Glory {Art 2016} Scripture Challenge #12, Good

Can you believe this is our last study for 2016? How did you enjoy it? I have prayed about 2017 and through the couple of messages I received, I will be continuing a study for 2017. I will post the reveal before the end of the year. Begin a list of friends you want to invite (new believers, mature believers, and unbelievers); all are welcome and encourage to join us! They do not have to create art. They can just read and study, journal, whatever. Details coming soon.

The Study

So, as we end our study today for 2016, I wanted to look at God's goodness. God is good. How do we know that? How can we say that when we are in the midst of a great struggle or suffering? We can be content regardless of our circumstances because God is the ultimate example of good. First, what does it mean when we say "God is good"? Moms in Prayer states this: 

"Virtuous, excellent; upright; God is essentially, absolutely and consummately good."

His goodness is evident in creation. Have you ever thought about that? When you see snow fall or the leaves change, or look at a newborn baby, don't you see God's goodness? Let's look at Genesis 1 for some examples:

Genesis 1:4 "God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness."

Genesis 1:10 "God called the dry ground 'land,' and the gathered waters He called 'seas.' And God saw that it was good."

Genesis 1:12 "The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good."

Genesis 1:17-18 "God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good."

Genesis 1:21 "So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good."

Genesis 1:25 "God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good."

And in Genesis 1:31, we see that all He made was very good:

Genesis 1:31 "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day."

When my girls were in BSF, they learned a song called "God is So Good." The lyrics are simple:

"God is so good
God is so good
God is so good
He is good to me."

He is SO good to us even though we don't deserve it. He created us. He provides for us. He loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to live with us, be tempted like us, and yet He died for us and for our sins. I would say that is very good! Now take a moment to listen to Casting Crowns sing "Good Good Father." Close your eyes and meditate on the lyrics.

And here is a snippet of the lyrics:

Good Good Father
by Chris Tomlin

...You're a good good father 
It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are 
And I'm loved by you 
It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am 

Because you are perfect in all of your ways 
You are perfect in all of your ways 
You are perfect in all of your ways to us 
You are…

Absolutely! He is good because it's who He is! He is perfect in all of His ways, and He loves each of us; He created us! So, how can I say that "we can be content regardless of our circumstances because God is the ultimate example of good"? Because even in the tough things, He uses it for our good. I am sure hindsight, you can see that in things you have been through. I know I can.

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."

Now let's look at more of God's word and what it says about God being good. There are so many scriptures that talk about His goodness. I can't say it any better than His Word. I hope you enjoy these!

Psalm 25:8 "Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in His ways."

Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."

Psalm 86:5 "You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You."

Psalm 119:68 "You are good, and what You do is good; teach me Your decrees."

Psalm 136:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever."

Psalm 145:9 "The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made."

Jeremiah 33:11 "The sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord, saying, 'Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; His love endures forever.' For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,’ says the Lord."

Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him."

Mark 10:18 "'Why do you call Me good? Jesus answered. 'No one is good—except God alone.'"

John 10:11 "I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."

James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

1 Timothy 4:4 "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving."

2 Peter 1:3-4 "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

The Art

For my art today, I chose to do a Bible Journaling page. I also used some of the lyrics from the song. I put it on the Psalm 145:9 page because it talks about Him being good and having compassion on all He has made.

Papers: misc. ledger paper 
Stamps: Technique Tuesday Perfect Picture; Illustrated Faith Names of God, Yes and Amen, and date stamp; Honey Bee Stamps Prayers
Stamp Ink: Archival Ink jet black and magenta hue
Paints: Dylusions cut grass, SEI Tumble Dye hot pink, Kuretake watercolors, Ranger multi medium matte
Tools: Stencil Girl Inky Circles, Pentel colored mechanical pencil, Pigma Micron pens, sewing machine

Please watch for the 2017 announcement. It will be our 10th year of study. Can you believe it? To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies, please see this post here. And I hope you will go out each day knowing that God our Father is inherently good. He is our perfect role model! Merry Christmas!

