Happy 1 Year Blog-o-Versary! Winners Announced Today!

Hi Friends~

HAPPY 1st BLOG-o-VERSARY!!!  Thank you for joining us on this special day.  We would not be celebrating if it weren't for you! 

We have 2 Give Aways today!  The "He IS Able Card of the Week" and Our Candy for the He IS Able 1st Blog-o-Versary!

Please copy and paste this link onto another screen. Enjoy the words to the song, "He IS Able!" 
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unlQWgMvOic

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I decided to make a card last night that resembled the 1st He IS Able Card of the Week.  I actually bought these dome letter stickers with the little flowers and such inside about 20 years ago!  I have been waiting for a very special occasion to use them!  I used some pearlescent card stock from Crafter's Companion, and a sheet of paper that I bought for Dave's and my wedding album that resembles the petals on the blog page.  I love this cross image, and used 2 shades of water color pencils and then covered it with the Stencil Collection's Glazed Dimensions. I had to take the photo from the side-- it is so glossy, domed and shimmery! Rest assured it is straight in real life! Here is this week's card:

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

CATHERINE KRAFT

Here is her comment:

I have been following He Is Able blog for several months now and want you to know what a blessing you have been to me. Quite honestly I don't remember how I found your blog, but more importantly, that I did find it. I e-mailed Traci the evening after I read my first visit. It had spoken so loudly and straight to my heart. That same night I went to her church on-line and listened to the worship and the message and really needed to hear what the Traci had written and the church service.

I was depressed and having a real rough time, in a church that we had been involved in for nine years, but our hearts were crying out for healing, for change.

Traci wrote me back the next day, encouraged me and became a friend whom I really cherish. She reached out when I really felt alone and I am so grateful that God has placed her in my life. I pray that you will continue to reach out and minister to others for many years to come. Thank you for being such a huge blessing and a friend! Your words and prayers help change lives.

Love and blessings~

June 28, 2011 10:22 AM

Here are a couple of close-up photos:

Cathy, thank you for your very sweet and thoughtful words.  I am so glad that we came to know each other and become friends, also. You are right, I believe it is God who put us on the same path...and it is He who we  Glorify in our posts!  It is He that allows us to share His Word, and articles and items from our lives with you and our other guests. 

 Praise Him in the Highest!

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And, today is our 2nd Day of Praise!  I hope you will join myself and others in the comment section as we share at least one reason to praise our Lord, Christ Jesus there!  You can write it in prayer form, or a simple sentence, or a word.  It would be such a special way to spend the day together.

"This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

                                                 Psalm 118:24

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Here is the list of items included in our

1st Blog-o-Versary Candy Give Away:

Ash2Ash CD- Rise Up Testify for Jesus!
The Book, Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand
Faith Journal
Travel:
Border Stickers
K&Company Embossed Travel License Plates
Title of Mexico-- 9" Laser Cut
Mexican Scenery Stickers
Ballet:
2 laser cut tags
Ballet 1 laser cut set of shoes, a rose, dancers, and the word Ballet
High Heel Shoe Embellishments
Paper Cellar:
car stick-ons
numbered pool ball stick-ons
brads with words: dad, brother, son
2" square paper
pink hearts
plastic shoes
fabric booties
satin dresses with bows
pink & white buttons
laser cut paper bottles, bibs, ducks and frames
chip board buttons
Christmas:
Maya Road-Layered Chipboard Christmas Tree Album
24 Christmas Cards
K Stamp Gingerbread House Wood Stamp
Craft Tray and set of Barbara Trobley's Ultra Fine Glitter
Imaginisce- Eye of Newt Glitter covered brads
Paper Wishes Stamps:
key hole stamp
flourishes solid and line
vintage word frame
Template: hearts & flowers
Brass Pumpkin Stencil
Rose Quartz Necklace
Mickey & Minnie Mouse Pens
American Cancer Society Calendar
Raffia dark purple, light purple, white

The Winner of the 1st He IS ABLE
 BLOG-O-VERSARY CANDY IS...
Becky or Rebekka from her very popular, God-loving, Artistic blog...

     "A Diamond in the Rough"
Congratulations, Becky!  We hope you will enjoy all of your goodies!  There are some fabulous items included!  Please email me your mailing address as soon as possible.  I want to make sure I have your latest address!
Won't everyone please stop by her blog and leave her some love and congratulations!?  Please let her know you are from the He IS Able Blog!

Here is her randomly drawn comment:

"Sorry to hear you have been struggling with Worry.. It is a terrible thing, worry is doubting God's best for our lives. some times God's best seems unpleasant, but He is preparing us to rule and reign with Christ. That is why Job is one of my favorite books. :) Have a blessed day. hugs :)"

By Becky on "Why Can't I Quit Worrying?" Think on... on 6/14/11

And, here are the guidelines that we used for this Give Away!To be eligible to win this random drawing, please leave your name/username and email or blog address in our comment section. You may email it to me if you do not want to post it. My email is down on the right side of the blog. If you copy and paste our Blog Badge or Photo of the Blog Candy on your blog...and let us know...you will have an extra entry for the Blog Candy. We will accept names until midnight on June 29th! The Winner will be announced on our 1 year Blog-o-Versary--June 30th!!

Due to the weight/postage of this Blog Candy, I will be sending it to addresses located in the United States only.

We greatly appreciate all of our guests, including the many people from other countries around the world. If you live outside of the United States, perhaps you have relatives who could send it in their regular package if you live out of the country. However, thanks to Ash2Ash for their generosity, they have offered to ship their CD, "Rise Up--Testify For Jesus!" if a person from another country is randomly chosen to receive this candy! Thank you, Ash2Ash! If this happens, another name will be chosen until someone with an address in the U.S. is chosen. We want everyone to have an opportunity to win!
We hope everyone will join us with an Praise for the Lord, in the comment section, or a prayer request...and any other comment.  May we start our second year off...together...in Christ...

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Last Chance to Win Blog-o-Versary Candy!!! Join Us for Praise Days!

Last Chance to Sign Up for a Chance to Win Blog-o-Versary Candy!

Click Here for Details!

Dear Friends~

Today is the last day to be entered in our 1st Blog-o-Versary Candy Give Away!  Please be sure to click on the pink words to see how easy and quick it is to be entered to win a large amount of goodies!  Wait until you read the list of what is included!

 

 

We will have a special post tomorrow.  I hope everyone will be here to see who won the goodies, and congratulate the winner!  On Friday, I will share at least one card, and as so many of you asked, I will tell you all about StampFest 2011! I will give you a glimpse of some of the projects I will be sharing with you over time.

I have also decided to put the "He IS Able Card of the Week" drawing off until tomorrow!  I had a sudden urge during the night to make a special card for the drawing...even though we have many, many cards...thanks to those of you who have helped serve the Lord in this way. Thank you also, for your patience with me!

I must say I am so touched by the beautiful comments you have been leaving.  They are so sweet, and I am truly blessed by your kind words. It is Jesus who has blessed me by allowing me to write some of these posts, and it is He who we focus on when writing and when we are not.  You are all so kind.  Thank you for your loving words.  You are loved also.

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 "And a voice from Heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love;

with him I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3:17 NIV

 

 

I was looking through my bookshelf and found a book I didn't remember getting.  It is called Follow the Leader. It is written by Norman G. Wilson.  I opened it up, thinking it may have been a book of games from when I taught preschool.  I was surprised to see and remember the dear words of a friend of mine who sent me this book of a "Daily Spiritual Journey."  I really want to share a special Devotion from it today...on the last post of our 1st Year as a blog...Glorifying Him along our path in life.

"Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying,

 “Truly you are the Son of God.”  Matthew 14:33 NIV

No Christianity Without Christ

"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16 KJV

"On a visit to Israel I had a guide who had been born in Jericho and raised in that part of the world.  Quoting freely from both the Old and New Testaments, his knowledge of Biblical facts was amazing.  He spoke with respect and reverence about Jesus.  But he was not a Christian.  He was a Muslim. (This is NOT about putting down Muslims...please continue.)

 

 

I questioned him regarding his opinion of Jesus Christ.  He said Jesus was a great prophet sent from God, but the guide would go no further.

 

 

A great man.  A prophet. He came from God.  Those are true statements, great truths, but they are not enough.

 

 

Who was Jesus?  Whose Son is He?  The carpenter's son?  Joseph's son?  Mary's Son?

 

 

Many in the Bible confessed Christ as the Son of God.  At His Baptism, God Himself said Jesus was His beloved Son.  (Matthew 3:17)  The disciples watched him still the storm and said, "Of a truth, thou art the Son of God."  (Matthew 14:33)  The centurion at the cross exclaimed, "Truly this was the Son of God."  (Matthew 27:54b)  Even the unclean spirits cried out, "What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God?" (Mark 5:7)

"When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54  NIV

There is no Christianity without Christ.  If the doctrine of the deity of Christ is lost, Christianity no longer exists.  Who is Jesus to you?

"He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” Mark 5:7 NIV

Life Response:  I will discover for myself, the Christ of the Scriptures.  I will not only learn about His words, I will discover His ways--and walk in them.

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What's that?  You haven't asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior yet?  You can do so now.  Here is a prayer I am sharing from a church advertisement that came in our coupon mailer!  Pray with me using these words, or words of your own...let it reflect your heart.

A Prayer for Salvation:

"Lord Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for my sins.  Forgive me for all my sins.  I open the door of my heart to You and receive You now as my Savior and Lord.  Please give me eternal life.  I recognize that the blood You shed on the cross was the full payment for my sins.  I acknowledge You as the risen Savior and Son of God.  Take control of the throne of my life, help me to follow You and obey Your Word.  Amen!"


If you just prayed this prayer...Welcome to a VERY large family!  It is our hope that you will find yourself a church that is centered on Jesus Christ, and His teachings.  If you need a Bible and don't yet have one, let me know...my email is on the side bar...and I will do my best to get one out to you.  Praise God for new Believers!

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When my friend, Di, gave me this Devotion book, she bought one for herself, also.  I now remember that we agreed to work on it together.  We each read the Devotion daily, and then emailed the other with the points that really struck us.  We wrote what was new--or forgotten, and how we could apply the "Devotion of the Day" to our own lives.  And, then we prayed for each other.  We did this for quite a while, and learned so much!  It was a great way to see another person's perspective, and consider applying her thoughts to my knowledge.  I highly recommend doing this with someone near to you.  Don't get caught up in being upset if one of you misses a day here and there...do your best.  It really opened my eyes to many extra ideas I hadn't thought of...won't you consider doing this with a friend?  It's more than a gift of a book...it's a gift of your time, your love, and sharing about our Lord, Christ Jesus!

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I would love it if we made today and Tomorrow "Praise Days!"  Let's openly share how wonderful Jesus Christ is!  In the comment section, let's write at least one thing in which we offer praise to the One who is worthy of all praise!  Join me, won't you?

He IS Able,
Traci S.

3 Days Left to Sign Up for our 1st Blog-o-Versary Candy! What You and This Blog Mean to Us!

Enter to Win our 1 Year Blog-o-Versary Candy...

click here to enter easily!

Hi Friends~

Well, this has been a very busy weekend for me. I went to StampFest 2011- Orlando on Saturday and totally wore myself out! But, did I have fun! I learned so many new techniques that I can not wait to share with you. There were only 31 booths...small for a show in Orlando...but it took me all day to get through them. I hope that I can remember what tools and what inks go with what projects. There were several "Make and Takes"...but most were done by the demonstrators and you could just watch. I have a couple of samples to remember how to do the technique!  And, I am so excited about making ATC (Artist Trading Cards) cards! They look awesome. I have never tried to make one because it is such a small surface to work with. I literally slept from 8pm Saturday until about 6pm on Sunday...with a couple of hours in between. And, slept soundly from bed-time on last night. I walked a lot more than I usually do. I was exhausted!  But, it was worth it!

And, I was so blessed to meet a fellow blogger friend of mine. She is wonderful. It was so good to meet after about a year!  She is the very creative, very fun, artist and writer of the unique "Queen of Grunge Blog!" I hope you will visit Gerrie's Blog!  It is so much fun!  You are in for a treat!

This Thursday, the 30th is the He IS Able Blog's 1 Year Anniversary. I know you are aware of our super Blog Candy to be given away. Please be sure to sign up and post a photo of the candy on your blog, or our He IS Able badge, for an extra entry.

I would like to share this short Devotion from a book, Joshua gave me for Christmas last year. It is very special to me, because He has come to know how important my time with the Lord is...even though he is a Jew (so far.)

The Daily Inspiration book, published by Zondervan is full of wonderful things to meditate on. This is the one that I would like to share with you today. For it is you, each of you, who make this blog the success that it is. We have hopefully encouraged each other in our time with the Lord, I know We have been so encouraged by you. We have come to expand our knowledge of the Lord and strive to continue to do so.  We have come to know how to please the Lord, how to be there for each other...to lift each other up. And, we have learned how we are similar or very different from the Women of the Bible.

