Speaking of Holy Week

Welcome!

I've been doing two wonderful studies this week and I just want to share them with you. I must admit that I didn't do anything for the rest of Lent, unheard of for me. So when Holy Week came, I thought I better do something, because Easter is almost here!!

I am getting so much out this study by Rev. Drew Downs. I belong to his Facebook page and when I saw this post on Palm Study it just inspired me to follow him this whole week. He is right when he says we usually just rush to Thursday after Palm Sunday, but what about Monday - Wednesday?  I'm sorry I didn't share this sooner, but it won't take long to catch up, or you can just start with today.
https://drewdowns.net/2018/03/25/arrive-palm-sunday/

The other study I am doing came to me in an email from YouVersion. Have you been to their website? Lots of wonderful free Bible studies to take there. I'm doing the one for Holy Week based on the book, "My Utmost for His Highest," by Oswald Chambers.  I've owned this book for several years and just started reading it with this study. Now I wonder why I waited so long to open this book. It is a devotional gem!

I decided to use one of my Traveler's Notebook inserts to keep all my notes in. Here is what I did to it today.

I covered it with some paper from a pack I picked up today at Walmart. The pack was so cute I couldn't pass it up. I'm going to use some of the cutouts for Bible journaling. Here are some of the pages you get in the pack.

The pack of papers.

Some of the die cuts. 

More die cuts. I love the rain boots and sun! 

Cute alphabet letters, too!! Aren't they all adorable. The papers you get are cute, too and I love the colors. (How many times can I say cute in this post?) lol

I also picked up this pink traveler's notebook. I have fondled this 5 different trips to Walmart and each time said, No." I couldn't think of a reason to buy it and I don't impulse buy anymore, even if it was only $8.84. Today I had a reason; this study. It feels like moleskin. I'm a sucker for moleskin. My Bible is moleskin. Need I say more? *smiles*

Gratitude

1. Moleskin

2. Studies that inspire

3. Rev. Drew Downs

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this,

that one lay down his life for his friends.

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

Proverbs 31 - Final Lesson

Welcome and thanks for stopping by!

Proverbs 31:31 (NIV)
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

In the final lesson, Teacher Robin talks about the Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31 and Lady Wisdom of Proverbs 8 & 9.

The Virtuous Woman:
* is hard working
* makes wise investments
* plans ahead
* is a good mother
* cares for others
* is clever with her hands
* is generous to the needy
* is good at business
* is respectful to her spouse
* shares Godly values with others
* gives wise counsel
* speaks wisely
* exhibits a love of God (in worship, in trust, in service, in obedience)

Proverbs 8
"The Bible uses a literary device called personification to refer to wisdom. Personification means "giving human qualities to items that are not human." For example, Wisdom is portrayed as a respectable, proper and dignified lady. Her ways are open and honest."
(Quote by Robin Sampson in Lesson 22 of Proverbs 31 class.)

We gain wisdom by studying the Word of God. It leads us down the right paths in life and gives us the wisdom we need to stay on them.

My final pages created with the graphics and backgrounds provided by Robin. 

Let me say, one more time, you will not be disappointed in this study and it is well worth the small fee she charges for the classes. Here is her link one last time:

https://biblejournallove.teachable.com/p/proverbs-31-bible-journal-class

This is a side view of my nice, fat TN all finished with my classes on Proverbs 31.

This is the file of all the things that are left over after I finished the classes. As you can see, she is very generous in what she provides.

(I was not paid money or given anything to advertise these classes.)

Gratitude:

1. Teacher Robin Sampson

2. A finished class

3. New wisdom in the Lord

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers. 

Blessings,

Deborah

Proverbs 31 - Lesson 21

Welcome and blessings on this chilly Thursday morning in the mountains!

Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceitful,
and beauty is vain,
but a woman who
fears the Lord
is to be praised.

