Bible Illustrating and Journaling - Acts 4:12

Annie’s Ink-Lings

This Week's Scripture Focus:  Acts 4:12 NKJV

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under 

heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Peter and John went to the temple one day and there they healed a crippled man.  The crippled man was so thankful that he began dancing about and praising God for his healing, and he believed in Jesus.  The crowd was amazed, but Peter said why are you so surprised by this?  Then Peter told them, 12“Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed – and you know how crippled he was before.  Faith in Jesus’ name has healed him before your very eyes.”  The apostles further taught that confession of sins and belief in Jesus would give them eternal life and that through Jesus there is a resurrecdtion of the dead.  This was greatly disturbing to the priests and to some of the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead.  They arrested Peter and John, but the council saw that these were not ordinary men and were afraid to do anything to them except to command them to never again to speak or teach in the name  of Jesus.  But the apostles replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than Him?  We *CANNOT STOP telling about everything we have seen and heard.”   (*Emphasis mine.)

I asked myself why is it that they could not stop telling about everything they has seen and heard?  They had to, not only because of the inner compelling of the Holy Spirit, but also because of the command of Jesus: You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  (Acts 1:8).

Our task is not to convince people, but to testify of the truth of the gospel.

I pray continually that I will be like Peter and John, in that I CANNOT STOP telling everyone about Jesus, and that only through Him is salvation received.

Blessings,
Annie

P.S.

When I first read the verse for today, immediately my mind started questioning what do I need to know about these people, how is this verse going to impact my life, how is this going to feed me spiritually?  These questions led me to do some background research.  Here are some points that I considered. 

Some Background Information from Acts Chapters 3 and 4

1.         Who were the disciples and in what city were they witnessing?

            answer:  Peter and John in Jerusalem

2.         Where did they encounter the crippled man?

            answer:  At the temple.

3.         In addition to physical healing, what did the cripple man receive?

            answer:  salvation in Jesus Christ and spiritual healing.

4.         Who are the Sadducees?

            answer:  The Sadducees were one of the three main Jewish political and religious groups in the years between c.150 BCE and 70 CE. The other two groups were the Essenes and the Pharisees.  They were part of the Jewish council -- the Sanhedrin.  They were ultra conservative and accepted only the written Law of Moses.  The Sadducees believed  that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all (Acts 23:8).  Pope Francis referred to the Sadducees as part of the New Testament’s unholy trinity of Jesus’ enemies: Pharisees, Scribes, and Sadducees. 

5.         Who had a higher authority over the Peter and John than the Sanhedrin in witnessing about Jesus?

            answer:  God.  There is no authority apart from God, especially concerning His son.

6.         What should our response be to this background information and to this verse, Acts 4:12?
            answer:  Regardless of what the cost may be, we must not stop telling others about Jesus because salvation comes only through belief in Him.

Daisy Mini-Card

Annie’s Ink-Lings

Here it is with September almost half gone and my daisies are still blooming their little hearts out.  It’s like a touch of spring still lingering in the flower beds.  Looking at them this morning inspired me to make one more card with a slightly springy touch.  Quick, simple, and cheerful!  Someone's going to get this for their birthday.

Supplies

Green Card Base:  8 x 4 inches

DP Panel:  3 ¾ x 3 ¾ inches – Cut 2

DP Panel:  3 ½ x 3 ½ inches

White Inside Panel:  3 x 3 inches

Scrap of Cream Card Stock

Tools

Stampin’ Up ½ Inch Punch

Stampin’ Up Sprig Punch – Punch 2

Stampin’ Up Daisy Punch – Punch 2

Stampin’ Up Daisy Delight Stamp Set – Stamp 2

Stampin’ Up Count Your Blessings Stamp

Hero Arts Happy Birthday Stamp

Paper Studio Adhesive Gems

Fantastix Coloring Brush or Sponge

Foam Tape

Directions

Stamp two Daisies on the cream card stock using Carved Pumpkin. Lightly color the Daisies with a Fantastix Coloring Brush using the Dried Marigold, or you can use a sponge.  Punch them out using the daisy punch.  Slightly mold the petals of both daisies.  Use mounting tape to adhere them together.  Glue the assembled daisy to the card, centering on the card.  Punch 2 leaf sprigs from the green card stock, mold them a bit, and glue under the daisy.  Also with the green card stock, punch a ½ circle and glue it to the center of the daisies.  Add a jewel in the center green circle for the finishing touch for the front of the card.

