Showing posts with label devotional journal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label devotional journal. Show all posts

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Altered Book

The verse that's been on my mind for several weeks now is found in John 13:35 : "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  I've been thinking about all the things Jesus DIDN'T say here. He didn't say that people would recognize us as Christians by our morality, our clean living, our family values, our stand for truth, or our religious fervor. He said it would be by our love. 

Love for fellow believers that causes us to stop criticizing and judging, and begin reaching across the lines that so easily divide us to pull together towards one common goal --- to lift up Jesus. Love for sinners that makes our heart beat with mercy and compassion, and compels us to truly care about people who don't know the Savior. Love that tempers our speech, induces kindness, and humbles us.

I John 4:7-8 "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Several of my Sweet n Sassy teammates have been sharing junk journal layouts, and it gave me the itch to do some mixed media. So I dug a little hardback book out of a thrift store box and gave it a whirl.  My first attempt ended up in the trash, and this layout has some "woopsies" covered up with hearts; but all in all it was a lot of fun trying something different!

 ~~~This post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you~~~

Supplies and tools:

This post linked to: 

Posted by 1 comment:
Labels: , ,

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Faith

 

I'm still thinking about the last devotional I posted that included the thought that it's trials and hardships that test our faith and help it to mature. Faith that continually needs miracles and "answers to prayer" to thrive, and wilts when our world turns upside-down, would cause us to pause and consider: "Is our faith is in some sort of "heavenly Santa Claus" who exists to grant our wishes and make life easy for us?"

Jesus told the crowd asking for more signs and wonders, "A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign," (Matthew 16:4) True faith in God is faith in His character, belief that He knows what is best and has all things under control -- even when life seems unfair and everything comes crashing in on us.  Confidence in the God of the Bible says with Job (13:15), "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;"  because our faith is not in someone who promises an easy, pain free life; but in a Savior who guarantees forgiveness of sin, grace, mercy, strength, and eternal life to those who trust Him. 


Faith is not just a belief, it's also an action -- read Hebrews 11 (the faith chapter). Each person mentioned there exercised their faith by doing something. They didn't always see or understand the ways of God, but they went about life acting on His promises, obeying His commands, and living lives that were pleasing to Him even in the face of persecution. This line from vs 39 stands out to me, "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised," They walked, overcame, and persevered by faith (all actions); even when they didn't see a miracle or answer to prayer! That's what true faith looks like!

When I remember these things, it changes the way I pray because I'm less apt to just ask for what I want or think is best, and more inclined to actually seek for God's will to be done in my life and the lives of others. 

For this week's paper bag journal layout I used designer paper and journaling cards from the beautiful Graphic 45 Bird Watcher set. I love that both the paper and the journal cards are double sided, it gives you twice as many options!

I made the main page interactive with flaps to lift that reveal faith Scriptures underneath, and also created a matching insert (with a tab pull) for the pocket which includes the text of this post.

Supplies from the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store: 

Other Supplies:

  • Labels Dies (Sizzix - Tim Holtz) 
  • Washi Tape

This post linked to:

Posted by 5 comments:
Labels: , ,

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Consider it Joy

 

 Chances are, if I ask you to name an occasion that brought you joy, you wouldn't suggest things like cancer, car accidents, chronic pain, death of a loved one, relationship problems, financial reverses etc. Yet, when we read James, we find these moments are exactly what he suggests we should consider "joy." Oh, not that the actual occurrences are joyful, because they're not, they're painful and crushing at times. They only become an occasion for joy when they increase our faith, patience, maturity, and perseverance.

Listen to how Eugene Peterson paraphrased these verses, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."

 Yet, how many times do we pray in the opposite direction of this? As soon as something bad happens, we immediately ask for it's removal from our lives. We forget that it's not mountain top experiences and "answers to prayer" that build our faith, but valleys and hard times.  We don't really know how strong our faith is until it's tested. When everything collapses around us and God doesn't seem to hear our prayers; then we discover if our faith is genuine or fake and our eyes are open to what exactly our faith is in.

We get to choose our reaction to reverses. Do we turn them into occasions for growth, lesson learning, and becoming a better person, or do we resist them, wallow in self pity, seek revenge, or become bitter? I'm thinking of Joni Eareckson Tada who turned her quadriplegic handicap into a ministry that blesses thousands of disabled people around the world, and her books have encouraged me in some very low times of life.

