Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Challenge #216 - Anything Goes

Welcome everyone!  Can you believe that this is our final challenge of 2015?  When we return next week, we will be announcing our new (and VERY exciting) sponsors for 2016.  You will be as excited as we are once you learn of all the wonderful things God is doing here at Word Art Wednesday, and we invite EVERYONE to be a part of it.  But for right now, let's get started with Challenge #216 - our last challenge of the year with two wonderful 2015 sponsors.

This week's word art/scripture is 1 Corinthians 6:20, and it says "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's".  The first part "for ye are bought with a price" tells us that the blood shed by Jesus Christ on the cross was paid as a ransom (by the love of God in Christ Jesus) for our redemption.  While God took OUR obligation for the punishment for our sins, He left us with a new obligation to be obedient to Him.  So, if we accept Jesus Christ as our way to God (and we accept His payment for our sins); we MUST also accept the fact that He is now our King.  And as our King, He FULLY has the right to demand our obedience as He rules over us.  This simply means that we can't deny God the right to demand obedience from us, and we can axpect to be chastened (punished) when we don't.  By accepting the gift He has given us through Jesus Christ, we automatically acknowledge this debt of obedience to Him; and we should want to do it willingly and with a right spirit (not ever with a bad attitude).  By allowing God to control our body and our spirit, we honor our King - the One who paid a very high price for us because He loves us so very much.  Here's a cold hard fact, my friends.....there is absolute truth that exists in this world.  "All roads (DON'T) lead to Heaven", so don't beileve it when Hollywood tells you that "we all take different paths, but they all lead to Heaven".  Those are LIES from the enemy (Satan).  Absolute truth dictates that because we are born sinful, we CANNOT and WILL NOT get to Heaven on our own accord.  There is a price that must be paid, and there is nothing we can do, in and of ourselves, to satisfy that debt.  God knew this; and because He loves us, He provided a way to satisfy that debt.  There had to be a PERFECT, SINLESS sacrifice.  The ONLY way was for God to satisfy that debt Himself.  He chose to satisfy our debt by coming to Earth in human flesh to shed His perfect sinless blood in atonement for our sins.  Let's each go into this new year making a conscious effort to practice obedience and submission to our King for the wonderful gift He has given us in Jesus Christ.  Your year will surely be off to a great start by making this effort.  This is our prayer for everyone, and if you have any questions; please don't ever hesitate to let us know.  May God bless you all as we head into this new year together.

As always, you are welcome to save this week's free scripture/word art file to your computer, but are not required to use it in order to play along in our challenges.   We welcome you share your art with us; remembering that Anything Goes as long as it's family-friendly, and uses an encouraging or uplifting sentiment. This includes any type of altered or digital art (not just limited to cards).  You may link up to five (5) projects each week. The more you enter, the more you increase your odds of winning.  It is our desire that God's Word will be a blessing and encouragement to you each week. If you have any questions about the rules, be sure to read the complete list of rules under our page tab for "Challenge Rules".  Because our ultimate goal is to honor God, we have no other choice but to delete any entries that do not adhere to our guidelines.  Let us know if you have any questions, and thanks for your understanding and participation!
Here is this week's word art.  We hope
that it will be a blessing to you.

Here are this week's AMAZING sponsors:
Verses Rubber Stamps is a WONDERFUL
stamp store, and one lucky person
will win $20 in wood or cling stamps.
AND
Fresh Brewed Designs is an ADORABLE
digital shop, and one lucky person will
win three (3) images of choice from this
WONDERFUL digital shop.

AND NOW, More Lucky Winners!!!!
Classy Cards 'n Such is a FABULOUS
shop with great stamps, dies, ribbons,
and goodies of all sorts!  Guess who
has won a $15 Gift Certificate
to Classy Cards 'n Such
It's Lucky Entry #207 - Carrie Sheridan
AND
QKR
QKR Stampede was our sweet digital sponsor
last week, and one lucky person has won
three (3) of their images to play with!
It's Lucky Entry #261- love paper crafting
AND
As I mentioned last week, there are extra winners
this week who will receive a sweet little prize
from Karen.  Those lucky winners are:
Entry #16 - AJ Bodine 
Entry #172 - Marsha Drain
Entry #212 - Diana Lynn Martin

AND, Our Top Three Are:
Entry #226 - Evi
Entry #230 - Gracie
Entry #22 - Sara's Closet
Please email Karen or leave a comment
if you'd like a Top 3 Badge for your blog.

May God bless all our AWESOME sponsors.
We appreciate them all SO very much!
Here's Some Inspiration to Get You Started

Using a Sponsor Image


Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Challenge #214/215 - Two Weeek Anything Goes

Well my crafty friends, it's almost Christmas.  Because of the fact that we all get SO busy this time of year, and we want everyone to have the opportunity to spend time with family and still have a chance to link up with us; this challenge will be open for TWO WEEKS.  We will not have a new challenge next Wednesday.  The same challenge will continue until Wednesdsay, December 30.  So.....since we have a two-week challenge, we are really hoping that everyone will have the opportunity to link FIVE times with us.   In fact, we will even cut you some slace if you throw in a couple of extra entries.   There will be some extra "Christmas prizes" offered in addition to our sponsors prizes, so be sure to link up all your family friendly, encouraging and uplifting cards during this two-week period.  We really look forward to seeing what you will create.

Our word art this week is from Psalm 9:2 which says, "I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will sing praise unto Thy name, O most high".  It is our hope that you truly are glad and rejoicing in the promises of Jesus Christ.  Don't get me wrong, life has is struggles and sadness.  That's normal to get down in the dumps or upset when things become difficult in our lives.  But at the very heart of who we are as people, Christians have something for which they should ALWAYS be glad and rejoice.  The fact that God Himself became a man (Jesus Christ) and dwelt among and provided a way for us to spend eternity with HIm is such a HUGE blessing that we can't help but be glad and rejoice.  No matter how bad this world gets, there is ALWAYS hope and ALWAYS the promise of Heaven.  Don't let the journey get you down......EVER!  Our hope is not of this world.  Our hope is eternal.  ONLY through the shed blood of Jesus Christ can we find forgiveness for our sinfulness and find a way to eternity with God in Heaven.  If you haven't called on Jesus Christ (God in human flesh) to save your soul and give you eternal life with Him in Heaven, then let this be a Christmas gift to you.  Just pray this simple prayer (with meaning in your heart), and you can KNOW FOR SURE that you will spend eternity with Him in Heaven:

"Jesus, I know that You are God.  I know that the Bible is your holy Word.  I know that I am a sinner, and that you suffered and died in my place to pay the price for my sinfulness.  I confess all my faults to you, and I ask you to forgive me.  Now, in the best way I know how, I ask You to save me from my sins.  Thank you, Lord God, for dying for me.  Help me now to live for you.  Amen".    It's really that simple!  If you've prayed this prayer, understanding it and meaning it, you are saved!  ONLY GOD (Jesus Christ) can save you.  Once you've called on Him for eternal salvation, NOTHING and NO ONE can EVER take it from you.  Now that's something to be happy and rejoice about, and to sing His praises about.

As always, you are welcome to save this week's free scripture/word art file to your computer, but are not required to use it in order to play along in our challenges.   We welcome you share your art with us; remembering that Anything Goes as long as it's family-friendly, and uses an encouraging or uplifting sentiment. This includes any type of altered or digital art (not just limited to cards).  You may link up to five (5) projects each week. The more you enter, the more you increase your odds of winning.  It is our desire that God's Word will be a blessing and encouragement to you each week. If you have any questions about the rules, be sure to read the complete list of rules under our page tab for "Challenge Rules".  Because our ultimate goal is to honor God, we have no other choice but to delete any entries that do not adhere to our guidelines.  Let us know if you have any questions, and thanks for your understanding and participation!
Here is this week's word art.  We hope
that it will be a blessing to you.

Here are this week's AMAZING sponsors:
Classy Cards 'n Such is a FABULOUS
shop with great stamps, dies, ribbons,
and goodies of all sorts!  One lucky
person will win a $15 Gift Certificate
to Classy Cards 'n Such
P.S.  They have fun weekly challenges!
AND
QKR
QKR Stampede is our sweet digital sponsor
this week, and one lucky person will be
DELIGHTED to win three (3) of their
lovely images to play with!
They also have fun challenges!

AND NOW.....Two More LUCKY WINNERS!
The Flying Unicorn Store is an AMAZING
on-line shop where you can find ALL the
BIG NAMES in scrap-booking, paper-crafting,
and SO much more.  This very lucky person
has won a $25  gift certificate to spend as she
chooses aThe Flying Unicorn
It's Lucky Entry #103 - PaperPapier
AND
The Cutting Cafe was our FUN digital
sponsor last week.  This person will have
the opportunity to pick out some sweet
new cutting files or images from
The Cutting Cafe
It's Entry #149 - Lydia R.

