Scripture Series: Out of Thee Shall He Come Winter Card---Join our Inspiraitonal/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello guys...So sorry this post is several days late.  I just don't have a lot of time to sit by the computer and Blog this month.  So many things to do and activities to attend to.  As always, you are free to download the Scripture Word Art featured in this project by visiting our Word Art Wednesday (WAW) Challenge Blog.  There's a load or prizes to be won and you will be inspired by viewing my fellow designers created shared in their Blogs.

Our Scripture Word Art comes from Micah 5:2 which says, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."  My Life Application Bible shared an important detail about this verse that truly blessed me and I want to share it with you.  It says, "Ephrathah  was the district in which Bethlehem was located.  The ruler spoken about in this verse is no other than Jesus, the Messiah.  Here, Micah accurately predicted Christ's birthplace hundreds of years before Jesus was born.  The promised eternal King in David's line who would come to live as a man, had been alive forever---"from of old, from ancient times."  Although eternal, Christ entered human history as the man, Jesus of Nazareth."  

Friends, no other Man in human history fulfilled every prophecy that was written about Him hundreds of years ago and still continuing to do so to this day.  Jesus was there before the foundation of the earth and He left the majesty of His throne to come to this world---to live among us (human beings) for the sole purpose of dying on the Cross.  It was the Only Way to save us from the eternal torment brought by Sin and Death that we inherited from being in Adam separating us from God, our Father!  Apart from Him, there is no other Savior!  Everyone have sinned by virtue of our affiliation with Adam.  The Scripture talks about Jesus from beginning to end.  He came, He lived, He died on the Cross and He rose again so that anyone who places their trust in Him ---His finished work at the Cross will live forever in His presence. I am eternally grateful to Jesus, my Savior, for He has chosen to reveal to me His plan and purpose which to this day are still hidden to many.   His Name be praised!

For this Card, I used an image from Stampendous called "Winter Stack" which I colored using my Hobby Colour markers.  The base is an A7 pre-cut card from Paper Studio, the borders for the hills are from Lawn Fawn and the glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  I also added some Liquid Pearls (White Opal for dimension as well as some fancy stitching.  The sentiment inside the card is from Momenta Stamps. 

 OUT OF THEE SHALL HE COME WINTER CARD

 OUT OF THEE SHALL HE COME WINTER CARD LAYERS

 OUT OF THEE SHALL HE COME WINTER CARD INSIDE

OUT OF THEE SHALL HE COME WINTER CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Sweet Stampers---ATG 


I hope you'd take the time to join us at our WAW Challenge.  It's Anything Goes as long as it's family friendly with uplifting and inspirational messages, you can link up to 5 projects.  Our sponsors this week are Gina Marie Designs (Elf Themed Stamp Set) and The Cutting Cafe (Digis). I can't wait to see your projects  and leave you some encouragement on your Blogs.

CAS Series: Butterfly Flower Birthday Card---Join Us for our December/Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello, everyone!  Last Sunday, we started our December/Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  I created a very simple card that features our optional theme of "Use Some Washi Tape" for my inspiration card. Wow, it's already December!  I was hoping I could say how cool the weather is in Texas but it's still pretty hot in the daytime.  But as always I am grateful to the Lord for every day we wake up and experience His blessings. Be it in victory in the midst of trials or rejoicing from His abundance, there's always something to be grateful about.

As we celebrate this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, what am I truly thankful about?  I can enumerate many things in this world God has blessed me with.  I may not have riches, fame nor power based on worldly standards but I have what is truly important/valuable---I have Christ in me now and for all eternity!  This past week, many of us heard of a well known Christian artist whose recent rise to fame in the Music Pop Charts suddenly compromise God's Truth to avoid a career-breaking backlash on the issue of "Homosexuality as a sin."  After personally hearing the VIDEO of this artist's interview hosted by a secular radio station, here's a reaction/comment I made on Facebook on a friend's page that deals with this artist's worldview on the issue.  I wrote, "Even before I became a Born-again Christian and has very little knowledge of the religion (Roman Catholicism) I was born-in, I knew that homosexuality is a sin as well as adultery, fornication, lying and many more.  The "conscience" (moral compass) witnesses to the statutes of God in our hearts. Many wrote their conscience off when they needed to satisfy their fleshly desires or when they have love ones and friends doing it/in bondage to a sinful lifestyle. I remember the saying that “not because someone invites you to jump off a cliff, you should do it.” Having learned/studied God’s Word personally just solidified my conviction to do what is right in the sight of the Lord. So, the argument that she’s a baby Christian ignorant of this basic Truth doesn’t fly by me. She chose to compromise in order to satisfy a personal ambition. We are to pray for her but we have to expose her error to warn others of what the love for stardom can do to one’s faith.”

