Anything Goes - Challenge #360-#361

Welcome by again for another fun and fabulous challenge here at Word Art Wednesday.  We have two awesome sponsors, two lucky winners, our Top 3,  a Guest Design Team Call for 2019, a beautiful (free) digital word art/scripture file, a brief devotional by Stephanie Wright, and a new link-up. Please let me know if you're interested in applying to be a Guest Designer for 2019.  Let's get started with these thoughts from Stephanie on this sweet piece of God's Word.   -Psalm 26:7

As we look at our focus verse for this challenge, we see that it is all about praising the Lord and bringing glory to His name. We are to tell others of all the wonderful things He has done for us and to do so with thanksgiving. It is a privilege to thank the Lord for what He’s done.

Daily gratitude challenges are popular on social media during the month of November. I’ve seen them criticized because “we should be thankful every day; not just during one month of the year.”  That is absolutely true. However, being humans, we tend to be forgetful. Do we truly express our gratitude daily? If so, do we do so publicly? I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a challenge to remind us to be grateful for everything - big and small, with which the Lord has blessed us. And, just maybe, after expressing our thanksgiving for 30 days, we’ll develop the habit to continue even after November is long gone.

Expressing our thanksgiving to the Lord for the wonderful things He has done in our lives is important in our daily quiet time with Him. It is a type of worship to acknowledge how He’s working in our lives and thanking Him for it. It is also a great testimony to others to openly express our gratitude for the blessings we have and to give the Lord the praise for those things. It’s more than saying, “I’m thankful I have a good job.” Believers and non-believers would express the same. It brings the Lord glory for us to say, “I’m so thankful that the Lord worked out the details for me to have such a good job.” This puts the focus where it belongs. Developing a spirit of thankfulness and expressing it openly and frequently will lift our own spirits and change our attitude. Let’s not only be thankful people, but let us also be open in expressing our thanksgiving to the Lord.

Written by:   - Stephanie Wright

As always, you are welcome to save the free scripture/word art file to your computer, but are never required to use it in order to play along in our challenges.   We welcome you share your all 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, for a total of ten (10) entries per two-week challenge. 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 as we share it. 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.  Please know that this doesn't mean we are judging anyone.  We're simply attempting to honor God and follow His rules.  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.

Check out our AWESOME sponsors for this challenge:

Our dear friends at Stamp Simply

Clear Stamps are sponsoring this

challenge by offering one lucky person

their choice of any two stamp sets,

or one stamp set and one die-cut

set.  Be sure to stop by and check

out all the fabulous stamps (and SO

much more) at Stamp Simply.

AND

Our digital sponsor for this challenge

is the lovely shop of

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.

There's so much to see in this lovely

shop, (digital and acrylic stamps and

much more); so be sure to stop on by

to look around at Sweet 'n Sassy.

And Now.....Two More Lucky Winners:

Pretty Little Studio is an ADORABLE shop

filled with whimsical vintage die-cuts,

nostalgique ephemera pieces, stickers, flair

& so much more.  One lucky person has won

this prize package from their adorable

shop (see photo below) which includes:

Tinsel Town

Winter Joy

Holly Jolly

Christmas Joy

+ 2 vintage die-cuts

This lucky winner is

Entry #16 - Janis Lewis

AND

Located in the UK, our second sponsor was

Sitx 2 Anything and they offered one

very lucky random participant a prize

package filled with various adhesives.

Be sure to stop by Stix 2 Anything to see all

that's new (and all your old favorites) in

the way of awesome adhesives.  This lucky

winner is Entry #75 - Hazel's Handmade Crafts

And Our Top 3 Honors Go To:
Entry #67 - KT Fit Kitty

Entry #97 - Paper Beauty AK
Entry #236 -  Esther

Please email Karen if you'd like a
Top 3 Badge for your blog.  All winners
must also email Karen per the Rules Page.

May God bless all our AWESOME sponsors.

We appreciate them all SO very much!