Woman of the Bible - Rachel

This story is really about Rachel and Leah, her sister and sister-in-law.
Jacob, who we met in our last story of Rebekah, meets Rachel and falls madly in love with the beauty. He asks her father, Laban, for her hand in marriage and Laban says yes, but tells Jacob he must work for him for seven years first. Jacob complies and marries Rachel, who is really Leah covered in veils. Laban has tricked Jacob. Laban is not a very nice man. When Jacob realizes what has happened, he demands to marry Rachel and Laban tells him he must work another seven years to have her. Jacob complies once again. Finally he marries Rachel and then takes all that is owed to him and runs away from Laban. Rachel steals her father's idols, which Laban comes after and Jacob denies having. Rachel sits on them and covers them with her skirts so they cannot be found.
Between the two sisters, the 12 sons of Israel are born. Leah gives birth to several sons before Rachel finally conceives Joseph. (The story of Joseph is one of my all time favorite stories in the Bible.)
If you have never read the story of Rachel and Leah I highly recommend you do. You can find it in Genesis 29 - 48:7.
The story takes place in Mesopotamia and Canaan.
Mesopotamia is a historical region in West Asia, in modern days roughly corresponding to most of Iraq plus Kuwait, the eastern parts of Syria, Southeastern Turkey and regions along the Turkish-Syrian and Iran-Iraq borders.
Canaan, the biblical name for the area of ancient Palestine, west of the Jordon River, the Promised land of the Israelites.

Once again, teacher Robin has provided beautiful background pages and graphics, lessons rich in tradition and information to enhance the story. You can find the link to her website in the last post.

Gratitude 

1. Biblical stories filled with mystery and intrigue.

2. History

3. You, my dear readers.

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

Proverbs 31 - Lesson 20

Welcome and Happy Tuesday!

Proverbs 31:29 (NIV)
Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.

Woman of the Bible = Rebekah

Rebekah's story in an interesting one to me. First of all, any woman who will leave the home she has always know and travel to places far away is very brave. It takes her 20 years to conceive her twins, Jacob and Esau. She then favors Jacob and plots with him to deceive his father, Isaac, and cheat his brother Esau out of his birth right and blessings. The plot works, Esau gets very angry and says when their father dies he will kill Jacob. Jacob leaves for his mother's homeland to escape Esau and his plans.

Robin, the teacher for this class, believes that God gives us examples of imperfect characters so we see how God can use us in our imperfectness. I tend to agree. What do you think?

I used Robin's beautiful graphics to create this two page spread, adding some washi tape and a little verse mapping. 

Here is the link to the Proverbs 31/Women of the Bible class by Robin Sampson.
https://biblejournallove.teachable.com/p/proverbs-31-bible-journal-class

Gratitude
1. Imperfect Bible characters
2. Hope in God
3.Family coming for Thanksgiving!!

Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.

May I pray for you? Please leave a comment and I will add you to my prayer list.

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

Proverbs 31 - Lesson 19

Welcome and blessings.

Proverbs 31: 28
Her children rise up and call her blessed
her husband also and he praises her.

The most appropriate woman of the Bible to fit this verse is Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
Some aprocryphal accounts say Mary was betrothed 12-14 years old and died when she was 41.

Twelve to fourteen years old.
Sit with that a moment.

The angel, Gabriel, comes to her and tells her she is to give birth to God's son.
Sit with that a moment.

If you had a daughter that age and she came to you and said an angel told her she was going to give birth to God's son would you believe her?
I wonder if her parents did at first?

The Bible doesn't say an angel visited them, like an angel visited Joseph and told him everything would be okay and to go ahead and marry Mary.
How would you feel?
Would you believe her?
Interesting question.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE

Other questions to ponder are asked in the song, "Mary Did You Know?"
Above is the link to my favorite version by Pentatonix.
The song makes me cry and makes the hairs on my arms stand up.

The wonders and mysteries of this story are amazing in the least.

