Scripture Series: I Will Give You Rest Card---Join Us for Bi-Weekly Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, friends!  Another couple of weeks passed and we are now starting another amazing Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Our Word Art Designer, Karen Murray never fails to bring us the most inspiring Word of God to highlight that not only brings inspiration and life to our creation but also lots of blessings for those who are reading our devotionals each Challenge. As the Holy Spirit is the Author of God's Word and He used many men to put together the Word of Truth, He is still the same Holy Spirit that works with our Designer Team at WAW to fulfill God's purpose by creating wonderful projects that shows the hope we have in Jesus Christ, our Lord!  He alone deserves all the glory.

I was just telling my hubby a couple of nights ago how God supplies everything I post in this Blog.  It's hard to explain but every time I sit down in front of the computer to make a post, most of the time, I really don't have anything specific in mind to share.  I just know that I needed to post something!  In the many times I thought I would not have anything, that's when I end up with a lengthy post...LOL  I know, it's bizarre!   Yet, one thing is clear to me.  I am sharing God's Word with a purpose and the desire didn't originate from me---God has placed it upon my heart!   I know  that I am just going to be His instrument in typing the message He wants us to see/hear.  My only part is to be there as He does all the work.  On my own, I cannot do anything (John 15:5) but with/in Christ, I can do all things!  (Philippians 4:13)

Anyway, today's Card highlights this Challenge's featured Word Art coming from Matthew 11:28 and is one of the verses that's been so true in my life.  It says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." I would like to share the exhortation that I read from my Life Application Bible pertaining to this verse and the couple of verses that follows after.  I believe it conveys effectively why we need Almighty God in our lives.  It explains, "A yoke is a heavy wooden harness that fits over the shoulders of an ox or oxen.  It is attached to a piece of equipment the oxen are to pull.  A person may be carrying heavy burdens of (1) sin, (2) excessive demands of religious leaders, (3) oppression and persecution, or (4) weariness in the search for God.  Jesus frees people from all these burdens.  The rest that Jesus promises is love, healing and peace with God, not the end of all labor.  A relationship with God changes meaningless, wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose.  

Jesus spoke that "His yoke is easy and His burden is light," in Matthew 11:30.  In what sense was Jesus' yoke easy?  The yoke emphasizes the challenges, work and difficulties of partnering with Christ in life.  Responsibilities weigh us down, even the effort of staying true to God.  But Jesus' yoke remains easy compared to the crushing alternative.  Jesus does not offer a life of luxurious ease---the yoke is still an oxen's tool for working hard.  But it's a shared yoke, with weight falling on bigger shoulders than yours.  Someone with more pulling power is up front helping.  Suddenly, you are participating in life's responsibilities with a great Partner---and now that frown can turn into a smile, and that gripe into a song."

How wonderful it is to partner with God.  I lived the first 20 years of my life without Him and in one faithful day after I made a conscious decision to accept His invitation to "Come to Him," things changed for the better, more than I could have imagined!  Today, many Christians all over the world are persecuted and are sentenced to a horrific death just because they made the same decision I did.  It  could have been easier to bow down to the whims of men to escape the horrors and be one with the world but like the earlier Christians, many have chosen to die for the sake of something every believer knew to be worth more than anything this world highly values.  If God is not first in your life, you will succumb to fear but if He is your priority and the Truth lives inside of you, fear will have no hold on you.  Every breathing moment I have in this world is for serving God and when God says it's time for me to reunite with Him, it will be a wonderful gain to be forever in His presence!  Unlike those who have no assurance (with beliefs that by killing the people of God, they may have a chance to eternal life), I am completely sure where I will be spending eternity when the time comes---in the loving arms of Christ!

For this Card, I used a flower image from Autumn Leaves (clear stamps) which I had for many years and I incorporated several Distress Inks (Shabby Shutters, Shaded Lilac, Old Paper, Worn Lipstick and Weathered Wood) to produce the color palette I wanted to stamp a couple of flowers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I used a border punch from Fiskars, a border stamp from Stampabilities for the stem and "Thinking of You" swirl, and the leaves from our sponsor this week (Simon Says Stamp - Oh Happy Day) are done with multiple stamping technique using Memento Ink (Green).  I added some Liquid Pearls (White Opal) and lastly, some wonderful stitching.  This gorgeous CAS design was made with an inspiration from one of the cards I saw from Maureen Merritt.  I seldom scraplift but the idea is wonderful and I could not resist.  Just had to add a few of my own trademark and walah---another beautiful creation.