Hebrews 5:8 says this about Jesus "Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered." As His followers, we learn the same way. 

Can you look back over your life and see how God has used the difficult moments for your good or to help someone else? I'd love for you to share in the comments.

I did a "lift-the-flap" style layout for this page, and used the new Carrot Bunny dies to create a fun little spring time scene with paper from the Welcome Easter paper pad as a backdrop.


Supplies from the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store:

Other Supplies:

  • These colors of Distress Ink (Ranger)
    • Worn Lipstick, Dried Marigold, Spiced Marmalade, Shabby Shutters, Rustic Wilderness 
  • These colors of Distress Oxide (Ranger)
    • Salty Ocean, Twisted Citron, Gathered Twigs

 

Posted by 3 comments:
Labels: , ,

Sunday, February 14, 2021

Servants

 

We have two dogs that my husband takes outside to play and exercise several times a day to keep their energy in check. That means my laundry room floor is continually dirty -- in the summer it's fresh cut grass, in the fall it's dried leaves, and in the winter and spring it's muddy paw prints. A couple years ago, I was grumbling to myself about the mess they make (as I swept it all up for the umpteenth time that day) when the quiet voice of God's Word whispered in my ear; "...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (I Cor. 10:31) I realized that it's easier to serve God in the fun, up-front things, and things that get us recognition and praise; but more difficult to do the thankless jobs, the things that no one notices, or the yucky stuff.

Society often gives honor to those who are "successful" and  make it to the top, but Jesus measures us a different way, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”(Mark 9:35) He isn't impressed with our education, our money, our executive position, our pile of possessions, or our famous friends. He's interested in whether or not we have a servant's heart.

We're good at coming up with excuses for things we'd rather not do. Sometimes we feel a job is beneath us or not our responsibility.  Maybe we're busy and our schedules are too full. Sometimes we fail to serve because we're all caught up in our own problems and just not paying attention to the needs of others. In all honesty, sometimes we're just plain lazy, selfish, or indifferent. 

Serving isn't about doing big things, there are a million little things we can do for others. Things as simple as holding a door, cleaning up your table at the restaurant to save the waitress some work, being friendly to the lonely person in the room, or putting away the cart someone left in the middle of the parking lot.  Remember Luke 16:10, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much,"

 I'd love for you to leave a comment and tell me about some practical ways you try to serve the people around you.


Supplies and Tools from the Stamp Simply Store:

Other Suppiles:

  • Yeti Ink (Lawn Fawn)



Posted by 2 comments:
Labels: , ,

Sunday, January 31, 2021

Love

 

 I just finished filling nine pages with notes from my study of I Corinthians 13, and I found myself convicted over and over again. The love taught in this passage isn't a cozy affection based on someone's goodness or likability, but rather a love that is an act of the will and given to everyone (worthy or not). Without this love our accomplishments, abilities, sacrifice, and even martyrdom mean nothing! 

The greatly condensed version of my study is:

  • Love bears the faults, differences, and annoyances of others  (is patient)
  • Love reacts with goodness towards those who treat them badly (is kind)
  • Love doesn't want what others have or begrudge their success (doesn't envy)
  • Love doesn't seek a platform or spotlight to parade it's achievements (doesn't boast)  
  • Love doesn't harbor ideas of it's own importance and is quick to admit it's failures (is not proud)
  • Love had good manners, is gracious, courteous and tactful (not rude)
  • Love doesn't live to please itself  (is not self seeking)
  • Love doesn't  fly off the handle or retaliate when provoked (not easily angered)
  • Love doesn't dwell on the sins and failures of others (keeps no record of wrong)
  • Love doesn't delight in passing on bad news, is careful not to entertain itself with media where evil is exalted, seeks out the truth even when it goes against what it wants to believe (doesn't delight in evil but rejoices in truth)
  • Love covers and shields and doesn't publish the sins and faults of others (always protects)
  • Love is eager to believe the best, and gives the benefit of the doubt (always trusts)
  • Love doesn't dwell on the mistakes of the past, but looks forward to the future (always hopes)
  • Love doesn't give up no matter what (always perseveres)
  • Love holds steady and endures forever (never fails)

Something I've observed these past few years is that crises have a way of revealing what's really inside a person, so I've been pondering these questions: 

  • Do the actions and words that spill out of me make others hungry for God?
