THE BLESSINGS OF CREATIVITY...

I thank the LORD JESUS for each day that is given me to create wonderful projects...As always, I give Him all the glory.


Sunday, August 30, 2015

Card Set Series: Thinking of You / Inspirational Cards in a Box---Join the Fun of our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create!

Hi fellas! I would like to share another project that I featured in our Anything Goes Challenge with an optional twist at 613 Avenue Create.  But before that, I would love to share God's wonderful work. Last week, though exhausted, I've been honored with many wonderful blessings as I went through several activities and experiences with friends at our Church. One of them was a Back to School dinner with long time (Bible class) friends last Thursday after many months of vacation.  It's always a pleasure to get the time to talk and remind ourselves of the blessings of knowing God's Word and how it changed our lives for good.  We shared praiseworthy stories, experiences and even struggles along the way.  The past few weeks had been tough for my family financially and though I believe God takes care of our needs (He always does),  I have to be extra cautious when spending.

It was the opening day of the Christian movie, "War Room"  last Friday and the tickets went on sale a couple of weeks before that. It would be great to watch it that day but I planned to wait till it goes to the discounted theaters in a couple of months.  I thought it would be awesome to watch the movie with the rest of our Church congregation that purchased tickets (about 200+ people confirmed) but first things first and my tight budget could not justify me spending $20 to go with my son (hubby would be at work).  But then, I was fine with it, so  I thought!  Until something happened and God intervened!   Here it is:  Then, one of my Bible class friends whom I had dinner with offered me 2 movie tickets (just before we were ready to leave the restaurant).  I found out that she would be unable to go as the friend she was going with needed to cancel.  She would want me to go with her but realizing that I had to bring my son with me and no way to purchase another ticket as it was sold out, she unselfishly gave me her tickets so that my son and I could watch.  What a blessing to have Godly friends, I tell you!  She knew nothing about my desire to see the movie and my budget constraints yet God used her to bless me and my boy with these prepaid tickets.  Now, tell me if God does not know my thoughts?  This may be a small thing to others but I took home something more from this experience than just the 2 movie tickets that was in my hands.  The Lord impressed upon my heart that He's got my back and that He knew what I was going through and He's perfectly in control!  AND THAT GAVE ME PEACE!

You see, I serve a God who created everything.  Although my physical eyes could not see Him but my spiritual eyes are aware of His presence.  Many people would dismiss their many blessings as coincidental/accidental and could not connect the pieces together.  God's Word declares in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace."  Nothing happens to us that our heavenly Father is not aware of.  For those who trust in the Lord, "luck" does not exist.  Many would not believe that a Sovereign God would look down from the heavens and blessed the very least of men.  But if He cares for those who day after day rebels against Him, how much more would He let those who trust in His Name go without a blessing?  He is a merciful, faithful and loving God.   There are many things in our lives that we wondered How He could have allowed us to experience.  But we all know that without those trials and hardships, man would find no need to call or trust God.  We become too proud and we start to believe that we are all that and more.  That everything happens because of our own efforts.  Whether we like it or not, our struggles bring us closer to our loving Father.  It is when we know there's absolutely nothing  we can do that we begin to appreciate the blessings that comes our way.  That even through a simple free movie tickets, you can see the love and the power of God working.  Many would not quit looking at the heavens and wait for a huge miracle to happen but ignore the simplest things that God showers them daily.  I pray that we remain sensitive and always grateful;  a believer with child-like faith who simply rejoices in the simplest and humblest of gifts God is giving us.  Then and only then will we be ready to truly receive a gigantic blessing! I want to share with you the Psalm that King David shared about the faithfulness of God whom He served.  Every believer of Jesus Christ is a partaker of the many blessings that flows from God's throne and we are valuable in His sight more than you'll understand.  We must not let anything nor anyone convince us otherwise.

PSALM 103:
"Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Praise the Lord, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.  Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion."

For this Card, I used an image from one of our sponsors this week, Aurora Wings which is called "Girl with Poppies"  and colored them with my Bic/Sharpie markers.  The base is a white A2 card with envelopes and the top panel that was dry embossed using a Darice embossing folder (Tribal Chevron) that went through the Cuttlebug.  The card sentiments are from Stampabilitites and Studio 112 and the envelope sentiments is from Technique Tuesday.  The actual cards didn't take long to put together but coloring the images was a lot of work, I should say!  But it came out pretty good.