Scripture verses to reference this story of "The Incarnation" are:
Betrothed to Joseph - Luke 1:27
The Annunciation - Luke 1:30-31
Mary visits Elizabeth - Luke 1:42-45
Mary's Song - Luke 1:46-55
Jesus' birth - Luke 2:4-16
The Flight to Egypt - Matthew 2:14

Have you ever realized that if we only had the Gospel of Mark, we never would have heard the story of Mary and the birth of Jesus? Mark picks up the story with the baptism of Jesus.

I used vellum to copy the Song of Mary and used it as a tip-in. 

Gratitude

1. Mysteries and wonders of the Bible

2. Thoughts to ponder

3. God's promises

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

Proverbs 31 Lesson 18

Happy Sunday and welcome!

Proverbs 31:27
She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Jochebed, mother of Moses, is our featured woman of the Bible in this lesson. We find her story in Exodus 1:22 - 2:1-10. Imagine Pharaoh making a law that all Hebrew boys were to be killed and you had a son!! This happened to Jochebed, so she took a basket and laid her baby son, Moses, in it and placed it in the Nile river. Pharaoh's daughter found him in the reeds and had her maid pull him out. She raised him as her own. There is much more to this wonderful story that you can read for yourself in these verses. We all know the wonderful story of Moses being called by God to set His people free. What a proud Mother she must have been.

As usual, I have done a verse mapping with the story, added some washi tape and used Robin's beautiful graphics she provides with the lessons. The link below will take you to her website where you can sign up for this class. It is self paced.

https://biblejournallove.teachable.com/p/proverbs-31-bible-journal-class

Gratitude
1. Biblical inspiration
2. God's influence
3. God's laws

Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,
Deborah

Proverbs 31 Study - Lesson 16

Good morning and welcome!

