Scripture Series: Christ Died For Us Card---It's Inspirational, It's Anything Goes, It's Time for Another Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone!  It's been a couple of weeks since our last Challenge so we are starting another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge today at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring a new Scripture Word (you can download for free at the WAW site).  It comes from Romans 5:8 which says, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  Wow, what an awesome verse.  It tells us of a love that is far greater than any of us in this world could ever give.  Jesus was scourge, persecuted and abandoned.  Many wanted Him dead on the Cross.  Yet all He did was to teach them the Truth, demonstrate the ways of the Kingdom  and reveal the heart of the Father and His love for mankind.  He was without Sin yet He died in the hands of sinful men.  Jesus suffered for us---to save mankind from Sin (Sin Nature) and Death (Spiritual, Physical and Eternal Death).  Even in His pain and agony at the Cross, he uttered one of His seven last words in Luke 23:34, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  In the vile display of man's ugliness, Jesus showed us love and compassion!

Who among us would willingly love people who made no qualms in seeking to destroy us?  How many of us can forgive someone who does not ask for forgiveness; instead, they spit on your face and hurt you with their filthy words and actions?  Picture this:  An angry mob is coming right at you---armed with all kinds of  weapons and boldly chanting, "we want you dead!"  Would you do what Jesus did?  Would you pray to the Father to forgive them of their deception and face death without an ounce of hatred and bitterness?  You see, it's easy to make certain sacrifices for those we call friends but for our enemies, why would we?   Truthfully, without Jesus in us, it's impossible to do!  I submit to you that our Savior had His eyes fixed on the Father as He went through the Cross. Jesus knew the Father and the Father knew Him.  John 1:1-5 tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."   Jesus is the Word of God!  Therefore, He was in the beginning and He knew the will, purpose and plans of the Father for humanity.  He also knew what the shedding of His blood would do to bring humanity back to the glorious presence of the Father.  He had His eyes on the mission at hand and that's to bring everyone who trust (faith, believe) in Him to salvation and present them faultless before the throne of the Father in heaven.  Because Jesus endured, He won the victory and  He received the prize!  Philippians 2: 5-11 tells us, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to cling to, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place, and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  Jesus endured all kinds of pain and suffering.  He took every accusation and condemnation.  He carried the full weight of our Sin, nailed it at the Cross and died without resentment till He rose again from the dead completing His mission.   In the eyes of man, he died a shameful death but in the eyes of the Father, He was brilliant!  Through faith in what Jesus accomplished at the Cross, I have something to look forward to while I am living and breathing in this world.

As a child of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside of me and is transforming me daily to the likeness of my Savior, Jesus Christ!  Like all of our brethren,  I have a  long way to go, my friends!  We have so much evil in this world today (as we witness the unfolding of God's Word in these Last Days).  In our own strength, it's impossible to love like Jesus especially in a world that strategically seeks to destroy us.  But when we allow the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us (the Body of Christ), we can do what Jesus did---to love our enemies!  As we go through trials daily (be it personal, national or global), let us remember how Jesus carried out His mission by fixing His eyes on the prize.  2 Timothy 4:5-8 tells us of the attitude we should maintain in order to win our race in this life.  It says,  "But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing."  The Word of God revealed to us where we're going when this earthly life is over.  There's a prize (reward) waiting for us!   Having an "eternal perspective" has radically changed my priorities in this world.   I'm not here to gain the world but to serve the purpose and will of my Father in heaven.  Between a temporary life on earth and an eternal life in the presence of Jesus Christ in His kingdom---I choose the latter. 

For this Card, I used an image from our sponsor this week, Graciellie Design, called "Simple Wisdom" which I colored using my Touch Five markers.  The base of the card including the attached butterfly border (from Sizzix) is 5.5 inches square.  I used several clear stamps from Stampabilities, Hot off the Press and Glitz Design for the backgrounds and sentiments.  The tiny butterflies were stamped using Stampin' Up stamp and fussy cut.  I added some gems to the butterflies from Imaginisce as well as glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to the center of the flowers.  Finally, I stitched over the panel of the Scripture Word Art.  Pretty happy with the result.

 CHRIST DIED FOR US CARD

 CHRIST DIED FOR US CARD LAYERS

 CHRIST DIED FOR US CARD INSIDE

CHRIST DIED FOR US CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Creations---ATG
Crafty Gals---ATG
House that Stamps Built---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Inspire-Create---Animals
Moo-Mania---Spring
Paper Shelter---Add Some Metal (Nail head gems on small butterflies)
Simon Says Stamp---ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG/All Loved Up
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG
Create and Inspire---ATG
Not Just Cards---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---Graciellie Design (Digis),  Crafty Individuals (UK 20 GC) and a Clear Stamp Set from our very own, Karen Letchworth.  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.   

Scripture Series: New Creation Triple Tier Slider Fold Card---Link with Us at Word Art Wednesday for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge!

HAPPY HEART'S DAY, everyone!  It's Wednesday and I'm here to feature my card inspiration for our Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Our Scripture Word Art (free for you to download at the WAW site) comes from Colossians 3:14 which says, "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."  

God chose us, before the foundation of the world (predestined), to His higher calling in Christ Jesus.  When we came to the saving knowledge of Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), we translated from the kingdom of darkness to God's kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13).  We are co-heirs with Christ.  We are a new breed of human beings washed by the blood of Jesus that rid us of our old rebellious nature.  We are no longer under the curse of Sin and Death that plagued all of humanity.  We are set apart (sanctified) to do marvelous things for the glory of God, our Father!

The Kingdom of God operates under the ways of God.  We learn the ways of God through the written Word.  As kingdom citizens, our actions should reflect the life lived by our Lord and Savior---fully empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Colossians 3:12-13 says, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  All of these virtues are rooted in love (charity).  Under our old nature, we are incapable of true love (Agape, God's kind of love, self-sacrificing).  With Jesus living inside of us, His presence allows us accomplish everything He requires us to do.  Our faith, the drive, the strength, our talents and abilities, our knowledge and wisdom and the desire to obey His will all comes from Him.  Love is the essential ingredient that completes all other virtues.  If we can love our neighbors as ourselves, it is because God's love was first made manifested in us.  1 John 4:19 tells us, "We love because he first loved us."  I would like to share what my life Application Bible illustrated regarding this topic.  It says, "All the virtues that Paul encourages us to develop  are perfectly bound together by love.  As we clothe ourselves with these virtues, the last garment we are to put on is love, which holds all of the others in place.  To practice any list of virtues without practicing love will lead to distortion, fragmentation and stagnation (1 Corinthians 13:3).  The key to forgiving others is remembering how much God has forgiven you.  Is it difficult for you to forgive someone who has wronged you a little when God has forgiven you so much?  Realizing God's infinite love and forgiveness can help you love and forgive others.  Let God worry about the wrongs you've suffered.  Don't quench your life in bitter feuding; live renewed in love and joy.  Apostle Paul offers a strategy to  help us live for God day by day:  (1) imitate Christ's compassionate, forgiving attitude  (2) let love guide your life  (3) let the peace of Christ rule in your heart (4) always be thankful  (5) keep God's Word in you at all times (6) live as Jesus Christ's representative (Colossians 3:12-17).

For this Card, I used a flower image from Stamper's Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection and added some Stickles (Diamond) for glitters.  The background stamp is from Hampton Art.  The main sentiment and middle tier sentiment came from our wonderful sponsor for this week, Stamp Simply, from the "Words of Encouragement" Set.  The back of the card and envelope sentiments are from Fiskars  "Essential Sayings" Set. I also added some nail head gems from Imaginisce.  For the card base and panels, I used a black and blue CS from Core'dinations and a white CS from my stash.  This card measures 4 x 5 inches (panels tucked in) and goes up to 9 inches tall when pulled from the top.  For the inspiration and instructions on these card fold, I watched this VIDEO from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts.  I love her YouTube Channel filled with lots of wonderful card and lay-out techniques. 