                                                 I WILL GIVE YOU REST CARD:

                                           I WILL GIVE YOU REST CARD LAYERS:

                                             I WILL GIVE YOU REST CARD INSIDE:

                                   I WILL GIVE YOU REST CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Pile It On---Stitching
Simon Says---ATG
Digi Choosday---Spring Colors
Digi Designs---For the Girls
Melonheadz---Throw on Flowers
Sisterhood of Crafters---Photo Inspiration
Crafty Addicts---ATG/Springtime
Inspiration Destination---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Lemon Shortbread---ATG
Eureka---Spring is in the Air
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafty Friends---ATG
Corrosive---ATG
Crafty Gals---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Sweet Stampin'---Swirls and Pearls
Creative Moments---ATG/Inspired by a Song
Crafty Sentiments---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.  Our wonderful sponsor this week is  Simon Says Stamp ($25 voucher). So, head over to WAW and show us your wonderful projects.  Enjoy your week.  Always remember that God loves you and has a great plan for your life!  

Scripture Series: Scripture Mini Note Cards in a Box---Join Us for Anything Goes at 613 Avenue Create!

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY, EVERYONE!  Oh I tell you,  I love the TRUE message this day brings to those who love God.  Take away all the traditions of men, it all boils down to one simple fact---that everything Jesus Christ came to earth for to fulfill the will of the Father (our Creator) have all been accomplished.  The Son of God, who came to earth as a man, defeated Sin head on by dying on the Cross (paying Sin's full penalty) and made a mockery of Death by coming back to life on the third day just as He said He would. Therefore, Sin and Death has no power over Him and the same is TRUE for everyone who placed their trust/confidence in JESUS CHRIST,  our ONE TRUE MESSIAH!

It is in the Resurrection that all the hope promised to us in the Scripture met their fulfillment.  Those who are one in Christ in His death at the Cross (took the life/sacrifices that Jesus offered and made it a reality in his/her life) and are translated (Born-again, John 3:3) from the kingdom of darkness (death) to the Kingdom of God's own Son (life) shall never see nor taste eternal death (Romans 6:9) ever.  As we continue to walk in the FAITH that God had purposed for us to do and as we share the hope we have in Him to others who have not arrived in the faith yet, let us remember  the FATHER'S LOVE through what JESUS CHRIST accomplished in His death, burial and resurrection (Gospel).  Beyond the festivities that men traditionally engaged with and celebrate during this season, nothing is truly worth anything than the hope that is found in the RISEN KING!  I'm delighted to share with you a few verses to remind and encourage us of what the true meaning of this week's celebration is all about:

"He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:46-48)

"Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. (Romans 6:3-7)
 
"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"  (1 Peter 1:3-9) 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."  (John 3:16-18)

For my inspiration project for this week's Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create, I used a set of images from Stampendous Clear Stamps called "Inspired Icons" and watercolored each image using Distress Inks.  The 3 inches square and scalloped note cards are from Studio G and comes with envelopes.  I made a box and a cover slightly bigger than the cards and decorated a band to compliment and secure the box.  The DP's are from Paper Studio and Recollections.  I layered the flowers from Prima after spraying them with Tsukineko Inks (Walnut and Terra Cotta).  I added a brad from Recollections and also stamped the "love" border on the band and "just a note" on the envelopes, both from Fiskars.  I am very happy with the result as it turned out so cute...

                                           SCRIPTURE MINI NOTE CARDS IN A BOX:

                                      SCRIPTURE MINI NOTE CARDS IN A BOX INSIDE:

                                     SCRIPTURE MINI NOTE CARDS IN A BOX CONTENTS:

                                       SCRIPTURE MINI NOTE CARDS IN A BOX SET 1:

                                       SCRIPTURE MINI NOTE CARDS IN A BOX SET 2:

                                       SCRIPTURE MINI NOTE CARDS IN A BOX SET 3:

This Project is entered into the following Challenges:

Digi Designs---For the Girls
Craftyhazelnuts---Patterned Paper
Crafty Friends---ATG
Corrosive---ATG
Allsorts---Wings
Fantasy Stampers---Springtime
Gem of a Challenge---Easter
Inky Chicks---Easter

There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.   Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week. Wonderful prizes awaits the winners from our sponsor this week, Bugaboo Digi Stamps (7 Digi Stamps) and DisDigi Stamps ($12 voucher). I hope you have a wonderful week and know that through faith in what Jesus accomplished through the Cross, we have complete victory that we can effectively share with others!  

