Winners Galore! And there is a CONTEST still going on!

Hi Friends~

Happy Wednesday!  Today is the day!  We told as many people as we could about the Give-Away today!  If you left a comment or prayer request in the comment section during the last week...you will receive a gift from the He IS Able blog!

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests for others."  Philippians 2:4

The Give-Away is to assist you as you "Share His Word, His Love, His Gift of Salvation through Card Give-Aways."  (Our Mission Statement)  You will receive a beautiful, meaningful and free card and envelope to Serve Him in this way! 

Here are our Give-Away Winners for This Week:            

(in alphabetical order)

~Abby (Little Birdie Blesssings)

~jcb

~Michelle (sf9erfan) (Stop and Stamp the Roses blog)

~Nikki

~Vikki Jo

~Wanda Cullen

Congratulations, Ladies!  And, thank you for your comments and ideas and prayer requests.  Please email me (right side bar) your snail mail address, before next Tuesday at 8pm, and I will send out your beautiful and inspirational card to you. 

 (Please do not leave your address in the comment section.)

I hope you will give the card to someone whose religion you are not sure of.  You could simply hand the person the card, or you could greet them and give them the card.  It is a baby-step of being able to go to strangers one day...and sharing the Gospel with them! 

If you feel that it is really too big of a challenge for you--for now, please do not discard the card.  Use it as you see fit.  Encourage someone with the Word of God.  Perhaps what you write in the card will share the Love of Jesus with the reader.  Make someone's day brighter just by thinking of them when they  may feel alone.  Maybe make someone you know days brighter by sharing your and His love.  Perhaps you can use the card to tell someone how they have helped you grow in your walk with the Lord...perhaps a mentor of yours.

But, please try to give the card to someone whose religion you don't know...and maybe you don't even know their name.  Acting out in kindness shows them how Christians behave.  We love one another.  It doesn't say, "We only love other Christians!" 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."  John 13:33-35

New Card of the Week Drawing will end Tuesday, April 5th at 8pm. 

Please leave a comment or prayer request in the comment section, and if your name is randomly drawn you will win the amazing card on the side bar!  The Winner will be announced on Wednesday's post.

Right now this Drawing is for people with continental US addresses only, sadly.  We are working on a way to include all of you who visit from other countries.  Right now, I just can't afford the postage.  Keep watching...the new answer is coming soon!

I hope that you will find many things to be thankful for today!  God Bless!
Cards and More on Friday!

He IS Able,
Traci S. (Starkweather)

p.s.  We have another contest running!  Please read the side bar!

If You Want a Free GIFT or to Win a Contest Read the Post Below!

Hi Everyone,

I can only use the computer for a few minutes.  It has been storming and lightning here all day!  We have so many lightning strikes in Central Florida, that we (Dave and I) don't use our computers during the storms!  (We have learned through experience that lightning likes to eat the inside of electronics! And then they will never work again!) And, I had some pretty cards to show you, too!

Please be sure to read the post below to find out how to receive your FREE GIFT (time is running out) and to find out about our CONTEST that started on Friday, also!  So, please read the next post!

I will be announcing all of the people who are receiving a FREE GIFT from us
on Wednesday!  I hope your name is on the list!

Have a wonderful day! God bless!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

Give-Away to Everyone! Plus a Contest!!

Get Excited, Friends!

BIG News here at the He IS Able blog.  We have a FREE GIVE-AWAY that was announced Wednesday!  And, we have a new CONTEST that starts today!

Let's talk about the CONTEST first.  It is very simple.  We are now a team of 4 women here on the blog, and we are growing. Let me re-introduce you:

 (Joan- Prayer Team Leader

(We are looking for Prayer Team Members. Details Monday.)

Michele- "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" 

(Shared every third Friday of the month.)

Wendy-does the technical and creative things on the blog...

as well as teaching me how to blog! 

 And myself- Traci.

We would like for YOU to come up with the name for our Team.  We are not actually a Design Team (DT) that you see on so many blogs...yet we are a team.
Please let your choices reflect what we do here on the He IS Able blog. Our goal is to Glorify God with every post! Our Mission Statement is “Sharing His Word, His Love, His Gift of Salvation through Cards!”  You will simply leave your choices for our "Team Name" listed in the comment section.  The first person who lists a name--gets credit for that name.  There are no "ties."  Suggest as many names as you would like.   This contest will end on the April 15th, at midnight, and will be announced on the following Monday!  A small prize, but a nice prize will go to the person whose name we have decided on as a team.   Get Creative!

THAT brings us back to this week’s FREE GIVE-AWAY for everyone who wants one! (See the top of this email.)

"I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above." Philippians 3:14 GNT

This is shared from Quiet Moments in the Presence of God it is published by Bethany House:

The Challenge Of It All

"Leave your comfort zone and move out into new territory on behalf of God's kingdom. You grow in Christ when you do something for God beyond what you've already mastered. You sense God's presence with you in personal and intimate ways.

When you attempt something difficult for God, you discover God's resources. For instance, if make a witness speech in church even though that makes you uncomfortable, you discover abilities previously unknown to you. Commitment and effort precede awareness of talents and skills. It is not necessary to wait until you think you are ready to do something for God. Do it, and God will make you ready."

*****************************************

"Commit your way to the Lord...;trust ( lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass. And He will make your uprightness and right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice and right as (the shining sun of) the noonday." Psalm 37 5-6 AMP

HOW DO I GET THE FREE GIVE-AWAY? 

It is the goal here on the He IS Able blog to encourage each other to reach out and "Share His Word, His Love, His Gift of Salvation Through Cards!"

First, just leave a comment or prayer request in the comment section before Tuesday evening at 8pm. The comment section is under this post. This will make you eligible for the second part.

