New Challenge

I've accepted a new 31 Day Challenge from Dana Pittman, beginning Oct. 1.
http://www.danapittman.com/31-days-christian-thinking/

She is challenging us to write, thinking about God, for 31 days. I will do that here on my blog.
You don't need a blog to take the challenge. Use a journal, or a Bible journal or a piece of paper.
I invite you to join us.
31 Days with God.
How awesome is that?

Here is what I am committing to:

1. Writing here daily for 31 days beginning October 1, 2016.
2. Reading my Bible daily
3. Writing in my Spiritual journal. (see my last post on this)

I can do this.
Remembering all things are possible with God's help.
You will help me be accountable.

Gratitude
1. Challenges of all kinds
2. Other Christian Bloggers
3. Dana Pittman

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Spiritual Journaling

I was so inspired by the above journaling technique that I have incorporated it into my Spiritual Journal. I think I have found a method that will keep me journaling. I'm a hit and miss kind of gal in that department. Only time will tell, but I do like the Project Life type of scrapbooking. Those big 12X12" albums I used to use are so scary with all that blank space to fill. I have found I like smaller spaces. One week on a two page spread suits me just fine.

Here is my spread for last week.

What do you think?
Did I nail it?
I'm inclined to think so.
I love what they call "tip-ins." Notice in the first picture, in the bottom right corner, there is a picture taped on to the page. In the second photo I have flipped it open to reveal a hidden picture. Love it!

I've journaled about a book I'm studying with my Jewish Sister-in-law, the passing of a friend, relatives coming to visit, added my 7 days of gratitude and a personal drawing.

I hope "craftyhodges" and I have inspired you to dust off your journal or maybe even start one.

Gratitude
1. Journals
2. YouTube
3. craftyhodges

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Mother is Home

I am pleased to report that Mother is home!! She went home on Sunday and is very happy to be there. She is still very weak (I think hospitals send people home to early these days) and needs 24 hour care until she is stronger, but she is feeling better. Praise God!! What a trooper she is.

Again, I thank for all you prayers and ask you to continue them for her speedy recovery.

God is still performing miracles. Ask me how I know.

Gratitude
1. Mother's healing
2. A new day
3. God's love

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Update on Mother

I just spoke to my mother on the phone. She sounds tired, to be expected, but says she is feeling much better. What a trooper! I hope I can be just like her when I grow up.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers. They are being answered on her behalf. Please continue to pray for a speedy and complete recovery.

May God bless each and everyone of you.

Gratitude
1. Prayer Warriors
2. Answered prayers
3. His mercy and grace

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

(I really do.)

Blessings,
Deborah

Needing Prayers

I am requesting prayers today for my mother, Hazel.  She is 83 years old and has pneumonia. She also has Wagner's disease and has been on dialysis for several years. She is a trooper, but needs our prayers. They have flown her to a hospital miles away from home.

I'm scared and trying to stay strong in the Lord. She is and always has been in His hands.

Thanking you in advance for your prayers.

Gratitude
1. Mothers
2. Reminders in His word to rely on Him
3. Grace

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Good Things to Remember

Gratitude
1. Weekend get-away with hubby
2. Children
3. Grandchildren

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

When God Says Wait

I'm usually a fairly patient person. I was never one of those children who would sneak into their parents closets looking for my Christmas or birthday presents. I wanted the surprise on that day. I have patience.

But during these past eight months of waiting for God to "fix" my marriage had my patience at its wits end. I know this is first time I've talked about this, but now that it is over I would like to share what happened.

My husband was in a job that did not fit and we went through the valley of death during that time. It was almost the death of my marriage. Twice. Twice I thought about leaving. I did not want my marriage to end, but I didn't know what to do anymore.
I prayed. Silence. I cried out to the Lord. Silence. My shakedown of faith was partly due to this situation. Silence. I told the Lord that His scripture says, "Ask and you shall receive." Well, I was asking, but I wasn't receiving. I kept feeling I should wait. Wait to talk to my husband about how he was destroying our marriage through his actions. Wait to tell him how he was making me feel.
Wait. Wait. Wait.

My husband quit that job and started a new one. He is one happy camper and I was feeling better, but something still had to be talked about. Yesterday I got the feeling that it was time. No more waiting, so I talked. God gave me the right words and opened my husband's heart to really hear me. It was a leap of faith on my part and one worth taking. We are good. My marriage is good and we will continue our journey together.

God is good and waiting on His timing is the thing to do.
If I would have talked sooner, my husband would not have heard me. I know this now.
Lesson learned.


Thank you, Lord for all you do in my life. Amen.

Psalm 27:13-14
I will remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Amen.

Gratitude
1. A God who listens
2. His perfect timing
3. His mercy

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

A Book Review

Today's book review is on an old classic, "The Screwtape Letters," by C.S. Lewis.
Amazon calls it "a classic masterpiece of religious satire written from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to "Our Father Below.'" It is funny and deadly serious. Screwtape is writing letters to his nephew, Wormwood, who has been given a Christian to derail and bring over to the dark side. Very original. I recommend reading it to remind ourselves of how easily we can be derailed.
Once again, I am not being paid to promote this book.

https://www.amazon.com/Screwtape-Letters-C-S-Lewis-ebook/dp/B002BD2V2Y/ref=cm_sw_em_r_dp_v_d_.ecZxbR04H78F_lm

Gratitude
1. Sundays
2. C.S. Lewis
3. Divine Inspiration

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah