Scripture Challenge {Week 26}

Can you believe we are officially in our 26th week? We are half way through the year! Wow! Incredible! I pray you are still enjoying the study each week. Look at where you were when we began on January 7th. Maybe look back through your journal. Where are you now? How have you become more Christ-like? Think of where God might take you by December 28th. Oh so exciting! :)

Well, our word this week may hit us all in a bad spot. God gave it to me last Sunday before we started VBS with 603 kids. I was kind of scared that He gave it to me so quickly and loudly. What was going to happen this week at VBS? Anyway, it’s kind of an odd word but it can have devastating effects, and it's one we need to look at.

Week 26 Challenge Word: Tongue

Did you just say “Ouch”? Yes, we need to look at how we use that oh so small muscle. Do we use our tongue to destroy or to heal? Do we use it to tear down or build up? A lesson I learned many, many years ago in BSF was that if you wouldn’t say something if that person were standing right there beside you, then don’t say it at all. It has been such a huge reminder for me, and I have taught it to the girls. Just pretend the person you are talking about is standing right there with you. Would they be pleased to hear the words you speak about them or would they be deeply hurt? Think before you speak. Ask for forgiveness if you slip up.

When Jesus spoke, the people were amazed. Look at Luke 4:22 “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips.” Are people amazed when you speak or are they hurt in how you tear them down? As Christians, we have a responsibility to guard our tongues. Because God had given me this word so early this week, it was at the forefront of my mind all week in dealing with many, many people. I quickly discovered on Monday why God had given me the word so loudly. It was only because of Him that I could keep a tight reign on my tongue at specific times this week (James 1:26). I truly praise Him for that. God is so good!

For my card this week, I used some amazing K&Company papers and embellishments that my dear friend Danni sent to me. Thank you Danni! The patterned paper with the fruit made me think of how our words need to be sweet whenever we open our mouth. I chose the following verses:

Psalm 139:4 “Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”
Proverbs 10:19 “. . . he who holds his tongue is wise.”
God also reminded me as I was tired and worn out from VBS, that it is easiest for us to use our tongues in an inappropriate way at home around family. We need to be the example to our children and other family and friends that may be in our homes. So, even though you are comfortable at home and it's where we all do things that the world doesn't see, we still need to watch what we say and keep a reign on our tongue. Ask Him to help you! He will!

So as you go out this week, think about what you say. Are you tearing someone down or building them up? Please join us here for discussions and links to your cards and pages. I pray your week is filled with sweet, sweet words! Blessings,

Faith Discovery Challenge #15 - {No Turning Back} and taking a VACATION :)

Summer is officially here and I'm feeling the heat! Heat from the pressure that is rising for me already with so much to plan and prepare for in the next month--Fourth of July, my 33rd birthday, hosting my sister's babyshower and planning for my son's 2nd birthday! So, I'm taking next month off to focus on my lovely family. I will definitely still be around to chat and keep up with the good stuff here at Faith Sisters although I'll miss leading these challenges for the month. Keep in mind though, I will be back!! So, keep your eyes open for me in August with some special news and updates...

The previous FDC challenge - {Remember This?} - was to create a layout about remembering the lessons or moments that had an impact on your faith whether it was something God had taught you or when you first realized the power of His love and grace upon your life or even times of difficulty that taught you to hold on to faith. Remember. I'd like to congratulate Theresa aka Scrapper_Smiles for her very thoughtful and inspiring layout about September 11th, a day that shook our country and to some of us, our faith. This is a day that should never be forgotten and when we reflect upon this tragic event, we can also remember the grace and compassion of God through countless humanitarians who helped restore NYC and extended their love and support to the families that suffered from their losses. So, THANK YOU Theresa for sharing this with us! Please leave her love and praise for her efforts in her gallery!

