Scripture/CAS Series: For It Is the Blood Card---It's Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone! We started another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge a week ago at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring a new Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site). It comes from Leviticus 17:11 which says, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."  

 

...Oh the blood of Christ that washes away the sins of the world!  Many so-called Christians today don't really have a clue what is the significance of our Savior's death on the Cross because they haven't taken the time to find out the biblical basis of their faith.  When Adam fell into Sin which brought Death (spiritual, physical and eternal) to all of mankind, our relationship with God was severed and the only way we can approach Him was through a blood sacrifice.  The Bible tells us in Genesis 3:21, "And the LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them."  The Fall of Man had placed all of creation under curse because of one man's disobedience to God.  To demonstrate the horrific consequence of such a betrayal, the innocent had to pay in order for humanity to temporarily be allowed access to God's favor.  The Scripture told us that innocent animals needed to die for God to use their skin to cover Adam and Eve's nakedness.  From then on, mankind was only able to approach God through countless animal sacrifices till the time God provided an everlasting Sacrifice, once and for all, for the forgiveness of Sin.  

Then He came---our Savior, at God's appointed time!  Jesus, God's One and Only Son and the perfect sacrifice that would take away the Sin that plagued all of humanity (John 3:16).  His innocent (sinless) blood poured out at the Cross of Calvary to bring new life and freedom to our rebellious, hopeless and chained spirits.  That whosoever believes and receives Jesus' victory over Sin and Death are made right with God (Justification by Faith) and are being transformed daily in the image of Jesus Christ (Sanctification by Faith).  They have complete access to the throne room of God and will never be turned away.  As a Born-again  (John 3:3) believer, we've identified with Christ and no longer bound by our identification with Adam.  Romans 5:19-21 says, "For just as through one man’s disobedience [his failure to hear, his carelessness] the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one Man the many will be made righteous and acceptable to God and brought into right standing with Him. But the Law came to increase and expand [the awareness of] the trespass [by defining and unmasking sin]. But where sin increased, [God’s remarkable, gracious gift of] grace [His unmerited favor] has surpassed it and increased all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness which brings eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  From the bondage of death leading to eternal wrath, we were set free to an everlasting life in the presence of God which was solely made possible by FAITH (trust, cling, depend, believe) in what JESUS accomplished at the Cross by the shedding of His blood!  

 

My friends, we live in a world of many chaos and uncertainties as we see the Day of the Lord/ Tribulation Period approaching.  Everyone whose been washed and covered by the blood of Jesus need not worry for we know that nothing happens without God's knowledge.  If we are still living and breathing in this world today, that's because we are still part of God's plan---His great commission to share the Gospel (Jesus' death, burial and resurrection) to whosoever and wherever He would send us. It is also His will for us to continue being the Salt and Light of this world in order to push back on the rapid decay and darkness that will one day break loose at His appointed time. I would like to share what My Life Application Bible shared with regards to our highlighted verse today for greater understanding.  It says, "How does blood make atonement for sin?  When offered with the right attitude, the sacrifice and the blood shed from it made forgiveness of sin possible. On the other hand, blood represented the sinner's life, infected by his sin and headed for death. On the other hand, the blood represented the innocent life of the animal that was sacrificed in place of the guilty person making the offering. The death of the animal (of which the blood was proof) fulfilled the penalty of death.  God therefore granted forgiveness to the sinner.  It is God who forgives based on the faith of the person doing the sacrificing." If you want to know more about why God required animal sacrifices in the Old Testament, go HERE.

For this Card, I used an image from DRS Designs called "Cattail Milk Pail" that I stamped over a circle that I created with Distress Inks using a circle Nestabilities die.  The base is a white A2 card that comes with an envelope from Paper Studio.  Then I printed our featured Scripture Word Art for this Challenge and walah, this card is finished.  Definitely one of my simplest cards but I believe it conveyed the Scripture effectively which is what's truly important...

 

FOR IT IS THE BLOOD CARD 

FOR IT IS THE BLOOD CARD CLOSE-UP

 

FOR IT IS THE BLOOD CARD WITH ENVELOPE

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

 

Aud Sentiments---Spring/Easter Sentiment

Cardz 4 Gals---Mother's Day or Spring Flowers

CRAFT---ATG

DL Art---Easter

Krafty Chicks---All Occasions (Resurrection Sunday)

Creative Moments---For a Special Lady

Ellibelle's---Spring is in the Air

Sisterhood of Crafters---Sentiment Only

Paper Funday---ATG/Green/Gold

Digi Choosday---ATG

Everybody-Art---Spring

Ike's World---ATG/Tic Tac Toe

TTCRD---ATG

Crafting Happiness---ATG

Double Trouble---Less is More (CAS)

Jan's Digi---ATG

PIP---ATG

Path of Positivity---ATG/Something Special from your Childhood

Use Your Stuff---White + One Other Color

Lil' Patch---ATG

Stamping Sensations---Stamp Something for Spring

Corrosive---ATG

We Love Stamping---Spring

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 several times in two weeks.  A great prize awaits our winner from our wonderful sponsor---DRS Stamps (25 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Remember that faith is the currency of heaven and without it, we cannot please God.  When we know the basis of our faith by studying His Word, we can effectively share the Gospel for the salvation of many.   

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

CAS Series: You're the Best Flower Mini Notecards---Join our Monthly Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello everyone...It's almost the middle of the month and I finally found the time to post the project that I featured for our Challenge at 613 Avenue Create which started the first Sunday of this month.  You still have plenty of time to join the fun by visiting our site.

Day after day, there's always something to do and I couldn't keep up.  It felt like time is whisking away and more than ever, many of the prophetic promises from the Word of God is coming to pass daily.  Some will not care as they are not aware of God's plan, have rejected God or are totally deceived.  Some are paralyzed by fear and hopelessness that they do whatever their so called experts tell them to do though it defies logic and wisdom.  Some are demonic possessed that they carry out the Satanic destruction by promoting lies to deceive many as leaders and media influencers.  And there are those who war with both the spiritual and natural realm to continue the work and the plan of God for the freedom to preach the Gospel for the salvation of many souls.  

2 Corinthians 4:18 says, "We fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen." I would like to share  a devotional from Our Daily Bread dated June 22, 2020 (written by Estera Pirosca Escobar) exhorting this verse.  It says,  "Eternal eyes, that's what my friend Madeline prays her children and grandchildren would have.  Her family has gone through tumultuous season that ended with the death of her daughter.  As the family grieves from this horrific loss, Madeline longs for them to be less and less nearsighted---consumed by the pain of this world.  And to be more and more farsighted---filled with hope in our loving God.  The Apostle Paul and his-co-workers experienced great suffering at the hands of persecutors and even from believers who tried to discredit them.  Yet, they had their eyes fixed on eternity.  Paul boldly acknowledged that "we (Born-again, John 3:3) fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  Although they were doing God's work, they lived with the reality of being hard pressed on every side," "perplexed," "persecuted," and "struck down" (2 Corinthians  4:8-9).  Shouldn't God have delivered them from these troubles?  But instead of being disappointed, Paul built his hope on the "eternal glory" that supersedes momentary troubles (2 Corinthians 4:17).  He knew God's power was at work in him and had complete assurance that "the One Who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:14).  When our world around us feels shaky, may we turn our eyes to God---the eternal Rock that will never be destroyed." This message resonated with me as I contemplate on everything that is happening in our country,  around the world, the Body of Christ and Israel.  

If we want to get a glimpse on where we are in the prophetic timeline of God, we need to take a close look on what is happening to these three indicators---1) The Body of Christ (the Church)  2) God's chosen people (Israel) and 3) The World (Nations).  Though we were blessed with great freedom here in America, our very way of life protected by our Constitution are being trampled on and perverted by the ungodly whose sole purpose is to establish the reign of the Antichrist (One World Government, One Religion, One Currency).  The illegitimate government that runs our country for the past few months are looking for ways to abandon our greatest ally Israel---by lifting sanctions placed by President Trump against those who wish to harm Israel.  Instead, this fake administration funds the enemies of Israel under the disguise of humanitarian aid and when these countries get our money, they use it to procure weapons and missiles to attack Israel and Christians.  All over the world, demonic leaders are  disguising as Covid experts doing their best to mandate vaccines, enticing the public to get their shots using lotteries and bonuses for those who would comply with a vaccination that is still in its trial phase using humans as guinea pigs.  With no guarantees and knowledge on the long term effect/s it will do to the population, the fearful bow down while trying to find ways to criminalize those who wouldn't comply by threatening us with the implementation of vaccine passports to take away our rights.  If you think this is not a precursor to the mark of the Beast in Revelation 13:15-18, think again.  It's all about using fear to condition people's minds.  And I tell you bluntly right now---(unless it's fear of the Lord) FEAR IS NOT OF GOD!

Normally, I should be in a panic mode these days---both naturally and spiritually.  But several months ago, I poured my heart to God and laid every concern I have for our country, this world and the "so-called Christians" that are persecuting the true Body of Christ.  God allowed me to rest upon Him that day and He calmed my spirit.  From then on, He gave me "supernatural peace" that always reminds me that no matter what happens,  I AM IN HIM!  He impressed upon my heart that while I am still here, He will continue to use me as His Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)  for the salvation of  many.  Worries and fear no longer rule my life.  Brief existence in this temporary world is nothing compared to a life without end in the arms of my great Savior and Lord, JESUS CHRIST!  Entrusting my life to God in this life and the next is the secret to a fearless, peaceful and totally free life no matter what the circumstances are.  

For this Card, I used an image from Glitz Design Stamp for the background and the flowers from Recollections that I colored using my Prismacolor markers.  The sentiment is from Technique Tuesday and the sentiment on the envelope is from Printoworks.  The base is a packed notecards with envelopes that I bought at Michaels years ago.  I made a total of six cards with two of each kind for a set.  These are totally cute.  