Proverbs 31:25
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
~~~~~~

She can laugh, because she is prepared.

Luke 1:5-80 is our story today. It is about Elizabeth, Zachariah and Mary. Elizabeth is old in years and she and Zachariah are childless. Zachariah is visited by the angel, Gabriel who tells Zachariah that he and Elizabeth will have a son. The story is similar to Sarah and Abraham, who were also in advanced years and like them, Zachariah found it hard to believe it could happen. God made him unable to speak until the baby was born. In the meantime, the same angel visits Mary and tells her she will have God's son. Some time later, Mary goes to visit her cousin, Elizabeth and when Elizabeth sees Mary coming she feels her baby move for the first time and has a revelation that Mary will give birth to the Messiah! Pretty heady stuff.
Once more, God has rewarded people who are righteous and faithful.
Elizabeth's son grows up to be John the Baptist, a prophet who tells of the coming of Jesus.
Elizabeth was of the daughters of Aaron. She is revered as a saint in the Catholic Church as the patron of pregnant women.

 

I just love the llamas Robin provided in this lesson! Aren't they cute?

Gratitude

1. Everyday heroes in our country

2. Creative days

3. Crisp, sunny Autumn days

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

Proverbs 31 Challenge - Lesson 15

Welcome and Blessings!

Proverbs 31:24
She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchants.

The Widow of Zarephath found in 1Kings 17:7-24 is our story for today. Zarephath was a small Phoenician town, now Surafend, about a mile from the coast. God told Elijah to go there during the great drought and He directed a widow to supply him with food. When he came to the gate, he saw the widow and asked her for water and a piece of bread. She was very poor and told him she barely had enough oil and flour for her son and herself. Elijah told her to not be afraid that the Lord told him if she does this the flour and oil would not run out until God sent the rain. She did what Elijah told her to do and she fed him, her son and herself everyday until the rains came. The flour and oil never ran out. She became a believer in the God of Israel.

Sometimes it hard to remember that "the Lord shall provide," isn't it?
I remember several years ago I was always stressing about having enough money to cover everything. Stress. Stress. Stress. Worry. Worry. Worry. Then one day, while reading Matthew in my Bible, I came across verses 6:25-27:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to you life?"

Since that day, I turned my finances over to the Lord and I have never been unable to pay my bills and put food on the table. He is our Provider!

Gratitude
1. A Lord who provides
2. Art
3. Crafts

Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,
Deborah

Two Challenges, One Story

Welcome friends! Hope you are having a blessed Sunday.

I was doing my Proverbs 31 Challenge and was all caught up and thought to myself, "You really need to get caught up in the Deeper Still Challenge!" So I checked the lesson and, lo and behold, it was the same story!

Proverbs 31:23
Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.

When you think of this verse, who comes to mind? Sarai/Sarah? Yes. She is perfect for this verse.
This story is found in Genesis 18 and is about the time when three men/angels come to visit Abraham. One of them tells Abraham that this time next year Sarah will have a son. Sarah is listening and laughs, for she is an old woman beyond child bearing years. The man asks Sarah why she laughed and she denies having laughed. He tells her she did laugh and to believe all things are possible with God. Sarah had a son and they named him Isaac.

The Proverbs 31 Challenge, Lesson 14:

The Deeper Still Challenge , Lesson 6:

As usual, I verse mapped the story.
I used all my brown washi tape to make the tree. I love how it turned out. We were supposed to paint the tree, but that is not my cup of tea. :) 

Gratitude

1. A Lord who provides

2. My job

3. My marriage

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

Proverbs 31 - Lesson 13

Welcome and Blessings!

Proverbs 31:22
She makes bed coverings for herself:
her clothing is fine linen and purple.

As I mentioned yesterday, today we will learn about Mary of Bethany. Mary was Martha and Lazarus' sister. We find her in Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-44, Matt 26:6-10 and John 12:3 Today we focus on Matt 26:10 and John 12:3. They are the same story.
In this story, Mary takes a very expensive perfume, pours it on Jesus' feet and washes Jesus' feet with her hair. Some of the disciples are angry with the waste of money. "Jesus said to them,' Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me.'"
It is believed by some that this act is symbolic of the oils used on his body when he dies.

The only thing I have added to Robin's beautiful graphics and backgrounds is my own never ending supply of washi tape. :) 

Here is the link once more to Robin Sampson's beautiful lessons on Proverbs 31 and women in the Bible. It will be available for one year.
https://biblejournallove.teachable.com/p/proverbs-31-bible-journal-class

Gratitude
1. RAIN!!!!
2. God's grace
3. Robin Sampson

Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers

May I pray for you? Please leave a comment below and I will add you to my prayer list. <3

Blessings,
Deborah

