Scripture Series: A Father Unto You Card---Join our for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello Crafty Peeps!  I know I am super duper delayed in posting this Card I made for our Word Art Wednesday Challenge (WAW) that started several days ago.  As always, it's Anything Goes and must be inspirational.  In this Challenge, you can download for free the Scripture Word Art that I used in my project by going to the WAW site.  The verse comes from 2 Corinthians 6:18 that says, "And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

Like any other verse in the Bible, we cannot just read this verse and ignore the context of the entire book/chapter from which it comes from in our quest to fully understand the true meaning of this passage.  Often times, we missed the entire point and expect God's blessings when we fail to understand what God is truly saying.  God sets up Natural and Spiritual laws that provide blessings to those who obey His statutes and curse to those who chose to rebel.  One of them is the Law of Sowing and Reaping.  Gotquestions.org has a wonderful explanation that is worth sharing about this topic.  It says, " Most of the Bible was originally written to those living in an agrarian society, people familiar with working the land, managing livestock, and raising crops. Many of Jesus’ parables involve the farming life. Not surprisingly, then, the Bible contains many references to sowing and reaping, and here are some of the principles we learn:  Sowing and reaping is a law of the natural world. On the third day of creation, God commanded the earth to bring forth living plants “bearing seed” and fruit “with seed in it” (Genesis 1:12). These plants were then given to man for food (verse 29). Ever since the beginning, man has understood the process of sowing and reaping and has applied it to his benefit.  God uses the law of sowing and reaping to bestow His blessing. God’s blessing comes generally to the whole world as He sends sun and rain to the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). In some cases His blessing comes more specially to those of His choosing, such as Isaac. Genesis 26:12 says that Isaac sowed a crop and received a hundredfold in one season because the Lord targeted him for blessing.  God warned Israel that, if they forsook Him and pursued idols, the law of sowing and reaping would be suspended and their crops would fail (Leviticus 26:16b). This happened to disobedient Judah on a couple occasions (Jeremiah 12:13; Micah 6:15). Sowing and reaping is also a law of the spiritual world. It is more than just an agricultural principle. It is an axiom of life that we reap what we sow. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” There are natural consequences to our actions. The world operates under the law of cause and effect. There is no way around it: every time we choose an action, we also choose the consequences of that action. We reap in kind to what we sow. Those who plant apple seeds should expect to harvest apples. Those who sow anger should expect to receive what anger naturally produces. Galatians 6:8 says, “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.” Living a life of carnality and sin and expecting to inherit heaven is akin to planting cockle burrs and waiting for roses. This principle works both positively and negatively. “The one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward” (Proverbs 11:18b), but “whoever sows injustice reaps calamity” (Proverbs 22:8a)."

Our highlighted verse at the very beginning of this post is one of those promises of God to those who would not compromise their faith in Christ for a sinful lifestyle through worldly practices/relationships.  Quoting from my Life Application Bible, "Separation from the world involves more than keeping our distance from sinful practices.  It means staying close to God.  It involves more than avoiding entertainment that leads to sin; It extends into how we spend our time and money.  There is no way to separate ourselves totally from all sinful influences.  Nevertheless, we are to resist the sin around us, without either giving up or giving in.  When you know what God wants you to do, make a clean break with sinful practices."  For we are either blessed or corrupted by anyone/anything we associate ourselves with.  As a child of the Most High God, we are to live the high calling that God called us as the redeemed of the Lord Jesus Christ.  When we repented of our sin and surrendered ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, God equipped us with His supernatural power by the indwelling and infilling of the Holy Spirit to conquer the spiritual forces of darkness that tries to take us down daily.  At no point does He leave us alone in our walk with Him.  We are to listen, discern, pray and act in accordance to the will and purpose of the King we pledged allegiance to---Jesus Christ!  This is only possible if we are adept with God's Word through committed study for understanding and correct application.  Things that we have studied, proven and are sure about, we don't compromise!  Though many fall daily into deception, sad to say that many of them profess to be "Christian leaders" from well-known mega churches, we don't follow the trend/culture of this world that caters to humanism and moral relativism and rejects the infallible, unchanging, eternal Word of God.  When we truly adhere to the Truth of God and His Word, we would never escape persecution from the worldly people, ungodly system and evil agenda of our time.  If you are loved by the world, you need to evaluate whether you are still in the faith.  That's how serious we are to be in being the Salt and Light of this world (Matthew 5:13-16).  

