Posted in Bible Journaling, Encouragements, memories, Miscellaneous, YouTube Videos

“Doing Good In A Hurting World”

Broken, Heart, Love, Relationship

Good Morning Dear Friends,

I am writing this on a Friday morning and thinking about all the current news. I have also been working through all my emails and articles that are sent to me daily. Now when I say articles…I mean Christian articles/devotionals.

With that being said….I saw this title (article’s title) in several places. So it made me stop and think. I have recently been working through some things….as we all go through in life. After 5 years of emergencies, emergency rooms, ICUs, funerals, paperwork beyond belief and a very very messy (literally) home, 2 weddings, first grandbaby, etc. And now we have all kinds of new things in this world to deal with. WOW!!

For me the last 5+ years I have lived in a place of the squeakiest wheel gets the attention first….or the most medically or even financially critical. And all I could thinks was….soon I can get back to my life!! That was the carrot before the donkey for me!!

Hmmm….now that has that changed? Every day lately we wake up to hear the current medical scares (politcal scares, world issues) and look at…well honestly frightening maps of doom! WOW…what do we do?!!!

I don’t really have much to offer…but Jesus does. Jesus was the most incredible person literally on this earth. He is God’s son. He exampled how to love and how to help.

Now, I don’t know about you but I don’t have that special touch to heal those who are literally hurting….though I wish that could happen….and so do my knees!! šŸ˜‰ But I can do a couple of things Jesus demonstrated. I can show love, compassion, mercy, faith, hope…

I can also go the the garden to pray. Our Lord created in our lives here on this earth a way to talk to the Lord!! We do not have to go through a priest, a book or even any special formula. We can just ‘talk’. Isn’t that great!!! I know it sounds simple….but it is true. Our prayer life is a special gift from the Lord.

When Jesus hung on the cross he literally paid the price or the penalty for our sins. In the old testament that meant an animal had to be sacrificed for atonement for sin. Then Jesus came to this earth and He chose to pay that price for our walk with the Lord. We just had to believe in Him. And literally as He hung on the cross…the veil was ripped in the temple. We no longer must go through the priest and we no longer have to offer a sacrifice!!! WOW!!!

So why do I bring that up now? Well, one of the greatest blessing we were afforded was…prayer. We have a direct line to God. I don’t know about you…I can’t imagine a day when I couldn’t talk to my Savior!!

As a homeschool Mom I remember how impacting the scripture of praying along the way each day impacted me. I also remember telling my children…it’s just talking to God. And finally, my last teaching was…Jesus is with you as you go to sleep each night waiting to talk with you before you sleep. And as soon as you wake up, He is sitting right there waiting to have a chat just with you!!

Though those teachings may sound childlike simplicity….it is true for all of us!! So when we are going through these difficulties…we need to pray. Just talk to Jesus!! He is waiting to chat each day…throughout the day!!

There is a wonderful song by Steven Curtis Chapman that was my son’s favorite song when he was little….Let us Pray. Here’s a couple of lines that stick with me…

“Let us pray, let us pray, everywhere in every way
Every moment of the day, it is the right time
For the Father above, He is listening with love
And He wants to answer us, so let us pray”

1 Thess 5:17, Col 4:2, Eph 6:18, Heb 4:16, Rom 12:12

And also in this particular song…there is reference to how Jesus modeled for us to pray with “the Lord’s Prayer”.

Matthew 6:9-13

Image result for the lord's prayer

 

Let us…think about the things above and not on the things of this earth. (Col. 3:2)

I share this verse…to say…when we are overwhelmed with the thought of all that is going on in the world today….let us keep our thoughts on the Lord. When doing this we can better know ‘when, how & where’ He needs us to serve. We better know this through prayers…loving God (going to the garden to pray…as Jesus exampled) and loving others.

So finally, what does this look like in my life. I have been working so hard “to get all this done…so I could get back to my life”. Guess what, my life has forever changed these last 5+ years. So there is no way of going back. What I must do now, is focus on what is ahead of me. What the Lord’s will is in my life. And instead of mourning circumstances or what has been the cost of these last many years(& yes there have been blessings…amazing blessings)…it is time to move forward.

So some of the things I am working on:

1) Reclaiming my home!! PTL!!! (And fyi…this is not a one weekend venture.)

2) Focusing on the current work list and completing it and not dreaming of the what if’s.

3) Loving and caring for those in the here and now.

4) Saying no to what I should not be doing…even if there is push back. I cannot please everyone all the time.

5) Quit “trusting” those who are not trustworthy and expecting them to live up to what my standards are in life. (Proverbs tells us to walk with wise men….GREAT focus!!)

