Scripture Series: He Will Bless Them Card---Join us for Another Anything Goes /Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends!  It's time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  This time, we are using a Scripture Word Art that comes from Psalm 115:13 which tells us, "He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great."

In our world today, just about every kind of fear you can imagine has overtaken humanity. With the Covid-19 (Corona virus) pandemic that suddenly spread from China to almost every country in the globe rapidly claiming lives each day, the leaders of each respective countries had to make  immediate decisions to shut down their borders and implement a nation/state/citywide quarantine orders.  Everyone is advised to stay home that altered many aspects of our society as social distancing directives caused businesses to close to minimize the spread of the virus but badly hurting the  economy.  Many are so afraid that they spent most of their resources clearing up the shelves of grocery stores while those who are physically and financially challenged had to deal with the lack of supplies.  Many found help from food distribution centers but were criticized because of the amount of people it draws circumventing the social distancing guidelines.  You see,  fear can bring out the worst in people in terms of selfishness, foolishness and desperation.  After all,  the Corona virus does not distinguish between the rich and poor, the famous and nobody's, the color of the skin and even age.  Like many other things that causes fear, it can bring DEATH (physical)  to its victim.   

The Scripture tells us in Proverbs 9:10-12, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.  If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."  Unlike any other things that humanity is fearful about, the "fear of the Lord" does not leave you helpless and hopeless unless you are a mocker of God.  It will lead the wise to seek God---to learn and understand His ways. The Word of God reveals to us the ways of God and the earthly life of Jesus showed us how to live it.  As God's masterpiece, we are made to show forth the glory of our Creator through obedience and love.  But we chose to rebel and follow our selfish ways that infected us with the "Sin Nature" (originated with Lucifer) to the core of our beings that would result to Death (spiritual, physical, eternal). We were cursed!  Left in that condition, there's no cure and everyone is doomed to hell when they die.  War, famine, calamities and diseases---all leading to "death" and no one is able to escape. Only the Creator has the cure for His creation.  John 3:16  revealed to us His cure which tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."   JESUS is the ONLY CURE!  Everyone who places their faith (trust) upon Him and His finished work at the Cross  will be spiritually reborn (Born-again, John 3:3), lived a life in obedience to the will of God while on earth and in God's perfect time, will live eternity in the presence of our Father in heaven.  Everyone that entrusted their life to the Savior are members of the Body of Christ (Church) and are here to share the hope of the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection) to anyone and everyone who would open their hearts to the Lord!  One day, we will have to shed our physical bodies (temporary existence) and wake up to eternity (life without end)---all in God's timing!  But until then, we are not to live in fear but in the freedom that Jesus won for us.  For the ungodly, they have everything to fear for the mockers will also die and live for eternity but without the love, goodness and presence of their Creator.  A place without God is a place of everlasting torment.  

I saw meme at Facebook a few days ago that says, "If we only trust God the way we trust our sanitizers in our fight against Covid-19, we will have a calm and peaceful society that is not overcame by fear."  We will better serve each other knowing that God  is in control of both our lives and everything that happens in this world. I studied the Book of Jeremiah for several weeks in a Bible class setting and I saw how God had to chastise His people for they turned away from Him and gave themselves away to the worship of false gods.  Their hearts were so evil that they burned their children as a sacrifice to Baal and engaged themselves into every kind of sexual immorality.  Sound/Looks familiar?  Today, the means of sacrifice may have changed but still practiced by sanctioning abortion, perverting marriage, idolizing people (athletes, famous personalities, politicians), gross immorality/sodomy, and globalization are just some of the abominations we practice all over the world against God.  For a couple of weeks now, this pandemic drastically changed the way we do things.  Like before, He is calling the people of this world to repent of their evil ways and be part of His kingdom.  God says in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." God is calling those who bears His Name (believers) to repent of their unbelief, false teachings and worldly compromise and step up to the higher calling they're meant to do.  God is the Only One who is able to cure our decaying society.  We cannot keep waiting for the ungodly to act.  As God's people,  we should call upon the Lord with a humble heart and intercede in behalf of our nation and the world.  My fear of God is such of reverence and awe, knowing that He is a gracious and loving Father.  The God of many second chances. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly all that we ask or think according to the power of  His Holy Spirit working in us. Therefore, God's covering upon me allows me to walk without fear in ALL circumstances 24/7. 

For this Card, I used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called "Girl Puppy Love" that I colored using my Hobby and Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square design.  The heart stamp is from Stampendous, the white nail head gems from Imaginisce and some glitters from Stickles (Crystal) was applied on the images.  Lastly, I stitched all over this project.  Super cute!

HE WILL BLESS THEM CARD

 HE WILL BLESS THEM CARD LAYERS

 HE WILL BLESS THEM CARD INSIDE

HE WILL BLESS THEM CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG/Layer it Up
Createful Heart---ATG
Creative Craft Cottage---For the Girls
Dream Factory---Lassie
LeAnns---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Mix It Up---ATG/Smooshing
Not Just Cards---ATG
Creative Crafters---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---ATG
YSP---ATG
Corrosive---ATG
Gem of a Craft---ATG
Crafty Friends---Spring Colors


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 submit up to 5 entries per week.  Our wonderful sponsor for this week is Hefty Doodle (prize package valued at 40 pounds). So excited to see what you come up with.  Remebering that all things work together for the good for those who love God and live according to His purpose.  