Secondly, next Wednesday we will list the names/user name of everyone who left a comment.  I will THEN ask you to send me your mailing address. (Please put "He IS Able" in subject area.) You will receive a beautiful card, and an extra envelope!!  Just use the card to "Share His Word, His Love, His Gift of Salvation"--use the card you will receive...within a week of receipt. That's it.

I challenge you to really try to stretch. Make it a personal challenge... perhaps write something about Jesus, as simple and as wonderful as "Jesus loves YOU!!" on the inside, and give it to anyone you come across...try to make it someone that you don't know their religious beliefs...Christians already know that "Jesus loves us!" Share these wonderful words, or other words, with a stranger by 'leaving your comfort zone and move out into new territory on behalf of God's kingdom.' (from today's reading) We can't wait to hear the results of how you feel after taking this challenge! God is always with you!

We hope to have a big turnout...tell your friends and family! Let's share the love of our Lord, Christ, Jesus with others! Let's really stretch, and leave the card for strangers! Anyone in the US (due to postage restrictions from my budget) are eligible to participate. Only 1 card per address. Challenge your teen to reach out to the new kid in school. I can't wait to hear how blessed you are from blessing others! So, please come back and share your experience with us!

To our guests of other areas, Great News:  So far, all prizes have been for US addresses only, because that is all I could budget for.  Currently, we are working on a way to get cards to you. So--go ahead and enter for your free card!  Just please be patient with us, as it is not handled as of yet...but we are doing our best!  So keep your eyes on the blog! Great news is coming!

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather (S.)

SURPRISE GIFT FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS ONE...Details within!

Hi Friends~

As you may know Dave and I were fortunate enough to spend the weekend with our 3 grandsons, and their parents!  We spent Saturday at Sea World, we had a fabulous time, and even though I was in a wheel chair the whole day. (I tell you I really needed God's grace to help me me put my pride away and let my family members see me in the chair.)  My incredible husband pushed the chair all day long. I am still seriously recovering from sitting all day, and not being able to nap.  I did however, have the most incredible time with the boys and their parents...petting dolphins, sting rays, and going through the puffin/penguin ride about 16 times! 

I am sorry that yesterday got away from me without even leaving a post.  I woke up so late...and then went down for a nap a couple of hours later, and my husband woke me up when he came home from work. That's how my disability works.  If I am active...even sitting for a long time...I need about a week to recover. I was not capable of my own power to write yesterday.  I apologize...however, I have a SURPRISE MAKE-UP to all of you who are reading this!  It's coming later in the post!

First a wonderful writing from Bethany House's, Quiet Moments in the Presence of God.  This piece has everything to do with the SURPRISE I mentioned, so please read everything in this post...it all has to do with the SURPRISE!!

"Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced.  Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame."  Isaiah 50:7

The Challenge Of It All

"Leave your comfort zone and move out into new territory on behalf of God's kingdom.  You grow in Christ when you do something for God beyond what you've already mastered.  You sense God's presence with you in personal and intimate ways.

When you attempt something difficult for God, you discover God's resources.  For instance, if make a witness speech in church even though that makes you uncomfortable, you discover abilities previously unknown to you.  Commitment and effort precede awareness of talents and skills.  It is not necessary to wait until you think you are ready to do something for God.  Do it, and God will make you ready."

"Commit your way to the Lord...;trust ( lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass. And He will make your uprightness and right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice and right as (the shining sun of) the noonday."  Psalm 37 5-6 AMP

Announcing this week's Card of the Week Winner...

Congratulations to Abby! 

Abby, please contact me and let me know if you want this beautiful card before Tuesday evening at 8pm EDT.  I have your mailing address from an earlier win...so no need to send that!  Abby is the wonderfully creative person behind the "Little Birdie Blessings Blog."

Here is Abby's comment:

"Traci, the cards are great. I especially like the God loves you and so do I card. love the pink, lace, butterfly, rhinestones, all of it.

Your niece should be very pleased with her card. It's adorable.


The cardinal card is manly. I'm sure your husband will be pleased to get it. Great job, thanks for sharing with us.

Abby                                                      
March 22, 2011 6:22 PM"

Abby, thank you for your very kind comments.  You have stepped out boldly with a wonderful blog.  I know that you love to share Scripture with people.  You are inspired by the Word of God, and that is what you mainly share through your art.  I know that God helped you as you stepped out and took on the challenge of having a blog!  Praise God!  I know that you share the most amazing art on your blog.  You even give it to anyone who visits...digitally!  And, congratulations on being the CASE Artist of the Day over at Christian Paper Crafts (CPC)!  (You have just received links to Abby's Blog, where she so generously shares her art, and Christian Paper Crafts.)  Please be sure to let them know you are there from the He IS Able blog.  Who knows how many hearts Abby and the Christian Paper Crafts have reached for Jesus through taking a chance and stepping out for the challenge?!

The incredible new "Card of the Week" was made and donated by the very talented, wonderful person...Deb Saaranen.  Her blog is called "Dream in Color."  She creates the most amazing things.  She loves the Lord, and her blog is so inspiring!  She is a good friend of mine, and a wonderful supporter of this blog.  She posted a button to this blog, before we made one. She donated cards for the "Card of the Week" before I even asked her.  She knows that people's lives can be changed through reading His Word, hearing of His Love, and by sharing Jesus' Gift of Salvation.  Deb, you are a wonderful friend.  May God Bless You! You need to arrow down just about as far as you can go to see the card.  For some reason, the blog side bar is doing whatever it wants!

OK--you have waited long enough to find out the SURPRISE FOR EVERYONE READING THIS!

It is a 2 part surprise.  It is a goal here on the He IS Able blog to encourage each other to reach out and "Share His Word, His Love, His Gift of Salvation Through Cards!"

First, just leave a comment or prayer request in the comment section before Tuesday evening at 8pm.  (located under the post)  This will make you eligible for the second part.

Secondly, use the card to "Share His Word, His Love, His Gift of Salvation"--use the card you will receive...within a week of receipt. Check here on Wednesday to make sure I have your name announced.