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Glory {Art 2016} Scripture Challenge #11, Waiting Well

The Study

A couple of weeks ago, I attended our church's womens retreat. It was amazing. Our guest speaker was Logan Wolfram. I encourage you to get her book "Curious Faith." It has a study guide in the back, and she has free study videos on her website. Anyway, I was up at 4:30 AM on Saturday morning of the retreat, and I began reading Chapter 7 of her book because I was drawn to the chapter titled "Waiting Well." As I told Logan later that morning where I started in the book, she laughed and encouraged me to start the book from the beginning. 

So why did I start at Chapter 7? Why did I choose the "Waiting Well" chapter? At this point in my life, I am now waiting for whatever is next in my life. I am officially an empty nester. I am no longer in BSF, and I find myself wondering where I am to go from here. Right now I am waiting. And I know most of us think that this time of waiting has to be bad, right? Well recently, there were two people waiting, and I realized that waiting can actually be filled with something great including joy. Have you ever thought about it that way?

One woman was waiting for the results from a biopsy. She was filled with joy, and she was always praying for others. Someone mentioned to her that sometimes we have to go through the hard stuff not because it's going to turn out bad (it may or may not) but maybe because there is someone we will come in contact with that needs to hear about Christ. She was truly okay with whatever the outcome was. It was beautiful to watch her. Not only did she share Christ with medical personnel, she was also an example to me of "waiting well."

Then there was a man that lost his job recently. Instead of waiting at home and being down, he is now volunteering with a Christian organization. He is doing work for them while he waits for a paying position somewhere. What a beautiful way to "wait well." And did you notice the theme there? She prayed for others while waiting, and he is serving others while waiting. Wow, what an example!

So what do you do while you wait? Do you fret? Do you chatter about the issue non-stop with everyone you come in contact with? Do you curl up and cry? How about being frustrated with the Lord? Have you ever thought about waiting with joy and excited anticipation to see what God will do next? I am trying to do that. What does He have for me? What does He have for you? Logan says this about waiting:

"Waiting isn't a delay of the thing we have in our mind's eye. It's about being present in the now and placing a longing hope in God. It's the space in which we root ourselves in truth and learn to want God more than our own desires." — Logan Wolfram

So what should you do while you wait? How about diving into His Word and praying while you wait. Ask Him what He would have you do while you wait? Are there other people you can be praying for? How about serving somewhere? Or maybe He is putting people in your path to share with them about Jesus. Or it could be that you just need some time to be alone and be quiet and listen. There are all sorts of possibilities as you wait. And you know, you might even find that the wait is joyful!

We studied the word 'wait' back in 2008. If you want to read that short study, click here.

I love how Psalm 27 starts with this:

Verse 1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"

Who or what should we be afraid of or fear? Should we fear the wait? No! Look how Psalm 27 ends:

Verse 14 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

And here are a few other scriptures for you:

Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him."

Psalm 86:4 "Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in You."

He is your strength. He is your shield. Put your trust in Him and wait with joy and anticipation knowing that this momentary time of waiting is achieving an eternal glory that far outweighs them all!

And for a little fun, here I am with Logan Wolfram. She was teaching me how to take a selfie. I am SO bad at them.

The Art

For today's art, I started this art journaling page by using a printed copy of the collage I made last week. I made this art available to you for free. If you missed it, please click here to grab your free copy. Once I adhered the collage to my journal, I put a layer of clear gesso on top. Then I was ready to begin creating on this new page. This was a very quick way to start a page. I also used a numbers stencil to think about time or days while waiting. 

The scripture I chose to focus on was the 2 Corinthians 4:17 verse listed above. I know it talks about troubles but it helps me remember to wait well because it is all for His great purpose and His glory.