So, what kind of seed are you planting today?  Are you sowing seeds of righteousness in Christ which yields an incorruptible harvest in the eternal or are you planting seeds of rebellion and earthly pleasures that is temporary and carries out a harvest of eternal damnation?  Since I am a daughter of the Most High God, I will carry out my Father's Will (no matter what the cost) for an eternal life and joy in the presence of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Want to share the following verses to ponder on in Deuteronomy 30:15-20 which says, "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."

For this Card, I used an image from C.C. Designs called "Allys" and watercolored it using my Kimberley Watercolor Pencils.  The base is a Kraft CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Paper Studio, the layered flowers from Prima and Recollections, the brad from Recollections and jute from my stash.  I also added some glitters (Stickles-Crystal) and some regular and fancy stitching.

 A FATHER UNTO YOU CARD

 A FATHER UNTO YOU CARD LAYERS

 A FATHER UNTO YOU CARD INSIDE

A FATHER UNTO YOU CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Color Create Show It Off---ATG
Creative Craft Cottage---ATG
Digi Doodle---Special Day (Father's Day)
Happy Craft---ATG
Happy Little Stampers---Watercolor/Love
LeAnn's World---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG/You're the Man
Love to Scrap---No Rulz
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Papercraft---ATG
Sognando---A Time For You
Sweet Stampers---ATG
YSP---Welcome Summer


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.  Great prizes to be won from our wonderful sponsor, The Project Bin ($15 GC).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the peace of the Lord overtake you today.  In Christ, we have a very bright and joyful future forever!

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

Fun/Humor Series: Bowler Babes Birthday Center Step Card---Join Us at 613 Avenue Create for our Anything Goes/June Challenge!

Hello everyone...I'm here to feature my card for our 613 Avenue Create Anything Goes, June Challenge.  I took on the optional twist which is "More Than One Fold" with this center step card design.  I've had this fun stamps for a while but it's only now, I am able to use them. I love it!

Anyway, I've been away from the Blogging world for more than two weeks.  There's always a lot of things to do than what I have time for.  The story of my life... But making cards is not just a hobby for me but a ministry. Through creativity, I can share God's Word and shed a light to the issues of our day and apply God's Truth at this crucial time.   Though I thought of taking a break several times, I knew it was not up to me.  For as long as the Spirit of the Lord is leading me to tell of His Word, I will continue to obey.

So, I just got done with our Bible class on the topic of Church vs. Culture where we looked into the politics that affected both the Old and the New Testaments.  The argument that Christians are supposed to stay away from political issues is a blatant lie.  Just go to 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles and you'll find out how politics affected the plight of believers throughout the Bible and how God used it to fulfill His purpose.   There's so many things to share but I'll concentrate on one topic this time and that is GLOBALISM.  Do you know that the original Globalist is Satan?  Matthew 4:8 tells us of the third temptation Satan used on Jesus which says, "Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Here, Satan was tempting Jesus to receive authority of the kingdoms of this world (which Satan originally got from Adam when Man fell into Sin) in exchange for Jesus worshiping him.  But we know what happened. Jesus put him in his place by invoking the Word of God.   Genesis 11:1-9 tells us that God had to deal with man's efforts towards globalization when they proceeded in building the Tower of Babel.  This is a direct rebellion against what God told them to do.  Gotquestions.org explains, " The Tower of Babel is described in Genesis 11:1-9. After the Flood, God commanded humanity to "increase in number and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). Humanity decided to do the exact opposite, “Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth’” (Genesis 11:4). Humanity decided to build a great city and all congregate there. They decided to build a gigantic tower as a symbol of their power, to make a name for themselves (Genesis 11:4). This tower is remembered as the Tower of Babel. In response, God confused the languages of humanity so that they could no longer communicate with each other (Genesis 11:7). The result was that people congregated with other people who spoke the same language, and then went together and settled in other parts of the world (Genesis 11:8-9). God confused the languages at the Tower of Babel to enforce His command for humanity to spread throughout the entire world.  In Genesis 17:4-7, God spoke to Abram and said, “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you the father of many nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you. I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." 