Our Top Three Are:
#44 - Teresa A.
#75 - Susan Lankford
Please email Karen or leave a comment
if you'd like a Top 3 Badge for your blog.

May God bless all our AWESOME sponsors.
We appreciate them all SO very much!
Here's Some Inspiration to Get You Started



Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Challenge #213 - Anything Goes

Welcome back, everyone!  It's time for another AWESOME challenge here at Word Art Wednesday.  We had such a great challenge last week, and we were amazed with all the beautiful projects that were shared with us.  We SO appreciate every card and project you link with us.  We think you are ALL winners, and we so wish we could give each of you a prize just for sharing your talents with us.  We have two more AMAZING sponsors this week, and a beautiful word art file for you.  So, let's get started.

Our word art this week comes from a beautiful scripture found in Luke 1:14.  It reads "And thou shalt have joy and gladness: and many shall rejoice at his birth."  This is a beautiful verse.  When we read this passage, however, we need to remember that this particular verse was not said in reference to the birth of Jesus.  These words were spoken by an angel of God to Zacharias regarding the coming of his son, John the Baptist.  From the verses preceding and following this verse, we know that Zacharias and Elizabeth had wanted children for a very long time.  Zacharias believed that his wife, Elizabeth, was now too old to have a child.  But when God's hand is in something, NOTHING is impossible.  The angel appeared to Zacharias and told him that he would soon become a father, and that his son would bring him joy and gladness, and that many would rejoice in his birth.  The passage goes on to say that John the Baptist would be "great in the sight of the Lord, that he would not drink wine or liquor (another attribute of a true servant of God called to the ministry), and that he would be filled with the holy spirit while still in his mother's womb".  This child Elizabeth was carrying, John the Baptist, would play a very important role in the life of Jesus.  They were incredibly close friends (cousins).  This should remind us of our own importance in the Christian community.  God has placed each of us exactly where we are for a very specific reason.  God chose to allow Elizabeth to have a baby late in life because God wanted John to be a part of the life of Jesus, and to be part of His ministry.  God has you and I right where we are to reach those He has placed in our lives.  We need to remember to share God's love and His story with the people He has placed around us.  We also need to live as an example of the mature Christian to those whom we lead to the Lord.  You may not realize how much people (even children) look to YOU as their role model.  Pray every day.  Ask God to give you wisdom, discernment, and the ability to be the best role model you can possibly be so that others see Jesus in you, and desire to be like you, and bring glory to the precious name of Jesus.

As always, you are welcome to save this week's free scripture/word art file to your computer, but are not required to use it in order to play along in our challenges.   We welcome you share your art with us; remembering that Anything Goes as long as it's family-friendly, and uses an encouraging or uplifting sentiment. This includes any type of altered or digital art (not just limited to cards).  You may link up to five (5) projects each week. The more you enter, the more you increase your odds of winning.  It is our desire that God's Word will be a blessing and encouragement to you each week. If you have any questions about the rules, be sure to read the complete list of rules under our page tab for "Challenge Rules".  Because our ultimate goal is to honor God, we have no other choice but to delete any entries that do not adhere to our guidelines.  Let us know if you have any questions, and thanks for your understanding and participation!
Here is this week's word art.  We hope
that it will be a blessing to you.

Here are this week's AMAZING sponsors:
The Flying Unicorn Store is an AMAZING
on-line shop where you can find ALL the
BIG NAMES in scrap-booking, paper-crafting,
and SO much more.  One very lucky person
will win a $25  gift certificate to spend as they
choose at The Flying Unicorn
AND
The Cutting Cafe is our FUN digital
sponsor this week.  One person will have
the opportunity to pick out some sweet
cutting files or images from
The Cutting Cafe

AND NOW......Our Lucky Winners:
Crafty Individuals is an awesome store.
Located in the UK, they carry ALL the big names in
crafting, and you're sure to find EVERYTHING you
could need.  Entry #19 - Kym
has won a £15 gift certificate to this fun store.
Click here to shop Crafty Individuals.
AND
Bugaboo Stamps was our digital sponsor
last week.  Entry #155 - Maxine D.
has won three (3) images
of choice from the
fun and charming Bugaboo Stamps.

Our Top Three Are:
#159 - Natasa
#149 - Rebecca Billard
Please email Karen or leave a comment
if you'd like a Top 3 Badge for your blog.

