Scripture Series: I Have Replenished Easel Card---It's Anything/Inspirational Goes at Word Art Wednesday! Join our Challenge...

Hi everyone!  Last Wednesday, we started another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, you can join us with an inspirational project or use our Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) and let it inspire you to create---just like I did in the card sample below.  Our Scripture Word Art for this Challenge comes from Jeremiah 31:25 which says, "For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul."

There's so many things to be grateful about in this life.  The reality that the presence of God (His Holy Spirit) lives inside of me provides me comfort and security not only here on earth but in the eternal life promised by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  The very reason why we're still waking up each morning with hearts beating 24/7 is because God's not done with His purpose for us here on earth.  As a believer of Jesus Christ (Born again, John 3:3), I am not exempted from the emotional roller coaster of life when we are faced with many challenges not only from our family but also the effects of political, economic and social environment we live in.  If we hear of wars and calamities happening in other countries, we feel sad but when it happens closer to home, we are so emotionally invested knowing that such calamities and unrest may personally knock on our doors.  That's why it is so hard for me to understand how privileged American youth of this generation can participate in terrorism, arson, looting and destruction and have allowed themselves to be radically charged to the  point that they made it their personal goal to destroy their own country, state, cities and even their families for the sake of insane/failed ideals.  How did our youth come to this point of utterly sanctioning their own destruction?  I am unsure whether they understand that they're  the ones inheriting this country and that they will have to suffer the horrible consequence of their savagery and rebellion.  The only CURE to this social upheaval is to bring back the Word of God in our schools, the Bible study and prayer meetings too and Churches need to preach the Truth of the Scripture boldly and bravely no matter what. 

Everyday, we wake up to Fake News that makes people bow to FEAR.  The social media's emphasis on the negative is conditioning people's minds to go lock themselves up and hide.  And why it's an easy sell?  Because people are afraid of DEATH.  And though everyone knows that we all have to face it one day (unless RAPTURE comes first for the Body of Christ), people are trying to do everything in their power to delay the inevitable.  But some who professed to know God have allowed themselves to be paralyzed by fear too.  Sad but true!  Psalm 139:15-16 tells us, "My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body;  all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."  Proper understanding of the Word is important to counteract deceptive mandates that seeks to immobilized us with fear.  The antidote to fear is FAITH and when you know that everything that happens to you is under the watchful eye of the Father and that He holds you in the palm of His hand in every situation, fear will no longer dominate your life.  You are able to live in the JOY and PEACE that comes from the Lord.  Personally, I have turned over my life wholly to JESUS that whether I live or die, I know I have the victory.  When we are afflicted with all kinds of sicknesses and diseases, pain is present in different degrees and honestly, some felt unbearable.  God has seen me in my weakest and strongest moments.  He is the One I call to when words can't describe the pain (physical, emotional and even spiritual) that I deal with inside.  I encountered depression many times in my life and though I was not physically incapacitated, it took away my zest for life.  Truly a different kind of pain!  I needed God to snap me out of it everytime.  Imagine suffering from debilitating sickness, inundated with physical pain and depression, we need so much  more than our human abilities to pull us from such turmoil.  When the load seemed overwhelming, I'm reminded that I need not carry it all  on my own.  Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” My Life Application Bible provided a wonderful explanation for these verses that I needed to share with you.  It says, "A yoke is a heavy wooden harness that  fits over the shoulders of an ox or oxen.  It is attached to a piece of equipment the oxen are to pull.  A person may be carrying heavy burdens of (1) sin, (2) excessive demands of religious leaders (Matthew 23:4, Acts 15:10), (3) oppression and persecution, or (4) weariness in the search for God.  Jesus frees people from all these burdens.  The "rest" that Jesus promises is love, healing and peace with God, not the end of all labor.  A relationship with God changes meaningless, wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose.  In what sense was Jesus yoke easy?  The yoke emphasizes the challenges, work and difficulties of partnering with Christ in life. Responsibilities weigh us down, even the effort of staying true to God.  But Jesus yoke remains easy compared to the crushing alternative.  Jesus does not offer a life of luxurious ease---the yoke is still an oxen's tool for working hard.  But it's a shared yoke, with weight falling on bigger shoulders than yours.  Someone with more pulling power is up front helping.  Suddenly you are participating in life's responsibilities with a great Partner---and now that frown can turn into a smile and that gripe into a song."

