Scripture Series: Lift Up Mine Eyes Center Step Card---Link with our Family Friendly, Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi everyone!  It's another Wednesday and time for our bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Today, we are featuring a Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) from Psalm 121:1-2 which says, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." I look up these verses at my Life Application Bible and it said, "This song expresses assurance and hope in God's protection day and night.  He not only made the hills but heaven and earth as well.  We should never trust a lesser power than God himself.  But not only is He all powerful, He also watches over us.  Nothing diverts or deters Him.  We are safe.  We never outgrow our need for God's untiring watch over our lives."  

Last November, we have seen the powerful move of God in the result of our election here in America.  What the enemy declared a victory over one candidate (their polls showed it all over the place though I never trusted their polls) was frustrated by a candidate many ridiculed.  Though I was not for Trump during the Republican selection process, I just knew that at the Presidential election, to vote for Clinton is travesty as she represented a demonic agenda (literally---thanks, Wikileaks!) in every shape and form.  Yes, nobody is perfect  but if we have to select between two rotten tomatoes, we can still pick out the less rotten one.  We are talking about the highest position in our country that will not only affect our lives but also the world, so we cannot have an obvious Satan worshiper to fill the position.  Just to be clear, my trust is not in any man but of the God who holds everything together.  I don't pretend to know details of the future but God's Word reveals a big picture on how things go down at the end.  I depend on the working of the Holy Spirit for the day to day wisdom and course of action.  My own thoughts and feelings takes a back seat because God's Word is independent from the way I feel and think.  I can only choose to align with what God said or fight it and lose.  

But the enemy (Satan), though he knew he was already defeated by God, would not accept his defeat and mobilized his army (deceived and paid human followers) to spread lies and rebellion to derail the plan of God for our country.  They make lots of noise using their most influential weapons (Hollywood, Media and Politicians) to further division, lawlessness, violence and hate.  The 8-year leader of this country allowed building of mosques, funded enemies of Israel (Iran Nuclear deal), free pass to our country through the refugee program by radical Islamic terrorist and for these Muslim extremists to gather in our biggest cities to shout "Death to America."  Though we had many problems in this country before, we haven't seen this much evil propagated by this traitor in the Oval office.  Though some would not agree with what I said, do I look like I care for anyone's political correctness or tolerance agenda?  If they could not see these obvious evidence of treason and just takes in what the "bought out media" airs instead of the warnings God's Word tells us, then I rest my case.  After all, I am not speaking to every man.  I speak only to those whom God has quickened to hear.  The Word of God declares in John 3:3, "Unless a man be Born-again, He cannot see the kingdom of God."  The Word of God is the order of the kingdom. Therefore, an unbeliever (those who refuse to come to the saving knowledge of Christ) would not be able to perceive nor understand the spiritual Truths pertaining to God's rule.  Furthermore, Romans 1:21-23 declares, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles."  Nowadays, they worship themselves---their fame, their careers, their wealth and power.  By the grace of God, I will not take any poison that is propagated by these people. 

So, what I'm trying to say is that we need to shut the noise of the enemy and stand on the Word of God.  If God heard our prayers during the election process, He already made a way for us and we need not fear the attacks of the enemy.  Speak up and loud about the Truth of God's Word and support those who are unapologetic about it.  Oh, and beware of those religious leaders who corrupted the Truth for their own fame and monetary gain (many of them with Mega Churches)  as they are everywhere right now.  Ask yourself, why am I not open about my faith in God and why I am afraid to speak the name of Jesus among friends or in social media?  Am I protecting my career, my business, my wealth, my standing, whatever?  For if so, you just need to admit to yourself that you have placed something else above God in your life.  It's called IDOLATRY, folks!  The Ten Commandments were summed up into two in Mark 12:29-31 which says, “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” If the Lord is not your highest priority as a believer, repent from your sin  and live boldly for Him while there is time.  With all the evil happening around us, I lift up my eyes (focused my attention) beyond the chaos and noise of this world and anticipate (with eagerness and certainty) what God will do.  My trust is not in any human being (yup, not even in our upcoming President) with regards to healing this country.  Anything and everything comes from the God (through Christ) who loves me and cares for His people. 

For this Card, I used a rubber stamp from Stamping Bella called "Tiny Townie Sally Rides her Snail" that I watercolored using Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card design.  The DP's are from my scraps, the flowers I layered are from Prima and the mini brads from Recollections.  The stamped swirls behind the flowers are from Inkadinkado which I believe completed my design.  And finally, I also incorporated stitching to this creation.  I am so pleased with the result.

 LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD

 LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS

 LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW

 LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE

LIFT UP MINE EYES CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Creations---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Create with TLC---ATG
Artistic Stamper---ATG
Card Mania---Layer It
Classic DT---ATG
Country View---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore----ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Sunny Day Crafting---ATG
Crafty Girls Creations---ATG
Delicious Doodles---Something New (The image is new)
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/All About Love
Not Just Cards---New Beginnings (I used a new image)
Paper Creator---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG
World Wide Open DT---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 Challenge.  Wonderful prize to be won from our great sponsor---Simon Says Stamp ($25 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the joy of the Lord overtake you today while being sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  Pray and keep on praying.  The Lord is going to do great and mighty things to our nation.

Scripture: Redeemed of the Lord Card---Join Our First Challenge for the New Year at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends! We thank God for another year of inspirational challenges that's going to take place at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  We have wonderful sponsors lined up for you and I encourage you to link with us your wonderful Anything Goes/Family Friendly creations. Our Scripture Word Art (free to download at the WAW site) comes from the first part of Psalm 107:2 which says, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy."

To further understand this verse, we are to incorporate Psalm 107:1 which tells us, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever." Those who are redeemed by God ought to declare/proclaim God's love and goodness so that others may know.  So,  who are the redeemed?  The Bible tells us in Genesis 3 how the first Man (Adam) plunged all of humanity to the bondage of Sin Nature (found in the heart of Lucifer) and Death (spiritual, physical and eternal deaths).  Whether we like it or not, we are all descendants of Adam by birth (physical).  We cannot change the nature handed down to us.  There is absolutely nothing human beings can do to break free from the demonic power that held us captive.  But God had a plan!  He clothed Himself in flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin---therefore untainted by the seed of Adam.  He showed us Who God is (His attributes) and what perfect love (Agape---selfless) looks like.  And in His perfect time, He died for all the sins of the world and buried it with Him at the Cross.  And when He rose again from the dead, He sealed the victory!  Jesus' finished work at the Cross (death, burial and resurrection) became the Gospel (Good News) that all of the redeemed (through faith in Christ) tell others.  The following verses further describes who God's redeemed are:

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 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 and Gentile,  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.Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. (Romans 3:20-28)

Knowing what Jesus Christ won for us,  let us not grow weary of sharing the hope we have in us.  Remembering that we are the hands and feet of Jesus in this world.  Anyone who has not placed their faith in what Jesus Christ has done by confessing Him as their Lord and Savior (Born-again, John 3:3), will spend eternity outside of the presence of God (eternal damnation).  If we truly love our family and friends, we are to make this Truth known even if they condemn us for it.  Many of them are in bondage with their religion which is based on good works and void of God's Truth.  Every man-made religion is harmful and the Truth of God is not in them.  Almighty God gave us His One and Only path to salvation and that is by faith in Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6).   Not in man-made idols of saints and religious characters, nor by wealth, power and fame.  Those who have been redeemed by the Lord Jesus have to proclaim this Truth in love to anyone whom God will place in our path no matter what the cost. Time is running out.

For this Card, I used an image from retired shop of Saturated Canary with an image called "Miss Personality" and colored it with my Touch Five markers with some paper-piecing.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I used an MS Punch for the hearts border, Recollections stamp for the stamped and fussy cut leaves and Studio 112 for the flower.  I also added some glitters in the clothing and flower and Glossy Accents for the image's heart eye glasses.  Lastly, I incorporated some stitching for a complete look. 

REDEEMED OF THE LORD CARD

REDEEMED OF THE LORD CARD LAYERS

 REDEEMED OF THE LORD CARD SIDE VIEW

REDEEMED OF THE LORD CARD INSIDE

REDEEMED OF THE LORD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Card Mania---Layer It
Classic DT---ATG
Connie Can Crop---ATG
Country View---ATG
Craft Galore---ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG
Daisy Chain---Add Some Sparkles
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/Love
Not Just Cards---ATG
Paper Creator's---ATG
Paradise of Stamps---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---ATG
YSBP---ATG


Don't forget to join our WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Scripture Word Art this week to make a project and link it to our Challenge although it's not mandatory.  You can also link other projects (up to 5) as long as it has uplifting/inspirational messages.  Our sponsors this Challenge are The Greeting Farm ($40 GC) and Craftin' Desert Divas (2 Digi Images).  Have a blessed day and remember to always be grateful and hold on to the promises of God in your life no matter what.  Let the Holy Spirit comfort you with God's Word and empower you daily as you share the hope you have with others.

