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

#140 - Jennifer Scull

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

December Guest Designer, Birgit Norton

December Guest Designer, Autumn Clark

Carole Robb Bisson

Ginny Maxam

JoAnn Atterbury

Heather Dennis

Natalie Houston

Stephanie Wright

Karen Letchworth

An InLinkz Link-up