It's One of Those

Good morning and welcome to my little corner!

I read an article this morning by Ann Voskamp that gave me that little flick to the forehead and maybe even gobsmacked me at times. She is so darn good at that! It was one of those articles.

She talks about our thoughts and introduces a book written by Jennie Allen called "Get Out of Your Head," subtitled "Stop the spiral of toxic thoughts." Man, I have been there. I've worked very hard this past year to stop sinning through my toxic thoughts, so this article drew me right in.

https://annvoskamp.com/2020/01/you-have-a-choice/ 

One thing Ann didn't talk about, but maybe it is addressed in the book (which I have ordered) is that the thoughts are usually lies planted by you-know-who! At least I have realized that is true for me.

You can get the link for the book in Ann's article if it looks like something that might appeal to you. I'm not pushing the book. I haven't read it yet, but I loved the title. I'll let you know what I think.

This sweet cat, Dusty, is one of our 8 ferals we care for. They have all been spayed/neutered and live outside. Their choice not ours. We would gladly share our home with them, but they are too afraid to come in. Miss Dusty loves to grab one of the beds, drag it off the porch to the patio, turn it upside down and then lay in it. Yes, she is a strange cat indeed.
Here is her brother, Chen.  Gorgeous boy! He's weird, too. lol

Gratitude
1. Cats of all kinds
2. Dogs of all kinds
3. All animals we share this earth with

Enjoy your day!
Blessings,
Deborah

Psalm 73:25-26
...God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Another One of Those Moments

Welcome!

I know I've talked about those serendipity moments before, but I just seem to keep having them and I feel so blessed. They make me smile and feel like God is close.

This morning I thought that today was the day to take that first step...again. Like they say, "Everyday is a new day to begin again." I wasn't liking my diet routine. This may sound funny, but it was making food feel like it was too much up in my face. It was all I thought about when it was the last thing I wanted to think about. I don't want to think about food that much. I don't want track it. I don't want to weigh it. I just want to eat healthy, lose the weight I need to lose and be done with it. I know how to lose weight. I want to do my plan, not someone else's.

So, I'm on a new journey. It's almost a new month. This one's goals are over. Time to start new ones. I love this month by month goals instead those new year's resolutions, like I talked about the first of the year. This is so much better!

February's goals:
1. Continue to lose weight
2. Continue to exercise
3. Continue to study
4. Send a card to friend

My serendipity moment this morning was getting a quote in an email by Henry Ford.

     Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently."

Although I really don't feel like a failure, since I lost 5 pounds, it was more about the starting again part that made me smile. And doing it more intelligently. :)

I loved this spot by a lake we camped near a couple of years ago. Such a great place to sit and commune with God.

Gratitude:
1. Lakes to camp near
2. New beginnings
3. Sun on a crisp winter morning

Blessings,
Deborah

Ephesians 3:16
I pray out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.

No Condemnation

Welcome and Blessings!

No Condemnation?!!

Now there is a wonderful thought to take us into the new year!

Through Jesus, there is no condemnation for us.
Blessings and grace abounding!!

Day 56/100 Days of Grace & Gratitude gives us some wonderful scriptures to back this up.

                                               (click on photo for larger view)

Check out the scriptures:

Galatians 5:1

John 5:24

John 1:17

Romans 8:1-2

So many wonderful gifts the Lord has provided for us.

Gratitude

1. Grace

2. Peace

3. Love

4. Mercy

5. Rain

Galatians 5:1

Christ has liberated us to be free.

Stand firm then and don't submit to a yoke of slavery.

Blessings,

Deborah

66/100Days of Bible Promises

Welcome and good morning!

Can't really explain why I haven't been around much; just being a slacker I guess. :)

I'm still working in my devotional and started another one yesterday. Those challenges still keep calling to me. lol

Day 66

(click on pic for larger view.)

I have so many reasons to praise the lord on any given day, but I love how I have learned to let Him lighten my burdens. I am training myself to give my difficulties over to God for help. It has truly been amazing how much lighter I feel. God will fight your battles for you and He is so much better and more equipped to do so. Our part is to just pray for that help and sit back, listen and watch. Praise Him in every situation, even when you don't feel like praising Him. Especially when you don't! Our job, the reason we were created, is to praise Him all day long.
Give Him thanks and praise!!
Try it.
It just might change your life.
It has changed mine.

Gratitude
1. Praising God
2. Pets
3. Family

Psalm 66:8
Praise our God, you peoples;
let the sound of His praise be heard!!

Blessings,
Deborah

Straighten That Crown!

Welcome and blessings.

I'm having one of those "feeling really blessed" days.
You know the kind.
We always feel blessed, but once in a while a day comes along and you just feel it deep within your soul.
It rocks your world.
Yes, that feeling!
Yesterday, I wrote in my journal for the first time in two months and wrote three poems.
The healing has begun.
Praise God.

I'm working on day 47 in my "100 Days of Bible Promises," and the title today is,
"Enduring Through Trials."