YOU'RE THE BEST FLOWER MINI NOTECARDS

YOU'RE THE BEST FLOWER CARD 1

YOU'RE THE BEST FLOWER CARD 2

YOU'RE THE BEST FLOWER CARD 3

 This Project is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Gals Corner---For the Ladies

Ellibelle's---ATG/Blooming Beautiful

Card Concept---Garden Pleasures (I was inspired by the beautiful flowers)

Paper Funday---ATG/Flowers/Florals

Colour Crazy---ATG

Crafty Catz---ATG/Just Chill

Creative Fingers---ATG

Pattie's Creations---ATG

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

LeeAnns World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/No Patterned Paper

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Pearly Sparkles---CAS

PINspirational---Photo Inspiration

Crafting Challenge---Flowers and/or Butterflies

YSP---ATG

This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge with optional theme, "Mood Board."  If you want to be challenged more, take on our Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it. Can't wait to see what you create. In every situation, put your trust in God alone.  In Him you'll find love, peace and joy no matter what.

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

CAS Series: Yappy Birthday Card---Join our First Anything Goes Challenge this New Year, 2021 at 613 Avenue Create!

HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR, 2021, Crafty Peeps!  A couple of days ago, we started our January Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create with no optional theme.  I would like to show you a very simple Birthday card that I  made for our Challenge below.

In case you don't realize it yet, we are living in what the Bible describe as "perilous times."  Lies are rampant and many people are so deceived that there's no ounce of truth residing in their conscience.  They do not only conspire to do evil things but they encourage everyone to go along, support and force everyone to bow down to their demonic agenda.  I understand, it's very easy to lose hope.  If my hope comes from the world, I would be consumed by sadness at what the darkened hearts of man have done to this great country.  For their hearts are evil and evil continually.  

But NO, MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD!  I will stand for the LORD and HIS WORD even if I have to go against every human opposition (even my own) for GOD'S TRUTH to once again shine in this nation.  For all ungodliness and oppression shall cease for every believer (Born-again, John 3:3) whose faith is firmly planted in CHRIST when He calls us home or when He comes back for His Bride (the Church) while we are still alive.  He will gather us all in the air (Rapture) and we will live in His presence forever more.  But the divine judgment of God (His wrath) shall pour out to them who are left behind---the wicked, haters of God, mockers of Jesus Christ---everyone who conspired with Satan.  It can happen any day but until then, we listen to the voice of the Lord (His Word) as we carry our His plans to fight for what is right and true without compromise and reservations.  In times of trials and uncertainties, we need to trust and cling to the Lord even more.  He's already paid the price for our freedom not only out from this corrupt world but for all eternity!  Sharing this wonderful promise of the Lord to us.  Be encouraged!

"Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty. “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” (Malachi 4:1-6)

For this Card. I used an image I got from Mama Elephant and I colored it with my ProMarkers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make it an A2 size.  The birthday sentiment comes with the dog image although the the main and envelope sentiments are from Stampendous. Just a simple card to start the year.

 YAPPY BIRTHDAY CARD

 

 

 YAPPY BIRTHDAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE 

This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge with an optional theme.  Can't wait to see what you create. The Lord is with you every step of the way so, don't compromise God's Word nor be afraid of the what the future holds based on your faithfulness to His Word.  Great is our eternal reward in heaven for us whose trust in not of the world but in Christ!

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

CAS Series: Traditional Christmas Card Set---Join our End of the Year Challenge at 613 Avenue Create with Anything Goes!

Hi there, everyone!  We have a brand new Challenge happening this entire month at 613 Avenue Create!  As always, it's Anything Goes with optional theme of  "Vintage."  I want to make sure to wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS in advance.  This is my favorite time of the year because the whole world acknowledges the birth of God's One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

It's hard to think that we're already on the last month of the year and there are so many things that happened the whole year that we'd rather not be reminded of.  So many deaths surrounding the controversial pandemic beginning of the year, calamities, government betrayal perpetrated by our  own citizens (enemies from within). They formed  radical groups that seek to destroy our values, promote cancel culture and division in a never seen before level of extremism aided by the mainstream media that no longer report the truth. Those that hold to Godly principles and values who love God, life and  country are being silenced by the elite who happened to hold power and ownership of many businesses and resources in every spheres of our society.  They no longer hide their Satanic agenda which is to turn this country into a globalists, communist/socialists society where Antichrist and his elite minions can decide the fate of many. 

