Birthday Tops the Charts Card---My Final GDT Card for The Outlawz Challenge!

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!  Let us not forget the men and women who have courageously put their lives in harms way so we can live free in this country.  I pray for every perfect blessing from the Lord to shower our military personnel and their families all the days of their lives and that you all  may know the hope and peace that is found only in the knowledge of the One, True God! I also pray this prayer to every Missionary from here and around the world who are tirelessly fulfilling the great Commission and putting their lives in danger for the sake of reconciling people to God.  I pray for the power of God to be demonstrated in your lives, freedom for those who were being tortured in prison and the strength and power of God for the persecuted  Sadly, today, we are bombarded not just by those who wants to physically and economically harm us but those who attack the very Constitution that America was governed since it was adopted in 1787.  It was based on a Judeo-Christian principles that have Biblical foundations.  Many people don't know the value of freedom because they have never experienced living in a country whose rights were suppressed either by their forms of government, their religions or the belief system that prevailed in those countries.  We will not know the value of freedom till it is taken away from us and if you look at what is happening nowadays, we can see how we are being robbed of our Godly heritage daily.  Throughout my life, I have watched documentaries on rise and fall of nations and paired with the knowledge God has allowed me to possess through His Word, people are set to repeat history by simply not learning from the mistakes of the past.   The Bible talks about the oppression the Israelites faced under the hands of the Egyptians in the Book of Exodus.  He sent Moses to free His people from this bondage and slavery and through the process---God has shown  how He cared for His people.  Miracles upon miracles---Cloud by day, fire by night!  He has given them the Mosaic Law which reveals God's Holy Ways which we can never fulfill.  It was not given as a checklist for man which will gain him salvation---that would be impossible.  It was given for us to realize the depth from which we've fallen from the ways of God and to point us to a desperate need---A Savior!  Jesus Christ was the promised seed (her seed) in Genesis 3:15 which states, "And I will put enmity between thee (Satan) and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."  Consider this, right after the Fall of Man, God has spoken of a coming Savior, one that will bruise the power of Satan and take back the God-given authority that he has stolen from Man.  The Bible and everything on it speaks of that Savior, a Messiah that would come to save His people and that anyone who confesses their faith in Him is part of His Body---the Church and is saved (Romans 10:9).  From Genesis to Revelation, there is only One Story---how Jesus Christ fulfilled the will of the Father and was faithful to the end.  He resurrected and took back what we've lost as He delegated to His Church the preaching of the Gospel (Good News) which consist of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is the Source of every believer's power here on earth.  Because Jesus triumphed, He will be the One to judge the living and the dead at the coming of age.  What a blessing to be at the side of the Victor!  Though our situations look different as we see the rise of rebellion, lawlessness and depravity not just in this nation but all over the world.  Kids being brought up without the knowledge of and accountability to God, the slaughter of the unborn by the millions and hailing sexual depravity at the fore front while forcing everyone opposing to not discriminate but to tolerate.  This is what the world is battling with today and they may not involve physical weapons but the scripture told us in Ephesians 6:12-15, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."  I know it is hard to deal with those people that were being used by the enemy to bend the Truth of God to suit their fleshly desires but we are told to pray of them and extend compassion while standing up for the Truth of God---knowing that they are under the deception of the enemy, like we were, before we were freed by Jesus Christ through faith in Him.  Thus, we say, "we love the sinner but will always hate the sin."  I want to share this comforting Word of God for whatever struggles you may have at this time:

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  (Galatians 6:9)

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." (1 Timothy1:7)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

I hope we all took courage and understanding from those powerful scriptures.  So, here's my inspiration card for Memorial Day.  As GDT for The Outlawz Challenge this month, we were asked to make a Masculine Vintage Birthday card and here's what I came up with.  I am not into making vintage projects but I can say I tried my very best (with the Lord's help, of course) to aged this project to perfection.  I used a wonderful digi image called "Big Guy Grilling" from one of my fave artist---Mo Manning.  I tried to color it with Sepia combinations in mind thus a lot of brown shades using my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers with some paper-piecing of the shirt and applying Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Walnut Stain) to the edges of my DP's.  My base card is a Kraft 5.5-inch square, the 3 DP's were from DCWV, together with some gems from Imaginisce.  The wonderful sentiment is a freebie I got from Create with TLC.  It was so much fun making this and hope you enjoy it too. 