For the inside of the card, attach one of the 3 ¾ x 3 ¾ inch DP squares.  Stamp the sentiment on the white square and then adhere it to the DP square.

Thanks for stopping by.  Wishes for a special blessing this week.

Annie

Bible Illustrating and Journaling - Proverbs 18:10

Annie’s Ink-Lings

This Week's Scripture Focus:

Proverbs 18:10  The Name of Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

My Inspire Bible

                                                                                             

                                                                                                My Notebook

Calling on the name of the Lord does not mean just saying His name.  Rather, it encompasses all that He stands for as He has revealed Himself to us in His word -- His titles, His promises, His covenant, the declarations of His infinite perfections, and of His good will to His people – all of His glorious attributes.  God has revealed that there is enough in Him to make us easy at all times.  He is a strong tower that is sufficient for our protection in all things.

It is only the righteous that run into this tower or that have access to it.  The righteous are accepted and come into right standing with God not because of what they do, but because of what God has done in Christ.  To be righteous is to be right with God.  We can be right with God only by true faith in Jesus Christ.

We must run to the Lord who is the only One who can satisfy us and give us true security.  He is the One who will always let us in and never let us down!

My prayer for you is that you have the Strong Tower of the Lord in your life.

Blessings,

Annie

Book Review: Agents of the Apocalypse

Annie’s Ink-Lings

                                  

Agents of the Apocalypse, by

 David Jeremiah

  

Dr. David Jeremiah makes the study of the End Times so exciting!  I could hardly put this book down.  It is written in a way that keeps one riveted to the pages and makes it very easy to understand what the Bible has to say about the things that are to come!  This is the perfect book for those of you who refrain from reading Revelation because you think it is too difficult to understand.  It is written using a style that should be especially helpful to someone who is not a Bible scholar.

Agents of the Apocalypse is not a word-for-word study of Revelation but instead, a study to understand the 10 primary characters involved in the book of Revelation.  Each chapter is divided into two parts.  The first part is a dramatized version of the specific agent; a "real life" fictional story to help the reader understand how the end times might play out.  The second half of the chapter is the actual biblical truth and explanation of the scripture.

Alternating each chapter with the story followed by the Scripture and commentary to back it up was absolutely fascinating.  I'd say that it captured my imagination but actually, it was more than that - my heart was captured more than my imagination.

This book filled me with both hope and heartache.  Hope that this life, no matter how bad it may get, is not the end.  Heartache that so many of those I love are choosing this world instead of Jesus.  My mind cannot grasp eternity, especially for those whose names are not found in the Book of Life.  The section on The Great White Throne chilled me to the marrow.  The question now is, am I motivated enough to boldly share the Good News.

Dr. Jeremiah's style relates the full meaning of the scripture; this is spiritual food for my soul!  Amazing and breathtaking!

Agents of the Apocalypse Chapters

 1. The Exile

 2. The Martyrs                      

 3. The 144,000                                               

 4. The Two Witnesses         

 5. The Dragon                   

 6. The Beast from the Sea

 7. The Beast from the Earth

 8. The Victor   

 9. The King

10. The Judge

 Epilogue:  The Overcomers

  

In addition, there is an Apocalypse DVD Bible Study.

