J. ATTERBURY CREATIONS

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---ATG

Creatalicious---ATG/CAS Christmas Cards

Happy Little Stampers---ATG with Die

Happy Little Stamplers---Watercolor

LeAnns World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Inspired by a Song

QKR Stampede---ATG

Rabisco---ATG

Sweet Stampers---ATG

The Creative Crafters---ATG

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

YSP---ATG

Time to go, everyone! Please make sure to visit us at WAW and link up the projects you make out of our free Word Art although not mandatory. You can link up any inspiring, uplifting, family-friendly projects, up to 5 each week. Our wonderful sponsors this week are Stamp Simply ($25 GC) and Tonic Studios (prize packs) . So, join our Blog Hop and show us your wonderful projects. Enjoy the holidays with your family. Always remember that God is in control and we can trust in His protection always. Our part is to pray without ceasing and act upon His Word.

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Saturday, December 17, 2022

Scripture Series: God Sent Forth His Son Card---Join our Anything/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone! We started another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge several days ago at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring a new Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site). It comes from Galatians 4:4-5 which says, "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."

I don't know about you but I feel so blessed to live in this New Testament era when the Lord Jesus already accomplished what He was sent to do in order to redeem mankind from sure death forever. He was with God from the beginning and was spoken by God to man right after the Fall of Adam in Genesis 3:15. God addressing the serpent (Satan) said, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." You and I are living in this dispensation of time that was considered a mystery by God's people until the Holy Spirit came down on the Day of Pentecost and dwell in the hearts of man. Jews and Gentiles alike became the Body of Christ (Ekklesia, Church) with Christ as the Head. Up until the revelation of the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ) was entrusted to Apostle Paul, people were oblivious to the Jews and the Gentiles coming together as One Body in Christ! Through the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross, everyone who humbles himself before God and puts his/her faith on Him will not face eternal death. The once severed spiritual connection with God is restored and our sins are forgiven. For Jesus paid the highest price so that we can remain in His presence forever. I say thank you, Lord!

As children (Born-again, John 3:3) of the Most High celebrating the birth of our Savior this time all around the world, let us be grateful and make use of the remaining time given to this world to impart what Christ has done for us. As we see darkness trying to diminish the light of the Gospel in every corner of the world, let us remember what God's Word in 1 John 4:2-4 clearly tells us, "This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." Every born-again believer carries the light of God in them that will shine the brightest in the midst of darkness. I know it is not easy and we feel weary at times in this intense battle between good and evil. If you need rest, rest in the arms of our Lord Jesus and feed on His Word. His Spirit is faithful to comfort and recharge us with power and might needed to finish yet another day till He calls us home. I declare that today is a great day to be a believer! Jesus and His Ark of Grace is still open for those who seek refuge, love and eternal freedom provided by God to them who would believe. One day the door will shut and the rebellious outsiders will face God's wrath. If we truly love our family and friends, we would tell them about the Gospel for Jesus is the "only way" by which man can be saved.

I would like to impart what My Life Application Bible shared regarding our highlighted verses in this post. It says, "When the time had fully come," God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins. For centuries, the Jews had been wondering when their Messiah would come---but God's timing was perfect. We may sometimes wonder if God will ever respond to our prayers. But we must never doubt Him or give up hope. At the right time He will respond. Jesus was born of a woman---He was human. He was born as a Jew---He was subject to God's law and fulfilled it perfectly. Thus Jesus was the perfect sacrifice because, although He was fully human, He never sinned. His death bought freedom for us who were enslaved to sin so that we could be adopted into God's family. Under the Roman law, an adopted child was guaranteed all legal rights to His father's property, even if he was formerly a slave. He was not a second class son; he was equal to all other sons, biological or adopted, in His father's family. As adopted children of God, we share with Jesus all rights to God's resources. As God's heirs, we can claim what He has provided for us---our full identity as His children (Romans 8:15-17)."

For this Card, I used a Christmas themed image from Art Impressions called the "Ugly Sweater Clear Set" that I colored using my Ohuhu markers. The base card and envelope are from Paper Studio and the background stamp is from Inkadinkado. The DP is from DCWV. I ran it through my Cuttlebug using a Cuttlebug folder for embossing and I added glitters from Stickles-Crystal to parts of the image. Lastly, I included some fancy stitching.

GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON CARD

GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON CARD LAYERS

GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Alphabet Challenge---S is for Snow

Beyond the Blue---Snowflakes!