 BIRTHDAY TOPS THE CHARTS CARD:

 BIRTHDAY TOPS THE CHARTS CARD LAYERS:

 BIRTHDAY TOPS THE CHARTS CARD INSIDE:

BIRTHDAY TOPS THE CHARTS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

*** WANT THIS CARD?  AVAILABLE AT MY ETSY---HERE! *** 

Enjoy all the wonderful things you have planned today.  Don't forget to join us at The Outlawz Challenges .  You must be a registered member in order to post and comment but it's super easy to join and lots of prizes to be won.  Have a blessed day and let us continue to fight for what is right in God's Word. 

A Girl-Classy and Fabulous Card---My 3rd Week at GDT at The Outlawz Monday Greetings Challenges...

Happy Monday, everyone!  I am having such a wonderful time being GDT for the first time this whole month of May for the Monday Greeting Card Challenges at The Outlawz.  It was an honor to be asked and be surrounded by people who encourages me to create my best and also appreciates what I deliver.  The theme is "Purplelicious" and I didn't know how difficult it was till I realize that through the years of making cards, I probably used purple twice or thrice.  It was hard looking for the papers that will work well together and have the purple shades as dominant as possible in my card.  I decided to pray and ask my Father in heaven what to do and for Him to create through me.  It may seem a small issue but  I believe with all my heart that God is the very inspiration for all my creations.  Without Him, nothing will make sense and no matter how I tried my hardest, without His direction, I'll end up with a card that I am not artfully satisfied with.  After a few minutes, I felt in my spirit, ideas started flowing---beginning with finding the image that I already colored way back in mostly purple (it was awesome since I was already pressed with time) and it was Bugaboo (our sponsor for this week) and found the DP's that will complete the design.  And finally a clear idea of the lay-out to use, the embellishments and the sentiment that I found right away.  It was awesome, clearly, God answered my prayer and when I got it done, I was greatly amazed!  

It brings me comfort and peace that God cares and wants to be part of everything I do.  I know that I am here in the world of Crafting to blog about God's role and work in my life.  Without Him, my words and efforts will be meaningless.  Without His salvation (through Christ), I'll be a total lost!  Many friends visiting my Blog told me that what they see in my projects were not just crafted pieces of paper, put together neatly---there's so much more to it!  Those were great words and I am truly humbled because I knew it wasn't just me creating---IT IS GOD THROUGH ME!  I am His earthly vessel---His feet on earth!  I could have chosen to walk my own path but JESUS GAVE ME THE GRACE to know Him and be a recipient of His Spirit.  The scripture clearly states in the following scriptures how a Born-Again Believer (see John 3:3) is to live his/her life in total dependence to God by virtue of the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

So, here is my inspiration Card for the Purplelicious at The Outlawz.  I used the image "JJ Calendar Months-April" that I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The card base is a 5.5-inch square Kraft CS and the very fitting sentiment is a freebie I got way back from Create with TLC. The DP's are from Recollections, DCWV and Me and My Big Ideas.  Other CS's used are from my scraps colored pink, cream and purple. The Lacey Oval is from Nestabilities, layered some Prima flowers and added a brad at the center , the die-cut swirls is from a Sizzix "Sizzlit"' die and added some glitters (Stickles), Crystal and Diamond.   I also incorporated a doily, a mesh fabric and some white pearl gems from Imaginisce.  For the image's glasses, I used Glossy Accents and lastly, I stitched all over the card.  Hope you like it.  