 Really try to stretch.  Make it a challenge...perhaps write something about Jesus, as simple and as wonderful as "Jesus loves YOU!!" on the inside, and give it to anyone you come across...try to make it someone that you don't know their religious beliefs...Christians already know that "Jesus loves us!" Share these wonderful words, or other words, with a stranger by 'leaving your comfort zone and move out into new territory on behalf of God's kingdom.' (from today's reading)  We can't wait to hear the results of how you feel after taking this challenge! God is always with you!

 The URL for this blog is on the back of the card, so if they have any further questions...and we hope they will...they can look here for their answers or email me.  Will you step up for God?  He will see you through it! 

"I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above."  Philippians 3:14 GNT

So, anyone who leaves a comment or prayer request in the comment section before 8pm Tuesday evening, and takes the challenge to share the card with someone they think needs encouragment...will receive the card as soon as they email me their mailing address. (For some reason, my email, and the "Card of the Week" are located as far down on your screen as you can see! Just arrow down!) 

 We hope to have a big turnout...tell your friends! Let's share the love of our Lord, Christ, Jesus with others!  Let's really stretch, and leave the card for strangers!  Anyone in the US (due to postage restrictions from my budget) are eligible to participate. Is this a good idea for your children?  Challenge your teen to reach out to the new kid in school.  I can't wait to hear how blessed you feel from blessing others!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

"Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" More about Mary!

Happy Friday Everyone! 

The weekend will start in about 7 hours!  What do you have planned?  Something fun?  Something serious?  We are going to have family visiting and we are spending Saturday at Sea World!  It is going to be so much fun with my 3 grand-sons and their parents!  They are all wonderful!  I'm excited!  I hope you have the time to do something special this weekend, too.

Today is the 3rd Friday of the Month.  It is the day that Michele G. shares a Bible Study that she has been working on.  "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" is a monthly study on different women of the Bible. This month's study is a bit different.  This month, one of the things Michele is hoping for is that we will all spend more time in His Word.  So, there are many Scriptural references...for us to look up! I join her in encouraging you to look them up also.  Are you ready for today's study on a Biblical woman to bring new thoughts and questions to your mind?  Here we go:

A study on Mary – the Mother of Jesus

With Easter fast approaching I thought it would be fitting to look at the life of Mary. Easter for me is such a joyous occasion, how awesome it is to think of what my God sacrificed for me on the cross, the love He showed and His mercy and grace. God had to pick someone very special to Him to fulfill His promise of sending a Messiah – someone who would obey and do it with a joyful heart. In my eyes, this is what Mary did, she obeyed God and did exactly what He asked of her to do. Even though it would cause her some pain along the way – those who would doubt her - those who would say nasty things about her – but she decided that wouldn’t matter – she was going to serve the Lord God Almighty, which is what she did. What a great example of Faith.


Luke chapter 1 and 2 introduces us to the life of Mary. As a young girl she is already full of faith. Notice the angel's words to Zacharias the Priest and his response (Luke 1:13-18). Here we see a priest having problems believing the Word given to him by an angel.


Mary displays no such form of unbelief when addressed by the angel. Her response is one many of us Christians still desire to repeat today. Luke 1:38 Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your Word." And the angel departed from her. (NKJV)


Somehow, Mary, an ordinary village girl, had more faith in God than a Priest. It does not matter what our “title” is here on earth, God moves through people who are open and willing to serve Him. I love that saying "He will do extra ordinary things through ordinary people."


Mary's life is a testimony to the fact that ordinary women can do extra-ordinary things for God! A heart full of faith is a useful vessel in the hands of our God.


Mary was a virgin. She had known no man and kept herself pure. No wonder the favor of God was upon her life (Luke 1:28). A life lived in discipline to God's commands brings His favor. As I think about this topic of discipline there are things I definitely need to work on and change in my own life and improve upon - that is part of our journey and walk with God. Reading His Word, pressing in with prayer and a heart looking to find out more of what He would like from me and you, and how to serve him better. The Bible says to meditate on His Word. When we fill ourselves with the Word of God and the knowledge we receive from the Bible we stand very ready to serve God at all times. He will reveal things to you as you press into Him. The Bible states, "Seek and Ye shall find."


Despite all Mary's virtues she still needed the Holy Spirit to fulfill the will of God.  Nothing can replace the power of the Holy Spirit. God fills vessels that are set apart for Him. No one can say Jesus Christ is Lord except by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). Supernatural things can only be done for God when His (Holy Spirit) presence is with us.


My prayer for you would be to take the time to pray for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit today. When God gives you a promise you need to pray it through. Play an active role. Never cease believing God for His promises.

"Dear Jesus, I pray for each person who may be reading this post right now. I pray that they will continue to look for You and seek You. I pray that they take the time to ask You into their heart with a simple prayer stating they acknowledge that You died on the cross for them, repent for their sins and to know that You have a plan for their life, and for them to turn their life over to You.  I pray for them to ask You into their heart.

I pray Lord Jesus that they ask for knowledge through your Holy Spirit and know the more time they spend in prayer and reading your Word the stronger they will be, and the more you will reveal to them.

I thank You Jesus for each person reading this and my prayer and cry out to You is that they know about You, and Your love and sacrifice for us and to know that they can bring anything to You in prayer. When You died on the cross that you thought of each and everyone of us, and You know us by name, and how many hairs are on our heads-- to that degree of how well you know Your children! Your Word states, “No Man Comes to the Father but by Me." (You) what an incredible gift and blessing You have given to us and I thank You for the power You have given to each one of us in Your name, Lord Jesus.

 When we have times of trouble, I pray that each one call out Your name and reach to You and know that You are there for them, and will help all of your children. You Lord Jesus are our refuge and strength, because You live-- we can face tomorrow. I also pray that each person be made aware of the power in Your Holy name and that "through You all things are possible..." – for each and every circumstance and situation You are our Father in Heaven who longs to be the answer to our prayers and longs for a relationship with us an eternal loving relationship. I thank You, Lord Jesus, for every blessing You bestow on each and everyone of us. Thank You Jesus, bless Your Holy name.