Papers: collage paper of my own work 
Stamps: AC Moore typewriter lowercase alpha, October Afternoon decade stamp 
Stamp Ink: Archival jet black 
Paints: Ranger Multi Medium Matte; Prima Art Basics clear gesso; Liquitex light modeling paste; Golden Fluid Acrylic cobalt teal, raw umber, and quinacridone magenta; Americana lamp black; Golden High Flow Acrylics teal and quinacridone magenta; Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid Satin; Apple Barrel white acrylic 
Tools: brayer, Donna Downey mini numbers stencil, palette knife, Stencil Girl Playful Bloom stencil, Pigma Micron pens 0.3 and 0.5, Generals charcoal white pencil, Simply Simmons liner 0, typewriter, glue stick, sewing machine 
Embellishments: misc. washi tape, American Crafts Runaway letter stickers

Also, as I wait, I am praying about whether or not to continue these studies. As we end next month, we will have finished up nine years of scripture studies here on my blog. Have you enjoyed them? What would you like to see? Would you like to continue? God speaks through His people so I hope you will share in the comment section what God puts on your heart about these studies!

Thanks for joining me today. To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies, please see this post here. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! 

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Glory {Art 2016} Scripture Challenge #10, Low Moments

The Study

Our pastor shared an amazing sermon last Sunday. Well, his sermons are always amazing but this one in particular just spoke to me so much. I thought today I would share some of his points and also use it as our teaching for today.

We are studying Elijah until December, and last Sunday we were in 1 Kings 19:1-9a. Feel free to read that passage before you continue this study. I have linked it for you here. As you read that passage, you can see that Elijah was in a very low moment. So low that he prayed he might die. In our lives, we all have low moments. We also have those high and wonderful moments. Today I want to look at those low moments. What should we do? How should we help others that may be going through those low moments in their lives? Let's look at some of the notes from this weekend's sermon. My notes from his sermon are in quotes and italics with my thoughts below each one.

#1

"God sends a messenger. You might need words of encouragement to get up and take the next step. It might even be a touch that you need or a reminder to eat. You do not necessarily need a theological lesson at that moment."

Wow, I know when my girls are having a low moment, I always turn things back to the Lord. I have tried to live out Deuteronomy 6:7 which says:

Deuteronomy 6:7 "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."

But maybe at that moment, that's not what they need. Maybe they just need me to be there, to listen, to give them a hug, or remind them to eat. Maybe you know someone in a very hard place right now. How can you be that messenger to them to encourage them and help them take that next step? It may be that your quiet presence is just enough. Maybe taking them a meal is great but will they cook it and sit and eat? Have you thought about that? If you notice, the angel baked bread for Elijah and reminded him to eat:

1 Kings 19:5b-6 "All at once an angel touched him and said, 'Get up and eat.' He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again."

#2

"He provides what we truly need. You may want answers but it's not what you need. It may be rest and nourishment that you need."

How many times have we all wanted God to just tell us what's next? Will we make it through? Will it turn out okay? But that may not be what we truly need. It may be what we want but it may not be what we need. Elijah needed to rest and to eat. Once he did that, he was strengthened and ready for what was ahead.

1 Kings 19:8 "So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God."

What is it that you need to be ready for what's ahead? How about the person you are helping? Next time you encounter someone in a low moment, pray. Ask the Lord what is it they may need and how can you help.

#3

"Draws us to Himself. We need relationship with Him."

Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

James 4:8a "Come near to God and He will come near to you."

Oh He is what we need most! God is not about religion; He is about relationship. He is not about a list of rules. Yes, He wants us to obediently follow Him as His Word leads us but it's not about following a list of rules. We have a relationship with Him, and we serve Him and obey Him because we love Him not because we are following a list of rules. Are you earnestly seeking Him? Reference last year's Glory {Art} Challenge on Religion by clicking here.

And I leave you with a few encouraging verses to share with someone in a low moment or for yourself wherever you are right now.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Romans 8:35 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

James 5:13 "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise."

The Art

For my Journaling Bible page today, I chose to use the first quote above. That is what spoke to me the most, and I really wanted to note it in my Bible.

Thanks for joining me today. Feel free to join us on the Facebook page where some people will be sharing their creations. We also have some discussions that will be going on there too about the study. If you don't use Facebook and want to share your creation here, please do so by leaving a link in the comment section. I am no longer paying for InLinkz. To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies, please see this post here. Have a blessed week!

