ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #26}, Zeal

Challenge Word #26: Zeal

Zeal: fervor for a person; enthusiastic diligence; intensity; passion

In the Bible, you will find a lot about God’s zeal but today I wanted to focus on our zeal for God. So, first, think about when you began this challenge. Maybe you began in January when we started this year. Maybe you began in 2008 with my first Scripture Challenge. What was your zeal for the Lord like when you began? Can you say it has increased today as we dive into our last word for this year? Or is your zeal for the Lord about the same as when you started these studies? Has your passion or eager desire to follow God increased? Do you have such zeal for Him that you are willing to protect His name? I know I pray that your answers to these questions are that your zeal for Him has increased and that you have a hunger and thirst to study and serve Him even more.

**Our zeal for the Lord should consume us, and we grieve when He is insulted.
Psalm 69:9 "For zeal for Your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult You fall on me."

**Our desire to glorify Him in all things should wear us out.
Psalm 119:139-140 "My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them."

**We need to know God and follow His will for us and not just step into the unknown.
Proverbs 19:2 "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way."

**In any work we do, we need to do it with zeal and remember that as Christians, we are servants of the Lord.
Romans 12:11 "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

**The Bible is God’s true word and all teachings must line up with His Word.
Galatians 4:17 "Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them."

**Zeal is good as long as it is for a good cause.
Galatians 4:18 "It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you."

So, what does your zeal for the Lord look like?

For my page today, I chose papers from October Afternoon. I loved the chair paper as it went so well with the Bible image from the Our Daily Bread Designs set called ‘The Word of God’. It makes me think of sitting down to study His Word to know Him more, to learn His will for me, to meditate on who He is, to know truth, etc. The scripture comes from the ODBD set called ‘Scripture Collection 3’. I wanted to add the Romans 12:11 verse from above as it was so perfect but I didn’t have room. Oh well. And before I forget, ODBD is having a huge sale (some sets 30% off). Look here for more information!

Papers: October Afternoon Farmhouse, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Scripture Collection 3, The Word of God
Stamp Ink: Archival Ink jet black, Tim Holtz Distress Ink pumice stone and black soot
Embellishments: Thickers jewelry box, Prima flower, Sakura Koi watercolors, Spellbinders Labels 3, Tim Holtz Alterations scallops die and tiny attacher, Memory Box index card die, misc. baker's twine

Remember to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. And if you haven’t seen the information on my 2012 study, please be sure to look at my post here. I hope you will join us beginning January 1st, and I truly pray that you have enjoyed this year's ABC Scripture Challenge! Blessings to each of you and Merry Christmas!

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #25}, Yield

Challenge Word #25: Yield

How often do you yield to God’s desire for you? Do you push ahead with your own plan or yield to what He has for you each day? Do you look for the opportunities He puts before you? God gave me our word for this week on Friday as I was at the grocery store. Of course I was in a huge hurry, and I had my own plans for the day—one of which was to get in and out of the grocery store quickly. But God had other plans. I could only yield to His desires and set mine aside. At first I was on the cereal row wondering why I have been so tired and grumpy. I was also telling God that I wanted my joy back. Then I headed over to the produce section, and as I was standing in front of the red peppers I was approached by a lady. The conversation went like this:

Stranger: Hey, how are you today? I am here buying carrots for my rabbits.
Me: Hi, I am fine thanks. I am buying peppers for my parrots.
Stranger: Hey, have you heard that eating red pepper can raise your metabolism?
Me: Yes, I have heard about that.
Stranger: Do you believe it?
Me: Yes, I think it probably does help.
Stranger: Well, you wouldn’t have to worry about it as you don’t have a weight issue.
Me: Well, as a matter of fact, I just lost 48 lbs.
Stranger: You did! Wow, how did you do that?
Me: Weight Watchers and God has helped me to continue to eat right with a scripture.
Stranger: Really? What scripture?
Me: 1 Corinthians 10:23
Stranger: Well, what does that say?
Me: “All things are permissible but not all things are beneficial.” So, I can eat whatever I want but eating too much of it is not beneficial. I still have my real ice cream every night.
Stranger: Wow, that is really interesting. Something to put on Facebook.

I ended up talking to this woman for 15 minutes and inviting her to Bible study. She has 3 boys—two of which are twins—funny we both have multiples and “different” pets. Of course God already knew that! I had SO much to do but God showed me between the cereal row and the produce section that He has the plan, He wastes nothing, and that He is my joy. He completely restored my love and joy for Him all in the space of a few rows in the grocery store but the key was that I had to yield to His leading. Had I not followed through and listened to His leading, I would have missed the joy and the blessing He had for me.

Psalm 85:11-13 “Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.”

He alone led me to share but I also had to give Him the glory. Isaiah 48:11b says “. . . I will not yield my glory to another.”

