Adam gave up that dominion to Lucifer (Satan) by disobeying God.  Genesis 2:15-17 tells us, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”  Adam was warned the very day he was placed in the Garden of the only thing he was not to do for it will cause him "DEATH!"  Just think of the countless ways we could have enjoyed the blessings of the Lord with joy, life and freedom and the fellowship with our awesome Creator without knowledge of sin had Adam obeyed God.  But he chose to do the "ONE THING" that would separate him from his loving Father and traded all the good things that flows from God's throne.  That's what DEATH is all about---a SEPARATION!  Notice that after eating what the Lord forbade them to eat, Adam and Eve didn't die physically that very moment.  But something truly died that day from within...Their spirits (the inner and true man) died that day and has no longer fellowship with their Creator.  It is by the mercies of God that we are able to live each day after that sad part in the history of man. Not only did we turn our backs from God but we submitted ourselves to the control and influence of Satan whose only intent is to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).  Up until the Son of God came and became flesh, we were beyond hopeless, with hell in our eternal future.  But Jesus came to take back everything that the enemy stolen and He succeeded at all counts through His finished work (death, burial and resurrection) at the Cross. 

Friends, it is all done!  Jesus already won the victory and anyone who places their faith on what Christ has done will find grace, forgiveness, healing, peace, love and joy even in the midst of living in this fallen world.  We look everywhere and see the fury of the enemy all around us.  We experience a barrage of trials of all shapes and forms, attacking our body, soul and spirit.  Though many of us placed our faith in the saving knowledge of Lord Jesus Christ which made us citizens of His kingdom, we are still very much living in this world while we are still in our physical bodies.  But the good thing is that we don't have to live according to the standards of this world.  We are now able and qualified ambassadors of our eternal kingdom and we are to tell others of what that Kingdom is like.  Though our stay here is brief, we have eternal dwellings in the arms of the Lord free from the destruction the enemy has placed upon us in this world.  Jesus gave us a pattern on how to pray and it began with a profound truth in Matthew 6:9-10 which tells us, “This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."  We shouldn't tolerate being pushed by the enemy to the side and cry "Pity me."  We are to declare the promises and victory Jesus won for us and place the enemy where he rightfully belongs, under the feet of the children of God.  JESUS died for us so that we can stand in the presence of Almighty God, free from all the guilt and shame which we inherited from Adam.  It is ONLY by HIM that we can boldly declare righteousness before our Father in Heaven!  One day, we will finally experience a new heaven and new earth where everything takes place in accordance to God's original intent---free from eternal death and destruction.  Now, that is the Truth every believer can embrace in the midst of overwhelming chaos in this world!  I would love to encourage you with the the following verses that only the Word of God can powerfully give you:

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26-27)
 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

"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 Corinthians 4:16-18)

For this Card, I used a image from Saturated Canary called "Harriet Hearts" (limited edition) that I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's and washi tape came from Recollections, the layered flowers from Prima and the brad (gem) at its center is from my stash. I inked the flowers and die cut using Distress Ink (Pumice Stone).  The wonderful die-cut image of a Church came from Simon Says Stamp Wafer Dies called "Churches."  It's wonderful to be able to try one of their products that is set to release today under the category, "Reason to Smile."  You can find out about these new products using #SSSReasonToSmile.  Anyway, I finished this creation by adding some regular and fancy stitching.  One of my few attempts to color and make a black and white card. I'm pretty happy with the result. 