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Glory {Art 2016} Scripture Challenge #9, Worth or Value

The Study

Worthy: having adequate or great merit, character, or value 

Value: respect to worth, excellence, usefulness, or importance, to regard or esteem highly

Do you think you are not worthy to do certain things or be in a certain position or be friends with certain people, etc.? Maybe you feel you are not valued whether it be at work, in your home, amongst your peers, etc. Or maybe your children feel that way. Maybe you have been given an award, and you do not think you deserve it. You aren't worthy. Whatever the case may be, I think most of us have felt that we are not worthy at some point in our lives. Today, I want to tell you that you are worthy; you are of value! And how can I say that? Because God says you are worthy!

Recently, I was reading a fiction book written by Erica Vetsch, and she said this (speaking of the Lord):

"There is nothing you can bring to make yourself worthy. I am the One who makes you worthy. Your worth isn't determined by your physical body or your intellect or your pride. Your worth isn't determined by how others see you or by how you see yourself. Your worth is established because I died for you. Because I have called you worthy. You are mine."

Isn't that beautiful? He died for you; He died for me. We are of immeasureable value to Him. We all have faults but that does not make us any less valuable to God. God in His infinite wisdom has created each of us perfectly as He wanted us. He has plans for you no matter where you are in life.

Genesis 1:27 "So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them."

Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being."

Psalm 139:13 "For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb."

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed You in the womb I knew You, before you were born I set You apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

The day after reading the quote by Erica Vetsch, my daughter told me about her professor and what he said in chapel that morning. Ironically it was also about being of value and being worthy because God created us. His speech is amazing, and I certainly cannot say it any better than he has. If you want to see his entire speech, start this video at 19:55 minutes in. If you want to see the "value" part, start at 30:00 minutes in. The speech lasts until 46:20 minutes (so about 26 minutes total) but you can certainly stop it at any time. I have watched his entire speech, and I think it is something everyone should hear. Truly a 'valuable' speech!

I hope you watched and enjoyed the speech as much as I did! 

Luke 12:7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

The Life Application Bible says this about our value or worth:

"Our true value is God's estimate of our worth, not our peers'. Other people evaluate and categorize us according to how we perform, what we achieve, and how we look. But God cares for us, as He does for all His creatures, because we belong to Him. So we can face life without fear."

And if you feel someone in your life is not worthy, will you please reconsider knowing that God created them and died for them too? They are valuable to Him. So go out with joy in your heart and without fear knowing that you are worthy and that everyone you come in contact with is worthy too! We all were created by Him, and He died for us all! Amen!

The Art

I chose to create a Journaling Bible page using the Luke 12:7 verse noted above. I summarized the quote from the Life Application Bible and put it in the margin. I really loved what it said.

Stamps: Honey Bee Stamps Hand Lettered Alpha, Prayers, and Kindness; Alisa Burke Flower Girls; October Afternoon Decade stamp; Illustrated Faith Beautiful 
Stamp Ink: Archival Ink jet black and viridian 
Paints: Prima Art Basics clear gesso, Kuretake watercolors 
Tools: Pigma Micron 02 and 05 pen, waterbrush, vintage manual typewriter, sewing machine 
Embellishments: Teresa Collins label stickers, Simple Stories DIY icon stickers, Illustrated Faith Wordfetti White and Mini Bless Her Heart stickers

Feel free to join us on the Facebook page where some people will be sharing their creations. We also have some discussions that will be going on there too about the study. If you don't use Facebook and want to share your creation here, please do so by leaving a link in the comment section. I am no longer paying for InLinkz. To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies, please see this post here. And remember, you are worthy!

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Glory {Art 2016} Scripture Challenge #8, Hurt and Forgiveness

The Study

Last week I was hurt deeply by someone very close to me. I cried for a long time, and I called my mom to rant. Thankfully she wasn't home because that's not who God wanted me to call. I was blindsided by what happened, and I turned to vent. When Mom wasn't available, I turned to the Lord and asked "What am I to learn from this? Why did this happen?" My questions still go unanswered but I am watching for the lesson. Am I still hurt? Absolutely! But I felt the Lord wanted me to settle this so I called the person immediately but they did not answer the phone. I ended up e-mailing the person a very lengthy message. I don't remember starting the e-mail or finishing it. The words just came, and I felt such a relief knowing my feelings were stated and heard. This person did not have the facts correct. Why couldn't this person call and talk to me instead of attacking me and ones I love via e-mail? I will never know the answers. The person that received my message, said they would call to discuss it with me after receiving my e-mail but they never did. I am trying to let it go because I said what God wanted me to say, and I have peace. Now if I could just get Satan out of the way as he tries to bring it back up when I sleep. Has this happened to you? How have you handled it? Do you run to others? Do you run to the Lord? What should we do next?

First, I must forgive this person, and you must forgive the person that wronged you. Whether or not this person ever agrees with me is not for me to worry about but forgiving this person is what I am to do because God has forgiven me, and He has forgiven you.

Ephesians 1:7 "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."

Colossians 1:13-14 "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

I found this on the American Bible Society blog about forgiveness "But forgiveness doesn’t excuse the crime. It doesn’t minimize it. It doesn’t say it was okay. In fact, it does exactly the opposite. It squarely faces the offense. It says, 'You did wrong, and it hurt me badly. But now I’m choosing not to hate you for it.' God does not shrug off our sin. He asks us to own up to it. We should do the same as we forgive others."

I love that. Do you feel that things have to be 'happy' again once you forgive someone? When someone hurts us or has wronged us, we need to work it out with that person first. Pray hard, and realize that you may have sinned yourself. We should have a desire to restore the relationship not a desire to be proven right. But maybe that someone doesn't want to forgive you. How do you handle that? My pastor once told me that sometimes relationships are not meant to be restored but we are to forgive the person so we can move on. That has helped me in a relationship that I knew would never be restored. Is there someone maybe that you yourself are withholding forgiveness from? And what can you do to bless and love someone that has hurt you? Are you praying for them?

Psalm 103:10 "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities."

Isaiah 1:18 "'Come now, let us settle the matter,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'"

Luke 6:37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Mark 11:25 "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Romans 12:18 "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Hebrews 12:15 "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

We need to be in the habit of forgiving. If we can forgive 77 times, then we will be in the habit of forgiving!

Matthew 18:21-22 "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"

The Art
For my Journaling {Bible} page today, I chose to use the Luke 6:37 verse above. I then noted in the margins a truth from my Life Application Bible about this verse. The truth says "A forgiving spirit demonstrates that a person has received God's forgiveness." I changed it up a bit to personalize it. :)

For this particular page, I painted directly onto the margin. Before painting, I put down a very thin layer of Ranger Multi Matte Medium. Then I used a stencil and Tim Holtz Distress paints to add flowers directly to my page. Here is how it looked at that point:

Then I doodled around the flowers and added my text to finish.

I needed to write this for today. I needed these scriptures as it is all so fresh. I hope some of you are helped by this today too. Being attacked and forgiving someone is hard. But with the Lord, we can do just that because He has forgiven us!

Feel free to join us on the Facebook page where some people will be sharing their creations. We also have some discussions that will be going on there too about the study. If you don't use Facebook and want to share your creation here, please do so by leaving a link in the comment section. I am no longer paying for InLinkz. To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies, please see this post here. May the Lord help you get in the habit of forgiving!

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Glory {Art 2016} Scripture Challenge #7, Plans

The Study

So how many times a week do you have a crazy, rushed morning where you are late or things are just not going according to your schedule? Thankfully I don't have it happen too often but when I do, it really stresses me. I am a very scheduled person, and I like it that way. LOL! One morning, I was an hour behind getting the dogs on their walk and other things I needed to get done. The phone kept ringing, and I just got very behind. I felt like my whole morning was just a wreck, and I was getting more stressed as time went on. I finally took one of the puppies on a walk. As I got to the end of our street, I was stopped again. But this time it was a blessing. I got to meet our new neighbor that is two doors down from me and was just moving in. God kept saying to me "You were late because I wanted you to have this chance to meet your new neighbor." Wow, did that convict me. Have I ever thought things aren't going my way because I am trying to do things MY way? What have I missed in the past because I have done things my way and not let Him lead me or lead my day? How about you? What have you missed out on because you are doing things YOUR way?

Psalm 31:15 "My times are in Your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me."

Psalm 94:11 "The Lord knows all human plans; He knows that they are futile."

Psalm 121:7-8 "The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."

Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."

Ecclesiastes 3:17 (ASV) "I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."

2 Corinthians 1:17 "Was I fickle when I intended to do this? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say both 'Yes, yes' and 'No, no'?"

What does God have in store you today?  Will you allow Him to lead you so you can find out? Will you trust God with each day or will you continue to take on each day by yourself your way? How about trying it God's way? Commit to Him in prayer each day and let Him establish your plans! (Proverbs 16:3)

The Art

For my creation today, I decided to use the Proverbs 19:21 verse from above. It is so perfect for my story above and a great daily reminder for me. I had my plans but His purpose prevailed. And oh was it ever so much better than my plan ever was!

Size: Small Dylusions Journal
Papers: misc. book paper
Paints: Americana ocean blue and banana cream, desert turquoise, and baby blue; Martha Stewart Satin greek tile; Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid Satin; Golden Fluid Acrylic Payne's Gray, Apple Barrel white
Tools: Stencil Girl Imaginary Bloom, TCW Mini Scallop Flowers, Donna Downey Count Downey, Joggles Scalloped Rows, bubble wrap, Pigma Micron 05 pen, typewriter
Embellishments: Simply Luxe Simple alpha stickers, Illustrated Faith Say It stickers

Feel free to join us on the Facebook page where some people will be sharing their creations. We also have some discussions that will be going on there too about the study. If you don't use Facebook and want to share your creation here, do so below by using Inlinkz! To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies, please see this post here. I pray you see the blessings that come from following His plans for you each day!

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Glory {Art 2016} Scripture Challenge #6, Impact

The Study

What kind of impact are you having in your family? Your community? Your church? How about beyond that? Everyone one of us will leave some sort of impact but what kind of impact are you leaving? Have you ever thought about it? We leave an impact on people by what we do, what we say, how we live out our faith daily, and how we show love to others.

1 Timothy 4:12 "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

Our Daily Bread says this about 1 Timothy 4:12 "Paul’s words aren’t just for the young generation. All of us should be an example in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity. That’s how we make an impact for Christ. 'O Christians, remember, you bear His dear name, Your lives are for others to view; You’re living examples—men praise you or blame, and measure your Savior by you. —Anon.'"

Yes, our lives are for other to view, and people measure my precious Lord and Savior by what they see in me. What a privilege but also a huge responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Am I good living example? Oh I pray I am but I also know I falter. How about you? A quote from a historical fiction book by Darlene Franklin I am reading was wonderful. It says:

"Sometimes the only Bible people read is your life and a lot of people are watching and weighing your actions."

Your actions will leave an impact good or bad. Think about that. Remember that. If you want to leave a godly impact on those around you including those you love, then you must follow Christ's example He sets for us in His Word.

1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

1 John 3:18 "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

1 Peter 2:21 "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps."

Did you see that in the verse above? We are an example, and by that example we make an impact. Again, what kind of impact are you making on those around you?

Rick Ezell has a sermon posted at Lifeway.com about making a lasting impact. You can see the entire sermon by clicking here clicking here. Anyway, a quote from his sermon says:

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage."

I know I want people to taste godliness when they see me and hear me. I want to make that impact on peoples lives that leaves them wanting to know more about Christ and to follow His example. Don't you?

The Art

For today's art, I chose to do an Inspiration Wednesday piece (iw3.30.16). I used the 1 Timothy 4:12 verse from above and added the word 'impact' to my page. I chose black for the edges and for the keyword to have more of an 'impact'. 

Papers: misc. book paper, paper bag

Stamps: Technique Tuesday Handwritten LC Large alpha, Illustrated Faith date stamp 
Stamp Ink: Hero Hues India Ink 
Paints: Plain Jane Stained Glass hot pink, Liquitex light modeling paste, Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid Satin and Fluid Acrylic cobalt teal, Ranger Multi Medium Matte 
Tools: Stencil Girl Deconstructed Floral Bouquet and Illegible, Tim Holtz tiny attacher, typewriter 
Embellishments: misc. tags

Feel free to join us on the Facebook page where some people will be sharing their creations. We also have some discussions that will be going on there too about the study. If you don't use Facebook and want to share your creation here, do so below by using Inlinkz! To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies and art tips, please see this post here. Thanks for joining me today. Now think about the impact you are having in the world around you! Blessings,

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Glory {Art 2016} Scripture Challenge #5, Worry

Happy Mother's Day Weekend sweet blog readers! I am posting the May study a day early. I thought that if some of you had time to yourselves on Mother's Day or even today, that you might enjoy this study as a time for renewal and to prepare for the week ahead. Enjoy!