There are so many things that the enemy can use to veer us (believers) away from God.  The moment we take our focus away from Jesus Christ and His finished work at the Cross and set our eyes on things of this world (personal ambition that caters to the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life), we are allowing Satan to target and devour us.  Once we fall on the enemy's trap, darkness takes over----causing deception and blindness in our spirit.  Don't ever think that we have strength in ourselves to battle with the host of spiritual wickedness in high places.  The only reason we can triumph over them is because of our new birth in Christ (Born-again, John 3:3) that allows the Holy Spirit to operate inside of us.  In Him, no power of the enemy can stand!  So, when we're faced with all kinds of temptations (fueled by our selfish ambitions), we are to confront our own flesh by the power of the Holy Spirit through the finished work of Jesus Christ.  Turn our eyes away from ourselves, repent and submit solely unto the Lord.  Luke 10:17-20 tells us, "The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”  He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” God had blessed me (and every believer) with so many things including the power to trample over the works of the enemy  that I can say "no" to the many temptations that seek to devour me.  But more than that, I am forever grateful that God Almighty chose me from before time to carry out His purpose, writing my name among the redeemed through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, My Savior!  So, if I'm stripped off everything in this world today, I will always have a reason to rejoice.  For Jesus Christ is my true hope of glory!


For this Card, I used an image from Inkadinkado Stamps called "Sending Wishes" and colored it with my Prismacolor markers.  The base is white A2 card (comes with an envelope) from Paper Studio, the sentiment from Studio 112 and the Washi Tape from Tape Works.  Truly a simple card that came out so beautifully.

 BUTTERFLY FLOWER BIRTHDAY CARD

BUTTERFLY FLOWER BIRTHDAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge with an optional theme.  Can't wait to see what you create. The Lord is with you every step of the way so, don't compromise God's Word nor be afraid of the what the future holds based on your faithfulness to His Word.  Great is our eternal reward in heaven for us whose trust in not of the world but in Christ!

Scripture Series: Everlasting to Everlasting Card---Join Us for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi everyone!  Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all of you here in the Blogging world.  So sorry for another late post as this week is just crazy for me.  We had an enjoyable Thanksgiving Day in the house of Church friend and later on---with my hubby's family.  God is so good and we are totally thankful for all the blessings and even the trials that shows us how faithful He was/is to His promises to never leave us nor forsake us.  Jesus is the Source of all the blessing we enjoy and we are grateful to the Cross as the means by which we receive them.

Anyway, I want to bring to you my featured card that highlights our Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) that started recently.  It comes from Psalm 103:17 which says, "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children."  Oh, the depths of the mercy of the Lord!  Before we can know or understand God, we need His mercy to see with faith;  to capture our true spiritual condition that would lead us to repentance.  If we don't believe in the God who created us, you will feel no need to repent for you would think of no one to account for.  But the Truth of the matter is, God has built upon us a "conscience" (moral compass) that will always remind us of God and His statutes.  The reason why some deny the existence of God is because they don't want to be accountable to Him so that they can follow their own worldly and lustful desires.  But just because they deny God, that doesn't mean they're not accountable to Him.  Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.  For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." They can run and hide as much as they want but nobody is going to escape the reality of God's judgment.  Many are seeking for things that would give meaning to their lives and once they reached the pinnacle of success and can buy everything they want, they'll discover that none of them truly satisfy. And in their desperation, they still manage to harden their hearts and refuse to call on the One and Only Lord that can fill their void---Jesus Christ!