  • Do people who aren't "in my circle" enjoy my company or am I a self-righteous nuisance?
  • Can I read my name in place of the word "love" in I Corinthians 13?
  • Does the life I live bring glory to God, or am I making a mockery of what the Bible teaches by saying I believe one thing and doing another? 

 Here my second page and insert of my devotional themed paper bag book. 

To view the first entry visit this post.


 These supplies from the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store:

Other Supplies:

  • Stacked Deckle Dies (Sizzix - Tim Holtz)
  • Nested Heart Cutups (The Cat's Pajamas) 
  • Tab #1 Die (Sizzix) 
  • Arteza Real Brush Pens
  • Yeti Ink (Lawn Fawn) 
  • Worn Lipstick Distress Oxide (Ranger)


 

Posted by 2 comments:
Labels: , ,

Sunday, January 10, 2021

Be Still

 

I think I mentioned this last year, but January is my favorite month of the year. Not only is it a fresh start and a new beginning, but it's also a quiet month after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I enjoy the time to reflect on the past year, and set new goals for the one coming. If there's one thing that 2020 taught me it's that God can use the quiet moments of our lives to change us if we'll just take the time to follow Ps. 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God;" 

The temptation for many is to always be busy, running here and there, getting together with friends, shopping, participating in activities, keeping both mind and body continually occupied.  Personally, that isn't me. I'm an introvert that likes to be home and enjoys alone time, but that doesn't mean it's easy for me to "be still" before God. There are other snares for people like me.....like spending too much time on-line, filling the minutes with music, movies, or pleasure reading, or perhaps letting my hobby take over my life. 

I've found that getting quiet before the Lord takes deliberate determination. Often an honest look inside our hearts can be uncomfortable as God convicts us of our selfish behavior, our bad attitudes, our laziness, our pride, our unforgiving spirit, our stubbornness, our greed, our know-it-all point of view, our impatience with others, our gossiping tongue, our discontentment, the grudge we're holding, the time we waste, and the money we squander. 

Sincere contemplation, though painful, can also be healing. For it's only in recognizing our need, and confessing it to God, that we can find forgiveness and be changed. Then those moments of stillness can be filled with worship and praise. So, my one an only goal for 2021 is to be more intentional at quieting myself before the Lord and learning to "Be Still."

 I've decided to create a paper bag book to share some of those quiet moments with you this year. To create your own, simply layer several brown (or white) lunch sacks taking care to alternate the open ends (as shown above). Punch a couple holes in the center, run a ribbon through, and decorate in your desired style!  

My first insert contains the text of this post.

 These Supplies from Stamp Simply Ribbon Store


 Other Supplies:

  • Canson Mix Media Paper
  • Labels Dies (Sizzix - Tim Holtz) 
  • Tab #1 Die (Sizzix)
  • Lacy Borders (Lawn Fawn)
  • Watercolor Stencil (Stampers Anonymous/Tim Holtz)
  • Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink
  • These colors of Distress Ink (Ranger):
    • Dusty Concord, Worn Lipstick, Mustard Seed, Shabby Shutters, Rustic Wilderness
  • These colors of Distress Oxide (Ranger):
    • Picked Raspberry, Seedless Preserves 

This post linked to:

Posted by 2 comments:
Labels: , ,

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Stamp Simply Favorite Six

 

This week the Stamp Simply team is picking their favorite six cards from 2020 as sort of a "year in review." Here are my favorites --- You'll want to stop by the  Stamp Simply Blog  every day this week and see what my teammates picked. (click the title under each photo to be taken to the blog post for more information on each card)


 
 
 
 
 
Posted by No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Sunday, December 6, 2020

My Christmas Dilemma

  

Every year, when the holidays roll around, I struggle with the same set of questions: How do I celebrate Christmas without being totally wrapped up in the materialism and commercialism around me? How do I find time to worship in the race to decorate, shop, wrap, bake, and put on programs.  How can I justify all the spending on frivolous things when so many people are suffering and in need of basic necessities? Is there a way for me to simplify and make Jesus the center of my activities?  Can I give Him a Christmas gift on His birthday? These are the questions I've wrangled with each year as I try to find a balance in it all.  

I've thought a lot about John 3:16 "For God so loved the world He gave...."

  • ...gave up the splendor of Heaven to be born in a stable, and walk in a broken world, came to serve not be served
  • ...gave sight to the blind, healing to the sick, life to the dead, food to the hungry, and forgiveness to the sinner
  • ...gave His life and took the punishment for my sin

I've come to believe that we're most like Jesus when we're giving. Not just giving to people who already have too much, but giving where there truly is a need.

  • maybe it's refugees, orphans, or those suffering for their faith
  • maybe it's a friend who's struggling to make ends meet, or a family who just lost a loved one
  • maybe it's the forgotten ones in the nursing home or an elderly neighbor who's lonely
  • maybe it's time invested in someone, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to care

Jesus told us in Matthew 25:40 "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." So, when we give to the hurting and needy, we are giving to Him. That's how we give Him a gift for His birthday. I don't pretend to have it all figured out, but one thing I don't want to do is get so caught up in the festivities and traditions that I leave Him out. I want to live like I believe that "He's the reason for the season."

Supplies and Tools:  

This post linked to:
Posted by 4 comments:
Labels:

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Living Grateful Lives

At this time of year we call "Thanksgiving" we focus on counting all the blessings and good things in our lives. We  usually include things like, "family, food, friends, home, and health " as some of the things we're thankful for.  Some of us may even go a step further and count the ways the hard times have made us stronger, better, more compassionate people. All of this is good, but I'd like to challenge us to take it to the next level. Instead of simply looking at all the benefits we've received this last year and saying "thank you God," why not make gratitude an action and turn around and bless someone else! Selfish people can be happy about all the stuff they own, but truly grateful people will not hoard it all for themselves. They will look for ways to bless, encourage, and help others.

I Then Shall Live (David Phelps/Gloria Gaither) (Listen Here)

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven.
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey.
 
I then shall live as one who's learned compassion.
I've been so loved, that I'll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I'll dare to see another's point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I'll be there to care and follow through.
 
Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.

Supplies and Tools:


Posted by 1 comment:
Labels: ,

Sunday, November 15, 2020

What defines you?

 

When people hear your name, what's the first thing they think of? We're often defined by our occupations, the amount of money we have, our race, or our place in society; but the one thing that matters more than any of these things is our character. Do words like: "kind, peacemaker, generous, thoughtful, gracious, teachable, humble, compassionate, and trustworthy" spring to mind when people think of you? Paul tells us in I Corinthians 13 that it doesn't matter what heights we reach, without love it's all worthless!

Every day we're planting seed into the lives of our family, friends, coworkers, followers on social media, and even strangers at the grocery store.

What kind of seeds are you sowing? 

  • Seeds of kindness
  • Seeds of peace
  • Seeds of love
  • Seeds of mercy
  • Seeds of division
  • Seeds of hate speech
  • Seeds of selfishness

As Christians our job is to sow the seeds of God's love into a messed up world. How sad it is when our attitudes, actions, and words hurt and wound others; we end up alienating people from the Gospel we claim to believe. Remember: The kinds of seeds you sow determines the harvest you will eventually reap, so be careful who and what you allow to dominate and influence your life!

Sow Mercy (listen here)

I can see her now, her weathered skin
Old straw hat and crooked grin
And she said child, let's make this garden grow.
Let's till the soil, and pull some weeds
And here's your bag of precious seeds
'Cause grandma's got a secret you should know
You always reap exactly what you sow
 
We knelt right there and she took my hand
That patch of dirt was Holy land
And she said child I learned this long ago
Oh, you can bless or curse
You can live or die
You choose the crop you want in life
That's the greatest secret Grandma knows
You always reap exactly what you sow
 
'Cause one day God forbid, you act a fool
And fall down hard and fast, 'cause life is cruel
If you ever reached to help a friend
A hand you held might lift you up again
What goes around comes back around you know
You always reap exactly what you sow
 
Sow mercy
Sow grace
Sow kindness
Sow faith
Words are like water, sprinkled with love
You will harvest all your heart's been dreaming of
Sow mercy


 Supplies and tools:


Posted by 1 comment:
Labels: ,

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Keep Me Hungry

 

Here's the prayer I've been praying these past few days....

