Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Anything Goes - Weeks #497-#498

Welcome to the Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog.  We're SO glad you're here, and that you've chosen to play along with us.  We always enjoy your visits, making new friends, and seeing the amazing art you link to our gallery.  It's nothing short of a BLESSING, and we're so grateful for each of you.  We also hope that the free word art digital scripture file will be a blessing to you in your art (you aren't required to use it); and that you simply know it's always there for your free download if you're interested.  Keep on creating those amazing cards and projects.  We love seeing your creativity.  Please enjoy this brief devotional regarding our focus scripture, and don't forget to check out our AWESOME new sponsor for this challenge, the amazing My Scrap Cabin on Etsy.  Oh my heart!  This sweet Etsy Shop has the sweetest Seam Binding.

(Edited) The beautiful word art for this challenge was created using the verse Psalm 133:1 which says, "Behold how good it is for brethren to dwell together in unity".  Since I already shared a devotional about the wrong verse (lol....sorry), I'll also share a couple quick thoughts about this verse.  It's very clear that our country (USA), and even our world, is in a very diverse and impactful "awareness campaign" right now.  It's been a long time coming; and I think we can ALL admit that change is needed if we are to live in unity with our brothers and sisters as God has asked of us.  While I don't agree with the way the media (and government) are approaching this attempt for change, it is needed.  Now, please don't gasp.  I'm not asking you to ignore right and wrong.  PRAISE GOD...His Word (the Holy Bible) NEVER changes and God NEVER changes.  What is right and what is wrong is written for us in the clear words God has given us as a  roadmap for our lives.  Nonetheless, we are ALL sinful.  We fall short every day.  God has expressed His deep love for EVERYONE; and He clearly wants each of us to "dwell together in unity".  The best way to achieve that is by continually showing a love and concern for others as Jesus did when He walked this earth.  HE is our role model and the One whom we should strive to please.  While we all have our morals, our convictions, and our model for life (Jesus); it's not our job to judge others and try to "change" them.  That's not our work.  This is God's work.  Our role in this is to OBEY GOD'S WORD.  And in this verse, God is telling us that it is good for us to dwell together in unity with our brothers and sisters.  We can't change the world, but we can each make the necessary changes in our own lives to cause a greater impact.  We can't save anyone.  We CAN, however, make a profound impact on others and we CAN point them toward Jesus. Spewing hatred and ugliness isn't how we point others to Him.  Stand firm in your convictions and in the holy Word of God; but also remember to always reflect God's amazing lovingkindness with others.  SHINE for Jesus and allow people to see Him in you, and to desire what we have.  Practice random acts of kindness, exude His joy, pray for those you see walking away from God, and be the best example of God's love every day.  Do your very best to help heal our divisions by living as an example that will draw others to Him and not turn them away.  Let's ALL remember that "it is good for brethren to dwell together in unity"....always, and that unity can come ONLY through Jesus Christ.  Let's each do our part, shall we? 

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:


AND NOW......Another Lucky Winner:
The WONDERFUL and AMAZING Pretty Pink Posh
was the sponsor of our previous challenge.  WOW!
That was awesome, and we're SO grateful to this
AWESOME store for their support.  Now, one very
lucky participant has been randomly selected to win
the generous $30 Gift Certificate provided by our
friends over at Pretty Pink Posh.  This LUCKY person
can now go shopping at Pretty Pink Posh and buy all
the lovely stamps, dies, and goodies their little heart
desires.  The lucky winner of this Pretty Pink Posh
prize is Lucky Entry #236 - Gloria Shirr

The Top 3 Honors Go To Our Friends:
Karen even used a Pretty Pink Posh Stamp
(Please email me, Karen.  I have a small
prize for you.  Thanks for showcasing a
sponsor product.  It's always appreciated.)

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:

Our June Guest Designer, Christine Miller

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

4 comments:

Cynthia said...

Beautiful DT inspiration as always! Thank you for the Scripture and for including my card in the Top 3.

Karenladd said...

Congratulations to the winner and top picks, and thank you for including my card among them. The DT samples are just exquisite, as always, and so inspirational.

Gloria Shirr (purpleglo) said...

Congratulations to the winners. Thank you so much for choosing my card on the random org. I love Pretty Pink Posh, and was thrilled to have won. Have a wonderful week. Hugs, Gloria

https://purpleglocreations.blogspot.com

Janis said...

Congrats to the winner and Top Picks, esp to my crafty pal, Karen!! YAY!!
Thank you for the lovely inspiration and challenge. I esp love Holly's beautiful card!
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com