Showcasing God's Creation...Animals

"And God said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.  So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed, and every winged bird according to its kind.  And God saw that it was good!"
Genesis 1:20, 21

Now sit and think about those verses for a moment...now think of all the different animals, bugs, birds, etc we have on this earth!  I look at nature and am amazed by all the different animals that God has created.  He is definitely a creative God with a tremendous imagination...and a sense of humor!  Flamingos with extra long legs, monkeys that swing from tree to tree, hummingbirds that make noise as they flutter...you get the drift!  I'm always dumbfounded that people can look at nature and think that this all came along by accident and that God does not exist! 

Now we do a lot of camping as a family...and that often takes us away from church on a Sunday.  But we like to say that we attend "nature church" that day.  I know for myself I feel so close to God when we are out and about in his beautiful outdoors.  Here are a few photos we were able to take on one of our most recent camping trips...amazing!

I'm sure you're wondering if I will ever get to the point of this post...and yes...here it comes.  At Twist of Faith Card Challenges this week we are looking for cards that spotlight "Animals".  What an awesome challenge that lets you select any favorite creature of your choice!  Our fantastic sponsor this week is none other than...

who has graciously agreed to award our random prize winner with 4 uncolored digis of their choice!  Take a peek around the Meljen Design Store...this won't be an easy choice should you be the lucky winner!  They have just the most adorable images!

Here's the little creation I came up with using their image "Piggy Bath"

(I apologize for the blade of grass that is hanging over the side of the card...I wanted an outdoor photo in the dirt and a bit of grass and didn't notice it until I was ready to post this!)
I have to admit I was drawn to this image because it reminded me of one of my favorite books as a child..."Charlottes Web"...remember Wilbur? 

I kept this card fairly simple as I think the image itself should be the main focus because it's just so adorable!  I thought it would work well as a gate card, so that's what I went with.  (My kids just thought it was the sweetest image...and both loved the card!)

Here's a better peek at the little piggy...

And a closer peek at the sentiment I used...

The background papers come from the Recollections Tattered and Worn Collection (diamond pattern) as well as "A Perfect Summer" by Echo Park (wood grain).  The image and matting circles have both been cut with my Spellbinders Nestabilities using my BigShot. 
I've also added a pink bow to the piggy's ear to dress her up a bit!
The sentiment is a phrase from a Stamp 'n Up set...and I just think it sends a really great message.  As I get older I think I understand it more and more...we're all God's children, He has created us all unique and He has created us to be who we are!  Often we try to change ourselves, or be someone we're not.  That's so much more work than just being who we are.  I know this makes us more vulnerable, letting people see that we are flawed, not perfect and have problems just the same...that our personality might be a little quirky, or our opinions differ than others...but that's how God created us. I want to encourage you today with the promise that we are all "fearfully and wonderfully made".  God loves us just as we are!

I hope I've inspired you to take a look around your part of the world and see the beauty in nature that God has blessed us with.  Then find an animal image that inspires you to get creative and link it up with us at Twist of Faith Card Challenges.  We just love seeing your creations!  And don't forget to check out the other DT projects that have been created for your inspiration!
See you again soon!

This card has been entered in the following challenges...
The Crazy Challenge..."Animals"
C is for Challenge..."Animals"
Craftin Desert Divas..."Anything Goes"
Cutie Pie Challenge..."Anything Goes"
Love to Create Challenge Blog..."Fancy Folds"
Really Reasonable Ribbon..."Pink, Brown & Ribbon"
Meljen's Designs..."You've Been Framed"
Can You Digi It..."Lift Me Up"
Creative Card Crew..."Down on the Farm"
Twisted Tuesday..."Pink and Outdoors"
Crafty Sentiments..."Colorful"
The Paper Girls..."Color Inspiration"
Word Art Wednesdays..."Anything Goes"
Pinspirational Challenges...Photo Inspiration Challenge 71

Update:  This card has placed in the following challenges...