AND NOW.....Here's a bit of inspiration to get you started:

Deborah Saaranen of Stamp Simply

Using Autumn Blessings and All Occasions

Sentiments from Stamp Simply Clear Stamps

Sheri Holt from the Stamp Simply

Clear Stamps Design Team Using

Autumn Blessings and Welcome Fall

Our November Guest Designer, Tina Riley

Natalie Houston

Using Images from our Sponsor,

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps called

Cocoa's Latte and Winter Birds

Dottie Seubert

Maxine Diffey

Jo Ann Atterbury

Using Sponsor Stamp Set

Words of Encouragement from

Stamp Simply Clear Stamps

Tamara Dixon

Using the Pumpkin Kitty image

from sponsor, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps

Stephanie Wright

Using  a gorgeous set from

Stamp Simply Clear Stamps

called Sunflower Combo

An InLinkz Link-up

Anything Goes - Weeks #358-#359

Hello all!  It's time for another fabulous challenge, and we're super happy you're here to join in the fun.  We have two amazing sponsors/prizes, and lots of fabulous inspiration to get you started.  As some of you already know, I'm recovering from shoulder surgery.  While I did manage to make a card for the challenge, I leaned on the wisdom and strength of my team for the devotional.  The following was written by our dear friend, and my sweet sister in the Lord; Jo Ann Atterbury.   I hope her words will be a blessing to you!

Proverbs 9:10  - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Before I came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, I grew up knowing that there is a God.  Though it was more of a religion than a relationship with Him, I knew that He watches over me and knows my every thought.  I was familiar with the Ten Commandments and tried my very best to obey them.  But I also struggled with fear.  I was terrified of what God's punishment would be every time I violate a commandment or two.  After all, I was taught that God rewards the faithful and punishes the disobedient.

So needless to say, I feared the Lord greatly. But hey, even in my limited understanding of God those days, that fear kept me out of many troubles. The fear of the Lord is defined as "the continual awareness that our loving heavenly Father is watching everything we think, say and do.”  When we ignore God in our lives, we deprive ourselves of understanding His ways, His love and His power.  Those who fear the Lord have a continual awareness of Him, a deep reverence for Him, and sincere commitment to obey Him. Their fear causes them to focus on the Lord, and walk in wisdom while avoiding foolishness.

Today, nearly thirty years since I came to know God in a deeper and personal way through the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross, my fear of Him has transformed into respect (out of love for God) and awe (of His greatness).  I am fearful of doing anything contrary to His plan and purpose in my life.  Because I value Him greatly, I desire to know His ways and deliver only what is pleasing to Him.  Therefore, I seek His Word and meditate on His promises daily that in my knowledge and understanding of Him, I would gain wisdom to choose and walk the path He has prepared for me.  This is also our prayer and hope for you.

As always, you are welcome to save the free scripture/word art file to your computer, but are never required to use it in order to play along in our challenges.   We welcome you share your all 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, for a total of ten (10) entries per two-week challenge. 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 as we share it. 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.  Please know that this doesn't mean we are judging anyone.  We're simply attempting to honor God and follow His rules.  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.

Check out our AWESOME sponsors for this challenge:

Pretty Little Studio is an ADORABLE shop

filled with whimsical vintage die-cuts,

nostalgique ephemera pieces, stickers, flair

& so much more.  One lucky person will win

this prize package from their adorable

shop (see photo below) which includes:

Tinsel Town

Winter Joy

Holly Jolly

Christmas Joy

+ 2 vintage die-cuts

Be sure to stop by and look around at

Pretty Little Studio.  Also, enjoy some DT

samples below featuring their products.

AND

Located in the UK, our second sponsor is

Sitx 2 Anything and they are offering one

very lucky random participant a prize

package filled with various adhesives.

Be sure to stop by Stix 2 Anything to see all

that's new (and all your old favorites) in

the way of awesome adhesives.  It's amazing!

AND NOW.....Two More Lucky Winners:

Our friends at Honey Bee Stamps have

graciously offered one VERY lucky

person a $25 Gift Certificate to their

ADORABLE shop filled with the

sweetest stamps, Honey Cuts (metal dies),

Embellishments, and SO much more.

Be sure to stop by Honey Bee Stamps

to look around.  The very lucky person

who has won this FABULOUS prize is....

Entry #201 - Judy1223 Judy's Card Corner

AND 

Our digital sponsor for the last challenge was

the AMAZING Graciellie Design.  If you're

not familiar with this sweet shop, please stop

by their lovely Etsy Shop to look around.

The creative possibilities are endless with

these sweet images.  One lucky person

has won a $10 Gift Certificate to spend

on their choice of products from the lovely

Graciellie Design Digital Shop.

It's Entry #227 - Liliane Carvalho

And Our Top 3 Honors Go To:
Entry #1 - Shaz in Oz

Entry #18 - Joy Wilson
Entry #203 - Amy Marshall

Please email Karen if you'd like a
Top 3 Badge for your blog.  All winners
must also email Karen per the Rules Page.

May God bless all our AWESOME sponsors.

We appreciate them all SO very much!

AND NOW.....Here's a bit of inspiration to get you started:

Aimee Maddern from Pretty Little Studio

sharing a project she made last year using

some of the same products found in the

prize package being offered.

Jeanne Jachna from the Pretty Little Studio

Design Team sharing a card featuring their

Savannah Dreams Collection.  Darling!

Jinny Newlin from Pretty Little Studio Design Team

sharing this sweet card set using the adorable

  You + Me 8×8, Take Note 8×8, Mixed Bag Die Cuts,

Bloomin’ Blooms Die Cuts

Feeling Playful 8×8

Arthur Vintage Die Cut

Caleb Vintage Die Cut

Clare Brown from the Stix2Anything DT

is sharing this sweet card which uses

a  Card Base secured with Foam Pads, 

Green Die-Cut Tree attached using PVA Glue.

Red Die-Cut Heart secured with Foam Pads,

And her "snow" which was created by using

a 2-in-1 Glue Pen & some Iridescent Glitter.

Our October Guest Designer, Martha Lucia Gomez

Natalie Houston

Jo Ann Atterbury

Dottie Seubert

 

Maxine Diffey

Tamara Dixon

Stephanie Wright

Karen Letchworth Using Sponsor Product

from Pretty Little Studio called

You & Me Flair (decorative owl pin)

An InLinkz Link-up

Anything Goes - Weeks #356 - #357

Welcome back to Word Art Wednesday, everyone.  It's such a treat to have you here to join us for another fabulous challenge, and we appreciate your participation so much.  We have two FABULOUS sponsors for this challenge and some Guest Designers from these companies, as well as our own October Guest Designer.  If you happen to use product on any of your entries during this challenge that come from either of our sponsors, please leave a comment on this post to let me know.  In addition to our two fabulous prizes from our sponsors, I will pick one more winner from all those entries using sponsor product.  That lucky person will receive a special prize package from me....and I've got some really fabulous goodies to give away.   So, let's get started!

The scripture for this piece of word art is Galatians 6:2 which says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ".  What was the law of Christ?  Well, let's remember that God said...."a new commandment I give to you, that you LOVE one another".  Rather than try to explain this verse in some deep theological manner, I'd simply like to share something with you that I experienced earlier this month which (in my opinion) sort of sums up the meaning of this verse.  One of the greatest blessings we have in the Christian life is the sweet fellowship of other believers, and our ability to intercede for one another in prayer.  I had a really crummy week physically in early October.  That often tends to get us down in the dumps, right?  Well, such was the case with me.  My husband has been out of town and I've been going through a lot physically.  So, while I was lying on the couch feeling crummy; I got an email from my blog friend, Gail, sharing a prayer request with me.  A friend of hers was requesting prayers for her husband who was dying (and has now gone on to be with the Lord).  In addition, I got a separate text from another friend saying that her back went out on her, and that she was also in great pain.  Being in quite a bit of pain myself, I could have understandably ignored these messages until I was feeling better.  But like I said, there is such great joy in bearing one another's burdens. I immediately started praying for this woman's husband, and also for her to have the strength and comfort she needs to get through this.  Suddenly, I became so overwhelmed with a feeling of gratefulness knowing that MY husband was on his way home to me.  This poor woman doesn't have that same hope.  And as I began to pray for my friend suffering with back pain, I was able to stop focussing on my own health issues and just spend quality time talking with the Lord.  It's a wonderful distraction from our pain, our stress, burdens, worries, and problems when we place focus on the needs of others and make a conscious effort to count our blessings rather than think about our woes.  God is SO GOOD; and I know that He will always take care of me.  But it was such a blessing to be able to take my mind off my own troubles and pray for the needs of others.  In turn, I knew that my friends were also praying for me.  I really encourage you to "bear one another's burdens".   When we take the time to genuinely care about the needs of others and lift them up to the Lord in prayer, we honor God and we bless others (and ourselves) in the process.  Be that person who will truly "bear one another's burdens".  I guarantee you that you will find great joy in doing so.

