Today is Your Day Card---Join the Anything Goes Challenge with Optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello, everyone!  Wow, it's been a hectic couple of weeks for me.  My fave past time aside from making cards is to crochet so, I spent most of my time creating shawls and similar projects.  I will feature some of them in this Blog in another post pretty soon.  A few days ago, I also designed 5 Scripture inspired T-shirts for my 10-year old son using my Cricut machine.  I know you'd agree with me that kids clothing are often more expensive than adult clothing and our kids are growing so fast that after a few months, those cute pants and shirts no longer fit them.  So in order to make the most of my money, I decided to buy shirts and decorate them myself using T-shirt vinyl.  This way, I can also incorporate the Biblical Truths we live by.  Honestly,  I am tired of commercial graphic designs on kid's clothing that are inappropriate for kids to wear yet left us parents very little to no choice. 

Today, I would like to exhort God's Word delivered by Apostle Paul to the believers in the Church of Galatia (consisting of both Jews and Gentile believers) in Galatians 6:7-10.  It says, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."  As we observe what is happening in our country nowadays, we can sense demonic agenda being pushed through the pillars of our society seeking to pervert God's Truth (reality in God's perspective) and exchange it with disgusting and filthy lies. Many puppets of Satan have positioned themselves strategically in every pillar of influence in our society that tirelessly seek to erode our faith in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.  It also aims to destroy the minds of our children by withholding the Truth of God in our school system promoting moral decay and lasciviousness to harm our children, our country and our world. For those who can still discern, it's hard to rationalize the mental state of our governing leaders along with the many people that supports their "agenda of destruction" when their lies are as clear as daylight.  Common sense are no longer common to them and every evil agenda is characterized by gross stupidity.  I truly believe that selfish people whose purpose is to be their own gods, and refusing to acknowledge there is a God who created them,  have positioned themselves to no longer perceive Truth from lies.  Therefore, it's becoming more difficult to understand the level of stupidity many have demonstrated nowadays.  Many times, I've read reactions like this in social media---"Are they out of their minds?"   Sadly, the answer is "YES!"  And that is because they refused to acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).  The worst part of this is that many of these people don't even know how totally deceived they are!  I've encountered quite a few of them in social media whose words have tried to mock me for sharing God's Truth.  I had to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in dealing with them.  Their conduct are consistent with those who have no real relationship with Jesus Christ and are oblivious of the Scripture.  Didn't Jesus  prayed to the Father while at the Cross in behalf of the people who wanted Him dead?  Luke 23:34 tells us, "Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."  We will surely encounter many of them these days as we seek to proclaim God's Truth.


Anyway, I would like to share with you what my Life Application Bible shared regarding Galatians 6:7-10.  It totally blessed me so, here it is:  "It would certainly be a surprise if you planted corn and pumpkins came up.  It's a natural law to reap what we sow.  It's true in other areas too.  If you gossip about your friends, you will lose their friendship.  Every action has results.  If you plant to please your own desires, you'll reap a crop of sorrow and evil.  If you plant to please God, you'll reap joy and everlasting life.  What kind of seeds are you sowing?   It is discouraging to continue to do right and receive no word of thanks or see no tangible results.  But Paul challenged the Galatians and he challenges us to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results.  In due time, we will reap a harvest of blessing. "  We serve a God Who will reward His people!  Though we may not see them in our lifetime, we shall come face to face with Jesus Christ in a heavenly gathering (Judgment Seat of Christ/Bema Seat of Christ)  designed solely for everyone that placed their trust upon the finished work of Jesus Christ while on earth.  How amazing and how glorious that gathering is going to be!  So when you are discouraged by the craziness around you, hold on to the promises of God in His Word.  One day, we shall enjoy the full benefit of our labor. 
 
For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions from the set "SC0650" that I watercolored using my Marvy Uchida markers.  I used the masking technique on the flower pots. The base is Kraft,  cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP,  washi tapes (for banner) and brad are from Recollections.  The outside sentiment is from TLC Creations.  Lastly, I did some fancy and regular stitching on this creation. 