 NEW CREATION TRIPLE TIER SLIDER FOLD CARD

NEW CREATION TRIPLE TIER SLIDER FOLD CARD WHEN PULLED

 NEW CREATION TRIPLE TIER SLIDER FOLD CARD WITH MESSAGE SPACE

NEW CREATION TRIPLE TIER SLIDER FOLD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Creations---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG/Use Real Stamps
Crafty Addicts---ATG/All Loved Up
Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Craft Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Create and Inspire---ATG
Creative Craft Cottage---Love is all around
Daisy Chain---Add a Heart
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/I Love You
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Fabrika Fantasy---Love (Charity)
Lets Craft and Create---ATG/Mother
Scor-pal---More than One Score
Not Just Cards---ATG
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG/Love
Paru's Card Making---Love (Charity)
Sunsational---Love (Charity)

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 ten times in two weeks.  A great prize awaits our winner from our wonderful sponsor---Stamp Simply Store (Clear Stamps and/or Die Cuts) .  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 whose love is great towards us.

Unbelievable Haul—-Too Good Not to Share!

Hello Crafty Peeps! I don't usually post my Crafting purchases but I couldn't help  but share this wonderful deal.  Many months ago, I saw some of these stamps at Michael's but didn't have the budget to buy any.  I think it was like $9.99 each originally.  To make the long story short, I just forgot about them as new fave stamps kept coming out of the market.  I saw them again on Ebay in either a set of four or eight ranging from $20 to about $30 with free shipping.  I almost bought a set of eight then but again, I forgot to follow up on it.  Last night (2/8/2018), as I made a quick stop at my local Dollar Tree to pick up a few items, I saw these stamps in the corner of my eye to where they hang their stickers, the same isle where their school and office supplies are located.  Each one for $1.  I thought it would just be one or two of the sets and the rest would be duplicates but was glad to find eight different sets which (guess what?) I immediately placed in my basket....LOL  I was so happy (almost did a happy dance) that I thanked God for allowing me to see these wonderful stamps.  It was totally unexpected as they usually don't carry clear stamps there.  I found a few single image rubber stamps many years ago, ribbons occasionally and some yarn once in a blue moon.  I don't know how long they've had these clear stamps but there's no harm in checking your local Dollar Tree store to see if they still have them.  Other than avid Papercrafters and Stampers like us, nobody really know what they are so, hopefully you'll be able to get all of the sets available.  Each set measures 10 x 4.5 inches (with packaging).  I tried stamping them with my Hampton Art Stamp Perfect Positioning Tool and they produced a good impression with just one ink application.  I re-inked and stamped again ( I really like a crisp image) and the picture below shows the result. And I didn't even have to prep the image for stamping.  I'm pretty happy with this purchase. 

 COLORING CLEAR STAMPS FROM HAMPTON ART

COLORING CLEAR STAMPS FROM HAMPTON ART STAMPED IMAGE

Anyway, that's all I have for now.  Happy shopping, everyone!   Have a blessed weekend.

Love Inspired Series: Being With You Upright Z-Fold Card---Join Us for Another Monthly Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hi everyone!  A couple of days ago, we just started another monthly Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  So sorry for posting my featured card so late.  Our optional theme is "Love" and you are invited to link your Anything Goes/Love inspired project with us.

You see, in my Church, we always take a few minutes each Sunday service to acknowledge those who have come for the first time, those who have Birthdays and those who are celebrating Wedding Anniversaries.  I think it's very important for us as the Body of Christ to acknowledge one another and share with the important milestones in our walk with the Lord.  My favorite part is when married couples tell us how long they've been married. Some two, ten, fifteen and thirty while others are more than fifty years married.  It's amazing to think of how much joy and happiness the couples shared as well as the sacrifices and pain they went through all those years.  Being married for nearly 17 years myself,  I can say that a lasting marriage need more than physical attraction and emotional satisfaction.  Physical attraction and intimacy are important factors in a relationship but can/may be subjective. Imagine a man and a woman with different needs and wants suddenly coming together under the bond of marriage to live under one roof,  committed to each other 24/7.  No longer would each one be free to do what he/she decides to do but are now accountable to each other all day, everyday.  It may be easy in the early years but it gets tougher as your family grows and years passing.  Let's face it, when you are upset/frustrated with your spouse for any number of reasons, you can't help  but think of him/her as your enemy and just wanted him/her out of your sight (at least for a brief moment).  No wonder we hear of many marriages ending up in divorce/legal separation.  Apart from death, adultery, abandonment and physical abuse, people have added petty reasons for terminating their marriages.  Hollywood/Movie Industry is one of the worst influences in our world today.  Infidelity and fornication (all kinds of sexual relationship outside of marriage) along with all kinds of selfishness and self gratification have been major themes in almost every movie produced nowadays.   It's really sad.

However,  marriage does not look like the shallow marriages shown to us by the Entertainment world.  True biblical marriage between one man and one woman has God in it.  God instituted marriage in Genesis 2:24 when He said, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh."  We know that God is Love and as believers (Born-again, John 3:3) of Jesus Christ, we are instructed by God in 1 John 4:7-9, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him."  Therefore, the most important member of a marital relationship is God (Jesus) who gives us the desire, strength and ability to fulfill our marital covenant with Him and our spouse.  A marriage centered in Christ is not the kind that easily breaks.  Jesus is the strongest/unbreakable string in that union and as long as we are intertwined/connected in Him, we will always see his love, joy and peace in our union despite the many trials we have to face.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7 tells us, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."  We can accomplish everything that God and His unselfish love requires if Jesus lives and leads inside of us. 

For this Card, I used an image/sentiment from Art Impressions Stamp called "Love Birds" that I colored using my Prismacolor markers and paper-pieced with some DP's from my scraps.  The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches Z-fold design.  I used an MS Punch to shape the sides,  a couple of Nesties dies for the lacy oval, a Recollection brad, a Paper Studio washi tape and some Imaginisce hearts.  Finally, I ran some panels in my sewing machine for a more complete look.  I've been wanting to try the upright Z-fold card design but couldn't find the time.  At last, I've done it in this design with some variation.  Here's the VIDEO that inspired me. 

 BEING WITH YOU UPRIGHT Z-FOLD CARD

 BEING WITH YOU UPRIGHT Z-FOLD CARD LAYERS

 BEING WITH YOU UPRIGHT Z-FOLD CARD SIDE VIEW

 BEING WITH YOU UPRIGHT Z-FOLD CARD MESSAGE SPACE

BEING WITH YOU UPRIGHT Z-FOLD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Sweet Treats
As You Like It---Fave Way to Add Stitching (Real of course)
Aud Sentiment---Valentine/Love
CCEE Stampers---Old Broad's Day
CRAFT---Three of a Kind (Hearts)
Craft Rocket---Love
Crafting with Attitude---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
MAWTT---Love
Star Stampz---Valentine/Lots of Pink or Red
Crafty Creations---ATG
Crafty Gals Corner---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Simon Says---ATG
A Bit More Time---ATG
A Perfect Time---ATG
Create with TLC---ATG/Love
Card Mania---Red and Hearts
Ching-Chou Kuik---All You Need is Love
Classic DT---ATG
Crafter's Cafe---Humorous
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---ATG with Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG/Love
Createful Heart---ATG/Add a Heart
Daisy Chain---Add a Heart
Die-Cut Divas---Love is in the Air
Dies R Us---For the One I Love
Digi Doodle---Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Digistamps 4 Joy---ATG/I Love You
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Fabrika Fantasy---Love
Lets Craft and Create---ATG/Mother/Mother's Day
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---I Love You
Scor-Pal---More than One Score
Not Just Cards---ATG
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Paru's Card Making---Love
Sunsational---Love
Creative Studio---We Love You
Scrapbook and Cardmaking---Valentine/Love
Worldwide Open DT---ATG
YSP---ATG


This it all for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  You can take on the Optional Twist (Love) or just do what you do best. There's really no reason for you to miss it.  Can't wait to see what you create.  Have a blessed and wonderful week, everyone! 

