Don't get me wrong, there are lots of amazing challenge blogs out there - many of which I love playing along in, and many of which have the sweetest and most talented designers. But still, I honestly believe that Word Art Wednesday is the best challenge blog on the internet! Perhaps it's because I'm partial, but here are several reasons why I feel this way......It is a gift from God and ALL the praise for the good things that happen there go to Him. We have a Design Team comprised of imperfect people serving a perfect Savior, Jesus Christ. We pray for our participants and care about them. Also, we have the most AMAZING sponsors ever; and additionally, it's open to everyone! We've come "under fire" in the past because some people who don't necessarily agree with us on some issues called us names and spread rumors about us. Their words were hateful, hurtful and UNTRUE! Nobody ever asked our side of the story, but rather, they joined the bandwagon and became "haters". It's absolutely sad. All we desire to do at Word Art Wednesday is to provide a fun, uplifting and encouraging place for ALL CRAFTERS to share their art. In return, all we ask is that they share art which is also fun, uplifting and encouraging. Yes, we have "rules", but so does EVERY OTHER challenge blog out there. It's sad that people choose to hate, gossip, and deny God. No person, no business, nothing can escape the truth. 2 Timothy 2: 12 tells us that "if we deny him, he also will deny us". People will try to say, "I did this for God", and "I had this over here for God", and He will say, "I never knew you, depart from me." (Matthew 7:23). Don't get mad at me; I didn't write it - GOD DID! You can't "be a good little Christian" part-time. You can't separate it from your business, from your blog, from part of your life. How do I know this? Because in Revelation 3:16 (and the verses surrounding it), God explains that we're either hot or cold (all in or all out). If we choose to be lukewarm (neither hot nor cold - neither all in or all out), He says, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Again, not my words - God's words. You can't pick and choose when and where you will allow God to rest upon your life. That's just how it works! I really do pray for ALL those who don't understand this, and for those who spoke out against us, those who have told me they're "Christians" but don't want to associate their business with God, and all those who are being lied to by the enemy. They need the Lord. We're not here to judge people - that's God's job. We're here to be a blessing and an encouragement to people. We really do care. We only want to help people grow in the Lord, to learn to give themselves completely to Him, and to live the truly blessed life that comes from being HOT (as described in Revelation 3) for the Lord, and not lukewarm. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be vomited (spued) out of God's mouth as He says. I want to stay hot for the things of the Lord so that I will never hear the words, "depart from me, I knew you not." At Word Art Wednesday, we all want that very same thing for everyone.
I got the idea for the layout of this card over at Sketch Saturday. I just loved this sketch and DT Member, Joanna Munster's sweet card, so I used the sketch to create my card. I didn't enter it in their challenge because I can't use the prize, and didn't want to ruin the odds of someone else winning who will use the prize. I used some Simple Stories patterned paper scraps, machine stitching, some American Crafts wood veneer stars, and an October Afternoon piece of chipboard on my card. It was quick and easy to create.
I'm sharing my card here:
Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge Blog - Simon Says "We're Seeing Stars"
Have a blessed week!
Karen
Wow...I had no idea you guys had been attacked over your blog. I LOVE Word Art Wednesday! I love being able to play there--I only wish I had MORE time to play! :)
ReplyDeleteJust keep looking to Jesus, forgive those that have unfairly criticized you, and pray...I'm so sorry you guys have had to go through that, though.
Hope the hate stops soon,
Pat
Oh Karen - what a shame folks are so difficult at times. I love entering at WAW. :-), and I love the devotionals that are wtitten too.
ReplyDeleteLove your card :-)
Blessings
Maxine
Love the sentiment and details,just gorgeous.xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Karen your card is truly amazing and I love the stitching :)
ReplyDeleteHugs
Vic x
Wow! Thank you for sharing your heart on Word Art Wednesday. Praise God for a challenge site that encourages the creative community to use God's word in our creations. I just found the not too long ago and have yet to do one of their challenges. Now that I know what you have shared I will definately take heart and participate. If I don't make anything to share I will be in prayer for the site to remain. Yes, Word Art Wednesday is for everyone. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love your card. Nice stitch work and fabulous Fall time colors. Amen on the verse.
super sympa Karen, rustique et country, une super jolie création, biz
ReplyDeleteYes, exquisite composition and wonderful post, very pretty card!
ReplyDeleteSorry for negativity you are receiving concerning WAW. I love that challenge, love that you allow only uplifting cards, love that you are so very open about your Christianity and the work God does in our lives. Unfortunately there are some who do not understand but how can they without the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteAnother awesome card, Karen. Gorgeous red flower and perfect designer paper to go with it.
So sorry to hear about the verbal/online attacks on WAW. What a wonderful challenge blog and I try to join every opportunity that I can. God bless and may you continue to shine the light of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteSweet card you've shared!
Karen,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the kind words you left on my blog. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.
Sorry to hear about the negative comments. I do not know how someone can live without the lord and and his word. I can't! I speak to him everyday and every moment that I can and I am a prayer.I am a living proof of all his works and a believer in prayer. My sister visited me yesterday and we always do the same thing, have dinner, eat sweets and share our dreams, revelations and she always tells me a story from the bible. Our conversation always leads to lord and his word. You see I am a year older but I am her student as I say. I am always learning and still growing. I am appreciative and so grateful that I opened my heart to the lord and his blessings, healings and his love...
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day my friend,
Migdalia
*Crafting With Creative M*
Karen, So glad you stopped by my blog. I had no idea WAW received so much negativity...that is just awful and totally unjustified. Your "rules" are so simple and we should all be living by them, regardless of personal beliefs - to be positive, encouraging and uplifting in everything we do. Personally, it's the least I should be after all HE has done for me. And to be able to channel His grace into art is a blessing I will not deny. Your card says it beautifully. May you continue to walk in the Light of Christ.
ReplyDeletehugs, Asha