6) Taking time to develop healthy friendships/relationships as so many were lost over these busy years and just change of life…going from the world of homeschooling, well to not!!

7) Focus on my family…that truly paid the price with me in helping their family/grandparents final days, deaths and enormous work after. Taking the time for my Sweet Husband, children (&spouses) and our new first grandbaby. šŸ™‚

8) Enjoy the journey I am in each day.

9) The most important of all….FOCUS on the Lord and His will in my entire life.

I know this is my list….maybe take a few minutes to write your own priority list. Then my Sweet Friends…let us pray, let us pray…every where and every day…it is the right time!! And let us do good in a hurting world…be that light for Christ!!!

Hugs and prayers…k šŸ™‚

Posted in Bible Journaling, Bible Journaling Camp, Encouragements, Hymnal Journaling, Journal, Journals, memories, Miscellaneous, Paper crafting, YouTube Videos

Thursday Hymnal Journaling On JosephinesDesigns.com on YouTube

Welcome Sweet Friends!!

We have begun our Hymnal Journaling each Thursday on JosephinesDesigns.com on YouTube!! We began with an introduction to each week’s plan and all items needed…and those possibly needed. šŸ™‚

We have been blessed to have a drawing for subscribers! We are giving away a copy of the devotional being used!!! YAY!!!! The video shares how to become eligible for the drawing!! šŸ™‚

So grab a hymnal, some basic supplies and the devotional….and join us!!! We would LOVE to have you!! We will have a new upload each Thursday on JosephinesDesigns.com YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNF08CE8fU6EsXPvN3mzVpw/videos?view_as=subscriber

Hugs and prayers,

k šŸ™‚

THURSDAY HYMN JOURNALING – SURPRISE!! PT. 1

 

THURSDAY HYMN JOURNALING – SURPRISE!! PT. 2

Posted in Bible Journaling, Bible Journaling Camp, Encouragements, Gallery, Miscellaneous, Paper crafting, YouTube Videos

#WBJC2020 On JosephinesDesigns.com On YouTube

Welcome Sweet Friends,

We have already begun our Winter Bible Journaling Camp 2020!!! The first few days have been so much fun….with more fun to go!!!

These seasonal camps are free to the JosephinesDesigns.com on YouTube subscribers!! It is my way to encourage and give back in the Lord!! These camps are a collaboration of lovely known and those wish to remain unknown sponsors!! We have been so blessed to have ByTheWell4God, MoveTheMountains and AllieScraps on Etsy support our camps with lovely Bible Journaling supplies!! We also have been blessed to have those who contribute by prayer and some by monetary gifts. And finally even some of our amazing Dear Campers even make goodie bags of Bible Journaling supplies for all the campers!! What a blessing for all of us!!! God is so good!!!

Please come back as I will be updating our current #WBJC2020 videos, pictures, etc!!

You can also view all videos on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNF08CE8fU6EsXPvN3mzVpw/videos?view_as=subscriber

There are wonderful opportunities for subscribers…and the best group of encouraging friends waiting to bless each co-subscriber!!

Have a wonderful day in the Lord…hug/prayers,

k šŸ™‚

Winter Bible Journaling Camp 2020 Intro and Unboxing Pt. 1

 

Winter Bible Journaling Camp 2020 Intro and Unboxing Pt. 2

 

#WBJCĀ 2020 WINTER BIBLE JOURNALING CAMP 2020 DAY 2 PT. 1

 

#WBJC 2020 WINTER BIBLE JOURNALING CAMP 2020 DAY 2 PT. 2

 

#WBJCĀ 2020 WINTER BIBLE JOURNALING CAMP 2020 DAY 3 PT. 1

 

#WBJC 2020 WINTER BIBLE JOURNALING CAMP 2020 DAY 3 PT. 2

 

Posted in #FGTBJC2019, Bible Journaling, Bible Journaling Camp, Encouragements, Journal, Journals, Miscellaneous, Occasions, YouTube Videos

Thanksgiving Day

DaySpring Cards

Every year since 1621, Americans have planned and gathered together for one day for a single purpose: to give thanks. It’s a day to ponder, remember, celebrate, break bread, and share stories of God’s abundance, both big and small. Whether for His blessing of provision, victory in battle, or the very gift of life, giving thanks has been an annual tradition since the founding of this country. Likewise, since the founding of your salvation – the day you came to accept Jesus as Savior – every day is cause to lift up your hands in praise and speak gratitude from your heart. You can shout out loud or whisper softly, just remember to let the wordsĀ Thank YouĀ be said.