THINKING OF YOU / INSPIRATIONAL CARDS (1):


THINKING OF YOU / INSPIRATIONAL CARDS (2):


THINKING OF YOU / INSPIRATIONAL CARDS (3):


THINKING OF YOU / INSPIRATIONAL CARDS (ALL):


THINKING OF YOU / INSPIRATIONAL CARDS SET:


THINKING OF YOU / INSPIRATIONAL CARDS IN A BOX:


This Project is entered into the following Challenges:

ColourQ---Color Challenge
Creative Moments---ATG/Fancy Folds
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Simon Says Stamp---ATG
Kraftin' Kimmie---Fall
Retarte---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Tuesday Throwdown---Just Because
Creative Craft Cottage---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Jo's Scrap Shack---ATG
Crafty Girls Creations---ATG 


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge with an optional Twist at 613 Avenue Create.  There's wonderful prizes awaiting the winners from our lovely sponsor for this week---Aurora Wings.  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  By the way, I strongly recommend that you watch "War Room."  It's one of the greatest movies of our time that will revolutionize our prayer life and would give us a sense of purpose and direction in defeating the enemy in our families, our neighborhood, our nation and the world.  I am grateful for the faithfulness of God, through Jesus Christ, in my life and I will not stop testifying of His goodness every opportunity I get.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Scripture Series: Thou Hast Established Lattice Card---Join the Fun of Our Family Friendly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello there, Crafty guys and gals!  Welcome to another Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring another freebie Scripture Word Art (downloadable at the WAW site). It comes from Psalm 119:90 which states, "Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth." What's striking about this verse is that it speaks of the faithfulness of God which was not inclusive to the people of old but to every generation.  In this world that calls us many awful names when we tell them of our blessed hope in Christ and forces us "to adapt to the times (trendy, popular, modern day ethics/lifestyles and media hype.)" and abandon the timeless and trusted counsel of God's Word, what they (the ungodly) really seek to achieve is to eradicate the existence of God in our beings (making us believe He does not exist) so that they can do whatever they please without anyone reminding them they are accountable to God for their every action.  But despite their lies, everything around us proclaim the reality of God's presence! His glory is reflected by everything He created.  It is sad to see that many drank the Kool-Aid of deception and throughout history, evil men were/are used as pawns to advance Satan's agenda.  We must recognize that evil days are upon America and is hovering around the world.  It wasn't long ago when I was reading about people being beheaded due to their faith in Christ in the Book of Revelation. That time, I thought it was more symbolic than literal.  But God's Word is precise and His prophecies shall all come to pass.  I am sure you have heard of the horrendous beheading of  Christians all over the Middle East by Islamic extremists/terrorists  who imposes their false religion on those who bear the name of Christ.  But should all of these evil cause us to be fearful and doubt God's faithfulness?  Realistically and truthfully, many would say, "Yes!".  So, should we just hide in a corner and wait for these things to come on our doorstep?  I submit to you, "NOT AT ALL!"  For us that trust the Lord and have experienced God's faithfulness on a personal level, we have the blessed assurance of our victory in Christ!  He wants us to stand in this Truth no matter what comes along that He made sure it was written in the pages of the Scripture.  I always tell my friends that "Our Redemption Story (our life in Christ)" contains a precise ending---ETERNAL VICTORY for those who love God!  And who does not like a "Happy Ending?"  In this journey called "Life," there are many twists and turns to the story.  There's plenty of laughter but also lots of pain and tears. We have to live every page of our lives...Yet to know the victory that awaits us should propel us to hold on to the Truth and to never give up.  I always wonder what could be going on in the minds of those children who were killed by Islamic militants because they would not give up Christ in them?  Even in their child-like faith, they knew that what they have inside of them was worth dying for?  I pray that God will give us the grace to stand like these children as we fight for our religious liberty to serve Jesus Christ against the evil tyrants of our day.  To be able to discern who is working for us and against us.