By Theresa aka * scrapper_smiles *

{ No Turning Back }

In the past, I've dealt with everything you can imagine that was ultimately going to destroy me even to the point of death. Yes, I know. Me? No way! But even I, can hardly believe that what I've experienced in the past really did happen. It seems so unreal to me now that I think of where I've been. It was a long, dark, winding road, but eventually I saw the light. I remember those dark moments of despair, the emptiness, the anger, the careless lifestyle, the search for true love only ending before they begin, just total confusion and blindness. I survived a car wreck, an overdose, an abusive boyfriend, a broken home, a shattered heart, and so much more all due to the abandonment or so I felt it was, by my deceased mother and my father who had given up his will to live and surrendered everything to drugs and alcohol. From child to young adult, were years wasted on things and people who literally brought me to a deep pit of darkness. And that is when Jesus came to save me. Sounds like a fairytale, but it's the truth and nothing can ever change it or take it away from me. Despite all the things in this world that may argue about the reality of Jesus, nothing will cause me to turn back on Him because only I know what He's done for me and how my life has been completely transformed by His love. The moment I received Him as my personal Lord and Savior, was the moment that I instantly gave up on smoking cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol, it was the moment that I began to shed all the bad habits that had me bound, it was the moment that I saw how precious life is to not waste it, it was the moment that I knew that I had so much to look forward to and soon enough, I was blessed with a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful children. Now, how can anyone tell me that Jesus is not real? How can I ever turn back to what I was before? I would not exchange my life now for anything in the world because I found the treasure of my heart. HE is so ALIVE and He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow....

Challenge # 15 - I thought if we created a LO about a specific way of life or behavior in our past that God has delivered us from, it would be a great way to share our testimony with others about how God has the power to set anyone free from anything. You just never know if this LO will be used to reach someone out there who is struggling with the same thing and is in need of some encouragement and hope. So if you'd like, create a LO that will share what personal transformation took place in your life or lifestyle that you know was done only through the power and grace of God

*This challenge will definitely be something that I'm sure will cause you to ponder into the core of your heart. And if this isn't something you're ready to do then by all means, skip this one or return to it later when you feel comfortable. For me, I felt the Lord led me in this direction and also wanted to share with others the struggles I faced in my old life which only God was able to deliver me from. *

Faith Verses:

Isaiah 43:18 - "Forget the former things; Do not dwell in the past."

John 8:36 - "So if the Son set you free, you will be free indeed."

Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."


Please upload your layout to the FDC gallery and also visit our forums to share your thoughts, comments, and questions if any. I look forward to being blessed by your inspiring layouts and THANK YOU SO MUCH, to everyone who has supported me and encouraged me to continue this ministry! And a SPECIAL THANK YOU to my awesome CT, you guys are the best!! Love you all and hope you all have a wonderful summer! :)

*Click on images for full credits*

By Dahlia Co

By Scrap Evangel

By Tammy

By Jackie Ann

By Rita S.

Favorite Family Recipe Challenge

This week, create a layout sharing a favorite family recipe. Do you have one handwritten by a loved one? What is a favorite dish your make that your family and friends request? Is there an item that is always severed at family events?

Psalm 115:14 "May the LORD richly bless both you and your children."

1 Timothy 6:8 "And having food and raiment let us therewith be content."

Deuteronomy 26:11 "...rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household."

Post your challenge layouts in our gallery for a chance to be featured here next Tuesday!

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Layout by Creative Team Member, JackieAnn



Layout by Creative Team Member, Tammy



Layout by Creative Team Member, Lucy



Layout by Creative Team Member, Jaz



Layout by Creative Team Member, Heather

Draw Me Close To You Challenge Winner

We just love Kay's challenge layout this week! When I think of this title I ALWAYS have this song pop into my head. Thank you Kay for this wonderful piece of art!

Scripture Challenge {Week 25}

Week 25 Challenge Word: Holy

I thought we should look at our Holy God this week! What is holiness? What do we think of and how do we approach our Holy God? Max Lucado states “The word hallowed comes from the word ‘holy,’ and the word ‘holy’ means ‘to separate.’ The ancestry of the term can be traced back to an ancient word which means ‘to cut.’ To be holy, then, is to be a cut above the norm, superior, extraordinary. . . The Holy One dwells on a different level from the rest of us. What frightens us does not frighten Him. What troubles us does not trouble Him. When you set your eyes on our God, you focus on one ‘a cut above’ any storm life may bring.”