So, what is God's mercy?  Simply put, it's when God removed the punishment our Sin deserved--- the moment we placed our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross.  For the penalty of Sin is Death and we (all human beings) are incapable of saving ourselves since all of us are born with the Sin Nature (originated with Lucifer).  The Sin of Man (happened in the Garden of Eden when Adam formed an alliance with Satan by disobeying God) cannot go unpunished and we needed Someone pure and holy (without an iota of Sin) to die in our place---a ransom to our freedom.  Only God is holy and because of God's love for mankind, He sent His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, to bear our Sin and die at the Cross. So that by His blood and death, we'd become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus as if Sin never happened. God's mercy is boundless for everyone who placed their faith in God's victorious Son. In our good days and bad days, God sees in us the victory that Jesus accomplished at the Cross.  We should never allow our feelings and circumstances to erase this Truth in our minds and in our hearts.

Let's expand on what the other half of our featured verse meant.  What is righteousness and what does it mean to be righteous in the sight of the Lord?  I would like to quote what gotquestions.org published on this topic as it truly made a wonderful explanation.  It says, "The Bible describes the righteous person as just or right, holding to God and trusting in Him (Psalm 33:18–22). The bad news is that true and perfect righteousness is not possible for man to attain on his own; the standard is simply too high. The good news is that true righteousness is possible for mankind, but only through the cleansing of sin by Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We have no ability to achieve righteousness in and of ourselves. But Christians possess the righteousness of Christ, because “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is an amazing truth. On the cross, Jesus exchanged our sin for His perfect righteousness so that we can one day stand before God and He will see not our sin, but the holy righteousness of the Lord Jesus. This means that we are made righteous in the sight of God; that is, that we are accepted as righteous and treated as righteous by God on account of what the Lord Jesus has done. He was made sin; we are made righteousness. On the cross, Jesus was treated as if He were a sinner, though He was perfectly holy and pure, and we are treated as if we were righteous, though we are defiled and depraved. On account of what the Lord Jesus has endured on our behalf, we are treated as if we had entirely fulfilled the Law of God and had never become exposed to its penalty. We have received this precious gift of righteousness from the God of all mercy and grace. To Him be the glory!"  God is so good that He extends that righteousness from generation to generation for all of us that fear, trust and love Him."
  
For this Card, I used an embossing folder and stamp (used in the envelope) that came as a freebie from a magazine I bought several months ago.  I was pressed with time and don't have the luxury to color and fussy cut images to make my usual layered cards.  I decided to utilize my Distress Inks and sponge several colors for this Fall inspired card.  After laying the colors to my satisfaction, I ran the panel with the embossing folder through my Cuttlebug and the magic happened.  I inked another cardstock and then ran it through my printer for the Word Art.  I also used a Martha Stewart Border Punch for the lacy heart border for added dimension.  Lastly, I stitched several panels of this creation.  Simply beautiful!

EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING CARD

EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING CARD CLOSE-UP

EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING CARD INSIDE

EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Calling All Sistahs---CAS
LeAnn's World---ATG
Creative Crafters---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---ATG
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the Scripture Word Art (download for free at the WAW site) 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 each week. Wonderful prizes await our winners from our lovely sponsors for this week---The Project Bin ($15 GC) and Imagine That (Digi Images).  So excited to see what you come up with.  I pray that you live boldly, freely and joyfully bringing glory to Jesus Christ always.    

Scripture Series: Cinderella Before and After Cards---Join Us for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi everybody!  So sorry for the delay in posting this project I made for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, one of my cards here feature the Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) from God's Word in Psalm 26:7 which says, "That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,  And tell of all Your wondrous works."

In this season of Thanksgiving here in America, we have a lot to be grateful about.  If we truly are believers of the Lord Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), we know that everything happens for a reason.  Good or bad, we know that God is in control and that we can always depend upon Him in all situations.  We express gratitude to people that God brought to our lives that blessed us in different kinds and ways.    God can use anyone to deliver His message, His blessings and hope for us---His children.  However, we must be careful not to center our focus on those whom God used but to give thanks and ascribe glory to the very Source of all our blessing---GOD HIMSELF!