The question is, why are these radical foul and loud mouths "so-called citizens" want to inflict this despicable harm to America?  Do they hate their children so much that they want to deprive them of the freedom they themselves enjoy when their families arrived here to find greener pasture?  To this day, there are many people around the world who would like the privilege to live in this country.  I haven't seen anyone arrested for trying to leave America to relocate somewhere unless they are criminals.  American citizens enjoy our God-given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  The government is established by the people and for the people.  It's not perfect but ideal for those who love and fear God.  But you see, Satan's minions don't like that.  Anything or anyone that exalts God is hated and attacked.  The devil plants his people in the different spheres of our society and invoke the powers of darkness (give them fame, riches and influence) to disguise themselves as light-bearers to deceive the weak in spirit and the gullible.  And many of them are hiding under their so-called religious affiliation (religion).   Their goal is to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10)!  Can you see these in our society today? Be very careful whom you choose to listen to for motivation, encouragement and direction---Spiritual or Secular teachers.  God's Word said in 2 Peter 2:1-3, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping."  These leaders (influencers) are after power, fame and riches in this world.  They don't care for the next generation nor do they care where their souls would go for eternity when it comes time.  In their foolishness, they traded/are trading eternal life in Christ with eternal torment with Satan just to satisfy their momentary desires. Let us hold on to the examples that Jesus Christ showed us in His earthly ministry.  Always compare what you hear to God's Word.  Reject everything that does not align with God's Truth.   Never, ever regard anything above God in your life!  Live to serve and not to be served.  Strive for forgiveness and peace but bold and steadfast in what God says is true.  Never live by fear knowing that God is able and is always on our side.  Believe that what seem to be impossible to us are all possible in God through Jesus Christ.  

I urge you brethren to never ever lose hope especially in our battle against the demonic entities that seek to steal the leadership of this country from God's chosen leader---President Donald Trump.  The prophets have spoken clearly and no weapon of the enemy can thwart the plan of God in this nation for His people.  Just like when the Israelites thought they had no way out from the hands of the Egyptians who were bent on killing them, God came in His perfect, mighty and supernatural way by parting the Red Sea to rescue His people and accomplish His plan.  Remember this:  When the road is engulfed with utter darkness, God's light shines the brightest!  And everyone whose faith is in Jesus Christ alone (Born-again, John 3:3) are God's light to this world.  Oh I tell you with excitement, God's justice is here and everyone who lives in darkness and rebellion will be exposed.  Rejoice people of God, rejoice!

For this Card, I used stamps from four sets of Stampendous Stamps that I had for several years now.  I barely used them and so glad to highlight these beautiful images on this project. The sentiments are from Momenta Clear stamps.   I stamped them using Memento Inks. Since the theme of our Challenge is Vintage, I decided that there's nothing more vintage than the true meaning and reason for this season---the birth of Jesus Christ! 

 

 TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CARD SET

 

 TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CARD 1

 

 

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CARD 2
 

 

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CARD 3

 

 TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CARD 4

 TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CARD SET WITH ENVELOPES

This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge with optional theme, "Vintage."  If you want to be challenged more, take on our Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it. Can't wait to see what you create. The Word of God is not just an ordinary book.  Read it and you will find wisdom that even the geniuses of the world will never understand.

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

CAS Series: The Sweet Life Birthday Card---Join our Anything Goes Challenge this October at 613 Avenue Create!

Hi there, everyone!  We have a brand new Challenge happening this entire month at 613 Avenue Create!  As always, it's Anything Goes with optional theme of  "Spotlight Technique."

Life has never been this busy for me.  Because of this, I definitely have less time to go on social media sites like I used to.  But on the few hours I am able to, I just can't find anything positive to read from the headlines featured by these popular social media sites.  Google, Facebook, Yahoo among others, have denied media bias yet every time I stumbled upon their featured stories, they are 99% full of news that maligns our 45th President while promoting  everyone that is against him.  It is rather obvious that the Democratic party with their politicians  couldn't accept their defeat in the 2016 election and did nothing to improve the lives of the people they serve and are bent on removing Trump from office for nearly three years now.  I thank God for each time they tried, they failed miserably.   They became a burden to this country and instigators of everything they professed they were fighting against.  Sorry to be blunt but the Democratic Party had become the party of death (Abortion), division, hatred, intolerance, immorality, lawlessness and ungodliness.  In saying this, I'm not excusing the Republican Party.  I'm just saying that between the two, the Dems are one and united into bringing this country to destruction both physically and spiritually. Therefore, if I want to find a balance news reporting, I have to dig deeper and refuse to feed on what these giant social media sites feed me.  I have to double check their sources and wait for credible facts to come out first before reacting or sharing it to other people. This is what it takes today to be socially responsible.