For this Card, I used an image that I got from "Wish" site a few months ago and watercolored it using my Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  I also layered some Prima flowers and added brads from Recollections.  I also added some Washi tapes and stamped heart border from Stampendous and the inside sentiment is from Studio G.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card for added dimension. 

 I HAVE REPLENISHED EASEL CARD

 I HAVE REPLENISHED EASEL CARD LAYERS WHEN CLOSED

 I HAVE REPLENISHED EASEL CARD WITH MESSAGE SPACE

I HAVE REPLENISHED EASEL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Creations---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG
Fab n Funky---Use Real Stamp (No Digis)
House that Stamps Built---ATG
Little Red Wagon---Spots and/or Stripes
Paper Shelter---Summer
Paper Funday---ATG and the Great Outdoors
A Place to Start---Flowers
Colouring in Scrapland---ATG/Summer
Crafting Happiness---ATG/Summer
Incy Wincy---Summer Colors
Jan's Digi Stamps---ATG
PIP---ATG
Use Your Stuff---Summer Fun
Digi Choosday---ATG
Everybody Art---Summer Girl
Lemon Shortbread---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Angie's Digi Stamps---ATG
Dragonfly Dreams---No Patterned Paper
Penny Black---In the Garden
Corrosive---ATG


Hope you enjoyed my featured project today at WAW...I am looking forward to see your projects linked to our Challenge.  You can include the free Word Art in your projects to link,  but not a requirement.  You can submit any inspirational, uplifting, family friendly creations (up to 5 each week) for more chances to win our prize from our sponsor this week---CAS-ual Fridays Stamps ($20 GC). Okay guys, let us remember to count all our blessings and give glory to the Lord always in season and out of season. He is worthy to be praised!

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Scripture Series: Called Unto Liberty Card---Join Our Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, everyone!  A week ago, we started another Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) as we feature another great Scripture Word Art (free for you to download at the WAW site). It comes from Galatians 5:13 which says, "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."

The other night, I remember telling my hubby how wonderful it is to live in the United States where the laws are founded under the Judeo-Christian standards and the Word of God is weaved in our culture and way of life through the framework of our Constitution.  Yet today, the very same freedom it guarantees are being used diabolically by the demonic entities that seeks to destroy our country.  They've used money, power and influence to turn our system against us and lies are spread everywhere through fake and demon-possessed media to convince the gullible to join their despicable agenda.  The globalist-elitist who are running this country will stop at nothing to realize their One World Government and though the Bible tells of the reality of such time, I believe the Lord has given America a window of opportunity to complete His work when He chose a leader who would stand up against the wiles and whims of these global puppeteers.  Unless people are adept in the Word of God, many will be blind to the destruction of our country.  These deceived people will speak in favor of the sugar coated issues laced with poison; parroting their twisted social media sites that packaged issues based on humanitarian lies and fake concern.  In reality, the globalists aims to stab every God and freedom loving citizens of this country behind our backs and strip us of every freedom we have left.  Isaiah 5:20-23 tells us, "What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever. What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinking wine and boast about all the alcohol they can hold. They take bribes to let the wicked go free, and they punish the innocent."  The only way we can  effectively discern from the issues of our time is to be very familiar with God's Word.  Do not believe everything the media presents to you (no matter how convincing it is) but gather facts and then run everything through the principles of God's Word.  Lay down every personal opinions and emotions and aim to extract Truth using the holy Word of God.  Hebrews 4:12 tells us, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  I would like to share what my Life Application Bible said about the verse in Isaiah 5:20 which tells us, "When people do no carefully observe the distinction between good and evil, destruction soon follows.  It is easy for people to say, "No one can decide for anyone else what is right or wrong." They may think getting drunk can't hurt them, extramarital sex isn't really wrong, or money doesn't control them.  But when we make excuses for our actions, we break down the distinction between right and wrong.  If we do not take God's Word, the Bible, as our standard, soon all moral choices will appear fuzzy.  Without God, we are headed for a breakdown and much suffering.  The people suffered because they rejected God's law.  It is sad to see so many people today searching for meaning in life while spurning God's Word.  We can avoid the error of Israel and Judah by making not only reading the Bible, but also understanding and obeying it, a high priority  in our lives."

For this Card, I used an image from "From the Heart Stamps" called "Rainy Day Birdbrains" that I colored using my Hobby Colour markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square center step style card.  The DP's are from American Crafts, the die cut leaves by Fiskars, the brads from Stampabilities, the washi tape from Tape Works and the fence border by Martha Stewart punch.  I also layered some Prima flowers and added some glitters with Stickles (Crystal).

