Moldy Cheese? And Happy Anniversary!

Hello Delightful friends and family. Yes, the title of the post is most unusual to say the least!  But I will explain.  First, Happy Anniversary is for CPS and Tami Mayberry for 5 years of supplying sketches and inspiration to card makers all over the world!  The following card happens to be one of those sketches: #136. 

Now for the moldy cheese....

This week's suggested colors are:  Plum...Pear...Moldy Cheese?  Yes, you read that correctly and you have to admit I did a pretty good job in matching up the colors. (the photo isn't doing it justice)  I do not think I would have used that combo of colors but the challenge was given!  Of course this is the Play Date Cafe Challenge #116 and you'll be inspired to get crafty once you visit their blog, too!

AND I MISSED THE DEADLINE BECAUSE I FORGOT IT WAS EAST COAST TIME AND I'M ON THE WEST COAST!!!  BUMMER!

This card is for my DIL whose birthday is TODAY.  Happy Birthday Amy!

Here are the ingredients:  Designer Paper: Basic Grey, Kioshi; Bazzill and Neenah Card Stock; Stamp: Penny Black, Sweet Thing; I've used Spica Pens for a bit of sparkle and bling and American Crafts ribbon to embellish the top of the card. Inks: Memento Tuxedo black and Distress Ink, Milled Lavendar (sponging) Here is my list of Copics: E0000, E000, E09, E11, E13, E15, E19, E25,E79; R00, R20, B28, V04, V25, YG03, YG00, G20, Y00.  The finished card is A2.

Thanks so much for looking and have a very blessed day!!

In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.  Proverbs 12:28

Bear Hugs - TESC151

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!

Bear hugs to you!!  I had fun making this card for Valentines Day (for my grandson Jakob age: almost 5!!)The sketch from Taylor at Taylored Expressions is fun and easy, I can see myself using it many times. 

 

I tried a new technique (for me) with my Copic coloring to get a bit of texture (kind of) on sweet Buddy Bear.  After coloring all the brown fur (E13, E15, E18), I soaked a small section of a dish towel with the Colorless Blender, then I dabbed around the brown.  The texture of the towel had a weave rather than being terry cloth. It looks somewhat like the basket weave that shows in the background of the photo.  The picture turned out pretty dark but the other one I took was washed out! Drats! This one was truer to the color and since it's getting dark out and it's almost time for our Evening Service at church, I decided this was going to have to be good enough!

I think he is just the cutest.  Perhaps we will be seeing more of him...

Here are the rest of the ingredients to my card:

Designer Paper: Basic Grey - Kissing Booth (stripes and the brown); Card Stock: Bazzill (base)and Neenah bright white; Ink: Memento, Tuxedo Black; Spellbinder Nestabilities: Standard Circles Large and Classic Scallop Circles Large; Buttons (my stash); Anchor Floss 1204;  Copic Markers: E0000, E13, E15, E18, W1, W5, RV25, R01, R81, R83, R85, YG03 and Colorless Blender.  Finished card is 5.5 x 5.5

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a delightful comment, it's so thoughtful of you when you do!  I love the following verse what a boost to those of us who are facing the work week!

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.   Isaiah 40:28-29

God bless....

 

John 14:15 He Who Loves Me (part 2)

Hello!  Welcome back to this weeks Bible Study in John (we are still experiencing difficulties at ODBD so I'll be posting here, too.)

John 14:15  He Who Loves Me (Part 2)

Last time in our study we looked at verses 12-14 and the thought of “He Who Believes in Me”.  Today we will take a look at verse 15 and “He Who Loves Me” although I suppose, most of the readers are female, so I should rename it “She Who Love Me” ;-)

If you are new to the study (and even if you are not!) please read from verse 1.  It’s important not to lose the continuity or context of what is being said.  John did not write one sentence and then two weeks later add a couple more!  We can get misguided by taking things out of context and that is how false doctrines get started.  Please take a moment to pray and prepare your hearts to receive the Word today and that the Holy Spirit will teach us His truths.