Whether we admit it or not, each one of us react on the issues of life on the basis of our "world view." According to Gotquestions.org, "A “worldview” refers to a comprehensive conception of the world from a specific standpoint. A “Christian worldview,” then, is a comprehensive conception of the world from a Christian standpoint. An individual’s worldview is his “big picture,” a harmony of all his beliefs about the world. It is his way of understanding reality. One’s worldview is the basis for making daily decisions and is therefore extremely important."   Before  I came to know Christ, I based my world view from what my parents and school taught me,  how my environment affected me and what I learned from other people and of course, my own experience.  Religion, culture and traditions also shaped our conduct and usually follows us wherever we go.  But that changed when I came under the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Word (Scripture/Bible) became the Source of all my Truths.  All of a sudden, I understand why I believe what I believe and rid of the many lies I thought were true.  The Ten Commandments I heard growing up are not just simply a set of rules but have shown me the holy and higher ways of God that none of us (on our own merit) would be able to follow for we are guilty of violating them through our motives and thoughts. For as descendants of Adam (by birth), we are spiritually cut-off from God---doomed from His presence for all eternity. If you think for a moment on  how big and powerful God truly is,  you will realize that there's no way you can fully comprehend the infinity of God using your finite mind.  And unless you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, whom God sent to redeem humanity from sure death and receive a new spirit (Born-again, John 3:3), there is no way any of us can understand things that truly matter beyond our natural and physical world.  Truth be told, God's kingdom (the rule of God) is invisible to our naked eyes and blessed are those whose spiritual eyes were opened that they would see.  John 4:23-24 clearly states, "But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are saved!  Galatians 2:16 says, "Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”  And through His Word (Scripture),  I have a blueprint of God's plan and purpose for all that trusted in Him. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 says, "But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."

So as a child of God that relies solely on the infallible Word of God, I deal with the affairs of our time on their spiritual standpoint (benefits and ramifications) versus feelings and emotions (driven by our natural senses).  God allows believers to see beyond the issue (which can easily be faked/staged) and the Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom to pursue Truth, pray about it and take the proper action.  We can filter from the many issues of our day  and not be easily swayed by people's false and perverted definition of love and compassion meant to stir people's emotions to fulfill their selfish cause.  Honestly, I don't hate people that disagrees with me!    And I would be willing to explain, through meaningful conversations,, where I'm coming from and listen to other's point of view while respect is maintained.  But as per my experience, the hostile and combative people are those watching fake  news/mainstream media and spending day and night reading articles from the social media giants that spread nothing but hatred and lies to sway this country to their ungodly/globalists/socialists/communists agenda. As a member of the the Body of Christ (Church), we are to broadcast the Truth of God's Word to our sphere of influence (using everything available at our disposal) boldly and refuse to be intimidated by the bullies of this world. Every issue we encounter in a personal, national or global scale should be placed under the guiding light of God's Word. God's Truth is offensive for those who live a lie and it is not our obligation to make everyone comfortable.  It is after all brokenness that leads people to repentance!

For this Card, I used stamps from Hampton Art called Footlongs for their set called "Cupcakes."  This was one of my oldest stamps and so glad to highlight it on this project.  I colored it using my Prismacolor markers and to shade the edges of the panel, I used Distress Ink.  I also used a Recollections Washi Tape and the Ranger Liquid Pearls to spotlight on the middle cupcake.  I love the simplicity of this card.

 THE SWEET LIFE BIRTHDAY CARD

 THE SWEET LIFE BIRTHDAY CARD INSIDE

THE SWEET LIFE BIRTHDAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Happy Craft---ATG
LeAnn's---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Colors of Fall
Color Create Show It Off---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
MIU---ATG/Open Technique (CAS)
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
YSBP---ATG


This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge with optional theme, "Spotlight Technique."  If you want to be challenged more, take on our Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it. Can't wait to see what you create. The Word of God is not just an ordinary book.  Read it and you will find every answer to all questions of life, here and beyond!


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

CAS Series: Pocketful of Sunshine Card Set---Join Us for Another Bi-Weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi everybody!  So sorry for the delay in posting this project I made for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW). Usually, I highlight the Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) in my featured project.  But today, I decided to use images from our Challenge sponsor (Taylored Expressions) to highlight one of their wonderful products.  Many of our DT members featured our verse in the project they created and you can view them at our Challenge site.  Our Scripture for this Challenge comes from Psalm 91:11 which says, " For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."