Blessings,

Annie

Leaves are Falling

Annie’s Ink-Lings

I'm not ready for fall, but summer is slowly fading away.  However, I would not want to be without fall because it has such beauty in the changing colors.  Raking leaves – ugh!  My treasured memory of raking leaves was watching my son joyfully jumping into the piles of them.  More work for mom but it was so much fun.  He even wanted me to cover him up with leaves!  We always had oodles of fun.  These are some of the memories that came to me as I was making this card today.  That’s probably why this stamp is one my favorites . . . it takes me back to my son’s childhood.  Happily I had found the perfect sentiment to go  with this stamp.  This is what it says inside:  “Take time to jump in the leaves.”  Perfect in my mind, anyway.

If you want quick and easy, then this is the card for you.  I used only two colors of Distress Ink for the background, stamping the applicator off before lightly applying the ink.  The image and sentiment were stamped with black ink.  I lightly colored the leaves and the frame of the rake with PrismaColor pencils.  Next, I rounded the corners of the top two panels before assembling the panels to the card base.  I thought the strategically placed sequins made a nice finishing touch.  What do you think?

Card Base 81/2 x 51/2 inches

DP Panel 5 3/8 x 4 1/8 inches

Red Panel 5 x 3 ¾ inches

Cream Panel 4 7/8 x 3 5/8 inches

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Applicator (or sponges)

Distress Ink Pads:  Barn Door and Wild Honey

PrismaColor Pencils:  Limepeel, Peach, Green Ochre, and Process Red

Red Sequins

Glue, Tape Runner

Corner Rounder

Stamps:   Serendipity Stamps – Rake G298

                  Stampabilities – Leaves are Falling C1142

                  Impression Obsession:  Jump in the Leaves A5654

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessing,

Annie

Bible Illustrating and Journaling - Hebrews 11:6

Annie’s Ink-Lings

This Week's Scripture Focus:  Hebrews 11:6 (TLB)

You can never please God without faith, without depending on Him.  Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him.

Faith pleases God more than anything else.  The Christian life is dependent upon faith.  We stand on faith; we live on faith.  Faith is loved and honored by God more than any other single thing.  The bible teaches that faith is the only approach that we have to God.  No man has sins forgiven, no man goes to heaven, no man has assurance of peace and happiness, until he has faith in Jesus Christ.  You may be saying, “God, I believe you are a great person, but I do not believe your Word; I do not believe what you say.  “In order to please God, you must believe Him.  Perhaps your faith is small and weak.  It does not matter how big your faith is, but rather, where your faith is.  Is it in Christ, the Son of god, who died on the cross for your sins?

May you be filled with God's gift of faith.

Blessings,

Annie

Happy Bird-Day Bird Feeder Shaker Card

Annie’s Ink-Lings

Today I have a fun interactive shaker card.  I cased it from a video by Michelle's Craft Corner and really enjoyed putting it together.  I seldom make shaker cards, thinking that they are just too bothersome.  But since I discovered foam strips, all the bothersomeness (is that a word?) disappeared.  Plus, I was captivated by the idea of using actual bird seed.

Below are the measurements and supplies that I used, which are different from Michelle's video.

Measurements
Card Base 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches
First Panel Layer 4 1/8 x 5 3/8 inches
Second Panel Layer 4 x 5 1/4 inches
Back Panel for the Bird Feeder 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches
Window Sheet 3 x 3 inches

Supplies
Paper Trimmer                            Paper Crimper

FUSSY Cut Scissors                    Ruler

Regular Scotch Tape                  Bone Folder

Tape Runner                                Package of Birdseed for Small Birds 

Foam Tape Strips or Regular Foam Tape cut in long strips

Score Tape 1/8 inch

Score Tape 1/2 inch

Twine - about 4 inches

Ranger Enamel Accents Glacier White

Stampin' Up:   Free as a Bird Stamp Set; Happy Bird-Day Stamp; Stitched Nestled Labels Dies 

Circle Die from Spellbinders Shapeabilities ie D-Lites Medallion Two or any 1 3/8" Circle Die

Black Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Marker
Copic Sketch Markers:  N1, Y13, Y17, YG17

Stamping, Coloring, and Cutting

1.         Stamp the flower 3 times, bird, and leaf branch once each using a black Memento Ink pad.

2.         Color the bird with N1 Natural Grey and Y13 Lemon Yellow.  Add a couple of touches of

Y17 Golden Yellow.  Also, use the Y17 Golden Yellow for the beak, legs, and feet.  Color the leaves with YG17 Grass Green.

