Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Challenge Weeks #238-#239 - Anything Goes

Welcome back, crafty friends!  We're SO happy to have you with us for another great challenge, and we have so many fun things for you all again this time.  First, we have one SUPER lucky winner, and we have TWO great sponsors.  One sponsor for this challenge is CropStop; and for those of you who aren't familiar with CropStop, you really need to check out this AWESOME STORE!  They carry pretty much everything you can imagine - all your favorite brands.  They also have a FUN CHALLENGE that runs monthly and is always Anything Goes.  You are all welcome to swing by and link up in that challenge as well for more chances of winning some of their amazing products.  And then....our digital sponsor is Imagine That, and you will love their sweet images.  It's just a great week to play along with us, and we're SO glad you are here for all the fun.

Our word art for this challenge is from the Gospel of John, chapter 14 and verse 27.  As Jesus prepared to depart, He left these words with His disciples.  "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled.  Neither let it be afraid."   It was customary in these times that when preparing to depart, people would say "Shalom, Shalom" which meant "peace, peace".  However, when Jesus Christ (God in human flesh) spoke these words of peace, He was referring to an actual possession He was leaving with them.  The peace He was offering them was a physical and lasting gift which was very different from what the world had (or has) to offer.  The peace God offers is the gift of Himself in the form of the Holy Spirit Comforter.  Even though He was preparing to leave the world with His physical (earthly) body, He was leaving them (and all of us) with a "peace that passes all understanding".....a comfort and a true and lasting peace.  The gift of peace He left with all of us is very different from the world's offerings of "peace".  By leaving us with this beautiful gift of peace/the presence of His Holy Spirit, the world was being offered a real and lasting peace that would leave no room for troubles or fears.  He knew that mankind (including His disciples) would face trials; but He also knew that the peace He left behind for us (the presence of God in the form of the Holy Spirit) was sufficient to allow for true and lasting peace in our lives.  He wants us to experience that peace, and He doesn't want our hearts to be troubled or overwhelmed.  When we face those difficult times during our journey here on earth, He wants us to lean on Him and allow His presence (through the Holy Spirit that abides in us) to be of complete comfort that will allow us to rest in Him.  Remember, we are never truly alone when we have Jesus Christ in our hearts.  What a blessing!  That's enough to chase away any fears or troubles.  NO other "religion" can offer this because ONLY GOD (the ONE true God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit Comforter) is able to offer this beautiful and lasting peace.   Know Jesus and Know Peace.  No Jesus, and NO Peace!

As always, you are welcome to save the free scripture/word art file to your computer, but are not 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.

AND NOW.......Our AWESOME sponsors for this challenge:
CropStop is a SUPER FUN store that carries lots of
stamps, dies, inks, and SO much more.  One lucky
person will win a $10 Gift Certificate to
CropStop.  And don't forget to enter
AND
Imagine That is our digital sponsor
for this challenge.  Just wait until you
see the adorable images available at
Imagine That Digis.  One person will win
three images of their choice.

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,
and one lucky person has won a generous $25 Gift
Certificate to spend at this WONDERFUL store.
Gues who has won a $25 Gift Certificate
from our friends at Simon Says Stamp
That lucky crafter is.....
Entry #215 - Bunny

And Our Top 3 Honors Go To:
Entry #35 - My Little Craft Things
Entry #267 - My Cubby Crafts
Entry #378 - Creative Em


Please email Karen if you'd like a
Top 3 Badge for your blog.

May God bless all our AWESOME sponsors.
We appreciate them all SO very much!
Here's Some Inspiration to Get You Started

Using Sponsor Product from CropStop
Using Sponsor Products
both from our sponsor, CropStop


14 comments:

  1. Thanks everyone for sharing your talents and your time. Your projects are wonderful.
    Crafty hugs,
    Dawn
    DesignsByDragonfly.blogspot.com

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  2. Oh my goodness, I won! I am so excited. Like most of us I've been playing for years and have never won. Thank you, thank you.

    Okay, I hope another first time winner is next.

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  3. Welcome April! Your card is stunning!

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  4. Thank you for hosting a challenge with wonderful DT inspiration.
    Congrats to all the winners. Thank you for choosing my mini album as one of the Top 3 honors!!
    April, your card is beautiful! Congrats on your GD spot!
    Have a blessed day,
    Migdalia
    Crafting With Creative M

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  5. Thank you for the challenge and the nice DT work.

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  6. Thank you for another wonderful challenge! I hope you are having a wonderful summer!

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  7. I wanted to thank you for the encouraging words in your post. I just returned home after attending the second funeral of a family member because of cancer. Flying home from Georgia to Idaho I was feeling pretty lonely and knew I had one more funeral coming up (also cancer) of a young cousin who is in end stage. Your posting reminded me that I am not alone and that God is in control of each situation in my life. Thank you for reminding me of that. Blessings.

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  8. Thanks for the challenge and inspiration! John 14 is such a comforting reference and one of my favorite passages. Thanks for sharing the Word Art!

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  9. Thank you so much for choosing my card as one of your top 3! I am honoured and thrilled! Congrats to the other winners as well, gorgeous makes by all! Hugs :)

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  10. Thank you for yet another beautiful WAW digital Scripture image, and thank you for the beautiful and inspiring cards from the DT. May we all continue to pray for the people of France and for our nation to heal. May God give us all peace through these trying times. God is in control, and may we have His true peace. Hugs, dear friends!

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  11. Wow! I'm overwhelmed at all the beautiful entries!! Thanks to all the wonderful participants, you all bless us(DT) each week with all the fabulous talent you've been gifted with. To God be all the glory!

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  12. You have made some beautiful cards, ladies! And lots of fabulous entries this time!
    Thanks for the chance to win.

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