Scripture Series: Power that Worketh in Us Country Card---Join our Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge Happening at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello Crafty Peeps!  I'm here to feature the Card I made for our Word Art Wednesday Challenge (WAW) that started a few days ago.  As always, it's Anything Goes and must be inspirational.  In this Challenge, you can download for free the Scripture Word Art that I used in my project by going to the WAW site.  The verse comes from Ephesians 3:20 that says, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." For God is able to do far more than we can ask or even imagine because Jesus paved the way to reconcile us back to Him by placing our faith on His finished work at the Cross (Born-again, John 3:3).  And because we are in Him, He gave us the seal of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14) to enable us to live the life of power and authority that equipped Jesus to do His ministry here on earth and the very same power that raised Him from the dead.  If we only understand the great power that God bestowed upon us, we will not succumb to any of the giants of trials that come our way.  Instead we will face each giant head on and boldly declare, "You have no power over me for I am in the Lord."

Today, the world is facing a giant called COVID-19 (Corona virus).  And sad to say but many have succumb to fear and are doing things that godless people do in crisis.  I went to buy a pack of toilet paper the other day cause were almost out but ended up with a paper towel instead because the panic buyers cleared the shelves of every tissue paper among others.  There's also no wipes, bottled water, hand sanitizers and I at least understand the logic for buying more of these items, but toilet paper---really?  It made me think, "Are these people going to wrap themselves with toilet paper to save themselves from the virus?  But you know what, every true believer that rely upon the promises of God knows that we have God's power inside of us that not only covers and protects us but also serves as our weapon against the attacks of the enemy.  Like David, we come against the giant by laying aside every fear that seek to undermine us.  To be brave is not the absence of fear but just knowing how to subject that fear to the very God who has power over it.  Since we have Christ in us, He enables us to walk in faith, peace and confidence in every situation knowing that His covering is not only good for this world but more importantly in the next.  It's the same faith and boldness that was shown by Daniel in the lion's den and the three Hebrew men Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azaraiah (Abednego) in the fiery furnace found in Daniel 3.  They were asked to bow down to the king of Babylon's image and had to face the punishment for their uncompromising faith not to do so.  Even in the face of sure death, they believed that God is able to deliver them and  those who are faithful to Him.  What impacted my life the most is the response given by the three Hebrew men to King Nebuchadnezzar before they were thrown in the furnace laid out in Daniel 3:16-20 which says, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.  But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

We sure can learn from the many examples written in the Bible that will give us wisdom in facing the issues of our day.  The Corona virus pandemic have closed many facilities, businesses and halted many events in attemp to stop the spread of the virus.  And now, some churches even cancelled Sunday services, Bible studies and resorted to preaching online instead.   While I expect the world to succumb to fear, I am not expecting the same with the very people who professed they know God!  2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  If we couldn't trust God in the midst of this one giant, how are we ever going to face the many other giants lined up our way.  I believe this is the time to identify who stands by the promises of God! Whose faith is anchored in the unchanging truth of  God's Word that brings victory upon His people over every work of the enemy no matter how big they may seem to be.  God saved His people from death that struck every firstborn in Egypt through the blood of the lamb in their doorpost.  He parted the Red Sea, provided water in the wilderness, fed them manna and meat from heaven.  He was their cloud by day and fire by night and countless more written in the pages of the Bible.  From Genesis to Revelation, we cannot deny the power of God to provide, protect and save His people.  Jesus, the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world covered us (His Church) with His blood shed at the Cross that assures us of our citizenship in heaven and power against all the works of the enemy.  This should embolden us to live free from the chains that the enemy is engulfing the world today.  While the ungodly are running around like chickens with their heads cut off because they are not sure of what tomorrow will bring, God's people should live as beacons of light to point them to the One who is all knowing (Omniscient) and always in Control---God Almighty!  Let us not forget that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside every single one of us who gave our lives to Christ and no giants sent by the enemy can destroy us when we operate in His power.  I suggest you read this ARTICLE for more information on "How Can We Rely on the Power of God."  It will truly bless you. 

For this Card, I used an image from DRS Designs called "Western Dancing Couple" that I watercolored using Distress Inks.  The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Paper Studio, the flowers that I layered are from Prima, the brad from Recollections and the leaves are punched with Fiskars punch.  I also added some glitters from Stickles (Crystal)  and some stitching all over this project.  Pretty cute!

 POWER THAT WORKETH IN US COUNTRY CARD

 POWER THAT WORKETH IN US COUNTRY CARD LAYERS

 POWER THAT WORKETH IN US COUNTRY CARD INSIDE

POWER THAT WORKETH IN US COUNTRY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---ATG with Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG/Layer it Up
Createful Heart---ATG
DL Art---ATG
Happy Little Stampers---Watercolor
LeAnns---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Mix It Up---ATG/Smooshing
Not Just Cards---ATG
Scribbles Designs---In Bloom
Sognando---Waiting for Spring
Sweet Stampers---Easter/Spring
Creative Crafters---ATG
Tinker-Dream---Spring
Worldwide Open DT---ATG 
YSP---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 submit up to 5 entries per week.  Our wonderful sponsor for this week is DRS Designs ($20 GC). So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the joy of the Lord overtake you today.  Refuse to live in fear but live in confidence that the Lord has our backs always. 