Just by looking at several verses in Genesis, we can see that God's purpose is to  have nations of people with different background, ethnicity and language.  The account of Apostle John in what he saw in heaven in Revelation 7:9-10 supports this conclusion when it said, "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"  You see, when it comes to free trade, communication, travel and international treaties, a Global network is an advantage.  But anything other than that such as one world government, religion, currency and nation which infringes on national sovereignty are man's effort to rebuild the Tower of Babel that God surely despised.  Without studying the Word of God, global oneness may sound appealing but such is the work of Satan---to appeal to deceive.  Let us arm ourselves with the Truth by aligning our thoughts with God's Word.  There's so much more I can share from my Bible class but I'll have to do it here in installments.  Know that it's not my desire that you just depend on the info I'm sharing here.  If anything, I want you to expand your study and see for yourself what God's Word says about the issues of our day.  If in anyway this post blessed you, please let me know in the comments too.   

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Stamps called "Spare Me" and watercolored using Tim Holtz Distress Inks.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step card design.  The DP's are from Paper Studio, the layered flowers from Prima and the brads from Recollections.  I also added some glitters from Stickles (Crystal), some white nail head gems from Imaginisce and regular and fancy stitching.  I love the fun and rustic look that this card exudes. 

 BOWLER BABES BIRTHDAY CENTER STEP CARD

 BOWLER BABES BIRTHDAY CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS

 BOWLER BABES BIRTHDAY CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW

 BOWLER BABES BIRTHDAY CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE

BOWLER BABES BIRTHDAY CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Color Create Show It Off---ATG
Digi Doodle---Special Day (Birthday)
DL Art---ATG
Happy Craft---ATG
Happy Little Stampers---Watercolor/Love
LeAnn's World---ATG
Love to Scrap---No Rulz
Scor-pal---More than One Score/Warmer days
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Papercraft---ATG
Sognando---A Time For You
Tales from the Craft Room---Let's Hear it for the Boys
YSP---Welcome Summer


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, "More than One Fold."  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: Peace of Thy Children Card---Be Inspired, Be Blessed with a Chance to Win at our Anything Goes 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 Isaiah 54:13 which says, "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."  

The promises of God in chapter 54 of Isaiah are for both Old and New Testament saints.  He chose different kinds of people, from all walks of life to carry out His purpose and to bring about His redemptive plan. These people became the nation of Israel and through her, we who were once outsiders (Gentiles) were grafted into the family of God by simply placing our faith (trust, believe, rely, cling, depend) in what Jesus Christ accomplished at the Cross.  Before the Mosaic Law was given, "faith" and "God's grace" were already established. Genesis 15:5-6 detailed the conversation between God and Abram, "He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness."  In Genesis 17:5, God gave him a new name---from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (father of many nations).  Note that he's not just the father of the Jewish nation alone but of the many nations that God would gather from the four corners of the earth through the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ through His Body---the Church!  I believe even Abraham could not have imagined the vastness of this prophetic revelation. Another thing that God gave Israel is the Mosaic Law.  The primary purpose of the Law is to reveal the holy ways of God (his high standards) and to show us our hopelessness in keeping them to attain righteousness in His sight.  That in our bondage with Sin (Sin Nature and all its by-products) and Death, we would need the promised "Seed of the Woman," (Genesis 3:15)---the Messiah, our Savior to break free from sure damnation so we can be reunited with our Father in heaven.  In the New Testament, Galatians 3:5-9 explains, "Does God lavish His Spirit on you and work miracles among you because you practice the law, or because you hear and believe? So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." Jesus finished work at the Cross (His death, burial and resurrection) paved the way for the establishment of the Church (Ekklesia---the Body of Christ) and opens up the door of salvation by faith not only to the Jews but also to the Gentile nations. Here, we see that faith is the only way by which God imputes righteousness to those who believed.  As Abraham believed God in the Old Testament, we also believed in Jesus Christ today who is the perfect embodiment of God in the New Testament. Putting our complete trust in the person of Jesus, making Him our Lord and Savior gave us new life (Born-again, John 3:3).  Apostle Paul whom God assigned to take the Gospel to the Gentiles tells us in Colossians 1:24-28, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church. I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God, the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."