He will not yield His glory to anyone or anything else. All glory and honor belongs to Him. I couldn’t give Weight Watchers the credit. It is only God that has kept me straight and losing weight every single week since I began on May 10, 2011.

So, how will you yield to the Lord? How will you let Him use what He has done for you to glorify His name? Will you listen to that indwelling Holy Spirit and yield as He leads instead of pressing on with your own agenda? I encourage you to follow Him and don’t miss the opportunity to be blessed where He may lead you!

For my page today, I used the Psalm 85:11-12 passage quoted above. The two verses are in two different stamps sets by Our Daily Bread Designs—Scripture Collection 6 and Harvest Blessings. I used the number and month tags to remind me that I need to yield to God and His will each and every day. The tags are found in the Cosmo Cricket Odds & Ends pack.

Papers: Cosmo Cricket Odds & Ends, Memory Box Moroccan latte, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Scripture Collection 6, Harvest Blessings
Stamp Ink: Archival Ink library green, Tim Holtz Distress Ink frayed burlap, Ranger clear ep
Embellishments: Spellbinders oval square label die, Glimmer Mist sugar cookie used to dye Hug Snug (seam binding), Tim Holtz tiny attacher, flower from Wild Orchid Crafts, Basic Grey flower embossing folder, sewing machine

As you post your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. And, if you missed the announcement for the 2012 study, be sure to check out this link here. So, will you yield your heart to the Lord today as He leads? Blessings,

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #24}, eXercise

Note: To see the give away winner, please see this post here or scroll down to the next post. :)

Challenge Word #24: eXercise

How many of you love to eXercise? Even as a previous certified aerobics instructor, I can’t say I love to eXercise  Doctors tell us that we must eXercise ‘x’ number of hours each week to stay healthy. Well, how about staying spiritually healthy and maturing spiritually? We need to eXercise our spiritual muscles, and we need to eXercise them daily not just ‘x’ days a week. Are you eXercising those spiritual muscles daily or are you a little weak in some areas? How do you measure up to the fruits of the Spirit?

Galatians 5:22-25 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

In what area do you need to grow? Ask God; He will show you. Things we can do daily to become spiritually healthy and to grow in our spiritual walk are to:

Love Him
Luke 10:27 “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

1 John 4:19 “We love because He first loved us.”

Pray Continually
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Read, Hear, and Apply His Word
Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

His Strength not Ours
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Apply His Word to Your Life
Philippians 4:9 “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Witness
Isaiah 43:12 “I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God.”

Serve
1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Worship
Psalm 99:5 “Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy.”

So as you go out today and the days ahead, be sure to put your faith into action by eXercising those spiritual muscles—get spiritually fit!

For my page today, I used two scripture that I thought were quite appropriate:

Micah 6:8 "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Deuteronomy 30:14 "The word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it."

Those scriptures are from the ODBD sets Scripture Collection 2 and Scripture Series 2 respectfully. I also used the ODBD set called Time to stamp the background. I thought the clock was quite appropriate for our word today.

Papers: My Mind's Eye Rosy, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Time, Scripture Series 2, Scripture Collection 2
Stamp Ink: Jenni Bowlin brown sugar, Tim Holtz Distress Ink walnut stain
Embellishments: Spellbinders eyelet circles, Memory Box loop border die, Memory Box pearls, Zva Creative pearls, October Afternoon mini market stickers, misc. ribbon

I pray that you will see eXercise in a new and enjoyable light! And remember as you post your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. Blessings,

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #23}, Weary

Challenge Word #23: Weary

Have you ever felt so physically or mentally exhausted that you just wanted to stop everything around you and just do nothing? Do you ever just feel like giving up? I know I have many times and most recently was this past week.

On Saturday, I pulled out my Bible as I was working on something totally unrelated to this lesson, and God had me open up to Galatians 6. On that particular page in my Bible, I found two notes I had written on November 30, 2008, and September 5, 2009. God gave me the same scripture during both of those years. It was Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” God showed me how He helped me in both 2008 and 2009 with that scripture, and He again will help me this coming week as I still feel exhausted. I am also seeing a pattern that the Fall tends to bring a time of weariness to my life. Praise God He had me keep these notes in my Bible so that I could see that He was faithful then, and I can trust that He will be faithful now.

Have you seen how God has helped you when you have been weary in the past? Maybe you are weary now. Maybe you need a little encouragement. Cry out to Him, and remember the times He was faithful in the past because He will be faithful again! Endure patiently in confident hope but be sure to slow down and listen for Him. He does not grow weary; He strengthens us. His Spirit carries us along. Isaiah 40:28a “He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.” Praise God for His strength and unending patience.