                                                    THOU UPHOLDEST ME CARD:

                                               THOU UPHOLDEST ME CARD LAYERS:

                                           THOU UPHOLDEST ME CARD SIDE VIEW:

                                              THOU UPHOLDEST ME CARD INSIDE:

                                     THOU UPHOLDEST ME CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Calendar---Love is in the Air
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---Fave Color Combo (Black and White)
Creative Moments---ATG
My Time to Craft---Check it Out
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Stamping Boutique---Love
Whimsy Stamps---ATG
CCC Digi Creations---Fave Color Combo (Black and White)
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Mod Squad---The Great Outdoors
Natalie and Amy---Hearts and Flowers
Not Just Cards---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Where the Heart Is---Love
Unicorn---Love
Our Creative Corner---Sew and Sew
Classy Cards---Stitching
Crafting When We Can---Add Hearts
Dragonfly Dreams---Hearts and Flowers
Dragonfly Journeys---Wishi Washi
Eclectic Ellapu---Love Actually
Glitter N Sparkle---Love is in the Air
Coloring without Boundaries---ATG
OSAAT---Love is in the Air
Stamping Sensations---ATG
Corrosive---Love Love Love
Crafting by Designs---Tic Tac Toe (Bling/Die-Cut/Stitching)
I Love ProMarkers---Bingo (Brads/Free/Flower)
Little Red Wagon---A Pop of Color
Moo Mania---Hearts
Sisterhood of Crafters---Warm Thoughts
Stampavie and More---Hearts
Crafty Addicts---ATG
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
Colour Q---Color/Picture Inspiration


Hope you join the fun at our WAW Challenge.  There's wonderful prize awaiting our blessed winner from our awesome sponsor this week, Simon Says Stamp ($25 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! 

Fun/Humor Series: From My Heart to Yours---Join Us for Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello there!  It's late but I still want to greet you all, "HAPPY HEARTS DAY, EVERYONE!"  All of us have experienced love or have given love in different ways and capacity.  Yet, our view of love can be limited by the way we received love growing up and the environment we grew up in.  People that was raised in a loving family may not be able to understand how someone who grew up without a family or in an abusive situation would behave or respond to love.

The truth of the matter is "True Love" can only be defined by our Creator!  We are capable of love and being loved because we are made in the image and likeness of God whose very nature is love.  True love cannot be accurately defined by the created---it has to come from the Creator!  The world's kind of love is selfish---we love others if they also love us and there's something in it for us.  We also associate love with feelings and emotions and physical attraction.  Thus, when the wonderful feelings are challenged and physical attributes are no longer the same, many simply walked away.  There's nothing that can truly satisfy a love that is selfish in nature.  We will keep wanting and wanting and wanting more.

But God's kind of love is "Agape" (selfless) and is the purest form of love.  I would love to share with you the article I found at Gotquestions.org regarding this topic.  Here's what is says, "Agape, the benevolent, selfless love that God shows, is mentioned often in the New Testament, including in the “love chapter,” 1 Corinthians 13. There, love’s characteristics are listed: love is patient and kind; love doesn’t envy, boast, or dishonor others; love is not proud or self-seeking; love is not easily angered, doesn’t keep a record of wrongs, and doesn’t delight in evil; rather, love rejoices with the truth; love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres; love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4–8). Of the greatest of God’s gifts, faith, hope, and love, “the greatest . . . is love” (verse 13).

The Bible says that God was motivated by love to save the world (John 3:16). God’s love is best seen in the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf (1 John 4:9). And God’s love does not require us to be “worthy” to receive it; His love is truly benevolent and gracious: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

The Bible says that, since true love is part of God’s nature, God is the source of love. He is the initiator of a loving relationship with us. Any love we have for God is simply a response to His sacrificial love for us: “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). Our human understanding of love is flawed, weak, and incomplete, but the more we look at Jesus, the better we understand true love."  

I pray that you answer the call of Christ for each and everyone to come into His saving knowledge and experience a personal relationship with Him.  His sacrifice is for all of humanity but He's patiently waiting for you to receive His gift of love, salvation and citizenship to His Kingdom through faith solely in what He accomplished at the Cross.  Apart from the perfect demonstration of God's love through Christ, there' no other way by which man will be saved.  John 3:3 tells us, "Unless a man be born-again, He cannot see the kingdom of God."  Simply put, unless we die from our old nature (in Adam) and be born-again in Christ, there's no way we can truly understand (comprehend, fully know) how God's kingdom work.  I've lived blindly and totally oblivious about God and have gotten by in what I perceived/thought He was.  Like many, I thought I knew enough but I realized how spiritually bankrupt I was, and with no real basis of God's Truth, after I called upon the Lord. He ministered to me and showed me His selfless love through Christ.  Today, I can speak this awesome Truth because God allowed me to see/enter/be a part of His Kingdom.  Let me be clear that there was nothing on my part that deserved His favor.  Even the faith to come to Him happened by His grace.  If I am to boast, I boast only of the wonders of the depth of God's love in which I am made righteous (right standing) before His sight.  What He did for me, He can also do to anyone who would call upon His Name.  Answer His call today and experience a love this world could never ever conceive...It's free to those who would receive it with all of their hearts.  To God be the glory!