This writing reminds me of much of what you each mean to us:

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

I would like to break this down, as I see it. You are all prayed for daily. Whether you ask for something in particular or not. We thank God for your ability to share about our Lord, Jesus, with others, whether it is in person or through a "He IS Able Card of the Week." Your comments mean so much to us...they tell us what you are interested in, you add to the things we share-- all of the time, and share personal elements to the discussion. This is surely at least part of your  "labor prompted by love." And the fact that you have been with us for 362 days shows your endurance to want to know more about our Lord, and to know more about how we can live a life that  makes Him smile. How your faith (hope) can grow...and my much needed topic...how not to worry! This is why I share this Devotion with you today. As a BIG thank you to each of you...for however long you have been visiting here, if you have helped spread the word about this blog, if you donated cards for the give-aways, or if you shared a Testimony about your life with the Lord, or a portion of it, prayed for us, asked questions, answered questions...or if you  read and put to practice the things you have read...we are so appreciative of you.  We thank you so much!

We also appreciate the number of visits we have had to the He IS Able blog.
It is amazing that people from around the world have come to visit. We are so grateful for that. For, this blog allows us to be a part of the command Jesus gave us...The Great Commission. (More on that soon!)  Take a peek at where people have been visiting from for the past year...(I hope this is all of them. I apologize if I left someone out.) I pray you will continue visiting and participating in the next year.

Get a map ready...and remember, in some of these countries, studying Christianity, or being a Christian is punishable by life in prison, or by death. These people are the "Pauls, Johns, and Stephens"of the Bible in our present day. I am grateful to live in the United States, where I can practice and share my beliefs freely.

Austrailia--Bangladesh--Canada--China--Egypt--Finland-- France--German--Ghana--India--Iran--Iraq--Japan-- Latvia--Morocco--Netherlands--North Korea--Philippines-- Russia--Saudi Arabia--Slovenia--South Korea--Ukraine-- United Kingdom--United States--Uzbekistan-- As we start our second year off together we will include more art, a series on the Beatitudes, ideas to reinforce Christian Values and Bible Stories with Children, Teens and ourselves, and we are VERY interested in knowing what YOU are interested in all of us learning about!  Your opinion is always welcome! We will still have Joan leading our Prayer Team.  She is such a faithful prayer warrior!  And, Michele will continue asking the sometimes tough questions about if we are similar to the Women of the Bible, or if we would have passed our responsibility on to someone else, or just let it slide...and then what would have been the results?  My hope for this next year is that more of you will share with the other readers more often.  I really would love to have people email me their Testimony of how they came to know the Lord, or some of the special Christian Events in their lives, or a special Scripture to you, and why it is so special. I will post it on this blog...with links to your blog or gallery, if you wish.  It can be about your blog, art work...anything that would be interesting to our guests.  You would know...you are one!  And, any of these special "sharings" can be done in "Memory,"  in "Honor," or to post for someone's  "Birthday or Anniversary."  It is  a special way to honor someone...or stay anonymous...up to you!  Please consider doing this in any form...a writing, a poem, art with directions would be fabulous...whatever you would like!  The He IS Able blog is EVERYONE'S BLOG!  So, please join in!  I promise, it will be a blessing for you, and for everyone who reads it! If you enjoy this blog, please be sure you are signed up as a "Blog Follower,"  more importantly, please ask a friend to stop by.  It is such a way to encourage us to continue.  I still feel like I did on the 1st post.  I want to continue Glorifying God through this blog!  I want us to encourage each other to reach out and share the Gospel and the love of Christ to the people that we come in paths with.  I really would love to know what topics are of interest to you.  Please let us know via email or the comment section.  Let us know if you want challengs, or give-aways like we have done.  Tell us what you like and what doesn't really interest you.  We will take what you say to heart. Thank you for the last 362 days--and we look forward to many more days with you!  Thank you for being here...you are so important to us! He IS Able! Traci Starkweather p.s.  I wrote this on behalf of Joan and Michele also.  I hope I captured their opinions also.  If they have anything they would like clarified or corrected, it will be shared as soon as possible.  I just feel like we are such a great team.  They helped with everything even before they were "officially" a part of the He IS Able team. I thank them with all of my heart. "A friend loveth at all times."  Proverbs 17:17

Blog-o-Versary Candy Ends Wednesday! "It Takes Both"--Quiet Moments in the Presence of God

Click here to find out about our 1st Blog-o-Versary Candy!

Dear Friends~

There was a beautiful passage in one of my books that I use to meditate on God's Peace, Love and Encouragement, Quiet Moments in the Presence of God.  It is published by Bethany House.  The sharing I read today was beautiful.  It is called, "It Takes Both."  First a couple of wonderful promises from His Word.

"Trust in the Lord and do good;

 dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 

 Delight yourself in the Lord and

He will give you the desires of your heart. 

Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in Him and He will do this." 

 Psalm 37:3-5

When a fine artist takes the hand of a promising student and guides it on the canvas, the brushstroke is more the teacher's than the student's.  The student holds the brush and makes a motion of the hand, but the teacher's touch comes through to the painting.  Much honor and praise belong to the teacher.

But there is honor and praise for the student as well.  he student has put himself in the teacher's capable hands, has made himself malleable to the teacher's touch. The student has yielded to the motion and direction of the teacher.  The surrender of the student to the teacher brings wonderful and beautiful results.

Your attitudes and actions are always better

 when you let God guide them with His hand and heart.

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"Teach me to follow You, and I will obey Your Truth.  Always keep me faithful."  Psalm 86:11

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Well, it is almost time to draw a winner of our 1st Blog-o-Versary Candy!  You must be entered before midnight on  Wednesday, June 29th to be eligible.  Winners will be announced on a special post on the 30th!  The easiest way is to post the Blog-o-Versary Candy photo or list of goodies in it--through the 29th on your blog...(be sure to let us know about it!) Have you told your friends about it?  Perhaps  you and a friend could agree that if one of you is our winner...you will share the prize with each other...allowing you to double your chance of winning some of the prizes.  That would be a way to double your chances! Find out how to enter by clicking on one of the pink links!

