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.


Thursday, March 2, 2023

Scripture Series: Hot Java Card---Join Us for Anything/Inspirational Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

A wonderful day, everyone!  The Challenge where I featured the Card in this post just ended and we have a new WAW Challenge that's posted yesterday featuring a new Scripture Word Art that you can download for free.  However, I wanted to create a proper post for the project I made from the previous Challenge.  Life had been extraordinarily busy that blogging had to take a back seat.  Many times, I thought of taking a (very long?) break from DT position to rid of deadlines and just post at my own time.  But I persevere because I know the Lord wanted me to continue spreading God's Word through our WAW group.  So, I am choosing to obey God!  Okay, the Scripture Word Art from our previous Challenge was found in Romans 12:12 which says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." You can find the past Challenge HERE if you want to download for free the previous Scripture Word Art.
 
As Jesus offered Himself to die on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins (Born-again, John 3:3) through faith in His finished work at the Cross, we also need to pour ourselves wholeheartedly and sacrificially to spreading the Good News of the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection) to the lost sheep of this world.  I am delighted to hear of the great move of God spreading like wild fire here in our country and around the world--- especially among our younger generation these days.  I've seen several videos of young and old  confessing how their thirst and hunger were satisfied by God which was something they have never before experienced.  While rejoicing, I also pray for many to break away from the chains and destructive influence of social media, entertainment and woke culture/education.  For them to be thoroughly exposed to the infinite Word of God and to find a sound Church that will help them grow in their faith so as not to be deceived again by the wiles of the enemy. However, there are also some who have chosen not only to rebel from God but have dedicated their lives to inventing evil.  They're not even hiding their despicable deeds. Romans 1:28-31 says, "Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them."
 
Nowadays, what saddens and concerns me the most is when I hear many "so called" famous Christians fall/fell into the trap of the enemy.  God has given us His Word filled with examples on how Satan and those people that followed his bid had fallen.  God did not hide the sins of the past so that we can learn and avoid the same fate today.  From the beginning, the enemy uses the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life to test the core of our faith in the Lord and how the love for one's self always gets in the way of truly serving God.  Many people have dedicated themselves for their own advancement so that they can buy whatever their hearts desire.  And depending upon how rich, famous and powerful they want to be will determine how much of themselves they are willing to compromise.  Don't believe me?  Just look at the history of many big artists today. You can see a big difference in their attitude and image before and after fame!  I used to be so happy for people winning some talent contest, especially when they come from humble beginnings but sadly, majority of them changed their image, minds and conduct when they reach stardom.  So many of them grew up in the Church and used their talents to give glory to God. What went wrong?   You see, "SELF" started to take over and they became like everyone in the world that denied and mocked God.  A few weeks ago, I watched a very famous "Christian music artist" expressing how sad he was that Gospel Music don't have the same moments like the Hip hop music at the Grammy's 2023 and how the Hip hop genre were highlighted as well in other award giving bodies. And that Gospel music is limited to fewer and fewer moments. That there's a lot of great Christian artists but you may not know them because there's fewer doors to highlight them and that creates tension within his community."  Wow, that statement frustrates me!  I'm not sad  because I agree with his sentiment but I seriously question his desire to be acknowledged and awarded by a secular, satanic inclined award giving bodies!  Since when did God told us in his Word that we are supposed to entertain the world?  2 Corinthians 6:14-15 says, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?  Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?"  No matter how great your talent is, you shouldn't step into the Church stage like you are auditioning for American Idol. Period! There's nothing wrong if you are great at what you do---just make sure that your motive is to bring glory to Jesus and not to yourself. A true servant of God would offer their talent solely for the glory of God who had given them the talent in the first place.  It does not seek or demand accolades and approval from the world. If we are complimented for our service to the Lord, we make sure to give the Lord all the glory.  Remember to desire the reward that comes from heaven.  The moment we turn our focus from God to our "self" among other things, that is the start of one's downfall.  In other words, don't use Gospel music/platform to gain stardom!  Don't use what's holy for unholy things!  1 John 2:15-17 clearly warns us. "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever."
 
My fellow believers, don't idolize anybody for anything---even servants of God!  We can draw inspiration from people who exemplifies God on a case to case basis but be careful that you don't place them on a pedestal.  This is how many have fallen!  In my entire life, I have never been a crazy fan of anyone.  I don't go out of my way to follow famous people for autographs nor cried in excitement upon seeing famous people I admired.  Even before I became a believer, I always knew in my heart that we are all created equal in the eyes of the Lord no matter what our status, influence, looks, color and more.  All of us need to repent and come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ to worship and serve only Him.
 