3.         Fussy cut all the colored images and set aside.  Stamp the sentiment on the circle of green card stock.

Die Cuts and Window Preparation

4.         Using the 3 inch Stitched Nested Labels Die, cut two from the green card stock.  Cut one from the top card panel (the DP card stock), placing the die about ½ inch from the top of the panel and centered.

5.         Cut one of the DP die cut in half length ways.  Run one of the halves through the paper crimper.  With the other half, trim off a 1/4 inch strip.  This is the perch at the bottom of the bird feeder.

6.         With the second green die cut, at one end cut straight across from corner to corner.  This is the bottom of  the bird feeder.

7.         On the backside of the DP panel, adhere the window sheet using 1/8 inch Score Tape.  Next, line around the cut out following the stitched line using the foam tape strips.  Make sure they are snuggled tightly together and pressed securely to the panel.

8.         Fill the window with 1 ½ teaspoons of birdseed or to your liking.  Remove any large pieces that might stick up above the edge of the window.  The birdseed must lay really flat.

9.         Remove the backing from the foam tape strips and attached the 3 ¼ square panel over the window.

10.       Add ¼ inch Score Tape around the panel covering the window.  Add foam tape to the exposed areas of the rest of the large panel.  Do not remove backing at this time.

Finishing the Front Panel of the Card

11.       Fold the piece of twine in half taping one end on the front panel at the top of the die cut opening.  Fold the ends over the top if the panel and tape down.

12.       Adhere the crimped roof piece in place with Score Tape.  Glue the bottom of the feeder in place and then glue the perch over it.  I used a black Sharpie extra fine point marker and ruler to draw the lines on them.

13.       Assemble all of the panels onto the card base.

14.       Adhere all the images and sentiment.  Put a dot of the Enamel Accents in the center of each flower.

     

Wishing you a happy time of card making!

Blessings,
Annie

Peaceful Country Scene

Annie’s Ink-Lings

Being out for a drive in the county can be so peaceful.  While riding along, with the white clouds floating in a beautiful azure blue sky, a contented feeling envelops me.  Gazing out the car window, I see rustic, left- behind reminders of a past country life.  I wonder who lived here, what happened to cause them to leave, where are they now?  Perhaps the chicken wire is a part of all that remains of a broken down chicken coop,  Was the broken wagon wheel cast aside after being replaced with a new one?  What once was a wheat field now has only scattered clusters of wild wheat.  These musings inspired me to create this card.  Does it affect you in any particular way?

I really love the Bokeh Dots stamp.  Before the stamp was created, I made that background technique using a Thumb Dauber and white dye ink.  Now I can have a beautiful background in just a minute or two.  I used my Misti so that I could restamp to get the desired saturation of color.  What you see is the actual size of the Bokeh Dots stamp.

Supplies

Stampin' Up Stamp Sets:  County Road, Wetlands, Bokeh Dots

Stampin' Up Chicken Wire Elements

Stampin' Up For You Sentiment

Dew Drops

Distress Inks:  Broken China, Walnut Stain

Measurements

Brown Card Base 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches

Blue Panel 4 1/8 x 5 3/8 inches

Designer Paper  4 x 5 1/4 inches

Wishing you a great day with a special blessing,
Annie

Bible Illustrating and Journaling - Romans 15:13

Annie’s Ink-Lings

Romans 15:13   “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13 is a wonderful prayer that Paul wants every believer to experience.  God is the God of hope.  He is the foundation on which our hope is built, and He is the builder that raises the hope in us.  He is both the object of our hope, and the author of it.  Any hope which is not fastened upon God and which is not of his working in us is but fancy, and will deceive us.  The hope that God builds in us will fill us with joy and peace.  What fills a person exercises control over the person's attitude and actions.