In Jesus Name,
Amen"

Thank you Michele for that thoughtful study, and that beautiful prayer.  You are a beautiful Christian woman. 

I hope that all of you will join us on Monday.  I hope that you have been blessed by Michele's words about Mary, and her heartfelt prayer for all of us.
I would be interested in knowing what Biblical Woman you would want to learn more about.  How about naming her in the comment section today?  I'm not promising we will get to those women this year...just curious, and maybe she will be part of our  "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" study.  Thank you so much for being here!  It is such an encouragement to know you have visited!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

Are you the Card of the Week Winner?

Hi Everyone~

I hope you enjoyed yesterday's post. (directly below this one)  If you visited, you would have seen many Scriptures about "Friends."  I also shared about a few of my friends, and started a conversation about the qualities we look for in friends.  In addition, I shared a few cards I have made recently.  I hope you enjoyed the visit!

So, today is Wednesday..."Card of the Week" Announcement Day!  I hope that if your name is randomly chosen, you will email me with your mailing address--before next Tuesday at 8pm.  If not, the card will go back into the    He IS Able blog stash of cards.

The Winner of this Week's Card of the Week is...

Andrea @ Keepin It Thrifty 

Here is Andrea's comment:

Hey girl...thx for your sweet comment on my blog....those rosettes are super easy to make....vie made the from fabric...felt....and paper.. All you do is cut a circle out of say felt, start on one side and start goin in a circular making a spiral....once you have done that take the end you started with and wrap it and glue as u secure it in a circle.... Let me know if u need more help ...I'm sure u have got it .. Ps would love to have u as a follower of my blog...I have giveaway starting tommn for $35 and would love for you to come enter and share about it on your blog Xoxo Andrea

Andrea is referring to these beautiful felt flowers she shared on her blog.  I had asked if we are to cut the fabric in a spiral...and the answer is "Yes."  The rest of the directions on those rosettes are in her answer.  Thanks for your help, Andrea.  I hope you will become a Follower here at the He IS Able blog.  We have a badge on the top of our side bar...if you'd like to share it on your blog, you just right click over it, choose "copy" and then go to the space on your blog, and right click, and choose "paste."  Then the badge will be on your blog.

I hope that all of you will take a look at yesterday's post.  Please leave a comment on what you look for in a friend, or your favorite Scripture about friendship, or a part of the Bible that refers to friends.  We would love to see what comes to your mind.

This Friday, March 18th, Michele will be sharing her Bible Study with everyone.  "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" is a

study about the women of the Bible...Old Testament and New Testament.  Michele sees the Scriptures about the women in such creative and interesting ways.  Each time, she has really made me think how I am alike or unlike the women in the study.  And, it makes me think if I am happy with that answer, and what I could do about it!  I hope you will join Michele on Friday...always on the 3rd Friday of the Month.

We are also still looking for some people who would like to join our

Prayer Team.  Joan is the Prayer Warrior who leads our team.We pray for the people who read this blog, and their particular needs, we pray that people will be Saved by reading the Word of God here on the blog, or through someone who has been fed spiritually here.  We have many things we pray for...however, you only need to tell us how much time you have to volunteer, and Joan will share a specific list for certain people or things to pray for within that time.  If you are interested, please email me with your email address...or leave your email and a comment showing interest in the comment section...just remember, everyone can see it there!

If you have a prayer request...no matter what size...share it with us, and we will lift you or your situation up to our Lord Jesus.  If it is confidential, please email me the information.  I will share it with Joan only.  If it is something that you would like for anyone to pray for, including blog guests that are moved to pray, please tell us in the comment section.  We will pray...and perhaps some readers will also.

Now, I hope you will go and read the blog post below this one.  Leave a comment before Tuesday night at 8 o'clock to be eligible to win the

"Card of the Week."

Andrea, I hope to get your mailing address!

He IS Able,

Traci Starkweather

Cards by Traci and What Scripture says about "Friends"

Hi Friends~

Today I want to share a bit about "Friends."  And, I am going to show a few cards I have made over the weekend.  Do you send cards to friends?  Do you take time choosing a card with the perfect words?  Or do you go for the picture?  Do you make the cards?  I have joined the stamping world about 14 months ago.

I apologize for not posting yesterday. (Monday) I had a morning doctor's appointment that lasted quite a long time, and when I came home, I was so exhausted I slept into the night!

I have made such good friends here at the He IS Able blog.  I was thrilled when Michele and Joan said they would join the team, and let us have more depth in the blog.  We became friends through a prayer thread, and they have become such good friends to me. They are so caring and trustworthy.  Am I as good of a friend to them?  I can only hope so.  Let's look at some Scripture about Friends:

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34

"A friend loveth at all times."  Proverbs 17:17

I made this card for a dear friend of mine.  She and I became friends at Christian Paper Crafts.  We have come to be good friends very quickly.  It is as if we had known each other for a very long time.  She is both forgiving and patient...and much more!

On this card I used a Close To My Heart stamp that reads:"God loves you and so do I."  I cut about an inch off the front of the card, and put a piece of lace there.  I used a piece of SU! pink paper as the base of the card, and I cut a tiny strip of it to put over the section where the lace is attached to the card.  Then, I put 6 pink little gems on top of that!  The Butterfly stamp is from Rubber Stampede.  I used Marvy markers on it, along with pink Stickles.

On the inside of the card, I used a strip of paper left over from the front.  It is from DCWV-- "Sweet Stack."  This particular friend of mine loves lace and bows, so I added 3 little satin bows onto the strip of paper on the inside.  I really like how this card came out.  I made one mistake, however....it can't stand up!!!  The front being shorter than the back makes it just lay down!  lol  I hope she will enjoy it anyway.  She is a treasure in my life.