 Keep Me  (by Gary James Victor Nock / James Smith / Alexander Sypsomos / Alan Brey)

Keep me hungry for daily manna,
Oh I need you, Bread of Life
Keep me thirsty for living water,
Cause nothing else can satisfy
Keep me falling on my knees in need of mercy
Keep me broken til I'm desperate for your love
And even in the midnight hour before you answer
Keep me lost for words to praise you enough

Keep me praying, keep me trusting
Show me I can't make it any other way
Keep me praying, Lord I'm just saying
Keep me coming back to you, Lord, every day
Keep me falling on my knees in need of mercy
Keep me broken til I'm desperate for your love
And even in the midnight hour before you answer
Keep me lost for words to praise you enough.

....because I've realized afresh how very easy it is to get sidetracked and care too much about the things of this world (material things, careers, education, money, politics, popularity, hobbies/interests and the list could go on and on).  I know that the things I chase after indicate the kind of heart I have; whether a heart after God or one that's all caught up in here and now.  If I want to be a channel through which His grace can flow and a life that points people to the only One who truly satisfies the thirsty soul; then I have to stay connected to the source of living water. 


 Supplies and Tools:

Posted by 2 comments:
Labels: ,

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Character Counts!

 

Have you ever met an ugly person? Oh I'm not talking about someone with a hideous scar or deformity, I'm referring to people who act ugly? Maybe it was the person next to you in a restaurant that made a big fuss because the waitress mixed their order up, or maybe it was a friend who was nice to your face but talked about you behind your back, or perhaps an online acquaintance that went on a rampage over your difference of opinion on ______ (you fill in the blank). Maybe it was the driver who flipped you off because you were going slow in the fast lane, or the judgemental church member who felt it on their heart to let you know what you were doing wrong! It could have been a manipulating family member who always has to have things their way, or a boss who made your life miserable with unreasonable demands and plenty of criticism. This kind of ugly isn't about what the outside of person looks like, but rather what their disposition is like.

Without a doubt, our society is more than little concerned with appearances. (Just add up the all the time, energy, and  money spent on cosmetics, clothing, jewelry, diet plans, and gym memberships!!!) We're good at dressing up, stashing our skeletons in the closet, showing off how smart and beautiful we are; but when we strip away the external stuff, we're left with the part that really matters --- our character! A truly beautiful person is the one who is gentle, kind, forgiving, long-suffering, caring, generous, thoughtful, sacrificial, unselfish, humble, and loving. This kind of beauty doesn't fade with time, but only increases and grows more vibrant with practice and age.  


  Supplies you can purchase from Stamp Simply:

Other supplies:


 


Posted by 3 comments:
Labels: ,

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Impossible Commands?

 

Do you ever read commands in the Bible and think to yourself that it's impossible to live up to them?

Do verses like: 

"Rejoice in the Lord always."(Phil. 4:4)

"Give thanks in all circumstances;" (I Thess. 5:18)

"Pray without ceasing" (I Thess. 5:16) 

seem totally out of your grasp? 

When you're faced with loneliness, failure, disappointment, or loss do these instructions sting a little? Does it seem like God is asking more of you than you are able to deliver? If so, I have good news for you! You're not expected to be able to fulfill these or any other of God's commands in your own strength!

You see, it's empty religion that tells us:

"try a little harder,"

"pull yourself up by your bootstraps," 

"turn over a new leaf,"  

"if you'll just work at it you can become what you should be."

But Jesus give no such command. Instead He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Unless we come to Him just as we are (poor, weak sinners in need of grace), and ask for mercy and forgiveness; it's hopeless to even try to live up to the directives of the Bible.

It's both freeing and convicting to remember John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." It's freeing in that we can stop trying so hard to do everything right by our own power and might. It's convicting because we recognize that our failure to live up to God's commands means we aren't abiding in Christ as we should be. If you find yourself there (as I did recently) - repent of whatever has become bigger than it should be in your life and get back to abiding in Him! 

 

 Supplies from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store:

Other Supplies:


This post linked to:
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes

Posted by 1 comment:
Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)