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

Perspective

Welcome and happy first day of Spring!

Last night was the final night of our special writing classes called, "Writing From the Heart." Some people invited family and friends to hear us read our stories and poetry. Afterward we shared a potluck meal of all sorts of wonderful food.

I read three of my poems. Two of them fit in the category of "Me, too" and I ended with a funny one. Always leave them laughing, they say. They were well received, which always humbles me. And makes me smile. I'm a writer. I can finally say that and believe it. I've wanted this for so long.

My mother writes poetry. Her name is Hazel and she is back in the hospital. I found out when I came home from class last night. Kind of puts everything back into perspective. Please pray for her.

Some of my sisters write and some of my nieces. We all have a little Hazel in us; this gift of writing. I call us "The Hazel Girls." We are strong women, surviving various kinds of pain in this life. We are poets, novelists, musicians, song writers. We dig deep into our pain and it opens us up to share our lives in hope of inspiring and comforting others.
Lately, my pen just won't stop. The ink flows out in ways that is even surprising to me.
It seems I've been given a gift.
Passed down from Hazel, my birth mother.
I always wondered where if came from.
Now I know.
I'm a Hazel Girl.
Get well soon, Mother.

Gratitude
1. Having two mothers who love/d me.
2. The gift of writing
3. The gift of prayer

2Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are competent
in ourselves to claim anything
for ourselves,
but our competence comes from God.

Blessings,
Deborah

How Do You Feel and What Do You Say?

How do you feel and what do you say after something like what happened in Florida happens again and again? How do we keep picking ourselves up and carrying on? How do we fight this unknown enemy?
Ann Voskamp, once again, gives us some insight.

http://annvoskamp.com/2018/02/when-cancer-gunfire-grief-lent-the-unfairness-of-god-wreck-us-free-lent-devotional-calendar/?utm_source=bloglovin.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+HolyExperience+(Holy+Experience)

Gratitude
1. A God who cares
2. A God who is always there first
3. A God who always loves us

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

Blessings,
Deborah

Prayers Needed

Welcome and thanks for stopping by.

I am asking for prayers for my mother who was hospitalized last night with pneumonia. She is 85 years old, a dialysis patient and suffers from other health issues as well.

This is mama a year ago on her birthday. Her name is Hazel and she just celebrated her birthday on Tuesday. She is a trooper and has beat illness many times. We pray she has the strength to do it again. She has a strong faith that has seen her through many battles. She has been on dialysis for 9 years! I will say it again...she is a trooper and a walking miracle. 

All prayers are much appreciated.

Gratitude

1. My mother, Hazel

2. Family

3. God's mercy

Hebrews 13:5

I will in no way leave you,

neither will I in anyway

forsake you.

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 8

Welcome to Day 8 - Holiday/Vacation Eating

I must admit I felt a little discouraged yesterday when the scale went in the wrong direction, but I didn't cheat or go out of my boundaries. Instead...I went for a walk. I felt much better when I got home.

Ha! I just read Day 8 in "Taste for Truth," and Barb talks about discouragement! She talks about how important it is renew our minds daily. (I keep forgetting to do this!)
"...but God can do great things in our lives if we persevere and keep going to Him for help."
(Note to self: remember this!)

Weren't the 6 Stages of Habits great?!!
I liked "Focus on progress, not perfection."
This perfectionist has a hard time with that one.

Scripture to help with our goals:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Philippians 4:11-13
1Thessalonians 5:16-18

I'll let you read Barb's blog on Holiday/Vacation Eating.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/04/weight-loss-bible-study-day-8-holidayvacation-eating/

I think this advice can also prove helpful on days you are out-of-town for the day, at a party or just gathering with a group of friends for any reason.
She tells us to "Focus on the people rather than the food," never go without boundaries and prepare with truth early in the day. She also asks some great questions to ponder.

Bible Study Questions from 'Taste for Truth #5:
Visit with God about your experience with weight loss and where you're at right now.
Write a prayer using Philippians 4:11-13 as your guide. As you write, try to focus on thanksgiving.

Instead of Verse Mapping today I'm going to share my prayer.

Click on the picture for a larger view.

Gratitude
1. Prayers of thanksgiving
2. Inspiration
3. Stamina

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

Prayers of Blessing for Your Friend

Welcome!

