SSIC It's a Man Thing

It is Sunday and that means it is time for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge  and we love that don't we!!  This week I have made a different card for this challenge, I usually make faith based cards BUT could not resist using this fabulous image sent to me by a dear friend on SCS - thank you Celisa!!  The lovely Lisa has challenged us to make a Fathers Day or masculine card or project....

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops" 2 Timothy 2:1-6

I do have to say at this point - that my DH thought this image was rather funny BUT that is NOT reflective of our house - LOL!  Those of you who know me, know that I am a chatterbox - but it may shock you to know that I can be as quiet as I am noisy - it can make my DH worried when I am so quiet - LOL!  But we can be in the same house all day and not talk but still communicate - I love that about us!!! 

I have coloured the image with SU Chalks and a Blender Pen and distressed the edges.  I wanted to frame the image but not make it too feminine so I used the Cuttlebug Die and layered the ends of it along the top and bottom edges of the image, sponged them and added some small Kaiser gems.

Both DP's have been embossed, I love the  textured look, particularly on a masculine card.  Both of these embossing folders have been RAK's from my dear friend Sabrina (okimom2girlz)  Thank you Sabrina you are such a blessing to me on so many levels!!

I have given the above scripture a  lot of thought and realised that really Paul is telling us to be faithful not only in passing on Gods Word but also who we pass it onto to!  That we need to toughen up and not run for cover when things get touch - be prepared for that storm and then ride it out, the same way Jesus did.  It is so easy to get distracted along the way, but those things that don't really have any real value and only keep us from the things that matter - on the eternal scale of things, they are worthless.  Like the soldier on duty, we need to carry out the orders we have been given and follow the guidelines set our for us in the Word of God.  Like the hardworking farmer, who sows much, we will reap a harvest - both in the natural and spiritually!  The one who persists and works hard and gets to the end receives the prize.

It is definitely a challenge put before us to be disciplined followers of Christ - so often we can ride on the illusion that all will be wonderful when we become Christians, and yes, our lives are certainly blessed, but there is much to learn along the way and training is definitely required if we are to persevere, to complete our race.  The scripture Lisa has given us speaks to me of total service in Christ - Paul refers of us being 'Prisioners of Christ' - this was something I came to realise meant that we are not 'locked up' but rather 'locked into' Christ!  This was a relief to me as being locked up implies that it is not by choice but locked into, is security and safety - a totally different understanding!  

I am linking this to the following challenges:

Totally Gorjuss - for the boys

The Crazy Challenge - Distress It

Simon Says - Recipe - 1 image, 2 DPs, 3 Embellishments - ribbon, brads, gems

Pollycraft - Ribbon and Bling

Pile it On - Quirky, why not!

One Powerful Hour - B is for....brown and black

My Time to Craft - Xtra Special - Fathers Day

Magical Crafts - Something for a Male/ Fathers Day

Double Dutch Challenge - Dads Treat

A Crafty Little Place - Anything But a Square

The Shabby Tea Room - Just for Dad

Cards for Men - Fathers Day

We can't wait to see all of YOUR creations! You may enter as many times as you'd like!** Please link us to your actual card/project post(s), not just to your blog or gallery, by 11:59 pm PDT (GMT -8) on Saturday, June 19th.

Thank you to our sponsor this week

Simon Says Stamp

Make sure you pop over and see the other DT's creations, you know there is plenty of inspiration from these talented girls:

*Lisa * Kathy * Chris * Candace * Grace * Peggysue * Randi * Miejse* Rebecca *

Thank you for looking and for your lovely comments, you always make my day!  I hope you are having a blessed weekend with your family and friends!
{{{hugs}}}

LOC Fruit Friends

It is Friday here and that means it is time for the Twisted Sister Challenge - I love this bunch of Sistahs and always look forward to this challenge and this week I AM ON TIME! Yahoo!

I have used my Layer of Color images, this 'berry' cute mouse (sorry I couldn't resist that!) is from the Polka Dot Parade set.  I have chalked him and then used Dimensional Magic on the strawberries to give them that 'lush' and YUMBLY look!  These have then been cut out with the SU Square Punch and layered onto black CS.  I have added a Cuttlebug Die Cut  to each square and secured it with a black brad.

The background DP has had the edges sponged and then been embossed with the 'Houndstooth' Embossing Folder.  I am really liking the added texture it gives a card when you emboss DP.  The lower image is from the Layers of Color Garden Borders set...this has also been chalked and had Dimensional magic added to to strawberries PLUS a light touch of Kindy Glitz to the leaves, which is not showing up very well in the photos - you know how it goes!!  This border image has been layered onto black CS and torn olive green CS.

There you have it - one card, the Twisted Sister Challenge theme was 'Food Fight' - any kind of food goes.  As cute as this little image looks - how horrified would we be to see this running across our kitchen floor! LOL!

Thank you for stopping by - you know I love to see that you have been and to read your encouraging comments - you are so encouraging !  Thank you!!  It is Friday night here and raining with thunder rolling around the hills - lovely!!  We don't get a lot of rain in Canberra, which gets hit pretty hard by the drought...so it is FABULOUS!!!  I hope you have a great weekend - spent with those you love - or at least like! LOL!  God bless you!