Scripture Series: Greater is He Step Panel Card---It's Inspirational and Anything Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone!  We have another bi-weekly Challenge that just started at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Like always, you can enter as much as five entries per week as long as it's inspirational and family friendly.  Our featured Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) that  I used in my card today comes from 1 John 4:4 which says, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." 

In order to understand the context of this verse, it is essential to look at the verses preceding our featured verse.  1 John 4:1-3 tells us, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already." First, we need to know that this epistle (letter)  was written by John for Christian believers (primarily Gentiles). His audience, none other than the Body of Christ (The Church---the Called out Ones, Born-Again, John 3:3).  It's extremely important that we understand---not all of God's promises in His Word applies to everybody on earth.  2 Corinthians 1:20-22 clearly tells us, "For all the promises of God are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him, our "Amen" is spoken to the glory of God.  Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come."  Knowing the context of a passage can help us effectively share the Word of God and avoid misleading or twisting the meaning of the Scripture.  Those who reject Christ will not have spiritual understanding about God, His ways and His Kingdom.  So, I would like to share what my Life Application Bible shared about our highlighted verses today.  As much as it was timely in the time of John and the Apostles, we find these verses applicable today.  So for all my fellow believers in Christ, it explains, "Do not believe the spirit, but test the spirits" means that we shouldn't believe everything we hear just because someone says it is a message inspired by God.  There are many ways to test teachers to see if their message is truly from the Lord.  One is to check to see if their words match what God says in the Bible.  Other tests include their commitment to the body of believers (1 John 2:19), their lifestyles (1 John 3:23-24), and the fruit of their ministries (1 John 4:6).  But the most important test of all, says John, is what they believe about Christ. Do they teach that Jesus is fully God and fully man? Our world is filled with voices claiming to speak for God.  Give them these tests to see if they are indeed speaking God's Truth.  The antichrist will be a person who epitomizes all that is evil, and he will be readily received by an evil world.  He is more fully described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 and Revelation 13.  The "spirit of the antichrist" is already here.  Those who reject Christ are unknowingly or consciously siding with the spirit of the antichrist.  It is easy to be frightened by the wickedness we see all around us and overwhelmed by the problems we face.  Evil is obviously much stronger than we are (compared to our human abilities).  John assures us, however, that God is even stronger.  He will conquer all evil---and His Spirit and His Word live in our hearts!