So, as we go through the context of our featured verse in Isaiah 54 and connecting it to our highlighted verse in Isaiah 54:13, we as parents who are under the Lordship of Jesus Christ are direct recipients of His promises.  Mothers play an important role in sharing God's Word to our children.  We are to train them to the holy ways of God, show them a good example and emphasize to them importance of prayer and action.  Though we may feel hopeless at times when we don't see the fruit of our labor, we are not to give up on them.  Believe that God has a plan for all of our children even when our earthly eyes cannot see it.  God is always good and always faithful and He will fulfill His promises to us and our children. 

For this Card, I used an image from A Day for Daisies called "Naptime" which I colored using my Hobby Colour/Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP is from Paper Studio, the layered flowers from Prima, the brads from Recollections and the sequins and doily are from my stash.  The leaves are die-cut with Fiskars punch and the glitters from Stickles (Crystal.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.

 PEACE OF THY CHILDREN CARD

 PEACE OF THY CHILDREN CARD LAYERS

 PEACE OF THY CHILDREN CARD INSIDE

PEACE OF THY CHILDREN CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

A2Z---May Flowers
Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Color Create Show It---ATG
Creative Craft Cottage---Use Ink
CCC---Add Flower
Daisy Chain---ATG
Digi Doodle---Sparkle/Shimmer
Happy Craft---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Papercraft---ATG
Sognando Scrap---Happy Spring
Tales from the Scrap Room---Floral Frenzy
YSBP---ATG
Addicted to Stamps---Flowers
Angie's Digital---ATG
Dare2BArtzy---Flowers
Dragonfly Dreams---ATG
Corrosive---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.  Our sponsor this week is Precious Remembrance Shop giving away a Stamp Set a 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...

Miracle in our Midst Baby Shower Card---Join Us for our Monthly/Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hello there.  Another late post but just want to share the card I featured for our Monthly Challenge at 613 Avenue Create that began recently. It's Anything Goes as always but you can take on the optional theme, Shaker card.  Well, I opted for a pretty simple card that celebrates the miracle of God in the womb.

I just watched a video of a #MarchforLife in Canada that is ongoing today.  I was appalled too hear that Canada does not have any Abortion restrictions at all---whatsoever for 50 years!  I can't begin to imagine the holocaust of babies ripped out of their mother's womb since the founding of that country.  The Bible says in Numbers 35:33, "Do not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it."  Make no mistake about it, God is going to hold a nation and every person accountable for those involved  in the destruction of the most innocent and vulnerable among us.  Not only the parents but everyone who support and cheer for this despicable act.  By reading the comments made on this rally's Facebook broadcast, I found out that there were realistic threats to everyone in that country that speaks against Abortion and the pulpits were/are silenced as the ministers of the Word of God had to risk their lives and freedom just to stand for Truth.  I heard from some friends years ago that Canadians are truly friendly and easy going people.  So when I had the privilege of traveling a few cities in Canada when I was still working in the Cruise ships, I personally experienced the Canadian hospitality and friendliness from the Canadians I met and worked with.  But for several years now, all I'm hearing are the vicious assault on life and legalization of everything ungodly like sodomy and the destruction of marriage and family.  However, I also believe that there are people fighting against such injustice.  But like here in America, they are not getting media exposure/support due to the blatant censorship of biblical and conservative values.  Despite the horrible threat, I am so glad to see many Canadians taking it out on the street and boldly standing for life and the things of God.  Evil entities are out there to systematically destroy our freedom to speak and it's up to us if we allow them to take over without a fight.  Remember that whether we choose to speak or not, they are still pursuing their DEMONIC AGENDA.  Would we allow them to take everything from us without resistance?  I hope not! 