Proverbs 31 - Lesson 12

Hello! I'm so glad you stopped by today.

Proverbs 31:21
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

I read that the color scarlet was believed to be a warmer color for winter.

For lesson 12 and 13 we will focus on Martha and Mary.
The first story about them is found in Luke 10:38-42. In this lesson we learn that Martha has invited Jesus to their home and begins to prepare a meal, while Mary sits by Jesus and listens to him teach. This angers Martha that Mary is not helping her and she asks Jesus why He is allowing Mary to just sit while she does all the work? Jesus says to her, "Martha, Martha you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:40-42)

I will admit I'm a Martha. The difference between me and the original Martha is I am shy and would have loved the fact that Mary was occupying the guests, keeping them out of my kitchen. lol. It is not that I wouldn't love to hear Jesus speak, but I would have to feed Him and clean the kitchen first. Of course, now I know who Jesus really is, so I may react a bit differently. *smiles*

Another story about the sisters is found in John 11 and is about Jesus raising their brother, Lazarus from dead. Lazarus had been dead for four days before Jesus got there. Jesus loved Lazarus very much and wept when he learned he had died. The sisters were so distraught and it was Martha's belief that Jesus was the Messiah and that God would give Him whatever he asked. Mary also believed in Him and He was moved in spirit by her grieving and rose Lazarus from the dead. This was done for God's glory and so that the Son may be glorified through it.

Gratitude

1. Lessons about believers

2. Biblical role models

3. Less smoke in our area today

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

Proverbs 31:20 Lesson 11

Welcome! I pray you are safe from fire or flood.
I have a wildfire close to my home. Please keep my community in your prayers.

Proverbs 31:20
She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.

1 Samuel 25 tells us the story of Abigail, Nabal and David.
Abigail was the wife of Nabal. David and his men had been keeping watch over Nabal and his vast flock and when David sent messengers to Nabal asking for food. Nabal refused. This angered David and he was coming with some of his men, 400 of them to be exact, to kill Nabal and all he owned. Abigail was told of this by a servant and acted quickly. She brought him and his men food and drink and talked him out of killing Nabal. David changed his mind, because of what Abigail had done. A short time later Nabal died and David married Abigail. They had a son and named him Daniel. He is the Daniel from the Book of Daniel in the Bible. Abigail certainly is a Proverbs 31 wife and fits this verse very well.

I love the graphics Robin provided in this lesson, especially the animals. 

Gratitude

1. Large tanker planes fighting fires

2. Cal Fire

3. Helicopters

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

Proverbs 31 - Lesson 10

Welcome! Hope you are having a blessed Sunday.

Proverbs 31:19
She puts her hands to the distaff
and her hands hold the spindle.

distaff - a stick or spindle onto which wool or flax is wound for spinning.
spindle - a slender rounded rod with tapered ends used in hand spinning to twist and wind thread from a mass of wool or flax held on a distaff.
(see photo) Click on image for larger view.

One of the women in the Bible who fits today's verse is Lydia. You will find her story in
Acts 16:14-15.
Lydia was the first documented convert to Christianity in Europe. She was a merchant who sold purple cloth and dye used by the Jews in the temple.
When she hears the Apostle Paul preach by the river, God opens her heart and she converts to Christianity. She offers her house to Paul, which indicates she is either a free woman or a widow.

I'm really enjoying reading and learning about all these women in the Bible.
If you would like to join us here is the link to Robin Sampson's lessons:
https://biblejournallove.teachable.com/p/proverbs-31-bible-journal-class
The lessons are available for one year.

Gratitude
1. The color purple
2. Firefighters
3. Family

Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,
Deborah

Proverbs 31 Challenge - Lesson 9

Hello! I pray you are having a blessed day.

Proverbs 31:18
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.

What is your thoughts about "Her lamp does not go out at night?"
1. Do you think she stayed up late in the night to work?
2. Do you think she was able to keep the lamp burning all night due to her contributions to the household's budget? (Either by earning money or being thrifty.)
I think it may be a little of both, but I lean towards #2. After all, a girl's got to sleep sometime. *smiles*

Priscilla from the New Testament is the woman we are studying for this lesson.
Priscilla, along with her husband, was a tentmaker. She was a prominent woman and one of the first missionaries in the early church. The Apostle Paul stayed with them in Corinth for 18 months, working, traveling, studying and preaching. Paul was also a tentmaker.
Priscilla's name was mentioned before her husband's name in four out of six references.
Some scholars believe she may have been the author of the Book of Hebrews.
She was loyal to her husband, her friend Paul, the church and to Christ.

Gratitude

1. Studies that make time fly

2. Creativity

3. Cooler temps

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

