THE BLESSINGS OF CREATIVITY...

I thank the LORD JESUS for each day that is given me to create wonderful projects...As always, I give Him all the glory.


Saturday, January 4, 2020

Gift Card Holders: The Lord Always Before Me and Rise and Shine Coffee---Come and Join Us for our First Challenge this Year at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi everyone!  Let me start by greeting y'all, A VERY BLESSED AND GLORIOUS NEW YEAR!  I hope you will continue to support us at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) and my Blog (of course) to continue to shine the light of God's Word declaring Jesus is Lord throughout the Crafting world even more so this year.  I truly believe that despite of what is going on around the world, the Lord gave us a window of opportunity to bring as many souls as we can to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3).  So as always, we're bringing you the very first Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at WAW) that I featured in one of my project below that comes from Psalm 16:8 which says, "I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."

What a wonderful Scripture to start the New Year! Some of you by now are aware of what happened in Iraq on December 31, 2019 when Iranian backed militia "Kata'ib Hezbollah" and their supporters as well as Iraqi militia men attacked the US Embassy in Baghdad in protest of the US air strikes on December 29, 2019 that killed 25 fighters of Kata'ib Hezbollah group in Iraq.  What the fake news media is avoiding to report was the reason why the US had to target them.  That's because two days prior (December 27, 2019), this evil militia group attacked an Iraqi air base hosting US personnel.  They fired with  more than 30 rockets killing a US civilian contractor, injuring four US service members and two Iraqi security forces personnel.  Tensions had been brewing way before that (especially after Trump abandoned the Iran Nuclear Deal made by Obama) but these Iranian terrorists/jihadist think that they can pushed over President Trump.  Big mistake!  They are obviously using Iraq as a base to carry out their plans and are free to go back and forth that country.  So, it's rather curious for Iraq to claim they don't have anything to do with the bombings perpetrated by this terrorist group that happened in their land while condemning the retaliation of the US.  Only a fool would believe Iraq's lie given the history of the tyrants and terrorists that ruled that country spewing hate on everyone they called "infidels."  (You can read more details HERE).

So, why am I sharing this?  It's because Trump haters are using this issue as a backdrop to their comments in social media nowadays.  In one of our POTUS Trump's post at FB which invites people to Miami for the event that happened last night called "Evangelicals for Trump," I wrote this comment to the video post:  "The Lord chose a leader in Trump and I will support him as he exalts the rule of God."  Notice that both the post and my comment has nothing to do with the Middle East conflict.  However,  that statement invited a host of despicable trolls (that has nothing to do but insult and call people names while not stating any facts to their responses) to respond.  I don't allow any of them to get into my nerves but I had to respond to a couple of people that said that God has nothing to do with politics and that by my implying that God chose Trump, they're accusing me of using the Lord's name in vain.  Really?  What immediately came to my mind was the "ARROGANCE" and (to be honest) the "STUPIDITY" of these people to think that GOD is not in control in the affairs of this world.  Who do these people think is in control---THEM (Humans)?  The Scripture tells us in Psalm 19:1-4, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." And for those saying that God has no say in our politics, here's just a few of the many verses that proves otherwise.  In Isaiah 14:24-27, "The LORD of hosts has sworn: "As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand, that I will break the Assyrian in my land, and on my mountains trample him underfoot; and his yoke shall depart from them, and his burden from their shoulder." This is the purpose that is purposed concerning the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?" 

So, what is the significance of these things I'm sharing to our Scripture verse in the beginning of this post?  You see, I am grateful to Almighty God who created and brought me to this world.  He who knows the beginning from the end goes before me to secure my path.   He directs my step towards the fulfillment of His personal purpose for me and uses me in His overall plan for this world. Every waking moment, I make myself available for Him---to submit and act upon His instructions or conform to His corrections---always in accordance to His Word.  My allegiance is not for any human being but to God alone. When our feet is planted on the solid foundation of God's Word, you will not be moved nor swayed by the things of this world.  But woe to them who reject God for they're easily fooled by the enemy having no roots nor standards.  They're deceived and blinded---without understanding for the things of God.  I truly pray for the Lord to remove the scales in their eyes so that they can see how filthy they are that they may come to the Lord Jesus for forgiveness and salvation.  I tell you the Truth, God appointed and is using President Trump! In spite of the works of the enemy waged viciously on his leadership, he brought incredible growth and development never seen before in the history of this country.  He is not perfect but I tell you, GOD IS WITH HIM!  The Bible is full of imperfect people mightily used by God.  If you contest that and had been one of those that rebels against his presidency, I am telling you boldly, "You are fighting against God and every arrow that you use to target him is aimed at God Himself and will come back to you a hundred fold.  You will never win against God Almighty.  If for the last three years you haven't opened your eyes to the work of the Lord in the Trump's presidency, you are surely part of the deceived.  Repent and ask God to give you wisdom for He alone can break the yoke of the enemy in your life.  This is a warning and God didn't want me to be politically correct in any way for the sake of anyone's feelings.  Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit of God is saying.  

For this first Gift Card holder, I used an image from Whipper Snapper Designs called "Leah" that I colored using Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol.  It measures 3.5 x 5 inches with a 1.75 inches flap inside.  I used some of my scrap designer papers and washi tape from Recollections.  I also featured our Scripture Word Art as a sentiment and did some stitching for added dimension.


THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE ME GIFT CARD HOLDER


THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE ME GIFT CARD HOLDER LAYERS


THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE ME GIFT CARD HOLDER SIDE VIEW'


THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE ME GIFT CARD HOLDER INSIDE


For this second Gift Card holder, I used an  image from Fiskars and paper-pieced parts of the cup.  I am highlighting Stamp Simply Clear Stamps (our sponsor for this Challenge) for the wonderful sentiment that comes from the set called "A Cup of Java" (Coffee).  The holder measures 4 x 2.5 inches (without the gift card).  I used DP's from my scraps, some washi tapes and brads from Recollections and used my rick-rack scissors for the top border.  It's pretty cute!


 RISE AND SHINE COFFEE GIFT CARD HOLDER


RISE AND SHINE COFFEE GIFT CARD HOLDER (CARD IN)



This Projects are entered into the following Challenges:

2 Crafty Critter---ATG with Critters
A Bit More Time---ATG
A Perfect Time---ATG
Artistic Stamper---ATG
Craft-Dee-Bowz---ATG
Craft Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG with Animal
Craftyhazelnut's---ATG with Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG/Wish
Createful Heart---ATG
Creative Sketchy Girls---ATG
Digi Doodle---ATG with Hand-colored image/Something New (the Image is new)
LeAnn's World---ATG
Lost Coast Portal---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Mix-It Up---ATG/Paper Piecing (the cup was paper-pieced)
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG
Pearly Sparkles---ATG
Tales from the Craft Room---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---ATG
YSP---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 sponsor this week, Stamp Simply Clear Stamps is giving away one lucky winner two stamp sets or one stamp and a die set.   I can't wait to see your project.  Anyway, don't allow the fake media or just anyone else for that matter to shape your thinking instead, study and search for facts and bring them all to the standard of God's Word, then you will know what is true and pleasing in God's eyes. 

19 comments:

  1. Strong words Jo Ann - and of course God is in control!! I may not like Mr Trump, but like every other leader he is only there because God allowed it!
    Love your sweet gift card holders - the second on in particular is super cute with the cheerful colours
    Blessings
    Maxine

    ReplyDelete
  2. These are just wonderful Jo Ann! Little Leah is so cute and I love the background paper. Fantastic designs for both! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us at Digi Doodle Studios! Our challenge isn't actually Anything Goes, but I'm sure there's SOMETHING new on your adorable project, right? Have a great week!

    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  3. So cute coffetag-card :) Relly nice!
    Thanks a lot for joining us at Creatalicious! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for playing along with us at Crafty Animals. Lisa DT

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jo Ann, Your gift card holders are super. I love the images you have used. So cute. Great coloring. Thanks for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry. Barbara DT member for { World Wide Open Design Team Challenge}

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful work and sentiment too.
    Thank you for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

    Annette DT / Admin / Registered Owner for https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very creative gift card holders!
    Thank you for sharing your wonderful work in our papercraft challenge & we hope you will join us again in the next Papercraft Business Challenge!.
    Anna – Design Team member at Papercraft Business
    Visit my blog - Crafty Anna Studio.
    You can also find me on Instagram - CraftyAnna Studio
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Two great projects, I love both of them. Thank you for sharing with us over here at "A Perfect Time To Craft" and best of
    luck with your entry.

    Kelly DT for http://aperfecttimetocraft.blogs
    pot.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great composition and coloring! Thanks for playing along with Papercraft Business Challenges!
    Jill – Design Team member
    Visit my blog - Killeen House Studio

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beautiful coloring on these clever gift card holders. Thank you for sharing with us over at Morgan's Artworld. We hope to see you again.
    ~ Nancy DT

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your gift card holder into our challenge is so very sweet, beautiful design and colouring. Thank you so much for joining us in our Morgan's Artworld Challenge at Morgan's Artworld Challenge this week. We would love to see you again in our next challenge.

    Faith Morgans Artworld DT

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sweet creation! Thank you for sharing with us over at Morgan's ArtWorld. We hope to see you again.
    ~ Sherry DT/Admin/Coordinator xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. A great project. Thank you for sharing at Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper. Rebecca x

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the gift holders! Thank-you for joining us at the <a href="http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  15. Both creations are very beautiful. Great to see you in our gallery and hope you will join us again soon at the Papercraft Business Challenges!! Please do visit my blog Paint Paper Scissors for more inspiration.
    Nandini – Design Team member, Papercraft Business

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such an amazing gift card, very sweet. Great seeing you again at LTSCB
    Tina dt

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wonderful creations - thanks for sharing them with us at the Mix It Up Challenge Blog.

    Helen x

    ReplyDelete
  18. She's very cute with her cat. Thanks for joining the fun at the Lost Coast Portal to Creativity. Hugz

    ReplyDelete
  19. A wonderful card!
    Thank you soo much for taking part in our "anything goes + optional wishes” challenge over at Creatalicious & good luck in the draw.
    Hope to see you again in our new challenge as well…

    Hugs,
    Melanie
    (DT-Coordinator Creatalicious Challenges)

    (DT Crafty Friends)

    (DT The Sketchy Challenges)

    (DT Simply Create Too)

    (DT Kreativtanten)

    ReplyDelete

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