Anyway,  we just finished casting our votes in the Midterm Elections and have chosen our leaders and representatives.  I will be lying if I tell you that I am extremely happy with the results after learning that the Democratic party took control of the House (Congress).  Despite the wonderful things happening in our country as God uses our current administration to restore our country back in order in just less than two years (after nearly a decade of ungodliness and destruction brought about by the previous administration), other people chose to give their support over godless men and women who have openly declared lawlessness and hatred for God to legislate on their behalf.  It's hard to fathom the utter deception that had befallen those who decided to support these kind of politicians who does not acknowledge God and our Constitution.  Because for God-fearing people that are operating with wisdom, the choice was crystal clear.  As a believer, I know that God is in control and because He is, I am at peace.  But sometimes,  I couldn't help but think of what these godless leaders would conspire to do next to harm our nation?  For their minds are  dominated with selfish and demonic thoughts continually.  They have lost all manner of decency as their evil plans to destroy this nation through lawlessness and godless acts are now proudly proclaimed and done in the open.  While I was quietly dealing with this frustration, God reminded me of a name---GIDEON!  I decided to refresh my memory about the story of this Godly man and found a video that God used to reveal His heart to me.  So I want to share with you what I wrote in my Facebook page a few hours after the 2018 Midterm elections.  You can find the VIDEO at the very end of this post and I suggest that you take the time to watch it too.  Here's what I posted:

FRIENDS, I NEED TO SHARE THIS AND I ASKED THAT YOU TAKE THE TIME TO READ AS YOU ACTIVATE YOUR SPIRITUAL EYES/EARS: As I inquire of the results in last night’s 2018 Midterm Election, I felt sad upon hearing that the lawless party has taken control of the House (Congress). How could many people be so deceived as to put these God-haters who had been proven to promote death, destruction, division, satanic worship and lunacy be given the power to govern and allow them to wreak havoc on the many great things that had been accomplished. Without any of their support, our country prospered in all levels which sure benefited every American. But it didn’t take a while for me to snap out of it as the peace and assurance of God’s control and sovereignty began to engulf me. Immediately, He reminded me of GIDEON. That in Israel’s fight with the Medianites, though they were strongly outnumbered, God reduced their army even more. Why? Because when we have everything in our favor, we as people tend to think we won because of our own might/power. When we gain victory on situation we knew none of our efforts would work, that’s when we recognize God’s hand and give Him all the glory. So, I felt that I needed to share this Gideon (short) video to all of us American who fear and rely upon the Lord. The parallelism to our time is astounding as many people turn their hearts against God worshiping other gods like Baal (child sacrifice aka abortion in our time, sexual immorality and pursuit for riches and power) along with many others. We are given a leader to free us from the consequences of our sin as a nation and restore us to the righteousness of God. Remember that all things work together for good to those who love God and live according to His purpose. Please watch and be blessed! I pray that as God comforted me, it will also encourage us and propel us to continue to fight alongside God till we see the enemy vanish in this country."

This is truly profound and I know this is God's message to all God-fearing Americans at this time. Surely if we have our way, we would want to sit back and relax and have our government do everything for us.  Many would be placing their trust in our POTUS, to the leaders of our government and their positions rather than placing their faith upon God who uses people to deliver unto us His blessings and victory.  I am not saying we should not thank and acknowledge people but let's face it, many do really put their trust in people, in one's power and might, rather than God.  I see that in social media comments daily.  The Truth is, we need to acknowledge the hand of God not only in the affairs of our nation but in the world.  We cannot sit back and relax and pretend like no one wants to harm our country.  Let us continue to pray and trust God and do whatever He tells us to do as we encourage one another to fight the good fight of faith.  Though we are led by our President, God is the ultimate Commander of this entire universe and everyone is accountable to Him.  Nothing takes place without His permission. So, when things are not going our way, remember Psalm 30:5 which says, "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."  In Jesus, we are never without hope!  Let us be bold and speak up, proclaiming Truth and rebuking lies.  In every victory, always give the glory back to God!  Worship God, not man.  He alone deserves it! 

For this Card, I used a couple of images from Mo Manning Stamps called "Cinderella (Before and After)" and colored it using my Touch Five/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored for an A2 size cards (4.25 x 5.5 inches).  The DP's are from DCWV.  The sentiments were of course our Scripture Word Art while the other comes from one of our sponsors for this Challenge, Stamp Simply from the "Words of Encouragement Set."  I purposely made a CAS design to more on the Scripture and how it relates to the images.  I love it!