John 14:1 
If you love Me, keep My commandments. (NKJV)
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (KJV)
If you love me, obey my commandments. (NLT)
If you love me, you will obey what I command. (NIV)
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (ESV)
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. ( NASB)
If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.  (ASV)
If ye love me, my commands keep, (YLT)

I love looking at all the different versions and translations to get a better understanding of a verse or word. You cannot question what is being said here. If you love Jesus, obey His Word. This is simple truth and very compelling.

The Greek transliteration for “keep” is tereo - the meaning is to: attend to carefully, take care of, take heed to, observe.  (Strongs #5083 / Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words)

This verse is huge (spiritually speaking) and the theme of “keeping” His commandments will be repeated three times in this chapter, one in the negative sense.  (verses: 21, 23, 24)

Evidence of our love for the Lord is obedience to His Word.  I do not think we should take this lightly or make excuses for not obeying.  Notice the word “if” in the verse.  That word denotes a condition.  If we love Jesus... we will keep/obey His commands.  Now this is impossible without Christ in us and the Holy Spirit to guide us, which leads us to the next verse but I do not want to skim over the importance of our loving obedience to Christ. So, I will save that until next time.
Jesus has set the example for us in His love and obedience to the Father.  We are called to follow Him (Read: John 10:27; 12:26; 1 Peter 2:21 ).

Here are some other verses to reflect on and hopefully memorize especially when we are tempted to disobey.

 “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”1 John 2:3-4

  And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:22

 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. 1 John 3:24

 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:2-3

 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Revelation 3:8

 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12
"Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."  Revelation 22:7

 Then he said to me, "See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."  Revelation 22:9

Next time we will be looking at how the Holy Spirit helps us live this Christian life as God would have us live it.  What a gift we have in the Holy Spirit who helps us live obedient lives to glorify the Father through our obedience and love of Jesus. 

Thanks for studying with me and I hope that you are growing in your love and knowledge of God's Word and in your relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ.  Please keep me lifted up in prayer as we continue this study.  I covet your prayers!

Affectionately,

Natalie

Thinking of You - FS260 WANNABCRE8TIVE

Good Evening Delightful Friends and Family,

Just a quick post to share a card I did for the Featured Stamper Challenge at SCS.  This weeks featured stamper is Shirley Quarry aka WANNABCR8TIVE.  Here is the card I CASE'd called Razzleberry Sympathy.  The changes I've made are 1. image and ink color 2. Embossing folder 3. ribbon 4 sentiment. I really liked the layout so I didn't change much except add a layer of designer paper under the image layer.

 

Here are the ingredients:  Stamps - Gina K Design, Botanicals and Taylored Expressions - Love Grows Here (sentiment) Inks: Memento, Tuxedo black and Ranger Distress Inks, Worn Lipstick and Frayed Burlap. Designer Paper: Basic Grey - Kissing Booth collection; Copics YG97 (stems).  American Crafts, ribbon; Embossing Folder and Cuttlebug from ProvoCraft. The card stocks I've used are from my stash and I'm not sure of their manufacturer.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful Lord's Day. 

Tomorrow I will be posting the John Bible Study first thing in the morning so be on the look out.  They are still having technical difficulties at Our Daily Bread Designs so I'm posting it here and on the forum at ODBD (private forum).

We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10

Miss You - STV12FRI1

Hello Delightful friends and family!

Happy Saturday morning to you! (actually it's technically still Friday night here on the west coast but getting closer to the midnight hour!) I spent all morning at the church preparing for the online Gospel of John Bible study which will post this weekend and got the other church responsibilites finished early since the little kiddos are with their momma and daddy today.  Kelly is doing much better but still not well enough to go to work and they are staying home with her.   So I was able to get a lot done today and will be able to relax and not be so rushed during the weekend. 

I've been playing (experimenting) at my craft table with Distress Stains and watercolor paper.  Trying to go outside the box and do something different.  I think I achieved "different"!  But I managed to squeeze in a challenge along with it.  My friend and neighbor (actually Brenda lives in  the town over from me, but in blogland it would definitely qualify as neighbor!) is sponsoring the Friday Free For All challenge at Stamp TV this week.  Yay, Brenda!!!  Her challenge, should we accept the assignment is to make a card using a flower PLUS use at least two different shapes.  So, I've accepted the challenge and I've used a circle and a square (easy peasy!) and I've used the Botanical Stamp Set from Gina K Designs. Mission Accomplished!

Here are the deets:  Inks: Memento, Tuxedo black; Distress Ink, Frayed Burlap; Distress Stains: Tea Dye, Weathered Wood, Mustard Seed, Tumbled Glass, Worn Lipstick, Fired Brick, Peeled Paint, Shabby Shutters;  Bazzill card stock; American Crafts, ribbon; Queen & Co rhinestone; EK Success Scallop Circle border punch.  The finished card size is 4.25 x 5.5

"The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:6

Thanks for looking and leaving a delightful comment!  Enjoy the weekend!

Rejoice in the Lord - ODBDCAS40

Hello Delightful friends and family!  It's Friday night and it looks like I get to spend a little time in the craft room after I post this! Fun!  Here is a card I did for a challenge at Our Daily Bread Designs Forum for a CAS card using the colors yellow and white (ink: black or blue).  Molly had a nice write up over there concerning the challenge and I was excited to be able to play. 

(Sorry about the shadows)

Details:

Stamps: Christmas Verses set (ODBD); Ink: Memento, Tuxedo black and Distress Ink, Mustard Seed; Designer Paper: Jillibean Soup - Homemade 6 Bean collection; Bazzill card stock; Spellbinder Nestabilities Petite Scallop Ovals, Large; Marvy Uchida butterfly punch; Ribbon (my stash); Scissors, CM Borderlines ruler.  Finished size 4.25 x 5.5 

Thanks for looking and remember to "Rejoice in the Lord always again I say rejoice!"

Hello my delight friends and family!

I made this card a couple of weeks ago and keep forgetting to post it.  This is a watercolor technique I've used with Distress Inks and Distress Stains.  Both are waterbase so after applying the ink directly onto the craft sheet, (Worn Lipstick, Spiced Marmalade, Mustard Seed - Distress inks;  Fired Brick and Peeled Paint Distress Stains); I've sprayed them with water then loaded my stamp with the mixture and then stamped onto watercolor paper.

  

Easy peasy and I know I'm not proficient at it but for my first attempt in a long time, I thought it turned out okay!  I love this stamp which is probably retired by now (Hero Arts) called Showy Blossoms.  My base is Bazzill card stock and then I've matted the focal piece with a smooth cream colored card stock (Taylored Expressions).  The sentiment is also from Taylored Expressions and I've used the Spellbinders Tag Trio die (cut from watercolor paper leftovers!)  I've stamped the Je t'aime with Stazon black ink (Moka Collection - Cherie stamp)  The little heart was also stamped with Stazon, then stickles added for a little bling. The heart is also from TE - Buddy Bear set. The red ribbon is American Crafts.  I've sponged around the edges with the Distress ink, Worn Lipstick.  Finished card is 4.25 x 5.5

(inside "You have my heart" from Buddy Bear set - TE)

Thanks for looking!  Hope you are having an excellent day!  God bless.

The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.  Psalms 145:13

Introducing Ivy - Hugs and Kisses

Hello Delightful Friends and Family! 

It's almost Friday, yay!!  Hope you are looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend ahead.  Not sure what's in the works for me other than going to Jake's Kindersport basketball on Saturday and church on Sunday.  I'm hoping to get a lot of the preliminary "stuff" done for Sunday, Friday a.m., so that I can actually enjoy a Saturday rather than always feeling pressed for time.  Enough about me...

Here is an adorable new image from the Bug and Roo Collection created by 15 year old Hannah Boyd (daughter of Lori of  BY LORI Designs) she is one talented young lady!  This is Ivy one of six new images.  This one reminds me so much of our little Addy (2-1/2 yr old granddaughter) who has beautiful curly brown hair.  I made this card to give her for Valentines Day. 

I'm participating in two challenges with this card. 

1. Card Positioning Systems Sketch challenge (CPS252)

2.  Photo Inspiration Challenge (BLD 23) at By LORI Designs

Finished card is 5.5 x 5.5

Here are the details:

Designer Paper: Queen & Co. "Cute Kids" Collection; Card stock: Bazzill (Taylored Expressions); Ribbon (my stash); Ric Rac (Taylored Expressions - Key Ingredient Kit Aug 2010); Spellbinders Nestabilities Scallop Circle, large; Kenmore sewing machine; Sentiment: By Lori Designs (digi); Copics: R01, R20, R81, R85; E0000, E000, E00, E09, E11, E13, E15; G82.