Wow, Mr. Lucado said it absolutely perfectly! See why I just need to quote people sometimes. What is your response to His holiness?

The book of Isaiah speaks a lot about God’s holiness. In Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8, we see the word holy repeated three times. The Hebrews repeat words to emphasize something. So, as we read these verses, we understand that the Lord has the ultimate holiness. Those verses also make me think of one of my favorite hymns "Holy, Holy, Holy" written by Reginald Heber (1783-1826). Look at the lyrics in this amazing hymn:

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Look at the lyrics I have highlighted in blue. So powerful and so true. I really could have highlighted the whole hymn. Ha! I just love old hymns and how they truly show who God is.

Also in the book of Isaiah, the term Holy One is used 25 times. Some other fun facts are that:
Holy Father is only used once in the entire Bible (NIV).
Holy One is used 56 times; 25 of those being in the book of Isaiah.
Holy Scriptures is used twice.

For my card this week, I used some fun Cherry Arte paper scraps that I had on hand. I thought they went perfectly. I also used a great stamp that my dear friend Chelsea mailed to me. Thank you girl! The scriptures I chose were:

Leviticus 19:2 “. . . be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.”
Revelation 4:8 “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty who was, and is, and is to come.”
I pray you enjoy looking at our Holy God this week and praising Him for who He is! Please join us here for discussions and links to your cards and pages! Blessings for a joyous week,

What's New In the Shop?

Draw Me Close To You Challenge

This week, reflect on the things that you do to draw you closer to the Lord.

This challenge idea came to Michelle when twice in one day she was asked how she developed a personal relationship with the Lord. While typing an email in response to one of her friends... She realized that this is something she should include in her faithbook!

Upload your projects for this challenge in our gallery by clicking here for a chance to be featured next Tuesday!

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Layout designed by Creative Team Member, JackieAnn


Layout designed by Creative Team Member, Apryl


Layout designed by Creative Team Member, Jaz



Layout designed by Creative Team Member, Anne-Marie


Layout designed by Creative Team Member, Lucy


Layout designed by Creative Team Member, Chris


Layout designed by Digial Design Team Member and Faith Discovery Challenge Leader, Dahlia

Layout designed by Creative Team Member, Heather


Layout designed by Creative Team Member, Tammy

Fathers Challenge Feature

An amazing layout for us to feature today by our Faith Discovery Challenge Leader, Dahlia!

Scripture Challenge {Week 24}

For our 24th week, you will not find a lot of verses containing our word but I think it is something we need to look at. As I studied, I referenced many devotionals. One was really good, and I will quote it for you here this week. I hope you will enjoy looking at this difficult word, and I hope you will grow in your studies as you do. Now, you are probably wondering what this word is. Well, it is:

Week 24 Challenge Word: Doubt

All Christians face difficulties and sometimes doubt. How does doubt make you feel? Probably uncomfortable or even guilty that you could be doubting God. Let’s look at what doubt is. A devotional in my Zondervan Mom’s Devotional Bible says,

“Doubts are different from unbelief. To doubt is not to reject. A doubt is an uncertainty of belief, a suspension of judgment. Doubt is a temporary attitude of questioning whereas unbelief is a prolonged attitude that rejects something or views it as impossible. Don’t be afraid to doubt. Don’t be afraid to question. God is big enough and powerful enough to handle our doubts and answer our questions.”

I think that is such a powerful sentence: “temporary attitude of questioning.” We can tell Him the questions we have but don’t give in to your doubts. Focus on Him instead. Give it to God and trust Him to keep you from falling. Be careful where you share and spread your doubts. Giving them to God is what we should do but as our teaching leader in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) said this year as we studied Matthew, “Doubt is contagious. So is belief! What are you spreading?” What an amazing statement to remember! Think about what you are spreading as you speak to family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers.

One of my favorite passages in Matthew is Matthew 14:25-33 when Peter walks on the water. Read that passage. Notice as Peter focuses on Christ, he is safe and walks on the water. But as soon as he looks at the terrifying circumstances around him, he begins to sink. If we focus on Him, He will keep us from falling!