For my page today, there were only a few scriptures to choose from. I searched on many different versions, and I still did not find many. I loved Psalm 138:3 which says "When I pray, You answer me! You encourage me by giving me the strength I need." That's what I need now--His strength. How about you? The scripture is from the ODBD set called "Scripture Collection 2." I also used the Mojo Monday 213 sketch. :)

Papers: Authentique Bundle, Memory Box Dots key lime, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Scripture Collection 2
Stamp Ink: Archival Ink coffee, Jenni Bowlin brown sugar
Embellishments: Spellbinders lacey ovals, Heidi Swapp Center of Attention chip alpha, Zva Creative flourish, Hero Arts pearls, KaiserCraft pearls, Copic RV 95 (to color pearls), Hug Snug seam binding
Sketch: Mojo210

As you post your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here.

So, if you are weary, I encourage you to spend some time in His Word, in prayer, and let Him uphold you and give you the strength you need! Blessings to you!

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #22}, Value

Challenge Word #22: Value

Value: relative worth, merit, or importance.

What is it you value? Money, your looks, your children? What do you think it is that God values? The world today values intelligence, good looks, occupation—physical and materials things—but that is not what God values. God is more concerned with our heart than what the world values. What the world values is detestable in God’s sight. Luke 16:15 says “He said to them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.’” And I love what Max Lucado says. He said “What causes us to pamper the skin while we pollute the heart?” Oh as women, I am sure we can all ponder that for a moment.

And what about marriage? God values the sanctity of marriage; the world doesn’t always see it that way. Hebrews 13:4 says “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

I had the privilege of hearing a divorce lawyer this week. He said that a woman called his office seeking counsel; she wanted to divorce her husband. I am not sure if this woman realized she was calling a Christian lawyer or not but this lawyer prayed with her over the phone, gave her scripture, and encouraged her to seek the Lord before making such a decision. I was in awe, and wowed that a divorce attorney would send away a potential client. How awesome is that! This man knows that God values the sanctity of marriage, and this man was more concerned for that marriage and what is right in God’s sight than the potential money it might have brought to himself. What an example he is to all of us. God speaks to us through His Word concerning all areas of our lives—all not just some. He then confirms it through circumstances and the indwelling Holy Spirit. God will never act contrary to what His Word says. By this particular attorney praying with this woman, sharing truth, and giving her scripture, she can truly seek God’s will in her situation. Praise be to God!

For my page today, I chose to use the scripture I quote above (Luke 16:15 ). I also added Romans 8:31a “If God is for us, who can be against us?” I thought that was so appropriate for this page. You can find that scripture in the ODBD set called Scripture Collection 3. I also used the Mojo Monday 210 sketch for fun. :)

Papers: My Mind's Eye Rosy, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Scripture Collection 3
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink walnut stain
Embellishments: Memory Box classic scallop die, Zva Creative flourishes, flowers and leaves from Wild Orchid Crafts, Basic Grey Kioshi chip alpha, October Afternoon mini market alpha stickers, misc. baker's twine, misc. cross charm
Sketch: Mojo210

As you post your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here.

In what area of your life do you need to align your thinking with God’s thinking? How will you replace that “old worldly value” with what God truly values? Let His spiritual values shape you not the worldly values that surround you. You will not only be a witness to your children and grandchildren but to the lost world around you! In all things, put God and His Word first, and the rest will fall into place. Blessings to each of you!

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #21}, Useful

Challenge Word #21: Useful

Useful: being of use or service; serving some purpose; helpful.

Has anyone ever told you that you are helpful or useful to them? How are you useful to your family? Your employer? Do you think God sees you as useful in those place and elsewhere? Do you want to be used for His purpose? We see in Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Each of us that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ has been called by Him for a special purpose. Do you know what that is? Maybe you are thinking that you are not good enough to be useful to God, that you don’t have a talent or skill, or that you don’t know how to serve Him. Well you were created by Him. He has a special plan, purpose, and ministry just for you.

Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

He has created you. He has prepared something for you to do. But there are two important things to remember. First, our usefulness to Him is not of most importance to Him. He is all-powerful and does not need our help to accomplish His work. He is most concerned about our hearts. He doesn’t want to use us so we can boast. The glory only belongs to Him.

Proverbs 21:2-3 “A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”

Psalm 62:11-12 “One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: ‘Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love.’”

He desires for us to serve Him and be useful to Him because we love Him. Can you say that you love Him so much that you can’t help but want to be useful to Him?

Second, being useful or used by God does not get us into Heaven. Works gain us nothing. You are already loved tremendously by your Creator God. Jesus Christ already paid the price for you and for me. He loves us so much that He died to pay for my sins and for your sins so that we might spend eternity with Him. Our reward is in heaven, not here on earth.

Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Are you making yourself available to be useful to God because you love Him or are you too busy with your own plans?

