Anything Goes - Weeks #368 - #369

WELCOME!   We're SO glad to have you stop by Word Art Wednesday to share your art with us.  It's a brand new year, and we're so excited about all that God continues to do through this challenge blog.  We've watched Him provide for us year after year, and we're very grateful to Him for the growth we've seen as well as all the AMAZING sponsors He's given us for 2019.  You might notice some old favorites, and even some new sponsors this year.   You can see the complete list on the side-bar, and if you click on any of those images, you will be taken directly to those fabulous shops.  We do hope you will check out these awesome stores and support the companies who so generously give to others in the crafting community.  We also have a brand new Design Team Member, and I hope you will give her a warm welcome.  God has given us the sweetest group of card-makers who love Him and desire to honor Him through their art.  It's going to be yet another great year!

The scripture for our word art is Ephesians 6:11 which says "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil".  The verses go on to describe the entire "armor" God has provided us which includes protection for chest (the breastplate of righteousness), the loins (with truth), the feet (with the gospel of peace), the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, etc.  I like to think of it like a hockey player.  If you've ever watched an NHL game, you will quickly learn how physical and rough the game can get.  The players wouldn't dream of taking the ice without their helmet and face shield, their pads, and all the necessary layers of protection.  We wouldn't even want to think about the levels of harm they would experience if they weren't properly protected.  Well, the armor of God is much the same in the lives of Christians.  We're going out every day into a dangerous world; and facing enemies/competitors of a different kind.  When we aren't properly equipped with the full armor of God, we too can expect to get hurt.  This is why God gives us all the protection we need.  The belt of truth helps us to live right and stay grounded in our faith, the breastplate of righteousness guards our hearts from Satan's attacks, our feet being shod with peace allows us to go and boldly tell others about God's love, the shield of faith allows us to live without any doubts and to rest assured that God is always in control, the helmet of salvation gives us our eternal hope so that we never have to worry about our eternal destiny, and the sword of the spirit is the blessed Word of God that guides and comforts us.  Another "weapon" we have is the power of prayer giving us direct access to God.  Life is difficult.  I think we can ALL agree on that.  But God doesn't just throw us out there to fend for ourselves.  He has given us a complete armor to protect us; but the armor only works when we put it on and use it.  The hockey player's head isn't protected when his helmet sits on the bench.  Owning the equipment isn't enough.  It must be used properly in order to work.  What a blessing to know that God loves us SO MUCH that He provided all this protection for us while we live here on earth.  Let's all be sure to put on the armor every day and go out boldly to face anything that comes our way.  We are NEVER alone!

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, for a total of ten (10) entries per two-week challenge. 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.

Check out our AWESOME sponsor for this challenge:

Clearly Besotted Stamps & Dies is a new
sponsor for us, and just wait until you see
what this DARLING shop has to offer.
You will find the sweetest stamps, dies,
stencils and so much more.  One lucky
participant will win a 15 pound prize
to spend at this DELIGHTFUL shop.

AND NOW......Two More Happy Winners:

Stamp Simply Clear Stamps is our

sponsor for this challenge.  This

lovely shopped is filled with the

sweetest stamps, dies, and all a

crafter/card-maker could ever want.

One lucky person has won either two

stamp sets of choice; or one stamp set

and one die-cut set of their choice.  And

that lucky person is......

Entry #41 - Billie

AND

Graciellie Design is our Digital Sponsor

for this challenge.  They have the sweetest

stamp sets and so much more.  You can view

the entire Graciellie Design Etsy Shop here.

One lucky person has won a $10 credit

to spend at the fabulous Graciellie Design

It's Entry #19 - Lagene

And Our Top 3 Honors Go To:
Entry #61 - Kathy Schweinfurth
Entry #76 - Meghan

Entry #101 - Marjeta

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

May God bless all our AWESOME sponsors.

We appreciate them all SO very much!

AND NOW.....Here's a bit of inspiration to get you started:

Our Sponsor, Clearly Besotted Stamps & Dies

Featuring their DARLING new Twinkle Toes

Stamps & Coordinating Twinkle Toes Dies

Our January Guest Designer, Gail Scott

Our New DT Member, Holly Lau

Natalie Houston

JoAnn Atterbury

Maxine Diffey

Tamara Dixon

Stephanie Wright

Karen Letchworth

An InLinkz Link-up