Sweet Girl Birthday Card---Join our Backporch Gang at 613 Avenue Create for another Monthly Challenge!

Hi there, friends!  A BLESSED AND GLORIOUS NEW YEAR TO Y'ALL!  We are starting the first day of the New Year with an Anything Goes Challenge with Optional Twist "Favorite Technique" at 613 Avenue Create.  We had a wonderful run the past year and we thank all of you  for sharing your wonderful projects with us in 2016.

Before anything else, I am very grateful for another year the Lord blessed us with...Our country had been through so much for nearly eight years now.  It was strategically and purposely harmed by people who would like to remove it from the position it was originally established as a Godly nation.  This work had been going on much longer than that but the attack on our religious freedom and constitutional rights had been non-stop the past eight years and still going.  Yet I have seen the hand of the Lord and believed that He heard our prayers (His people) when we prayed/called for His help (2 Chronicles 7:14) especially during the course of our latest Presidential election. He saved us from the destruction that the forces of darkness was prepared to unleash in order to demonize this nation.  God stepped in and destroyed the plans of the enemy.  They were in complete shocked and didn't know what hit them.  But God's people knew!  IT WAS THE POWER OF GOD! (I say, "Thank you, Jesus!")

However, it is important to understand that our hope does not come from any man.  No person can do anything unless the God of heaven and earth enables him/her to do so.  No one is capable of saving this country---but GOD!  Last November, the final two presidential candidates gave me very little to no hope in man's leadership until I saw the power of God broke through the darkness.  What people taught would be an easy win for someone (whose satanic and abominable acts and affiliation is beyond words) miraculously turned into an upsetting defeat.  (Praise the Lord!) Because of that, I have every reason to rejoice and expect great and mighty things happening in this country despite the efforts of the outgoing leaders to wreak havoc to this nation, our allies and the world as a whole using every bit of power they have left.  What they don't realize is that they don't have power on their own.  Like their father (Satan), they are defeated and no weapon they wage against God's people shall prosper.  Isaiah 54:16-17 tells us, “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD."  Unless the Lord allows it, they're powerless against them whose faith is in the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross.  

So as we welcome the New Year, let us thank God for every blessing as well as the the physical and spiritual victory He has prepared for us.  Let us lift up in prayer the upcoming leadership in our national, local and state levels.  Let us go outside the four walls of our Churches and be involved in all pillars of our society and saturate them with the fear (reverential) and knowledge of God.  Use every social media opportunities to tell the Truth (God's Word) and stand against political correctness and worldly tolerance.  If you are a child of God (Born-again, John 3:3), BE BOLD, BE STRONG and REFUSE TO BE SILENT!  It is time to take our country back and stand with God's chosen nation, Israel!  I would like to share some of these wonderful verses to empower us to live and proclaim God's Truth in this day and time.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7)

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you (John 16:13-15)

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is Godʼs will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:12-17)

For this Card, I used an image from Recollections (Label Me Sweet) and Stampers Anonymous (Crazy Things).  I colored some parts with my Touch Five Markers and the rest were done with one of my fave techniques---Paper-piecing (Learn it HERE).  I also incorporated another technique I love which is Fussy Cutting (Shown HERE).  If you are familiar with my style/creations, these two wonderful crafting techniques are commonly seen in my projects.  This is a simple Birthday card but I love how the colors and patterns gave it the "Wow" factor... I think it's wonderful!

 SWEET GIRL BIRTHDAY CARD

 SWEET GIRL BIRTHDAY CARD LAYERS

 SWEET GIRL BIRTHDAY CARD INSIDE

SWEET GIRL BIRTHDAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Artistic Stamper---ATG
Card Mania---Layer It
Classic DT---ATG
Connie Can Crop---ATG
Country View---ATG
Craft Galore---ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/Love
Not Just Cards---ATG
Paper Creator's---ATG
Paradise of Stamps---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---ATG 
YSBP---ATG 


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the fun by joining our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.   Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week. I hope you have a great start of the year and know that through faith in what Jesus accomplished through the Cross, we have complete victory that we can effectively share with others!