 CINDERELLA BEFORE AND AFTER CARDS

 CINDERELLA BEFORE CARD WITH ENVELOPE

CINDERELLA AFTER CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A2Z---Give Thanks
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ARG
Crafts Galore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Just Keep on Creating---ATG
LeAnn's---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Oddball Art----ATG
Worldwide DT---ATG
YSP---ATG
Brown Sugar---Thankful
Creative Fingers---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 several times in two weeks.  A great prize awaits our winner from our wonderful sponsors---Stamp Simply Clear Stamps (Stamps and/or Die-cuts) and Sweet n' Sassy  Stamps (Digis).  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.  His presence in us enables us to do the impossible.

HOW GIDEON WAS USED BY GOD

Encouragement Series: One Cup at a Time Card---Join Us for our November Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, guys!  Time to highlight another inspirational card for our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  We have an optional theme of "Christmas and/or Winter" for this month.  But like always, you're free to be as creative or simple so there's no reason for you to miss our fun challenge.

I can't  believe we are almost at the end of this year.  But my fave part of being in this season is the cool temperature we have here in Texas.  After many months of just temperatures near and over hundred degrees, I am thanking God for the chill.  And I can't help but relate that to seasons we go through in our lives.  Sometimes too hot, sometimes too cold and at times, in between.  When there's no rain, we are out and about, doing a lot of things outdoors  on vacation.  We're on a past-faced mode just enjoying the no hassle, everything going well kind of days.  We are able to accomplish a lot of things and visit places we've never been.  But on rainy days, we tend to postpone things and stay home, trying to avoid the inconvenience and the hassles of driving in the rain, the puddles, the mud and also the strong winds.  We hide and slow down even more during the winter.  We are very picky where to go and only head out when necessary.  Where I live, temperatures can go from very hot to really cold in one day so, we have to have strong immune system in order to withstand the drastic changes in the environment.  Like what many of us do dealing with life in general.

But the good news is, God is present in all of our seasons! As we go through it physically and spiritually, He is always there to see us through.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:  a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God."  When we truly acknowledge the hand of God in our daily circumstances and willingly put our trust in His divine wisdom and love for us, His creation, we have a safe place to go to no matter what circumstances we encounter in this life.  By having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), I can handle everything life throws at me knowing He is with me/in me always.  Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  I consider this my life verse for it is in this Truth that I can go through each day with confidence. Whether it's summer or winter, hot or cold, dry  or wet and everything in between, He navigates His life in me and through me.  All I needed to do is to give Him the driver's seat and go along for the ride.  And because He has given me a blueprint of His plan, His Word (the Bible), I can understand the signs and takes note of His instructions while He empowers me with wisdom to lead myself and others to this special and wonderful place that He prepared for all who trusted in Him.  His Name be praised forever.

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Stamps called "Latte Love" that I watercolored using Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from DCWV and Recollections, the layered flowers are from Prima with the center embellishment from Heidi Grace, the white nail head gems from Imaginisce and the glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  I also use Nestabilites die for the Scalloped circle.  Lastly, I stitched all over this project. 

ONE CUP AT A TIME CARD

 ONE CUP AT A TIME CARD SIDE VIEW

 ONE CUP AT A TIME CARD LAYERS

 ONE CUP AT A TIME CARD INSIDE

ONE CUP AT A TIME CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Lots of Layers
Always Fun---Watercolors
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Path to Positivity---Anything Positive/Shades of Green
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Dragonfly Dreams---ATG
Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Penny Black---Make Someone Smile
Gem of a Challenge---ATG
All Sorts---Pretty Papers
Catch the Bug---ATG
Crafty Friends---2 or More Patterned Papers
Colour Crazy---Coloring
Crafty Catz---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Jo's Scrap Shack---ATG
QKR---ATG
Quick Quotes---ATG


This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge with optional theme, "Christmas and/or Winter.  If you want to be challenged more, take on our Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it. Can't wait to see what you create. The Cross of Christ is more than the just a story passed on from generation to generation.  It's a story of love, grace and hope that is good for today and all of eternity. 

Scripture Series: Fear of the Lord Card---Join Us for Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty friends! We have a new Challenge happening at Word Art Wednesday (WAW). As always, we feature a Scripture Word Art that you can download for free at the WAW site. I was privileged to write our WAW devotional at this time to give our Challenge coordinator, Karen, a much needed rest after her shoulder surgery.  I would like to share it here and I pray that it blesses you as well.  So, our inspiration Scripture for this Challenge that I featured in my card below comes from Proverbs 9:10 which says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

Before I came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, I grew up knowing that there is a God.  Though it was more of a religion than a relationship with Him, I knew that He watches over me and knows my every thought. I was familiar with the Ten Commandments and tried my very best to obey them.  But I also struggled with fear.  I was terrified of what God's punishment would be every time I violate a commandment or two.  After all, I was taught that God rewards the faithful and punishes the disobedient.