Starting a new challenge today, because, well, it's what I do! lol

https://adivineencounter.com/prayers-of-blessing-for-your-friend/

Go to the link above and begin praying for a friend or friends this month.
There is even a booklet you can print out. It is a traveler's notebook style.

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

Let Us Give Thanks - Day 29 & Advent

Day 30 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
Revelation 11:16-17
And the 24 elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshipped God, saying, "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign."

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

Day 29 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 29 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal Challenge

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Psalm 136:2 (NIV)
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.

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

Digging Deeper

Other Translations

KJV
O give thanks unto the God of gods:
for His mercy endureth for ever.

MSG
Thank God!
He deserves your thanks.
His love never quits.

CJB
Give thanks to the God of gods,
For His grace continues forever.

forever - everlasting - eternally - incessantly

Nelson's Bible Commentary
"Give thanks" means to give public acknowledgement; it is one of the principal words for praise in the Psalms. Mercy & love are the most significant terms used in the Psalms to describe the character of God.

Art & Faith Journal

Wrote the verse with an orange Zig Millennium pen and included the Angel for the art using drawn hearts to border it in.

ADVENT

Reading for today is:

Psalm 62:5

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;

my hope comes from Him.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)

3 Gifts red

1. A cardinal

2. A candle

3. A red Tootsie Roll pop

Phil 1:4

In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy.

Blessings,

Deborah

Let Us Give Thanks - Day 28 and Advent

Day 29 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
Psalm 107:8-9
Let them give thanks to the Lord
for His unfailing love
and His wonderful deed for mankind,
for He satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

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

Day 28 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 28 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal Challenge

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Ezra 3:11
With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord:
"He is good;
His love toward Israel endures forever."
And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.

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

Digging Deeper

Other translations

KJV
And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.

Foundation - base - substructure - bottom

Nelson's Bible Commentary
The returnees to Jerusalem celebrated laying the temple's foundation in almost the same way that the previous generation had celebrated the first temple.

Art and Faith Journal

Scripture written with brown Micron 05 pen. Foundation wall drawn with colored pencil. Angel found on Pinterest.

ADVENT

Scripture reading for today is:

Isaiah 9:2

"The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned."

Gratitude

1. Temples

2. Churches

3. Family safely home

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 26

Day 27 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
Psalm 34:1
I will extol the Lord at all times;
His praise will always be on my lips.

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

Day 26 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 26 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal Challenge

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Psalm 47:7 (NIV)
For God is the King of all the earth;
sing to Him a psalm of praise.

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

Digging Deeper

Other translations
KJV
For God is the King of all the earth:
sing ye praises with understanding.

MSG
Applause, everyone.
Bravo, bravissimo!
Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs!

CJB
Sing praises to God,
sing praises!
Sing praises to our King,
sing praises!

psalm - song - poem - hymn

Nelson's Bible Commentary
The repetition of this command is similar to the angelic voices singing of the holiness of God in Isaiah 6:3. The reason for the call is clear: God is the King of all the earth; He deserves our praise.

Art and Faith Journal

Today I am thankful for my cat and he is represented by the cat stamp. Earth picture is a Google image. Psalm written in light blue Pilot G2-07 pen.

This is my real cat, Maverick. Isn't he a pretty boy?!! I love how he always crosses his feet.

Gratitude

1. Cats

2. Birds

3. Elephants

Phil 1:4

In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy.

Blessings,

Deborah

Let Us Give Thanks - Day 25

Day 26 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
2Corinthians 4:15
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

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

Day 25 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Da6 25 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal Challenge

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Nehemiah 9:5 (NIV)
And the Levites - Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabinoiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah - said,
"Stand up and praise the Lord your God,
who is from everlasting to everlasting."

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

Digging Deeper

Other Translations
KJV
Then the Levites, Jeshua and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabnoiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah, said
"Stand up and bless the Lord your God
for ever and ever:
and blessed be Thy glorious name,
which is exalted above all blessings and praise.

everlasting - forever - eternal - endless - perpetual

Nelson's Bible Commentary
The importance of the name of God can scarcely be overestimated.

Art and Faith Journal

Verse written with a green micron 5 pen. "Give thanks" picture by Debbie Mumm.

Gratitude

1. An everlasting God

2. Time spent with my son and girlfriend

3. A day off with family

Phil 1:4

In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy.

Blessings,

Deborah

Let Us Give Thanks - Day 24

Happy Thanksgiving to those in and from the USA!!!