Inspiration photo and sketch:

 






"We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do"  Ephesians 2:10

Have a super excellent day and thank you for visiting!

Calender Challenge - Jeremiah 29 (TECALCHAL)

Hello Delightful friends and family,

Can you believe it's the last weekend coming up for January, goodness where has the time gone!

This calendar page is just getting in before the months end for the monthly calendar challenge at Taylored Expressions and I thought how appropriate this verse from Jeremiah 29 was for the beginning of the new year.  "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD....."  Isn't that comforting to know that we are in the Lord's capable hands no matter what we encounter?  Good times and tough times it doesn't matter, we are His, if we've called on the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, we can rest in His peace.

Details:  Stamp set: Rest and Renewal (TE); Designer Paper, Making Memories, Paper Reverie collection; Ink: Memento, Tuxedo black, Distress Ink, Antique Linen; Adirondack, Dimensional Pearls, Espresso; Ribbon (TE); Bazzill card stock; Spellbinders Nestabilities, Scallop Circles, large; Desk Top Calender set (TE)

That's it for me this afternoon!  Have a great evening!

HELLO! CFC#36 (a second card)

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!

Couldn't resist doing another black and white card!  So I'm playing along again with CASual Fridays challenge of black and white only, no exceptions!

Here are the details: 

1. Black card base of Bazzill card stock, cut 4.25 x 5.5

2.  Stamp 4 different backgrounds on white card stock (Neenah) and cut 1.25 x 1.25 

3. Cut black card stock square 3 x 3; adhere small backgrounds

4. Cut white card stock square 3.5 x 3.5; Adhere step 3 to white c/s.

5. Adhere the above to base.

6. Stamp label on white c/s; Stamp "hello" on to label, cut out.  Adhere to card.

7.  Stamp heart, cut out and adhere with dimensionals.

Stamps used:  Taylored Expressions: Bugabee set (label and sentiment); It's in the Bag set (backgrounds).

Unity Stamp Co. Ippity : Devoted set

Ink: Memento Black Tuxedo

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful week. 

Thanks to all who have prayed for my daughter, she's home now and recovering from the leg infection.  She is still on antibiotics for another week and her white blood cell count is still elevated but we are praying and hoping that her next blood test will show great improvement. 

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

Totally Adorable - CASual Fridays Challenge 36

Hello to my Delightful Friends and Family from a very soggy and windy Northern California! 

Just a quick post to share a CAS card challenge.  Why do I have such a difficult time with clean and simple?  It's crazy!  Anyhoo, here is my card and the challenge is from CASual FridayS and if you cannot tell the challenge is black and white only, in honor of PENQUIN AWARENESS DAY (Jan. 20th).  My friend, Cindy Coutts is sponsoring this weeks challenge so be sure and check out her blog, too!  I won this stamp set from her 12 Days Of Christmas last month (and a Cricut Cartridge!).  It pays to play!!

 

Here is my CAS card!  I've used the Unity Stamp itty bitty (Simple Stories - Absolutely Priceless) and stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  The card stock is from Bazzill and I've used a scrap of black gingham checked ribbon (stash) and two dies from Spellbinders Nestablities -Classic Scallop Circles Large and Standard Circles Large.  The embossing folder is Polka Dots (Provo Craft) and I used my Cuttlebug (I love that machine!) to emboss and diecut.  The finished size is 4.25 x 5.5 (A2 envelope).

Thanks for looking and have a blessed day!

"A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciple, if you love one another."  John 13:34-35

Howdy! Introducing Jesse

Hello Delightful friends and family! 

It's been a very crazy, hectic and somewhat anxious week with my youngest daughter in the hospital since Tuesday (she is improving and we hope she will be discharged in a day or two) in the meantime, I'm taking care of the two grandbabies 24/7 and to say I'm a little on the tired side would be an understatement!  But tonight I was determined to get into my craft room and de-stress and now that Addy is tucked in and asleep, I'm good to go!  (Jake is spending the night with Auntie and Gee-Gee)

It's not often I get in on 3 challenges can I just say Yee-ha!