CAS on Sunday---Embossing (Heat or Dry)

Colour Crazy---ATG

Creative Fingers---ATG

Jingle Belles---Wrapping up 2022/Christmas Themed

Pattie's Creations---ATG

Paper Dragonfly---Merry CRAFTmas

Winter Wonderland---Anything Christmas Goes

As You Like It---ATG for Christmas

Cardz 4 Galz---Fun in the Snow

C.R.A.F.T.---ATG

Krafty Chicks---CAS

MAWTT---Christmas

Crafty Gals Corner---'Tis the Season

Fab n Funky---Last Minute Christmas

Simon Says---Ice Cold

Sisterhood of Crafters---Traditional Christmas

Paper Funday---ATG/Holiday Time

Digi Choosday---ATG

Holly and Ivy Christmas---Anything Christmas Goes

TTCRD---ATG

A Place to Start---ATG/Happy Holidays

Crafting Happiness---Christmas

Double Trouble---Thing 1 (My Color Choices)

Inspiration Station---Holiday Magic

PIP---ATG

Use Your Stuff---Christmas Edition

Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge. There's a few more days left to participate in our current Challenge before our final Challenge of the year that will include a Blog Hop with lots and lots of prizes to be won which will start this coming Wednesday. You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement. As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter several times. A great prize awaits our winner from our wonderful sponsor---The Rabbit Hole Designs ($15 GC). So excited to see what you come up with. Christmas is coming and I hope you share the true meaning of this season to your friends and love ones.

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Monday, December 5, 2022

Scripture Series: All Things Are For Your Sakes Center Step Card---Join Us for Anything/Inspirational Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, guys! So, we began another Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) over a week and a half ago featuring another Scripture Word Art which you can download for free at the WAW site. It comes from 2 Corinthians 4:15 which says, "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God."

We just celebrated Thanksgiving Day in this country several days ago. There's just so much to be thankful for but on the top of my list is that I am a child of God (Born-again, John 3:3), the Almighty Creator is my Father! That happened the very moment I gave myself wholeheartedly to the One that God sent to redeem me---my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I can't believe it took place more than thirty-two years ago. I'm thankful for everyone that allowed themselves to be used by God to share the Gospel (death, burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ) to me and for those who have prayed earnestly for both my physical and spiritual well-being my entire life.

As an Ambassador for Christ in this fallen world, we are to share the Gospel and pray for the salvation of those who are still lost. For that is the very reason why believers (Born-again, John 3:3) are still in this world. We have seen and experienced the immeasurable love and goodness of God that we can't help but share it to everyone. But we know it's not easy! For what seemed to be plain and simple to us is overly complicated to those who are lovers of this world. James 4:4 tells us, "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." I want to share a commentary in my Bible that says, "The Gospel is open and revealed to everyone, except to those who refuse to believe. Satan is the "god of this age." His work is to deceive, and he has blinded those who don't believe in Christ. The allure of money, power, and pleasure blinds people to the light of Christ's Gospel. Those who reject Christ and prefer their own pursuits have unknowingly made Satan their god." Due to advancement in technology, we are constantly surrounded by temptations and the message of "Love Yourself" is propagated in every avenue possible. They have distorted the true meaning of love which is "self-sacrificing" and is fully expressed in what the Bible tells us in Mark 12:30-31 which is, "loving your neighbor as yourself." Anything short of that is plainly self-serving.

But realize that we share the Gospel not of our own effort but the Holy Spirit of God empowering us. We are God's conduits. Is is He who gets into the hearts of sinners and begins transforming them from within for those who genuinely welcomes Him into their lives. He does not work on man's timeline but His own plan and purpose. Our part is to rightfully discern, listen and obey what He wants us to do and where He wants us to go. There are times He sends us to sow while He uses others to harvest. Each of us are a part of His wonderful plan to save mankind from the eternal wrath that is reserved for Satan and his minions. For the works of darkness are no longer hidden. Our society is being conditioned to accept every despicable acts/behavior/mindset that in the past were kept sealed and contained. Take for example the "Balenciaga Scandal" that dominates the headlines these days and the exploitation of children. Many were outraged but this has been going on for many years now but those who sounded the alarm were deemed conspiracy theorist just to brush off the truth. By the way, I've seen so much worst without media reaction. But the Body of Christ (Church, Ekklesia) is still in this world to be the Salt and Light! Our mission is not only to bring souls to God's kingdom but to also push back against the hostile takeover of Satan! Each day, we spread God's truth to slow the decay of society and we shine the light of the Gospel as a beacon of hope in the darkened pillars of our society. We come against all the powers of the enemy knowing that we carry in us the Cross of Christ, a reminder that we are one with the Lord Jesus as a Victorious Conqueror! So let's do the work that God placed upon us. Always stand for God's Word and declare what Christ has done for those who are perishing. Time is really short! I would like to share My Life Application Bible's commentary regarding our highlighted verse as it truly blessed me. It 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 on 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)."