So needless to say, I feared the Lord greatly.  But hey, even in my limited understanding of God those days, that fear kept me out of many troubles.  The fear of the Lord is defined as "the continual awareness that our loving heavenly Father is watching everything we think, say and do."  When we ignore Gd in our lives, we deprive ourselves of understanding His ways, His love and His power.  Those who fear the Lord have a continual awareness of Him, a deep reverence for Him and a sincere commitment to obey Him.  Their fear causes them to focus on the Lord, and walk in wisdom while avoiding foolishness.

Today, nearly thirty years since I came to know God in a deeper and personal way through the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross, my fear of Him has transformed into respect (out of love for God) and awe (of His greatness).  I am fearful of doing anything contrary to His plan and purpose in my life.  Because I value him greatly, I desire to know His ways and deliver only what is pleasing to Him.  Therefore, I seek His Word and meditate on His promises daily that in my knowledge and understanding of Him, I would gain wisdom to choose and walk the path He has prepared for me.  I would like to share these passages from Proverbs 2 that tells us of the importance of seeking God's Word, gaining wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

For this Card, I used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called "Guy Walking Dog" which I colored using my Prismacolor markers.  The base is a Kraft CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP is from American Crafts and Recollections and the white brads are from Recollections too.  Lastly, I stitched all over this project.  It's simple and masculine.  I love it!

 FEAR OF THE LORD CARD

 FEAR OF THE LORD CARD LAYERS

 FEAR OF THE LORD CARD INSIDE

FEAR OF THE LORD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Creations---ATG
Creative Moments----ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG
Lemon Shortbread---ATG
Cute N Crafty---ATG
Path of Positivity---ATG (Positive)
Scrapbook Stamp---ATG
Createful Heart---Add a Sentiment
Not Just Cards---ATG
Pause Dream Enjoy---ATG
Sunny Day Crafting---ATG with Animals
Creative Crafters---ATG
Worldwide 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 each week.  Great prizes to be won from our wonderful sponsors---Pretty Little Studio (price package) and Stix 2 Anything (price package).  Let your trembling turn into awe and reverence as you desire to come to the saving knowledge of  our Lord, Jesus Christ.  He is truly an awesome God!

Scripture Series: Bear One Another's Burdens Card---It's Time for Another Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, Crafty Peeps! It's time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As usual, we are featuring a Scripture Word Art that you can download for free at the WAW site.  This Challenge highlights a verse coming from Galatians 6:2 which says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

The past few weeks, we witnessed what the ungodly politicians would do to destroy anyone's reputation to derail the appointment of someone who would be faithful to interpret the rule of law (our Constitution) from being carried out in this country.  For the past eight years of previous administration, they wreak havoc to transform every pillars of our society towards ungodliness with an agenda to destroy this nation.  They turned many of us into a lawless, racist, divisive, unpatriotic, haters of God kind of people.  And all that time, God-fearing men and women of God vexed our souls and cried unto the Lord to save our nation from the demonic destruction it was headed to.  On Presidential election night of 2016, I felt sad in my spirit---not sure of the plight of Donald Trump whom I voted for earlier that day.   The thought of Clinton taking the office as POTUS and the evil she stood for horrified me.  So, even though I wasn't a fan of Trump (not knowing how true he would be to his promises during the campaign), I was led to vote for him as I prayed and plead the grace of God for our country.  It was not a fancy  prayer.  It was one of those prayers that words could not express coming from an honest place in my heart asking for the power of God to intervene and show our nation mercy and deliverance.  So, upon the announcement of Trump winning the election when the liberals were already celebrating their anticipated victory (I stayed up till it was announced), you can imagine how joyful and thankful I was to witness an honest to goodness miracle that day.  While rejoicing, I saw a report of the many others that did a coordinated prayer and election watch that night  not only here in this nation but all over the world, including Israel.  They showed a graph when election began to turn in our favor that night.  It was at the time when many of us prayed in unity.  Wow,  I cried tears of joy having seen an actual/tangible evidence of what I believed and claimed all along in my spirit---that God would answer the prayers of His people! 

