Encouragement Series: Dream Smile Believe---Join our Year End Blog Hop and our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday...Great Prizes to be Won!

Hi there, Crafty friends!  First of all,  A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and an advance BLESSED NEW YEAR to all.   It's time for our Annual Blog Hop at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) which will go on for two weeks.  Today's Scripture Word Art comes from Psalm 65:11 which says, "Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness." Download this free Scripture Word Art at WAW, use it for your projects (not mandatory) and don't forget to link  them to our Challenge.  Then follow the Blog hop order for a chance to win the awesome prizes our DT's are giving away in their post. You can find the complete details below. Some of our DT's featured our highlighted verse in their projects while some of us (including myself) decided to highlight a great sentiment from one of our sponsors, Stamp Simply, for my card sample below.

Like David who wrote Psalm 65, we are to acknowledge from whom our blessings flow.  James 1:17 clearly conveys to us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." Before Adam's Fall, we have nothing but blessings from God  and everything He created. God spoke and everything came to life,  There's something special with humanity for He formed us with His hands and breathe unto us His breath of life (Genesis 2:7).  We were made according to His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26).  No sin, death, sickness, diseases, pain and suffering.  But even after the first man failed that plunged us all into darkness and separation from God, God still clothed Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21).  A sacrifice needed to be made in order to cover our nakedness/shame.  Even in our disobedience, God showed  great love to the mankind He created.  But in the fullness of time, God's ultimate and matchless sacrifice was given and revealed to this world when He allowed His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, to be born in the flesh and placed upon Him the sins of the world.  That in His death, burial and resurrection, anyone who believed in Him would live free of the Sin that would have otherwise enslave and torment us for all eternity.  He knew before creation that this would happen and yet He chose to create and give us life so that when we come to Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), we would be reunited with Him forever.  If we believe in what Christ has done for us and our faith is solely focused on Him, God lives in us and we in Him. The inheritance of Christ is every believer's inheritance and we shall live forever in our Lord's presence. As John 3:16 tells us, “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life."

  

As we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus this season, let us be thankful and hopeful for the coming year. Our God is in control and there's nothing that happens that He didn't plan for.  Hang on to every promises He made in His Word knowing that our life and eternal well-being depends on it.  We have access to the presence of God at all times because of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He is God with us and in us.  In the time of David, he used nature to describe God's abundant love and blessings to His people. A comment from My Life Application Bible says this about Psalm 65:6-13, "This harvest psalm glorifies God the Creator as reflected in the beauty of nature.  Nature helps us understand something of God's character.  The Jews believed that God's care of nature was a sign of His love and provision for them.  Nature shows God's generosity---giving us more than we need or deserve.  Understanding God's abundant generosity should make us grateful to God and generous to others." This is so true every time we take the time to look at nature, it always reveals the glory, greatness and love of God for mankind.  Yet we have so much more to be grateful to God for in this New Testament era.  For along with nature, we have the most personal revelation of God's fullness to mankind.  We see Him in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior who love us and gave His life for us.  All glory to His Name!

For this Card, I used an image from Stamping Bella called "Uptown Girl Lucille Sends Her Love" that I watercolored using my Stabilo 68 markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square shape. The DP's are from Paper Studio, the flowers that I layered are from Prima and the brads are from Recollections.  I used Nestabilities for the Lacy Oval Frame.  I added some glitters from Stickles (Crystal) on the flowers as well as fancy and regular stitching all over this creation.  The beautiful sentiment is of course from Stamp Simply from the set called "Pretty Poppies." I really love the finished result.

 

 

 DREAM SMILE BELIEVE CARD

DREAM SMILE BELIEVE CARD LAYERS

 

DREAM SMILE BELIEVE CARD SIDE VIEW

 

DREAM SMILE BELIEVE CARD INSIDE

 

DREAM SMILE BELIEVE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

Okay everyone, here's the ORDER OF THE BLOG HOP:

 

Natalie Houston

Jo Ann Atterbury (this is ME)

Christine Miller

Ginny Maxam 

Gail Scott

Cynthia Olheiser

Esther Asbury

Karen Letchworth

Word Art Wednesday

Welcome to my Blog, your second stop in the WAW Blog Hop! We have many fabulous prizes from our generous sponsors, Stamp Simply and Tonic Studios.  