The Scripture tells us to honor the authority (Human laws) that God has placed to govern us.  But what if the same government is forcing us to commit heinous acts that clearly goes against the laws of God?  Here's a portion of the article from Gotquestions.org that would help us see God's perspective when it comes to Human laws vs. God's laws:  "Daniel records a number of civil disobedience examples. The first is found in chapter 3 where Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to the golden idol in disobedience to King Nebuchadnezzar’s command. The second is in chapter 6 where Daniel defies King Darius’ decree to not pray to anyone other than the king. In both cases, God rescued His people from the death penalty that was imposed, signaling His approval of their actions.

In the New Testament, the book of Acts records the civil disobedience of Peter and John towards the authorities that were in power at the time. After Peter healed a man born lame, Peter and John were arrested for preaching about Jesus and put in jail. The religious authorities were determined to stop them from teaching about Jesus; however, Peter said, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19–20). Later, the rulers confronted the apostles again and reminded them of their command to not teach about Jesus, but Peter responded, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

One last example of civil disobedience is found in the book of Revelation where the Antichrist commands all those who are alive during the end times to worship an image of himself. But the apostle John, who wrote Revelation, states that those who become Christians at the time will disobey the Antichrist and his government and refuse to worship the image (Revelation 13:15) just as Daniel’s companions violated Nebuchadnezzar’s decree to worship his idol.

Civil Disobedience—Conclusion
What conclusions can be drawn from the above biblical examples? The guidelines for a Christian’s civil disobedience can be summed as follows:

• Christians should resist a government that commands or compels evil and should work nonviolently within the laws of the land to change a government that permits evil.
• Civil disobedience is permitted when the government’s laws or commands are in direct violation of God’s laws and commands.
• If a Christian disobeys an evil government, unless he can flee from the government, he should accept that government’s punishment for his actions.
• Christians are certainly permitted to work to install new government leaders within the laws that have been established.

Lastly, Christians are commanded to pray for their leaders and for God to intervene in His time to change any ungodly path that they are pursuing: “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
  
To read the full article at Gotquestions.org, go HERE!  I pray that everyone who value Truth and Life reading this Blog humble themselves before God and seek Jesus Christ Who forgives anyone who humble themselves and repent from their transgressions.  God will give you a new meaning to life under the power of the Holy Spirit to speak boldly and fearlessly---a beacon of light for Him! Remember that in doing so, we will reap the rewards that will last forever.  Keep the good fight of faith.  God speed to all God-fearing Canadians fighting for life.  We, the #Pro-lifers here in America  are with you! 

For this Card, I used images and sentiment from Clearly Wordsworth and Heidi Grace stamps.  I colored with mt Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white pre-cut card with envelope from the Paper Studio and the blue CS is from my stash.  Once in a while, I love simple lay-outs like this.

MIRACLE IN OUR MIDST BABY SHOWER CARD 

MIRACLE IN OUR MIDST BABY SHOWER CARD  CLOSE-UP

MIRACLE IN OUR MIDST BABY SHOWER CARD WITH ENVELOPE

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Perfect Time to Craft---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Creative Craft Cottage---Use Ink
Daisy Chain---ATG
Happy Craft---ATG
Let's Craft and Create---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Love to Scrap---ATG
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Papercraft---ATG
YSBP---ATG
Angie's Digital---ATG
Dragonfly Dreams---ATG
Penny Black---All Things Feminine
Corrosive---ATG


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the fun by joining our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.   Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week. Realize that when you hunger and thirst for God, He will always fill you up with great understanding that you can effectively communicate with others.