May all joy and peace be yours.

Blessings,

Annie

Along the Way on a Country Road

Annie’s Ink-Lings

Today I have for you a great masculine card using the Country Road stamp set from Stampin' Up.  Seeing a similar card on Pinterest inspired me to use it for the base idea and just add my own ideas to make it my style.  I had all the supplies so I was able to get started right away.  One of the things that I like about my studio is that I am able to keep it well stocked so that I don't have to run to the store before I start a project.  This is another really easy card - only about 20 minutes to make after I pulled out the supplies I needed.  My hubby really liked it, so with his stamp of approval, I am doubly happy.

Measurements

Brown Card Base 5 ½ x 8 ½

Green Panel  4 ¼ x 5 3/8, and 1 ¼ x 4

Wood Grain Paper Panel 4 x 5 ¼, 1 1/8 x 3 7/8

Cream Panel for Inside  4 x 5 ¼

Supplies

Stampin’ Up County Road Stamp Set

Ink Pads:  Memories Black; Distress Ink Pads:  Aged Mahogany, Pumice Stone, Tea Dye

 Directions

1.  All images are second generation stamping.  Ink up the stamp, then stamp on scratch paper first, then onto your card stock.

2.  Only the happy birthday stamp is stamped in the regular manner.

3. Use foam tape to mount the sentiment panel to the front of the card. 

Hope you like the card.  Thanks for taking a look.

Blessings,

Annie

Bible Illustrating and Journaling - 1 Samuel 17:47

Annie’s Ink-Lings

This Week's Scripture Focus - 1 Samuel 17:47

During a sermon about David and Goliath, my Pastor asked this question, “Do you have a giant in your life that you need to defeat?”  My answer was yes, I have a giant or two.  A giant in our life could be anything that takes our focus away from God – jobs, money, overeating, addition to something – and even sports, hobbies, and activities that we do on Sundays rather than attending church to worship God.  David was so focused on God that he totally believed that God would help him slay Goliath.  David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with a dagger, spear, and sword, but I come against you in the name of God . . . Today the Lord will hand you over to me.”  David armed himself with only five stones for his slingshot – one for Goliath and the other four for Goliath’s brothers.  From this story, God is teaching us to take our eyes off of the giant in our life and instead keep our eyes on Him.  If we look at our giant through the lens of God, that giant will become smaller.  God will fight our battles and we will be victorious!

Blessings,

Annie

Smile - You're on Camera!

Annie’s Ink-Lings

When thinking about making a birthday card for a friend who is a camera buff, I remembered that I have a cute camera embossing folder.  I remembered, too - quite happily, that I have a small camera stamp that would work perfectly with this theme.  My next thought was how can one take a picture of another without saying "smile," so out came my small smile stamp.  I also wanted to use some sort of birthday stamp on the front of the card, but sometimes it is difficult to get the right look when using two sentiments on the front.  Finally, I remembered that in my stash I have some slide mount elements.  Now those go back a ways!  Does anyone remember using them?  I first stamped the camera image randomly around the slide mount with black ink.  Next I cut a piece of red card stock and stamped the word "Smile" on it and then slid it into the frame.  If you don't have a slide mount element, you can make your own by following the directions that I have added below.  Card measurements and supplies are also listed there.

Measurements

Blue Card Base 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches

Red Layering Panel 5 1/4 x 4 inches

Blue Strip    4 x 1 1/2 inches

White Strip 4 x 1 1/4 inches

Supplies

Cameras Background Embossing Folder by Amy Tangerine of American Craft. 

It's Birthday Time by Make An Impression

Take Another Shot Stamp by Verses Rubber Stamps

Camera Stamp (Company Unknown) 

35mm Slide Mount (from Amazon)

Blue, Red, and White Card Stock

Black Ink Pad

Slide Mount

Cut two pieces of white card stock 2 x 2 inches

Using a rectangle die or a craft knife, cut a 1 3/8 x 7/8 inch rectangle from the center of the white square.