Scripture Series: His Word Do I Hope Pop-Up Card Box---It's Inspirational for an Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

A Blessed Wednesday morning, friends!  It's time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  This week's Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) comes from Psalm 130:5 which says, "I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope."  Psalm 130 is one of the shortest Psalm I came across with with a theme that centers in the assurance of forgiveness that only a gracious God can provide.  

I would like to share with you what I read in my Life Application Bible regarding this Psalm that we can apply in our daily situations.  It explains, "In the depths of despair, the writer (Anonymous) cried out to God.  Despair makes us feel isolated and distant from God, but this is precisely when we need God most.  Despair over sin should not lead to self-pity, causing us to think more about ourselves than God.  Instead, it should lead to confession and then to God's mercy, forgiveness and redemption.  When we feel overwhelmed by a problem, feeling sorry for ourselves will only increase feelings of hopelessness, but crying out to God will turn our attention to the only One who can truly help.  Keeping a record of sins (or holding a grudge) is like building a wall between you and another person, and it is nearly impossible to talk openly while the wall is there.  God does not keep a record of our sins; when he forgives, he forgives completely, tearing down any wall between us and Him.  Therefore, we fear (revere) God, yet we can talk to him about anything.  When you pray, realize that God is holding nothing against you.  His lines of communication are completely open."

How wonderful it is to have an assurance of God's grace and forgiveness.  Jesus died on the Cross so that man can freely live a life without the curse of sin that separates us from the Father now and forever.  Though he died for all of mankind, only those that acknowledge they have sinned against the most righteous God and trust the finished work (death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus Christ at the Cross can attest to the joy and peace that comes from a right standing (justification) bestowed by God to them that believed.  Simply put, how can anyone ask for forgiveness if they believed they haven't done anything wrong in the sight of the most holy God?  Yet, if we stay true to ourselves and if God is unforgiving, none of us will ever exist.  God knew (Omniscience) what mankind would do---the betrayal, murder, ungodliness, pride and the list goes on yet he chose to still create us.  God can exists without people but people cannot exist without God!  The Word of God clearly declares in Ecclesiastes 7:20, "Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins."  Jesus had to come and pay for our sins and only those who placed their faith in what He did (Born-again, John 3:3) are washed by the blood of the Lamb.  It does not mean that believers are incapable of making mistakes.  While we are living in this corrupt world and in earthly bodies, we can still be tempted to sin.  But the difference from a life of an unbeliever and a believer is that believers are no longer in bondage to sin (uncontrollable urge to sin and rebel against God that it dominates their life choices---it has become their lifestyle!).  Believers have the option to pursue God's path and when we fall into temptation, the Holy Spirit (living inside of us) leads us to repentance.  A true believer does not delight in a life of sin.  We acknowledge that Jesus paid a high price (His life) for our freedom and when He said "Go and sin no more," He knows it's possible because of His Spirit living inside every believer.  We live this life not of our own will and power but by the Spirit who keep us in God's plan and purpose.

There's desperation in this country right now because of the events happening here and around the globe.  It seems like good news are rare and evil is rampant.  Though emotions are running high, I'm so grateful that the Holy Spirit keeps me in line with His Truth. The Word of God is our life source.  It warns, teaches, inspires and directs us.   It  presents the pro's and con's of our actions and it also tells us things that are to come and how it will come to an end.  It's a story of how evil is destroyed by the Truth.  So, when I am in despair about our present circumstances, I go to a higher ground to have a broad perspective and trade my earthly eyes with the spiritual eyes of the Spirit.  Up there, I can breathe a good sigh of relief!  God is in control and His Word is the Only stable Truth I can trust in this lifetime. I encourage everyone to keep praying for God's divine intervention in the affairs of our country and the world.  Nothing is impossible with Him!  In conclusion, I would like to share an excerpt from the speech made by a Republican Presidential candidate, Senator Marco Rubio, who announced the suspension of his candidacy last night after incurring major loses in yesterday's Primaries following months of excruciating campaign.  Though I'm supporting a different candidate,  I am deeply moved by the speech he delivered to thank the people that supported him and his acknowledgement of the Truth at God's sovereignty.  I thought it's worthy of sharing. To read the full speech---it's HERE:

"And I want to leave with an expression of gratitude to God in whose hands all things lie. He has a plan for every one of our lives. Everything that comes from God is good. God is perfect. God makes no mistakes. And he has things planned for all of us. And we await eagerly to see what lies ahead. And so I leave tonight with one final prayer, and I use the words of King David because I remain grateful to God:

“Yours O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth. Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and you exalt yourself as head overall. Both riches and honor come from you and you rule over all. And in your hand is power and might and it lies in your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.” (Senator Marco Rubio, 3/15/2016)

For this Card, I used a flower image I got free from a "Craft Stamper" magazine purchase.  There were so many inspirational projects inside that showed the versatility of the stamp and I thought I would give it a try.  I've been wanting to try this Pop-Up Box technique but was unable to so after stamping the flowers into different colored CS and fussy cutting them, this fold came to mind.  I'm really glad I finally am able to create one.  The base card is Kraft, cut and scored to make an A7 size that will fit in a box when it's folded flat.   The DP's came from Recollections, the eyelets are also from Recollections and the stamped swirl all over the card is from Unique stamps.  I punched several leaves using Fiskars punch and added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to the flowers and the leaves.  As always, I finished it all up with some awesome stitching.  I am very happy with my very first Pop Up Card Box.

                                          HIS WORD DO I HOPE POP-UP CARD BOX:

                                   HIS WORD DO I HOPE POP-UP CARD BOX CLOSE-UP:

                                     HIS WORD DO I HOPE POP-UP CARD BOX SIDE-VIEW:

                                 HIS WORD DO I HOPE POP-UP CARD BOX MESSAGE PANEL:

                                    HIS WORD DO I HOPE POP-UP CARD BOX FOLDED:

                           HIS WORD DO I HOPE POP-UP CARD BOX WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Friends---ATG
Catch the Bug---Bright and Cheery
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Artistic Stamper---Springtime
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creative Moments---Spring has Sprung
Gem of a Challenge---Spring
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Simply Papercraft---ATG
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
Crafting with Attitude---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Allsorts---Spring is in the Air
CCC---Add Some Sparkle
Cards Galore---Make a Card
Fresh Brewed---ATG
Sisters of Craft---ATG
Your Scrapbook Place---ATG
Wonderful Wednesday---Spring
Crafty Creations---Spring Fever
Artistic Inspiration---ATG/Easter
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Eureka---ATG
Melonheadz Friends---Layer It Up
Not Just Cards---ATG
OLLCB---Spring is in the Air
Our Crafty Corner---ATG
Crazy Challenge---Flowers
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Where the Heart Is---ATG
Clear it Out---ATG/Patterned Paper (older than 1 year)
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
Fan-Tastic Tuesday---ATG with Twist: Spring
Lemon Shortbread---ATG
Retarte---ATG
TTCRD---ATG

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times this week.  Lots of prizes to be won from our two wonderful sponsors---Kraft Outlet ($15 GC) and Imagine That Digi Stamps (3 Digi Stamps).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the peace of the Lord overtake you today.  I serve a good and faithful God---Jesus Christ! 

Here and Now Cottage Try' Fold Watercolored Card Within a Card---Join Us for Anything Goes at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello there, Crafty Peeps!  Here to bring you another card that I made for inspiration at our 613 Avenue Challenge this week.  But before that, I would like to share something about being persistent in prayer these days.  As utter craziness unfolds each day which threatens our God-given rights here in America as well as the entire world, we need to refuse looking at situations instead, trust in the goodness and the promises of God.  It's not easy, I tell you, but it's something every believers have to do in order to not be entangled by the affairs of the world that would lead to hopelessness and defeat.  As Kingdom citizens (Born-again in the Kingdom, John 3:3), we cannot live that way.  We have to put on our spiritual eyes and see through the lenses of the Holy Spirit.  It is important to know the victory that the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross had won for us.  As I said before and I still declare now, when all is said and done, the victory is for all of us that ran the race and never gave up under the banner of Christ.