I would like to share the project I made for our Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create.  For this Card, I used a fun image from Art Impressions Rubber Stamps called "Tina Set" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card.  The DP's are from Paper Studio, I layered the flowers from Prima, the brad from Recollections and the leaves are die-cuts using Fiskars punch.  The Heart Banner Wafer Dies is from Simon Says Stamp that was one of the dies featured in their "You have my Heart" release recently.  I also used a Nestabilities die for the lacy circle, some heart gems from Imaginisce and added some glitters to the image using Stickles (Crystal).  Finally, I stitched all over this card.  

                                       FROM MY HEART TO YOURS CENTER STEP CARD:

                                  FROM MY HEART TO YOURS CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

                               FROM MY HEART TO YOURS CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

                                  FROM MY HEART TO YOURS CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

                         FROM MY HEART TO YOURS CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Love Love Love
Classy Cards n Such---Colors, Patterns, Stitching
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
Come and Get It---Love is in the Air
Eclectic Ellapu---Love Actually
Glitter N Sparkle---Love is in the Air
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
OSAAT---Love is in the Air
Penny Black---ATG with Stamps/Dies
Stamping Sensations---ATG
Catch the Bug---Stella Says Sketch
Corrosive---Love Love Love
Crafty Calendar---Love is in the Air
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
My Time to Craft---Check it Out
Stamping Boutique---Love
Natalie and Amy---Hearts and Flowers
Not Just Cards---ATG
Where the Heart Is---Love
Unicorn---Love
Our Creative Corner---Sew and Sew
Crafting When We Can---Add Hearts
Cupcake Inspirations---Photo/Theme
Dragonfly Dreams---Hearts and Flowers
Coloring without Boundaries---ATG
I Love ProMarkers---Bingo (Brads/Free/Flower)
Moo Mania---Hearts
Sisterhood of Crafters---Warm Thoughts 
Stampavie and More---Hearts 

There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create with an Optional Twist (Shaker Card).   Lots of wonderful prizes await our winners from the following sponsors:  A Day for Daisies, The Cutting Cafe and All Dressed Up 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 God's love that we can effectively share with others! 

Scripture Series: Way Truth Life Card---Join Us for Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends!  It's time to highlight another wonderful Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) for our bi-weekly Challenge that began today at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  The Scripture comes from John 14:6 which says, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  This may be very familiar with many but does everyone who profess they are Christians take this verse to heart?  As I was meditating on this passage, I came across a wonderful explanation in my Life Application Bible that I surely want to share with you, guys!  It says, "This verse is one of the most basic and important passages in Scripture.  How can we know the way to God?  Only through JESUS.  Jesus is the Way because He is both God and man.  By uniting our lives with his, we are united with God. Trust Jesus to take you to the Father, and all the benefits of being God's child will be yours.  Jesus says He is the Only Way to God the Father.  Some people may argue that this way is too narrow.  In reality, it is wide enough for the whole world, IF the world chooses to accept it.  Instead of worrying about how limited it sounds to have ONLY ONE WAY, we should be saying, "Thank you, God, for providing a sure way to get to you!"  As the Way, Jesus is our path to the Father.  As the Truth, He is the reality of all God's promises.  As the Life, He joins His divine life to ours, both now and eternally.  JESUS IS IN TRUTH, THE ONLY LIVING WAY TO THE FATHER."