For my card this week, I kept it simple with the June kit from Create My Keepsake. I used two scriptures.

Matthew 14:31 "Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' He said, 'Why did you doubt?"

James 1:6 "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt. . ."
I hope you enjoy your study this week looking at doubt and how we should handle it. And please join our discussions here at Faith Sisters! Blessings,

Faith Discovery Challenge #14 - {Remember This?}

Hello! Hope all is well and everyone is blessed today! I've had quite a roller coaster ride these past few weeks. It's funny, after posting the previous challenge about FEAR, guess what? I was faced with that very challenge just last week--more details about that down below. It's just so awesome that the Lord puts these topic ideas in my heart and literally uses them to not only present them to you as inspiration for your layouts, but also to personally challenge me in my own walk with Him. So, now I'm always anticipating for something to happen where God can draw me closer to Him each and every time. :)

Okay, for our Featured Layout for the previous Faith Discovery challenge - FEAR NOT -is from one of our faith sisters, Laura B. Her layout was selected for her journaling that I found was amazing. I also love the photo she used to covey her overall message about her greatest fear. Please take time to read the journaling and leave some love for her in her gallery! Thank you Laura B. for your inspiration!

Featured Layout by LauraB.

{Remember This?}

As mentioned above, I said I would share more details about the fear I had faced last week. I woke up with this stabbing pain in my back side and severe cramping in my lower abdomen. After talking with my doctor, she immediately told me that I need to go to the ER right away. So, my poor husband rushed me to the ER which later turned out that I needed surgery to remove a kidney stone. First of all, I have never had surgery in my whole entire life, this was my first time. So, you can imagine the trauma that this had brought me even though the surgery was considered non-invasive and minor compared to other situations. A lot of things were bringing me down with fear during that very moment I was in the hospital, but the biggest of them all were thoughts of dying and leaving my children and husband behind. However, amidst all of the frightening things that were happening to me, I gave it all to God and I said, "Lord, you have my life in Your hands and I put my trust in You." After my surgery, I realized that God had done something to prevent them from actually going further into my kidney because the stone had already passed into my bladder (sorry if this is unpleasant) and therefore, eliminating the process that would have had a potential risk to cause inflammation and damage to my kidney. Praise the Lord! I wept with joy because I knew deep in my heart that the Lord intervened and had mercy on me. What an awesome touch He had a upon my heart that day that I will never forget.

It was also a great moment of truth for me and I know that God didn't cause this to happen, but He did use this opportunity to teach me about taking better care of myself. I've been pretty stubborn and careless when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. I would tell myself over and over again, I'm going to get in shape, I'm going to eat healthy, drink a lot of water, get enough sleep, not stress over little things, etc. yet, of course I was never good at sticking to it because I didn't think it to be that important--until now. Because I've had a history of kidney stones, although not nearly as bad as what I just experienced, I know that this recent incident was a result of my lack of attention to what doctors have advised me to do in order to prevent them from reoccurring. Remembering to do even the simplest thing of drinking PLENTY of water was something I ignored and it eventually backfired and caused me tremendous pain and grief. So, I contemplated with the question, "Why is it so hard for me to take better care of myself? What am I doing wrong or not doing in order for me to do what's important for me?" Well, the answer came quickly while I lay in bed, in a still, quiet voice, "You need to learn to love yourself." It was a word from the Lord that made so much sense and I felt a burden lift.

Loving myself for who I am has been a lifetime battle for me and it's something I've struggled with for as long as I can remember. God knew it was time for me to overcome that obstacle which I've prayed about for so long. Since that day, I have made a commitment to gain back my self-confidence and appreciation for me and my life--mind, body, and soul. I'm always making decisions for my family, but now I've been making better choices and decisions for a healthier me. Yes, I'm drinking my water! :) It took a life changing moment for God to open my eyes that before I can love others and become a better person, I must remember that I need to love ME first, not just for the things I do, but for the person that God created me to be. Amen!