The Study

This past Tuesday as I was driving, I heard this on KLOVE:

"Worrying about tomorrow robs today of its strength."

And I would add to that that worry robs us of today's joy. I immediately thought how perfect that was for my girls as they had final exams this past week. We also lost one of our precious dogs this week suddenly and unexpectedly. After I had written most of this post, I realized God did not want me to worry about how or when to tell our girls. He gave me the words, the perfect timing, and has comforted us all. I also realized that each of you also have a lot going on in your lives—end of school year craziness, job difficulties, family issues, or maybe you too just needed this reminder.

So, what is worry? Well, dictionary.com says "to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret." When I look at that definition, it is perfect. When we worry about something, we are tormenting ourselves instead of experiencing the joy that God may have for us at that moment. When we worry about something, we are suffering from disturbing thoughts. Have you ever worried about something so wonderful that it wasn't disturbing? I doubt it. In that case, we would be looking forward to it with great expectation instead of it being disturbing. When we worry about something, we fret or become eaten away by the subject of our worry. We become bound to that worry, and it eats us up. God does not want us to be chained down by worry and fear. He died so that we might be free from that. Listen to this song by Lauren Daigle called "How Can It Be."

Chorus

"You plead my cause
You right my wrongs
You break my chains
You overcome
You gave Your life
To give me mine
You say that I am free
How can it be
How can it be"

Give your worries and your fears to Him so that you can be free from the chains of worry and experience the strength and joy of the day He has given you today! He tells us to pray, give our worries to Him, and we will then experience His peace. 

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

The Life Application Study Bible says this about Philippians 4:6-7 "Imagine never being anxious about anything. It seems like an impossibility. We all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school. But Paul's advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Then pray more! Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray!" 

So perfect—pray, and I would add to that to listen during that time of prayer too. As I began to worry about what to tell our girls about our precious pup's passing, I turned to prayer. In that quiet moment, God told me exactly what to tell our girls. It was perfect, and as I shared the words He gave me, they were comforted. If I would have continued to give into worry and fretting over what to say, how to say it, when to say it, I would have missed the beautiful words He had for all of us. So, don't miss out on the joy, comfort, and strength He has waiting for you by worrying and fretting. Turn to Him!

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Luke 12:25 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?"

The Art

Because I have not done a Bible Journaling page in quite some time and because I love this quote so much, I decided to put it in my Bible with the Luke 12:25 verse.

Papers: misc. book paper 

Stamps: Ali Edwards Heart Story, Technique Tuesday Say it to Remember and Everyday Words

Stamp Ink: Archival Ink jet black 

Paints: Kurtake watercolors, Dylusions paint fresh lime, Folk Art wicker white, Golden Open Acrylic teal 

Tools: Stencil Girl Deconstructed Floral Bouquet, Pigma Micron pens 0.3, scissors, Simply Simmons 10 round brush, waterbrush 

Embellishments: Illustrated Faith Say It Colorful and Banners stickers, Jillibean Soup birthday bisque mini alpha, Tim Holtz Chit Chat stickers

Feel free to join us on the Facebook page where some people will be sharing their creations. We also have some discussions that will be going on there too about the study. If you don't use Facebook and want to share your creation here, do so below by using Inlinkz! To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies and art tips, please see this post here. Have a relaxing Mother's Day!

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Glory {Art 2016} Scripture Challenge #4, Legacy

Note: To see the winner of the journal I created, please click here or scroll to the next post below.

The Study

How many of you used to scrapbook? How many of you still do? Why do you do it? Is it just a creative outlet or do want to leave a legacy for the generations to come? What is a legacy? Dictionary.com says it is anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor. 