Here are the three challenges and their links:

1. CPS - Card Sketches #251

2. Play Date Cafe a Color Challenge #115    (Slate, Moss, Bark & Tan)

3. That's Krafty Thursday #57 (The Spotted Chick) using Kraft

This was such a fun card (loved the sketch!) and a challenge to get all the correct colors!  I've added just a touch of Kraft paper with the sentiment base and the stars.  My card base is slate and it matches Jesse's long sleeved shirt. The next layer is the Moss green, then the designer paper. The papers I've used are Bazzill card stock, Neenah (bright white) card stock, DCWV, The Natural Stack. This cute cowboy is Jesse, from Taylored Expressions Moka Collection.  I've stamped him with Memento, black tuxedo and used Distress Ink, Frayed Burlap around the edges.  The Deckled Rectangle is a die from Spellbinders (Nestabilities line), I've used the Star punch and the Circle punch from EK Success. The dark green buttons are from my stash and the hemp cording is by Darice. I've used the following Copics:  BG05, BG93, BG99; YG67; B45; W1, W5; E19, E37, E51, E55, E70, E74, E79, E95.  The bolo tie has a dot of Stickles (Icicles) over the color for just a touch of bling! 

Thanks for looking and leaving a delightful comment, have a great weekend!

  "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

SCS - FS258 - Thinking of You

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!  

We are starting off our Wednesday with quite a rainy and windy storm, we are definitely in need of rain so that's okay, but buckets of rain are in the forecast, I hope we just get a small bucket, flooding is no fun.

Well I've been visiting Splitcoast Stampers frequently as of late and so I decided it was time to play in a challenge.  My friend Cindy Coutts is the challenge hostess for the Featured Stamper challenge and she's been delighting a lot of stampers with her choice of stampers each week.  This week is no exception.  I found creative inspiration from this weeks gallery choice belonging to Linda (aka at SCS as: Holstein)

I chose THIS card to CASE and I did change a few things on it.  

1.color 2. bottom edge 3. moved the sentiment  4. image

I hope you like the changes, I know that mine is not nearly as beautiful as the original.  Linda's card is stunning and is so classic with the crisp white and navy colors.

The colors I've chosen are a cream and sort of a midnight blue with yellow accents (ribbon & Liquid Pearls, buttercup). Taylored Expressions "Birds of a Feather" is the stamp set I've used with Archival Ink (cobalt blue) to stamp it.  I did use the same Spellbinders Lacey Circles and Classic Circle die.  I'm not sure Linda used the die to cut out the circle in the layer of white as I did but perhaps she cut out a navy circle and added the lacey circle to it.  I've also used the Spellbinders Edgeabilities called Classic Postage Stamp border which if you noticed did not cut the postage edge and I didn't notice until I had pulled it out of the die.  Oh well, I like it (probably would have liked it better if it had done what it was supposed to! I may have to try it again) I've added the ribbon (American Crafts) and a button from my stash.  The sentiment is stamped and cut out using the Shopping Bag and Labels die set from Taylored Expressions. The inside is finished with the Lacey Circle and another sentiment and image from the set.

 

Thanks for looking and have an excellent day!  God bless.

Ooo La La!

Bonjour!!  Hope you all have had a nice weekend.  Our household is somewhat happy, the 49ers won but

Denver lost, we have been cheering on Tim Tebow.  We love an underdog, especially a brother in Christ. 

Friday night I made this card and it's been a whirlwind of a weekend ever since, so I'm just now getting it posted.  This is for my friend from high school (and hairdresser) who had surgery last week.  Pre-surgery she walked her dog early in the morning and her dog is definitely NOT a poodle.  AND her dog's name is Jack which I aptly re-named on the inside of the card Jacques.  I think she'll enjoy the note and the reference to Jack/Jacques! 

Sorry, I didn't do the greatest cropping of this pic!