                                                     TODAY IS YOUR DAY CARD

                                                TODAY IS YOUR DAY CARD LAYERS

                                               TODAY IS YOUR DAY CARD INSIDE

                                      TODAY IS YOUR DAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Stamping Sensations---ATG
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Cards Galore---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Creative Card Crew---Masculine
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
Penny Black---ATG
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Crafting with Attitude---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Glitter n Sparkle---ATG
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
OSAAT---ATG with Hot Colors
Quirky Crafts---April Showers Bring May Flowers
Corrosive---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafting Desert Divas---Create a Scene
Love to Scrap---ATG
Our Crafty Corner---ATG 
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG


This it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  If you want to be challenged (like I was), take on the Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it.  Our sponsor---SLS Lines, is giving away a fabulous prize.  Can't wait to see what you create. Remember to study God's Word so you will not be deceived by them who perverts the Truth.

Scripture Series: Counsel of the Lord Card---Another Two-Week Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday, everyone!  Here to feature my inspiration card for our Two-Week, Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring the Scripture Word Art that you can download for free at the WAW site.  It comes from Psalm 33:11 which tells us, "The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."  God, in all His Wisdom and Power created everything with a purpose---His purpose!  Each of us were created to work together and for each other using the resources that God entrusted to us for the glory of the One who made us.

The reason for which we exist in this world is to fulfill the counsel of the Lord---His plans and purpose! Because we were created in His image and likeness, He gave us free-will to choose right from wrong (discern Truth from error).  God's Word declares God's Truth!  The written Word of God (The Bible) fulfilled every Word which was spoken about the Son of God, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, Who came to redeem mankind from the bondage of Sin and Death.  Jesus became the Living Word of God and showed us how to triumph against the wiles of the enemy by simply standing in God's Word---God's Truth!  This is evident in this passage as Jesus prayed to the Father in behalf of His disciples in John 17:14-17 in which he spoke, "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."

The counsel of the Lord is not hidden from us for He gave us His Word---the Written Word and the Word that was made flesh---Jesus Christ!  Man can make many plans for himself but the Lord has Lordship over every plan.   Take for example, a student who's set to graduate from a degree in College can make plans for the next 5 years but could not see in the future that a car accident would prevent such plans to be fulfilled.  Simply put, we are free to make plans but we are to rely on the Lord to bless those plans as we seek His counsel for it's fulfillment.  As a child of God (Born-again, John 3:3), I can plan ahead but I need to submit those plans to the Lord and be okay with it in case He wants to improve, change or even reject any or all of those plans.  I seek the Lord's guidance with even the simplest decisions I make each day such as which color or brand to buy.  How much more will I not place into His hands major decisions in life?  Plans of this nature have lifelong consequences and affects one generation to another.  It is extremely important that we seek the counsel of the Lord (His Word, His advice) in all our plans and endeavors...The Lord's plan is good and is valid and relevant no only to this life but for all eternity.  I want to encourage you to put your trust in the Lord and His Word.  Do not allow yourselves to be carried away by enticing words that promise worldly treasures yet spiritually empty and void.  Take heed the warnings of the One who created us and knows who we truly are, what were made of and what we are designed for in the following verses He spoke and that we can meditate upon:

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."  (Proverbs 19:20-21)

"Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do." (Isaiah 46:9-11)

"Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."  (Isaiah 55:7-11)


For this Card, I used the Inkadinkado Stamping Gear that I had for quite sometime now but haven't tried yet.  They are perfect for making your own background.  But since I used patterned papers most of the time, I forgot to use it.  Using the petal cling stamp I bought for this gear, I created this flower and watercolored with my Stabilo 68 markers.  Once dry, I ran it through the printer to incorporate our free Scripture Word Art for this week (download at WAW site).  I stamped the scallop sentiment, fussy cut it and adhered it in the middle of the flower.  I added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) to the image and inked around the edges of the paper using Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Pumice Stone and Ground Expresso).  Finally, I ran it through my sewing machine for stitching.