Challenge #14 - This topic is about remembering the important things. It could be things we may have forgotten about in our walk with the Lord such as those moments how God opened our eyes to see things we may not have seen or realized before. Sometimes we forget how God has brought us through our struggles and challenges in the past and when we face another problem, instead of praising Him for bringing us through it before, we tend to focus on our circumstances rather than His faithfulness. Overall, this challenge is to remember what the Lord has done for you or for someone you know and how it has effected your faith. I'm sure you'll have many ideas for this challenge, but hopefully as you pray about it, the Lord will give your clear direction for your pages! I look forward to seeing your inspiration!

Faith Verses:

Genesis 9:16 - "Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

Psalm 143:5 - "I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done."

Philippians 1:3 - "I thank my God every time I remember you."

Here are our layouts for this challenge and please remember to post your layout in our FDC gallery for us all to see and for me to select the next Featured Layout for this challenge! Also be sure to visit our forums for anything you'd like to share or discuss! Thank you!

*Click on images to see credits*

By Dahlia Co

I wanted to create a LO as a reminder of
what the Lord has taught me through
my recent experience mentioned above.

~Remember to Love You~

By ScrapEvangel

By Jackie Ann

Dear Dads Challenge

This week as we celebrate Fathers we can also remember the example of our spiritual Father in Heaven. Journal about a lesson learned from your father, father-in-law or have a father in your life share his personal feelings about being Dad.

My husband is an amazing husband and Daddy... he inspires me everyday and I wouldn't be the same person today without his Godly influence everyday!

Upload your layouts about a dad in your life in our gallery for the chance to be featured here next Tuesday!

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Layout By Creative Team Member, Jaz


Layout By Creative Team Member, JackieAnn


Layout By Creative Team Member, Anne-Marie


Layout By Creative Team Member, Lucy



Layout By Creative Team Member, Tammy


Layout By Creative Team Member, Heather

Talents Challenge Winner

This awesome awesome layout was created by Janet on our Digital Creative Team.

Janet says: Just thinking about the many things we need to steward... time is one of those things I need a better grip on! Giftings I steward well, substance I steward well...but time??? Well, now I need a lot of help there!

The word says "Teach us to number our days aright". I have a lot to learn when it comes to stewarding my time better!!! Then there is the WAY we steward these things. I want to be cheerful, not fearful or grudging. I think we will be judged in this manner as well. I want to hear those words; "Well done thou good & faithful servant!"


Everything in the layout is from Gretchen Tripp's "Fruit of the Spirit--Self Control" kit.

New in the Faith Sisters Shop

Scripture Challenge {Week 23}

Week 23 Challenge Word: Truth

Do you ever stretch the truth just a little? How about those little white lies or those half truths? Do you know that all of these are not actually truths at all? God calls them all lies, and they can affect every part of your life. The Bible tells us that God cannot lie. Not that He doesn’t want to lie; He cannot lie!

Titus 1:2 says “a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,” and

Hebrews 6:18 says “God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.”

Yet John 8:44 tells us that the devil does lie “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

When God makes a promise, He keeps it. When He says something, He means it. We must know the truth of God’s Word. There are false teachers trying to deceive us. Know His word for yourself. Know why you believe it. Speak His truth, and be a good example to those around you (kids, family, friends, co-workers, and strangers alike).

Here are some interesting facts I found when searching on truth on Bible Gateway using the NIV version:

“Truth” is used 214 times in the NIV—40 times in the Old Testament and 174 times in the New Testament
“I tell you the truth” is used one time in the Old Testament and 78 times in the New Testament.
“Spirit of truth” is only used four times in the Bible and those can all be found in the New Testament.
“Word of truth” is only used five times in the Bible—once in the Old Testament and four times in the New Testament.
“God of truth” is only used twice in the Bible—both in the Old Testament.

For my card this week, I again used the wonderful June kit from Create My Keepsake. The verse I used was:

John 17:17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your Word is truth.”
So, I hope you enjoy your week looking at this word and speaking in truth to everyone around you. Be sure to join our discussions here are Faith Sisters! Until next week! Blessings,


Upload your Scripture cards in our gallery here.