It is important to know the truth about angels and who they are  as servants of the most Holy God in order to understand their role in fulfilling God's will and purpose in this world.  Gotquestions.org shared an article about them based on God's Word.  Here's what it says:  "Angels are personal spiritual beings who have intelligence, emotions, and will. This is true of both the good and evil angels (demons). Angels possess intelligence (Matthew 8:29; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Peter 1:12), show emotion (Luke 2:13; James 2:19; Revelation 12:17), and exercise will (Luke 8:28-31; 2 Timothy 2:26; Jude 6). Angels are spirit beings (Hebrews 1:14) without true physical bodies. Although they do not have physical bodies, they are still personalities. Because they are created beings, their knowledge is limited. This means they do not know all things as God does (Matthew 24:36). They do seem to have greater knowledge than humans, however, which may be due to three things. First, angels were created as an order of creatures higher than humans. Therefore, they innately possess greater knowledge. Second, angels study the Bible and the world more thoroughly than humans do and gain knowledge from it (James 2:19; Revelation 12:12). Third, angels gain knowledge through long observation of human activities. Unlike humans, angels do not have to study the past; they have experienced it. Therefore, they know how others have acted and reacted in situations and can predict with a greater degree of accuracy how we may act in similar circumstances.  Though they have wills, angels, like all creatures, are subject to the will of God. Good angels are sent by God to help believers (Hebrews 1:14). Here are some activities the Bible ascribes to angels: They praise God (Psalm 148:1-2; Isaiah 6:3). They worship God (Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8-13). They rejoice in what God does (Job 38:6-7). They serve God (Psalm 103:20; Revelation 22:9). They appear before God (Job 1:6; 2:1). They are instruments of God's judgments (Revelation 7:1; 8:2). They bring answers to prayer (Acts 12:5-10). They aid in winning people to Christ (Acts 8:26; 10:3). They observe Christian order, work, and suffering (1 Corinthians 4:9; 11:10; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12). They encourage in times of danger (Acts 27:23-24). They care for the righteous at the time of death (Luke 16:22). Angels are an entirely different order of being than humans. Human beings do not become angels after they die. Angels will never become, and never were, human beings. God created the angels, just as He created humanity. The Bible nowhere states that angels are created in the image and likeness of God, as humans are (Genesis 1:26). Angels are spiritual beings that can, to a certain degree, take on physical form. Humans are primarily physical beings, but with a spiritual aspect. The greatest thing we can learn from the holy angels is their instant, unquestioning obedience to God’s commands."

As I meditate on our highlighted verse, I can't help but be reminded of God's promises to His chosen nation, Israel.  If we look for Israel in the world map,  it's hard to understand why this tiny country could exist with unbelievable military might in the midst of grave threats from huge neighboring countries  that publicly professed to annihilate her from the face of the earth. With unspeakable hatred, many nations have conspired to destroy this country and her people all throughout history. And to this day, the terrorists attacks on them by neighboring countries under Islamic ideology and the despicable bias aimed at them by the United Nations is mind-boggling.  I grew up in the Philippines which many have considered a small country (some people could not even locate her in the map).  But to my surprise, the Philippines is fourteen times bigger than Israel both in area and population.   If I think about Israel with a worldly mindset, without spiritual and Biblical input, it would be hard for me to reconcile how Israel and her 8.3 million people continue to dominate the world scene in the area of technological advances as well as protect their sovereignty and continue to be a significant player in the affairs of this world in the midst of overwhelming oppositions.  As a human being with limited understanding, I don't have an answer!  God has supernaturally intervened in this nation that it's hard for anybody with a carnal mindset to understand.  The truth is, the hand of  Almighty God keeps His chosen nation safe!  God will deal with the transgressions of His people in His perfect time but no one can harm God's chosen unless allowed by God Himself.  The Lord assigned angels to protect His people that no enemy could overcome.  

As God works His plan in nations and governments, He also works with our leaders and uses the Body of Christ (His Church) to accomplish His purpose.  Don't ever think that we are alone in our fight for righteousness and freedom here in America.  God chose our nation to be an ally to Israel and we are not to abandon such  role no matter what.  The Lord granted us a window of opportunity by appointing us a President that loves Israel and seeks the betterment of this country and its citizens.  His leadership halted the Satanic globalist agenda being pushed under Socialism and eventually, Communism (government's use of force) had they succeeded in taking our right to bear arms (2nd amendment right).  Their goal was and still to this day---an all out rebellion from the One True God.  Using their major (evil) social media platforms, they promote lies, biases and divisions by twisting and perverting God's Truth.  They're doing everything they can to impeach God's leaders and representatives  that seeks the betterment of our nation.  But everyone who is adept in God's Word and God's prophetic move in this country knows that THEY WILL NOT SUCCEED.  GOD'S WORD PREVAILS!  I know that countless angels of God had been assigned to protect our nation and our President as well as all of us that fulfills His calling daily.  With Truth and boldness, we advance God's agenda. We declare the Word of the Lord to destroy their curses and spells.  Let us pray without ceasing as we bring every concern unto the Lord as we thank Him for answered prayers.  Remembering always what Romans 8:28-34 tells us, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us."  Take hold of God's promises for it will always come to pass. 

For this Card, I used images from our sponsor, Taylored Expressions, called "Pocketful of Sunshine" that I colored using  Prismacolor markers and Distress Inks.  The pocket is a die that comes with the stamp set along with all the sentiments.   The sentiment in the envelopes is from Heidi Swapp.  I created two of each design to complete a set of eight cards.  I think they came out perfect.
 

 POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE CARD SET WITH ENVELOPES

 POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE CARD 1

 POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE CARD 2

 POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE CARD 3

POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE CARD 4

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 this week.  An awesome GC worth $25  will be awarded to each of our two Challenge winners by our awesome sponsor---Taylored Expressions.  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.

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CAS Series: Hugs XOXO Card Set---Join 613 Avenue Create for our Monthly Anything Goes Challenge...