As I'm reading through the verses, I remembered this meme I saw and saved a year or so ago and found it in my files. Sorry, I don't know who originally posted it or made it, but it hit me hard and I started to cry with joy. I AM A DAUGHTER OF THE KING! And so are you! We are sons and daughters of the King and on those dark days we need to straighten our crowns and remember that. How easily we can forget.
We also know how the book ends. *smiles*

Sending love and hugs to you, my dear readers. Times are tough and we need all the help we can get these days.

Gratitude
1. A loving God
2. A leap of faith
3. Trials that strengthen

1Corinthians 10:13
God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.

Blessings,
Deborah

38/100 Days of Bible Promises and Bible Journaling Resources

Welcome and Good Morning!

Today I want to share with you where I get some of my Bible journaling supplies and day 38 of "100 Days of Bible Promises."

And maybe even Day 37. :)

(Click on pictures for larger view.)

The graphics on these two pages are found in the digital section at
"Sweet 'n' Sassy Stamps."
http://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/new/

and
Praise and Pray Etsy Shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PraiseandPray

Another Etsy shop I use is Bible Journal Love
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BibleJournalLove?ref=l2-shopheader-name

I receive no compensation for sharing these shops.

Gratitude
1. Faith like a mustard seed
2. Striving for faith that can move mountains
3. Camping trip tomorrow!

1Peter 3:15
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Blessings,
Deborah

36/100 Days of Bible Promises

Welcome and blessings.

A very good message.

 (click on picture for larger view.)

I struggle with waiting and patience. This was a good lesson for me to read. I am learning to wait on the Lord. 

I pray.

I believe.

I wait.

But, sometimes, not without tapping my foot. *smiles*

Gratitude

1. Learning patience

2. Learning to wait

3. Rejoicing in answered prayer

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord;

be strong,

and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!

Blessings,

Deborah

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

More Thoughts on Grief

Welcome and blessings.

I've been absent lately.
And absent minded.
I'm having trouble focusing for long.
I'm still crying at any given moment.
Hiding in my room so no one knows.
Trying to smile and be social when all I really want to be is alone.

I have a jury summons this week. I'm one of the few people who actually don't mind serving. I find it all very interesting, but I don't think I would be very good at it right now. The focusing and tracking thing could be a problem. I may ask to be excused. I feel bad about that, but hey, my mom died. And two other people I loved and my beloved cat. Can I please be excused? Give me 6 months and I'll gladly come back and serve. Of course, what would really be nice is if I call the night before and it has been cancelled. That would be the best thing to happen. I'm praying for that outcome.

We've had company this past week It has been wonderful to have a full house to cook for. People to talk to and share stories with. It has been a nice diversion. That doesn't mean I haven't gone off and cried a couple of times, but they have been so understanding. They are leaving tomorrow and I will miss them. A lot. Safe travels home, dear family.

This week I promised myself to get back on track in the losing weight department. More on that subject later.

I would like to say thank you on this Memorial Day to all who have served, are now serving and especially to those soldiers who laid down their lives for my freedom. There really are no words to express my deep gratitude to all of you. God Bless you all.

(Photo found on Google images. No credit given to photographer.)

Gratitude
1. Soldiers and Veterans
2. Family and friends
3. Holidays

Blessings,
Deborah

The Book of Ephesians

Welcome and Good Morning!

God has been nudging me for quite some time to read the Book of Ephesians and this morning I finally got around to reading it. I've read the book before, but today it answered so many questions I have been chewing on for so long.
Why didn't I read it with the first nudge, you might be asking?
I'm asking that myself, but maybe I wasn't ready yet to hear what it had to say.
Maybe I needed to chew and stew for awhile to accept all I needed to hear with an open heart.
I heard it today. I'm rejoicing in the answers!
I can't remember where I read a story about a man who read Ephesians every day for a month. He said it gave him new insight in the book and made him able to really embrace the truth of the words and make them his own to live by. If I remember where I will share it with you. It was a great story.
I'm taking the challenge.
I'm going to read the Book of Ephesians every day for a month.
Anyone want to join me?

Another beautiful picture I took when I was home.

Gratitude

1. His word

2. Answered questions

3. You, my dear reader

Ephesians 3:17-18

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the Lord's holy people,

to grasp how wide and long 

and high and deep

is the love of Christ.

Blessings,

Deborah

P.S. My Cat Died, Too.

Welcome and Blessings.

Somehow, when I was talking about all the deaths I have experience lately I forgot to say my cat died the same week that my mother did.
How could have I forgotten to mention that?!!
My dear, sweet Maverick.

Such a silly cat. Afraid of his own shadow. Friends had rare sightings of him, if any at all. I had to show most people his picture to prove we really did have a cat. Sometimes he would even act afraid of us, especially if we had a hat or a hood on. Even if we spoke to him to prove it was us, he would go into his low rider mode and run under the bed. So silly.

I miss him dearly.

