Anything Goes - Weeks #571-572

Welcome back, everyone.  PRAISE GOD!  Our Sponsor Calendar for 2023 is almost completely filled.  I have only three spots yet to fill, and I am completely certain that God will provide them.  It does take some work to fill the calendar each year, but it's always reassuring to know that the sponsors we do secure are given to us through God's hand of blessing and provision.  Because I pray for our sponsors and seek His help in filling these spots, I know that God will surely bless these companies for their generous support.  How exciting.  We truly do have the BEST sponsors out there.  So, on that happy note.....Let's get started with this challenge.

Our lovely word art for this challenge was created using the Bible verse 2 Corinthians 4:15 which says, "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God".  In this verse, the writer (Paul) is reminding us that although he (and all of us, really) will suffer in this life, it is always worth the suffering when it points others toward Him.  Being a Christian (even the very best Christian) will not prevent us from suffering difficulties in this life.  God can't just allow us to avoid all the earthly consequences that come with our sin.  God CAN and DOES, however, always sustain His children through these difficult times.  It's so important to learn from our mistakes/sins.  We must confess our sins to God, lay them at the cross, turn away from our sins, and not repeat that sin again.  Confession isn't just a "get out of jail free card" that allows us to continue in our sinfulness and think we can just get by without consequences.  God allows us free will and we WILL sin.  It's up to us to react properly to our sin.  Confess it (be completely honest with God because NOTHING is hidden from Him - He sees right straight through to our sinful heart), lay it at Jesus' feet (KNOW it is forgiven), turn from it, become a better person, and don't do it again.  This is how we continue to grow as Christians.  People won't see us as perfect because we're NOT.  But, if we handle our sin correctly - the way He has told us to do, people WILL see how God blesses us and allows us to shine for Him.  Remember, this world is NOT our eternal home.  We're just passing through.  We will sin and we will have trials.  Our purpose for being on this earth is to share God's love and goodness with others and to help everyone find salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross.  Don't let your sin and mistakes define you.  Use them as an opportunity to grow closer to God and to become the best Christian you can be.  This will honor Him and allow others to see Him through your (imperfect) life.  Praise God.

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 or to win in our challenges.  We welcome you to share all of your art with us; remembering that Anything Goes as long as it's family friendly.  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 an encouragement to you as we share it.  If you have any questions about the rules, be sure to read the complete list of rules found under our Page tab marked "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 not.  We are simply attempting to honor God and follow His rules.  Please let us know if you have any questions about anything; and thank you for your understanding and participation.

Check out our AWESOME sponsor for this challenge:

Let's hear it for our sponsor Waffle Flower Stamps

& Dies.  Be sure to stop by Waffle Flower Stamps to

see ALL their amazing products.  They have such

sweet stamps, dies, stencils, papers, lovely

embellishments and more.  One lucky person will

WIN a $15 e-gift card to spend at Waffle Flower.

How exciting is that?  Good luck, everyone.

Here's Another Lucky WINNER:

Our friends at DRS Designs sponsored our

last challenge. You can find so many great images,

backgrounds, and sentiment stamps at DRS Designs.

DRS Designs is awarding one lucky person a $20

gift voucher.  Be sure to stop by DRS Stamps

to see all their wonderful stamps.  You're sure

to find something wonderful every time.

The lucky random winner of this awesome

prize is Entry #39 - Ema M.

Our Top 3 Honors Go to Our Friends:

Entry #43 - Ellie

Entry #73 - Vinita Jain

Entry #124 - Lia's Designs

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.

Here's Some Inspiration to get You Started:

From the Waffle Flower Stamps & Dies

Design Team Here's Nina Yang Using

Support Ukraine Digital Stamp

And Here's JJ Bolton Using Oversized Words and

Sentiment Duo With This Gorgeous Card

From Our Design Team, Here's the Talented

Karen Decknick, Our November Guest Designer

Cynthia Olheiser

Jo Ann Atterbury

Gail Scott

Natalie Houston

Christine Miller

Using a (Retired) Stamp Set

from our Sponsor, Waffle Flower Stamps

Ginny Maxam

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter