Word Art Wednesday: Challenge Weeks #302-303

Welcome back this week! We're all set for another fabulous challenge, and we're very grateful to have YOU join us. We have a lucky winner to announce, two awesome sponsors for this challenge, a lovely scripture file, and lots of fun to be had. So, let's get started!

Our word art/scripture for this challenge is 1 Timothy 4:12 and it says, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." When Timothy began his ministry, he was considered to be "young" (or at least younger than the elders of that time who commanded respect because of their age). So what he was trying to teach us is that we should never allow our youth (or age, or anything else we might use) as an excuse that would hinder us from being used by God. Each of us has an effect on people (our children, our spouse, our friends and relatives, and even on strangers) by the way we live and the words we speak - even HOW we speak them. This verse teaches us that we need to be an example: 1) "in word" which refers to the words we speak - we should choose words that are encouraging and positive; not slanderous or argumentative so that others criticize us or get a bad taste about Christianity. 2) "in conversation" which refers to our conduct (verbally and in our actions) so that we live our lives in a way that draws people to Christ; and not push them away. The manner in which we say things shouldn't be sarcastic or bossy; but should be spoken in wisdom and love. 3) "in charity" which means that we should do things in love (or in a loving way) so that we reflect God's great love towards us; and to show our love and compassion for others. 4) "in spirit" which means with a controlled temper and in a way that shows people that Christ dwells in us and that His Holy Spirit has control/guidance over our lives. 5) "in faith" which refers to sincere and constant belief of, and adherence to, the truth of Jesus Christ and His Word. When we live our lives in faith, we show the world that we are secure in what we believe and that God has given us the strength to handle what comes our way. And finally, 6) "in purity" which refers to sexual purity. (touchy subject, but.....) God wants us to have control over all aspects of our lives so that we don't do anything that would disgrace His holy name. We need to have control over our sexuality (as with every aspect of our lives) so that we don't give the world any reason to doubt our commitment to God, or give the enemy (Satan) a way to tempt us. Besides, sexual sin results in a multitude of other problems in our lives. Even if we've made mistakes in the past, He will forgive our sins if we confess them and ask Him to give us a new start. We can begin anew, and move forward doing our very best to live our lives with ALL aspects under control so that we bring honor and glory to His name. It's never too late to put aside past sin and excuses, and start living for Him and being used by God to be a positive influence on others (and for ourselves). The Christian life truly is the best life. Sure, we all sin...but God wants us to have true joy, and it only comes through surrendering it ALL to Him and living according to His teachings. It's the #blessedlife

As always, you are welcome to save the free scripture/word art file to your computer, but are never 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.

Our WONDERFUL sponsors for the challenge are:

Stix 2 Anything is a FABULOUS shop!
They carry adhesives, glues, papers,
and SO many cool crafting items. They
have prepared an AWESOME gift pack
of adhesives for our lucky winner!
Check out Stix2Anything Here!

AND

Gracielle Design is a LOVELY shop carrying

the sweetest digital images. They can be used

to create scrapbook layouts, cards and SO much

more. Gracie's images emboss so nicely. Take a

peek at Gracielle Design here.

You can enjoy some of their sample below!

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

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
for scrapbooking, card-making, and SO much more.
One very lucky person has won a generous $25 Gift
Certificate to spend at this WONDERFUL store.

One VERY lucky randomly-selected person has won
a $25 Gift Certificate from our friends, and
primary sponsor this year, Simon Says Stamp.

That lucky person gets to spend $25 at

Simon Says Stamp HOWEVER they choose!

It's Entry #149 - Larissa Heskett Designs

And Our Top 3 Honors Go To:
Entry #154 - Leanne S.

Entry #175 - Berina Febin
Entry #209 - Anna

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:

Desire Fourie, Our September Guest Designer