CALLED UNTO LIBERTY CARD

CALLED UNTO LIBERTY CARD LAYERS

CALLED UNTO LIBERTY CARD INSIDE

CALLED UNTO LIBERTY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

2 Crafty Crazies---ATG with Critter/s
Perfect Time---ATG
Ching-Chou Kuik---ATG with Die-Cuts and/or Punches
Classic Design---ATG
Country View---Do What Makes You Happy
Crafty Animals---ATG with Animals
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creative Craft Cottage---Add Flower/s
DL Art---ATG
Dream Factory---Aquaman (I have rain)
LeAnn's---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Stars and Stripes
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
MIUCB---ATG/Open Technique (I used Clean and Simple)
Scor-Pal---ATG/Summertime/Patriotic
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
QKR---ATG
Sognando---ATG/Fave Color (Pastels)
YSP---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 each week.  A wonderful prize awaits our winner from our lovely sponsor for this Challenge---Lawn Fawn ($25 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, be very vigilant, pray always and practice your God given rights.  As long as God is seated on the throne, we are never without hope.  We are part of His plan in this world.

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

CAS Series: Sentiment Cards---Join Our Monthly Challenge at 613 Avenue Create with Anything Goes!

Hello everyone.  We have a new Challenge for this month at 613 Avenue Create that started a few days ago.  As always, it's Anything Goes with an optional twist, "Make Sentiment the Focal Point"  You will find some wonderful ideas on our optional theme with the projects made by my fellow DTs at our Challenge site as well as the featured cards I have in here.

Anyway, I would like to share God's Word in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 which says," Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we 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."  Have you felt so weary both physically and spiritually the past few months?   The Lord knows I've had my moments.  You see, I love Truth and Justice.  When both are under attack and perverted daily by where the "wrong" is justified by influential yet demonic spheres of our society while the "right" is vilified, you would hope for justice to kick in based on the governing laws of our nation.  But when justice is taken over by Godless and perverted minds, they no longer protect the lawful citizens but the thugs and the mobs.  I know that this fight between good and evil is first spiritual in nature and nothing happens in the physical without a spiritual origin.  I thank God for the presence of the Holy Spirit that comforts, encourages and guides me in wisdom because the physical, mental and emotional stress that we are encountering daily can be too much for many of us to bear.  Each day, we are given a toxic amount of "fear" to take in  and without a strong spiritual foundation to anchor us as we depend solely on our physical strength, it's easy to slip into hopelessness. 

I would like to share this wonderful exaltation from my Life Application Bible regarding the verses I shared at the beginning of this post.  It carries the message I want to emphasized to every true brothers and sisters in Christ and that is to "NEVER GIVE UP TRUSTING GOD NO MATTER WHAT!"  Here's what is says: "Paul has faced sufferings, trials and distress as He preached the Good News.  But he knew that they would one day be over, and he would obtain God's rest and rewards.  As we face great troubles, it's easy to focus on the pain rather than our ultimate goal. Just as athletes concentrate on the finish line and ignore their discomfort, we too must focus on the reward for our faith and the joy  that lasts forever.  No matter what happens to us in this life, we have the assurance of eternal life, when all suffering will end and all sorrow will flee away (Isaiah 35:10).   It is easy to lose heart and quit.  We all have faced problems in our relationships or in our work that have caused us to want to think about laying down the tools and walking away.  Rather than giving up when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16).  Don't let fatigue, pain or criticism force you off the job.  Renew your commitment to serving Christ.  Don't forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of today's pain.  Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.  Our troubles should not diminish our faith or disillusion us.  We should realize that there is a purpose for our suffering.  Problems and human limitations have several benefits: (1) they remind us of Christ's suffering for us; (2) they keep us from pride; (3) they cause us to look beyond this brief life; (4) they prove our faith to others; and (5) they give God the opportunity to demonstrate His power.  See your troubles as opportunities!  Our ultimate hope when we are experiencing terrible illness, persecution, or pain is the realization that this life is not all there is---there is life after death!  Knowing we will live forever with God in a place without sin and suffering can help us live above the pain that we face in this life."

For this Cards, I used sentiments from Cloud 9 Design.  The base is and A2 size white, CS and the DP's are from Paper Studio.  The sentiment and image used for the coordinated envelope came from Hero Arts.