So here we are,  nearly two years after and President Trump exceeded every expectations.  Not only did he fulfill most of his campaign promises but he stood up with all the bullies in both national and international level.  I have seen how God used him from the very day he assumed office to undo the evil the former  administration established and bring us back to the rule of law, love of country and love of God.  And its obvious to me that he's able to do all that (amidst all the threat of terrorists and God hating citizens of this country) because the guidance and protection of Almighty God is upon him.  Surely, God can use anybody.  If God used a donkey to speak to Balaam in Numbers 22:28, why would we doubt that He could use a man (who does not fit our mold of spirituality) to run this country?  When God sends a man to fulfill His holy purpose, He gives him power and authority.  So until God's plan is fulfilled in that individual, no one can take him/her out.  But of course, Satan and his minions know that their time is short and had to display their vile and utter hatred against the rule of God in this country.  So they use everything we hold dear to us and they twist and pervert them to attract support and deceive the gullible and unsuspecting---those who are blind and weak in spirit.  They do everything to get a hold of public office and target our children.  They indoctrinate them with hatred for God and country and encourage them to all sorts of sexual immorality.  So be it in school or at home (where most media programs the kids watch, including commercials, are tainted with demonic agenda) parents (some unknowingly) feed their children to these Satanic wolves.  Recently, we saw the repulsive acts of godless politicians in the nomination proceedings prior to the confirmation of  now Supreme Court Judge---Brett Kavanaugh.  The undeniable lack of decency and baseless accusations of their politicians tried to force us to condemn people without due process---anything to get their way and continue their evil agenda to destroy this nation.  Church, we better wake up!  Let us stop waiting for others who are sleeping and have turned away from the Truth.  Yes, we are to pray for them but at the same time, we need to fight the good fight of faith.  Speak the Truth in boldness and refuse political correctness.  If one of us is being attacked for doing what is right in the sight of God, we are to carry each other's burdens by uniting in prayer and marching into action.  Always remembering Proverbs 29:2 which says, "When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan."  Let us not allow the wicked mob to intimidate nor stop us.  Encourage God-fearing man to run for office and support them in every way.  Start by voting God and freedom loving candidates to office this November.  I believe we are under God's protection so, let us go out there and defeat the demonic mob by exercising our God-given right to vote.  Be proactive, never passive!  That way, we can continue to see the law of Christ reigning in this nation.  Are you with me?

For this Card, I used an image from our wonderful sponsor, Graciellie Designs, called "Daffodil" from Simple Wisdom Set. I colored it with my ProMaker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The background stamps are from Dylusions, the glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and the border punch from EK Success.  I also attached some nail head gems from Imaginisce.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  

 BEAR ONE ANOTHER''S BURDENS CARD

 BEAR ONE ANOTHER''S BURDENS CARD LAYERS

 BEAR ONE ANOTHER''S BURDENS CARD INSIDE

BEAR ONE ANOTHER''S BURDENS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
PIP---ATG
Path of Positivity---Anything Positive  with optional Purple Shades
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG/Boys or Men
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Angie's Digital---ATG
Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Corrosive---ATG
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Country View---Plant-tastic
Craft Galore Encore---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG/Texture
Color It Create It---ATG
Happy Craft---ATG
House of Cards---Autumnal Flower and/or Colors
Just Keep on Creating---ATG
LeAnn's World---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Use Strips of Paper
Love to Craft---ATG
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG
Pause Dream Enjoy---ATG
Sparkle N Sprinkle---Use Glitter/Embossing Powder/Flocking
YSP---ATG
Crafty Creations---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG/Spooky
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---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 each week.  You can win wonderful goodies from our awesome sponsors this week---Honey Bee Stamps ($25 GC) and Graciellie Designs (Digi Images).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, know that God is in control and His protection is upon everyone whose faith is established in Jesus Christ. Use each day to make a difference in this world.  

Believe in Today Center Step Card---Join Us for our Anything Goes/Monthly Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello everyone.  We have a new Challenge for this month at 613 Avenue Create that started a couple of days ago.  As always, it's Anything Goes with an optional twist, "Use Something Wooden."  I highlighted a card using stamped branches as background image to take on the twist for this Challenge.