Ecclesiastes 4:8-10 reads: 

     "Two are better than one,

                          Because they have a good reward for their labor. 

 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.

  But woe to him who is alone when he falls,

 For he has no one to help him up."

I made this card for my niece, Emilie.  Her birthday is this week. 

 Happy Birthday, Em! 

I love this girl on the card.  The flowers are so big and bold.  I used copics on the pink on this card.  I tried giving her lighter hair first, I attempted to give her highlights-- like all of those tutorials show...it just didn't come together for me...SO....I chose to make her a brunette! lol  I used SU! Blush Blossom and Regal Rose to color her face.  I kept adding the shadow under her hair line...I kept going over and over it, trying to get it smooth looking! She ended up with a really great tan!  lol  The background paper is from Hot off the Press- "Use 'Em For Anything-Citrus Pack."  And, the ribbon is Offray.  That delicious looking cake with the cup cake on top is part of a DCWV page from their "Sweet Stack" selection. (Wonderful paper for birthdays and celebrations. (I used every bit of that page up!) 

 "The Perfect Day"...remember when you were a child your birthday meant EVERYTHING to you!  It was supposed to be THE Perfect Day.  You would invite your friends over and have so much fun!  Good times we can still have!  Well, I have a whole drawer of chipboard, and I decided to start to use it! lol  I don't know why I have been apprehensive to use it.

Take a look at that shade of super shimmery mint green Creative Inspirations Paint behind the scene!  I loved using it. I received some of their paints as a gift from a wonderful friend!  She is so generous and fun..plus she is very talented!  I put a layer of the paint on...and I didn't think it looked that shimmery when it was wet.  So, being me, and it being only my 2nd time using it, I put another layer of "mint" on and went to do something.  I came back about 10 minutes later, and the sun was glaring off of the green C.I. Paint!  I love it. It took me about 10 photo shots to come up with 1 that wasn't blinding!  Thank you, GF!

"A real friend sticks closer than a brother."  Proverbs 18:24

Here is a quote from John Lyly, "A friend is solace in grief and in joy a merry companion.

This is the last card for today.  I started it last fall.  I put the 2 different papers together, and tied the sheer ribbon.  (I wouldn't call it a bow, though!)  I took my leaf stamp from Judith's Stamps, and inked it on the front, back and I made a border of it on the inside.  Then I was stuck.  I didn't know where I was going to go next with the card, so I put it in a pile.  I took it out around December, and looked at it again...no luck---still stuck.  I didn't want to throw it out.  I really liked the papers together.  My husband, Dave loves the outdoors, so I knew that was the direction I wanted to go in.  Finally, this week...I was going through that pile, and there was the card!  It just so happened that the cardinal from Our Daily Bread Designs was resting just on top of it!  I had colored it with my water color pencils.  I liked how they looked together...I attached the ODBD Cardinal from the "Sing for Joy" stamp set, and the card is finished!  Dave and I love to watch the birds....especially the many "couples" of cardinals in our yard.  I'll send this to him at work as a little surprise.

So, what qualities do you look for in a friend?  Trustworthy?  Fun?  Shopping-Pal?  Honest?  Talkative?  Loyal? Christian?  Patient? How about writing one of the characteristics you look for in a friend in the comment section?  Or a Scripture about Friendship?  It is a great way to share, and it makes you eligible to win the "Card of the Week" which will be announced tomorrow!
He IS Able,
Traci S.

Okay Now...Coincidence or Not?

Hi Everyone!

Happy Friday!  The weekend is upon us...I have made a couple of cards over the last few days...but my camera's batteries were not charged up, and I could not photograph them for today's post.  So, on Monday...I will be sharing a few cards and possibly 1 or 2 scrapbook pages for the ABC Scripture Study that I have fallen behind on. 

I pray that our friends in Japan, Hawaii, and the west coast of America are safe and away from danger at this time.  The tsunami has really caused problems.  Please hold them in your prayers...we are.   Remember, you can list prayer requests in the comment section...or if they are confidential...email me, and I will share it only with Joan, the leader of our He IS Able Prayer Team.

" The LORD was NOT in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was NOT in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was NOT in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence." 1 Kings 19-11 NRSV

I can barely see the screen right now. My migraines interfere with my vision.  However, earlier, I opened up one of my Devotion Books and it was perfect for me today.  It spoke directly to me.  Does that ever happen to you?  What do you believe that is?  Coincidence, Holy Spirit, something else?  I don't believe in coincidences. So, "YEAH! Holy Spirit!"   I have a stamp that a friend gave me that reads:

"Coincidence is God's way of performing miracles anonymously"  It is either a 1993 or 1995 Stampin Up! stamp.  (I can't read the tiny number, sorry.)

Anyway, I would like to share the Devotion that really had an impact on me today.  It is from Quiet Moments in the Presence of God by Bethany House. As usual, the only changes I made was capitalizing all references to God.  Please read it, and see if it "speaks" to you in any way!  First a Scripture:

"You will show me the path that leads to life, your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever."  Psalm 16:11 GNT

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Okay Now
"Circumstances can be dire and forecasts bleak, but when you are close to God, you can be secure enough to step forward in your life with purpose and courage.  You can have confidence to move toward goals and objectives, and know that God is with you.

As God accompanies you, He gives wisdom to your mind, resolve to your will, and joy to your heart.  He reinforces that you belong to Him.  He makes known the many and varied resources He makes available to you.  God's presence guarantees that you will never be alone and that you will never have to face anything by yourself.

You can stand tall because God lifts you up.  You can stride confidently because God walks with you."

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I think I will print this out, and put it on my night-stand, so I can read it in the mornings and through-out the day as needed.  My family has a lot going on right now.  This is a great reminder of who He is!  I think I will make a list of all of the Scriptures I can find to back this Devotion up.  Care to join me?  If you know one now, how about posting it in the comment section?  :)
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"Even when the way goes through Death Valley,  I'm not afraid when You walk at my side.  Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure." Psalm 23:4

On Monday I will be sharing some cards and scrapbook page(s) for Patter Cross' ABC Scripture Study 2011.  I will also be able to give you the total number of cards received thus far, for the Card Drive for the American Cancer Society! I am accepting cards until the end of March so there is still time if you want to donate 1 card of 100! I am so thankful to each of you who have donated your beautiful cards!  You have really shown true selflessness-- a quality that amazes me every time I see it displayed.  I must say that I have met more selfless people in the past year at SplitCoastStampers and Christian Paper Crafts, and of course all of you here.  I thank you for showing me this wonderful quality over and over again.  It brings joy to my heart.  Have a wonderful weekend!  God Bless!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

Card of the Week Winner Announced... Praise Report!

Hi Everyone~

I am so glad you are here today!  It means even more to me when people are here on days when my migraine keeps me from wanting to be on the computer at all!  It gives me that extra push to get out of bed and grab my Bible and give away a beautiful card! 

Thank you for your continued prayers for my health.  This week my migraine is really keeping me stuck.  I can't even color my cards!  Boo-hoo! 

I pray that you are all well, and that you thought of many sources of joy in your life after reading that beautiful poem by Janet Erskine Stuart on Monday's post.
Isn't it wonderful that we have such a wonderful source of joy?  The best joy  there is?  The joy that comes from living a life for our Lord, Jesus the Christ. 

"The people I have formed for Myself;  they shall declare My praise." Isaiah 43:21

Does that mean we have to live perfectly?  Of course not.  We can't.  When we sin, (You may call it make a mistake.) we can go to Jesus and ask for forgiveness, and He will give it to us...completely!  He doesn't wait to spring it on us at a later date...to punish us, as some humans do! 

The part about living for Him that I am referring to is that when we realize that we have sinned...we do everything that we can...with His help...to not repeat the same sin.  Make sense?  We want to please Him.  He has done so much for us.  He still does so much for us.

What change can you make this week to walk a bit closer to Him?  It could be something slight...it may be something BIG...only you know what it is.  You and Jesus. You see, it isn't a big surprise when you go to Him and tell Him what you have done, when you ask for forgiveness.  He already knows!  And, He loves us anyway!  Amazing!  And, what a reason to be joyful! 

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  1 John 1:8-9

Do you feel great joy in knowing that we can be forgiven?  That we aren't given one chance that we would all blow within a week or so!

Do you feel great joy in knowing that the Lord of Lords loves us even though we are not perfect?  Even though we sin?  Even though we are of this world?

There are so many reasons to be joyful.  Let's have a Praise Report in the comment section!  Please share what Jesus is doing in your life!  Give Him Praise!  Share what you are joyful for...and thank Him!  Of course, you can share anything else, and you can share prayer requests there also. I'll be sharing my Praise there also! Thanks for jumping in! He wants us to love Him, to appreciate Him, to praise Him!

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Corinthians 15:57

"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks in His name."  Hebrews 13:15

The Winner of the He IS Able "Card of the Week" is...

Congratulations go out to Vikki Jo from SplitCoastStampers!

Vikki Jo, we know this is your first time winning the "Card of the Week," let me fill you in on some of the details!  Your leaving a comment in the comment section made you eligible to be randomly chosen from all people who left a comment---to win the beautiful card that was on the side bar this week!  All you need to do now is email me (see the side bar for addie!) your mailing address!  You will receive the card, an extra envelope and postage!  If for some bizarre reason you do not want this card---simply do not email me your mailing address.  But, keep coming around, and leaving a comment!  All comments received before 8pm on Tuesday are eligible!  You need to contact me before Tuesday 8pm...or you will forfeit the card!  Of course, you don't want THAT to happen!

Here is Vikki Jo's comment:

"Oh Traci I love the heart card... BEAUTIFUL! The yellow card is very bright and cheerful, love the flower layers!! And the teddy is so darn cute!"

March 7, 2011 10:44 AM

Vikki Jo, your comment is so sweet!  Thank you for taking the time to write.  It is my prayer that you will continue to stop by on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!  By the way, Vikki Jo is the hostess for the SCS Christmas Card Challenge 2011!  It is a wonderful way to get your cards done early!  Be sure to check it out!

To all of our guests from other countries...We are so pleased that you show up here 3 times a week!  We are so glad that you are finding things that interest you, or encourage you, or answer your questions, or just give you something to ponder. As you may know, my budget sadly does not allow me to mail cards out of the United States.  I am working on a surprise to give to you, our guests, of other countries if you win the "Card of the Week." However, it has not all come together yet. Details will be shared soon!

In the meanwhile, we can mail it to a friend you may have in the States...with a personal message from you!  Or we could donate the card to one of the charities I work with...or we could let the card go back into the He IS Able blog stash of cards.  Now aren't you excited about this surprise?

 It is another change we are making here to encourage everyone in the Lord, and provide what the Lord leads us to have here on the blog.  This year we have added a Bible Study about the Women of the Bible by Michele G., on the 3rd Friday of the month...and we are looking for people to join our Prayer Team.  The Prayer Team is led by Joan.  We are looking for friends who are Believers in Jesus Christ, who believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and is completely true, and who have a passion to pray for other people's needs.  The amount of time you want to volunteer is up to you... this is a very important part of the He IS Able blog!  Just let us know in the comment section or by email, if you would like further information!  This is open to any child of God, of any age, living anywhere, who would like to be a part of this team!

Have a blessed week!  Come join me in the comment section...for our Praise Report!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

p.s.  Wanted:  If you are in a position that you could send envelopes to fit A2 (6 1/2" x 4 1/4") cards for the American Cancer Society's Card Drive Fundraiser, we would certainly appreciate it. We are in need of about 200 envelopes! 