Wikipedia defines "Faithfulness" as "the concept of unfailingly remaining loyal to someone or something and putting that loyalty into consistent practice, regardless of extenuating circumstances. It may be applied to a husband or wife who, in a sexually exclusive marriage, does not engage in sexual relationships outside of the marriage, a customer at a restaurant who regularly dines there, or even to God himself with regard to his perpetual love towards his children that is not dependent on their worthiness. Literally, it is the state of being " full of faith" in the somewhat archaic sense of steady devotion to a person, thing or concept."---I love that it speaks about God's unselfish love that never changes and does not look on man's good works or the lack thereof to be worthy of His love.  Our worthiness in the eyes of God is not of our own doing---it is solely based on what Jesus accomplished on our behalf.  The moment we place our faith on the sacrifice Jesus has won for us and repented of our sins, we are immediately accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:3-10 is very clear about this when it states, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him."  God has shown us through events in history that what he wrote in Scripture are not just a bunch of empty words but events that had been fulfilled and is being fulfilled and reveals His righteousness and sovereignty that governed our existence and sustains all His creation.  Because of this Truth, we should response to our Father's faithfulness in this way---Faithfulness is believing that God is Who He says He is and continuing in that belief despite the vagaries of life. Functionally, that means we trust what God says in the Bible, and not necessarily what the world or our own eyes tell us. We trust He will work out everything for good. We trust He will work His will in us. And we trust that our situation on earth is nothing compared to our future reward in heaven. The only way we can have such faith is by the Holy Spirit's influence. He testifies to the truth and impels us to seek God. The Spirit makes us faithful.  So, whether we choose to be a part of God's story or not, our decisions will not hinder the Lord from accomplishing His plan.  God will still be God without man's help but man without His Creator is worth nothing.  I would like to share the following verses to celebrate the faithfulness of God to us, through Christ!

"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. But those who hate him he will repay to their face by destruction; he will not be slow to repay to their face those who hate him."  (Deuteronomy 7:9-10)

"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." (Hebrews 11:6)

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:1-5)

For this Card, I took some inspiration from a YouTube video I came across recently about "Lattice Cards" and I decided to give it a try.  The base is an A7 Kraft card that I layered with a panel that I embossed with one of my fave Cuttlebug folders.  I used Sizzix Framelits for the window, an MS Punch for the Lattice, layered some Prima flowers, die cut a swirl with a Sizzix die and stamped some leaves and fussy cut them. The leaves came with the stamp set that I got recently as freebie from Quick Cards Magazine.  I love it!  I inked the panels, flowers and swirl using Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Vintage Photo and Pine Needles), the brad in the center of the flower from Paper Studio and the metal head gems from Imaginisce.  To complete the look, I stitched all over the card.  I ran through a bit of challenge making this as the A7 card (spread out) does not fit the Cuttlebug and I don't want to reduce my card size to A2 so, I had to use my Craft knife to produce the shape on the base panel which is not very easy due to the thick Kraft CS.  Nevertheless, I made it work and I'm pretty happy with the end result.


THOU HAST ESTABLISHED LATTICE CARD:


THOU HAST ESTABLISHED LATTICE CARD SIDE VIEW:


THOU HAST ESTABLISHED LATTICE CARD INSIDE:


THOU HAST ESTABLISHED LATTICE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Creative Moments---ATG/Fancy Folds
Crafty Gals Corner---Lots of Layers
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Simon Says Stamp---ATG
Kraftin' Kimmie---Fall
Papertake Weekly---Distressing
Retarte---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Tuesday Throwdown---Just Because
Creative Craft Cottage---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG 
Digital Delights---ATG


Have an awesome day everyone and looking forward to see your wonderful projects linked at our WAW Blog.  It will be nice to see the featured Word Art in your Challenge project but not mandatory.  As long as it's family friendly, inspirational and uplifting, you are free to link up to 5 projects.  Our sponsors for this week are A Surprise Gift Set from Karen Letchworth (Stamp sets and goodies) and Deedee's Digis (3 Digis).  Just want to tell you how you can rest in the faithfulness of God at all situations and He wants for you to be part of His  great plan if you'll allow Him.  Hugs and blessing, everyone! 

