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

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

I'm Sticking With This

Welcome and good morning!

This format is not exactly what I wanted, but it will do for now. I really wanted another layout, but the "subscribe" button was hiding in an icon that didn't say, "Go here to subscribe." I wanted it to be out there for all to see. :)

Along with the new look is going to be new content as well.
I'm going to be sharing on a more personal level. Day to day thoughts and happenings. I will also share my poetry. I have loved to write poetry for years, but in the past 40 years it got hidden away in past trauma and buried deep within me. I've been working on that pain with a wonderful therapist who has helped me open up the darkness and the poetry is flowing within me once again. God is good.

My current Monday night writing class is ending this week, so I have signed up for two on-line writing classes and will be joining a local writing group that meets Saturday mornings. I will be anxious to share what happens in those, too.

This will still be a God blog. I'm a believer, so that will not change. I'll still be sharing insights and ah-ha moments as they come.

Thanks for hanging in here with me and for your patience as I revamped. I'm happy it didn't take that long.

Here's a photo of a new class I am taking with Robin Sampson called "The 12 Eras." More on that next time with links.

 This is how I  journaled the creation lesson in my Bible.

This is the creation story in my Traveler's Notebook.

I'm looking forward to this new journey with you!

Gratitude

1. Revamping of my blog and self

2. I'm writing again!

3. Singing birds

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you and not harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future..."

"You will seek Me and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart."

Blessings,

Deborah

Bible Journaling & VM Micah 7:7

Hi! I'm so glad you stopped by.

Today I am sharing my study on:
Micah 7:7 (NIV)
But as for me,
I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior,
my God will hear me.

I combined the challenge "Deeper Still Lesson 5" with Verse Mapping.

The images I used are from "The Complete Guide to Bible Journaling," by Joanne Fink and Regina Yoder. This is a fabulous book that everyone who bible journals should own. I have linked to it in previous posts.

This is also a verse on patience; something I'm not always good at doing. It depends on the situation, but I'm a "get it done now" kind of gal.

Wait? How long?

THAT long?!!

It might not work for me.

Pacing and toe tapping might happen. lol

But, when the Lord is involved, He has His own timeline and we don't always understand that.

It is good thing we have His word to remind us.

Gratitude

1. Warm summer days

2. Forest fire close to my town is contained 100%!!

3 All Firefighters

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

I Won! & a Book Review

Welcome!

Recently, there was a contest on a Facebook group I belong to called "Bible Study from the Heart (Faith Journaling and Bible Study). You had a chance to win the "Faith Sprinkles Adult Coloring Bible Study" book by Leslie Eaton.. I entered and I WON!! I was and am so excited. I just received the book in the mail today and I love it. It is a combination Bible study, testimonial, devotional coloring book for adults. Very heartwarming and just what I was looking for. I wanted something to enhance my Bible Journaling an this will do the trick quite nicely.

This is the Amazon link to the book:

https://www.amazon.com/Adult-Coloring-Bible-Study-Sprinkles/dp/0998090565/ref=cm_sw_em_r_dp_w_dc_8S87ybW5RZ67K_lm

This is the link to her YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe1JvoKj5NQzJqUYBBUX-_w

Leslie'sYouTube channel has the link to her Facebook group where you can find files to download and lots of inspiration from Leslie Eaton and other members of the group. She is very generous with her printables  and even has links for the lessons if you can't afford to buy the book. You will be blessed by this lady.

Before I got my book, I download Week #2's lesson and the printable. Before I printed the picture, I shrunk it by 50% and then printed it on vellum to glue in my Bible Journal as a tip-in. I love the picture and how it turned out. It is based on John 4:39-42.

 After attaching it in my Bible Journal.

What it looked like before inserting it in my Bible.

The cover of the book I won.

I highly recommend this book. I am not being compensated in any way for this review. I simply wanted to share with you something I think you will like, also.

Thank you, Leslie Eaton for giving me the chance to win your wonderful book and for all you do to share your faith with others.

Gratitude

1. Leslie Eaton

2. Study books

3. Inspiration from others

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

May I pray for you today?

Leave me a comment below and I will add you to my prayer list.

Blessings,

Deborah

Catching Up on Lent

I've been playing catch up in my Lenten Studies of the "Fruit of the Spirt" lessons.