Everyday, we are affected or are affecting people with many false claims, teachings and doctrines.  Most of them have been passed onto us by our own family (previous generations).  We were influenced by our parents and we presumed that whatever they believed and practiced should be true/right...After all as they should know better,  shouldn't they?  How many times have your heard someone said, "I was born in this religion, I will die in this religion!?" Yet the truth of the matter is, people have fallen into the same trap as their ancestors had because they refused to seek the TRUTH (reality in God's perspective).  Oh yes, we love our parents and we should always treat them with respect but they are not right all the time.  When it comes to our eternal destination, only the Word of God tells us a detailed description of our beginnings, everything in between and what is to come.  History proves the authenticity and validity of the prophecies that were written and already came to pass.  The most significant of all those prophecies written all over the Old Testament was the coming of the Messiah---His birth, death, burial and resurrection.  History recorded the existence of Jesus who fulfilled the prophecies that pertained to His earthly existence.  But the Scripture further tells us of His  Second Coming and we are counting the days to which that becomes a  reality as well.  How do we know it's going to take place?  Because the Bible tells us of the circumstances that is going to transpire that ushers that day.  Though we cannot be certain of the day and time because God didn't reveal specifically, we are to prepare ourselves for eternity like it's just around the corner!  Do not depend your eternity to what people want you to believe, instead seek the Ancient Text---the Word of God!  It had been right all along so you use it as your road map to navigate this life.  In that Book, you will find JESUS from Genesis to Revelation!  There's a reason why He is the "Star" of that book.  Like He said, "He is the Way, the Truth and the Life."  If you want to see the Father and spend eternity with Him,---Jesus is the Door, the Key and the Ticket to get in.  Nobody can locate, walk, acquire or pay for your admission in your behalf.  It's personal, my friend!  Any other way (religion, good works, culture and traditions, worship of statues and other saints, etc.) will bring everyone to the lake of fire FOREVER!  How long is forever, really? 

To complete this post, I would like to share with you some of the verses that Jesus mentioned regarding the Signs of the End Times. Friends, most of what these verses tell us are experienced now all over the world.  While we think it is common even before, we cannot deny the fact that they are occurring much more frequently in our days in a more heightened level.  Fear may creep in but if anything, use that fear to take a good look at your life and see where your faith lies.  While you are still living and breathing, there is still hope to come to the saving knowledge  of Jesus Christ.  Don't be like the unwise people in the time of Noah who ignored the warning and when the prophecy (of a flood) came to pass, they all perished!  It was too late---they came too late!  Hebrews 3:14-15 tells us, "We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” No one can stop you if you truly wish to know Him.  You can start with a simple and honest prayer to ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you. I know in my heart, He will answer your request.  

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

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

For this Card, I used a retired image from Deidre Mosher and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a pre-cut A7 size card that comes with an envelope from Paper Studio.  The DP's are from Paper Studio as well.  I attached a few brads from Recollections and white nail head gems from Imaginisce.  Finally, I machine stitched all over this creation. 

                                                      WAY TRUTH LIFE CARD:

                                                 WAY TRUTH LIFE CARD LAYERS:

                                                 WAY TRUTH LIFE CARD INSIDE:

                                       WAY TRUTH LIFE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Lacy Sunshine---ATG
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG/Valentine
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Elliebelle's---ATG with Animal
Not Just Cards---ATG
Our Crafty Corner---ATG
Crafty Friends---Animals/Birds
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Love and Romance
Fresh Brewed---ATG
I Love ProMarkers---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Paper Shelter---ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG/Cute and Cuddly
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
Creative Card Crew---ATG
Lemon Shortbread---ATG
Retarte---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Tuesday Throwdown---Piece-It Together (The image outfit is paper-pieced)

Hope you enjoyed my featured project today at WAW...I am looking forward to see your projects linked to our Challenge.  You can include the free Word Art in your projects to link,  but not a requirement.  You can submit any inspirational, uplifting, family friendly creations (up to 5) for more chances to win our prize from our sponsors this week---Classy Cards n' Such ($15 GC) and Iralamija Shop (Digi Images). Always remember to call on Jesus 24/7 if you need someone to talk with.  He is always willing to listen and is able to meet everyone whose heart is seeking after Him. 