I thought I wouldn't want any more animals when he was gone. Five years ago we had 3 dogs and 3 cats and now we have none. Too many losses in such a short time. That's what happens when you get them all close to the same age. We lost our last two dogs last year. One in January and one in November. Tears another little hole in my soul when each one passes. Anyway, after the last dog passed I thought, "NO MORE ANIMALS!" I can't take this loss. But now that Maverick is gone I'm not so sure. On the morning my husband told me he had passed in the night my first thought, after sobbing over the loss, was, "Oh my! I don't have a cat anymore." I'm not so sure I can live without a cat in my life. I'm not rushing out to get one. I want time to grieve Mav's loss, but I'm pretty sure there will be another cat someday. 

My life just isn't complete without that purring in my ear. 

Gratitude

1. Tootsie (dog)

2. Leena (dog)

3. Molly (dog)

4 . Lili (cat)

5. Sassy (cat)

6. Maverick (cat)

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in every situation,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

Blessings,

Deborah

Grief is Hard

Welcome. I hope you are having a blessed day.

"Grief is hard," is an understatement.
It is effecting me in many ways, especially in the writing department.
I told myself today that I need to stop staring at blank notebooks and blank screens and write something.
Anything.
So, here I am.
My mother died.
My favorite high school teacher died.
A young man, who was a preschool student of mine 13 or so years ago died a year ago. I found that out, too when I went home for my mother's funeral.
Now back home, I found out last week that my best friend's wife has cancer.
Write?
Really?
You want me to write poetry or a short story?
Now?
No.
I can't.
It's not in here inside this numb brain so filled with grief I can hardly breathe.
I love to read.
Can't focus on the page.
Craft?
Pfft.
Cry?
I can do that.
Stare off into space?
I can do that.
Go through the daily motion of getting dressed, fixing meals, talking when spoken to?
Yes, I can do those things.
Pray?
Yes, if I ask God for help with my prayers.
Write?
Well, I guess I just did.
Just don't ask me to be creative about it.

A picture I took while home.

Gratitude
1. Oceans
2. Flowers
3. Birds

Hebrews 13:5
I will in no way leave you,
neither will I in any way
forsake you.



Blessings,
Deborah

I Remember Mama

Welcome and Good Morning.

I've been trying to write for days now, but just come here and stare at the blank screen.
My mother passed away last Saturday.She was in the last stages of life for a week and the words just would not come to me.
Saying that last good-bye always seems to get stuck in my throat; clogged there with too much love and sadness to get by.
I didn't grow up with Hazel, my birth mother, so I don't have years and years of memories to cling to, to help ease the grieving moments. But I do have some very sweet memories to cherish and cling to, and cling I will.
Grief is a funny thing that comes in waves to knock you down when you least expect it. Like yesterday at the florist and later at Safeway when I was at the olive bar trying to get the stupid lid on the container of olives I wanted to buy. I tried FIVE times to get that stupid lid on and finally handed it all to my girlfriend and said, "I'm going to give these flying lessons unless you do this for me." She started laughing, it was a pretty funny thing to say, until she looked at me and saw the tears welling in my eyes. Stupid things like that can get you going out of nowhere.
I take comfort in other places, too especially my Bible like Mama always did in times of sorrow or joy.
One of her favorites was Psalm 23. I haven't met anyone who doesn't like that Psalm, but I'm finding new comfort there now that I learned it was one of Mama's favorites.

"He calms me beside still waters.
He restoreth my soul."

I don't like the feeling of being an orphan now either. Who thought I was grown up enough at 63 to take charge of the world?  Scary thought! *shudders*
At least I'm not the Matriarch of the family now. That honor falls to my oldest sister. She will do an awesome job of it, too I'm sure.

Good-bye, dear Mama.
Easier to type than say.
Rest in peace you sweet soul.
You will be so missed.

Mama on her Wedding Day.

Gratitude
1. My mothers, Hazel and Beverly
2. My family
3. My friends

Take a few minutes and read Psalm 23 in memory of Mama.

Blessings,
Deborah

Thoughts About Mother

Welcome and blessings.

My mother is back in the hospital again.
This will be how it is from now on; in and out as the need comes.
Her body is breaking down. The pneumonia is not going away. Last night they gave her heavy duty antibiotics and this morning the 103* fever is gone.
Thank you, Lord.
They say they can only keep her comfortable now.
They say they are doing everything they can for her.
We appreciate all the tender care.
We appreciate her strong faith that she lives each day and models for us.
We appreciate her love for each of us and give it right back to her joyfully.
We don't know how much time we have left with her; days, weeks, months?
Only God knows that.
We do know we are facing a time without her.
Reality check time.
I want to throw a good-ole-two-year-old-tantrum!
I would if I thought it would do any good.
So, instead I will surrender her over to God;
leaving her in His hands that are so much more capable than mine.
I will cherish every moment with her; every conversation on the phone.
And I will pray.

My sweet mother, Hazel.

Gratitude
1. My mother
2. My family
3. A loving God

Hebrews 13:5
I will in no way leave you,
neither will I in anyway
forsake you.

Blessings,
Deborah