For this Card, I decided to use a Stamp Simply sentiment (our sponsor last Challenge) from "A Cup of Java (Coffee)" Set to compliment my project. I used an image from Art Impressions called "Cathy Caffeine" that I watercolored using Distress Inks.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card that I rounded on two opposite ends using my Corner Chomper.  The DP's are from The Paper Studio, the flowers I layered from Prima with the brad and washi tape from Recollections. I added some glitters on the flowers from Stickles (Crystal) and finished it all up with some fancy/regular stitching. 
 
 
HOT JAVA CARD 
 
HOT JAVA CARD LAYERS
 
HOT JAVA CARD INSIDE
 
HOT JAVA CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX
 

 This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

2 Sister on the Blog---Spring/Easter Card
Beautiful Blossoms---ATG/Florals Mood Board
DL Art---ATG
Lost Coast---Spring has Sprung
Mix it Up---ATG/Distressing
Pearly Sparkles---Include a Sentiment/Verse
Four Seasons---Anything Spring Goes
Worldwide Crafters---ATG with Image
YSP---ATG
Krafty Chicks---Stamp Act
Paper Shelter---Dots and/or Circles
Paper Funday---ATG/You're Brewtiful

Make sure you join our new 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 winner will be awarded a wonderful prize from our awesome sponsor---Pretty Pink Posh ($30 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, as believers of Jesus Christ, freed from the bondage of Sin through faith in Jesus Christ, let us use our God given talents to serve God with a pure heart void of selfish motives.

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19 comments:

  1. Great coffee card love the image and all the different coffees sentiment that is one large coffee)Thank you for joining us at Pearly Sparkles
    Carol DT x

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  2. Such a sweet image Jo and your card design is lovely. Thanks for playing along with us at the Beautiful Blossoms Challenge. We enjoy seeing all the inspirational projects everyone shares.
    Donna xx
    Paper Funday Challenge
    Inspiration Station Challenge

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  3. I'm popping back in to say Thanks for sharing with us at The Paper Funday Challenge!
    Donna xx

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  4. Such a fun card design with a great sketch and cute image, and a beautifully done envelope too!
    Thanks so much for sharing at my Crafty Wednesday challenge!
    Ellie
    Ellibelle's Corner

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  5. Very nice card! Thank you for sharing your creation at The Paper Shelter Challenge
    Iza DT

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  6. Oh if only... Yip, this would be me - hanging over the biggest cup o coffee I can find. Fabulous creation! Thanks for sharing this with us at The Paper Shelter!
    Linda

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  7. What a cute cute and fun card, a great design too!
    Thank you for joining our challenge at The Four Seasons!
    Diane FS Co-Owner
    {Nellies Nest}
    {Four Seasons}
    {Triple B} NEW March 3rd
    {Stencil Fun}

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  8. I think your card is fun and wonderful, great layers and details, and with a matching envelope, marvellous. Thank you so much for joining us in our challenge at QKR Stampede Good Luck and looking forward to seeing you again in our next challenge.
    Faith A DT

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  9. Fun fun card! So well done with all the layers and who doesn't love an Art Impression lady? Thanks so much for joining us at Beautiful Blossoms Challenge!

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  10. Oh dear that’s so true. Coffee has great importance in our lives.

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  11. forgot to say it’s a great card. Lots going on and funny.

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  12. How fun! That large coffee is about the size I need some mornings :-) Beautifully done!
    Thanks so much for playing along with us at The Paper Shelter.
    Lena - DT xx

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  13. A super card. The fabulously fun image is wonderfully coloured and the stitched details are lovely.
    Thank you for joining in with the Crafts Galore Encore March Challenge “Anything Goes”. Good luck x

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  14. Love all the fabby layers and all the fun elements on your card! Thanks for playing at Happy Little Stampers March Watercolor Challenge! LynB xoxo

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  15. Beautiful and fun card! :)
    Thanks a lot for joining us at Creatalicious! :)

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  16. ooohhh...if only I had a coffee that big! :) fun card! thanks for joining us at The Mix It Up Challenge Blog!

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  17. Wonderful card design, I love all the elements you have used.
    Thank you for joining us at Ching-Chou Kuik Monthly Blog Challenge
    Best Wishes Lisa DT
    craftycard-designs.co.uk

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  18. Very cute card! Thanks for joining us at HLS Challenges. Looking forward to seeing you in our gallery again. Nandini, DT

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  19. Love this card. Your colors and your image are so perfect together. Thanks for joining the challenge at Love to Craft Challenge Blog!

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