Anyway, I am so thankful to the Lord for some much needed vacation time for mine and my son's Birthdays last month.  We couldn't justify an extravagant get-away but with what we came up with, it turned out great.  Been to some wonderful Asian restaurants and supermarkets and bought some of the food products I haven't seen for years from my country of birth, Philippines.  For my  second and third time, I tried two Airbnb accommodations and were very happy with the amenities we were provided.  We had some gloomy days with some heavy rain on a couple of the days when we were out in the coast but even that didn't stop us from enjoying the scenery.  We had lots of pictures with some dark clouds in the background but hey, it's not everyday we see them clouds...

What I really like to share is that thankfulness/gratitude does not come from having perfect life/situations.  Even in lack, there's always something to be thankful about.  I'm grateful for waking up each day, living and breathing the air that God provides.  I'm grateful for a sound body and mind, for opportunities, for food on our table, for family but most of all---for having Jesus in my life.  The other night, I experienced another battle with the enemy (demonic attack) as I was trying to get some sleep.  As I was physically laying in my bed, I felt as if I was being strangled (in the spirit). As I gasp for air, there was an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness that's trying to take a hold of me.  It tried to convince me that I would get no rest and that I would die.  In the physical, I didn't feel any pain as I laid comfortably in the same position.  But in the spirit, I was fighting an evil presence.  It's hard to explain as there are some things that can't be put into words and are only discerned spiritually.  I know what I'm talking about as this is not the first time it happened to me.  Throughout the course of serving the Lord, there were more intense situations similar to this that I experienced in between the physical and spiritual realm.  Most, if not all,  happened when God was about to  transition me to a higher level of service.  So, while I was battling the negative thoughts and the fear that goes with it in the spirit, the Holy Spirit reminded me that I didn't have to put up with this demonic influence.  That I have His power inside of me to stop and drive it out.  It was a light bulb in my spirit and right there in that instance, I spoke and said (in the spirit), "You have no power over me, Satan!  I am a child of the Most High God.  Stay away from me!"  And at that very moment---SILENCE!  Peace came through in my spirit.  The next thing I heard was my phone alarm.  I turned the alarm off and looked at the time.  I was amazed to see that I slept for 4 hours straight. And I exclaimed "Thank you Lord!"  Some may think I was only dreaming but I am not here to convince anyone to believe.  I am here to express my gratitude to the Lord for His Holy Presence inside of me that guides and protects me through both my physical and spiritual battles.  I have nothing to fear and have every reason to be thankful daily.  Praise be to His Holy Name! Just want to share the following verses to encourage us when we experience all kinds of battle:

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

For this Card, I used an image from Penny Black that I had for many years now and colored it using my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers. The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card design.  The DP's are from My Mind's Eye, the stamped background (branches) is from Ditto and the stamped sentiment is from Stampabilities.  I punched some leaves using Fiskars punch, layered flowers from Prima, added a brad from Recollections and added some glitters using Stickles (Diamond).  Finally, I stitched over some panels.

 BELIEVE IN TODAY CENTER STEP CARD

 BELIEVE IN TODAY CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW

 BELIEVE IN TODAY CENTER STEP CARD

 BELIEVE IN TODAY CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE

BELIEVE IN TODAY CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This  Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
PIP---ATG
Path of Positivity---Anything Positive  with optional Purple Shades
Scrapbook Stamp Society---ATG/Boys or Men
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Addicted to Stamps---Autumn Colors
Angie's Digital---ATG
Dare 2B Artzy---Fall
Dragonfly Dreams---Autumnal Colors
Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Penny Black---Autumnal Splendour
Stamping Sensations---Shades of Autumn
Corrosive---ATG
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Artistic Stampers---Inktober
Classic DT---ATG
Craft Galore Encore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---ATG with Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG/Texture
Color It Create It---ATG
Daisy Chain---Autumn/Fall
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/Use Free Stamp
Eclectic Ellapu---Fall
Happy Craft---ATG
Just Keep on Creating---ATG
LeAnn's World---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Use Strips of Paper
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---Fall Back
Scor-pal---More than One Score (Fall)
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG
Pause Dream Enjoy---ATG
Scribbles Designs---Patterned Paper
YSP---ATG 
Crafting with an Attitude---ATG 


This is 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. Can't wait to see what you create. The Lord is with you every step of the way so, be at peace that you have Someone you can trust and have your back always.