To be eligible to win the Stamp Simply prize ($25 GC) to their store, just enter your art in our WAW gallery as usual.  The winner of this prize will be selected by random draw from our entries.

To be eligible to win the prizes from Tonic Studios and other goodies, simply leave a comment on each Designer Team's blog to be eligible for their specific prizes.  When you completed the Blog Hop, leave a comment at Word Art Wednesday (your final stop on the Hop) saying that you've completed the Hop.

Here's my prize for the Blog Hop...Tonic Studios Stamp and Dies Set!

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

 

Digi Choosday---ATG 

Passion for Markers---Use Die-Cut and Markers

TTCRD---ATG

Tuesday Morning Sketches---ATG

A Place to Start---ATG/Happy Holidays

PIP---ATG

Dragonfly Dreams---Anything But Christmas

Lil Patch of Crafty---ATG

My Bestie Spanish Challenge---ATG

Stamping Sensations---Anything Stamped/Winter Wonderland

We Love Stamping---I Love People Themed Stamp.

Gem of a Craft---ATG

Allsorts---ATG/O Christmas Tree

Crafty Calendar---ATG

Taylormade---ATG/Christmas

Colour Crazy---ATG

Creative Fingers---ATG

Pattie's Creations---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Ally's Angels---ATG

Bastel-Traum---Glitters

Classic Design---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---ATG

Creatalicious---ATG/CAS Christmas Cards

Happy Little Stampers---ATG with Die

Happy Little Stamplers---Watercolor

LeAnns World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Inspired by a Song

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

QKR Stampede---ATG

Rabisco---ATG

Sweet Stampers---ATG

The Creative Crafters---ATG

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

YSP---ATG

  

Time to go, everyone!  Please make sure to visit us at WAW and link up the projects you make out of our free Word Art although not mandatory.  You can link up any inspiring, uplifting, family-friendly projects, up to 5 each week.  Our wonderful sponsors this week are Stamp Simply ($25 GC) and Tonic Studios (prize packs) .  So, join our Blog Hop and show us your wonderful projects.  Enjoy the holidays with your family.  Always remember that God is in control and we can trust in His protection always. Our part is to pray without ceasing and act upon His Word.

 

Ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Find out how on the sidebar...

 

Scripture Series: God Sent Forth His Son Card---Join our Anything/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone! We started another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge several days ago at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring a new Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site). It comes from Galatians 4:4-5 which says, "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."  

 

I don't know about you but I feel so blessed to live in this New Testament era when the Lord Jesus already accomplished what He was sent to do in order to redeem mankind from sure death forever.  He was with God from the beginning and was spoken by God to man right after the Fall of Adam in Genesis 3:15.  God addressing the serpent (Satan) said, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." You and I are living in this dispensation of time that was considered a mystery by God's people until the Holy Spirit came down on the Day of Pentecost and dwell in the hearts of man.  Jews and Gentiles alike became the Body of Christ (Ekklesia, Church) with Christ as the Head.  Up until the revelation of the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ) was entrusted to Apostle Paul, people were oblivious to the Jews and the Gentiles coming together as One Body   in Christ!  Through the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross, everyone who humbles himself before God and puts his/her faith on Him will not face eternal death. The once severed spiritual connection with God is restored and our sins are forgiven. For Jesus paid the highest price so that we can remain in His presence forever. I say thank you, Lord!

As children (Born-again, John 3:3) of the Most High celebrating the birth of our Savior this time all around the world, let us be grateful and make use of the remaining time given to this world to impart what Christ has done for us.  As we see darkness trying to diminish the light of the Gospel in every corner of the world, let us remember what God's Word in 1 John 4:2-4 clearly tells us, "This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.  You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."  Every born-again believer carries the light of God in them that will shine the brightest in the midst of darkness.  I know it is not easy and we feel weary at times in this intense battle between good and evil.  If you need rest, rest in the arms of our Lord  Jesus and feed on His Word. His Spirit is faithful to comfort and recharge us with power and might needed to finish yet another day till He calls us home.  I declare that today is a great day to be a believer!  Jesus and His Ark of Grace is still open for those who seek refuge, love and eternal freedom provided by God to them who would believe.  One day the door will shut and the rebellious outsiders will face God's wrath. If we truly love our family and friends, we would tell them about the Gospel for Jesus is the "only way" by which man can be saved.  

