Grief & 100 Days of Bible Promises

Welcome and blessings!

I've been working in my devotional, "100 Days of Bible Promises," almost daily and it has really been helping me with my grieving. The upbeat daily devotionals and scripture reminders have helped me remember that God is near in every aspect of my life, especially when I'm in the valleys of darkness. Reading and finally feeling like being creative has given my spirit a huge lift. I'm beginning to see a light at the end of tunnel. That is not to say I don't still miss the people I love and have lost. It just doesn't feel so raw now. I can make it through a day without crying when I think of them. Not everyday yet, but I'm getting there. It all takes time and everyone has their own way to deal and their own pace to get there. Rushing and denying only makes it last longer. The people I lost were all worth grieving over. They were kind, loving people who should be missed and grieved for. There will be an empty spot inside me for the rest of my life, but I know I will see them again and that helps a little. Not a lot right now, to be honest, since I don't know when that will be. But it is something to look forward to.

Here are a few of my pages.

Click on the photos for a larger image.

Gratitude
1. The Creator
2. Ways to create
3. The Holy Spirit

Isaiah 40:31
Those who trust in the Lord
will find new strength.
They will soar high
on wings like eagles.
They will run and
not grow weary.
The will walk
and not faint.

Blessings,
Deborah

24/100 Days of Bible Promises

Welcome and Good Afternoon!

I'm sharing another page in the devotional, "100 Days of Bible Promises."

Today's title is "Put on the Armor of God."

I feel like I've been in a spiritual battle most of my life. This past year especially. It comes and goes, but one thing I have noticed; that after a dark spell or battle, I feel closer to God. Lessons are learned in the battle that I don't think I would have learned otherwise. They are like a wake up call and I find myself stronger in my beliefs and I have added another layer of armor. I feel like I can fly and my soul feels refreshed!

I found the armor graphics on Pinterest a long time ago. I went back and tried to find them again, but could not. I'm sorry I can't give the person credit who made them. Thank you, whoever you are.
(click on photo for a larger view)

Gratitude
1. God's word to fight the battles
2. Supportive friends and family
3. Shanna Noel for writing this book

Ephesians 6:11-12
Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.
For our battle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the spiritual forces of evil.

Blessings,
Deborah

Book Review - If You Believed in Love

Welcome and Good Morning!

I finished a book this morning that I had to share.

"If You Believed in Love," by Staci Stallings

https://www.amazon.com/You-Believed-Love-Contemporary-Christian-ebook/dp/B0060NEEVM/ref=cm_sw_em_r_dp_dz_v_U_BFNkBb9SW7Z83_tt

"If You Believed in Love," is a contemporary Christian romance about finding love after tragedy. 

Elizabeth is an English literature professor and Jonathan is a widower who joins her class as an editor instead of a student. Most of the novel is set in this class, where I learned more about Browning and Austen than anywhere else. It took my breath away. I laughed out loud, cried and experienced every emotion in between. I could not put the book down. 

I've read thousands of books in my lifetime and this one is going in my top 10 list of books I've read and loved. 

I will read it again. 

I checked Amazon and she has written many books, several as a series which I dearly love.

I highly recommend this book.

I am not receiving anything to review this book. 

I simply loved it and wanted to share.

Gratitude

1. Hope

2. Christian writers

3. Warm summer days

2 Corinthians 3:5

Not that we are competent in ourselves

to claim anything for ourselves,

but our competence comes from God.

Blessings,

Deborah

13/100 Days of Bible Promises

Welcome and Good Afternoon!

I'm sharing a technique I tried on this page of my devotional. The title today is, "Courage Instead of Fear." A line from Kristene Dimarco's song "It is Well," came to mind.

"And this mountain that's in front of me
will be thrown into the midst of the sea."

I first heard this song a few years back when I was going through a troubling time in my life. The message struck a chord within me that if we just ask the Lord to take a burden from us, He will answer that prayer. He will throw that mountain right down into the sea and lighten our heart. The problem may not be totally gone, but His strength and mercy will see us through and take the fear away that goes with the problem.

The technique I tried used craft daubers and ink stamp pads to make the mountains. I need a little more practice with this, but it didn't turn out too bad. I can see using this to fill in white spaces in future projects.

Here is the link to the song, "It is Well," if you would like to hear this inspirational song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uGXeJMB9Go

Gratitude:
1. Mountains
2. Music
3. Inspiration

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid,
For I am your God.
I will strengthen you;
I will help you;
I will hold on to you with
My righteous right hand.

Blessings,
Deborah

12/100 Day of Bible Promises

Welcome and blessings!

The devotional for today is "Wisdom for Those Who Ask."
Sometimes, I'm not very good at seeking answers in the Bible to problems I am having or things I'm worrying about. Sometimes, I'm even bad about praying for answers. Most times I do, but not always. I always keep family and friends in my prayers and ask for help for them, but not always for myself. I really need to work on that and be better at asking the One who knows the answers before I even ask.

I wrote in my devotional today to:
Ask.
Pray.
Listen.
Repeat.

I think I should also make a card to keep on my desk so it is in my face daily. My memory isn't what it used to be, but that really is no excuse. It is making it a habit that will help. Calling on God daily to help with problems and worries. They say it only takes 21 days to create a habit. If I start today, in no time I could be in a better place with my heavenly Father. As soon as I'm finished here I will make that card! I will share it with you tomorrow.

Day 12 in my devotional.
(click on the picture for a larger view)

Gratitude
1. Finding wisdom in the Bible
2. A heavenly Father who answers prayers
3. Art

Isaiah 28:29
This also comes from the Lord of hosts;
he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.

Blessings,
Deborah

100 Days of Bible Promises - Day 11

Welcome and Good Morning!

Hope you are doing well on this glorious Spring Day.

Day 11 in the "100 Days of Bible Promises" book is about sin and confession.
We are a sinning bunch, eh? But isn't it wonderful we have a merciful Father who forgives us if we ask.

I was struggling with the art for this page and a friend said that when I am in doubt, always go back to the beginning...Genesis. What great advice! The third chapter in the first book of the Bible is where the first sin happened. Didn't take us long, did it? The first of many. We are so blessed to have such a loving and forgiving God.
(click on the picture for a larger view)

Gratitude
1. A forgiving Father
2. Friends who mentor
3. A Savior

Isaiah 59:2
Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

Blessings,
Deborah

New Project - "100 Days of Bible Promises"

Welcome and blessings!

I'm starting a new project. I was hoping it would help me climb up out of the pit of my grief and it seems to be doing the trick. I am finding great comfort and inspiration here. Nothing like spending time in His word and crafting to lift one's spirits.
The devotional book is called "100 Days of Bible Promises." It is published by Dayspring, (dayspring.com) You can get the book on their website or on Amazon where I got mine.
I also joined the Facebook group by the same name. They started eleven day ago, so I started where they were yesterday.

My page after I decorated. The hymn is copied from my mother's hymnal that I got from my sister. I was happy to be able to include something from her on my page. The song title fits right in with the title of today's devotional. (click on the picture for a closer look)

Here is what the page looks like when you get the book, minus my Rejoice stamp by the title.

They leave you lots of room to journal and/or add art. I like to define the main word of the day's theme.

This is the cover of the book.

I highly recommend the book. It is a soft cover and lays pretty flat when opened. I am not receiving any gratuities to promote it.

Gratitude
1. Devotionals
2. A sunny spring day
3. My support people

II Corinthians 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort.

Blessings,
Deborah