                                                 COUNSEL OF THE LORD CARD

                                           COUNSEL OF THE LORD CARD CLOSE-UP

                                            COUNSEL OF THE LORD CARD INSIDE

                                       COUNSEL OF THE LORD CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Inspiration Destination---ATG
Simon Says---Flowers
TTCRD---ATG
Crafting by Designs---Pinky and Girly
Creative Moments---ATG with Optional Twist
Sisterhood of Crafters---No Designer Paper
Crafty Addicts---ATG with Optional Sentiment
Creative Card Crew---ATG
Deep Ocean---Flowers Everywhere
Everybody Art---Flowers
Scrap-Creations---Spring/Flowers
Lemon Shortbread---ATG
Artistic Inspirations---ATG/Use Die-Cut
Cards in Envy---Just Us Girls
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Let's Color Linky---ATG with Something Colored
Eureka---April Showers Bring May Flowers
Incy Wincy---CAS
Love to Scrap---Make it Girly
Melonheadz---Make It Sparkle
Our Crafty Corner---ATG
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG


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.  A wonderful prize awaits our winner from our lovely sponsor for this week---Freckled Fawn ($15 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, meditate on the goodness of the Lord and rely on His promises.  Expect only wonderful things from Him each day.  Make wonderful plans in accordance to His Word and allow Him to direct you.  To God be the glory!  

Fun/Humor Series: Decor in my House Center Step Card---Join the Fun with the Backporch Gang at 613 Avenue Create Anything Goes Challenge!

Hello everyone!  Just want to greet every crafting mother here in the Blogging world, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!  This is coming out late as I had a busy day at Church, and spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out with my beloved 10-year old son.  No matter how grown he is now, he will always be my cute little boy.

No words can ever describe the joy that comes from motherhood.  Having a little guy calling you "Mommy" is more than just a title.  It comes with tons of responsibilities. One responsibility I hold dear in my heart is to guide him to fulfill God's purpose in his life.  One of the quotes I love says, "Children are God's gift to us.  What we do to our children is our gift unto God." This is very true! Soon, our kids will become adults and will eventually be parents themselves. What mothers like us taught our kids as they were growing up will become the solid foundation they'll stand on for their own family and the generations to come.  Each mother (along with the help of our husbands) had been given by God the important task to shape the lives of our children.  The only time tested and proven teaching about life comes from the Truth of God's Word.  None of us is perfect and had it all figured out but the Lord knows our hearts and  honors every effort and struggles that we endure to make sure our kids grow up with the holy fear of God in their hearts.  There will always be pain and frustrations but with God, we'll continue to persevere as we constantly remind them of what's important in this life and beyond.  What an honor God has placed upon every God-fearing mother of this world.  Absolutely amazing!  I would love to share a couple of verses to remind us of the crucial role we play in the lives of our little ones:

"My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.I will open my mouth with a parable;

I will utter hidden things, things from of old—things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands."  (Psalm 78:1-7)

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:5-8)

For this Card, I used a couple of images from Art Impressions Stamps called "SC0652" and "Cat Lady TF"  to produce the scene.  For the second time, I used my new Stabilo 68 markers and water colored the images.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step design.  The DP's are from American Crafts and My Mind's Eye and the white nail head gems are from Imaginisce.  Finished it off with some fancy and regular stitching.  I am truly having fun using watercolor nowadays.  It's great in relieving stress, gives a variety of color options (depending on the water) and very economical.  

                                          DECOR IN MY HOUSE CENTER STEP CARD:

                                      DECOR IN MY HOUSE CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS:

                                   DECOR IN MY HOUSE CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW:

                                      DECOR IN MY HOUSE CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE:

                              DECOR IN MY HOUSE CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Critters
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
Fab n Funky---3 or More Layers
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Penny's Paper Crafty---ATG
Aud Sentiment---Animal + Sentiment
Art by Miran---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---ATG
Scrapper's Delights---ATG
Come and Get It---Card for a Woman
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Glitter N Sparkle---One for the Ladies
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Penny Black---ATG with Stamping
Stamping Sensations---ATG
Catch the Bug---ATG
Let's Color Linky---ATG
A Beautiful Mess---ATG
Chocolate, Coffee and Cards---Circles and Squares (My envelope is square)
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Crafty Catz---Female Only
Creative Corner---Ladies Night
Creative Fingers---ATG
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
QKR---Feminine Cards/Mother's Day
Simply Create Too---Ladies Only
Simply Papercraft---ATG
Kraftin Kimmie---Layers
Creative Card Crew---ATG 
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG 


This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join our Anything Goes Challenge at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create.  If you prefer to be challenged, take on the Optional Twist.  There's really no reason for you to miss it.  Our sponsor---Kitty Bee Designs is giving away a fabulous prize.  Can't wait to see what you create. Let us continue to lift up the lives of our kids unto the Lord by imparting God's Word, prayer and leading by example.   

Scripture Series: Them that Seek Thee Pocket Card --- It's Family Friendly/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello friends!  Two weeks flew by so fast and today, I am highlighting another inspiration card for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring  our Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at our WAW site). It comes from Psalm 9:10 which says, "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."  Throughout the Scripture (mostly in the Old Testament), we were given many names of God and each one pertains to His attributes.  He's a mighty God who created everything and if we really are to discuss His fullness, we will not have enough nor the proper words to describe the vastness of His glory and power nor are we capable of knowing all His details till we see Him face to face and He reveals Himself to us.  

I would like to share what I found at the site "gotquestions.org" pertaining to the different names of God and their meaning..."Elohim (God “Creator, Mighty and Strong" Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33), Adonai ("Lord" Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) are just two of the names we hear about.  Yahweh or Jehovah ( Deuteronomy 6:4; Daniel 9:14) strictly speaking, is the only proper name for God.  Translated in English Bibles “LORD” (all capitals) to distinguish it from Adonai, “Lord.” The revelation of the name is first given to Moses “I Am who I Am” (Exodus 3:14). This name specifies an immediacy, a presence. Yahweh is present, accessible, near to those who call on Him for deliverance (Psalm 107:13), forgiveness (Psalm 25:11) and guidance (Psalm 31:3)."

As a New Testament believer, God's name became more personal to me.  I call Him---JESUS!  Acts 4:8-12 tells us,  "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.  Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected,which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”  Furthermore, Philippians 2:5-11 highly exalts the name of Jesus when it said, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." 

Though we have different translations to His Hebrew name "Yeshua," (Jesus, in English) based on the  language we speak (Read HERE if you want to know more), the fact remains that the Son of God came to this world to redeem man from the bondage of Sin (Sin Nature) and Death (spiritual, physical and eternal deaths).  Blood (pure and holy) must be poured out in order to reconcile us to Almighty God who created and have always loved us.  The penalty of death for Man's high treason was completely satisfied by the sacrifice made by God's One and Only Son---the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross.  John 3:16 wrote about this Godly love for mankind when it said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

So, why is it so important to know the name of the Lord in this day and time?  Because the name of the One True God cannot be mistaken with the false gods that religions of this world worship.  If you bought into believing that every religion's known god/s is a pathway to the One True God, you need to wake up from the deception you allowed yourself to be entangled with, caused by ignoring God's Word. The sad truth is that you've been duped by Satan. To know God starts with getting to know Him personally through His Word (Scripture) and  witnessing His works upon your life after you repented of your sins and surrendered to His Lordship.  The Word of God speaks about Jesus! The Holy Spirit (residing in the hearts of every true Born-again believer, John 3:3) makes His works come alive in you and through you.  He's not like any man-made god we heard about but the God at work in us---One that we experience daily.   For this very reason, we can place our trust in Him and that in good, bad and trying times, He never leave nor forsake us!  Jesus had proven Himself faithful to all of us who gave our lives to Him.  Because He gave so much, His love compelled/is compelling us to love Him back.  JESUS---what a sweet and powerful Name! 

For this Card, I used a butterfly clear stamp image from Paper Studio that I stamped several times using masking technique.  I colored it with one of newest market set---Stabilo 68 markers.  I was inspired by a card design and coloring technique VIDEO that was shared by Julia Altermann.  I hunted for the markers online (other water-base inks can be used too) and looked for a butterfly image I could color.   It turned out amazing.  I didn't plan to make something and only intended to play with the image but as you can see here, it became a focal piece in this project.  Anyway, I used a white CS as card base, cut and scored to make a 4.5 x 6.5 card.  The DP's are from My Mind's Eye, the jute from my stash, the brad from Recollections and the flowers I layered from Prima.  I inked the panels of this card with Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Hickory Smoke and Ground Expresso) as well as the flowers.  I added a washi tape from Paper Studio to the tag, I used my Gelly Role White Pen for the butterflies and some Liquid Pearls (White Opal) surrounding the image.  I stamped a secondary sentiment from Simon Says Stamp (our sponsor for this week) from the set called "Oh Happy Day."  Finally, I stitched all over this creation.