Here's the list of items in our Blog-o-Versary Candy Give Away:

Ash2Ash CD- Rise Up Testify for Jesus!The Book, Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand
Faith Journal
Travel: Border Stickers
K&Company Embossed Travel License Plates
Title of Mexico-- 9" Laser Cut
Mexican Scenery Stickers
Ballet: 2 laser cut tags
Ballet 1 laser cut set of shoes, a rose, dancers, and the word Ballet
High Heel Shoe Embellishments
Paper Cellar Products: car stick-ons
numbered pool ball stick-ons
brads with words: dad, brother, son
2" square paper
pink hearts
plastic shoes
fabric booties
satin dresses with bows
pink & white buttons
laser cut paper bottles, bibs, ducks and frames
chip board buttons
Christmas: Maya Road-Layered Chipboard Christmas Tree Album
24 Christmas Cards
K Stamp Gingerbread House Wood Stamp
Craft Tray and set of Barbara Trobley's Ultra Fine Glitter
Imaginisce- Eye of Newt Glitter covered brads
Paper Wishes Stamps:
key hole stamp
flourishes solid and line
vintage word frame
Template: hearts & flowers
Brass Pumpkin Stencil
Rose Quartz Necklace
Mickey & Minnie Mouse Pens
American Cancer Society Calendar
Raffia dark purple, light purple, white
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Tomorrow I am going to StampFest 2011.  I can not wait.  I am going with my Mom, and I am so excited to meet two of my blogger friends in person!  They happen to be going also!  I am so happy about this! 

And, I can't wait to see what new goodies they have for us, as well as make and takes.  It is a short show, sadly, they are only open from 9-5pm!  That is not enough time to make sketches, write down ideas and wish lists, and enter all of the give-aways!  Oh, plus do a bit of shopping!  I wish Our Daily Bread  Designs would be there, I love their products...and their artists!

I am so grateful that my body will let me make it through tomorrow's festival.  I have been careful to rest since we came home...but still used some of that God given strength that He blessed me with last week, in Maryland.  I thank You, Lord Jesus!

Only a few days left to sign up for the Blog-o-Versary Candy!  Please let your friends know about it!  We would be most grateful.  Any friend is welcome...they will see the Word of God, and that can only be good.  May God bless each of you.  Thank you so much for being one of our regular guests...or if this is your first of many visits.  We really appreciate your comments and prayers.  You are all amazing people!  Thank you for being a part of the He IS Able Community!  We will see you on Monday!

He IS Able!

Traci S.

Signed up for Blog-o-Versary Candy? Blessings When You Least Expect Them!

Are you signed up to win the Blog-o-versary Candy?! <--click here!

Hi Friends~

We are back from our short trip to Maryland to visit my dear FIL!  He celebrated his 89th birthday with a party of about 21 of us from all over the east coast of America.  Father's Day brunch in the dining hall at the Senior Community where he lives was amazing...as usual.  There was such a large group of us.  It was a weekend full of blessings.  The majority became clear to me, at times when I least expected it.  I realized I was being blessed when I  was helping Dad get his support socks on...they are so hard to get on!  He has bad circulation in his feet, and his feet are extremely cold and purple when he wakes up.  So, I naturally massaged them a bit, while we talked before I battled those socks.  I was there, and before my eyes I saw a section of the Bible where Jesus was washing the Disciples feet. So often during the weekend when I stretched to do something new and a bit uncomfortable, I was blessed with the words of a hymn coming to mind, or a Scripture, or a quick picture in my mind from a section of the Bible, or I was blessed by using muscles I haven't used in 14 years!

Here I was thinking I was blessing my FIL by helping...and He blessed me beyond my wildest hopes!  I had strength and endurance and patience, that are difficult for me in life...mostly because of my disabilities, and being in constant pain.  I found that when I needed strength during the weekend.  He provided it.  When I needed to stay awake and alert, and wanted to nap...I would in the next moment...be alert, and active.  I am sad that Dad needs this help now.  But, I felt so much love helping him, as did Dave, and I felt so blessed by the Lord for He provided every need I had for the entire weekend!  Now, that we are home, and I have relaxed...I need to recuperate a bit!  I am on fire for the Lord, however, and have many things to share with you!

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I want to share this short writing I found today, from the devotional book, Whispers of Promise.  They describe what happened so perfectly, in my opinion.  The book is published by BARBOUR, and I do not know the individual writer.  I hope you enjoy it!

Superior Care

The truth really is that His care

is infinitely superior to any

possibilities of human care and

that He, who counts the very hairs

of our heads, takes note of the

minutest matters that affect the

lives of His children.

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I will lift up my eye to the hills--from whence comes my help! My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121: 1-2

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Since this is our 1 Year Blog-o-Versary Month, I want to share a little about this blog with you.  I thought I would share a bit about how this blog became known as the "He IS Able" blog.  Especially with the word "IS" being capitalized.  When I first entered "Blog World" in January of last year, I wanted a way to sign off when I left a comment, or a message, or even for my email.  I decided that I would basically use one "message."  I wasn't comfortable using "Love, Traci" because I didn't know anyone.  I decided that since I was working so hard to walk closer with my Lord, Christ Jesus, I would use a reminder to myself of just how amazing...how incredible, how praise-worthy He is.  I started to sign things like this:  "He IS Able, Traci S."

I wrote it to remind myself!  When I decided that I wanted to have a blog, I gathered a list of ideas from now friends, and from myself...I looked for phrases from the Bible, phrases about Him, Christian music that spoke to me...you name it.  I asked a handful of friends to rank the names.  Well, they were all different!  And, the majority of my friends wrote in, "Why don't you use the way you sign your emails as the blog name?"  "People already associate that "phrase" with you."  And, I loved the song.  I found out that when I emailed a few people with that signature...it would open a conversation about the Lord.  They would ask, why is the "IS" capitalized?  I started using it that way because our God is a God of action, in my opinion. I wanted to remember that He was capable of absolutely anything, any time, any where...He could make things happen, when I couldn't.  He would be good, and faithful, and loving, and fair, and strong, and gentle...He IS Able!

He IS not a thing of the past only.  He IS not only written about in a book.  He IS alive!  He IS here with us, until the end of time.  Now you know the story behind this blog's title.  He IS Able!

And, who is going to win this week's "He IS Able Card of the Week?"

Congratulations, Leanne!  Please contact me (my email is on the right side bar.) with your mailing address.  So that I can send out this week's "Card of the Week" to you, as well as an extra envelope and postage.  (If you live in the US.)  If you don't, let me know.  We will soon have a different give-away for you!  You need to contact me before Tuesday at 8pm.

How were you even entered, you may be asking?  Well, when you visited and left a comment...it entered you in our Blog-o-Versary Give AwayMission Statement:  "Share His Word, His Love, His Gift of Salvation through Card Give Aways!"  We hope you will use the card in this manner...but, you may use it any way, of course!  We put all of the comments into a random drawing, and yours was the one chosen! You may win again, again and again.  You just need to leave a new comment every week before 8pm on Tuesday (Eastern)...winner announced on Wednesday!