Here are the ingredients to the card:

Stamp: Mimi In Paris (Penny Black stamp); Designer Paper: Stella Rose (My Minds Eye); Ink Memento, black; Card Stock: Bazzill and Neenah; Embellishments: Ribbon (American Crafts); Spica Pens, gold, clear, olive; Tiny Twinkles (Taylored Expressions); Tools: Spellbinders Nestablilities Label 16 and Ribbon Tag Trio dies; Cuttlebug; Copic Markers:  E18, E35, E37, E51, E55; Y28, Y35; BG000, BG53; W1; R000, R00, R11, R21, R35.  The finished card is 4.25 x 5.5  (A2)

I paper pieced Mimi's hat and scarf, then fussy cut the image out. A little bling is added to the bow on her beret and she's ready for the walk in Paris!

Thanks for visiting and have a blessed day!  Au Revoir!

Gospel of John Bible Study (14:12-14) Part 1

Blessings to you delightful readers!!  Hope you’ve had a great week and that the Lord is speaking to your heart about just how much He loves you!!  We are continuing the Gospel of John Bible Study here because Our Daily Bread Designs forum is still experiencing technical difficulties. For those that may be new to this, I take a few verses at a time and we examine them and then, Lord willing, we put them into application in every day life, so that we bear fruit that glorifies the Lord.  I trust and pray that you are growing close to the Lord Jesus!

John 14:12-14  “He Who Believes in Me”  (Part 1)

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

The first two words in the text should get those spiritual antennae tingling!  When we find this (translated also: Verily, verily or truly, truly) it should clue us in to an important doctrine that Jesus wants us to get!  So let’s look at what Jesus desires to teach us through His Holy Spirit.  Just a bit of a warning, this may rock a few boats but that’s okay!  The Word says “let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4)

He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

My hope is to share this as sound doctrine because there are two extremes that I’ve seen in the Body of Christ.  I believe I’m sharing this “rightly divided” so that we as believers can experience God’s power working through us to a lost world, for the Lord’s glory.

Let us first look at “the works that I do…”  What are some of the works that Jesus did? He healed the sick, cleansed the leper, cast out demons, and raised the dead.  What were the signs that Jesus said would follow those who believed?

 Mark 16:17-18 “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Further reading: Acts 5:13-16; Romans 15:18-19; Hebrews 2:3-4;

We also must understand that it will not be more sensational or monumental works that the Body of Christ will do. But it will be a greater quantity since Jesus is with the Father.  In the next lesson we will see that the Holy Spirit is given to every believer. Plus, we were all given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and yet Jesus had faith without measure and limited Himself on earth, to the lost children of Israel.  We are ministering to whosoever!  Thus the greater works!   Further reference: John 13:16

So we have instruction (Most assuredly,  I say to you,…) from Jesus, on how to proceed after He leaves (remember in the first few verses of this chapter, Let not your heart be troubled…) he tells us to “ask in My name”.  So we must humble ourselves and go to His throne of grace and ask what we will, so that the Father will be glorified! 

The goal of answered prayer should not be from selfish, self-centered desires but to bring glory to the Father.  Don’t we often get our priorities royally messed up in this?  I know I am certainly guilty of acting like the spoiled child of the King!  And yet, in spite of our childish behavior, most assuredly, He loves us!

This week let’s work on getting to know the nature of God so that we can ask according to His will. A little hint: the more you get to know the Word of God, the more you’ll understand His nature and His desire for good to those who believe.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.  1 John 5:14-15

Affectionately,

Natalie

P.S. please keep me lifted up in prayer for this study!

For You... Play Date Cafe Challenge

Hello Delightful Friends and Family!

I had fun with this color challenge after I finally found some papers to work! It took me a while to get a design going, but after all is said and done, I'm pretty happy with the results AND it's already in the mail off to someone... just in case they stumble across this post I will not reveal to whom.

Here are the fabbie colors for Play Date Cafe (#114)

Here is my card:  Mimi in Paris (Penny Black stamps)

Inside: Taylored Expressions Stamp set:  Buddy Bear (New release last week)

Here is the list of my supplies:   Designer paper: My Minds Eye - Stella Rose (beret) and 29th Street Market; Card Stock: Bazzill and Neenah; Ink: Palette, black; Distress Ink, Milled Lavendar; Accessories: American Crafts ribbon; Taylored Expressions, tiny twinklettes;  Ranger, Liquid Pearls (Bisque); Spica Pens: gold, lavendar and garnet; Tools:  ProvoCraft Embossing Folder, Cassie's Brocade; Cuttlebug; Spellbinders Nestabilities, Lacey Circles; Marvy Uchida Scallop Heart punch;  Copics: Y00, Y02, Y11, Y21, Y26, Y28, YR23, W1, E35, R000, R00, R11, R21, R59, BV02, V04, V09, V17.  Finished card A2 size.