                                             THEM THAT SEEK THEE POCKET CARD

                               THEM THAT SEEK THEE POCKET CARD WITH TAG INSERTED

                                        THEM THAT SEEK THEE POCKET CARD LAYERS

                                THEM THAT SEEK THEE POCKET CARD WITH SCRIPTURE TAG

                                THEM THAT SEEK THEE POCKET CARD WITH MESSAGE SPACE

                                THEM THAT SEEK THEE POCKET CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered  into the following Challenges:

Aud Sentiments---Animal plus Sentiment
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Let's Color Linky---ATG/Something Colored
TTCRD---ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG/Use Ribbon
Deep Ocean---Dots and/or Stripes
Ecclectic Ellapu---Spring Flowers/April Showers
Fresh Brewed---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Lacy Sunshine---Color My World
Amusing---ATG
Glitter N Sparkle---ATG
OSAAT---ATG with Wings
Artistic Inspiration---ATG
OLLCB---Photo Inspiration
Craftin' Desert Divas---In the Garden
Eureka---Add Some Bling
Love to Scrap---ATG
Simon Says---Add Metal
Whoopsi Daisy---Butterflies and Flowers
Crafty Gals Corner---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Optional: Showers and/or Rainbows
Simon Says (Wednesday)---ATG
Wonderful Wednesday---ATG
As You Like It---Fave Animal and Why? (I love butterflies for their wonderful colors)
Crafty Girls---ATG
Cre8tive Hands---ATG
Hanna and Friends---Flowers
Julia Spiri---ATG/Optional:  For a Child

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 of  $25 worth will be awarded to our Challenge winner by our awesome sponsor---Simon Says Stamp.  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up as we meditate on the name of Jesus today.  There is power in His Name and it's available to everyone that believes.

Fun/Humor Series: Friend Brings a Camera Card---Join the Fun in our Neighborhood, 613 Avenue Create, for Another Anything Goes Challenge!

Hi there, everyone!  I'm here to feature the project I made for this week's Anything Goes Challenge with Optional Theme (Use orange and blue and two neutral colors) at 613 Avenue Create.  Since I started making cards, I seldom used an image twice. What happened was that I meant to color this image just for practice.  I was amazed at how the watercolor came out perfectly so, I decided to feature this stamp again.   I love these Girlfriends stamp as it reminded me of all the wonderful friendships I had in the past.

I am sure each of us can name people who became a huge part of our existence.  They are those who shared with us in the good times but more importantly, remained with us during the painful/trying times.  God created each and everyone of us to interact with one another.  Some for a short period of time, some longer, others for a lifetime.  We often hear this saying, "No man is an island," and it simply means that not one of us can survive this world all on our own.  Each person that comes our way can influence or have tremendous impact in our lives.  It is critically important to know who you hang out with. The Scripture warned us  in 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 and it says, "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame."  

Before we came to know the Lord Jesus, we were guided by the many beliefs, traditions and systems of this world.  We based our relationships on the advantages and disadvantages our connections would bring us.  When people resembles our belief system and emotionally connects with us, we embrace them wholeheartedly and allow them to influence our lives to a certain degree.  We can agree that some of those connections didn't turn out well and became instrumental to a series of many bad choices that further led us astray.  Many of us had to reach our life's lowest point to answer God's call to repentance.  I am very grateful that after I received Jesus into my heart and was Born-again (John 3:3) to His Kingdom, my entire outlook on true and meaningful friendship changed.  No longer am I content with emotional connections but more importantly, I now view friendship as opportunities to bless others.  The purpose of every Spirit led connections we encounter is to demonstrate the Father's love based upon His Word (without compromise) and if needed, that we may correct people in love and snatch them away from the deception they were bound.  God has provided us His written Word (Scripture) and its purpose is perfectly described in  2 Timothy 3:16-17.  It says,  "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