For my page today, I used two stamps sets by Our Daily Bread Designs--Ironworks Borders and Scripture Collection 1. I also used a fun die cut from Cheery Lynn Designs called Lattice 2. It is available from the ODBD store here.

Papers: Webster's Pages, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Scripture Collection 1 and Ironworks Borders
Stamp Ink: VersaFine onyx black
Embellishments: Cheery Lynn Designs lattice 2 die, flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, Heidi Swapp center of attention jet chip alpha, Zva Creative black flourishes

I pray that you will open your heart to whatever God calls you to do. Trust in Him, and be blessed by Him.

Jeremiah 17:7 "But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.”

As you post your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. Blessings to each of you!

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #20}, Trouble

Challenge Word #20: Trouble

Have you ever looked at your troubles and wished they were gone? Have you ever just had enough? I know as we have been dealing with my daughter’s illness, I have felt that way this summer. I thought after all of the troubles my triplets have had with various health issues since their premature birth that we were done. Then, this summer here came more trouble. Why? Can’t I get rest? I am sure all of you have a similar story—troubles never seem to end or stop.

What do you do when you feel so down and burdened with trouble? Have you ever wished you could have someone else’s troubles? Socrates said “If all of our misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be content to take their own and depart.” I think that is a very true statement for sure.

How do you handle the troubles you have in your daily life? Who or what do you lean on? For me, I have my precious Lord. Without Him, I know I could NOT handle what happens in my daily life. He enables me to get through. He helps me, gives me joy when I feel down, He expands my time to help me get it all done, He fills me with His wisdom to handle the situation(s), and He holds me up. Can you say that He does that for you to? If not, ask Him, He will! Psalm 86:7 says “In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.”

And do you ever feel like you are alone in your trouble? Well God is right there with you. He has a plan and a purpose. 1 Peter 1:6b-7 says “…though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even through refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” And James 1:2-4 says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Look back at your previous troubles. I am sure you will be able to see the blessings in them as you look back. I know I can! If God blessed you through those previous troubles, you can count on Him doing it again! Have faith, and trust Him!

For my page today--well, unfortunately, I don't have a page today. I am so sad because I am really in the mood to create but I have had a busy two days at church, and then I have to lead the BSF Leader's Meeting in the morning. I still have lots of prep for that so no creating for me today. I pray you understand, and I hope to post all of the pages I have skipped soon!

So, where do troubles in daily life take you? In times of trouble do you look for the Lord and follow where He leads or do you seek your “own way out”? Remember, Jesus will carry you through your troubles.

Hymn “Though Troubles Assail Us” (verse 1)
Though troubles assail,
And dangers affright;
Though friends should all fail,
And foes all unite,
Yet one thing secures us,
Whatever betide:
The Scripture assures us,
"The Lord will provide."

As you post your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. Blessings to each of you as you persevere with Christ in your troubles!

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #19}, Share

Challenge Word #19: Share

While on vacation in August, we witnessed a terrible accident. We were the car just behind the two cars that hit. We also were the only witnesses to stop. The first car was a Suburban and was hit from the back. The back of the car was damaged but the occupants were fine—just shaken a bit. The Toyota Camry that hit them was demolished. The air bag deployed, the driver’s arms were burnt from the air bags, there was burning radiator fluid coming into the car, and it was really a scary situation. As I was there with the occupants, who were both conscious praise God, I felt God lead me to pray with them. I have never shared a prayer with strangers like that ever before. I held the passenger’s hand and I prayed for them while we waited for the police and rescue squad to arrive. Once the police took my statement and we were allowed to leave, the driver from the Suburban came up to me and shook my hand. I didn’t know why but then he proceeded to say “Thank you so much for praying for those people.” I had NO idea he heard me or saw me praying with them. While I certainly didn’t mind, it also made me think of how many times people see us doing things that we are unaware of. Does your life match what you say? Are you sharing Christ through your daily living? Are you sharing as God leads?

Our lives should match our words. For those of us that proclaim Christ as our Lord and Savior, then our lives should match our words. Our lives should share Christ through all we do and say. As Max Lucado says we can share by: “Being faithful to your spouse. Be the one at the office who refuses to cheat. Be the neighbor who acts neighborly. Be the employee who does the work and doesn’t complain. Pay your bills. Do your part and enjoy life. Don’t speak one message and live another.” So perfectly put.

In my daughter’s Christian evangelism class this week, they were talking about the word ‘share’. My daughter mentioned how we are so eager to share when we get a new car, new jewelry, new ‘anything’ really. But, how eager are we to share the Lord?

How many times have you heard people say they don’t want to know about being a Christian because “Christians are hypocrites” or “because they act just like the rest of the world”? Do you want non-believers to take you seriously? Then share Christ by the way you live. Live each day according to God’s Word, and remember to share with gentleness and respect.