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Scripture Series: Hope Joy and Peace Card---Grab our Free Scripture Word Art and Join the Fun of our Family Friendly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, everyone!  As always, I am here to feature another inspirational project that highlights our free Scripture Word Art which you can get for free at our family friendly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW)Today's verse came from Romans 15:13 and it tells us, "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."  You know, God is truly amazing!  As I finished creating this card and was getting it ready to submit it to our DT Coordinator at WAW, I stopped by Facebook and while browsing my News Feed, I saw the very same verse shared by one of the groups I liked.  I knew right away that something about this verse is important and the Lord wanted me to meditate on it.  When we see/hear the same words or phrase being repeated in the Scripture (examples like "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty" or "Verily, Verily, I say unto you") or same verse/s or message in different occasions, it means that  the Lord wants us to take that instruction to heart (something very important).    I don't know exactly how many times this happened to me but each time I experience it, it always deals with something that I wrestle with in my spirit.  I can honestly say that this is one of the ways God speaks to me and it's for the purpose of encouragement, to empower me, to instill hope and give me direction.  As the Holy Spirit translates God's working inside my heart and I begin to understand, He pours out his peace and joy as He affirms His presence in my life.  My situation may not have changed physically but something very real inside of me shifts.  

Okay, let me see if I can explain to you what was I wrestling with the past few weeks.  Believe it or not,   it's intense FRUSTRATION!  I do have some personal frustrations but it's nothing compared to the dismay and hopelessness  I see and feel for what's happening to our nation.  I talked to my Pastor/Mentor (my teacher in the College level Bible Class I've been going to for many years now) and I told him about this intense feeling of hopelessness and discouragement for the evil that is hovering over our nation and the world.  The lies and lawlessness, division and immorality, disrespect and the lack of apathy, the selfishness and conspiracy that are systematically propagated by the ungodly---there's just a lot for lil' ole me to take!  He told me that it is expected for a child of God to vex from all the ungodliness we see each day and to have a "Compassionate" (Mercy) spirit for those who are blinded by this world.  The sacrifice of Jesus to redeem all of mankind at the Cross which is the Only Source of salvation and which no man can ever repay nor work for is given absolutely free to them who would place their faith in Christ, our Lord and Savior.  But many, due to selfishness and all forms of pride and lust, have mocked the very sacrifice that could save them.  To be very honest, though it saddens me, I know I can't expect anything from the ungodly (without personal relationship with God) for they are doing what their father, the Devil is known to do (John 8:44)!  So, what truly frustrates me more than the schemes of the ungodly?  I submit to you, my heart cries out the more for those who profess they know God and are calling themselves Christians (which means a follower of Christ) but betrays and mocks the very God they profess to serve.  Most of this mega-Churches and high-profile Pastors with large following have watered down the Scripture, centers their teaching about making money and how to be successful (Prosperity Gospel) yet fail to teach their flock servant-hood, personal accountability, eternal perspective, God's holiness nor the coming wrath of God.  They favored men and betrayed God by lowering God's standards to tolerate and accommodate the evil doctrines of man so that they can continue to make money and build their human empires while all the while disguising it at blessings from God.  I am not saying that having a mega-Church is wrong but if a Church teaches accordingly to what the Scripture says, they'll definitely thin out (especially here in America).  Why?  Because God's Word requires a process of lifestyle change which not many people are willing to go through. The leaders of these congregations turned away from the God of the Bible, have aligned themselves with false prophets---having sold themselves to secular humanism.  I feel deep compassion for those who are being led astray by these men through blind obedience.