David’s song of thanksgiving: The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge. My shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence. (II Samuel 22:2-3 CSB)

O Lord, I will praise You with all my heart and tell everyone about the marvelous things You do. (Psalm 9:1 TLB)

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1 CSB)

Then say, ā€œSave us, O God of our salvation; Gather us together and rescue us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, and glory in Your praise.ā€ (I Chronicles 16:35 AMP)

You turned my lament into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, so that I can sing to You and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise You forever. (Psalm 30:11-12 CSB)

Father, THANK YOU. Thank You for Your perfect provision and love .For armor to fight the enemy, and for Your Word to stand in truth. Most of all, for Your kindness and forgiveness of my sins. Thank You. Amen.

This is an excerpt fromĀ 100 Days of Grace & GratitudeĀ by Shanna Noel and Lisa Stilwell.

Posted in #FGTBJC2019, Bible Journaling, Bible Journaling Camp, Encouragements, Journal, Journals, memories, Miscellaneous, YouTube Videos

Changing Our Posture by Practicing Gratitude

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My kids are fifteen months apart. All they’ve known is being with each other, occupying the same space, having a constant companion. My daughter’s like my husband — logical, introverted, often craving space to herself so she can read or play unbothered. My son, on the other hand, is like me — affectionate, empathetic, always craving company and someone to play with. When they’re apart, they miss each other, wondering what the other is up to, what things they might be missing out on that the other is doing. They play well and fight well; it’s a ā€œcan’t live with or without each otherā€ situation.

After separate playdates yesterday, I picked them up, and less than five minutes into the car ride home, they start arguing, their tones twisting into whines and their voices rising in volume and sass. I have no patience for this; they’ve been whining since they woke up that morning. So I yell,

ā€œYOU’RE ALREADY FIGHTING?! YOU’VE ONLY BEEN TOGETHER FOR FIVE MINUTES! I’VE HAD ENOUGH TODAY! NO ONE CAN TALK UNTIL WE GET HOME!ā€

They scrunch their faces at me in frustration, but I don’t relent. We all need a timeout to take a breather, to let our emotions simmer down. Their last whines fade out, and as we drive the rest of the way home in silence, my anger subsides. I recognize my overreaction, and I remember the conversation my husband and I had about how it seems that every podcast or sermon or health tip we listen to these days talks about practicing gratitude.

Am I grateful or do I whine just like the kids do? Am I grateful for them? If they’re gifts from God, how do I practice gratitude when I’ve lost my patience and am beyond annoyed, when I’ve just yelled at them, when they don’t behave as I wish they would?

I check my heart and see the rigidity of my posture. When provoked, I often stand on a soapbox of my own righteousness and lord it over my kids, my finger wagging, my tone condescending. I feel entitled to them conforming to my ways, for them to obey me the first time every single time, for them to play well with each other and be happy and grateful.

Though I do want them to learn to listen, to respect me and each other, my expectations for their behavior is unrealistic. I’m asking for robots instead of children who need grace and reminders. And am I not also a child who needs the same things from the Father?

I’m not that much different than my kids: I also need to try again, to use my words nicely, to say sorry and ask for forgiveness. So I get off my soapbox and relax my stance. I look into the rearview mirror and see their faces, obediently quiet. I can tell they’re ready to be silly again, and I’m grateful their spirits haven’t been broken.Our postures determine our attitudes, and I’m understanding more why so many people across the spectrum are talking about practicing gratitude.

Gratitude changes our posture, and practicing gratitude means we must slow down our minds and our hearts to remember, recount, and recognize what we have to be grateful for. It helps us to make mental and emotional shifts throughout the day when it’s not going well, and it grounds us and gives us a better perspective.

Today has been much like yesterday, with the same arguments and whining, but my posture is softer, my heart more open. I’m running through the things I’m grateful for, and this is what I know:

I’m thankful for my kids, whom I get to raise and love and who make me proud and make me laugh. I’m thankful for second chances throughout the day, so we don’t have to be stuck in bad attitudes and crabby moods. I’m thankful for my husband, who has started asking us what we’re grateful for at the end of each day, a way to recalibrate and center us back to what’s most important. I’m thankful for the quiet hours of the night when I get to work, for the work I get to do, and for the rest I get to relish at the end of the day.

I’m thankful for the depth yet simplicity of living out our faith and for Jesus who walked the way ahead of us. I’m thankful that we are being constantly broken and reshaped into the mold of Christ. All is grace in Him, and all thanks be to Him.