I'll share the pictures without a lot of commentary beginning with the most current.

Lessons #10 - Gentleness
Phil. 4:5
Let your gentleness
be evident to all.
The Lord is near.

Lesson #9 - Faithfulness
For we live by faith,
not by sight.

Lesson #8 - Goodness

Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil,

but overcome evil

with good.

(Lesson #7 was posted on 3/23/17 Bible Journaling for Lent)

Lesson #6 - Patience
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.

 This picture is Lesson #6 after I put the tip-in in the Bible.

Gratitude
1. Time to catch up
2. Another rainy day
3. Laundry done

Ephesians 1:6
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,
Deborah

Bible Journaling For Lent

Happy 3rd Day of Spring Everyone!!

I'm a slacker.
No big news there, eh?
I am so far behind in my Lenten study it is not funny.
Not at all.
I did the first lesson and stopped. Not for any one reason, but many and not because I don't like the study. I do. Very much.
Instead of going in order I decided to just start with this week's lesson #7. If you remember the study is on the Fruit of the Spirit. Today's lesson is kindness and the lesson focuses on:

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other just as in Christ
God forgave you.

It is so important to be kind to one another. We are all on the same journey and for some people the roads are bumpier than others. When I get a cranky person in the store I just love on them. I smile more, say a silent little prayer and try to be as helpful as I can. They usually leave smiling and treating me better than when they came in. My little trick and it seems to work.

When looking up "Fruit of the Spirit" art ideas, there is no consistency on which fruit stands for which attribute. Sometimes kindness is a pineapple, sometimes it is lemon and another it is a cherry. I chose to go with the lemon since I love them so much. I am snacking on lemon drop cookies as I type. How appropriate. (smiles)

This is my second entry in my new Bible journal. I decided not to do my own art this time and used magazine cut-outs instead. Works for me. Much less stressful. You've seen my art so you know what I'm talking about. (smiles)

Gratitude

1. Fruit

2. Cookies

3. Lemons

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

Ash Wednesday, We Begin

"Lent is a time of reflection as we prepare ourselves for the Good News of Easter Sunday.
We must always remember the glimmer of hope as we remember what is to come: love and redemption."
Sarah Laughed

I am beginning a Lenten Study by Sarah Laughed, same lady I followed for Advent.
If you would like to join us, here is the link. It begins today.

http://seasonsillustrated.com/announcing-lent-illustrated-2017/

I hope you'll take this walk with me.

Today's reading is Genesis 3:19 (NIV)
...for dust you are and to dust you will return.

My first entry as a Bible Journalist. Like I've said before, I am not an artist. My plate of ashes looks more like a hat. lol

But time spent in His Word is precious. Don't be afraid to try this form of spending time with God. If you don't want to try the art, then just do the lettering and take some notes. BE with the Lord daily.

In this Lenten study, there are two verses per week until Holy Week, then there is a lesson everyday. Time well spent. Be blessed.

Gratitude

1. Lenten Studies

2. Clear, sunny skies

3. Bible Journaling Groups

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

New Bible Journal

I did it.
I bought a Bible Journal.

This is called the Canvas and it is 'The Message" version.

I bought it because it is partially illustrated with Zentangles and ZIAs. I have taken classes to learn how to Zentangle and almost squealed in the store when I found this!

Here are a few photos of some of the  pages.

There are a few 2 page spreads throughout the book that are awesome!

Each book of the Bible has a beautiful drawing on the first page.

Click on the picture for a closer look.

 

Some pages are more simple, like this page.

And some are more elaborate, like this page.

There are plenty of blank pages with lines to do your own art or note taking.

I'm excited to begin this new adventure of Bible Journaling.

I will still use my Faith Journal for Verse Mapping and other studies.

Gratitude

1. Bible Journals

2. Time with spent with God in a new way!

3. Sunny days of Winter

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

A Bible Journal Art Challenge

I love challenges!
Can you tell? lol
I have taken on a new challenge today.
It is a 52 week Bible Journaling challenge over at Rebekah R. Jones' site and the challenge is called,
"Deeper Still."
Here is the link if you are interested:

http://www.rebekahrjones.com/bible-art-journaling-challenge/deeper-still/

Rebekah also has a Facebook page so you can share your work with the group.
You can find the link to her group on her website.