I would like to impart what My Life Application Bible shared regarding our highlighted verses in this post.  It says, "When the time had fully come," God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins.  For centuries, the Jews had been wondering when their Messiah would come---but God's timing was perfect. We may sometimes wonder if God will ever respond to our prayers.  But we must never doubt Him or give up hope.  At the right time He will respond.  Jesus was born of a woman---He was human.  He was born as a Jew---He was subject to God's law and fulfilled it perfectly.  Thus Jesus was the perfect sacrifice because, although He was fully human, He never sinned.  His death bought freedom for us who were enslaved to sin so that we could be adopted into God's family.  Under the Roman law, an adopted child was guaranteed all legal rights to His father's property, even if he was formerly a slave.  He was not a second class son; he was equal to all other sons, biological or adopted,  in His father's family. As adopted children of God, we share with Jesus all rights to God's resources. As God's heirs, we can claim what He has provided for us---our full identity as His children (Romans 8:15-17)."

 

For this Card, I used a Christmas themed image from Art Impressions called the "Ugly Sweater Clear Set" that I colored using my Ohuhu markers.  The base card and envelope are from Paper Studio and the background stamp is from Inkadinkado. The DP is from DCWV. I ran it through my Cuttlebug using a Cuttlebug folder for embossing and I added glitters from Stickles-Crystal to parts of the image. Lastly, I included some fancy stitching.

 

 

GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON CARD 

GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON CARD LAYERS

 

GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON CARD WITH ENVELOPE

 

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

 

Alphabet Challenge---S is for Snow 

Beyond the Blue---Snowflakes!

CAS on Sunday---Embossing (Heat or Dry)

Colour Crazy---ATG

Creative Fingers---ATG

Jingle Belles---Wrapping up 2022/Christmas Themed

Pattie's Creations---ATG

Paper Dragonfly---Merry CRAFTmas

Winter Wonderland---Anything Christmas Goes

As You Like It---ATG for Christmas

Cardz 4 Galz---Fun in the Snow

C.R.A.F.T.---ATG

Krafty Chicks---CAS

MAWTT---Christmas

Crafty Gals Corner---'Tis the Season

Ellibelle's Corner---ATG

Fab n Funky---Last Minute Christmas

Simon Says---Ice Cold

Sisterhood of Crafters---Traditional Christmas

Paper Funday---ATG/Holiday Time

Digi Choosday---ATG

Holly and Ivy Christmas---Anything Christmas Goes

TTCRD---ATG

A Place to Start---ATG/Happy Holidays

Crafting Happiness---Christmas

Double Trouble---Thing 1 (My Color Choices)

Inspiration Station---Holiday Magic

PIP---ATG

Use Your Stuff---Christmas Edition

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  There's a few more days left to participate in our current Challenge before our final Challenge of the year that will include a Blog Hop with lots and lots of prizes to be won which will start this coming Wednesday. 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.  A great prize awaits our winner from our wonderful sponsor---The Rabbit Hole Designs ($15 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Christmas is coming and I hope you share the true meaning of this season to your friends and love ones.   

Ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Find out how on the sidebar...

Scripture Series: All Things Are For Your Sakes Center Step Card---Join Us for Anything/Inspirational Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, guys!  So, we began another Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) over a week and a half ago featuring another Scripture Word Art which you can download for free at the WAW site.  It comes from 2 Corinthians 4:15 which says, "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God."

 

We just celebrated Thanksgiving Day in this country several days ago.  There's just so much to be thankful for but on the top of my list is that I am a child of God (Born-again, John 3:3), the Almighty Creator is my Father!  That happened the very moment I gave myself wholeheartedly to the One that God sent to redeem me---my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  I can't believe it took place more than thirty-two years ago.  I'm thankful for everyone that allowed themselves to be used by God to share the Gospel (death, burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ) to me and for those who have prayed earnestly for both my physical and spiritual well-being my entire life. 

As an Ambassador for Christ in this fallen world, we are to share the Gospel and pray for the salvation of those who are still lost.  For that is the very reason why believers (Born-again, John 3:3) are still in this world.  We have seen and experienced the immeasurable love and goodness of God that we can't help but share it to everyone.  But we know it's not easy!  For what seemed to be plain and simple to us is overly complicated to those who are lovers of this world.  James 4:4 tells us, "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?  Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." I want to share a commentary in my Bible that  says, "The Gospel is open and revealed to everyone, except to those who refuse to believe.  Satan is the "god of this age."  His work is to deceive, and he has blinded those who don't believe in Christ.  The allure of money, power, and pleasure blinds people to the light of Christ's Gospel.  Those who reject Christ and prefer their own pursuits have unknowingly made Satan their god."  Due to advancement in technology, we are constantly surrounded by temptations and the message of "Love Yourself" is propagated in every avenue possible.  They have distorted the true meaning of love which is "self-sacrificing" and is fully expressed in what the Bible tells us in Mark 12:30-31 which is, "loving your neighbor as yourself." Anything short of that is plainly self-serving.

But realize that we share the Gospel not of our own effort but the Holy Spirit of God empowering us.  We are God's conduits.  Is is He who gets into the hearts of sinners and begins transforming them from within for those who genuinely welcomes Him into their lives.   He does not work on man's timeline but His own plan and purpose.  Our part is to rightfully discern, listen and obey what He wants us to do and where He wants us to go.  There are times He sends us to sow while He uses others to harvest.  Each of us are a part of His wonderful plan to save mankind from the eternal wrath that is reserved for Satan and his minions.  For the works of darkness are no longer hidden.  Our society is being conditioned to accept every despicable acts/behavior/mindset that in the past were kept sealed and contained.  Take for example the "Balenciaga Scandal" that dominates the headlines these days and the exploitation of children.  Many were outraged but this has been going on for many years now but those who sounded the alarm were deemed conspiracy theorist just to brush off the truth.  By the way, I've seen so much worst without media reaction.  But the Body of Christ (Church, Ekklesia) is still in this world to be  the Salt and Light!  Our mission is not only to bring souls to God's kingdom but to also push back against the hostile takeover of Satan!  Each day, we spread God's truth to slow the decay of society and we shine the light of the Gospel as a beacon of hope in the darkened pillars of our society.  We come against all the powers of the enemy knowing that we carry in us the Cross of Christ, a reminder that we are one with the Lord Jesus as a Victorious Conqueror!  So let's do the work that God placed upon us.  Always stand for God's Word and declare what Christ has done for those who are perishing. Time is really short!  I would like to share My Life Application Bible's  commentary regarding our highlighted verse as it truly blessed me.  It says, "Paul has faced sufferings, trials, and distress as he preached the Good News.  But he knew that they would one day be over, and he would obtain God's rest and rewards.  As we face great troubles, it's easy to focus on the pain rather than on our ultimate goal.  Just as athletes concentrate on the finish line and ignore their discomfort, we too must focus on the reward for our faith and the joy that lasts forever.  No matter what happens to us in this life, we have the assurance of eternal life, when all suffering will end and all sorrow will flee away (Isaiah 35:10)."

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions called "Interchangeable Car Set" that I colored using my Ohuhu markers. The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step design.  The DP's and washi tape are from Paper Studio and the brads from Recollections.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card for added dimension.

ALL THINGS ARE FOR YOUR SAKES CENTER STEP CARD

ALL THINGS ARE FOR YOUR SAKES CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS

 

ALL THINGS ARE FOR YOUR SAKES CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE

 

ALL THINGS ARE FOR YOUR SAKES CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Craft Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

Creatalicious---ATG/Christmas Non Traditional Colors

LeeAnn's World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Inspired by A Song

Lost Coast---Something Seasonal

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Open Technique

Scor Pal---More than One Score

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

QKR Stampede---ATG

Rabisco---ATG

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

YSP---ATG

There's over a day left for our current WAW Challenge so head over there and join. 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 this week.  Great prize to be won from our wonderful sponsor---Waffle Flower Stamps & Dies ($15 e-GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, don't be weary in sharing the Good News of Salvation and what Jesus has done in your life.  Let the Holy Spirit guide you and empower you.

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