Proverbs 31 - Lesson 8

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!

Proverbs 31:17 (NIV)
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

That sure describes Ruth, our woman of the Bible for this lesson. She worked day after day gleaning the left-over barley from the harvest in Boaz's fields to feed her mother-in-law and herself. Ruth is a generous, determined, loyal, patient, strong and loving woman. The way she cares for her mother-in-law is a lesson we can learn from.
Boaz, a kinsman, later takes Ruth as his wife and she gives birth to Obed. She is not a young woman, estimated to be about 90 years old. She is not the only women of the of Bible to conceive at an old age. Their son, Obed becomes the father of Jesse who becomes the father of David and so the lineage of Jesus begins. Some say this is the purpose of the Book of Ruth to show the lineage of David.
I love how God shows that everyone, regardless of race, nationality, status or gender is important to Him and how He uses "little" things to accomplish His great plans.

Gratitude

1. God's love for everyone

2. God's great plans

3. The Book of Ruth's inspiration

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

Proverbs 31 Challenge - Lesson 7

Welcome! It is so nice that you stopped by.

Proverbs 31:16
She considers a field and buys it:
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

Lesson 8 will be the second part to this lesson of Naomi & Ruth. We are taking a break and letting our teacher, Robin heal from an illness. We will be slowing down the lessons, probably only two per week, as most of us fall behind for one reason or another.

Naomi and Ruth's story is one of loyalty, determination and dedication.
My favorite verse is:
Ruth 1:16
"Where you go I will go
and where you stay I will stay.
Your people will be my people
and your God will be my God."

Ruth says this to her mother-in-law, Naomi when Naomi decides to go back to Bethlehem after her husband and two sons have died. The famine is over and she wishes to return to her homeland. Naomi tells her two widowed daughters-in-law that they should return to their families. Orpah returns home, but Ruth says the above verse to her mother-in-law.
To give up everything she has ever known, her family, city and religion, to follow and stay with Naomi is a very brave and loyal thing to do.
I wonder how many of us would have done the same?
Not sure I would have been able to do that.

I only did a little verse mapping today. After the art work I wanted to add it didn't leave me much room, but I managed to find some history on Bethlehem and Moab.

One fact is that they are 136 miles apart, so Naomi and Ruth traveled quite a distance to get home. 

The picture of Naomi, Ruth and Orpah was painted by William Blake. 

Gratitude

1. Friendships

2. BFF

3. Rain

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah

Proverbs 31 Lesson 6 and Hannah

Welcome!
Hope you are having a blessed day.

Proverbs 31:15
She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.

Hannah's story, found in 1 Samuel 1-2:11, is one of faith and diligence. Hannah prays to God for a son and God finally grants her prayer.

1 Samuel 1:27
For this child I prayed,
and the Lord has granted me
my petition that I made to Him.

petition - make or present a formal request to (an authority) with respect to a particular cause.

Commentaries:

Michelle Osherow tells us that Hannah represents the character of the earnest petitioner and grateful celebrant of divine glory. Hannah was an important figure for early English Protestantism, which emphasized the importance of private prayer. The Jerusalem Talmud took Hannah as an exemplar of prayer. The story of Hannah is the Haftarah reading for Rosh Hashanah.

Nelson's Bible Commentary 1 Sam. 1:27
Hannah offered a testimony of what God had accomplished on her behalf. By telling others, she exalted God and praised Him for His gracious acts towards her.

Gratitude
1. Answered prayers
2. Children
3. My sons

Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.

The link for the Proverbs 31 class if you would like to join us.
https://biblejournallove.teachable.com/p/proverbs-31-bible-journal-class

Blessings,
Deborah

Lesson 5 - Proverbs 31 Class

Welcome and hello!
Thanks for stopping by.

Proverbs 31:14
She is like the ships of the merchant:
she brings her food from afar.

(How easy it is for us today to find "food from afar" in our local markets!)

The woman of the Bible for this verse is Phoebe.
Her story is found in:
Romans 16:1-2 (NIV)
I command to you our sister Phoebe,
a deacon of the church in Cenchrea.
I ask you to receive her in the Lord
in a way worthy of his people and
to give to her any help she may need
from you, for she has been a benefactor
of many people, including me.

NIV = deacon
KJV = servant
CJB = shammash

deacon - an ordained or appointed minister ranking lower than a priest.
syn. = cleric, clerk, ecclesiastic, minister

benefactor - a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.
syn. - patron, donor, supporter, sponsor

Cenchrea, now called Kikries, is a port of Corinth. It was a place of some commercial note and the seat of an early church. (Rom. 16:1-2)

My never ending supply of washi tape was added to enhance the beautiful graphics provided in this study.

Gratitude

1. Ships

2. Food from all over the world

3. Benefactors

Ephesians 1:16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,

Deborah