Old School Birthday Card---Join the Backporch Gang at 613 Avenue Create for Another Anything Goes Challenge!

Hi there, Crafty Friends!  This is coming out a day late but just want to invite you to join in our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create for an Anything Goes with an Optional Twist (Use Something from your Stash).  It's amazing how we are already in the second month of the year and I am amazed at how days are flying by so fast.  Everyday I wake up, I am thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given me to be a part of His purpose in this world.  It does not matter whether my day is good or bad nor if I'm happy or sad.  He remains perfectly faithful to His call in my life and right on track with His plans He revealed to us in the Scripture.  Psalm 33:10-12 tells us, "The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance."  

Isn't it amazing that all the things happening around us has already been foretold by our Maker?  This should come as no surprise to everyone as God in His Omniscience knows the end from the beginning.  Before anything ever came to existence, He already knew its every detail and have made the necessary actions/solutions to every circumstance His creation would create in accordance to His divine will.  Isaiah 46:9-10 says, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." It baffles me how many can even think they are smarter than the God who made them?  If we consider the things we don't have power over, that alone should put us all in our place.  The truth of the matter is that we are finite beings who has been given life and the ability to choose by an infinite God who created us to live in His Truth by discovering the purpose He already set for us through Him and for Him.  As much as we would like to credit ourselves for the accomplishments or failures in our lives, none of that will ever transpire had God not given us the opportunity to live each day, patiently waiting for us to acknowledge our need for Him.  I truly pray that we open our hearts and silence all the voices that tells us how good we are and consider the hand of God that sustains us daily.  John 15:45 tells us, "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."  We cannot do anything if that beating heart ceased working and waking up is not possible!  We don't have to go further than our own mortality to realize that we are NOT IN CONTROL!  There is a GOD who created us with a purpose!  He revealed Himself not only through His creation and His written Word (The Bible) but through His One and Only Son---JESUS CHRIST!  We look at Him and we can see the Father (our Creator)!  John 14:8-11 revealed to us, "Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.  Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves."

Friends, it is of utmost importance that we place our hope in the One True God especially in these great times of trials and division in our country.  We are no longer to concern ourselves with just our own existence but realize that we are part of a bigger picture.  Without placing our trust  in Jesus Christ in whose Gospel (death, burial and resurrection) fulfilled at the Cross for those that believe, there is no other salvation left for anyone!  No matter what news I wake up to each morning, I have an unwavering confidence that God has complete control over anything and everything.  I am blessed that I can be part of His solution to a dying world by simply believing in His Word, declaring His power through prayer and intercession, walking in His Truth and standing firm no matter what.  Just want to share the following Scriptures to encourage us to live each day with joy and confidence knowing GOD IS IN CONTROL!

"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. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:8-11)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,  who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:3-14)

For this Card, I used a rubber cling image from Heidi Grace and a sentiment from Studio G.  The base is a pre-cut A7 card with an envelope from Paper Studio.  The DP's are from Recollections.  I added some Washi Tape from Recollections and pierced the top panel using EK Success Cutter Bee Bugs.  Simply wonderful!

                                                  OLD SCHOOL BIRTHDAY CARD:

                                             OLD SCHOOL BIRTHDAY CARD LAYERS:

                                             OLD SCHOOL BIRTHDAY CARD INSIDE:

                                      OLD SCHOOL BIRTHDAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Lacy Sunshine---ATG
Crafting When We Can---Celebrating Any Occasion
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG/Valentine
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Our Crafty Corner---ATG
Moo-Mania---Use Your Scraps
Creative Card Crew---ATG 
Retarte---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---Ppinky Dolls and Toadstool Printables are giving away some fabulous prizes.  Can't wait to see what you create. The Lord is with you every step of the way so, don't be afraid of the what the future holds---we are safe in the arms of Christ always.