1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. 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.”

For my page today, I used two verses:

Micah 6:8 “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

2 Thessalonians 2:14 “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Micah verse reminds me that that I need to live for Him each day. I stamped it using the ODBD set called 'Scripture Collection 2'. The Thessalonians verse reminds me that someone shared the gospel with me, and I need to share Him with others too gently and respectfully. I also loved these new papers from My Mind's Eye called “Breeze.” The colors and designs were perfect. I also loved the tag that said “Today Tomorrow Forever," and I added the word 'share' to it. It was just perfect for our word today!

Papers: My Mind's Eye Breeze, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Scripture Collection 2
Stamp Ink: SU chocolate chip
Embellishments: Jenni Bowlin brown sugar paint dabber and letter stickers, Memory Box pastry label, Quickutz tag, Spellbinders Fleur de Lis Rectangles, Prima flower, Kaisercraft pearl, Paper Trey Ink button, misc. twine

As we remember the attacks of September 11th, I pray you will keep your eyes and ears open. You never know when God will put someone in your path that He wants you to share with. The world today is in desperate need to hear about the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Won’t you share as someone shared with you?

As you post your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. Blessings to each of you as you listen to His prompting to share with those around you!

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #18}, Remember

Challenge Word #18: Remember

Remember. Most of us think of ‘remember’ as a recalling of something. I love this definition of remember: “to retain in the memory; keep in mind; remain aware of.” As Christians, we are to retain God’s word in our hearts and in our minds. We are also called to pass it down to our children. Deuteronomy 6:6-8 says “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”

A few weeks ago my mother told me that my grandmother’s family Bible was found as they were cleaning out her house. She passed away in February of this year. My mother said “I didn’t even know we had a family Bible.” Well, if my mom didn’t know, I certainly didn’t know either. What a treasure!! But why did none of us know or remember that we had a family Bible. What’s in it? Who wrote in it? When was it purchased? Why wasn’t that treasure passed down along with the faith stories? Now, no one remembers. What a tragedy.

So, how are you raising up the next generation to not only know God but to live fully for Him and to pass down the faith stories so that the generations will remember? Sharing your faith and remembering how God has helped you in the past, moves us forward in our faith. Recording it as it happens also helps us remember accurately and helps the next generation as they walk with our precious Lord. Psalm 105:4-5 says “Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced.”

Remember the wonders He has done! Are you doing that? Are you recording it for future generations? If you don’t know where to start, be sure to look through my {Faith Journaling} Challenge. These journaling prompts will help you record your faith story so future generations will remember. What a legacy you can leave behind! Will you start today? And how about using the questions to interview grandparents and other family members? Maybe they haven't recorded His wonders but you could help pass it on by interviewing them! As future generations read your memories and/or hear about them, they can only be strengthened in their own faith. God recorded His words for us to remember. Now will you pass that on too so others can remember also?

For my page today, I wanted it to have a "heritage" feel. So, I used the new Our Daily Bread Designs set called "Seed Packet" that will be released Thursday, Sept. 1st. You don't want to miss this one! The "seed packet" itself looked like it could be a book page too. I also used the new Prima paper called "Printery." I loved the old writing and the ledger paper in this paper pad. The heart is from the ODBD store. It's called "Heart to Heart Lace Doily."  And for my scripture, I chose to use Psalms 105:4-5 I mentioned above. I loved the phrase "remember the wonders He has done."

Papers: Prima Printery, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Seed Packet
Stamp Ink: Archival Ink jet black
Embellishments: Cheery Lynn Heart to Heart Lace Doily die, Authentique petite type circle, Tim Holtz walnut distress stain and tiny attacher, Prima wooden buttons, hemp from Hobby Lobby, misc. twill, Derwent watercolor pencil juniper green

As you share your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. Blessings to each of you,

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #17}, Qualified

**Please note: To see the random RAK winner, please click here! :)


Challenge Word #17: Qualified

Have you ever thought about the word qualified (necessary skills, knowledge, credentials)? Let’s look at it for a minute. To get a job we must have certain qualifications. To get a driver’s license, we must meet certain qualifications. To get a loan for a car, house, or any other loan, you must qualify. To enter the Olympics, you must qualify. Almost anything we do in life here on earth has qualifications. However, have you ever looked at what God’s qualifications are for service? Most of the time, He calls the unqualified people to do His amazing work here on earth.

