Weeks #483-484 - Anything Goes

Welcome back, everyone!  We're so glad you've stopped by to look around, and hopefully to play along in our challenge.  We have another AWESOME sponsor, DRS Stamps, as well as a brief devotional, some great inspiration, a FAB Guest Designer, and of course...the challenge.  We're always grateful to have you join us, and we do hope that our challenge blog is a blessing to you.  We truly care about you, and we appreciate that you share your talents with us.  Let's get started, and thanks for joining us.

Our focus scripture is 92:13 which says, "Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God".  So, what does this actually mean?  Well, most likely exactly what you're thinking.  "Those that be planted in the house of the Lord" speaks of God's people who are raised up in connection with the church; or at a minimum, are saved and truly living for the Lord.  The latter part "shall flourish in the courts of our God" simply means that once we are "planted" somewhere (in this case, in the church of God), we will continue to grow spiritually, and in favor with Him.  It goes without much of a reach to say that when we "plant ourselves" somewhere else (in the world, in a bar, or somewhere that hinders us in a negative manner), we will "flourish" in those things which have no lasting value. The verses that follow are also beautiful and worth a good look (if you're not familiar).  The temple courts always had beautiful trees on their grounds (such is still the case in the Haram area where temples/sacred places still exist).  Here in these verses, the flourishing trees are referred to in comparison to the mature person of God who surrounds himself (plants himself) in the Lord.  Those who live their lives separate from Him may have prosperity, fun, etc. for a season.  But in order to truly flourish in this life and in the eternity to come, we must be firmly planted in the LORD; Jesus Christ, our Savior.  What a blessing to have these wonderful truths from God's precious Word to inspire, bless and encourage us.

As always, you are welcome to save the word art to your computer; but you are never required to use it in order to play along in our challenges or to win.   We welcome you to 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 the 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.

Check out our AWESOME sponsor for this challenge:

The WONDERFUL DRS Designs is our sponsor for

this challenge.  Be sure to stop by DRS Designs to

see their vast and amazing assortment of high-

quality stamps including Accessories and Custom

Stamps.  One lucky person will win a

$20 Gift Voucher to spend at DRS Designs

on some AWESOME new stamps.

AND NOW....Another Lucky Winner:

The AWESOME One-of-a-Kind Seth Apter Designs

offered not just one; but TWO (2) prizes of $25 each.

And now...TWO (2) lucky entrants have each won

a $25 Gift Certificate to Seth Apter Designs.

How cool is that?  Seth Apter Designs carries

lots of great Mixed Media Products, Paints,

Dye Ink Sprays, Luster Paste and SO many

other wonderful products you can find here.

Thanks again, Seth.  Our lucky winners are:

Entry #141 - Gail Scott

AND

Entry #217 - Pamela Duncan

The Top 3 Honors Go To Our Friends:

Entry #27 - Julie Gearinger

Entry #46 - Lynne in NI

Entry #166 - Kailash

Please email Karen if you'd like a

Top 3 or Winner's Badge for your blog.

All winners must also email Karen

to claim prize (per the Rules Page).  Thanks!

May God bless all our AWESOME sponsors.

We appreciate them all SO very much.  We

pray for them, and for God's hand of blessing

upon their businesses.  We're SO grateful.

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

From The DRS Designs Design Team We Have

the talented Julie Warner Using Tails Up Bunny

And From Robin Clendenning This Card

Using Hope Is The Greatest Gift

Here's Our March Guest Designer, Elizabeth Hart

Using Leaf Butterfly Spray from DRS

Natalie Houston

Using Starry Background Stamp from DRS

JoAnn Atterbury

Ginny Maxam

Maxine Diffey

Holly Lau

Using Splatter Background Stamp from DRS

Stephanie Wright

Using Open Bible Stamp from DRS

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter