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.


Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Scripture Series: Planted in the House of the Lord Card---Join our Inspirational/Anything Goes 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 92:13 which tells us, "Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."

This may sound strange for some but I'm wondering why people (including me) feel a sense of guilt when asking somebody their age?  Why do I find myself saying, "Pardon me for asking, how old are you?" Truthfully,  I didn't feel the same when I used to live in the Philippines.  I'm not saying that  Filipinos don't mind it but there's a major difference (cultural perhaps) in the way people react there and here in America.  Since I started living here for many years now, I had to adapt to certain cultural etiquettes which includes refraining from asking people's age.  Unless they looked exceptionally younger, I couldn't freely ask  as some could seriously deem it offensive.  So when I sense that someone wants to know my age (unless they're total strangers with questionable intent), I usually reveal it without hesitation. It doesn't make me feel bad at all to tell the truth.  You see,  I'm always grateful for the years that God has given me and the growth and experience the Lord put me through.  The fact that He still uses me to proclaim the Gospel and bring glory to His name using the talents, abilities and gifts He blessed me with is something I am happy to share with everyone.  Though there are obviously some physical limitations that comes with aging, I know in my heart that I have given my Lord nothing less than my very best---always acknowledging that He is the One enabling me to accomplish great things for His glory. I love what Isaiah 46:4 says, "Even in your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray.  I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you."  

For a believer in Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), there is no such thing as retirement in the ministry.  There is always a room for both young and old in the Body of Christ (Church, Ekklesia).  An article from biblereasons.com  shares this, "When living by the Word of God, old age brings wisdom that is able to help and guide others in need.  Old Christian men and women have a duty to help the younger generation.  They have been through many hardships that will help your walk in faith.  No matter what age, Christians should never fear death."  We have confidence that we will be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Our body may appear older, but our insides are being renewed daily.  An elderly Christian never truly gets old.  You only do so when you stop seeking the advancement of the kingdom of God. When you cease building up others in Christ and turn to watching television all day.  This is the sad truth for many elderly believers.  Many have lost their zeal for Christ and choose to live out their days in front of the television.  Christ sacrificed Himself on the Cross to redeem us from our iniquities.  Life will never stop being about Jesus Christ.  Always remember that you're still alive for a reason"  Wow, this is so true!

Although some of the things we were able to do in the Ministry when we were younger could no longer be done the same, it doesn't mean that we cannot use the talents/abilities God has given us in some capacity.  In fact, He can give us new things to do if we're willing to continue learning.  Romans 11:29 in the Amplified version says it clearly, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call)."  So whether we are young or old, we are an important part of the Body of Christ.  Do not allow your age to define and limit your work in the service of God.  Each of us are valuable in the sight of our Lord as He chooses to partner with us to spread the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus Christ  to save the lost and fulfilling His purpose here on earth.  So in conclusion, I would like to share what My Life Application Bible wrote pertaining to our highlighted verse above.  It says, "Palm trees are known for their long life.  To flourish like palm trees means to stand tall and to live long.  The cedars of Lebanon grew to 120 feet in height  and up to 30 feet in circumference; thus they were solid, strong and immovable.  The writer saw believers as upright, strong and unmoved by the winds of circumstance,  Those who place their faith firmly in God can have this strength and vitality.  Honoring God is not restricted to young people who seem to have unlimited strength and energy.  Even in old age, devoted believers can produce spiritual fruit.  There are many faithful older people who continue to have a fresh outlook and can teach us from a lifetime experience of serving God.  Seek out an elderly friend or relative to tell you about his or her own experiences with the Lord and challenge you to new heights of spiritual growth." 

For this Card, I used an image from DRS Designs called "Seaside Dock" that I colored using My Creative Expert/Prismacolor markers.  I also used Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Broken China) for the background clouds using my made-up cloud stencils. The base of this card is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The pictures may not show but I also added a touch of glitter (Stickles-Crystal) to the tiny bird.  I added some Imaginisce gems as well as fancy and regular stitching to this project.  I love the result.

 

PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD CARD 


PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD CARD CLOSEUP


PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD CARD INSIDE


 PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

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 per week.  Our sponsor this challenge is DRS Designs giving away a $20 GC to spend at their shop.  I can't wait to see your projects  and leave you some encouragement on your Blogs.  Always remember that serving God is not dependent on how old you are, it relies solely in your commitment to be used by your Maker!


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Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Fun/Humor Series: H'Atta Girl Slider Card---Join the Fun for Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello everyone...I'm here to feature my card for our 613 Avenue Create Anything Goes, March Challenge that started last week.  I took on the Optional Twist like the other DT's  which is to create a "Slider Card."  I've had this fun stamps for a while but it's only now, I am able to use them. I love it!  I hope you join us and have some fun crafting and creating.

As a believer (Born-again, John 3:3), I have so many things to be grateful about in life not only for the blessings God delivers daily but also for all the promises He revealed to us in His written Word.  2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."  In these verses, it is very clear that the message is addressed to a specific group of people---the Body of Christ in whom God bestowed upon His divine power, enabling them to live a godly life (kingdom standards) having been freed from their sinful nature by the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.  Jesus Himself is God's promised Savior and the only way human beings can benefit from God's redemptive plan is by placing their "faith" (trusting, believing, accepting, clinging) in all that Jesus accomplished on our behalf; when we make a personal decision to follow (obey) Christ.  As we go before the Father in Christ, God sees us "justified" (righteous, no blemish) in His sight.  Jesus lives inside a believer's heart and changes us from within as we surrender ourselves wholeheartedly to His process of sanctification (setting apart for God's purpose).  Sadly, there's so many people that thought they were living for God by following religions and traditions of man yet oblivious about God's move in this world today.  That's because they didn't take the time to get to know the One True God as well as to study and obey His Word.  Therefore, they act so blindly---often carried away by their emotions and experiences, perverting God's Word.  Driven by fear, they cower on every worldly pressure, dictates and doctrines of man.  With no ability to discern right from wrong, they subject themselves and others to the altar of  deception, fueled and ruled by fear.  

No matter how ugly this world is becoming, everything that is happening today is already written in the Scripture. As a child of God, it's apparent that we will be facing great challenges and persecutions to continue being Salt and Light of this world. God is the Only One who knows what's ahead of us but I know that in the nick of time, before all hell breaks loose, He will snatch us away from this world where we will  be with Christ forever. But for those left behind,  God's wrath  (unlike no other) awaits those who hated and rejected Christ---along with their supporters.   So when my focus is on God's promises in His Word---FEAR DISAPPEARS AND FAITH ARISES!  Matthew 24:35 says , "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."  What a great assurance for all of us that believe.

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Clear Stamps that I colored using my Prismacolor markers and some paper-piecing. The sentiments are also from the same set.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 4 x 5.5 inches slider card (excluding the pull tab on top).   The DP's are from Recollections (used to paper-piece), the heart gem from Imaginisce and I ran it through my sewing machine for some stitching.  If you want  to see where I got the design, this VIDEO from Jennifer McGuire and I used my Paper Cutter as I don't have the template she used. 


H'ATTA GIRL SLIDER CARD
 

H'ATTA GIRL SLIDER CARD WHEN PULLED

 
H'ATTA GIRL SLIDER CARD TOP VIEW
 
 
H'ATTA GIRL SLIDER CARD INSIDE

 
H'ATTA GIRL SLIDER CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

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, take on the Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it. Can't wait to see what you create. Think about your relationship with Jesus Christ right now for tomorrow may be too late. 

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Friday, March 12, 2021

Scripture Series: Ointment and Perfume Card---Join Us for Anything/Inspirational Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty friends! It's the second week of our 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.  So, our inspiration Scripture for this Challenge that I featured in my card below comes from Proverbs 27:9 which says, "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel."  

Generally speaking, we spend money for great products that would make us look and feel good.  Even when I was a child, I always appreciate the captivating fragrance of a perfume and the beauty products I saw my Mom used.  Ointments for beauty and/or wellness are infused with great fragrance so as to leave the user feeling and smelling great.  Whether we spend hundreds or very little (like me) on these things, I haven't seen or known anyone buying a stinky perfume and a do nothing ointment even if it's just a buck or two.  Because no matter how inexpensive they are, they have to deliver what is says it's made for otherwise, it is useless.  

Earthly ointments and perfumes may have temporary benefits but for a moment, it strongly captures our senses/attention. But a Godly friend who is there to provide us with true and wise advice and always abounding in kindness in leading us to the Gospel of Jesus Christ to improve, encourage or even correct us is  likened to a sweet aroma of gladness---a fragrance that will benefit us for eternity. Knowing Jesus website shares this, "In the scripture the oil of gladness and incense of joy, are so often seen as the adornment of the man or woman that loves righteousness and hates wickedness, while the perfumer’s ointment and sacred anointing incense is frequently seen in Scripture, ascending up to the Lord as a good and acceptable, freewill offering; a love offering – a burnt sacrifice and sweet-smelling savor that is so pleasing in the sight of the Lord. How true that the genuine counsel, caring words or gentle correction of a good an honest friend becomes the oil of gladness, and a sweet-smelling perfume of costly "spikenard." All too often the counsel that we receive from others, even Christian brethren can come with a barbed delivery, causing pain and often leaving a bitter taste. This ought not to be - but let us seek never to return evil for evil but to seek to bring the joy that comes from the Lord, to the heart of all our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us become that friend that is kind one to another and that sticks closer than a brother. Let us be that friend that brings forth the sweet aroma of Jesus, as He lives in and through us."

With the things of this world being forced on us 24/7, it is important that we stick to the wise counsel of the Bible and surround ourselves with men and women who loves God and His truth.  We are to care, account, uplift and strengthen one another as Jesus did with His disciples and the people in His time.  Acknowledging that none of us already arrived to Christ-like perfection, we have to give each other allowance for growth and refuse to be offended by littlest things/issues that divides the Church. With Christ in us,  let us be true representatives of Jesus to our brothers and sisters in the Body (Ekklesia) and let the sweet aroma of God's Truth permeate this world.  There's very little time.

For this Card, I used an Art Imrpessions Stamps called "That's You Set" that I colored using The Creative Markers.  The base is white CS. cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I die-cut some frames using my Nestabilities, punched some leaves using Spellbinders and MS punch.  The flowers that I layered and the brad are from Recollections, the glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and finally, some stitching for added dimension.  I love it.

 

     OINTMENT AND PERFUME CARD


 OINTMENT AND PERFUME CARD SIDE VIEW
 

OINTMENT AND PERFUME CARD LAYERS
 

OINTMENT AND PERFUME CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

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 prize package to be won from our wonderful sponsor--- Seth Apter Designs (2 Winners with $25 GC each).  Always remember that every believer is important to the Body of Christ and none of us are without talents and gifts to contribute to the Body.  God placed us at this time when many have succumb to darkness and the hope and light of the Gospel is the only cure.

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