You see, these timely verses from 1 John 4:1-4 both warned and comforted me as I was reminded of the things I saw at the first ever State of the Union (SOTU) address by our POTUS, Donald Trump, last Tuesday night.  I thank God for all the great accomplishments He made possible through our President that helped our country rise economically while restoring faith and love for God, family and our nation, I applauded the many men and women who sacrificially placed themselves in harms way just to save others from danger.  I rejoiced in the courage of one North Korean man who fled from tyranny and injustice showing the crutches he used in his journey to freedom.  There were many others that shared stories of bravery, courage, resilience in tragedy, success and hope.  I also had my share of disappointment when the POTUS talked about a proposal to offer DACA (Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals) Amnesty to more than 2 million illegals and a path to citizenship for the so called "Dreamers" in exchange for the Wall funding which I believe is a step in the wrong direction.  But hey,  I take my concerns to the Lord!  If there's anyone who can change a man's heart, it is God!  But my story does not stop here...As I watched the full coverage of the SOTU, it is crystal to me that the spirit of the antichrist have completely saturated one political party.  It is disgusting to see these so-called leaders of this nation display utter disrespect, gross hatred and despicable selfishness proudly displayed/broadcast for all Americans to see. With few exceptions, they (as a group) made it clear there's nothing good to be expected of them.  On things that matter to every American such as millions of jobs created, higher wages, employee bonuses, low African-American and Hispanic unemployment rates, securing our border, respect for our flag and national anthem, destruction of the Islamic State (ISIS), lower prescription drugs, fighting opioid epidemic, recognizing Israel as Jewish capital and "In God We Trust" among others, they refused to stand/applaud (show any kind of respect).  What they succeeded to do is this---to show (without a shadow of a doubt) that they are anti-God/Christ, anti-American/people and anti-Trump--- in that order.  It's appalling to see how deranged they'd become, allowing themselves to be filled with satanic hatred.  Call it harsh but there's no other way to describe it!  They can no longer distinguish between right from wrong and  utter darkness filled their hearts.  I'm not saying this to build up the other party.  No individual is perfect. But as a group who truly hates America and everything it stands for---it's undeniable!  If you are a God-fearing individual who loves your country and are thankful for your blessing as a citizen of this nation, go and watch this SOTU VIDEO and see for yourself.  Only spiritually blind people (have no reverence for Christ) can look at these ungodly politicians and agree with their behavior.  Somebody asked me (with sarcasm),  "How do you know who are the ungodly and liberals" from the politicians at the SOTU.  I answered with Matthew 7:17-20 which says, "Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."  I submit to you that the primary reason we see these blind and rotten politicians today is because these people first rejected/denied Christ.  They exchange the knowledge of God to advance their careers---pursuing riches, power and fame.  Proverbs 2:6 says it all, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."  Should we put the blame on those who elected them to office?  But you see, the deceived elects another deceived. The blind leads another blind.  The only cure to their terminal disease---the knowledge of Christ!  As believers, we are to continue to share God's Word, refuse to be bullied by the left's rhetoric, elect and support God-fearing men and women to office or if called by God---run for office ourselves and continue to fight for what is right in the sight of God.  There is a reason why today's believers are called at this time and age.  By the grace of God, let us raise up our voice, shut the lies with the Word of Truth, pray---take charge---and conquer! Hey, we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus!  Whose with me?

For this Card, I used the stamped images from Hampton Art and colored them with my Touch Five and Prismacolor markers.  The card measures 4.25 x 5.75 inches.  The colored CS used are from Paper Studio, the glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and the nail head gems from Imaginisce.  I also ran this card through my sewing machine for those fancy stitches.  It's my first time to try this card style and would like to thank the inspiration VIDEO from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts.  She has a lot of videos on different card styles that I will surely try in my upcoming projects.  So much fun!

 GREATER IS HE STEP  PANEL CARD

 GREATER IS HE STEP  PANEL CARD FLATTENED (For Mailing)

 GREATER IS HE STEP  PANEL CARD MESSAGE SPACE

GREATER IS HE STEP  PANEL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Sweet Treats
As You Like It---Fave Way to Add Stitching (Real of course)
Cards for Galz---Think Pink
CRAFT---Three of a Kind (Clouds/Nail head Gems)
Crafting with Attitude---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Star Stampz---Valentine/Lots of Pink or Red
Crafty Creations---ATG
Crafty Gals Corner---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Simon Says---ATG
A Bit More Time---ATG
A Perfect Time---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG/Love
Createful Heart---ATG/Add a Heart
Digistamps 4 Joy---ATG/I Love You
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Scor-Pal---More than One Score
Not Just Cards---ATG
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
YSP---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.  Our Challenge winners will be awarded wonderful prizes by our awesome sponsors---The Project Bin ($15 GC) and Imagine That! (Digis).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up as we meditate on the name of Jesus today.  There is power in His Name and it's available to everyone that believes.