Also, it would be a huge blessing to receive some cards for the He IS Able blog!  We use these cards as the "Card of the Week," or as prizes, or to spread the word of this blog...which brings more guests to the blog, which shares the Good News of the Gospel!  If you need any details, please contact me!

Joy!

Dearest Friends,

Today, I leave you with a poem by Janet Erskine Stuart.  It was found in the book, Whispers of Promise.  It is published by Barbour and the book is meant as a Daily Encouragement for Women.

Dave and I were away for the weekend, and between my body hurting from the long trip in the car, and my having what must be the worst migraine in a year, I can not share more than this beautiful poem today.  I think it would be wonderful if we would each list a "joy" in our lives in the comment section.  I will share about this past weekend, and how the Lord moved so beautifully through out the event on Wednesday.  We will also announce the Card of the Week Winner.

I am very grateful for any prayers you may lift up to end this migraine and pain to help me get through this week, before I see my doctor next week. Those of you who have been visiting here know that when I get migraines, my vision fails quite a bit.  Thus, the short blog. Thank you for your prayers. 

Have a blessed week, and please consider it an opportunity to Praise Him as we each list at least one reason for joy in our lives. For He is the real reason for any joy in our days.

Here is that poem I promised:

Joy-Bearer

To be a joy-bearer and a joy-giver

says everything, for in our life, 

if one is joyful, it means that one is

faithfully living for God, and that

nothing else counts; 

and if one gives joy to others

one is doing God's work;

with joy without and joy with-in,

 all is well.

~Janet Erskine Stuart

I will leave my "joy" item in the comment section to go with yours!  Thank you for understanding that what I really need now is rest and prayer.  God Bless each of you!

He IS Able,

Traci Starkweather

116 Colyer Drive

Longwood, Florida 32779

USA

p.s.  I will be accepting any cards for the American Cancer Society Card Drive through the end of the month.  Thanks to so many people sending cards early, I will not need as much preparation time as I thought at the end of the month!  Any cards appreciated and all funds raised go directly to the American Cancer Society.  They are an organization that helps people with any type of cancer as well as educating the public about different treatments and warning signs to look for.  Thank you for any cards/envelopes you may provide. 

Pour Out Your Heart to God--Dr. Jack Graham

Hi Friends~

We are off to spend the weekend with family and run in (Dave), volunteer in (me) a race to raise money for machinery for the neo-natal unit at their local hospital.  Why are we travelling to participate with a race?  Well, because our Son-in-Law and Dave's Daughter are running the whole thing!  A 2 year old little girl went to be with the Lord a few years ago, and this race is in her honor. The hospital needed this machinery, and the family needed help with all of the medical bills they had.  We are so proud of our "kids" for starting this annual race, and continuing with it!

So, I don't have a lot of time to write today.  I will borrow from Dr. Jack Graham, whose organization, has so sweetly allowed me to share his columns here on the He IS Able blog.  Here is Dr. Graham's column named "Power Point."  The only changes I made were to post the Scripture in red and capitalize the words referring to Him.

Pour Out Your Heart to God                  September 21, 2010

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God!   --Psalm 42:11


Did you know it's okay to ask God questions? It is! Some people think that if you ask God questions, you are doubting Him, but that's not so.

Just look at Christ Jesus in agony on the cross. He cried out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"

And David, a man after God's own heart, dared to cry out to God in fear and anxiety and deep emotional pain. In Psalm 42:9 David said, "I say to God, my rock: Why have you forgotten me?" Because David was so honest before God, you and I can turn to Psalms today to find solace, serenity, and strength.

You see, you can be honest with God about your hurts, struggles, and suffering. You can pour your heart out to him. We all face uncertainties and imponderables that burst in our hearts for answers... for his comfort.

God can handle the hard, honest questions of your heart! He welcomes you into his presence. Yes, cry out to God when you hurt, but then steady yourself with his promises as David did in Psalm 42:11 and hope in the salvation of God!

Stir up your faith and remind yourself of His love and grace and power. He is your refuge and your strength!

GOD CAN HANDLE THE HARD, HONEST QUESTIONS OF YOUR HEART!
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Have a fabulous weekend!  I hope you enjoy spending some quality time with the Lord. And have some time enjoying making cards, or scrapbooking...however, you express yourself!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

"Right Word, Right Time" and 2 Winners Announced!!

Hi Friends~

Happy Wednesday!  Today we have not one, but two winners to announce for our random "Card of the Week" drawing. Last week their was a problem with Blogger, it wasn't allowing all of the comments to show up on the blog!  A serious problem-- when that is the pool from which the winners are drawn!  So, we have 2 people to receive a card to share what Jesus has done in their lives with their card recipients.  Hopefully, that is how the cards will be used, of course, you can use it any way you'd like!

I hope you have been reading along with us.  We have had some interesting information regarding our Veterans, and I have actually made it into my art room to make some cards, and I have posted some of them yesterday.

Today we have a wonderful Devotion from the Quiet Moments in the
 Presence of God book, published by Bethany House.  It is called Right Word, Right Time.  The title of this Devotion reminds me a bit of our cards, or the opportunities we have in conversations.  I am talking about using these times to share something about Jesus Christ.  It could be a Scripture on the card.  It could be telling the person about an answer to prayer...even if they don't believe in praying!  It could be about the miracle of a new member to your family.  It could be the lyrics to a song that shares about Him.  This is what I thought this Devotion would be writing about.

Seizing the moment, because we really don't know how many more moments, or conversations, or cards we can send out before the Lord comes back, and people's fates are sealed forever.  The time to take action-- is every time we can! 

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."  Galatians 6:9

 Let's see what this Devotion is really about:

Right Word, Right Time

"Alice stood in line at a busy airport, waiting to check in with the reservation clerk.  She was relocating across the county to begin a new job.  It was a job she had long wanted, but Alice had many doubts about her ability to fulfill the job's varied responsibilities.  Is the job too much for me? she wondered.  Have I made a big mistake?