May God bless all our AWESOME sponsors.
We appreciate them all SO very much!
Here's Some Inspiration to Get You Started



Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Challenge #212 - Anything Goes

Welcome back, everyone!  It's hard to believe that we are in December already.  This is the last month of our weekly challenges.  Starting in January of 2016, we will be switching to a bi-weekly (every other Wednesday) challenge format.  We have two more great sponsors this week, two talented Co-Guest Designers, and lots of great prizes.  We are SO glad that you've chosen to join us, and we look forward to seeing the wonderful projects you link with us this week.  Thanks for joining us!

This week's word art was created for you using a beautiful scripture from Isaiah 7:14.  This verse tells us that God sent a sign (a proof or demonstration to fulfill His promise) to us when He sent Jesus Christ.  It absolutely breaks my heart to know that the Jews (among so many others) are still waiting for "a sign", and ultimately; for the Messiah, the promised one.  When God sent this sign, He sent Jesus Christ to become the perfect sacrifice (God in human flesh) for our sinfulness.  He allowed a virgin, a young woman who was of marrying age (ready for marriage), and ready to be used of God.  Although nothing could have prepared Mary for what she was about to experience, she was chosen and used by God.  For this reason, she is favored and blessed among women.  She is not holy, and we do not praise Mary.  Yet, we owe her a debt of gratitude for her willingness to obey God even when it was terribly scary and difficult to do so.  This should also remind all of us that even when it seems impossible to obey God, He WILL always give us the grace that is sufficient to do His perfect will.  So, God sent a sign......the promised Savior, Jesus Christ.  The verse continues on to tell that "His name shall be called Emmanuel".  This meant, literally, GOD WITH US because God was going to become flesh and dwell among us.  How exciting!  It would have been so amazing to live during this time, and to actually have seen Jesus.  But here's some amazing news......we can see Jesus!  When we place our eternal faith in this good news - that God sent His perfect Son, Jesus Christ, to come to earth and die as a full payment for our sins; we can KNOW FOR SURE that when we die, WE WILL SEE JESUS!  There is no better news than that.  What a wonderful gift He gave us.  Now, we need to be certain to share this great gift with others, and tell everyone about the gift of salvation that is available through trusting in the blood of Jesus Christ.  I can't think of a better gift to share with others at Christmas time.

As always, you are welcome to save this week's free scripture/word art file to your computer, but are not required to use it in order to play along in our challenges.   We welcome you share your art with us; remembering that Anything Goes as long as it's family-friendly, and uses an encouraging or uplifting sentiment. This includes any type of altered or digital art (not just limited to cards).  You may link up to five (5) projects each week. The more you enter, the more you increase your odds of winning.  It is our desire that God's Word will be a blessing and encouragement to you each week. If you have any questions about the rules, be sure to read the complete list of rules under our page tab for "Challenge Rules".  Because our ultimate goal is to honor God, we have no other choice but to delete any entries that do not adhere to our guidelines.  Let us know if you have any questions, and thanks for your understanding and participation!
Here is this week's word art.  We hope
that it will be a blessing to you.

Here are this week's AMAZING sponsors:
Crafty Individuals is an awesome store.
Located in the UK, they carry ALL the big names in
crafting, and you're sure to find EVERYTHING
you could need.  One lucky person will receive
a £15 gift certificate to this fun store.
Click here to shop Crafty Individuals.
AND
Bugaboo Stamps is our Digital Sponsor
this week.  One lucky person will win
three (3) images of choice from the
fun and charming Bugaboo Stamps.
Check out About our Sponsors to read
more about the fabulous Bugaboo Stamps.

AND NOW......Two More Lucky Winners:
Pretty Little Studio is an ADORABLE shop
filled with whimsical ephemera, die-cuts,
journalling cards and flair to sweeten up
ALL your cards and projects.  The lucky person
who has won a $25 Gift Certificate to spend
at Pretty Little Studio
is Lucky Entry #205 - Lynne Kirsche
AND
Our digital sponsor last week was the sweet
Imagine That Digis by Kris
Entry #43 - Natasha P.
has won her choice of any
three (3) images from the adorable
Imagine That Digis by Kris

Our Top Three Are:
#73 - Carol Gill
#132 - Kava
#138 - Theresa Kline
Please email Karen or leave a comment
if you'd like a Top 3 Badge for your blog.

May God bless all our amazing sponsors.
We appreciate them all SO very much!
Here's Some Inspiration to Get You Started

Using Sponsor, Bugaboo Image