Here is your comment:

"Thank you for a chance to play. It is so wonderful that you have a prayer team here to help others in need. Amen! Blessings...Leanne"

By Leanne on Blog-o-Versary Candy Give Away!

 

Thank you for your comment, Leanne! Welcome to the He IS Able blog.  We post on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Joan is our Prayer Team Leader, and is looking for people who are willing to give a few minutes a day...as many as they want--to lift others up before the Lord.  If you are interested just let us know.  Also, please feel free to ask for prayer.  He answers prayer. It may not always be as we wish...but He always answers.  Just leave your request in the comment section, if the other guests may join in and pray about it.  If it is more of a confidential matter, just email it to me, and Joan and I will ONLY pray for it.  Joan can sure keep confidences...so can I.  If you enjoy what you find here...please feel free to post our Blog Badge on your blog, and possibly sign up as a Blog Follower.  You are already signed up for the chance to win the Blog-o-Versary Candy...twice...because you posted the photo of all of that candy:  The Ash2Ash CD, the Christian Books, Journal, stamps, jewelry, and even Mickey and Minnie Mouse Pens. The entire list is here.

 

Have a blessed week!  We will be back on Friday!  God Bless!

 

He IS Able!

Traci S.

1st Blog-O-Versary! Precious Women of God--This Includes You!

Click here to find out how to win our 1st Blog-O-Versary Blog Candy!

Hi Friends~

I am either in Maryland with lots of family...celebrating my FIL's 89th birthday! Happy Birthday, Dad!

 I hope that Blogger posted this correctly.  This is the 3rd Friday of the month, and that means that we are reaching out to all of the "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"

Michele sent an explanatory writing by Joyce G. Baldwin.  It is from her Introduction and Commentary in 1984.  And, we are talking about one of all Jewish People's favorite Jewish Female Heroines...Esther!!  I have chosen to share a bit about how we, a Jewish family, growing up, celebrated Purim...the celebration where Esther is the Queen of the land...and saves all of the Jews!  And, I may throw in a couple of comments in purple in Ms. Baldwin's work.

I will start with Ms. Baldwin's commentary: Read the book of Esther 1-10.
Esther was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin.  The name Esther means 'star.' This is a derivation of the root name of the goddess Ishtar.  Esther was also known as Hadassah which means 'Myrtle'.  Myrtle branches signify peace and thanksgiving.

Esther first appears in book of Esther Chapter 2.  She is an orphaned Jew brought up by her cousin Mordecai. In Chapter 1 of the book of Esther, King Xerxes (Zer-cees) decided to display his abundant wealth for 180 days followed by a seven day feast.  A lavish display of his power.  On the seventh day King Xerses called Queen Vashti (Vosh-tee) out in order to display her beauty to the people.  She refused to come and is eventually banished from the King's presence for life.  A new Queen is sought.

In Chapter 2 Esther is chosen to be Queen.  She goes through the normal 12 months of beauty treatment before meeting the King. (That is quite a facial!) It also records the good deed of Mordecai in saving the Kings life by alerting him of an assassination attempt on his life.  This deed is recorded in the record books and later serves as a blessing for Mordecai in the future.  (It's me, Traci, I just want to let you know that this part is VERY important.  Hang in there...there is great news coming...)

"God never forgets our labour of love."  Hebrews 6:10

In Chapter 3 Haman is honoured by the King and given a high position in the Kingdom.  Haman is annoyed with Mordecai because Mordecai refuses to kneel down to him!  Haman's anger leads him to plot the execution of all the Jews in the Kingdom.  (OK- this is a main plot of this story...Jews do not bow down to people...only God...and they won't write down the word "God" because it can be thrown away or fall on the floor...so they write "G-d" instead.)

In order to prevent the execution of all the Jews, Mordecai calls on Esther to intercede to her husband, the King.  The only problem here is that the King does not know that Esther is a Jew.  Esther has no idea of how the King will respond to this news.  Esther's reluctance to approach the King is met by stern words from Mordecai. 

 In Chapter 4:14 he (Cousin Mordecai) said, "For if you keep silent

 at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews

 from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. 

And who knows whether you have not come to the Kingdom

for such a time as this?"

Esther eventually agrees to appeal to the King.  Prior to this she asks Mordecai to organize a time of fasting for her.  She is well aware that she needs God's favour if she is to succeed.

"Go gather together all the Jews who are in Susa,

and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days,

night or day.  I and my maids will fast as you do. 

 When this is done, I will go to the King,

even though it is against the law. 

 And, if I perish.  I perish."  Esther 4:16

In Chapter 5 Esther approaches the King and invites him and Haman to a banquet.  This is an attempt to get the timing right before she informs the King about Haman's plot to kill the Jews of which she is one.  Esther hid

this fact that she was a Jew from the King on Mordecai's advice.

God's timing is always best.  We need to wait for God's timing in doing things. It is dangerous to jump out before time.

Meanwhile, Haman's hatred for Mordecai is growing.. and on the advice of his friends and wife he has special gallows prepared beside his house on which to hang Mordecai.  In Chapter 6 God moves to save the Jews. (Isn't God always moving on our behalf?) The King can not sleep and asks for the record books to be read aloud to him.  (Did you remember this from above?)The deeds of Mordecai in saving the king in the past are read out.

(This part is GREAT!)  In an extraordinary change of events the King asks Haman what should be done to a man who the King wants to honor?  Haman, in his arrogance, thinks the King is referring to him and advises a lavish display of wealth and honor to be bestowed on the man publicly.  The King orders Haman to do this to Mordecai!  (WOW!  Love it!)  Can you imagine the shock, horror and humiliation Haman must have suffered? 

In chapter 7 Esther reveals to the king that she is a Jew and that Haman has plotted to kill them all.  Haman is hanged on his own gallows!  In the last chapters all the Jews are saved and Haman is dead.  Esther saved the Jews from annailation. 

When Jews today celebrate Purim (Poor-im) a minor holiday in the Jewish calendar, the children are a main focus.  They will dress up as Queen Esther or Queen Vashti, or Haman (not many do that part), or the King, or Mordecai. (Moord-ick-eye)  They will wear them to the Synagogue for Friday night (Sabbath) Services.  Each child will be given a grogger...it is a loud cranky noise maker.  They clap and cheer whenever Esther or Mordecai's names are read from the Torah (The Holy Scrolls..the first 5 books of the Bible.)   They stomp their feet and make loud cranky noise with their groggers when they hear Haman's name.  It is quite fun trying to keep up with the story.  (And, what an ingenious way to keep the children's attention!)  All of the children (and some adults!) walk through the Sanctuary, and everyone claps for them! This is a very special treat! (We usually do not even clap in the Sanctuary.  Only after a presentation...but not in music.  So this is quite the celebration.  Usually, there is a Purim Carnival sometime that week.  It is full of the usual carnival type booths set up and run by the older children.  Purim is celebrated in the spring...it is not at all related to Halloween.