Alice was second in line to check in when the elderly man in front of her got his ticket and turned back.  He put a firm hand on Alice's shoulder as he passed by and warmly said to her, "God bless you.  I'm sure everything is going to be all right."

God sends people with words of encouragement at the time, when you need them.
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"You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand and it gives light to all who are in the house."

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."  Matthew 5:14-16

Our Two Winners... Two Cards of the Week...

I certainly hope these 2 people stop by the blog today to find out that they have won a Card of the Week!  If not, I hope you will let them know!  They have until Tuesday 8pm to email their mailing address to me!  Have I stalled long enough?  lol  This week's 2 winners left the following comments:

Congratulations to...

"I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post."
By "Cancer Survival Rates" on 2/28/11

and...

"Yes.... your friend loves this card! I meant it when I told you it was one of the prettiest cards I have received! The paper is GORGEOUS and the Calla Lilies are too! Thank you soooo much!!! hugs, "Grace" on 2/17/11

I hope you will both email me with your mailing address so that I know you want your card, and I can get it out to you! My email is on the side bar.  It is truly our pleasure to send you this card.  If for some reason you do not want this card, simply do not send me an email with your mailing address.  Of course, please leave comments and prayer requests anyway!

Here at the He IS Able blog due to my personal budget, I can only send cards to addresses here in the United States.  We do however, love to hear from our Brothers and Sisters in other countries.  So, please still stop by, leave comments and prayer requests and they will be prayed over.  And, if you are randomly chosen as a winner of the Card of the Week, you can send it to a friend or relative here in the States with a personal message from you, or I can send you information on other options.  We are very grateful that you are here as well!

"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."  Matthew 28:19-20

Have a wonderful week!  Tell someone about Jesus today and then again...
God Bless You!!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

Help Our Veterans! And, Cards by Traci!

Hi Friends~

I want to apologize that yesterday's post was not posted on time.  Blogger did not recognize the Blog, or my user name, or my password!  Talk about getting seriously stressed! I finally just shut down the whole thing at 10pm, and went to bed.  I had nightmares about it all night...woke up, and it was working fine!
Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to continue to serve you with this Ministry!

In my last post I shared a story emailed around about soldiers going off to war, and making a wish of a little girl seem to come true.  I went to the Hunger Site and realized they have added a Veteran's Site.  There are more than 130,000 Veterans sleeping on the streets of America nightly...most without a meal in their belly!  If you click on this site, the sponsors donate money to help the Veterans.  It doesn't cost you anything more than about 10 seconds on each Site.  I hit each one every day.  How about joining in and helping?  It would be greatly appreciated!

"Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the  measure you use, it will be measured to you."  Luke 6:38  NIV

Well, I did it.  I made a bunch of cards this weekend.  Here are some for you to take a look at!  I would love to hear your comments on how I could improve them!  I want to learn, and your sharing will be so helpful to me!

Here we go:

 This card was so easy to make and I think it is so cheerful!  This is a bit bigger than most of my cards.  It is a 5" x 7" card. I usually make A2 cards. The background paper is called "Yellow Flowers" and I just love the colors...it is not even all the way across the page...lighter in some areas, darker in others.  The huge flower is from Michael's Dollar bins!  It was really a pin...I didn't know that until I took it out of the special bag it was in!  I took the pin off of the flower.  I cut a strip of SU! "Yellow Yolk" paper and set it behind the flower.  There wasn't much room to put embellishments once I set this enormous 4 and 1/2" bloom!  I used Aleen's Tacky glue to hold it on!  What embellishments, if any would you have added?

Here you will be able to see the amazing layers which add so much depth in this flower!  They came in all different colors.  I wish I could have bought a hundred of them!  This card can be used for so many different occasions!  Often, I like to put the sentiment inside a card!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16


I started this card by stamping my "Me & Carrie Lou" heart and rose stamp on white cs from SU!.  I colored it in with an olive SU! marker, and a Marvy--Red, marker!  I used VersaFine to stamp the image.  I placed it on a scrap piece of unknown red paper. "The God is Love" stamp is a gift from a very good friend.  Thank you!!!  It is actually a SU! stamp from 1998.  I added some Finishing Accent Red Rhinestones from Darice to add a little more bling to this card!

The last card...or 25 of them, that I made were to catch up on the SCS

Christmas Card Challenge 2011 for January and February.  I know ten of them are going to the Card Drive Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  Ten are going to the Children's Charity I send cards to...the children-teens are going through chemo for MS, and other serious illnesses.  I will put 5 of them into my pile of Christmas cards.  How is that for planning?!  lol 

I used a stamp from Imaginisce.  It is called, "Polar Bear."  However, we live in Central Florida and have had several encounters with Black bears...so the polar bear became  a Black Bear.  I used miscellaneous Christmas papers, assorted markers from SU! and Marvy.  And a green rhinestone from Darice's Finishing Touches.

Part of this blog's Mission Statement is sharing the love of the Lord through cards.  Sharing His Word through cards which we give away every Wednesday.  It is a great way for you to share your thoughts about the Lord with friends, family and even strangers!  Just leave a comment on this blog by Tuesday 8pm.  Any comment!  If your comment is randomly chosen you will win a beautiful card that some of the best card-makers around have donated...and you can share about the Lord in this way!  Who knows what result will happen when the card recipient reads your thoughts.  Perhaps he/she will want to invite Jesus Christ into their life as Lord and Savior!  Wouldn't that be fabulous?  What a fun, easy, and great way to witness!  So, leave your comments.  We announce the Winner of the Card of the Week, every Wednesday!  Please join us tomorrow to see who will be chosen as the random winner.  In fact, this week...there will be 2 randomly chosen winners!  So, let's share the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Have a blessed week!  Thank you for being here!  It would be a special blessing if you shared this blog with one friend, and a family member.  Thank you for considering it!

He IS Able,

Traci S.