If you follow here regularly, you know I don't journal in a Bible, but do so in my Faith Journal.
I decided to go "Deeper Still" and verse map the verses a little with a word study and one comparison of verses 10-13.
Those verses spoke to me the deepest.
(see photo below)

The graphic is a free one from Rebekah for taking the challenge. She also links to her YouTube channel and shows you how do it all. She has many wonderful videos, as she has given these challenges for a couple of years. You can still do those, also.

Let me know if you take the challenge in the comments below.

Gratitude

1. Challenges!

2. The Psalms

3. Restoration by God

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

Advent - We Rest & Faith Journal

Matthew 11:28
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.

Today in the Advent Study
we rest.
We ponder last week's lessons.
We prepare for next week.

I loved the lessons this week, especially the song I shared in my last post. I have listened to it several times. I hope you listened to it and enjoyed it, also.

This is Week #1 in my Faith Journal.

The two pre-printed verses from Isaiah 9:6 are from Monica. I have shared her links before. IF you would like the link again, leave me a comment and I will post it for you. She has some beautiful files to share to use in your Bible journals. I listed this week's lessons and wrote a few of them down.

Next week's Advent topic is peace. I can't wait to read the lessons.

May the Peace of the Lord be always with you. Amen.

Gratitude

1. The feelings of Hope I've had this week.

2. Rest

3. More rain

Phil 1:4

In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy.

Blessings,

Deborah

Give Thanks, Advent and Faith Journal

Day 28 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
Hebrew 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.

Write this in your Prayer Journal and pray it throughout the day.

Day 27 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 27 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

1Peter 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.

Write this in your journal. Add art, if you so desire.

(In order to keep this post from getting too long, I will not be "digging deeper" today.)

Art & Faith Journal

Today I am thankful for my dogs. I used a dog stamp with brown ink and wrote the scripture with a Pilot dark red G2-07 pen. Remember, you can click on the picture for a bigger view.

The entire week.

ADVENT

I wanted to share the Bible Journaling Advent Study by Sara Laughed that I am going to personally be doing. If you would like to join me you can buy the ebook or hard copy here:

http://www.essenceofme.com/advent-illustrated/

Sara also has a Facebook page for this study. You can find it on the same link.
Today is the 1st Sunday of Advent. She has the study set up that Sunday's are the day we rest, get caught up, etc.
I haven't decided whether I will do all 6 days each week, or pick between 1-6 days. Whichever I choose I will share it here. If you have an opinion on how many days you would like me to choose, leave me a comment below. I will take it under advisement. :)

I hope all of you in the USA had a lovely Thanksgiving, (I sure did) and Happy Advent.

Gratitude
1. Family, family, family!
2. My son and his girlfriend
3. My husband

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

Blessings,
Deborah

Let Us Give Thanks - Day 21

Day 22 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
Daniel 2:23
I thank and praise You,
God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
You have made known to me what we asked of You,
You have made known to us the dream of the king.

Write this in your Prayer Journal and pray it throughout the day.

Day 21 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 21 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal Challenge

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Psalm 31:21 (NIV)

Praise be to the Lord,

for He showed me the wonder

of His love when I was

in a city under siege.

Write this in your journal. Add art, if you so desire.

Digging Deeper

Other Translations

KJV

Blessed be the Lord;

for He hath shewed me His mavellous

kindness in a strong city.

MSG

What a stack of blessings You have piled up

for those who worship You,

ready and waiting for all who run to You

to escape an unkind world.

CJB

In the shelter of Your presence

You hide them from human plots,

You conceal them in Your shelter,

safe from contentious tongues.

siege - surrounded - attack - assault

Nelson's Bible Commentary

God makes His people safe in the intimacy of His friendship.

Art and Faith Journal

This is a copied file from Monica of Bible Journaling by Monica. Here is her YouTube link.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv4X9ILzXOTX7n99ME74WHw
If you join her channel and Facebook page you will have access to her wonderful Bible Journaling files on Facebook. She makes beautiful art to worship our Lord. Thanks for sharing your talent with us, Monica.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 gifts family
1. Shared memories
2. Birth Mother and adopted Mother
3. Belonging

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

Blessings,
Deborah