Michele, thank you for sending this informative narrative for us today.  Great job!  And, I hope that all of you enjoyed learning a bit more about Queen Esther and her friends...and enemies!  And, about celebrating Purim!  So much fun!

I will be getting in late Monday.  I will see you on Wednesday to see who will win the "Card of the Week."  Please be sure to leave a comment before 8pm Tuesday to be eligible...and you will want to leave a comment before midnight on the 29th to be eligible for our Blog-O-Versary Candy Give Away!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

Check Out Our Blog-o-Versary Candy! Worksheet: How to Stop Worrying!

There are 15 days...until Midnight on the 29th to sign up for the
Blog-o-Versary Candy!  Winner announced on the 30th!!!! Click to see the list of all of the wonderful items, and the details on how to win!

Hi Friends~

I hope that you have had time to read the last post.  It is from an article from Discipleship Journal, 2003...and what a timeless message it had about worrying.  Today, I will include the worksheet to work through our worries following His Word.  It is so valuable to me!  I hope it will be to you also.

We will also find who will win the "Card of the Week!"  I would like to take a moment to apologize to all of the recent winners.  I apologize for falling behind, yet again, in getting your cards, and Mary, your CD out to you.  It is a weakness that I must overcome.  I sincerely apologize for my lack of being responsible in this part of my life, and I thank each of you.  Not one of you has written complaining.  That says a lot about who you are in Christ. Thank you for your patience.  I will get everything out before I leave for my trip on Friday.

Let's do this part now...

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

the person who left this comment:

She/He said:  "I ran across this page today, I believe God knew I was lost in my crafting life and that's why i ended up here, thank you for a great giveaway and spiritual site."

I have her/his email and will contact her that way...I do not have a name though.  Congratulations! Thank you, dear guest for your beautiful comment.  We hope that you will be fed spiritually, here as well as other places.  We have many activities.  I will let you know about our Bible Study and Prayer Team and other ways you can participate int he blog, when I email you!  You have 'till Tuesday at 8pm to contact me with your mailing address...please email it.  My email is on the side bar.  If you do not contact me with that in time, this beautiful card will go back into the He IS Able blog card stash for another time.

I have one more thing to share before I share the worksheet that works so wonderfully with Mr. Mike Bechtle's article that was posted earlier in the week.  Today, I was chosen to be the CASE'd artist over at Christian Paper Crafts, CPC.  I am so honored to be chosen, as people choose a card in my gallery, and remake them with some changes.  It is a wonderful group of women over there...and I can't wait to see what changes they make to my cards.  I can't wait to CASE their CASE'd cards!  LOL  Here is the link if you are interested in seeing their beautiful work or in joining in their many challenges! Just click here.

OK--here is the hand-out you have been waiting for...and that I think is amazing help to end our worries the way God wants us to! 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. 
 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 
 Philippians 4:6-7

In the article we found that Mr. Bechtle found that Philippians 4:6-7 told him what not to do; and Verses 8 and 9 told him what to do instead.

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from ME, or seen in Me--put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you."  Philippians 4:8-9

 OK--I wanted to repeat that part of the article for the worksheet to make sense.  I would make several copies of it...or one and laminate it. You will want to do your writing on a separate sheet, however. There is not enough space to leave a lot of room here on the blog. I think this is a wonderful tool to use with teenagers, too...they have many more concerns than many adults believe. It could teach them how to end their worrying using God's Word.  Just an idea.  This Worksheet is in a different layout in the Discipleship Journal, November/December 2003.

You will want to grab a sheet of paper and set this up first thing:
(They will be explained below.)

A. So you will have one column on the far left labeled: "Thoughts and Actions that Contribute to My Worry"

B. You will have a center column labeled: "Think on These Things" Category

C. You will have a column on the far right labeled: "Replacement Truth or Action"

D. Leave a bit of space underneath each column...perhaps lines that go across.

Think on These Things

True- Noble-Right-Pure-Lovely-Admirable-Excellent-Praiseworthy

1. In what areas are you prone to worry?

2. Pick one of these areas to focus on as you complete the following exercise.  When you're mired in worry, what thoughts go through your head?  List them in the left column.   Next consider your actions.  For example, when he was worrying about his job, the author recognized that conversations with coworkers were contributing to his worries.  If actions are contributing to your worries, add them to your list.

3. Now look at each thought you've listed. Is it contrary to one of the "Think on These" categories in Philippians 4:8-9?  If so, go through the exercise the author suggested:  Think of specific thought or Scripture to focus on instead of your worry.  For actions that contribute to your worry, list an alternative action in the far right column.

Area of Worry:  ___________________________________________

4.  Now you're poised to try a new way of thinking.  As the author discovered, cultivating peace is a process, not a one-time event.  What does Isaiah 26:3 say about the mind God keeps at peace?

                                   "You will keep in perfect peace

him whose mind is steadfast,

because He trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

5.  How can you use the new thought you've identified to keep your heart centered on God?

"Therefore humble yourselves (demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation) under the mighty hand of God,

that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care

(all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all)

on Him for He cares for you affectionately and cares for you watchfully." 

1 Peter 5:6-7

My Sister, told me over the weekend that she is going on a Missions trip to Brazil.  I am so excited for her...and a bit envious.  She is doing something that reminds me of this process.  She is giving up 2 of her "must have" foods...cheese for one...and we put cheese on everything!  I forget the second item.  Every time she thinks of cheese, she stops and prays about the trip...that His Will will be done, that people will be brought to Him as Lord and Savior, that she will have the finances she needs, and that she will be a good servant in the eyes of God. 

The way I see this as a being similar to the worksheet/article, is that when we think of a worry or concern...instead think of something from the "Think on These Things" Scripture.  Pray about one of THESE things...instead of thinking of the concern...over time, this will become a habit.  A great habit to have if you ask me!  And, you can still have cheese!

I will have automatically released posts while I am away until late Monday evening.  Hopefully, Blogger will work properly and release them on time.  There have been problems with it lately.  If for some reason you can not leave your comment under the "Google" option...leave it under "Anonymous."  I find that it goes through, usually.  I want to make sure that everyone has a chance to enter our Blog-o-Versary Celebration Give Away!  So, if you can't leave a comment at all, use my email on the side bar, and email me your comment with the necessary information!  God bless you!