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions called "Interchangeable Car Set" that I colored using my Ohuhu markers. The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step design. The DP's and washi tape are from Paper Studio and the brads from Recollections. Lastly, I stitched all over this card for added dimension.

ALL THINGS ARE FOR YOUR SAKES CENTER STEP CARD

ALL THINGS ARE FOR YOUR SAKES CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS

ALL THINGS ARE FOR YOUR SAKES CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE

ALL THINGS ARE FOR YOUR SAKES CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Craft Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

Creatalicious---ATG/Christmas Non Traditional Colors

LeeAnn's World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Inspired by A Song

Lost Coast---Something Seasonal

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Open Technique

Scor Pal---More than One Score

QKR Stampede---ATG

Rabisco---ATG

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

YSP---ATG

There's over a day left for our current WAW Challenge so head over there and join. 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. Great prize to be won from our wonderful sponsor---Waffle Flower Stamps & Dies ($15 e-GC). So excited to see what you come up with. Anyway, don't be weary in sharing the Good News of Salvation and what Jesus has done in your life. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and empower you.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Scripture Series: Thy Praise To All Generations Easel Card---Join Our Inspirational/Anything Goes 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 Psalm 79:13 which says, "So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations."

Our highlighted verse today is the last verse of Psalm 79. So to find context and meaning, I've chosen to read the entire chapter and I found out that this was written by Asaph (or one of his descendants) after the Babylonian army marched into Jerusalem, burned the temple, tore down the city's massive walls, and carried off the people into captivity. The theme was about, "When outraged by injustice, cry out to God, not against Him. In times of disaster, our mood may be anger, but our trust must remain in God. My Life Application Bible has shared a great commentary on this chapter and it truly blessed me. It says, "According to the Old Testament, God's wrath and judgment often fell on entire nations because of the sins of people within those nations. Here Asaph pled for judgment on kingdoms that refused to acknowledge God's authority. Ironically, Asaph's own nation of Judah was being judged by God for refusing to do this very thing (2 Chronicles 36:14-20). These were people who have sworn allegiance to God but were now rejecting Him. This made their judgment even worse. In the end, God's glory will be evident to all people, but in the meantime, we must endure suffering with patience and allow God to strengthen our character through it. For reasons that we do not know, pagan people often are allowed to scoff at believers. We should be prepared for criticism, jokes and unkind remarks because God does not place us beyond the attacks of the scoffers.

Oh wow, what a timely scripture for what we are experiencing in this country today. In the natural, why does it seem like the darkness is gaining ground? Have the people lost their minds? That's just two of the many questions I had as I watched the midterm election results a week ago. In spite of the state of our economy worsened by taking away our energy independence and the overspending that brought us inflation while battling illegal immigration, crime and addiction that affected the lives of many hardworking Americans, this false and senile leadership is not done wreaking havoc in this country. They committed many crimes but are not held liable. This is the very definition of injustice! What kind of people would allow such a demonic party to continue leading unless the ones voting them to power no longer know right from wrong? It is sad but that is the case. The truth is, many in this country had become lovers of themselves. They worship everything but the One True God. They profess to know God but their deeds are evil continually. Yet those who love and obey God are interceding for these ungodly leaders to find Christ so that they may govern in righteousness. Likewise, it is also our duty to pray and support our Godly men and women by voting them to office during election time that they may lead for God's glory. We won some but we also lost some! And the haters of God came full force in mocking God's people---"Where is your God now?!." they said. But the truth is, they will never ever understand His move for they are deceived and oblivious about God, much more His plan and purpose. As believers of Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), God's Word has given us sufficient information on what's going to happen but not every detail is revealed. It's in these difficult times (when we couldn't make sense of what had transpired) that we are to walk by faith in God and follow the examples of Jesus in the midst of trials and uncertainties. More than anything, we must cling to the Lord for in Him is our life, freedom, protection and future. This world is in a state of delusion and everyone who rejected the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ will succumb to the delirium and blinding spell of the wicked.

