Challenge Weeks #258-259 - Anything Goes

Hey there, artists and crafty blog friends!  We're so glad you've stopped by for our new challenge.  As we draw close to Thanksgiving, this is a great time to GIVE THANKS to God for all the blessings in our lives.  We are very grateful for His blessings on our blog, on us personally, and for each of you who stops by to share your art with us.  We encourage YOU to take time this week to thank God for all the blessings in your life.  God is so good!

Let's take a look at 2 Corinthians 9:15, the scripture for our new word art.  This verse says, "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."  If you have small children, this is an easy verse for them to memorize (at Thanksgiving and always) to acknowledge that we need to thank God for the incredible gift He has given us.  So, what is this "unspeakable" gift He has given us?  Well, to be perfectly honest, He has given us MANY wonderful gifts.  He has given us His unconditional love through Jesus Christ, He has given us His Holy Spirit who pours out His love for us into our hearts and who comforts us when we need Him.  However, there is one particular gift that God has given us that truly merits the designation of being "unspeakable", and that is the gift of eternal life through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  This supreme act of love He made towards us is called "unspeakable" because mere words can't express what an astounding and eternal gift this is.  Because we are all sinners, we deserve to be separated from God forever in a dark pit of fire called Hell (and yes, it's a very real and literal place).  But because God loves us SO much, He provided a way for us to spend eternity with Him by becoming human flesh and coming to this earth to give Himself as the only perfect sacrifice that could satisfy the great debt for all the sins of mankind.  There was no other way to bridge the gap and allow us to come to the Father.  His unspeakable gift means that we don't have to fear Hell.  We can KNOW FOR SURE that we will spend our eternity in Heaven with Him simply by accepting this unspeakable gift, confessing our sinful condition, and asking Him to save us from our sinful ways and help us to live for Him.  He paid the price, and we get the gift.  That is truly a gift worth more than anything.  Will you accept this gift?  He is waiting for YOU.  Happy Thanksgiving!  I know I'm sure thankful to God for His unspeakable gift.

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 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.

Here is our AWESOME SPONSOR for this new 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 ever want,
and one lucky person will win a generous $25 Gift
Certificate to spend at this WONDERFUL store.

Someone will win a $25 Gift Certificate
from our good friends at Simon Says Stamp

But in order to win, you need to link up!

AND NOW......OUR LUCKY WINNER!!!

Shoppe 3130 is an amazing, and super sweet on-line
store where you can find SO many lovely goodies for
weddings, parties, crafting and so much more.
One lucky person has won a fabulous prize package
from Shoppe 3130.  This prize package includes:
20 pieces of wool felt, paper straws, baker's twine,
craft elastic, paper scraps, tissue scraps and fabric glue.
WOW!!  Shoppe 3130 carries SO many fun items!
We hope you will CHECK OUT this awesome shoppe!
The Lucky Winner is - Entry #201 - Patty Sue 2

We also have a re-draw for another unclaimed
prize.  This prize package will now go to
Entry #13 - Melissa Sunshine Honeybee

And Our Top 3 Honors Go To:
Entry# 25 - Maxine D.
Entry #197 - Jacky
Entry #321 - Julie G.

Please email Karen if you'd like a
Top 3 Badge for your blog.  All winners
must also email us per the Rules Page.

May God bless all our AWESOME sponsors.

We appreciate them all SO very much!

AND NOW.....Here's some inspiration to get you started:

Our November Guest Designer, Asha Martins

Lori Ulrich

Cheryl Scrivens

Natalie Houston

JoAnn Atterbury

Ginny Maxam

Stephanie Wright

Using Sponsor Products from Simon Says Stamp

A2 Curved Edge Die

Audrey Blue Cardstock,

Audrey Blue Ink and Maliblue Ink (on the banner on the sentiment)