At this time here in America, we are selecting Presidential candidates that would represent us come election time at the end of the year.  Each of these candidates represent rules and regulations that would either take away our freedoms or restore it.  When I speak in these terms, I don't just talk about petty rules but those that would alter our way of living as outlined by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.  A leader of this country is sworn to protect these rights and not to wreck or alter them yet we have seen the utter disregard and abuse of power at it's best by branches of government and special interest groups in the almost 8 years of this country's present leadership.    We are to remind ourselves why Jesus came in the first place and redeemed us in Galatians 5:1 which says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."  The Godly heritage of this country (outlined by the founding principles Godly men and women set in place to protect and govern us) placed this country as the leading nation of the free world for many years now.  And today, we see how the ungodly is dividing this nation from within because the Church (Ekklesia, the "Called-Out Ones) chose to give the power that was handed to us by God through Christ to the ungodly (unbelievers).  Those who profess they know Christ are supposed to be uniting under God's Word, instead what we see is a great divide.  Why so? Because many don't really know God's Word nor has taken the time to study nor live by them.  Many have Church leaders that refused to speak the Truth about God's Word for selfish gain and have deceived their members by many false teachings.  And there are many members who refused to test the teachings they received and chose to follow blindly.  While we see the rest of our brethren all over the world being killed by godless individuals and groups, many remained blind to the same threats our country is facing and are supporting Presidential candidates that are oblivious about God's Word.  People can say what they want to say but for a true believer of Christ, we have to put the most weight on the candidates relationship with God on top of everything else.  Anyone who does not have that basic qualification will rule against God's Will for this country.  What can you expect from someone who does not fear the Lord?  How can the ungodly represent the godly?  Even the ones who know God can make mistakes---how about the ones who does not even consider God in their decisions/actions?  Proverbs 29:2 says, "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."  

Today, we witness Matthew 24:9-13 happening before our eyes which tells us, “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."  Though many horrible things are written in God's Word signaling the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus, the True Church is not placed here at this day and time to do nothing.  We are to share the hope of the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection of Christ) to all the world for the salvation of mankind, pray for God's intervention as the Holy Spirit quickens us to pray for policies/situations in our country and to do whatever is necessary to act on our faith.  We are to study God's Word so that we'll be equipped to stand against the lies and wiles of the enemy inside and outside the Church.  Pray for our families, our friends and neighbors and refuse to compromise the Truth of God's Word for fear nor any gain.  Let us refuse to focus on the waves that seem to swallow us up.  Instead, look only unto Christ and we'll be able to walk on water in the midst of the fiercest storm.  I would like to encourage every believer who are discouraged by the chaos surrounding our nation and the world by the Word of the Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul.  He was held in the horrific condition in the lower chamber prison in Rome  awaiting his death sentence.  It was in that condition that he wrote this letter (Book of 2 Timothy) to his disciple, Timothy, to encourage him to stand in faith and never compromise the Truth no matter what.  At this time of need, he didn't get the support of his fellow believers instead, many betrayed him, left by other Christians to escape persecution by being identified with him while others were taken by false doctrines.  He had very few people who kept in constant communication and ministered to him.  What struck me the most in this letter is that in the face of death, Paul's faith in the Truth allowed him to endure and still encourage Timothy and next generation believers to BE STRONG IN THE GRACE.  I am so blessed and hope you are too as we follow the examples of Apostle Paul:

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.  Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.  Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.  Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.  Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Here is a trustworthy saying:  If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;  if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." (2 Timothy 2:1-13)

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Stamps called "Cottage Try' Folds" and watercolored the images using Marvy Uchida markers Tim Holtz Distress markers.   The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Paper Studio, the white nail head gems from Imaginisce, the jute from my stash and I added some Liquid Pearls (Silver) to the image too.  The banner sentiment is from Heidi Grace while the main sentiment came from See D's.  I also used the lacy border from MS Punch.  Lastly, some wonderful stitching all over this creation.  I just love coloring using watercolors as there is so much freedom and the result is fabulous.