Hello everyone!  I'm featuring this Card Set for this month's Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  So sorry for posting late as I've been super busy the past few days.  We would love to have you link with us your wonderful projects and share the fun of crafting the entire month of September.  As always, it's Anything Goes with an optional twist of Clean and Simple (CAS).

Yesterday, my family and I went to Six Flags (Amusement Park) to swim, eat and have fun.  Though there were some attractions that were closed, we managed to make the most of our time and enjoyed the partially cloudy weather which saved us from the usual scorching Texas heat.  Then we went for dinner in one of the park's restaurants.  We noticed the clouds turned dark and before we could even start our meal, a heavy rain started to pour. Then came thunder and lightning.  Despite all of that, we took our time to finish our meal believing that it was just a passing cloud.  That it would soon be over and we could go to the final attraction of the night---the Fireworks Show!

But it never lit up.  The rain poured heavy with no end in sight.  Convinced that the final show was canceled, we prepared ourselves to go through the severe rain to make it to my vehicle in the parking lot.  Without any umbrella, we asked the restaurant for some trash bags which we converted into ponchos and off we went.  My head, feet and legs were drenched but the rest of me stayed dry.  We walked through puddles and flooded surfaces laughing at ourselves (how we looked like with the makeshift ponchos) while surprisingly enjoying the experience.  And then, I told my hubby, "Out of all the things we did that day, the time we go through that rain was the most memorable and fun of all because it was different and out of the ordinary."  And he agreed.

So why am I sharing this?  It's because when the rain began to pour, I started praying and believing that the rain would stop in time so as not to go through it.  There were similar situations in the past when God answered my prayers---He calmed the storm, the thunder and lightning (literally) showing His faithfulness to us.  But there were also situations such as this that though He didn't stop the heavy rain from pouring, He provided us the means to go through it.  Come to think of it, He supplied the makeshift ponchos and the right spirit to tackle the situation.  It reminded me of a famous saying, "If life gives you lemons, make some lemonade."  It's evident that  I can only make wonderful lemonade out of the lemons of life when Jesus Christ is there to encourage and empower me to take the necessary steps towards faith in Him through the leading of the Holy Spirit.  That no matter what life brings, good or bad, expected or unexpected, He is my one and only Source!  So whether I'm faced with physical storms or the endless storms of life, I keep a positive attitude and gain wonderful experiences because God is always with me.  When we acknowledge the move of God in every situation, we find the joy that surpasses all understanding after every/any storm.  I would like to share this verse to encourage you in your walk with the Lord.

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.  He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.  They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind." (Psalm 107:28-31)

For this Card set, I used an image from Stampendous and colored it with my Prismacolor markers.  The sentiments are also from the same stamp set. The sentiment on the envelope is from another set of Stampedous stamps.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make an A2 size cards (4.25 x 5.5 inches).  I also made the coordinating envelopes using my Envelope Punch Board from We R Memory Keepers.  I love the result since our Challenge optional twist is Clean and Simple (CAS).  It's as simple as it can be.

 HUGS XOXO CARD SET

 HUGS XOXO CARD SET 1

HUGS XOXO CARD SET 2

This Card Set is entered into the following Challenges:

Time-out---Inspired by Words
2 Crafty Critter---Add a Critter
A2Z---CAS
A Bit More Time---ATG
A Perfect Time---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Craft Galore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG with Animal
Crafty Girls---ATG
Color It---ATG
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/Flower Frenzy
DL Art---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
HLS---CAS
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Morgan's ArtWorld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG/Thankful
Paru's Cardmaking---ATG
Sunny Day Crafting---ATG with Animal
Creative Crafters---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---ATG
YSP---ATG


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to link with us.  I hope you have a great week and know that through faith in what Jesus accomplished at the Cross, we have complete victory over the works and schemes of the enemy!  Let us share this hope to countless others in the world. 

CAS Series: Consider Your Age Unlisted Card and Crochet All-Buttoned Up Deco Pillows---It's Anything Goes for a Monthly Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello guys!  Just to tell you that 613 Avenue Create has gone from a bi-weekly Challenge to monthly.  As always, it's Anything Goes with an Optional Theme and you can link up your creations for a chance to win wonderful prizes from our Challenge sponsors.  My, oh my!  I am very sorry for this super late post as I had to deal with many things this week that kept me out of my computer desk.  There are many things that felt I need to be concerned about and when my mind and emotions led me to worry, the Spirit of God rose from within me and commanded me to quit entertaining the worries.  Instead, He told me to keep trusting God!

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I engage daily in a never ending battle to trust God's promises completely or to do what I can to make things happen for us.  I remember praying to the Lord and confessing to Him an issue of concern for my family. Before I'm even finish talking, He asked me, "So, what do you want?  Be specific!"  Recognizing the Lord's voice, I smiled and gave Him a specific answer.  I knew in my heart (right there and then) that He already took care of things.  I was full of hope and faith that everything is going to be okay. 