Thanks so much for looking and I appreciate the delightful comments!!  Have a blessed weekend.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."  Hebrews 11:6

HELLO! BLD #22 & CPS #250

Hi Delightful Friends and Family! 

Today I'm sharing a card for fun.  Two challenges, a sketch and a color challenge.

Lori Boyd is starting up her challenges again (yay!!) This week is a color challenge and I'm using one of her digis from the Sugar Sticks Collection named Sallie (isn't she adorable?!)

Yummy colors!

Here is my card using the sketch from Card Positioning Systems #250

I'm trying really hard to only use paper from my scrap basket so unfortunately I cannot tell you what designer paper I've used.  The card stock is Bazzill and Neenah (bright white).  I've used the Marvy Uchida punch to punch out the image and the Fiskars border punch (Upper Crest) for the side border, EK Success Corner punch (one of my fav tools) rounded the bottom edges of the card base.  The sentiment stamp is from Taylored Expressions (Bugabee set) and the ink is Palette, black, I've used my scissors to cut the ends of the paper.   I've accented Sallie's dress, bow and shoes using Smooch pearlized accent ink (moonlit, sassy pink).  The Copic markers used are: E09, E15, E18, E35; R000, R00, R11, R21, R81, R83, R85;   The finished card is A2 size.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful week!  God bless.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."   2 Peter 3:9

Winter Birthday Card using Card Patterns Sketch 147

Hello Delightful friends and family!

I've been on a roll the last few days and have been able to get some cards made for some birthdays and thank you cards that needed to get sent out.  I'm almost done with the ones I need for the first half of the month!  Sean liked his card a lot! (read last post) His wife, Amy has a birthday at the end of the month so I'll be searching for just the right stamp to make her card soon.  Here is the latest sketch challenge I found to play along to get the crafty juices flowing!  Here is the link to the Card Patterns Blog.

And here is my card, the sentiment inside is from Taylored Expressions which I didn't take a pic of but all the paper and the buttons on the front are from the Key Ingredient Kit from December from TE.  This cute image is from By Lori Designs and she is a Puddle Jumper named Winter Dana and her friend Penny.

Here is the rest of the ingredients:  Designer paper: Bella Blvd - Christmas Wishes; Card Stock: Bazzill, Neenah; Ink: HP computer generated; Spellbinders Nestabilities Deckled Rectangle; Spica Pens: Melon (scarf) Red (bow and zipper);  This image was colored by Copic markers:  R000, R00, R14, R20, R22, R32, R46; YG67, YG03, YG63; E00, E31, E13, E51; Y19; BLACK 100; Distress Ink, worn lipstick was used to soften the bright white edges of the card stock; American Crafts ribbon was used to embellish this A2 card.

Thanks for looking and may God bless you this week!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Happy Birthday Card with Just Us Girls Sketch 118

Hey Delightful Friends and Family! 

I found a fun sketch at the Just Us Girls blog which I've been following but have never played. I thought it would be perfect for the card I was making for my son's birthday (on Monday!).  As far as I know Sean does not read my blog so I'm safe to post it a day early!  He was quite the football player in high school. So when I saw this fun digi from By Lori Boyd (Puddle Jumpers Gavin)  I couldn't resist, especially since it's football season!  The Happy Birthday sentiment is from Taylored Expressions (Jess - The Moka Collection).

Here are the rest of the ingredients:  Designer Paper: Basic Grey; Card Stock: Neenah and Bazzill; Ink: Palette, Black;  Distress Inks - Antique Linen and Vintage Photo; Spellbinders Nestabilities Petite Scallop Oval; Cuttlebug; Copic Markers: R000, R00, R21, R39; B18, B41, B45; YR12; Y28; E09, E15, E18, E19.

Thanks for looking!  Have a blessed day and take time to be grateful. 

 "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24