Wednesday, January 20, 2016

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




24 comments:

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

I love the strength and courage in this week's Bible verse. Blessings!

Tammy Hershberger said...

Oh my word, how blessed am I?!?!?! I discovered your challenge last week through another stamper, and just knew I wanted to play along, and now am the lucky winner of a gift certificate to my favorite store! HELLO, stamp set I've been dying to order! :) Thank you so much! I will get an email sent to Karen right away! (And I would most certainly say that prayers were answered... you said "I always pray that God will have His hand in picking the person who really needs that special pick-me-up that week." And I am having an incredibly frustrating day at work today, and getting this news has most definitely brightened my day! Thank you again, SO MUCH!)

Teresa Arsenault said...

Wow. Marvelous designs by the team. I love all the variety. Thanks for this challenge and for always leaving such lovely comments on my blog.
hugs,
Teresa

Beebeebabs said...

Very nice work DT

Cynthia said...

Thanks for the devotional and fabulous DT inspiration!

Tricia Coffin said...

That was a good word in your first paragraph, Karen. I agree. The scripture verse this week is great for a card of encouragement. The card samples displayed are works of art. Thanks for being here!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous creations always!! I always enjoy them! Love JoAnn's with that amazing ship scene. Gorgeous! Always amazing art :) Fantastic inspiration! Thanks for another fun challenge!

- Susan, {Scrap A Thousand Words}
{Sentimental Susan - Etsy}
{Sentimental Susan - Zibbet}
{Open-Minded Crafting Fun Challenges}

Karen said...

Such beautiful creations from everyone! Smiles.
Thank you for another wonderful challenge.xx

Granmargaret said...

Thank you for another challenge. Lovely work by the design team.

Karen said...

Beautiful words and lovely creations... thank you for inspiring us so richly every single week. :o)

Hugs and blessings,
Karen

Migdalia said...

Thank you for another wonderful challenge and lovely scripture.
Beautiful DT creations. Congrats to all winners!
Have a blessed day,
Migdalia
Crafting With Creative M

Поли Христова said...

Thank you from all my heart for being in TOP 3!I appreciate this:)!Be very happy!Poli Hristova

Bunny said...

Lovely DT work. Thank you for the challenge.

Tammy Hershberger said...

I am SO glad to have discovered this challenge! Just added my entry... thanks again for another challenge! And thank you to everyone who have left me the nicest comments! Truly a blessing!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad I was able to join you this year and what a line up this week... I'm located at #290!

Wonderful cards and inspiration and thanks so much for the challenge and your inspirational scriptures that we can use!

Hugs and Blessings from Jemima aka Jemima's Digital Boutique

Ольга said...

Thank you for inviting me to blog. This wonderful blog. I am also a Christian. I live in Ukraine. Poorly know English, but I believe that this will not be an obstacle. Jesus Christ unites all.

Karen Petitt said...

Thank for another fabulous challenge ladies, your inspirations are wonderful, so beautiful and rich. Karen x

Diana Lynn Martin said...

Amazing creations by the DT, as always! Thank you for another fun and inspiring challenge!

Diana ♥
Leelee Card Designs

America said...

Thanks for the inspiration from the amazing DT makes. Fab Challenge Blog.

suzARTe said...

Thanks for another challenge, I always enjoy playing along :)

Kslet said...

Спасибо за приятный комментарий и приглашение. Рада участвовать в вызове. Это место Писания явилось для меня большим благословением. Спасибо!

Nancy said...

Wow! I haven't been here for a while but there have been a few changes! Such beautiful DT projects, and so many, many gorgeous entries! :o)

Hussena said...

Thank you so much for choosing my card in the Top 3. Sorry I completely missed out on this post. Congrats to the other winners as well. :)

Hussena said...

I would love to get the Top 3 badge. :)