Challenge Weeks #224-#225 - Anything Goes

Welcome back, everyone.  WOW, did we ever see some AMAZING projects in the last challenge.  You are all SO very talented, and we're grateful beyond words that you take the time to link up and share your art with us.  We honestly wish that we could send you each a prize because you're ALL winners in our book.  Even picking a Top 3 is difficult because you are all such amazing artists. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful creations with us.  We're already looking forward to seeing more of your amazing art in this new challenge, and we have our AWESOME sponsor, Simon Says Stamp back with us again this time.  Woo hoo!!

Our scripture for the word art is a well-known (and very popular) Bible verse, Matthew 11:28.  It tells us, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest".  This is a beautiful and comforting verse as God tells us that we are welcome to approach Him, and assures us that He will give us the rest that no other person (being or entity) can offer us.  We've learned before (2 Corinthians 12:8-10) that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, and that He wants to be our fortress and source of strength.  What a blessing to know that we can freely come to Jesus when our physical, spiritual and mental bodies are exhausted; and that He will give us complete rest that will comfort and strengthen us.  God knows and understands how tired we get, and knows how hard we work.  Remember, He became flesh and dwelt among us.  He experienced every physical burden that we experience (including being tired from working).  This verse also refers to the fact that we are burdened by the weight of our sin, and that we are now able to come directly to God through Jesus Christ to receive what no one else can offer - immediate and eternal rest.  And this "rest" is an escape from the weight of our sins.  Because of what God (Jesus Christ) did on the cross, we are now able to come directly to Him and receive forgiveness and freedom from our sins; allowing us to find the peace our troubled hearts desire.  Loving and living for God isn't a crutch (like some people say); but rather, it's exactly what our sinful condition calls for.  Only God (Jesus Christ) can give us that true rest.  It's a way out of our sinfulness and a way to escape what we, in actuality, deserve......an eternity in Hell - separated from God forever.  So, when Jesus says these VERY vital and loving words......"COME UNTO ME", it's not just for our benefit here on this earth.  When we "come to Him", we receive forgiveness, closeness, peace, rest, and ETERNAL LIFE.  We encourage you if you've never done it before, let today be the day that you "Come unto Him" and receive the rest you're looking for; both on this earth and for all eternity.  Not one of us knows the day of our death.  But we can ALL know FOR SURE where we are going when we die.  Don't ever let your eternity be a guess.  KNOW FOR SURE that you WILL spend eternity with Him in Heaven, and let today be the day that you answer God's call to "COME UNTO ME".

As always, you are welcome to save the 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 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 atempting 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.

AND NOW.......Our AWESOME Sponsor for this challenge:

Simon Says Stamp is  your one-stop place for ALL
the latest and greatest scrapbook and card-making
supplies.  They have everything you could want,
and one lucky person will win a generous $25 Gift
Certificate to spend at this WONDERFUL store.

AND NOW......THREE Very Lucky Winners:

The Kraft Outlet is an AWESOME store that
specializes in kraft note cards, kraft labels,
and SO much more.  This lucky person will
enjoy a $15 Gift Certificate to spend at
The Kraft Outlet.
It's Entry #209 - Cherry's Jubilee

AND

Want to know who has won a

package of the GORGEOUS Dove Grey

Seam Binding from Kraft Outlet??

It's Entry #122 - Christine Miller

AND

Imagine That Digi Stamps was our sweet
digital sponsor for the last challenge.  They
have oodles and oodles of ADORABLE
images.  Someone has won themself
THREE (3) images of choice from the
super sweet Imagine That Digi Stamps.
That lucky winner of new digis is
Entry #321 - Natasa P.

AND, Our Top Three Honors Go To:
Entry #26 - Maryvonne
Entry #146 - Sierra Winters
Entry #199 - Sandie's Card Garden

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

Our March Guest Designer, Dottie Seubert

Carole Robb Bisson

Using Simon Says Stamp exclusive wafer dies

called Gift Card Slot die.  Super cute!

JoAnn Atterbury

Using Sponsor, Simon Says Stamp

Oh Happy Day Stamp Set

for her leaves

Natalie Houston

Using Sponsor Stamp and Die Set

Melody's Easter from our Sponsor,

Simon Says Stamp

Lori Ulrich

Coming Soon

Cassandra Cushman

Stephanie Wright

Using Sponsor Stamp Sets from

Simon Says Stamp called

Christmas Cats (for the hearts)

and Gingham Background Stamp

Karen Letchworth

An InLinkz Link-up