 CAS SENTIMENT CARDS

 CAS SENTIMENT CARD 1  WITH ENVELOPE

CAS SENTIMENT CARD 2 WITH ENVELOPE

This Card Set is entered into the following Challenges:

Perfect Time---ATG
Classic Design---ATG
Country View---Do What Makes You Happy
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
LeAnn's---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Stars and Stripes
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
MIUCB---ATG/Open Technique (Center Step Style Card)
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
QKR---ATG
Sognando---ATG/Fave Color (Pastels)
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, "Sentiment as Focal Point."  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.  Anyway, the works of the enemy is apparent in our day and time and just like Jesus, we are to use the Word of God to battle with the works of the enemy.  We are to study and arm ourselves with the Truth in order to discern the works of Satan and act with wisdom and power.

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

Scripture Series: Place of Refuge Card---Join our Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi Crafty Peeps!  So sorry for a very late post. Last week, we started another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, you can join us with an inspirational project or use our Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) and let it inspire you to create---just like I did in the card sample below.  Our Scripture Word Art for this Challenge comes from Proverbs 14:26  which says, "In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge."

Wow, what a comforting verse to digest today.  Our world is full of chaos and  we not only fight with the evil we see but every demonic agenda collaborating in secrecy.  Well, some of them are not hidden anymore.  In fact, there are times we no longer know who to trust.  We are surrounded by vicious elements that suppresses truth and promote lies in every sphere of our society.  Their intention is to eradicate the "Absolute Truth of God" and let every man do what they please. Anyone who are able to physically and spiritually discern are very much aware of the evil plans they have against the Body of Christ (Church) carried out by the demonic leaders bent on destroying our country and taking our God-given freedom.  This is not the time to cower and fear!  This the time to fight for our rights, pray, and engage in spiritual warfare.  Declare the Word of the Lord and thank God for the victory always.  Encourage other believers to stand firm and take courage.  More importantly, know the Word, study in context and meditate on it that you may have wisdom to refute the lies of the enemy. 

You see, anyone who hates God loves darkness because they don't want God's light to reveal their selfishness. To know God is to obey God and because they couldn't give up their selfish desires, they purposely convince themselves that God does not exist.  Most interviews with influential people who are proud God haters reveal how self-centered they are. Everything revolves around them---what they like, what they think and what they can get.  No matter how they deny God, they know in their hearts that they are living a lie and death (physical, spiritual and eternal) is upon them.  Of course they would not admit that.  But God tells us Romans 1:28-32, "Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents.They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too."  I want to share what my Life Application Bible wrote about these verses.  It says, "How were these people aware of God's death penalty? Human beings, created in God's image, have a basic moral nature and a conscience.  This truth is understood beyond religious circles.  Psychologists, for example, say that the rare person who has no conscience has a serious personality disorder that is extremely difficult to treat.  Most people instinctively know when they do wrong---but they may not care.  Some people will even risk an early death for the freedom to indulge their desires now.  "I know it's wrong, but I really want it," they say; or "I know it's dangerous, but it's worth the risk."  For such people, part of the "fun" is going against God's Law, the community's moral standards, common sense, or their own sense of right and wrong.  But deep down inside they know that sin deserves the punishment of death (Romans 6:23).

Every person that is born in this world is born into Sin---Adam's Sin. Without a Savior, we will have to pay for our sin.  The payment is death! But when we wholeheartedly receive what Jesus did at the Cross through His death, burial and resurrection (Gospel) by way of faith (trust, reliance, adherence), we become a new creation, the old is gone, the new has come. Death no longer have power over me.  Jesus paid the price for my freedom and I belong to Him.  I no longer have ownership of myself.  My life is for God and He may use me whichever and whenever He desires.  I fear God but my fear is a holy fear!  Simply put, I am in total awe of my Father.  I have full confidence in my relationship with Christ knowing that His plans and desires for me are for my own good and that in every situation, He has my back!  In Him I am always safe and at peace.  This temporary life can be full of chaos but when my focus is upon Him, I am secure, I am strong and everything is possible.  His great love for me is endless and He will never ever let go!  If you have read my post and you felt God knocking at the door of your heart, I pray that you open to let Him in.  Repent of your sin and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior.  There is nothing worth more than being the daughter of the Most High God! 

For this Card, I used this wonderful slider from K and Company.  The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Paper Studio.  I attached three white nail head gems from Imaginisce and stitched all over this Card.  I love the result.  