Posted in #FGTBJC2019, Bible Journaling, Bible Journaling Camp, Encouragements, Journal, Journals, Miscellaneous, YouTube Videos

How to Leave a Family Legacy of Gratitude

DaySpring Cards

There’s just something special about celebrating the holidays as a child. Everything is new and exciting, the cousins are all in one place, playing and making memories, and you look forward to every special tradition and new activity. But as we grow up, schedules get busy, we forget about our traditions and maybe miss a year or two. The ā€œkidsā€ get engaged and married and then have their own families that they have toĀ consider when planning Thanksgiving dinner, and you realize that the holidays don’t stay exactly the same forever. I didn’t realize until I was much older how profoundly the holiday traditions that my parents and grandparents intentionally created for us would affect me as an adult and affect how I will approach the holidays someday when I have a family of my own.

ThanksgivingĀ in my family has always been centered on gratitude for our abundant blessings. That legacy of gratitude has been built over time by the practice of praying together, thanking God for our blessings, and my very favorite family tradition – the Thanksgiving Journal. This tradition, more than any other that I can remember, has instilled a true spirit of gratitude in my family and the intention of documenting that gratitude so that we can leave that legacy for generations to come. Like any tradition, you can start this in your familyĀ today, and all you needĀ is aĀ notebookĀ or journal.Ā It’s that simple!

In 1991, my grandpa (we call him Pop) picked up an emtpy journal and asked everyone at Thanksgiving to write what they were thankful for. I can imagine it may have been a little awkward and out of their comfort zones to be so honest in a book that everyone could read, but they did it for him. It was the year my parents had gotten married, so there was much for them to be thankful for! Every year, he continued the tradition. He would write an introduction at the beginning with a prayer and some Scriptures that were on his heart, a little recap of what happened over the last year, and what he was thankful for before handing it off to someone else to share. In 1992, my mom wrote, ā€œI am thankful for a sentimental dad who cares about making new traditions.ā€ Year after year, the blessings and heartaches and abundant thankfulness for how the Lord provided for my family was written onto the pages of this unsuspecting little book.

In the almostĀ thirtyĀ years that we have honored this tradition, our little notebook has documented hundreds and hundreds of blessings from God, the marriage of my parents, the passing of both of my great-grandparents, the birth of four grandchildren (myself included), big moves, new jobs, pets, kids growing up, graduations, engagements, and more marriages. And to think what thirty more years will bring.

There are years we’ve forgotten the special tradition, but we always pick right back up where we left off. We actually have two different notebooks because the original got misplaced and we had to start a new journal to keep the tradition alive. But the physical journal itself is not where the tradition lies, although it is a nice time-capsule of sorts to hold on to. The legacy isn’t because of the cover design or the size of the margins. It doesn’t disappear just because the pages are yellowing or beginning to fall out. If we lose the journals and never find them again, all those years of thankfulness will be just as real and special and important. But this practice of gratitude far exceeds the bounds of Thanksgiving.

The legacy of gratitude was instilled in our family because of my grandparents and parents living out their faith and expressing their gratitude day in and day out. Thirty years from now, I hope to be honoring this tradition with my own children and grandchildren, and I hope in thirty years, they share this same love and thankfulness as I do now.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!Ā (Psalm 107:1-8, noted in the first entry of the Perkins Family Thanksgiving Journal)

Posted in #FGTBJC2019, Bible Journaling, Bible Journaling Camp, Encouragements, Miscellaneous, YouTube Videos

Make This the Best Thanksgiving Ever

DaySpring Cards

Didn’t you just love Thanksgiving as a kid? For me, this holiday meant the excitement of time with my cousins – running and jumping in huge mounds of leaves, hanging from trees until we were red-faced, playing in the garden, and eating my grandmother’s amazingĀ (and I meanĀ amazing), cooked-from-scratch Thanksgiving dinner.

At the time, it was just plain fun, but as an adult, I now know it was more. There was a warmth there – an indescribable feeling of love, joy, peace and belonging. I can just picture God smiling down on us as we sat around that dark wood table, holding hands and bowing our heads. Ā You see, He designed families to hold onto one another – encouraging one another, building each other up.

Nowadays, I make the 8-hour round trip to my parents’ house with my two little girls, who can’t wait to see their cousins, to roll around in the leaves, and to eat my sort-of amazingĀ (and I meanĀ sort-ofĀ amazing)Ā chocolate pecan pie. Because if I can pass that indescribable warmth on to my children, nieces and nephews, then this might just be theĀ best Thanksgiving ever.

Here areĀ four simple waysĀ I plan to accomplish this hefty task…

1.Ā I’m going to start talking to my children now about what it truly means toĀ give thanks. I’ll surround them with thankful, thought-provoking messages, using dĆ©cor such as theĀ Give Thanks Wood & Metal Wall ArtĀ and theĀ Give Thanks to the Lord Throw PillowĀ to remind them of God’s unfailing love. These are conversation starters that help guide these conversations. Maybe we’ll pass the pillow as we sit in the living room, each of us naming the top three things for which we are thankful.