It is such an amazing experience to find friends who also love the Lord.  They are the ones who  encourages you but can also keep you grounded to the Truth when you are out of line.  They genuinely love you and are not intimidated by your occasional stubbornness.  Sadly, it's very hard to find true friends nowadays.  In this world that constantly changes and have exchanged the Truth for a lie (considered "political correctness" in our time), I find myself even more vigilant on who I allow myself to associate with.  I ask the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead me to those He wanted me to bless---believers or unbelievers!  With Him leading the way, I know that I am covered.  On the other hand, let us not make the mistake of considering any of our earthly friendships greater than our intimate relationship with Jesus.  You may have the most faithful of friends but they cannot provide for your every need.  I've known many that did just that and became frustrated/disappointed.  There's a lot of them out there that left their churches because they were offended or hurt by someone they depended upon. If we are going to live like that, then we must prepare ourselves to a life of frustration because people are people.  Each of us are in different levels of faith and maturity in the Lord.  Until we come face to face with our Savior, we are far from being perfect.  Our focus should always be on what Jesus accomplished on our behalf!  We may be surrounded by wonderful faces each day but in our alone time, only God remains!  He is with us 24/7 and His faithfulness to His covenant through the finished work of Jesus Christ stands forever.  I would like to encourage you with the following verses that tells of our wonderful relationship with our Father through Jesus Christ:

"I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."  (1 Corinthians 1:4-9)

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other." (John 15:9-17)

For this Card, I used a wonderful image from Art Impressions Stamps called "Girlfriends Picture Perfect" that I watercolored using my Marvy Uchida markers.  The sentiment is also from Art Impressions.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Heidi Grace and Recollections.  The flowers were stamped using Inque stamps and fussy cut,  the scribble border stamp is from Stampabilities, the washi tape from Tape Works and the nail head gems from Imaginisce.  I also used a border punch from Fiskars and finished it up with some fancy and regular stitching.  

                                                FRIEND BRINGS A CAMERA CARD

                                           FRIEND BRINGS A CAMERA CARD LAYERS

                                   FRIEND BRINGS A CAMERA CARD WITH STAMPS USED

                                             FRIEND BRINGS A CAMERA CARD INSIDE

                                  FRIEND BRINGS A CAMERA CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Show Off Your Stamp
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Let's Color Linky---ATG/Something Colored
Corrosive---Girls/Ladies/Women
Not Just Cards---ATG
Our Crafty Corner---ATG
Lacy Sunshine---Color My World
Amusing---ATG
Glitter N Sparkle---ATG
Great Impressions---Ladies Night
Artistic Inspiration---ATG
Aurora Wings---Say It with Flowers
Craftin' Desert Divas---In the Garden
Eureka---Add Some Bling
Love to Scrap---ATG
Simon Says---Add Metal
Where the Heart Is---ATG/Sparkle and Bling
Crafty Girls---ATG
Cre8tive Hands---ATG 
Little Miss Muffet---ATG


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge with an optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create.  There's wonderful prizes awaiting the winners from our lovely sponsor---Alicia Bell.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight.  I hope you have a wonderful week filled with the divine inspiration of God's Word and be able to share the Hope you have in you to bring light to the dark places in your sphere of influence.  Would love to hear your comments too.   Hugs, always! 

Scripture Series: Your Love May Abound Card---Be Inspired by Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Good Wednesday morning, everyone!  It's time to highlight another Scripture Word Art (free to download) for this week's Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  It comes from Philippians 1:9-10 and it says, "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ."  This was part of the letter (epistle) sent by Apostle Paul to the Church at Philippi  to thank them for the gift they sent him while he was in prison in Rome.  Notice that even in his difficult situation, he wanted to strengthen these believers by showing them the true joy, peace and freedom that comes from Jesus alone.  He wanted to encourage them in their faith---that they continue their walk despite the many hindrances that aimed to slow down their work for God.  I am speechless at the dedication and faith that the Holy Spirit imparted through the life of Apostle Paul. I am convinced that it is solely by the abiding presence of God upon his life that he was able and therefore we are able to encourage others in the face of trials.

Anyway, I would like to share what I read from my Life Application Bible regarding the aforementioned  verses as it blessed me a lot.  It explains, "Often the best way to influence someone is to pray for him or her.  Paul's prayer for the Philippians was that they would be unified in love.   Their love was to result in greater knowledge of Christ and deeper insight (moral discernment). Their love was not based on feelings but on what Christ has done for them.  As you grow in Christ's love, your heart and mind must grow together.  Paul prayed that the Philippian believers would "discern what is best"---in other words, that they would have the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, good and bad, vital and trivial.  We ought to pray for moral discernment so we can maintain our Christian morals and values.  Hebrews 5:14 emphasizes the need for discernment."  The "day of Christ" refers to the time when God will judge the world through Jesus Christ.  We should live each day as though he could return at any moment."