So at all times, keep our focus on JESUS CHRIST! Hebrews 12:2-3 says, "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Yes, we may be angered by the injustices happening before our eyes daily. Endeavors consistent to God's Word are ignored or punished while wickedness and rebellion are rewarded. When our love for God is being characterized as "extremism" while hatred for God is celebrated. Yes, it is alarming but we must remember that God has given us His peace. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." We shouldn't lose hope! The God that revealed to us the fate of the wicked is the same God that promised to save us from His day of wrath that will pour mercilessly to everyone that rejected Christ. When that day (Rapture of the Church) comes, there'll be much rejoicing for those who placed their trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Let's encourage one another with this truth as we continue to be Salt and Light in this world. Every waking moment is a day to show forth God's love for those who are lost.

For this Card. I used an image from DRS Designs called "Western Dancing Couple" which I colored using my Ohuhu markers. The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card design. The DP's are from DCWV, the brads from Recollections and the white nail head gems are from Imaginisce. The vines stamp is from Penny Black called "Sprigs" and the sentiment stamped on the personal message space is from Stamp Simply called "Delightful Dahlias." Lastly, I stitched all over this creation.

THY PRAISE TO ALL GENERATIONS EASEL CARD

THY PRAISE TO ALL GENERATIONS EASEL CARD WHEN CLOSE

THY PRAISE TO ALL GENERATIONS EASEL CARD WITH MESSAGE SPACE

THY PRAISE TO ALL GENERATIONS EASEL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Gals Corner---ATG

Paper Funday---ATG/Colors of Autumn

Digi Choosday---ATG

Paperminutes---Special Card Shape

Passion for Markers---Fall/Autumn Colors

TTCRD---ATG

A Place to Start---ATG/Word of Thanks

Crafting Happiness---Thanks/Anything Fall

Jan's Digi Stamps---ATG

PIP---ATG

Path to Positivity---Celebrate Simple Things in Life

Simon Says---Thanks/Thanksgiving

Dare 2B Artzy---Non-Birthday

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG

Perfect time to Craft---ATG

Ally's Angels---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

Creatalicious---ATG/Give Thanks

Incy Wincy Designs---Give Thanks and/or Encourage a Friend

LeAnns World---ATG

Love to Craft---ATG

Scor-Pal---More than One Score

QKR---ATG

Rabisco---ATG

Crafting Challenge---Add a Sentiment

Creative Crafters---ATG

Four Seasons---Anything Goes Fall

Worldwide Open DT---ATG

Your Scrapbook Place---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---DRS Designs ($20 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. Jesus is coming for us soon and we will forever be with Him. Rejoice always!

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Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Scripture Series: Scriptural Thoughts Set---Join us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone! We ended a two week challenge yesterday which featured the Card Set I'm highlighting in this post. So sorry for those that visited and didn't see this project the past couple of weeks. I realized I have so many things to do so I will be out for a month to actually catch up with other commitments. But my friends from Word Art Wednesday (WAW) published a New Challenge today so don't forget to join the fun with a chance to win a prize. On the other hand, I'm going to feature the Scripture Word Art from the last challenge. It comes from Romans 10:15B which says, "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!."

Whether we like it or not, there are moments in our lives that we'll have to confront the truth about who we truly are, where did we come from, why are we in this world, what is my purpose and what comes next after this earthly life? Some people reflect on these questions when they are inspired by the beauty of creation around them (beautiful sky, beach, mountains, flowers etc.). While others reflect on them when they face trials/difficulties not knowing what to do and feeling alone/helpless. There are also those who gained earthly success but are unhappy, trying to figure out what's missing in life that in their frustration, they engage in some soul searching. I can say that all of us should go through a time of self reflection. Dictionary defines it as "meditation or serious thought about one's character, actions, and motives." But as a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ (Born-again, John 3:3), we go beyond self reflection to "theological reflection." Gotquestions.org helped me define this new term and it says, "Theological reflection is the practice of reflecting on life events in relation to one’s Christian faith. This can be done individually or corporately. Theological reflection attempts to bring faith and everyday life together. Theological reflection attempts to see God’s presence in our experiences, to understand the difference His presence makes in our lives, and to know what God expects as a result of this knowledge. The goal is a deeper understanding of the mystery of God and a wisdom born out of life experience seen through the lenses of God, His Word, the church, and dialogue with other believers. According to one source, “theological reflection claims the reflectively acquired wisdom of God formed in a particular life situation. The reflection necessarily assumes an interpretive process that seeks meaning and illumination through the joined sources of Word, faith, narrative, and the situation itself. Theological reflection acknowledges God’s movement in all of life. There is certainly nothing wrong with reflecting on life’s experiences in light of the Word of God. We are to meditate on the Word (Psalm 1) and allow the Scripture to interpret and influence all of life. David repeatedly recounted his troubles and life experiences in the Psalms. For example, in Psalm 31:9–13, David describes a time of grief and distress. Yet he does not stop there. David looked for and saw God in his circumstances: “I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place” (Psalm 31:7–8). And “Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city” (Psalm 31:21). His conclusion is that “the Lord preserves those who are true to him” (Psalm 31:23). We are bombarded daily with news, influencers, data, options, and consumerism, and we need to pull away from the distractions of this world to make sense of life and grow in our faith. It is good to see God’s hand in every situation. Through Bible reading and prayer, meditation on God’s Word, journaling, discipleship, fellowship with other Christians, and other methods, we can reflect on what is happening to us and around us. It’s important to apply biblical truth to everyday life and grow more Christlike (Ephesians 4:15). It’s also important to prioritize God’s Word, which must take precedence over experience, church tradition, and the opinions of other people."