Another thing that breaks my heart is seeing those who profess they're believers yet operates by the dictates of their emotion (while abandoning the wisdom of God) and are looking at other people to make a drastic change for our country yet, have done nothing to shine the light nor stand for Godly cause other than talk loud.  Many have idolized men and when the people they taught would answer their problems fail them, they become bitter and passive that they don't want to do anything.  They generalize people and loses all hope while not admitting their own mistake of trusting man rather than depending upon God.  They are not content in keeping that to themselves but inflicts their negativity on others.  I submit to you, these are the things that truly grieves my heart---seeing the
the Body of Christ succumb to the pressure!  The Scripture tells us everything we needed to know about our origin, our eternal destination and everything in between.  I know the victory that awaits me after this lifetime and that empowers me to do what I must in accordance to the purpose God has sent me here for.  While I grieve, I am not paralyzed! I know the God whom I serve and like David, I can face the giants of our times armed solely by the power of God.  A few days ago, I made a decision to shut the noise of the world and instead,  battle everything in prayer.  There is power when we get down our knees and pray.  When we do so, we put an end to ourselves and allow God to take over.  In prayer, He speaks to me while I listen.  He reveals my course of action and through His Holy Spirit, I am compelled to act upon it!  God's confirmation of today's highlighted verse in my life has given me a renewed hope, joy and peace to whatever comes in our future.  Sometimes, we have to make a choice to silence every noise that causes our ears to bleed and listen solely to the voice of God.  Are you going to be part of God's  solution to this world or a burden to the brethren?  If we truly want to make a difference, start by asking God for His solutions through prayer.  He is our Only Hope!  Just want to share the following verses to encourage us to continue to live by the Word of God.  What He said before is still the same today.  God does not change His statutes for man but man is the one who needs to conform to God if he wants a life eternally in His presence.

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." (Ephesians 5:1-17)

For this Card, I used a stamp I bought several months ago from Wild Rose Studio called "Bella with Dahlia" that I colored with ProMarker/Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are all from Paper Studio, the scallop, the circle as well as all the fancy swirls were all dies from Nestabilities that I ran through my Cuttlebug.  I incorporated several nail head gems as well as glitters (Stickles-Diamond) on the flower.  Lastly, I did some fancy stitching all over this creation. 


HOPE JOY AND PEACE CARD:


 HOPE JOY AND PEACE CARD LAYERS:


HOPE JOY AND PEACE CARD INSIDE:


HOPE JOY AND PEACE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-CARD:


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
CCC Digi Creations---ATG
Cute as a Button---ATG
Digistamps4Joy---ATG with optional Wings
Lost Coast---Circles
Paper Creator's---Dies and/or Punches
Paradise of Stamps---ATG
Petal Lu---ATG
Sisters of Craft---ATG
Through the Purple Haze---Flowers
World Wide Open---ATG
Your Scrapbook Place---ATG
Creative Moments---ATG/Fancy Folds
I Love ProMarkers---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Moo-Mania---Embellishments
Ruby's Rainbow---Die cuts or Punches
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
Fan-Tastic Tuesday---ATG with Twist: Use Glitter
Papertake Weekly---To Die For
TTCRD---ATG
Try It On Tuesday---Flower/s
Tuesday Throwdown---Texture
Artistic Inspirations---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafty Boots---Fair and Square
Cutie Pie---Cute and Girly
Incy Wincy---Tic Tac Toe (Bling Bling/Free Space/Metals)
Love to Scrap---ATG
Melonheadz Friends---Hand-Colored Image
Not Just Cards---ATG
Stamp and Create---One for the Girls 
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Use Your Stuff---ATG
Whoopsi Daisy---Make It Girly


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.  Lots of prizes to be won from our two wonderful sponsors---Stamp and Create ($25 GC) and Moonlighting & Co. (3 Digi Stamps).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up and let the peace of the Lord overtake you today.  I serve a good and faithful God---Jesus Christ!  

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Encouragement Series: One Cup at a Time Doily Card---Get into our Neighborhood at 613 Avenue Create and Join the Fun of our Anything Goes Challenge!

