The Lord is my Defense - Word Art Wednesday

Happy Fall Everyone!
I love this time of the year. Perfect weather here where I live.  We just got back from visiting our daughter in Lewiston and stayed at the cutest very rustic place.  The Lewiston Inn.  I will post some pics at the end.  But first I need to post my card for Word Art Wednesday (Anything Goes - Family Friendly) challenge blog.  I did come down with a nasty head cold, super scratchy throat (hurts to swallow even) and a very runny nose with the sinus headache to boot, no fun.  Thankfully this card was made a head of time because I'm sitting here with a tissue stuffed in my nose so I can type!

I made my own stencil with a Lawn Fawn Stitched Leaf die and made my own background.  Then die cut the middle piece with the Avery Elle Reversed Pinked Die.  I popped up the center piece with fun foam so there is separation from the "frame" of the die. The leaf is from the Lawn Fawn large stitched leaves and I colored it with Distress Inks and then embossed it with clear embossing powder.  The card base is Bazzill Candy Corn (8.5 x 11) that I've cut to A2 size.  I've mat the Scripture Art with that same card stock.  Love the fall colors! (Distress Inks: Mustard Seed, Peeled Paint, Rusty Hinge, Spiced Marmalade, Barn Door and Gathered Twigs).

Here are a couple of pictures of the view from our room which was right near the river. We were too busy to go fishing but it was so nice to get away to this rustic way out in the country inn. It was so peaceful and a perfect getaway.  We hope to go back. The rooms were cozy and clean.

The pictures don't do it justice!

Thanks for visiting! And don't forget to play along with us at Word Art Wednesday.  Check out the blog and see who the sponsors are!!! You can link up 5 new projects each week.  Ok my head is definitely getting fuzzy and so I need to sign off.  Enjoy the week.

Be Brave, Be Strong - Word Art Wednesday challenge

Hey there!

It's time for another Word Art Wednesday Anything Goes (Family Friendly) Challenge!! Autumn is just a little over a week away and we are beginning to feel the cooler mornings here in northern California.  This is a beautiful time of the year, cool mornings with warm afternoons and evenings.  The sunsets have been gorgeous but I've not captured them on camera yet.

My card today definitely has the fall theme going with some colorful leaves to accent.  I've used some 140# cold press watercolor paper and Prima Decadent Pies and Classic watercolors to color, then die cut using the Lawn Fawn Stitched leaves dies.

Our sponsor this week is  Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.  I've used a sweet sentiment from the stamp set called "Thinking of You Rose" on the inside of the card (see second photo). I love the font on this sentiment! I've used a small leaf stamp from Photo Play to continue the Fall theme on the inside.  The Scripture art and the sentiment on the inside are a perfect match!  

Hope you will join us and link your project over at Word Art Wednesday for a chance to win a prize.

I've stamped the inside using Archival Tree Branch ink.  On the card front, I've diecut the Scripture Art using a Simon Says Stamp Stitched Circle and a Spellbinder Scallop Circle die was used to cut from the bright yellowish-gold card stock (I think it's Bazzill). The pattern paper is Carta Bella Fall Break (6x6 paper pad).  The card base is a natural Neenah 80# c/s and I've added a dark brown layer, then a yellow-gold, then the pattern paper popped up with fun foam and then the Scripture art and leaves with some white with gold bakers twine and Doodlebug Designs Glossy Enamel Sprinkle embellishes the right side.

The Scripture this week is a wonderful admonition or encouragement for us to be on guard (like a soldier) for our enemy (the devil) is out to divide and conquer.  Boy do we ever see that today in every aspect of society.  Nothing weakens a nation like division.  So, although Paul is speaking in a spiritual sense to be watchful, stand fast in the faith, be brave and be strong, he is encouraging us as believers in Christ not to be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, but to stand strong like a soldier in the faith.  Even Jesus commanded us to watch (Matt 24:42, 26:41 and Mark 13:37).  The Old Testament has lots to say about being a watchman, warning others of danger.  And then we must be watching for the Lord's return too. I'm so grateful for the Holy Spirit who enables and equips us to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. I must admit, within myself I am weak but with Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit I am ready for anything.  I'm ready to pray (which is a powerful privilege) and I have the Word of God for the battle, the sword of the Spirit.  In 1 Corinthians 16:14 the very next verse after telling me to be brave and strong it tells us: "Let all that you do be done with love" now that's something that will bring victory in my life.  I think, if we were all motivated by the love of Jesus working in us and through us, our nation wouldn't be in such a mess.  After all, the Word says they (the world)  would know we were Jesus disciples by our love for one another. This may rub you the wrong way but how is it love, if we don't warn others of sin.  Sin separates us from our loving Father.  Talking about sin isn't "politically correct" and it's the thing that creates division and disunity. Lord, expose the darkness and shine Your light through us who believe. 

God, please help us not to be spiritually blind but to repent and humble ourselves and walk in a way that pleases You. Only You can help us to be brave and strong and to love one another. 

Thanks for visiting!  Have a blessed week.