Now more than ever, these Bible verses are so applicable to us---believers (Born-again, John 3:3)!   I don't know about you but I am seeing a radical separation between those who are truly for God, the pretend Christians and the unbelievers in our world today.  The time has come when one can no longer pretend.  It's either you are with God or you're not!  When it's no longer a matter of opinion but our faith and conviction would require a sacrifice/price.  When it becomes a MUST to stand up against the bullies of our time whose aim is  to suppress the Truth and make everyone submit to their filthy lies and perverted ways.  Are we ready to stand for Truth and Justice and bond together as believers of Jesus Christ? Are we willing to let go of our trivial differences, instead encourage one another to be joyful in every circumstance, even when things are not in our favor?  When we feel like complaining or no one else rejoices?  I hope and pray we stand boldly through the power of God!  I am so grateful to know how this battle between good and evil ends...Belonging to the winning side, I always have a reason to rejoice!

The other day,  I remember having a discussion with my hubby how America needed TO UNITE in order to overcome the horrors we are in today. We hear that everyday from many people---on TV, radio, campaigns, speeches and prayers.  But this is what the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart in the midst of that conversation.  That kind of unity will not come from all peoples of America.  Consider God's Word in Daniel 12:10 which says, "Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand."  Furthermore, Revelation 22:11 also reveals, "Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy."  Simply put, the ungodly will always seek to harm the people of God and will do everything they can to destroy the Godly heritage of this nation.  If we want to see true change, TRUE BELIEVERS (The Church) MUST UNITE IN AMERICA!  Not every Church that says they believe in Christ is genuine.  Those who buckle under the pressure and are preaching a different doctrine other than what the Holy Scripture teaches for their own gain does not belong to the faith.  This is where we need to discern (through knowledge of God's Word) what is excellent and sincere to rid of the fake and mediocre.  They must be exposed accordingly and if their hearts are still right with God, they can be restored.  IT IS TIME!  Let us pray and organize together... Get out of the four walls of our Church and get together with other Churches for a common goal---to glorify the Lord, declare His praises and pray for the state of our nation.  My family and I are excited to do just that as we unite with other believers in praying for our nation in Austin, Texas on April 26, 2016 at the Decision America Tour 2016 with Franklin Graham.  Check his website if you want to participate in the upcoming tours near your city.  We are ready to see the power of God manifest in His Body (Church)!  I hope you'll join us too...

For today's Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Stamps called "Dare to be Fabulous" which is exclusively distributed by Hobby Lobby.  I paper-pieced and colored the image with ProMarker /Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The base is an A7 Kraft (pre-cut)  from Paper Studio, the DP's from Recollections and DCWV and the Washi Tape from Tape Works.  I added three white brads from Recollections and a couple of white nail head gems from Imaginisce.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  

                                                YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND CARD

                                            YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND CARD LAYERS

                                           YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND CARD INSIDE

                                    YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Add a Brad/Eyelet
Crafts Galore---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Crafty Calendar---ATG
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Cre8tive Hands---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
2 Crafty Girls---ATG
Brown Sugar---ATG
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
Cupcake Inspiration---Picture Inspiration
Dare 2BArtzy---Polka Dots
Great Impressions---Ladies Night
Robyn's Fetish---Add a Sentiment
Stamping Sensations---One for the Girls
Corrosive---Girls, Ladies, Women
Artistic Inspirations---ATG with Optional Twist
Crafty Boots---Use a Sentiment
Melonheadz---Girly
Not Just Cards---ATG
OLLCB---Words, Words, Words
Our Crafty Corner---ATG
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Where the Heart Is---ATG/Sparkle and Bling

Don't forget to join us at the WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art this week to make a project and link it to our Challenge although it's not mandatory.  You can also link other projects (up to 5) as long as it has uplifting/inspirational messages.  Our sponsors this week are Heartfelt Creations ($25 GC) and My Artistic Adventures (Digi Images).  Have a blessed day and remember to always be grateful and hold on to the promises of God in your life no matter what.  Let the Holy Spirit comfort you with God's Word and empower you daily as you share the hope you have with others.