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

Love Inspired Series: Everlasting Love Center Step Card---Join our Bi-Weekly Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, friends!  I'm back to feature the second card I made for our Challenge happening at Word rt Wednesday (WAW).  As always, we featured a Scripture Word Art which I highlighted HERE and you can download free at the WAW site.  However, this card features a stamp from our Challenge sponsor, Stamp Simply which highlights God's Truth in Jeremiah 31:3 which 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 a child of God (Born-again, John 3:3), I was justified (made righteous) through faith in Jesus Christ.  Not of my own works nor efforts.  Is is solely by trusting in what Jesus Christ accomplished for me at the Cross.  Philippians 3:20-21 says, "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."  My position (while here on earth till the day I see Jesus face to face) is firmly planted in the truth that Jesus justified me.  All of Jesus' victory is my victory.  Jesus is perfect and so is everyone who trusted in Him.  Not only did Jesus justified us but He also sanctified us (set us apart for His will and purpose).  Though many times we find ourselves failing to show the likeness of God in our lives as we go through the daily struggles and old habits in this fallen world, God is changing us from glory to glory.  Our transformation doesn't happen overnight and we go though the process our entire earthly life.  The process of sanctification continues and is not based on what we see and feel but by the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.   Therefore, we shouldn't allow momentary failures and transgressions to define who we are in the sight of God.  God's love for us is immeasurable and His forgiveness is boundless to those who repent and seek after Him.  We couldn't place God's love in a box---within the limits of our understanding.  He is God and we're not!  The sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God's  only begotten Son, is enough proof of what God is willing to give to bring us back into His presence.  Each waking moment, remember that JESUS CHRIST is the OBJECT of everything we received from God, the CROSS is the MEANS by which we received them, FAITH is the KEY to access God's blessings and the HOLY SPIRIT is our POWER SOURCE to accomplish everything.  His Holy Spirit inside of us seals us in His love both now and forever.  I would like to share with you this chapter from 2 Corinthians to empower us as representatives of our Lord in this world:

"Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.  It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 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."  (2 Corinthians 4)

For this Card, I used an image from Mo Manning called "Valerie In Love" and colored it with my ProMarker/Hobby Colour/Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step design.  The DP's are from Paper Studio and the brads are from Recollections. The sentiment is from the set called "Farmhouse Scriptural Thoughts" by Stamp Simply.  Finally, I stitched all over this card for added dimension. I am totally loving everything about this creation. 

 EVERLASTING LOVE CENTER STEP CARD

 EVERLASTING LOVE CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS

 EVERLASTING LOVE CENTER STEP CARD SIDE VIEW

 EVERLASTING LOVE CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE

EVERLASTING LOVE CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

Addicted to Stamps---Lots of Layers

Angie's Digital---ATG/Easter

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG

Pile It On---ATG/Lots of Layers

Corrosive---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

A Place to Start---ATG/Three, Four or Five

a2z---Fun Folds

Classic DT---ATG

Crafts Galore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper

Color Create Show it Off---ATG

Daisy Chain---Make it Feminine

Digi Doodle---ATG (Handcolored Image)

Happy Craft---ATG

LeAnns---ATG

Lets Craft and Create---ATG/Butterflies

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Not Just Cards---ATG

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 this week.  Such a wonderful prize coming from our sponsor this Challenge---Stamp Simply (stamps and or dies of your choice).  So excited to see what you come up with. Remember, nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

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

Scripture Series: Blessed Be God Card---Don't miss our Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, guys!  This is another late post.  So, we began another Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring another Scripture Word Art which you can download for free at the WAW site.  It comes from 1 Peter 1:3 which says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."  What a great verse but I would like to share this verse in the NIV translation and incorporate the rest of the Scripture that follows.  1 Peter 1:3-9 tells us,  "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."  My Life Application Bible shared something wonderful about these verses that truly blessed me so, I want to share it with you.  It says, "The term "new birth" refers to spiritual birth (regeneration)---the Holy Spirit's act of bringing believers into God's family.  Jesus used this concept of new birth when He explained salvation  to Nicodemus (See John 3).  This term is a wonderful metaphor of a new life from God.  You cannot be a Christian without a fresh beginning based on the salvation Christ's brings.  To be Born-again is a magnificent gift from God.  Do you need encouragement?  Peter's words offer joy and hope in times of trouble, and he bases his confidence on what God has done for us in Christ Jesus.  We're called into a living hope of eternal life.  Our hope is not only for the future; eternal life begins when we trust Christ and join God's family.  God will help us remain true to our faith through whatever difficult times we must face." 