Hi there, Crafty pals!  Welcome to another posting for our Anything Goes Challenge (No Twist) at 613 Avenue Create.  Today, we are grateful to the Lord for all the things He has done in our lives.  Though many concerns have bombarded us, mostly concerns for our nations, the Lord had been faithful to provide us with everything we need and much more for our family.  Although the events in this world are under God's control, I can't help but feel sad for the people that are lost and persuaded by a demonic force they willingly yet unknowingly follow.  Though I know that mainstream media only reports one sided news and does not give way to praise reports happening everywhere, it's still unfortunate to see how people's minds (whose minds are not anchored in the Word of God) get taken over by every wind of doctrine (false teachings) that comes their way as fueled by their emotions.  Don't get me wrong, emotions are good but if it's directed towards selfishness and shuts every form of reason to achieve one's selfish goal, then, it has gone way too far.  Very seldom do we hear reports of Godly people and Churches helping their community  in their everyday needs such a food and clothing supplies, a warm bed to sleep at night, caring for the sick, giving prisoners another chance for life, help in disastrous situations and so much more.  It does not mean they are not happening but the media bias has blotted them out from their daily news and all they show are people who shunned away from their local churches because so and so offended them.  Their main news are dominated with their sold-out demonic agenda such as abortion rights, acceptance of ungodly lifestyles and sexual perversions, mocking those who profess God while promoting false religions and giving them very special treatment, their deals with nations and people that want to hurt Israel and America and so much more.  Now, that the Presidential election is around the corner, they give very little exposure for those that truly fight for our Constitution and stands for our Bill of Rights and elevates those who are obnoxious, loud mouth and full of promises that was never proven.  Makes me wonder what is this (all of a sudden) liberal media hype about Donald Trump?  If he's truly for the people and against Obama (which the liberal media is so in love with), why is the mainstream media giving him lots of air time?   Hmm, something is not right there, I tell you!  I've seen it on and after the first Republican Debate and I'm thankful to God that He gave me the wisdom not to drink the Kool-Aid that all his supporters are drunk with to this very moment.  At this day and time, I am looking for and listening to what God is saying.  I cannot think with my emotions.  I need to rightly divide the words every candidate have spoken in accordance to the Will of God , get into their track record and consistency of action. But most of all, I am looking for a future leader who fears the Lord having accepted Jesus as His own Savior and Lord.  One man cannot save us from all the mess this country and this world have brought us into but a Godly man comes only from God's throne of grace.  Today and in the coming days, I can only pray that God intervenes mightily in our land for without Him, there's no hope for this country nor the world!  I pray for people to once again get down on their knees and humble themselves before the Lord that they may have forgiveness and the wisdom to know the Truth and act on God's behalf.

Truly, we are in the last days.  The books of Revelation, Matthew, Thessalonians are just some of the books in the Bible that are filled with warnings on what's to come and if you have allowed the Lord to open your spiritual eyes (New Birth, John 3:3) and ask Him for wisdom, you will see the Truth about our country and how it rebelled and still rebelling against God in a huge way.  It is only by the grace of God that this country is still standing at this very moment.  And it's only because of His great love that we are not consumed with His wrath.  But one day, it's coming!  Jesus is coming to judge this world and it's bad news for those who have hardened their hearts on Him.  You see, whatever happens, I have readied my spirit by holding  on to the One who came to set me free---JESUS CHRIST!  I would like to share with you this word of warning spoken by Jesus Himself to His disciples.  It paints a perfect picture of the events in our time and a glimpse of what is to come.

Signs of the End Times (Luke 21:7-36)

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.  You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.  Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.  “When you see
Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
 
For this Card, I used an image from one of our sponsors, Faery Ink Designs, called "Honey Latte" and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, measuring 5.5 inches in diameter that was cut with my Cricut machine from the cartridge "Wild Card."  I used my MS Circle Cutter to cut the circle panels and an embossing folder from Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations ran through my Cuttlebug to emboss the top panel.  The chip board scallop frame is from Recollections, the layered flowers from Prima, the brads from recollections and the ribbon was from my stash.  I stapled the ribbon to the tag I made with the wonderful sentiment I got for free from TLC Creations, added some glitters using Stickles (Crystal), used white Gelly Roll pen to add some dots to the face of the image and finally, regular and fancy stitches to this project.