 A GIRL-CLASSY AND FABULOUS CARD:

 A GIRL-CLASSY AND FABULOUS CARD LAYERS:

 A GIRL-CLASSY AND FABULOUS CARD INSIDE:

A GIRL-CLASSY AND FABULOUS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

*** WANT THIS CARD?  AVAILABLE AT MY ETSY---HERE! *** 

That's it for me today, folks!  Please join us at The Outlawz by posting your entry project on Monday Greeting Card Challenge.  If it is your first time to join and visit The Outlawz Blog, you will need to sign-up in order to post or comment.  It's easy and free.  I truly appreciate everyone reading my Blog and leaving wonderful comments about my post.  God is faithful and I believe in my heart that whatever He ask me to post is for someone's benefit so, if you've been inspired, strengthened or challenged by God's Word, please let me know.  You are also an inspiration to me given by the Lord.  I am grateful for all of you.  Have an awesome week!  Hugs!

Friends Fill You With Smiles Card---My 2nd GDT Card for the Monday Greetings Challenge at The Outlawz!

Hey there, fellow Crafters.  I usually don't post anything on Mondays but this entire month, I was honored to be invited as GDT for one of The Outlawz Challenges---that is Monday Greeting Cards.  It's quite late posting this today because I just came from my favorite hobby, and that is---shopping!...LOL  While I was out and about, I was reminded of the prayer which my son (7 years old) utter before we eat at our dining table.  He said,  "Thank you, God, for creating us even though you knew we would sin."  The first time I heard him said that, I was in awe because that just gave me a glimpse on the working of the Lord in my son's life.  I attend a Bible school and have learned a great deal from the years I've been going.  In explaining things to my boy regarding behavior, discipline and life in general, I would end up taking Him to the scriptures to explain our existence and why we need Jesus in our lives.  I would hope he listened to everything I said but I don't have a way of knowing till he expresses what he learned in words and in deed.  What came out of his mouth that day he first said it, was something deep and I knew that the Holy Spirit has imparted into this young mind a glimpse of God's Love! 1 John 4:8 tells us,  "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."  God's very nature is LOVE...It's Agape (self-sacrificing)!  God is the Author of Love and without Him showing us, we will not know LOVE!  You see, God can live without man but man cannot live without God.  We need to reconcile this reality in our hearts---that the LOVE of GOD prompted Him to create us.   Why?  Love cannot exist without a beneficiary---it must be willingly given and is only perfected when the recipient, in his own free will, love God back .  God did not make us robots, without a heart and an ability to decide our actions.  Genesis 2:7 declares, "Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."  He gave us a spirit (to commune with Him), a soul (to think, to decide and to feel) and a body (to commune with one another and adopt to the earth He created for us).  Yet, history showed the high treason man committed to a God who gave him his life---thus the Fall!  BUT GOD HAD A PLAN!  At the darkest hour of man in Genesis 3:15, He provided a HOPE of a coming Savior (Seed of the woman) that will bruise the head (authority) of the serpent (Satan)----No other than JESUS CHRIST!  He is the perfect demonstration of God's love for mankind.  He was faithful to God till the end of His life---spotless, blameless!  He is the ONLY WAY by which man can be saved---from the beginning to the  end! (John 14:6) I would lie to anyone if in an attempt to please everyone, I would say that you can worship different gods based on your religion.  God provided one solution for man's salvation---the Man, Christ Jesus!  I would like to share with you the following verses to show how much God values each and everyone of us:

"God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself. and became obedient unto death, even
the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  (Philippians 2:8-11)

"See what kind of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.  (1 John 3:1)

"In my Father's house are many rooms.  If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."  (John 14:2-3)

You see, God wants me to love Him back out of a willing and grateful heart.  He did everything necessary to take me back from the hands of the enemy without my own effort.  My only part is to believe (trust) that I have complete victory through what Christ did for me.  How awesome!  How gracious that when He revealed Himself to me, I fell truly, madly and deeply in love with Him.  If you are in search of true love and are looking in all the wrong places, open your heart to the Lord!  He is willing to take you no matter how ugly, broken and blemished you are.  He will show you the true beauty that lives inside of you and once you reconnect with Him, you'll be able to share the same  grace and love He has given you in your everyday relationship with other people.

So, here's my GDT and inspiration card for you today highlighting fun and friendship.The image is from Make It Crafty featuring "Sam and Dylan Fishing" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  I used a 5.5-inch white CS for card base and embossed a white CS with my Cuttlebug.  I used a grey and blue CS for matting, added some brads, incorporated a sentiment from MMDesigns and stitched all over this card.  This is what I like about male cards, you don't have to embellish it a lot.  Simplicity is the key!

