Challenge #218 - Anything Goes

Welcome to Word Art Wednesday.  I hope you're all ready for another fun challenge.  There a few things I want to mention before we get started.  First, I'm having some troubles commenting on Splitcoast Stampers.  If you link up through SCS, please don't ever feel that I don't appreciate your entries.  It's just a glitch I'm having with not being able to get in there to comment.  Second, I've heard some people say that the competition is really tough now that we've gone to a two-week challenge and there are so many more entries each week.  While it's true that there are more entries, please know that we always use random.org to select our winners.  I always pray that God will have His hand in picking the person who really needs that special pick-me-up that week.  But even if you don't win the prize, please know how VERY much we appreciate your participation in our challenges.  We consider you ALL winners!  Also, as I touched on last week; please realize that we use the King James Version of the Bible for our word art/scriptures.  While you may think you're being "helpful" or witty in leaving comments about what you think is the proper spelling of certain words, we would really appreciate you not leaving this type of negative comment.  God's Word, in its original form, isn't always familiar to those who aren't accustomed to KJV, but the words ARE spelled correctly.  Please keep your comments positive, and remember that we don't point out errors on other people's blogs.  It's our desire to build up and encourage one another.....and never to put down anyone. We'd appreciate the same respect.  Finally, we are here to have FUN.  Let's all try to encourage each other; remembering always that NOBODY is perfect.  That's why we need Jesus.

Our word art/scripture this week is Isaiah 45:2.  When God says, "I will go before thee", He's letting us know that He has already traveled this road and knows our struggles.  He walked this route before us to clear the path for us and remove the obstacles in our way.  When we read "I will break in pieces the gates of brass", He is assuring us that He will destroy those who stand in our way, and carry us through our greatest difficulties (the uphill climb).  When He "makes the crooked places straight", He's telling us that even when we do hit those "speed bumps" in our path, He has prepared a path to make the journey easier.  If we are seeking Him (rather than trying to maneuver our own journey), He will smooth out the road and give us clear direction for our journey.  It's like getting lost on a trip while your GPS sits in the glove box.  God wants so desperately to guide us and give us the directions we need, but we cannot ignore all the signs He has put up to guide us on our trip.  So the next time you feel overwhelmed in travelling your pathway, look to Jesus and listen to the instructions He has given you in His precious Word.  The answers are always there when we stop and listen to what He is trying to tell us.  Don't be "that guy" who won't stop and ask for directions.  God has gone before us, and He wants to make our roadway clear and straight. We simply need to allow Him to show us the way, and trust that He knows the best route even when we think there's a better route.  Trust God to lead (remember.....He made the roadways).

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 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. 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.  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.

Our AWESOME sponsor for this challenge is:

The Stamps of Life is a WONDERFUL and super sweet
stamp shop.  They carry stamps, dies, and all sorts of
sweet embellishments and supplies.  One lucky person
will win a new stamp of choice (up to $12.99 value)
from their adorable shop.  Check it out!
AND

The Cutting Cafe is our FABULOUS digital sponsor
this week.  They carry cutting files and digital files
for making the CUTEST projects.  What a FUN prize
worth playing for.  Check out their goodies here
at The Cutting Cafe.

AND NOW.......Our VERY Lucky Winner:

Simon Says Stamp was our sponsor for the last challenge,
and this VERY lucky person has won a generous
$25 Gift Certificate to spend at their WONDERFUL
store.  DRUM ROLL PLEASE.........
It's Entry #397 - Tammy Hershberger

AND, Our Top Three This Week Are:
Entry #132 - Helen Gullett
Entry #456 - Poli Hristova
Entry #405 - Hussena

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

January Guest Designer, Shaz In Oz

Carole Robb Bisson

Ginny Maxam

JoAnn Atterbury

Charity Chamberlain

Lori Ulrich

Natalie Houston

Cassandra Cushman

Stephanie Wright

Karen Letchworth

An InLinkz Link-up