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

December Guest Designer, Birgit Norton

December Guest Designer, Autumn Clark

Carole Robb Bisson

Ginny Maxam

JoAnn Atterbury

Using Sponsor, Bugaboo Image

Called Mary and Joseph With Child

Lori Ulrich

Natalie Houston

Stephanie Wright

An InLinkz Link-up