FRIENDS FILL YOU WITH SMILES CARD:

 

FRIENDS FILL YOU WITH SMILES CARD LAYERS:

FRIENDS FILL YOU WITH SMILES CARD INSIDE:

 

FRIENDS FILL YOU WITH SMILES  CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


*** WANT THIS CARD?  AVAILABLE AT MY ETSY---HERE! *** 

I hope you enjoyed this card as much as I did making it.  Don't forget to visit The Outlawz Challenges and enter your card to the Anything Goes Challenge at Monday Greeting Card Challenge.  There are lots of prizes to be won.  If you haven't been to The Outlawz site, you need to sign-up before you can upload your entry since this is a private group.  It's pretty easy and the Crafters there are very warm and helpful...Have a wonderful week and see you on Wednesday for another inspirational card feature for Word Art Wednesday. 

You Rock Clean and Simple Card---I'm May, 2013's GDT at The Outlawz!

Hi there, friends!  It's been a glorious and wonderful day and thanking the Lord for the great weather.  If you lived in Texas, you know how the weather changes so drastically in a span of hours.  I woke up this morning and found myself praising God for His faithfulness.  No matter what kind of weather I wake up with, one thing is for sure as Lamentations 3:22-24 stated: 

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."

It is great to know that no matter what reports we hear on things going on around us---good, bad and worst---God's faithfulness is our firm ground.  Even in our unfaithfulness, He is constantly loving us and guiding us to the right path like a shepherd who tends to His sheep.  His favor is not based on our own merits (or the lack thereof) for there is nothing in ourselves we can offer Him.  His love to us is based on the one and only sacrifice that Jesus accomplished on the Cross and because Jesus prevailed unto death, all of us who believe in Him and has made Him our Lord and Savior, possessed His victory!  That alone, my friends, is the source of our victory---nothing of our own accomplishments or good deeds, nothing at all!  So, I rejoice and glory at what Jesus Christ did for me.  I boast of His victory in my life which is sealed now and forevermore.  

Today, I want to share with you my very first GDT creation and it's for The Outlawz Challenges.  I am so honored to be invited to create among a wonderful team of Crafters.  Every Monday this whole month of May, you will see my creations in their Greeting Cards Challenges.  Anyway, this featured card was for a very special friend in the Lord.  It's not as elaborate as most of my other cards but it's one that are pretty straight forward and simple.  I used an A2 cream card base and a couple of DCWV DP's.  I highlighted a wonderful digi image from our sponsor, Bugaboo Digi Stamps called "Girlz-Jeans" which I colored with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  I added a crochet flower that I made (Check My Etsy Store if you want to purchase some) and added a brad.  The sentiment is from Stampendous and to finish it all up, I stitched all over this card. 

 YOU ROCK CLEAN AND SIMPLE CARD:

  YOU ROCK CLEAN AND SIMPLE CARD LAYERS:

  YOU ROCK CLEAN AND SIMPLE CARD INSIDE:

 YOU ROCK CLEAN AND SIMPLE CARD WITH ENVELOPE:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

LEJ Designs---Summer is Coming
TTCRD---Anything Goes
Inky Impressions---Mother's Day/For A Lady
Crafty Calendar---Blooms and Blossoms
Creative Card Crew---Bling
One Stop Craft---Flower Power
Our Creative Corner---Anything Goes
Sister Act---Anything Goes
Fussy and Fancy---Anything Goes
Catch the Bug---Anything Goes
Crafty Sentiments---Use a Sentiment
By The Cute and Girly---Flowers
Ecclectic Ellapu---Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly---Anything Goes
One Crazy Stamper---Flowers
Card Mania---Flower Power
Loves Rubberstamps---Anything Goes

Okay friends, this is all for this post.  If you haven't joined the fun at The Outlawz Challenges, you are missing on a lot of fun.  All you have to do is to sign-up (create an account) for free and experience the fun.  Have an awesome day in the Lord and I'll see you back tomorrow to highlight my card for Word Art Wednesday.  Hugs!