Day 25 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

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

Day 24 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 24 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal Challenge

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Psalm 145:1-2
I will exalt You,
my God the King;
I will praise Your name for ever and ever.
Every day I will praise You and extol Your name
for ever and ever.

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

Digging Deeper

Other translations
KJV
I will extol Thee, my God,
and I will bless Thy name,
for ever and ever.
Every day I will bless Thee;
and I will praise Thy name
for ever and ever.

MSG
I lift You high in praise, my God,
O my King! and I'll bless Your name
into eternity.
I'll bless You every day, and keep it up
from now to eternity.

AMP
I will exalt You, my God, O King,
and (with gratitude and submissive wonder)
I will bless Your name
forever and ever.
Every day I will bless You
and lovingly praise You;
Yes, (with awe-inspired reverence)
I will praise Your name
forever and ever.

exalt - worship - revere - elevate - promote

Nelson's Bible Commentary
The psalm expresses God's grandness in the universe and reminds us of how small we are in His presence.

Art and Faith Journal

Micron 5 brown pen was used to write the psalm. Comfy chair stamp in green ink to give thanks for my reading chair. "Give thanks" picture of turkey by Debbie Mumm.

Gratitude

1. Family day

2. Safe travels

3. Turkey and all the fixings

Phil 1:4

In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy.

Blessings,

Deborah

Let Us Give Thanks - Day 23

Day 24 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
Psalm 69:30
I will praise God's name
in song and glorify Him
with thanksgiving.

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

Day 23 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 23 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal Challenge

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Exodus 15:2 (NIV)

The Lord is my strength and my defenses -

He is my God,

and I will praise Him,

my father's God,

and I will extol Him.

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

Digging Deeper

Other translations

KJV

The Lord is my strength and song,

and He is become my salvation:

He is my God,

and I will prepare Him an habitation;

my father's God,

and I will exalt Him.

MSG

I'm singing my heart out to God -

what a victory!

He pitched horse and rider into the sea.

God is my strength,

God is my song,

and, yes!

God is my salvation.

(How did NIV go from song to defenses?!! I like song so much better. Interesting.)

extol - praise - acclaim - exalt

Nelson's Bible Commentary

Because "my strength and my song: is such an unusual pairing of words, some have thought that the word translated "song" must mean "power," "fortress," or something similar. A person of faith may regard the living, omnipotent God as the reason for singing!

(Ahhh. That explains it! I don't know about you, but I always feel like God is a reason to sing!)

Art and Faith Journal

The rest of this week, I am going to add things I am thankful for along with writing the verse. They may not always be art pertaining to the verse alone. Today I used stamps and a magazine clipping of a beach for the art. The verse was written with a purple Pilot G2-07 pen.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)

3 gifts only in Christ

1. Salvation

2. Eucharist

3. Risen in Him

Phil 1:4

In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy.

Blessings,

Deborah

Let Us Give Thanks - Day 22

Day 23 - 30 day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
Jremiah 33:11
...the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord, saying,

"Give thanks to the Lord Almighty,
for the Lord is good;
His love endures forever."

For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,' says the Lord.

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

Day 22 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 22 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal Challenge



Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Psalm 150:1-2

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;

praise Him in His mighty heavens.

Praise Him for His acts of power;

praise Him for His surpassing greatness.

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

Digging Deeper

Other translations

KJV

Praise ye the Lord.

Praise God in His sanctuary:

praise Him in the firmament of His power.

Praise Him for His mighty acts:

praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

CJB

Halleluyah!

Praise God in His holy place!

Praise Him in the heavenly dome of His power!

Praise Him for His mighty deeds!

Praise Him for His surpassing greatness!

sanctuary - refuge - haven - shelter

surpassing - incomparable - outstanding - exceeding

Nelson's Bible Commentary

A psalm of praise.

Art and Faith Journal

I used ink and colored pencils to make the drawing and an orange micron pen for the verse. God loves when we spend time with Him reading His word and/or adding art. The important thing is spending time with Him; whether we are gifted artists or a novice like me. :)

Gratitude
1. Sanctuaries
2. God's greatness
3. Holidays

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all 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

Let Us Give Thanks - Day 20

Day 21 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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

Day 20 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 20 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal Challenge

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer,

being watchful and thankful.

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

Digging Deeper

Other translations

KJV

Continue in prayer,

and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

MSG

Pray diligently.

Stay alert,

with your eyes wide open

in gratitude.

CJB

Keep persisting in prayer,

staying alert in it

and being thankful.

prayer - a reverent petition to God.

a request - entreaty - supplication - thanksgiving

devote - commit - assign - pledge

Nelson's Bible Commentary

Paul encourages the Colossians to be diligent in prayer and thanksgiving.

Art and Faith Journal

Last pocket and tag for this week.

This whole week of pockets and tags. I think it makes a nice spread. Tree and acorn from Pebbles die cuts packet.

Gratitude
1. Prayer time
2. Art time
3. Devotionals

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

Blessings,
Deborah

Let Us Give Thanks - Day 19

Day 20 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
Psalm 106:1
Praise the Lord.
Give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good;
His love endures forever.

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

Day 19 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 19 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal Challenge

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Psalm 148:7-10

Praise the Lord from the earth,

you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

lightning and hail,

snow and clouds,

stormy winds that do His bidding,

you mountains and all hills,

fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle,

small creatures and flying birds.

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

Praise the Lord!!

Praise the Lord!!

Digging Deeper

Nelson's Bible Commentary

All of the universe is called to boast of the wonder of God. Verses 7 - 10 switches to the earth. All creatures below are to praise our great God.

This is my favorite Psalm. Psalm 33 is my second favorite. All the rest take third place, but I love them all. The Book of Psalms is my favorite book of the Bible. I find so much comfort there.

I'd like to share a YouTube video by Louie Giglio who gives a very moving talk about the universe praising God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zWKm-LZWm4

It always takes my breath away and makes me cry in joyful praise of our Lord and all the wonders He has created for us.

Please treat yourself and take a moment to watch this.

Praise the Lord!

Art and Faith Journal

I do believe that even the wild animals praise the Lord and everything under the heavens.

Using more scrapbook paper, I created pocket #6 and added a giraffe from a Cocoa Daisy paper I had in my stash. Once again, the tag has the psalm written on the inside.

Gratitude

1. The Universe

2. Wild animals

3. Sea creatures

Phil 1:4

In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy.

Blessings,

Deborah

Let Us Give Thanks - Day 18

Day 19 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
1Timothy 2:1-3
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.

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

Day 18 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 18 - 30 Day Art and Faith Journal Challenge

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Psalm 92:1

It is good to praise the Lord

and make music to You,

O Most High.

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

Digging Deeper

Other translations

KJV
It is a good thing to give thanks
unto the Lord,
and to sing praises unto Thy name,
O Most High.

MSG
What a beautiful thing, God,
to give thanks,
to sing an anthem to You,
the High God!

CJB
It is good to give thanks to Adonai
and sing praises to Your name, 'Elyon.

AMP
It is a good and delightful thing
to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to Your name,
O Most High.

Nelson's Bible Commentary
A psalm of descriptive praise, celebrates the person and work of God in an exuberant way.

Art and Faith Journal

Continuing with pockets and tags.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)

A gift made, shared, passed on

1. A quilt

2. Food

3. Love

Phil 1:4

In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy.

Blessings,

Deborah

Let Us Give Thanks - Day 17

Day 18 - 30 Day Thanksgiving Prayer Challenge by Rosilind
1Chronicles 16:8
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name,
make known among the nations what He has done.

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

Day 17 - 30 Day Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study Challenge
Day 17 - Art and Faith Journal Challenge

Praise and Thanksgiving Scripture Study

Colossians 1:12 (NIV)

and giving joyful thanks to the Father,

who has qualified you to share

in the inheritance of His holy people

in the kingdom of light.

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

Digging Deeper

Other translations

KJV

Giving thanks to the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers of the

inheritance of

the saints in light.

CJB

giving thanks to the Father

for having made you fit to share

in the inheritance of His

people in the light.

qualified - adequate - trained - instructed - sufficient

inheritance - something from the past that is still important or valuable.

light - illumination - radiance - gleaming

Nelson's Bible Commentary

Believers can never be qualified on their own; instead God must make them sufficient through Jesus Christ. The inheritance is not one we have earned, but is based on being qualified by God.

Art and Faith Journal

Another pocket and tag. I like the key motif. It reminds me that God's word is key to my existence.

Gratitude

1. Being qualified

2. Being in on the inheritance

3. His light is a lamp unto my feet

Phil 1:4

In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy.

Blessings,

Deborah