Dads, have a Happy Father's Day!  And, please join me as I honor my Father in Heaven, especially this Sunday...but each day.  The loving and faithful Father for all who believe in Him--Christ Jesus as their Lord and their Savior!

He IS Able!

Traci S.

p.s. This is the Scripture of the Day over at Christian Paper Crafts...I just love it, and wanted to share it with you today.

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. 

Though you do not now see Him,

you believe in Him and rejoice with joy

             that is inexpressible and filled with glory."  1 Peter 1-8

Does it get more beautiful than this?

"Why Can't I Quit Worrying?" Think on These Things!

If you are here to enter our Blog-o-Versary Blog Candy Give Away--

Please click here.

Dear Friends~

While my back was out for most of last week, I did a lot of reading.  I came across an old Discipleship Journal from November/December 2003.  There was one of the best articles I have ever read in it-- about giving up worries, and letting God have our concerns.  Now, you have probably heard sermons on this...but this truly shares things in a beautiful and easy to understand manner. The fabulous author of this article is Mr. Mike Bechtle.  At the time that this article was published, Mr. Bechtle was a free lance writer. Some of the material has been deleted, but not added to.  I sincerely believe that his story, and the information provided is still very clear. Here we go... Enjoy!

___________________________________________ 

"I felt defeated.  Worry took up a lot of my time, as job concerns, a mortgage, church demands, family issues---especially teenagers--all took their toll.  I had tried to quit worrying.  I read articles, had conversations over coffee (worrying weather my budget would allow a latte instead of a plain decaf), and determined to handle my concerns differently. Each time, my resolution worked--for a while. Soon, however, the old patterns reappeared, and my thoughts became more concerned with the situation than the solution.  Like yo-yo dieting, I would stop worrying only to sink back deeper than before.  I worried even when there was nothing concrete to worry about.  It had become a habit.

Try, Try Again

I'd memorized Phil. 4:6-7 as a child and listened to countless sermons on the passage.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

The passage was usually summarized like this:

     1.  Worry is a choice (And we're not supposed to choose it.)

     2.  We should bring everything to God in prayer.

     3.  God will give us peace.

So when the tires on our family car were as thin as balloons, but we couldn't yet afford to replace them, I decided to try the formula once again as a counter to my twin worries of finances and safety.  Based on this, I chose not to worry about the car.  I prayed about my concerns.  I asked God for peace.

But peace didn't come, and soon I began to worry again.  Why didn't it work?  If the instructions were true, I could only see two conclusions:  Either I wasn't doing my part (stop worrying, start praying), or God wasn't doing His part (provide peace).

My theology told me God doesn't lie, so I figured He would do His part.  That left me.  I must not have been trying hard enough.  Now I really felt guilty.  I felt helpless.

Missing the Obvious

I re-read Philippians 4:6-7 to see what I had missed.  I looked at each word carefully, trying to discover what I was doing wrong.  Then by accident, my eyes wandered on to Verses 8 and 9:

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from Me, or seen in Me--put it into practice.  And, the God of peace will be with you."  Philippians 4:8-9

Verses 6 and 7 tell me what NOT to do; Verses 8 and 9 tell me what to do INSTEAD.  I can care for my mind by providing the right thoughts.  Reading Philippians 4:8-9 was like reading an ingredient list!  It told me exactly which thoughts to plant to grow a peaceful mind, thoughts that were:

true: consistent with God and His Word

noble:  worthy of respect

right:  just and Holy

pure:  morally clean

lovely: pleasing and gracious

admirable:  highly regarded

excellent: top quality

praiseworthy: deserving of high recognition

But what if this didn't work either?  I was comforted to see that God's instruction included a promise:  God's peace will stand guard--not only over our hearts, but over our minds.  "The peace of God...will guard your hearts and your minds."  Verse 7. 

I had asked God to free me from worrying about money for those tires.  When my thoughts slipped back to worry, I consciously focused on what was true:  God promised to supply all our needs and had been faithful to do so in the past.

"For even if the mountains walk away and the hills fall to pieces,

My love won't walk away from you, My covenant commitment of peace won't fall apart."  The God who has compassion on you says so." 

Isaiah 54:10

I worried about my family members' safety when they were out alone at night.  So I asked God to protect them and focused on what was true and pure.  God loved them more than I did and never left them alone.  That allowed me to make good choices about things.  As my thoughts became more peaceful, worry became a trigger that reminded me to analyze my thinking.  Whenever I recognized anxiety, I filtered my thoughts through the grid of Philippians 4:8-9. 

Do I still worry?  Yes.  But now I have practical, Biblical tools for replacing those thoughts.  When we fill our minds with what matters most, our minds are not at the mercy of what matters least." ~Mike Bechtle

______________________________________________

Wednesday is also the day we announce the "Winner of the Card of the Week!"  Please make sure you have left a comment in the last week--before 8pm on Tuesday to be considered for this week's give-away.  It will also make you eligible for our fabulous Blog-o-Versary Candy Give Away! 

Please tell your friends and family about this festive Give-Away!   We hope to see you then!  God Bless!

He IS Able!

Traci S.

3 Winners Announced and Cards by Traci!

Hi Friends,

What an exciting day this is at the He IS Able blog!  We will be announcing "3 Card of the Week Winners" today.  Also, I have 2 cards and 1 project to share with you today. On top of that...we are celebrating our One Year   Blog-o-Versary this month!  Look at the Blog Candy to win!  Let's start with the cards and project...

I have been having more computer problems last night and today, I am trying to rewrite everything this morning...thank you for your on-going patience.  I really appreciate it!  And you!