Scripture Series: The Lord is Thy Keeper Card Within a Card---Join Us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty pals!  Here to highlight my inspiration project for our newest Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, we feature a Scripture Word Art  that you can download for free at the WAW site.  It comes from Psalm 121:5 which says, "The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand."  What a wonderful passage...

As believers, we are not guaranteed a life free of storms and trials.  In fact, the moment we surrender our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the enemy is going to do everything he can to destroy us and the faith that connects us with God.  Romans 10:17 clearly states,  "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." So, from the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden to this day, the devil's main strategy is to pervert God's Word to mean something else. God first mentioned the reality of DEATH to Adam in Genesis  2:17, "And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” But we see what happened when Satan (disguised as a serpent) discredit God's Word in Genesis 3:1-5 which tells us, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”  Satan appeals to our human nature which is primarily selfish and proud in order to get us to love ourselves more than the God Who created us.  Sad to say but everyone whose focus is not centered in the Lord are easily deceived and manipulated.  But those who continue to love God, His Word and carefully obeys them can't easily be fooled.  The attacks of the enemy could come from every side that targets our body (the five senses), our soul (comprised of our mind, will and emotions) in order to weaken our spirit  (intuition, communion and conscience).  Recently, I've experienced attacks that seeks to overtake me with every kind of phobia (fear of something) in my mind---all centered towards limiting me and to take away my confidence and joy in the Lord.  These are subtle attacks and spiritual sensitivity is needed in order to identify those moments.  I thank God for the presence of the Holy Spirit inside of me that assures and comforts me of who I am in Christ!  Each time I detect the presence of the enemy through every negative suggestions,  God reminds me of these passages in Philippians 4:8-9 which says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Fear is one of the enemy's tool in order to stop and limit your service to God.  You may not be physically or health threatened but the enemy targets your mind, triggers your emotions to redirect your will.   But the way to conquer fear is to confront it with the very promises of God.  On our own, we are powerless but with God's Word, His power and presence resting upon all of us redeemed by the blood of Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), victory is certain!

I would like to share what my Life Application Bible wrote regarding Psalm 121.  This short and sweet exhortation truly blessed me so here's what is says, "We can depend upon God for help.  Pilgrims must travel through lonely country to their destination; they are protected, not by anything created, but by the Creator of everything.  This song (psalm) expresses assurance and hope in God's protection day and night.  He not only made the hills but heaven and earth as well.  We should never trust a lesser power than God Himself.  But not only is He all powerful, he also watches over us.  Nothing diverts or deters Him.  We are safe.  We never outgrow our need for God's untiring watch over our lives."  I know God saw me through every attack the enemy planted in my life and led me to His victory.  My greatest comfort lies on the fact that I am not alone in the battle and that Jesus Christ is in front of me and all around me to shield, protect and guide me into the same victorious power that raised Jesus from the dead.  Life in general did not spare me from the pain that each battle caused me but in all of them, I experienced the depth of  my Savior's love towards me.  And that makes me love Him more and more.  

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Try' Folds Stamps called "Garden TF" and used watercolor to bring the image to life with Distress Inks.  For the base, I use a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The gatefold card in the middle measures 3.5 x 4 inches.  The DP is from K and Company, the nail head gems from Imaginisce, the brad from Recollections and the word sentiment is from Heidi Grace stamps.  For added dimension, I stitched all over this creation.  I love it!

 THE LORD IS THY KEEPER CARD

 THE LORD IS THY KEEPER CARD LAYERS

 THE LORD IS THY KEEPER CARD RIGHT PANEL

 THE LORD IS THY KEEPER CARD LEFT PANEL

 THE LORD IS THY KEEPER CARD WITH WORD ART (Sentiment)

 THE LORD IS THY KEEPER CARD INSIDE

THE LORD IS THY KEEPER CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Home Sweet Home
Always Fun---Shades of Green
Crafting Happiness---ATG/Green
Incy Wincy---Hand Coloured  Images
Jan's Digi Stamps---ATG
Use Your Stuff---Use your Fave Embellishment (white nail head gems)
2 Crafty Critter---ATG with Critter
A Bit More Time---ATG
A Perfect Time---ATG
Archi-scraps---Create your own Peaceful place
Classic Design---ATG
Craft-Dee Bowz---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Papers
Creatalicious---ATG/Monochrome
Createful Heart---ATG
DL Art---ATG
LTCCB---ATG/Easter
LTSCB---ATG
Mix It Up---ATG/Smooshing
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Sognando---Waiting for Spring
Worldwide DT---ATG
YSP---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.  An awesome GC worth $15 will be awarded to our Challenge winner by our awesome sponsor---The Project Bin.  So excited to see what you come up with. For the meantime, serve the Lord with gladness knowing that our labor in Him is not in vain.