ONE CUP AT A TIME DOILY CARD:


ONE CUP AT A TIME DOILY CARD LAYERS:


ONE CUP AT A TIME DOILY CARD SIDE VIEW:


ONE CUP AT A TIME DOILY CARD INSIDE:


ONE CUP AT A TIME DOILY CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Pile It On---Bright Colors
Crafting for all Seasons---Bright and Beautiful
Crafting by Designs---3 or More Layers
Creative Moments---ATG/Summer Fun
Fairy Tale---Summer Holidays
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Pattie's Creations---ATG
Morgan's ArtWorld---Beachy Keen/Summery
Simply Create Too---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Sister Act---ATG
As You Like It---Fave 2 Embellishments and Why? (I love flowers and brads---it's perfect together)
House of Cards---Metallics
Our Creative Corner---Mexico Moods
Cute Card Thursday---ATG
CAS-ual Chic---Pretty Patterns
Crafter's Cafe---The Great Outdoors
Moo-Mania---Embellishments
Paper Shelter---Lace and/or Ribbon


There you have it, folks!  Don't miss the opportunity to join our Anything Goes Challenge at 613 Avenue Create.  There's wonderful prizes awaiting the winners from our lovely sponsors for this week---Faery Ink Designs (3 Digi Images) and All Dressed Up Stamps (3 Digi Images) .  Can't wait to see what fabulous projects you're going to highlight this week.  I hope you have a wonderful week and know that through faith in what Jesus accomplished through the Cross, we have complete victory!   

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Scripture Series: Thy God Reigneth Card---Family Friendly/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Fellow Crafters!  Here I am to bring another created project featuring this week's Scripture Word Art (free to download at the WAW site) for our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW)It comes from Isaiah 52:7 and it says, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"  It would be amazing for everyone to know the backdrop to this verse for that will cause us to appreciate more the infinite knowledge, love and sovereignty of God and how He in His holiness could not, would not and will not tolerate sin.  See HERE, how Israel was divided from one nation to two kingdoms (Northern and Southern Kingdom) due to Idolatry.  The Northern Kingdom (made up of 10 tribes) was conquered by the Assyrians and the Southern Kingdom (made up of 2 remaining tribes) was conquered by the Babylonians one after another.  You would think that after the Northern Kingdom was taken over, the Southern Kingdom could have learned a lesson.  But that's not the case!  They repeated and did exactly what the other did.  Both Kingdoms were ruled by many leaders---each one guilty of Idolatry.  One may ask, what exactly is the sin of IDOLATRY?  In simple explanation, it is to love and regard anything, something or someone more than we love God.  God's first and foremost commandment is that "we should have no other gods before Him."  (Exodus 20:3)  He is our Maker and without Him, we are non-existent.  Everything we have comes from Him, without Him we are incapable of doing anything" (John 15:5).  I love how  Matthew 6:20-21 tells us of how we are to regard our treasures in  the New Testament with an emphasis on the last sentence of verse 21.  It says, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  God is after our heart, more than anything!  He wants a heart that follows after His own heart.  But men have given their allegiance to created things instead of giving the due glory to the Creator.  They exchanged the glory of an incorruptible God with those that are corruptible.  Their abomination range from bowing down to another human being and considered them gods including, idols made by their hands and serving it day and night.  They can also be seen in one's passion for things like fame, money, power or relationships/addictions/lifestyles which one deem more important than God.  In fact, they have loved themselves so much that they consider themselves their own gods.  Our Heavenly Father is a holy and righteous God and will not tolerate anyone nor any nation that practices Idolatry of any shape and form.  Consider what happened to Israelites throughout their history---to this day, they are still dealing with the repercussions of their rebellion from God.  

Though judgment came to Israel from the sin of the people and their leaders that caused their nation to divide and people wondering all over the earth, the Lord was still faithful to His covenant with them.  Before the Southern Kingdom went through captivity, God already planned His people's way out  to the extent of giving the specific name of the person whom He would use to end their ordeal and be allowed to return to Israel---the man named, Cyrus!  Yet at the time of the prophetic utterance, this man was not born yet.  Not for another 150 years before he will come to earth and  many more years before he became king.  This man, Cyrus, does not know God (pagan) yet the Lord assigned him a task before he was even born.  If you want to know more, see the role of Cyrus to the nation of Israel HERE.   I don't know with you but for me, it's totally awesome that although people deserve the judgment for all the abominable things their nation committed, the Lord already devised a solution---a way out, for He is faithful and true to the covenant He promised them.  Today's highlighted verse tells us of that Good News of God's faithfulness to His chosen people which was fulfilled when Cyrus  became the king of Persia (modern-day Iran).  The end of their captivity and to be allowed to return to Israel was such a great news for this tired and weary people.   Yet, I could only hope that the celebration went beyond just hearing that great news but to realize the faithfulness of the Lord to their fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  That despite the craziness of man, God remained faithful to His Word. 