I used to scrapbook a lot. I started in 1997. I have not kept up with it as I did then because God has really touched my heart to leave a faith legacy. Yes, I can do that through scrapbooking but I would rather do that through other ways. I want to share with future generations the scriptures I loved, faith quotes that touched me, but most of all I want them to know that I loved the Lord with all of my heart, that I tried to live for Him each day, and that I sought Him in all things good and bad. Evidence of my belief in Him should be seen in my daily behavior but how do I share that with the generations after me that I may never meet? Well, I can share through my journals and these lessons that I write. I hope that at least some of these lessons will be read by future generations. I also pray that they will see a bit of my faith legacy in my girls. I have tried to share with them daily as Deuteronomy 6:4-9 states: 

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 "Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

And just because they are in college doesn't mean I quit sharing. And instead of writing the Lords promises and commands on my doorpost, I use my faith journal. This is one way I will leave my faith legacy. Nichole Nordeman has an amazing song called "Legacy." Click here to listen to it, and below are the words to the chorus.

Chorus:

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Such a beautiful song and great words that we should all ponder. And I love this quote from an article Jim Burns wrote on CBN. He talks about leaving a legacy of memories, faith, life, and love. When he talks about leaving a legacy of faith, he says:

"The greatest legacy you can leave your grandchildren is the gift of faith. Model your faith to your grandkids, letting them see what the Christian life looks like in real life. Talk about what faith in Jesus Christ means to you. Engage your grandchildren in discussion about spiritual issues. If you’ve been a believer for a long time, express to your grandchildren the ways your faith has changed, been challenged and has deepened over the years. Throughout the years, as your grandchildren mature in faith, they will develop an increasing gratitude of the heritage of faith that you have contributed!"

To see the entire article, click here. I know the above things are what I share with my girls. They know my past. They know how God has changed me and that I continue to be a "work in progress." They have experienced some of the challenges with us and seen us lean on our faith and give Him all of the glory. They too have had to rely on their own faith to get them through some of our recent family struggles. We talk about spiritual issues daily because living for Christ and following Him daily is why we are here.

Luke 9:23 "Then He said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me."

So, how will my family remember me? Will they remember that I loved the Lord God with all of my heart, soul, strength, and mind? Did I point to Him enough each day? Did I share Him with others? Did I bless His name unapologetically? How about you? How will your family answer those questions about you? How will you be remembered?

Psalm 112:1-2 (NLT) "Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed."

Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

And I know someday when I get to heaven, I pray that I will hear these words from my precious Father and that my family knows I served Him well.

Matthew 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

The Art

For today's art, I created an art journaling page in my faith journal. I chose a quote by Oswald Chambers that says "We have to pray with our eyes on God not on the difficulties." I love that. My eyes should be on the Lord constantly. I also want future generations to know that too. We must maintain that daily relationship with Him. As Luke 9:23 says above, I need to pick up my cross daily and follow Him. And what is one way we can do that? Through prayer and focusing on Him in all things.

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

Papers: misc. book paper 

Stamps: Hero Arts Painted Circle, Tim Holtz Worn Text, Art to the 5th Art Fusion 

Stamp Ink: Archival jet black 

Paints: Apple Barrel wisteria and key west, Folk Art wicker white, Dylusions vibrant turquoise and fresh lime, Adirondack raspberry, Americana citron green, Golden Fluid Acrylic paynes gray

Tools: Gelli Plate 3x5, American Crafts dots patterned brayer, TCW mini onion skin stencil, Rae Missigman stencils L362, M073, and M072, Uni Posca paint pen purple, Stabilo All pencil, waterbrush, makeup sponge

Embellishments: Roben-Marie Art Pops In the Garden digital elements

So, I leave these little bits of faith in my faith journal for the generations to come. I hope they know that He is my Rock and my Abba Father!

Feel free to join us on the Facebook page where some people will be sharing their creations. We also have some discussions that will be going on there too about the study. If you don't use Facebook and want to share your creation here, do so below by using Inlinkz! To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies, please see this post here. Have a blessed week!

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