One of my favorite examples of this in scripture is Moses. Do you remember when God called Moses to go to Pharaoh to bring the Israelites out of Egypt? In Exodus 3:10-11, we see God speaking to Moses. He says “’So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.’ But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’” Have you ever asked God if you were qualified to do something He has called you to do? Or maybe you did not do as He called because you felt you were not qualified. But agh yes, if He calls you, you are qualified! He will enable you to do as He calls. His power is made perfect in our weakness, and He alone will be glorified. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Moses also had many questions for the Lord as he was called. Moses even goes so far as to share how he was unqualified to do what God had called him to do. In Exodus 4:10 Moses says “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” God replies and says in Exodus 4:11-12 “The LORD said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’” How awesome that God tells Moses He will help him. But if you continue reading Exodus 4, you will see that Moses then asks God to send someone in his place and God becomes angry. I pray that you will not follow Moses example but trust that God will give you all you need in whatever He calls you to do. I have seen the Holy Spirit work through me so many times especially when I am called to lecture for a Bible Study Fellowship class. I am always in awe of how He gives me the words and speaks through me directly to the women. It is SUCH a blessing to me to watch Him work through me. And the words certainly are not my own; they are truly from Him. I cannot claim any glory for it! It is ALL His. For those of you that have experienced what I am talking about, I know you are awestruck too. It is amazing to “sit back” and watch Him work! To God be the glory!

Well, I did not get a page done for this week’s challenge. We are still on my glorious vacation. When I get one completed, however, I will get it posted for you!

So remember, when He calls, He will equip you to do His work thus making you qualified! How amazing is that? And often He does not put us in positions where we are overconfident. The glory belongs to Him and only Him. We cannot take the credit as we could not do what we are doing without Him. He provides everything we need in order to complete our task. Will you listen and obey today even if you ‘think’ you are not qualified?

As you share your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. Blessings to each of you,

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #16}, Portion

Today’s post is a bit personal but I truly felt God wanted me to share. May He use it for His good and His glory!

Challenge Word #16: Portion

When you see or hear the word “portion,” what do you think of? I think for most of us, we would say food! But I do not believe that God wants us focusing on food in times of stress, disappointment, boredom, etc., and that’s exactly what I did after my triplets were born. For most of my life, I have been tiny and have never had a problem with food or weight until my triplets were born and they started getting older. In times of stress, in times of busyness, in times of boredom, I would use food for all things instead of turning to God. He alone should have been my portion instead of food. Eve was tempted with food, and she gave into that temptation. Jesus was tempted with food, and He fought Satan with scripture. I was tempted, and I was just like Eve!

Lamentations 3:22-24 “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.’”

Well, after being overweight and not feeling good about myself at all, I lost the pounds. However, as it seems happens to so many of us, I gained it back plus some after I turned 44. My avatar is me at 44 just before giving into those temptations again. Now for the past two years, I have been using food as an excuse yet again, and to be blunt—I was sinning against God. I wasn’t waiting for Him. I wasn’t fighting Satan and those temptations with scripture. I just gave in and was disobedient to the Lord. However, in May of this year, He showed me and convicted me like never before with this verse:

1 Corinthians 10:23 “Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.”

Yes, I have freedom in Christ but I don’t have freedom to partake in more than my portion. Yes, food is permissible—we need it to survive but food in excess or more than my portion is not beneficial. He is my portion. He is what fills me up. I don’t need anything else—just my precious Lord and Savior! Since that conviction, I remember that verse every time I am tempted. I am now fighting Satan with scripture just like Christ did. He is our perfect example! But to be honest, He has also completely removed my desire to eat poorly, to overindulge, or to have more than my portion. Praise God! I have lost 22 lbs., and I have more to go but I truly feel He has completely and utterly changed my thinking for good. He truly is my portion!

So, who or what is your portion? Do you cling to Him and the inheritance that He has promised or do you run to the food, the cigarettes, the drinking—you fill in the blank?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

For my page today, I chose bright papers by SEI called “Sunny Day.” I felt the bright colors bring joy which is what God does for me. I also love the butterflies on the teal paper. I am that new creation in Christ, and I need to remember to honor Him in all I do including what I eat. The scriptures are two of the ones listed above—1 Corinthians 10:23 and Lamentations 3:24. The Lamentations verse is included in the ODBD stamps set called “Scripture Collection 5,” and the frame is from the ODBD set called “Brocade Borders.” I also used the Splitcoast Sketch SC343 for this page.

Papers: SEI Sunny Day, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Scripture Collection 5, Brocade Borders
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink barn door, Archival Ink coffee, Ranger clear ep
Embellishments: Memory Box double ticket die, Paper Trey Ink rustic twine and buttons, Basic Grey Nook and Pantry chip alpha, Tim Holtz tiny attacher, sewing machine, hand-dyed Hug Snug, misc. charm

Whatever the situation is, depend on Him—I know now that He is ALL I need. He is my portion. He fills me completely, and He is enough! How about you?