Yet, the story didn't end there.  As the days passed, we got more and more bad news.  We tried to complete everything that was asked of us to do yet things seemed to go from bad to worst.  Everything we are facing in the natural today seem to contradict the answer I received from the Lord that faithful day.  I know that the Lord's promise is true and He has everything under control but why is it that the circumstances hasn't shown us His favor?   Subconsciously, that's at the back of my mind.  And then the Lord reminded me of Abraham and his wife,  Sarah.  They wanted a child of their own and God promised Abraham a son and make him "father of many nations."    Abraham had to hold on to God's promise everyday and it lifted up his spirit.  But many years had passed and they became very old without a sign of the promise being fulfilled.  Sarah who was barren from the beginning realized how impossible it was in her age and condition to hang on to the hope of God's promise.  In desperation, she took matters into her own hands and gave her servant Hagar to Abraham so that he could have a child with her.  The result of such human effort was Ishmael!  As we read further in Genesis, we can conclude that what she did was a big mistake.  Till this day, the descendants of Ishmael had been wreaking havoc in the world.  You see, when the Lord promised something, He does not need the help of human beings to fulfill it.  Our duty is to patiently wait, obey and continue trusting for an "Isaac" (the promise of God) in our lives.  God does not operate according to our timeline.  It's when we are hopeless and powerless (when there's absolutely nothing we can do to change our circumstances) that we should see the hand of God working supernaturally and truly give Him glory.

Okay, I know how hard it is to wait and to keep our faith in God's promises especially when we are bombarded with nothing but negative reports.  Nobody said it was easy!  When my faith is low, I call on Someone who empowers me to continue believing "supernaturally." An invited preacher reminded us last Sunday at Church that human beings were born "natural."  But those who had been Born-again (John 3:3) by accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior have added the "Super" into their lives---the "Holy Spirit."  He lives inside everyone whose faith is in the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross and He's the One who empowers us to do the impossible in accordance to the Will of God upon our  lives.  When I'm tempted to take matters into my own hands like Sarah did, I call upon the Holy Spirit to help me and direct me towards the true plan of God.  Not my will but His will be done!  God's plan is always perfect and we can depend upon His faithfulness to deliver His promises at the right time.  If you haven't experienced God in a personal way, call upon Him and give Him a chance to show you how much He loves you.  I would love to encourage you to take time to read God's Word (start with the book of John as it tells you who you are in Christ) as you face the daily challenges of life.  Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and what He did for you at the Cross.  If the Father willingly gave His One and Only Begotten Son to free you from every spiritual bondage, how much more would He not take care of your needs here on earth?  Know God's Word, rely on His promises, and live with a purpose!

PSALM 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

For this Card, I used images from Stampers Anonymous Sets called "Bird Crazy" and "Crazy Things" and watercolored it with my Distress markers.  The base is an A7 blank card with an envelope from The Paper Studio. The DP's are from my scraps and the nail head gems are from Imaginisce.  The sentiments both  inside and outside are from Printworks.  I made this card quickly for a friend's birthday.

 CONSIDER YOUR AGE UNLISTED CARD

 CONSIDER YOUR AGE UNLISTED CARD INSIDE

 CONSIDER YOUR AGE UNLISTED CARD WITH ENVELOPE

Here's another project that I'm really happy about.  Ever since I saw it in a Crochet magazine, I knew I had to make it.  I love that I can make each pillow in different colors and connect them together.  The pattern was simple but needs patience and a good amount of time to make.  I thought I had to place lots of stuffing in each of them but to my surprise, it didn't even consume the one bag I purchased.  That means I can make more next time...LOL.  I am planning to make them in many other colors as time permits.  You see I am not a seasoned Crocheter and there are still many things I needed to learn.  All I can say is that Cardmaking and Crochet relaxes me and makes me happy so, you'll see more Crochet projects featured here in the future as time permits.

 CROCHET ALL-BUTTONED UP DECO PILLOWS

CROCHET ALL-BUTTONED UP DECO PILLOWS CLOSE-UP

These Projects are entered into the following Challenges:

A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
Animal Friends---Summer
Artistic Stamper---ATG
Card and Scrap---ATG
Card Mania---Let's Party!
Classic Design Team---ATG
Crafts Galore---Use Stamp or Digi
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG with Colored Image
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG
Creative Craft---For Men/Boys
CCC---ATG
Digistamps4Joy---ATG
Lunagirl---ATG
Paper Creator---Keep it Simple
Paradise of Stamps---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG
Sisters of Craft---ATG


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  Again, we are now monthly so you'll have more time to link your projects and increase your chance of winning our fabulous prizes. Our lovely sponsors for this week---Crafty Sentiments Designs, Digital Delights, SLS Lines, QKR Stampede, All Dressed Up Stamps, The Cutting Cafe and A Day for Daisies.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  I hope you have a wonderful week and know that God is faithful and true to His promises!