Every question we have in this life finds an answer in the Word of God. Every beauty and wonder we see in nature was created by God to demonstrate just how awesome and powerful He is and that in our curiosity, we would be motivated to seek and find him. Matthew 7:7-8 tells us, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." The same thing happens when we need help, guidance and protection in every situation---that we would rely solely on the Creator---not on the created. He should be first, not our last option. Psalm 71:14-15 says, "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all." Realizing that even when we think we already have everything, nothing can satisfy and complete our existence till we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior! His finished work at the Cross (His death, burial and resurrection) is the Only means by which we are reconciled to the Father not only in this life but for all eternity. Everyone who places their faith in what Jesus accomplished at the Cross becomes a part of the Body of Christ (His Church) with Jesus as the Head. Jeremiah 31:3 says, "The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." As one saved by the blood of Jesus, I am grateful everyday for He has chosen me for Himself, His purpose His plan.

In conclusion, as a child of the Most High God, it is important for me to engage in spiritual/theological reflection daily. I no longer live for myself (Galatians 2:20) so I have to make sure that God has control over me and is approving everything I do. I'm not perfect but surely a work in progress (as other believers). Each day, the Holy Spirit is transforming me towards the likeness of my Savior! But there are many out there who haven't known God on a relational basis and they are in danger of God's wrath if they continue to reject Him. We who are saved in Christ must take His Word to them, introduce and share His love as we testify of all His marvelous works in our lives. Help them find answers to their questions in the light of God's Word. Understand the source of their pain and unbelief. With love and patience, plant the "seed of God's Word" in their hearts (whatever it takes) knowing that God's Word will not return void. My Life Application Bible shares an article about our highlighted scripture at the beginning of this post from Romans 10:15. It says, "In telling about Christ, an effective witness must include more than being a good example. Eventually, we will have to explain the content, the what and how of the Gospel. Modeling the Christian life is important, but we will need to connect the mind of the unbeliever to the message of the Gospel. There should never be a debate between those who favor lifestyle evangelism (one's living proclaims the Gospel) and confrontational evangelism (declaring the message). Bot should be used together in promoting the Gospel. We must take God's message of salvation to others so that they can respond to the Good News. How will your loved ones and neighbors hear it unless someone tells them? Is God calling you to make His message known in your community? Think of one person who needs to hear the Good News, and think of something you can do to help him or her hear it. Then take that step as soon as possible."

For this Card Set, I used a beautiful designer paper from American Crafts. Everything I needed that would complement the verses I used from Stamp Simply is in one 12 inches designer paper. The stamps I used from Stamp Simply are Farmhouse Scriptural Thoughts, Farmhouse Scriptural Quotes and Pretty Poppies. I wanted to keep it simple but elegant. So, I added some fancy and regular stitching which made them look special. It's strange not to color images for this project but very happy with the result. Do you agree?