As you share your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. Blessings to each of you,

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #15}, Others

Challenge Word #15: Others

Earlier this week, my girls and I were watching “Say Yes to the Dress.” This particular show focused on bridesmaids as they went with the bride to pick out their dresses. While I can’t say this is the best show, we used it as a learning opportunity for the kids. As we watched the bridesmaids say things like “Well, if I don’t like the dress, I will not be in your wedding.” Or a bride that said to her bridesmaids “I went over on the price of my dress, you can go over on the price of yours.” I asked my girls as we heard such comments over and over “Who are these girls thinking of when they make these statements?” My girls answered “Themselves.” We talked about how none of the women in the show thought of others or even showed the love of Christ. It was really sad to see such strife in what should be a happy occasion.

As Christians, we are called to seek the good of others, carry each other’s burdens, value others above ourselves, encourage others, serve others, etc. Here are just a few examples of what God’s Word tells us about others:

• Glorify Him before Others
Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

• Acknowledge Him before Others
Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges Me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven." (see also Luke 12:8)

• The Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (see also Luke 6:31)

• Forgive Others
Matthew 6:15 “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

• Seek the Good of Others
1 Corinthians 10:24 “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”

• Carry Each Other’s Burdens
Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

• Build up Others with our Words
Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

• Value Others Above Ourselves
Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

• Encourage with Sound Doctrine
Titus 1:8-10 “Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”

• Serve Others with our Gifts
1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

• Don’t Share in the Sins of Others
1 Timothy 5:22 “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”

Wow, what a list, and I did not even list them all. But God clearly shows us through His Word that we are to put others before ourselves. In today’s world, this is especially important to share with the younger generation. I pray that you will use these scriptures to share with your children, grandchildren, Sunday School classes, and wherever else God may lead you to share. His Word is clear. Will you pray about how God might use you in everyday circumstances to show His love by putting others first? And as we put others first, His Word promises:

Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

What a beautiful promise!

For my page this week, I chose the Matthew 5:14, 16 from the ODBD set called "Light of the World." I also used the ODBD set called “Kind Hearts.” It just painted a beautiful picture to me as I think of being kind to others. I also used an older sketch from Crafting Life’s Pieces (CLP-31).

Papers: Authentique Journey, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Light of the World, Kind Hearts
Stamp Ink: Memento bahama blue
Embellishments: flowers and leaves from Wild Orchid Crafts, Prima flower, lace from A Million Memories, Basic Grey Piper chip alpha, Maya Road chipboard "o", hand-dyed Hug Snug, sewing machine

As you share your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. Enjoy your week ahead, and I pray as you are out that you will look for opportunities to put the needs of others before your own. Blessings,

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #14), New

Challenge Word #14: New

How does it feel when you get something new—new clothes, shoes, crafting goodies, or maybe a new house or a car? We usually get excited over something fun and new. These are all “things” that may make us feel good for a bit but that’s about it.

• They do not give us eternal life. Colossians 3:2 says “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

• These new “things” do not bring us a peace that passes all understanding. Philippians 4:7 says “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

• And these new “things” do not bring that sense of joy that only Christ can bring. Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Now we know new things are not the answer. They only bring temporary happiness and certainly do not guide us in our day-to-day lives. So how about a new relationship with someone? Now that is worth something right? Certainly! Let’s think about when you first met your spouse and you began that new relationship. Oh, how exciting and new everything was! And now here is one—how about the birth of your children? Now that is new and exciting! Nothing can compare to that, right? There is something even better than our spouses and our children—it’s the relationship we have with Jesus Christ.

So—what about your relationship with Christ? Do you have one? If not, He is waiting for you (look here). If you have a new relationship with Christ, how very, very exciting! It is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. It is truly a life or death decision! Praise God for your new relationship with Him! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Grow that new relationship with Him! I am excited for you, and I would love hear about it!

For those of you that have had a relationship with Christ for a long time, maybe it has been a bit neglected lately. Or maybe you are walking a new path with Christ and trying to figure out His will and to wait for His perfect timing. Whatever the case may be, newness with Christ begins each day for all of us. His mercies are new every day. Lamentations 3:22b-23 says “. . . His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” In your prayer time each new day:

• Praise His great name for who He is.
• Thank Him for the gift of eternal life.
• Ask Him to show you something new in His word today.
• Ask Him to give you new understanding of His Word and His will for you.
• Listen for something new He may be telling you or calling you to.

We are new creations in Christ. Let us go out each new day living as that new creation!

For my page today, I used the newest sketch from Crafting Life's Pieces. I then used the same scripture I noted above (Lamentations 3:21-23) from the ODBD set called "Scripture Collection 1." I felt that scripture was a good reminder for me that His compassions are new every single morning. I just love that! I also underlined the word "new" in the scripture for emphasis.