 PLACE OF REFUGE CARD

 PLACE OF REFUGE CARD LAYERS

 PLACE OF REFUGE CARD INSIDE

PLACE OF REFUGE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Alphabet Challenge---E is for Earthbound Animal
Crafty Catz---ATG/Add Number/s
Creative Fingers---ATG
QKR---ATG
Simply Create Too---ATG
Aud Sentiment---ATG with Sentiment
Crafty Creations---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG
2 Crafty Critter---ATG with Animal/s
2 Sisters---2 or More Circles
A Perfect Time---ATG
Classic Design---ATG
Crafts Galore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG with Animal/s
Craftyhazelnut's---ATG with Patterned Paper
Creative Craft---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
YSBP---ATG


Hope you enjoyed all our featured projects at WAW...I am looking forward to see your projects linked to our Challenge. There's a few more days left. You can include the free Word Art in your projects to link,  but not a requirement.  You can submit any inspirational, uplifting, family friendly creations (up to 5 each week) for more chances to win our prize from our sponsor this week---Newton's Nook ($20 GC). Okay guys, let us focus our eyes upon the Lord, be sensitive to His voice  and leading and never ever give up the Truth!  All glory to His Name.

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

Changito Birthday Card---Come and Join our June Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hi everyone!  It's been a while since I posted a project for 613 Avenue Create.  Just been so busy.  I am glad God enabled me to create a simple project in spite of the many issues in our society that saddens me.  I spent so much time sharing God's Truth, provide Biblical reason and encouragement to those whom God sent my way.  As a believer in Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), it's hard to ignore the craziness happening in our country and the world.  From the deaths, shutdown, lock down and controversies of Covid-19 to the despicable lawlessness happening in our society for weeks now, all of that can be emotionally and mentally troubling.  But one thing kept me centered---my faith in Christ!

God is not surprised by anything!  He is perfectly in control.  His Word tells us that this world is ruled by Satan but he cannot operate beyond the boundaries that God would allow. We are to  continue the work of the Lord to shine the light of the Gospel (His death, burial and resurrection) even in the face of people's hatred.  2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." Gotquestions.org explains, "The phrase “god of this world” (or “god of this age”) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His influence also encompasses the world’s philosophies, education, and commerce. The thoughts, ideas, speculations and false religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions. Satan is also called the "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. He is the "ruler of this world" in John 12:31. These titles and many more signify Satan’s capabilities. To say, for example, that Satan is the "prince of the power of the air" is to signify that in some way he rules over the world and the people in it. This is not to say that he rules the world completely; God is still sovereign. But it does mean that God, in His infinite wisdom, has allowed Satan to operate in this world within the boundaries God has set for him. When the Bible says Satan has power over the world, we must remember that God has given him domain over unbelievers only. Believers are no longer under the rule of Satan (Colossians 1:13). Unbelievers, on the other hand, are caught "in the snare of the devil" (2 Timothy 2:26), lie in the "power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19), and are in bondage to Satan (Ephesians 2:2). So, when the Bible says that Satan is the "god of this world," it is not saying that he has ultimate authority. It is conveying the idea that Satan rules over the unbelieving world in a specific way. Satan’s scheme includes promoting false philosophies in the world—philosophies that blind the unbeliever to the truth of the Gospel. Satan’s philosophies are the fortresses in which people are imprisoned, and they must be set free by Christ."

Truthfully,  I am sad to see many "self-proclaimed Christians" bow down in support/defense of the lawlessness we see in our nation.  Insane propaganda to rid of police and the overwhelming agreement of the mainstream media and the left-leaning (Democratic/Socialist/Liberals/Globalist) politicians revealed their true agenda.  After all, they have done everything the last three years to rid of POTUS Trump but to no avail.  Why?  Because they will not win against the God who appointed him.  I cannot explain how anybody can withstand wave upon wave of vicious propaganda from every sphere of society unless the Lord's hand is upon him.  God also blessed His presidency with a strong economy that was able to overcome the economic impact of the pandemic.  But God is not done!  So, the evils that be that's trying to usher in the One World Government is doing everything they can to rid of our President by creating this present chaos---targeting the law enforcement, disarm the citizens and spread hate and fear in our country.  Antifa, Black Lives Matter and the Sunrise Movement are all part of these despicable attempt to bring everyone to their knees and bow down to their Satanic CULT of race and police shaming.  They used the local officials to restrain our law enforcement and let the despicable terrorists/anarchist ran over our cities, harm our people and desecrate our monuments without consequence.  Can't you see that these has nothing to do with justice for Floyd? All of America (every race) wanted justice for his murder.  But like many of us already suspected, an evil agenda to destabilize our country using "racism" as a weapon was ushered in by terrorist and anarchist hiding in the midst of peaceful protesters with the goal to destroy our cities, spread hatred and destruction to overthrow our government.  John 10:10 clearly states, "The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  No matter what sentiments they put forth to explain their horrendous acts, you are forced to pick a side---GOOD or EVIL!  Are you for CHRIST or for SATAN?  And let me be clear, anyone who supports the stealing, killing and destruction by being quiet about it (for fear of backlash) when God gave you a platform to share His Word are as guilty as those who committed the acts themselves.  Many of those who claimed to be Christians are not true believers.  Sad but true!  Those who truly placed their faith in Christ are characterized by obedience to God's Word (even if it hurts) and not driven by personal issues and emotions.  If you felt God is speaking to you today, acknowledge and repent of your sin and surrender everything to the Lord.  He still forgives and will cleanse you of all unrighteousness.  