Glue three sides of the white square together, laying the glue just onto the edges of the panel.

Use a corner rounder on all corners.

On a 1 3/4 x 1 1/2 inch piece of red card stock, stamp the word "Smile" and glue it in position inside the slide mount.

Use a corner rounder on all corners

Another Tip

If you don't have a camera stamp, try Googling black and white clipart camera.  Choose the image you like and copy it onto a document page in Word on your computer.  Reduce the image to the proper size, then copy and paste several times until you have the number of images that you will need - probably about 6.  Print them out, then fussy cut, and glue them in all the appropriate places. 

I hope you have enjoyed today's tutorial.

Blessings,

Annie

Masculine Leafy Birthday Greeting

Annie’s Ink-Lings

Need a masculine card?  Here's a design that you can use for all occasions just by changing the sentiment.  I took the challenge from Lisa's Stamp Studio of her Sketch #9.  I used three shades of coordinating green card stock on a cream card base.  I also used cream card stock for the sentiment.  I love the look of using two different embossing folders for the four panels.  You won't believe how fast you can make this card.  

Card Base 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches

Large Panel  2 x 4 inches

Vertical Panels 1 x 3 1/4 inches

Stampin' Up Embossing Folders:  Vine Street and Hexagon Dynamic

Stampin' Up Stitched Nested Labels Dies

Stampin' Up Wetlands Stamp Set "Birthday Wishes"

PSX Leaf Stamp F-2781

EK Success Border Punch - Binding Edge

Blessings,

Annie

Bible Illustrating and Journaling - Ephesians 5:15-17

Annie’s Ink-Lings

This week's scripture focus is Ephesians 5:15-17

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,  redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the 

will of the Lord is.

To walk wisely, or circumspectly, you must know what God wants you to be and how to get there.

1. God wants you to please and glorify Him with your life.

2. God wants you to know Him more deeply.

3. God wants you to be a godly person.

4. God wants you to proclaim His excellencies by your life and words.

5. To walk wisely, you must take advantage of the opportunities that God gives you.

Here are a few of the opportunities that God will bring your way:

     Bible Study

     Prayer

     Reading good Christian books

     Discipleship

     Witnessing

     Sharing material blessings

     Helping others in practical ways

I pray these words make an impression upon your heart to live more fully for the Lord

.

Blessings,

Annie

Coming Up Roses

Annie’s Ink-Lings

I recently came across this special fold for card making and instantly jumped into getting started to make one.  Cards with moving parts are just so much fun to make and that is what caught my attention about it.  It’s called a Swing Arm card.  The “arm” swings open towards the right, which then reveals a top-folded layer that raises up in order to read the sentiment.  Just so cute and fun!  Did I say fun again?  J 

I die cut the "Just for You" once in purple and once in soft orange, layered and glued them together slightly offset.  Glue the scored 1 inch of the swing arm between the base panel and the first panel layer before you adhere any of the other layers.

Supplies

Stampin’ Up:  To a Wild Rose Stamp Set, Wild Rose Dies, Happy Birthday sentiment from the Oh So Succulent Stamp Set, and 

Tea Room Specialty Designer Paper

Just a Note Die Set by Karen Burniston

Ranger Enamel Accent – Black

Shades of Purple Glitter

Measurements

Mango Card Base 4 ¼ x 5 ½ - Cut 1 piece only

Purple Panel 4 1/8 x 5 ½

Designer Paper 4 x 5 ½

Second Purple Panel 3 ½ x 5 ½

Actual Card Base in Cream 3 ¼ x 11, folded in half

Designer Paper 2 ¾ x 5 ½

Soft Orange 2 ½ x 2 ½

Purple Arm Strip 1 x 5 ¼, score at 4 ¼ 

Cream Panel 1 3/16 x 4 ¼

Designer Paper Panel 1 1/8 x 4 ¼

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Blessings, Annie