This past week, I have been so stressed by so many things.  From deadlines, projects I needed to get done, house cleaning and organizing---I am so overwhelmed.  It just felt like I haven't had the time to sit back and relax without looking at the time and even in my sleep, I would dream of all the things I needed done.  And to make matters worst, I had to deal with my truck suddenly overheating for a couple of days now.  This morning, I went to meet up with the ladies at my Church for our monthly Women's meeting.  It's always a pleasure to not only learn about the Book of Esther (our topic) but to fellowship and get to know these wonderful people aside from the usual hustle and bustle of our Sunday services.  We also get to share wonderful and tasty meals which we are provided with each meeting.  On my way to the Church, I was so stressed seeing the temperature gauge of my truck fluctuating like crazy.  For more than 6 years, it stayed normal till a couple of days ago.  Something was wrong but I had no idea.  I just remembered going through similar issue with my previous truck and was reminded of the stress and expenses I dealt with that time.  All of a sudden, I felt frustration.  My mind was in that state when I entered the room.  I was so blessed with the smiley faces and hospitality shown to me by my sisters in Christ that allowed me to momentarily forget about my issues.  So, while I was trying to concentrate on the benefits of our meeting, I have to battle with negative suggestions the enemy is flooding my thoughts.  It's over-all theme---WORRY!  You see, trials come in different shapes and forms.  From simple to complicated and/or life-threatening.  For other people, some problems don't merit much attention for it's not life altering. At the end of our meeting, we were asked if we have a prayer request.  I must admit that I initially hesitated to bring my concern to be prayed for.  I thought to myself, "Your problem is not a big deal compared to those who are sick of cancer or those that struggle with lots of pain." Therefore, it need not be highlighted!" Wow!  But the Spirit of God snapped me out of that deception and showed me that no issue/problem (big or small) is exempted from God's outstretched hand.  The fact that it bothers and worries me is enough reason for me and my sisters in the Lord to lift it up to the mighty throne of God who promised us joy and peace in His presence.  None of us in the Body of Christ (Church) are exempted from the trials that come to the inhabitants of this world.  But unlike the ungodly, we know that we have the Holy One on our side.  His promises to us goes beyond this life to everlasting.  Yes, we have to constantly battle with fear, anxiety, worry and stress of not knowing how and when God is going to meet our need but choosing to put them aside,  we walk with faith and reliance upon His Word knowing that He loves and cares for us.  When in doubt, I look at Jesus and what He's done at the Cross for me.  How He was sent by the Father to die/pay the price (death by a holy God/Man) so that anyone who believes in Him becomes a part of the resurrection of the saints that will live and inherit the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus.  I was spiritually dead once, born in this world in Adam, but now alive in the Spirit when I came to the saving knowledge, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  I have full access to the joy, peace and righteousness of my Heavenly Father while in this world.  He withholds no blessing from me---physical, spiritual and eternal.  If we only understand the benefits of our new birth in Christ, we will give no time for fear and worry.  God is always in control!  We just need to choose to TRUST HIM!

For this Card, I used an image from Mo Manning called "Wonder" and colored it using my Hobby Colour/ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I shaped the edges using a Crop-a-dile.  The DP's are from Paper Studio and the flowers I layered are from Prima.  I used a Sizzix dies for the flourish, added some glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and a brad from Recollections.  Lastly, I also did some regular and fancy stitching all over this card. 

 BLESSED BE THE GOD CARD

 BLESSED BE THE GOD CARD LAYERS

 BLESSED BE THE GOD CARD SIDE VIEW

 BLESSED BE THE GOD CARD INSIDE

BLESSED BE THE GOD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Addicted to Stamps---Lots of Layers
Angie's Digital---ATG/Easter
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG
Pile It On---ATG/Lots of Layers
Corrosive---ATG
A Perfect Time---ATG
A Place to Start---ATG/Three, Four or Five
Classic DT---ATG
Country View---Spring/Easter
Crafts Galore---ATG
Crafty Animals---ATG with Animals
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
Color Create Show it Off---ATG
Daisy Chain---Make it Feminine
Digi Doodle---ATG (Handcolored Image)
Fabrika Fantasy---Flowers
Happy Craft---ATG
HLS---ATG with Dies
LeAnns---ATG
Lets Craft and Create---ATG/Butterflies
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Papercraft---Easter
Pearly Sparkles---Flowers or Showers
Tales from the Craft Room---Spring/Easter
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 submit up to 5 entries per week.  Our wonderful sponsor for this week is  Stamp Simply (giving away stamp sets and/or dies of your choice).  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.

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