For this Card, I used an image from Stampendous with my fave Changito image and colored it with my Primacolor markers.  The base is a pre-cut A2 card from Paper Studio and the sentiment is from Printworks.  The DP's are from Paper Studio and I added ribbon from my stash.

 CHANGITO BIRTHDAY CARD

CHANGITO BIRTHDAY CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Alphabet Challenge---E is for Earthbound Animal
Colour Crazy---ATG
Crafty Catz---ATG/Add Number/s
Creative Fingers---ATG
QKR---ATG
Simply Create Too---ATG
Aud Sentiment---ATG with Sentiment
Crafty Creations---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG
2 Crafty Critter---ATG with Animal/s
A Perfect Time---ATG
Classic Design---ATG
Crafts Galore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG with Animal/s
Creative Craft---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
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 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...

Scripture Series: Great and Mighty Things Card---Time for Another Anything Goes/inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, friends! We have another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) that started a few days ago.  This time, we are using a Scripture Word Art   that you can download for free at the WAW site that comes from Jeremiah 33:3 which tells us, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." 

Negative thoughts from the world or among believers of Christ (Born again, John 3:3) truly affect our spiritual well being.  We are never short of negative news daily.  When we watch TV, listen to the radio or search for information in any social media sites,  9 out of 10 stories conveys death, fear, harm and destruction.  Many people who react instinctively to the news/stories they heard are prone to do more stupid things for simply not sorting through their feelings. Others look for answers from their so-called "experts" and believe without questioning everything they're saying.  These people are lazy to search for the truth and would rather entrust their lives to someone they believed would never harm them.  And there are those who don't really care because they'd rather drown themselves with watching movies or playing games that yield no fruit, totally oblivious to what is happening around them.  But then there are those who take the time to look into the facts, analyze what is happening and asked all sorts of questions behind what is happening around them. They knew that everything happens for a reason so they ask God for wisdom and direction to lead them on what action to take as individuals and as part of the Body of Christ and be God's beacon of light into this world darkened by an evil agenda.

The Book of Jeremiah is such a great and timely read in this day and time.  Jeremiah was asked by God to be His mouthpiece to warn the people of Judah regarding their evil ways that would subject them to Babylonian captivity.  God had enough of the wickedness of His people who have forgotten Him and followed after false gods.  From one evil king to another, they have disobeyed God, built and erected idols that were an abomination to God, practiced grossed immorality and have made their children a burnt sacrifice in the altar of Baal.  They forgot their God and followed after the pagan ways of other nations.  God said in Jeremiah 19:5, "They have built pagan shrines to Baal, and there they burn their sons as sacrifices to Baal.  I have never commanded such a horrible deed; it never even crossed my mind to command such a thing!"  God's wrath was going to pour upon them that for seventy years, they would be in exile to Babylon.  Yet even in God's anger, His love was still conveyed when He revealed to His servant, Jeremiah, what would take place in the future when He uses a pagan king (King Cyrus, a Medo-Persian) to fulfill His will for His people---even before Babylon began invading Judah.  Reading God's Word in the Book of Jeremiah will open our eyes to the holiness and justice of God that would NEVER tolerate idolatry, disobedience and every evil/demonic acts.  But most importantly, we can also see His compassionate heart that seeks to save those who repented and obeyed by giving them hope for their future.