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS CARDS

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS CARD 1

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS CARD 2

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS CARD 3

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS CARDS WITH ENVELOPES

This Card Set is entered into the following Challenges:

Digi Choosday---ATG

Everybody-Art---Autumn

TTCRD---ATG

A Place to Start---ATG

Jan's Digi Stamps---ATG

Pammie's Inky Pinky---ATG

Path of Positivity---ATG Positive/Celebrate Something Special About your Fave Season

Use Your Stuff---Autumn/Fall

Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG

Corrosive---ATG

We Love Stamping---Autumn Colors

Gem of a Challenge---ATG

Taylormade Cards4U---ATG/Fall

Perfect Time to Craft---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

Daisy Chain---Autumn

DL Art---ATG

Incy Wincy---Autumn Houses and/or Houses

LeAnn's World---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---Colours of Fall

Pearly Sparkles---Autumn

Rabisco---ATG

Crafting Challenge---Autumn Colours

Four Seasons---ATF Fall

YSBP---ATG

Make sure you join our new WAW Challenge. You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement. As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter several times in two weeks. A great prize awaits our winner from our wonderful sponsor---Pink and Main ($20 GC). So excited to see what you come up with. Remember that our life here on earth is temporary but whatever we do here will matter for eternity. Let us proclaim the Gospel for those who are lost before time runs out.

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Monday, September 26, 2022

Scripture Series: Preserve Me O God Card---There Still Time to Join our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, guys! I have so many things to do that this post is so delayed. My sincerest apology. Nevertheless, we are about to begin another Challenge this Wednesday. That means you still have all day today to join our current Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring the Scripture Word Art I used in the sample card below and you can download it for free at the WAW site. It comes from Psalm 16:1 which says, "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust."

The theme of Psalm 16 written by King David is about "the joys and benefits of a life lived in companionship with God. We enjoy these benefits now and eternally." But how did David as a young boy and a shepherd by trade learned to trust God? There's no doubt in my mind that he was brought up by his parents in the statutes and promises of God but how did he confidently volunteered himself to fight Goliath if he hadn't experienced in his life the overwhelming power, presence and protection of the God of Israel? While the Philistines were taunting King Saul and the Israelite army for forty days to bring out their mighty warrior to fight Goliath, David heard the insults and defiance of the Philistines against God's army when he brought rations for his brothers in the camp. He saw the fear of his people with no one brave enough to face the giant Philistine. The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 17:32-37, "And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.”But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

David didn't have the physical qualifications most people looked for in an experienced and seasoned warrior because he's very young and seen as a lowly shepherd. In 1 Samuel 16, even Jesse (David's father) didn't present David initially when he met with the prophet Samuel who was asked by the Lord to anoint the new king who will replace Saul. After all, he had seven other sons (older than David) that would easily qualify for the position. Samuel saw the firstborn of Jesse named Eliab and thought he could be the anointed one but listen to what the Lord said in Samuel 16:7, "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Wow, had we fallen into the same trap before? The one disqualifying or the one being disqualified? But of course.

I submit to you that before Samuel came to anoint David as king, the Lord was already working in his life to prepare him for the plans and purpose of God. Unknown to anyone, God's presence is with David when He equipped him not only to tend but to fight to protect the sheep in times of grave danger. God gave him extraordinary strength and abilities to conquer mighty creatures using unconventional weapons to protect what he was entrusted with. He was willing to give his life for the work at hand because he knew he's not fighting alone. David experienced the presence of God and the benefits of his faith and relationship with Him in a miraculous, powerful and loving ways. That's what gives him the boldness to walk in the face of danger and bring home the victory for God's glory!

But remember that in this world, many would disqualify us (Born-Again, John 3:3) from the mission God called us to do. And yes, it can be our natural families or even Church family. Many times, we would listen to them and find ourselves bitter---blaming God for all the disappointments we are experiencing. DON'T DO THAT! Get with the Lord and His Word and remember how God trained and equipped you to do the impossible. Pour out your heart and listen to His instructions. You may not solve every problem in this world but whatever task He gives you, be faithful to accomplish it. As David prayed for preservation from the challenges he was going through in his life, He knows the God who is true to His promises---the One Who will never forsake him. For in Him is our safety!

For this Card, I used an image from Stamping Bella called "Tiny Townie Patricia Loves Pumpkins" that I colored using my Ohuhu markers. The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square design. The DP's are from K & Company and the layered flowers are from Prima. I used the "Stitched Hillside Borders" from Lawn Fawn to decorate the background and incorporated some white nail head gems from Imaginisce and the white brad from Recollections. I also die-cut some leaves using Fiskars die. Lastly, I added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) and stitched all over this project.

PRESERVE ME O GOD CARD

PRESERVE ME O GOD CARD LAYERS

PRESERVE ME O GOD CARD INSIDE

PRESERVE ME O GOD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Place to Start---ATG/Fantasy

Dream Valley---Autumnal Colors

Get Creative---Fall/Autumn

Jan's Digi---ATG

PIP---ATG

Crafty Gals Corner---Signs of