                                         HERE AND NOW COTTAGE TRY' FOLD CARD:

                                     HERE AND NOW COTTAGE TRY' FOLD CARD LAYERS:

                                      HERE AND NOW COTTAGE TRY' FOLD CARD PANELS:

                                  HERE AND NOW COTTAGE TRY' FOLD CARD SIDE VIEW:

                                   HERE AND NOW COTTAGE TRY' FOLD CARD SENTIMENT:

                                     HERE AND NOW COTTAGE TRY' FOLD CARD INSIDE:

                             HERE AND NOW COTTAGE TRY' FOLD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---House and Home
Melonheadz Friends---Layer It Up
Crafty Friends---ATG
Catch the Bug---Bright and Cheery
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Artistic Stamper---Springtime
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Gem of a Challenge---Spring
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Crafting with Attitude---ATG
Allsorts---Spring is in the Air
Cards Galore---Make a Card
Sisters of Craft---ATG
Your Scrapbook Place---ATG
Wonderful Wednesday---Spring
Artistic Inspiration---ATG/Easter
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Eureka---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
OLLCB---Spring is in the Air
Our Crafty Corner---ATG
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG 
Where the Heart Is---ATG 

There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  There's wonderful prizes awaiting the winner from our lovely sponsor for this week---Scrapper's Delights.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  I hope you have a wonderful week and know that through faith in what Jesus accomplished through the Cross, we have complete victory always! 

Scripture Series---The Lord Will Be With Thee Card---Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends!  Here to bring you another Scripture Word Art for our two-week Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  It comes from Deuteronomy 31:8 which tells us, "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."  This is the Word of God spoken through Moses unto Joshua as he appointed him to take over the leadership as he prepared God's people for his departure (death).  We all know how Moses was used by God to free them from their bondage/slavery in Egypt.  The people cried out to the Lord due to the pain, suffering and injustice they experienced and God heard them and answered their call by sending a man who would carry out His purpose to free His people.  Before their freedom was realized, the Lord demonstrated to His people His power and might as He brought ten plagues one after another to the Egyptian land as the Pharaoh continued to harden his heart and refused to free God's people.    After the tenth plague (death of every Egyptian first born), they were set free and began their journey of trusting God and his chosen servant (Moses) to lead them to the Promised Land (land flowing with milk and honey).  Miracles upon miracles were witnessed by them since that day.  They, along with Moses saw the presence of God follow them (cloud by day, fire by night) as they go through the wilderness for many years. 

But like any challenge that goes with leading people, Moses encountered those that complained about everything.  They were never content and spread their discontent to others. These people are like cancer that destroys the healthy cells till they take over the entire body.  Their goal is to turn man against God by giving in to the desires of their flesh and pursuing their own ways instead  of following the path their Creator laid out for them since the beginning.   If you look around us, the very same spirit is continuously at work in our society.  These people don't want remedy for their spiritual cancer.  In fact, they are campaigning day and night to inflict others with their disease.  Let's take idolatry, fornication, sodomy, murder, abortion among the lengthy list of abominations in the sight of the Lord.  Don't we see them being promoted non-stop in all pillars of our society with the help of Hollywood and social media?  Today, we have a remnant of people that allows themselves to be used by God (like Moses and Joshua) that still upholds the tenets of God.  They are those  who had been washed clean by the blood of Jesus (Born-again, John 3:3), that became citizens of God's kingdom while still living on this earth.  Having been rescued from the same fleshly mindset and transformed by the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus Christ, we are appointed as Ambassadors of God to this fallen world.  

Now, I can tell you, it is very challenging for Noah (who was appointed by God to build an Ark) to tell people about a flood that would destroy the entire earth since given the fact that they have not even seen rain that time.  The same challenge we face with people who does not acknowledge that the Sin Nature inside of them that propels their lifestyle choices and rejection/rebellion of God would reserved them a space in the Lake of Fire forever. They've heard people talk about it but have not seen its reality yet.  The sad Truth is, by the time they see the error of their ways, it will be too late as they suffer the same eternal death of those who ignored and ridiculed the message of the Ark!  It is FAITH (trusting, adhering, depending, believing) in what the Lord said in His Word that connects us with our Father.  Though we don't physically see Him, we know He's present.  It is by FAITH that we come the Lordship of Jesus Christ by hearing the Word of God...And our transformation from glory to glory is also by FAITH through the indwelling power and  leading of the Holy Spirit.  Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."  Hebrews 11:6 speaks of this Truth when it said, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Though it's a lot of work (often accompanied by pain and suffering) to lead people to the ways of God, everyone who had been transformed by the Cross of Christ  should ask God for the courage and strength to firmly stand for the Truth.  Our loveones, neighbors and friends are worth fighting for!  We do it not for temporary nor earthly benefits, we do it because without Christ in their lives, they'd be lost for eternity.  Just like Moses assured Joshua that God is with him and therefore, he should not fear or be discouraged by the everyday challenges and troubles he would be facing---God is telling us to fight the good fight of faith and refuse to bow down to the schemes of man who wants to spread the cancer of lies and rebellion they have acquired to others.  As God is with His servants before, He is still with us today---living inside every heart submitted and ruled by Christ.  In conclusion, I would like to share with you two responses I shared on social media recently regarding the spiritual deception/blindness of this age and how important it is to have an ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE as we face the evils of our time:

Why we see many so-called Christians make very unwise/ungodly choices/decisions nowadays?

Because many who says they are Christians are phony while some have no bearings in the Word of God so, they have given themselves  up to deception of Satan beyond belief.  They are idolaters as they turn away from the tenets of God and have pledged their allegiance on themselves and their emotions instead of carrying out God's Will as laid out in the Scripture.  Because of that, the Truth can be under their noses but they will not see nor discern.  They have made up their minds that they are "little gods" who can exist without God's guidance.  Though it pleases them to bully those who still speak the Truth, those who keep God's Word must pray for them as it gives emphasis on why Jesus spoke, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34).  Those who can still see, be very grateful as the Holy Spirit enables us to see His path!  Let us commit in prayer, declare the victory of God and shout the Truth without apologies.

Importance of ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE in dealing with today's chaos:

The very fact that God already revealed how it would end for this present world in His Word, our faith in the finished work of Christ at the Cross should continue to encourage us in the midst of horrors and chaos of this age.  I always tell my ten year old son that we are just living the pages of The Book that had long been written and the ending had long been established---that is joy beyond imagination for them that Jesus declared righteous!  Let us therefore walk in faithfulness to Him who is able to carry us through life to our final breath on this earth.  Know that there are great rewards waiting for them that finish the race under the banner of Christ!

For this Card, I used an image from Bugaboo Digi Stamps called "Guy-car" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a pre-cut A7 card from Paper Studio.  The DP's are from Recollections, the brads from Paper Studio and the nail head gems from Imaginisce.  I made those clouds by inking a stencil from Hero Arts by Distress Ink (Tumbled Glass), fussy cutting and scribbling an outline to them.  The Word Art Panel is also inked with Distress Ink (Walnut Stain).  For added dimension, I stitched all over this project.  Very pleased with the result.

                                           THE LORD WILL BE WITH THEE CARD:

                                       THE LORD WILL BE WITH THEE CARD LAYERS:

                                       THE LORD WILL BE WITH THEE CARD INSIDE:

 

                               THE LORD WILL BE WITH THEE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Crafty Girls Creations---ATG
Digital Delights---ATG
DRS---Bling It On
Hanna and Friends---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Crafting by Designs---ATG
Crafting for all Seasons---ATG
Crafty Creations---Sentiment as a Focal Point
Crafty Gals---All About the Boys
Creative Moments---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Simon Says Stamp---Touchy Feely
Crafty Addicts---ATG
Whimsy Inspiration---ATG
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
Cards 4 Guyz---Create Own Background
Lemon Shortbread---ATG
Retarte---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Tuesday Throwdown---Frame It
2 Creative Chicks---ATG
A Bit More Time---ATG
Cards Galore---Make a Card
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Doodle Pantry---ATG
Oddball---Add a Sentiment
Petal Lu---ATG
Scrap N Challenge---ATG
Scrapping Everyday Miracles---Lay-out/Sketch/Scripture Inspiration
Sparkles---Something for Male
Sisters of Craft---ATG
World Wide Open DT---ATG
Your Scrapbook Place---ATG
Catch the Bug---Stella Says Sketch


Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times this week.  Lots of prizes to be won from our two wonderful sponsors---Newton's Nook ($20 GC) and All Dressed Up Stamps (3 Digi Images).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, meditate on the goodness of the Lord and rely on His promises.  Expect only wonderful things from Him each day.  We serve a good and faithful God who never leave us nor forsake us!