So, what lessons did we learn from Jeremiah that would help us (believers) with the challenges of our day?  As we go through this time of many uncertainties, let us not forget that GOD ALWAYS HAVE THE LAST SAY.  Believers should not act like the heathen who don't have hope---merely trusting in what man has to say no matter how "expert" or "influential" you think they may be.  We should submit everything to our Lord and that includes our every thought before we speak or act on them.  The Lord  is all powerful and all knowing.  He knows the end from the beginning.  He created everything---holds and sustains all of His creation.  If we have questions about anything, He is the One we should call first.  If He leads us to a certain individual to find some answers, that is great.  But we shouldn't act without calling upon Him first.  Having the assurance of His Word can make a big difference whether we live in perfect peace or defeated by fear in this time of many trials and uncertainty.  I love what my Life Application Bible shared with regards to our highlighted verse above from Jeremiah 33.  It says, "God would restore Jerusalem, not because the people cried, but because it was part of His ultimate plan.  The Babylonian disaster did not change God's purposes for His people.  Although Jerusalem would be destroyed, it would be restored (after the 70-year captivity and in the end times when the Messiah will rule).  God's justice is always tempered by His mercy.  God assured Jeremiah that he had only to call to God and God would answer (see also Psalm 145:18, Isaiah 58:9, Matthew 7:7).  God is ready to answer our prayers, but we must ask for His assistance.  Surely God could take care of our needs without our asking.  But when we ask, we are acknowledging the He alone is God and that we cannot accomplish in our own strength all that is His domain to do.  When we ask, we must humble ourselves, lay aside our willfulness and worry, and determine to obey Him."  What a great and awesome God we have!

For this Card, I used an image from Bugaboo Digi Stamps called "Sketchy Boy Hi" that I colored using my Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP is from Heidi Grace, the fish tail banners are from Martha Stewart Papers and  the nail head gems and heart are all from Imaginisce.  Lastly, I ran some panels of this card through my sewing machine for some fancy and regular stitching.  Came out pretty cool!

  GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS CARD

 GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS CARD LAYERS

 GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS CARD INSIDE

GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Angie's Digital Stamps---ATG
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Corrosive---ATG
Gem of a Craft---ATG
Allsorts---Dots, Stripes, Ginghams (Used Dots and Stripes)
Crafter's Castle---ATG
Crafty Friends---Add Embellishments
Di's Digi---Include a Sentiment
Craft-Dee Bowz---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG
Createful Heart---ATG
Creative Craft Cottage---Masculine
CCC---For the Men/Boys
LeAnns---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
MIUCB---AT/Masking
Not Just Cards---ATG
Creative Crafters---ATG
Worldwide Open DT---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 submit up to 5 entries per week.  Our wonderful sponsor for this week is  Art Glitter, giving away a $50 GC to their store.  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the joy of the Lord overtake you today.  If you are trusting in Jesus, you are blessed beyond measure and His peace abides in you no matter what is happening around you.

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

Scripture Series: Thy Mother Shall Be Glad Card---Join us in our Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi Crafty peeps!  So sorry for the  late posting.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, EVERYONE!  As always. we have an Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge that started a few days ago at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring a great Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site).  Our highlighted verse is an encouragement to all mothers out there.  It comes from Proverbs 23:25 which says, "Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice."

God purposely placed us under the care of our parents in order to guide us to the right path.  Our parents also experienced childhood and the things they learned along the way became the basis on how they train their kids when they go through similar circumstances.  But we know that parenting is not as easy especially when we find ourselves in situations we haven't even encountered in life.  We may have wonderful parents but turn out rebellious in our ways.  Or we may have grown in a dysfunctional and abusive family that twisted and perverted our minds to the truth which impacted our lives in the worst way.  That kind of upbringing will be detrimental when passed on to our children.  And what if  we don't grow up in the ways of God or had never been exposed to the knowledge and fear of the Lord?  We are aware of many stories of children brought up in a Godly household but end up going their own ways, mocking and despising God with their words and actions.  But we also heard of the stories of those who came to Jesus, after they exposed themselves to destruction, and found new hope in the Lord.  They are the ones that opened their hearts to Jesus Christ and under the loving guidance of their parents or even other people (who took them under their care) made a complete turn to a Godly, productive and meaningful way of life.