Papers: Basic Grey Kioshi, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Scripture Collection 1
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink walnut stain, Ranger clear ep
Paints: Adirondack Paint Dabber espresso, Liquitex Acrylic Ink deep violet
Embellishments: flowers, leaves, and ribbon slide from Wild Orchid Crafts; canvas; tulle from Hobby Lobby; sewing machine
Sketch: CLP38

As you share your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. Enjoy your week ahead!! Blessings,

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #13}, Motive

Challenge Word #13: Motive

What motivates you? A sunny day? Gaining a new title? Money? Recognition? Or are you motivated out of love and obedience to God? Sometimes we may not feel like doing what God calls us to do. Sometimes we do not even feel like crawling out of bed; however, out of love and obedience to the Lord we need to obey His call. God has a good and perfect purpose for everything He calls us to do. That call might be to “cool down” before we discipline a child so that we discipline out of love instead of anger. Or maybe it’s a call to keep quiet when we really want to assert our opinion. Proverbs 10:19 says “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”

Our work, our ministries, our daily lives should not be motivated by what we gain or receive from doing them but it should be rooted in our love, devotion, and accountability to God. Hebrews 4:13 says “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Someday I want to be able to hear God say to me “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23) Do you look forward to hearing Him say that to you?

And because believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, our lives should also motivate others to not only want to know the Lord but to live for Him also. Acts 17:27-28a “God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being.”

So, are you motivated to live fully for Him this week and the days and weeks ahead? Ask God to show you what change needs to be made in your heart so that your motives line up with His. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 says “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”

For my page this week, I used two scriptures:

Psalm 84:11 “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

Hebrews 4:13 “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

The scripture from Psalms was stamped using the ODBD set called Scripture Collection 6. I also used the new Crocheted Background but after I added so many layers, it's a bit hard to see behind the trim and papers. The papers are Basic Grey Hopscotch.

Papers: Basic Grey Hopscotch, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Scripture Collection 6, Crocheted Background
Stamp Ink: Archival Ink sepia, Tim Holtz Distress embossing ink, Zing brown sugar ep
Embellishments: Memory Box Primo Labels die, trim from A Million Memories, Tim Holtz tiny attacher, flowers and leaves from Wild Orchid Crafts, sewing machine

As you share your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. I pray that you will be fully motivated to live for Him each day! Have a week ahead,

ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #12}, Lonely

Challenge Word #12: Lonely

Lonely. Have you ever felt truly lonely? Take a moment and remember what it felt like. Could it be that you were walking through a difficult time and felt alone? Could it be you were isolated, out of work, sick and in a hospital, an empty-nester, etc., and felt all alone? There are many reasons we may feel lonely at different times in our lives, and feeling lonely does not have to mean we are actually alone. We could be surrounded by many people yet still feel that way. Have you ever felt like crying out Psalm 38:21 “LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.”

As you thought about how you felt when being at a lonely point in your life, now let’s think about how Jesus felt on the cross. As Jesus hung on that cross, darkness overcame all the land (Matthew 27:45). Even God could not look at His Son as He carried all of our sins. Jesus must have felt extremely lonely. Probably more lonely than any of us have ever experienced or can even imagine. Sin separates us from God. But as we confess our sins each day, we can approach our Holy God. He will never leave us or forsake us. With God, we will never be truly lonely. Joshua 1:9 says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” He is with us where ever we go and whatever we are going through! He is there. Call out to Him. Jeremiah 33:3a says “Call to me and I will answer you . . .” He knows how you feel. He knows what you are going through. He is truly the only one that can fill those lonely places in our hearts. He is always there and always will be. Will you reach out to Him today?

And if you are not at a lonely point in your life right now, praise God for that. But also realize there are lonely people around you. A smile, a card, a hug, or even a kind word can share the love of Christ and help someone in that lonely place in their life. How might you be able to help relieve someone else’s loneliness today?

For my page today, I used the June sketch from Crafting Life's Pieces. Love the sketch, and I love what the designers did with the sketch. I also used two great scriptures for my page from the ODBD sets Scripture Collection 5 (for Jeremiah 33:3) and Scripture Collection 7 (for Psalm 9:10). The papers are from the Basic Grey Hello Luscious collection. :)

Papers: Basic Grey Hello Luscious, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Scripture Collection 5, Scripture Collection 7
Stamp Ink: Archival Ink library green
Paints: Adirondack Paint Dabber snow cap, Tim Holtz Distress Stain walnut stain (for tag), Glimmer Mist sand (for lace)
Embellishments: Recollections brad, hand-dyed seam binding, old hymnal pages, Inkssentials craft tag, lace from A Million Memories, flowers and leaves from Wild Orchid Crafts, Basic Grey Piper chip alpha

As you share your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. I pray that you will take a moment each day this week to call out to our precious Lord or to search for those lonely people around you! Have a blessed time of study and week ahead,