Yet in our day and time, I submit to you that we have more to be thankful for.  JESUS, the Son of the Most High God redeemed us by His blood once but that sacrifice is still valid today and for all eternity.  The message of the Cross is not only good for the nation of Israel but for every existing nation that turned to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ!  Here in America today, our leadership has dragged all of us to go on an all-out rebellion against the God of heaven and earth.  They encouraged us to eliminate God in our lives, to idolize ourselves, find solutions to  our situations from the government making them our lone provider, elevating man's opinions above the Word of God, and the list goes on.  Our country is prostituted to accept and deal with those who would harm our closest ally, Israel, and have placed every citizen in harm's way for those who have nothing but hatred for our nation.  Our leaders have flooded us with lies and the puppeteers were enjoying the control while many grope in darkness not knowing what is happening.  Without God, we are without hope!  I pray that we come to God with a humble and repentant heart as we seek His hand and His wisdom for I have seen many who are just being ran by their emotions, thinking without Godly conviction and have lost all counts of decency and reason!   They follow people (a fan of this and that person)  and have abandoned the use of their minds to think clearly.  Such is the deception that man is brought to once they leave the safety of God's Word.  It's sad to see that even those who profess they know Jesus and are familiar with His Word are also being deceived.  Here's a lesson:  When we start looking at people for solutions to our problems, that is the start of our demise.  It's true, God can use a man to carry out His purpose but we are to subject every man to the standard of God's Word---spoken or acted upon! Then, we will be able to decide/discern who's authentic and who's fake.  God has a way out---no matter what mess we put ourselves into.  Jesus already paved the way to our eternal life and He promised a life in His presence.  The Gospel (death, burial and resurrection of Jesus) is still the best news for everyone groping in darkness right now.  Let us give them the Great and Good News---there is life far more beautiful than what we have here today!  There is a place of love, joy, peace and righteousness where time, death and sin could not touch.  The Only Way to that place is JESUS CHRIST!  Apart from Him, we have no hope here nor an eternal life in His presence.

For this Card, I used an image from Crafty Sentiments and colored it with my ProMarker/Prismacolor markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 4 x 5.5 inches card.  I die-cut the "Townscape" using Tim Holtz Alterations Sizzix Die and layered it with a Recollections DP.  I attached that on top of the card which increased the height of the card to 5.5 inches.  The other DP's are left-overs from my other projects from My Mind's Eye and Paper Studio.  I die-cut the oval and the lacy oval using Nestabilities.  I printed the  Scripture on a Vellum and attached them to the die-cuts, along with 3 brads.  I added 3 roses from Recollections and embellished it with glitters (Stickles-Crystal).  I also punched out a few leaves using EK Success and adhered it to the flowers.  Finally, it's down to stitching all over this creation.


THY GOD REIGNETH CARD:


THY GOD REIGNETH CARD LAYERS:


THY GOD REIGNETH CARD INSIDE:


THY GOD REIGNETH CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX:


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafting for all Seasons---Bright and Beautiful
Crafting by Designs---3 or More Layers
Creative Moments---ATG/Summer Fun
Fairy Tale---Summer Holidays
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Pattie's Creations---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Craftyhazelnut's---Patterned Paper
House of Cards---Metallics
Our Creative Corner---Mexico Moods
CAS-ual Chic---Pretty Patterns
Frosted Designs---Metal/Metallics (Brads)
Crafter's Cafe---The Great Outdoors
Little Red Wagon---Vellum
Moo-Mania---Embellishments
Ruby's Rainbow---Something for a Little Girl
Digi Choosday---Punch and/or Die Cuts
Scrap-Creations---Garden


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) for more chances to win our prize from our sponsors this week---High Hopes Stamps (giving away 3 unmounted Stamps) and Fresh Brewed Designs (3 Digi images).  I'll be back this weekend to highlight another project for our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create!  Always remember to call on Jesus 24/7 if you need someone to talk with.  He is always willing to listen and is able to meet everyone whose heart is seeking after Him. 

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