As I am writing this post, God emphasized to me five words when it comes to parenting. These are acceptance, repentance, discipline, patience and love.  Whether we grew up from a Godly or dysfunctional family, we need to accept that our upbringing has profound effect on our choices and the direction of our lives  that can easily be passed on to our children.  Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." God wants us to bring up our children in accordance to His Word.  But even when we brought up our kids using Godly principles, they still have a mind of their own that they have to contend with.  They too have to decide between right from wrong and harvest the fruit of their choices. We are to identify our wrong doings based on the Word of God and repent from them.  Repentance is when we look back at the mistakes we made and confess them to the Lord Jesus.  The most common perversion today is believing that God loves you so much that He's okay with whatever you want to do with your life.  Yes, Jesus defied the status quo of His time by hanging out with the "sinners" but by no means approved of their Sin (Sin Nature and all its by-products).  Instead, He forgave them (after they acknowledge their transgressions) and told them to SIN NO MORE. That meant a 180 degrees turn from their old way of life.  Jesus paid all of mankind's Sin at the Cross of Calvary but in order for us to benefit from what He accomplished on our behalf, we have to put our complete faith (trust) in Him.  When we do that, we are acknowledging that we are in Him when He went to the Cross and died. We are in Him when He was buried and also in Him when He resurrected---defeating Sin and Death forever.  We acknowledge that where Jesus is right now (in the right side of the Father), that's where we are also!  Hebrews 11:6 tells us, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Now,  just because we are redeemed, it does not mean we are free from the challenges of life.  In fact, the biggest challenges of my life came after I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior (Born again, John 3:3). This time, I had to go through God's spiritual discipline (with the help of the Holy Spirit) in order to overcome what my body (five senses) and soul (mind, will and emotions) had known all my life that made me God's enemy.  Although my spirit (communion, conscience, intuition) was brought to life by my faith in Christ, my body and my soul needed to be renewed.  Romans 12:1-2 clearly tells us, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  When we encounter all sorts of trials (pressures), acknowledge that God is always with us (inside of us) to see us through even when we don't see or feel Him working at times.  Whatever the outcome, God always have our best interest.  Trials are like weights that we need to conquer in order to develop our spiritual muscles.  Hebrews 12:2-10 says, "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness."  This same scripture also expressed to us what patience meant when it said "endure hardship."  Patience is simply defined as, "the quality of waiting calmly without complaining."  Maybe we are not seeing the fruit of our labor and prayers in the life of our children.  I tell you that nothing saddens me more than seeing my boy wrapped up in the things of the world.  Sometimes, I felt like a broken record that no one listens to.  But Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." When we speak the Word of God to our children and to whomever God directs us to, Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.  It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it."  And last but not the least, the over-all intent for all of the first four words is "love."  John 3:16 says, "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."  God loves us all---whether we are kids, parents or both!  God's kind of love is sacrificial, never ever selfish!  If we love our children, we would teach and lead them to seek God and His perfect ways.  And if we truly love our parents, we would love and respect the authority that God bestowed upon them to guide and light our way.  One day, the kids will become parents and the same cycle continues till the Lord calls us all home to His eternity.

 
For this Card, I used an image from Stamping Bella called "Uptown Girl Bailey Has a Baby" that I colored using my Prismacolor/Hobby Colour markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I rounded the sides using my Crop-a-dile.  The DP is from American Crafts and the die-cut from Spellbinders (Wreath Set).  I included some nail head gems from Imaginisce, glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and ran it through my sewing machine for some fancy stitching.  I'm very happy with the result.

 THY MOTHER SHALL BE GLAD CARD

 THY MOTHER SHALL BE GLAD CARD LAYERS

 THY MOTHER SHALL BE GLAD CARD INSIDE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Artsystamper---Mum
Coloring in Scrapland---ATG/Splashes
Crafting Happiness---ATG/Nature
Get Creative---Make it Sparkly
Jan's Digi---ATG
Pammie's---ATG
Use Your Stuff---Flower and/or Butterflies (I chose flowers)
Colour Crazy---ATG
Creative Fusion----ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Pattie's---ATG
Simply Create Too---Use Flowers
Gem of a Craft---ATG
Allsorts---ATG
Crafter's Castle---ATG
Crafty Friends---Flowers
Angie's---ATG
Lil' Patch---ATG
Stamping Sensations---Say it with Flowers
Corrosive---ATG
A Perfect Time---ATG
Classic Design---ATG
Craft-Dee-BowZ---ATG
Craft Galore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Creatalicious---ATG/Sparkle
HLS---ATG with Dies
LeAnns---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Mix It Up---ATG/Masking
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Papercraft Business---ATG
YSP---ATG


I hope you'd take the time to join us at our WAW Challenge.  It's Anything Goes as long as it's family friendly with uplifting and inspirational messages, you can link up to 5 projects per week.  Our sponsor this challenge is Pink & Main giving away a $25 prize package from their shop.  I can't wait to see your projects  and leave you some encouragement on your Blogs.  Pray without ceasing and believe that God has a wonderful plan for our children!

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