As always, you are welcome to save the free scripture/word art file to your computer, but are never required to use it in order to play along in our challenges.   We welcome you share your all 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, for a total of ten (10) entries per two-week challenge. 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 as we share it. 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.  Please know that this doesn't mean we are judging anyone.  We're simply attempting to honor God and follow His rules.  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.

Check out our AWESOME sponsors for this challenge:

Our friends at Honey Bee Stamps are

graciously offering one VERY lucky

person a $25 Gift Certificate to their

ADORABLE shop filled with the

sweetest stamps, Honey Cuts (metal dies),

Embellishments, and SO much more.

Be sure to stop by Honey Bee Stamps

to look around.  And....some of their

talented DT Members have shared samples

with us today to showcase their lovely

products.  I do hope you'll stop by!

AND 

Our digital sponsor for this challenge is

the AMAZING Graciellie Design.  If you're

not familiar with this sweet shop, please stop

by their lovely Etsy Shop to look around.

The creative possibilities are endless with

these sweet images.  One lucky person

will win a $10 Gift Certificate to spend

on their choice of products from the lovely

Graciellie Design Digital Shop.

AND NOW......Two More Lucky Winners:

Our friends over at The Project Bin

offered one lucky participant a

$15 Gift Certificate so that they can

select their choice of stamps in this

sweet little shop.  Be sure to stop by

The Project Bin to look around! The

lucky winner of this fabulous prize is

Entry #158 - Kristina of Crafty Paws

AND

Our digital sponsor for the last challenge

was the ADORABLE and much-loved

Bugaboo Stamps.  One lucky person now

gets to select four (4) new images of

their choice from this sweet digi shop.

It's Entry #7 - Maria Nicotra of Tiny Works

And Our Top 3 Honors Go To:
Entry #136 - Karen's Craft Creations

Entry #154 - Karolina of Cards From Heaven
Entry #193 - Nicole of Stempelfrida

Please email Karen if you'd like a
Top 3 Badge for your blog.  All winners
must also email Karen per the Rules Page.

May God bless all our AWESOME sponsors.

We appreciate them all SO very much!

AND NOW.....Here's a bit of inspiration to get you started:

Carrie Bryant from Honey Bee Stamps using

Cosmos Stamp Set, Cosmos Honey Cut (die),

Bushel & A Peck Stamp Set and coordinating

Bushel & A Peck Honey Cuts (metal dies),

and the sweet Love Bug Sentiments Stamp Set

Carol Hintermeier from Honey Bee Stamps Using
Country Blooms Stamp Set, With Sympathy and
Honey Bee Sequin Mix

Galina Flippenko from Honey Bee Stamps Using

Thinking Of You Honey Cuts (dies) and

Cloud Borders Honey Cuts

Kaja Vezensek from Honey Bee Stamps Using

Hill Borders Honey Cuts, Foxy Sentiments Stamp Set,

Feelin' Foxy Stamp Set, Feelin' Foxy Honey Cuts (dies),

Warm Wishes Stamp Set and Warm Wishes Honey Cuts

Gracie Chavez from Graciellie Design

Using Stay Cozy and Coffee Lovers

Our October Guest Designer, Martha Lucia Gomez

And Our AMAZING Design Team Members:

Natalie Houston

Using a sweet Graciellie Design Stamp Set

called Stay Cozy - Isn't this adorable?

JoAnn Atterbury using the gorgeous Daffodil

from a Graciellie Design Stamp Set

called Simple Wisdom

Dottie Seubert

Maxine Diffey

Tamara Dixon

An InLinkz Link-up