I made this card for my nephew Tyler.  He is  a graduating member of the "Class of 2011!" Congratulations to all of the Graduates out there! I enjoyed making this card so much!  I used my new Tim Holtz Brick Wall Embossing Folder on whisper white SU! Paper.  Then, I used my non-smear pastels by The Stencil Collection, and used a sienna colored pastel to highlight the bricks.  I ran my tape runner and put this on a sheet of red SU! paper as the card base.  I love how this Embossing Folder shows the areas where the bricks have fallen out, and all that is left is concrete...shown here with grey pastels.  I tried to make my writing look like a spray painted grafitti.  I took my Sakura gel pen and made little circles as I wrote "Class of 2011 Rules."  What do you think?  Does it look a bit like spray paint?  I hope that he enjoyed receiving it!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

You may see some different things in this next card.  I was so excited as I branched out into another medium.  I am so happy to have these beautiful Creative Inspiration Paints!  I have only painted one background on a card before...that is the full extent of my painting experience...except for painting walls! lol  These are super shimmery...I think it took me about 40 tries to get a photo that showed it where you could see it at all! I used Antique Silver, Silver Frost, Ivory on the tea pot, sage on the rose leaves, and winter frost.  I also used a technique where you use a paint brush, slightly wet it, and take some color off of a marker.  I used the SU! Melon Mambo and Rose Red for the roses.  I used these paints on water color paper by SU!  I stamped the images with VersaFine-Onyx black, and used a Flourishes--Tea Set.  I used my water colors...the ones I had here for my grand-children, and did the background in a light blue.  I wet the background, and then painted gentle lines of paint across the water.  The background paper is K&Company Marcella paper.  I love this set, and I really enjoyed painting it...except it isn't as easy to fix mistakes!  I went out of the lines on the handle!  It really is much easier to see the lines in real life. It was difficult to photograph because it is so shimmery...but I love shimmer!  I have a tea pot, cup and saucer collection.  It started with my bridal shower.  We had a tea party, and when people asked, I asked for one of the above...these aren't the kind of tea pots you put on the stove...they keep the water hot afterwards. I have been blessed with quite the collection.  Dave and I share a cup of tea quite often to end the day.  It is so relaxing for me!

"For you shall go out with joy, and be led

out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall

break forth into singing before you, and all the

trees of the field shall clap their hands."

Isaiah 55:12

The last item is a project actually.  I made it for my sister, Mindy's birthday.  She has long blonde hair, I have short brunette hair.  I know it looks like a card. That is because I tried to get a close-up.  Actually, I tried to stamp this image on a 4"x4" canvas that was wrapped around wood.  When I stamped it, it was not tight enough to take the image.  So, I covered it in a sheet of that delightful Hot Off The Press Card-Makers Ultimate Paper Pack.  I then took the SU! water color paper, and did not adhere it to the canvas, until I was done painting it.  I used Versa Fine-Onyx Black ink to stamp the image.  This fun stamp is from Crafter's Companion.  (There is a link on the side of the blog.)  They have so many different types of stamps...they are fabulous!  Check them out on the side bar, and tell them where you heard about them!  This one is in their S.W.A.L.K. selection called, "My Sister."  It is quite appropriate.  I love their stamps! They even have Beatrix Potter!  On this project, I used Creative Inspiration Paints in Turquoise, Royal Purple, and Chocolate.  Shimmer all the way.  These are colors my sister and I really wear quite a bit.  I did use the marker technique, where you wet your brush and take some ink off of your water based markers with a paint brush and paint!  I really like this technique.  I have to see what the long term effects on my markers are...but I loved the look on the painting.  I used SU! Markers in Blush Blossom (for skin), So Saffron (for Mindy's hair), and Chocolate Chip (for the outline of my hair on my face.)  When I was done painting, and it dried...I put it under a book, because I must have used a bit too much water...and it curled...so I flattened it for a little bit.  Then I adhered it to the paper on the canvas.  You can't see it in this photograph, but I then took Susan Crane's 1" Dark Purple Ribbon and pinned it to the end of the outer edge of the canvas.  I then glued it up one side of the square...and added 2 decorative pins there...and glued it up another side...etc... when all 4 sides were done being glued and pinned to hold it still, I left enough ribbon to form a loop at the top.  This is where my sister can hang it up in her kitchen...which the colors seem to match.  She goes to the beach every week, I hardly go outside, but she is so much more tanned than I am...as she is in this painting. (Very important to her!  lol)  I believe I finally did the shading on the face and hair properly.  This is something I have been trying to accomplish for a while.  I would love any feedback, tips, or help on what I can do better on any of these projects.  I value your opinons!

You have waited so patiently!  And, now the time is here...

As promised we will have 3 Winners of "The Card of the Week!"

They are...

Jennipher Lowery who left this comment:

"Beautiful cards Traci! I love the butterflies. So pretty.

                                By Jennipher Lowery on 5/26/11"

Grace who left this comment:

"Hi Traci, Just wanted to stop and say hi and thank you for the lovely card of the week I received! It's beautiful! Your cards are all wonderful! You sure do have a lot of birthdays this month! We have a lot too but not that many! My DD turned 36 today! I have been keeping the kids so have been really busy and am not exhausted after taking them back to Mom and Dad. Now to jump on release stuff! Anyway... thank you and you are sure giving away a wonderful blessing with this CD! Whoever wins it will be truly blessed!!! Hope you are having a good week!!! hugs, Grace

                                       By Grace on 5/25/11"

Gerrie left this comment:

"Wow, Congrats on your Blogaversary!  How time flies!  Sorry to hear about your fight with lightning, glad things are find now.  hugz.

By Gerrie Johnnic on 6/6/11"

Thank you all for your very kind comments.  Your comments encourage us in such a special way.  We know that some of you pray for the He IS Able blog also...please pray that we always Glorify God with what we share...and that even though we have fun making cards and projects...that our hearts and eyes are on Jesus.  I can tell you, that if I am in my art room, I have music with Christian lyrics playing...and my singing goes right along with it.  Please think about what you are doing while you wash dishes, make cards, bake or drive.  They are all wonderful times to Praise our Lord, Jesus Christ.  It is also a good time to pray for friends and family, as well as any needs you have yourself.

Congratulations to all 3 of our winners!  Please be sure to email me your   current mailing address.  I will mail out your special card when received!   You can win a card by leaving a comment before next Tuesday at 8pm.  If   your comment is randomly chosen...it will be announced on Wednesday!  Please let your friends and family know about our Blog-o-Versary Candy!  We'd love to have more people visit the blog.  We have some special posts   this month...including "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" on the 3rd Friday of the month. It is a wonderful, brief, Bible Study on a   woman of the Bible.  Michele's writing will leave you wondering if you   are like this woman of the Bible, or not at all like her!  I can't wait to find   out who the subject of this study is this month!  And, remember, you can   leave a prayer request in the comment section also, and Joan our Prayer Team Leader will lead our  Prayer Team in uplifting your request up to the Lord on a regular basis.  We are a community here at the He IS Able blog, we would love to pray for you and  your needs!

Lastly, just a reminder...if you post our He IS Able Blog Badge, or a copy of the photo of our Blog Candy on your blog...and let us know, you will be entered an extra time in the random drawing for the Blog Candy!  Yes, writing about it on a  post counts, too! Just be sure to let me know! God bless you as you go about your week. 

He IS Able!

Traci S.