2.Ā By allowing my kids to help me writeĀ Thanksgiving cardsĀ to my friends and family, I will teach them the value ofĀ gratitude, while also reminding those long-lost cousins of God’s goodness in our lives.

3.Ā I will reserve time to connect with my kids and the whole family. Instead of spending the whole holiday in the kitchen, I will cook what I can ahead of time, put it in inspirational paper bakeware, then heat it up when the big day comes. And I’ll spend the time I save jumping in the leaves with the kids.

4.Ā I’ll manage my expectations. Thanksgiving can be overwhelming, such as when you’re pullingĀ hot rolls out of the ovenĀ while little ones are running underfoot, everyone is talking at the same time, and your niece has been banging on the piano for the last half hour – you catch my drift. This year, I’m going to rest in the Lord, and when things get a little out of control, I plan to sit down with aĀ hot cup of tea, take a deep breath, and enjoy the scenery.

Whatever you do, be sure to take time to breathe in God’s blessings this holiday season. Take some time to enjoy the family, share some joy and encouragement and gratitude with others, be good to yourself, and invite your family and friends to do the same!

 

Posted in #FGTBJC2019, Bible Journaling, Bible Journaling Camp, Encouragements, Miscellaneous, YouTube Videos

When It’s Hard To Be Grateful On Thanksgiving

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DaySpring.com

When It’s Hard to be Grateful on Thanksgiving

It’s a story of sacrifice and survival; partnership and progress.

It was our country’s very first Thanksgiving.

Imagine the challenges the first settlers endured in 1620. They left everyone they knew and everything that was familiar. The Mayflower carried 102 voyagers across the Atlantic on a 66-day journey full of sickness and storms. That winter, nearly half of the voyagers died from disease and lack of shelter.

Yet, when the harvest season arrived, they set aside three full days to give thanks. In spite of the hardships, there was still much to be grateful for. They were alive. They were welcomed as strangers into a new land. The natives taught them how to grow their own crops. They had food to eat and friends to share it with. And…they had religious freedom, which is the very reason they came.

The settlers’ simple decision to be intentionally grateful led to centuries of Americans doing the same every November.

Let’s be real though. In some seasons of life, being grateful is just plain hard. We find ourselves overwhelmed with circumstances and underwhelmed with relationships. With preoccupied minds and aching hearts, it goes against our nature to give thanks anyway. But that’s exactly what the Lord asks of us.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.Ā I Thessalonians 5:18Ā NLT

But…

How can we give thanks if we lost our job?

How can we give thanks if we’ve been diagnosed with a disease?

How can we give thanks if we can’t conceive?

How can we give thanks if our friend refuses to talk to us?

How can we give thanks if we are spending the holidays alone…again?

How can we give thanks if our marriage is falling apart?

How can we give thanks if our child is suffering?

How can we give thanks if we lost a loved one?

How can we give thanks if we don’t know what the future holds?

Because even though we are struggling, our God is still sacred.

In each difficult situation, our Creator gives us glimpses of hope in a sacred silver lining. It’s the place where God is working all things together for good. It’s where the hidden blessings are stored. They aren’t always easy to find, but they’re always there.

The secret to giving thanks in all circumstances is to find His sacred lining.

We will find His sacred lining when we give thanks for what we do have, instead of complaining about what we don’t have.
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.Ā Philippians 4:11-13Ā NLT

We will find His sacred lining when we give thanks for what is right instead of worrying about what is wrong.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.Ā Philippians 4:6-7Ā NLT

We will find His sacred lining when we give thanks for the process instead of grumbling about the problem.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.Ā Romans 5:3-5Ā NLT

We will find His sacred lining when we give thanks to God first.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.Ā Psalm 118:1Ā NIV

Before we gather around the table this year, gobbling up turkey and a slice of pumpkin pie, let’s be intentional about giving thanks no matter what. We can be personal about it by startingĀ a gratitude journal, or we can share it with others in a prayer before dinner. Yes, circumstances can be challenging. Yes, relationships can be broken. But we serve a God who is for us, not against us. There is a holy gift waiting for us amidst the hardship. Let’s look hard for His sacred lining and give thanks to God when we find it, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day.


Know someone who is having a difficult holiday? Send themĀ 
a handwritten greeting card,Ā encouraging EcardĀ or check out ourĀ Difficult Times sectionĀ to find just the right gift to lift their spirits this season. Ā 

Posted in #FGTBJC2019, Bible Journaling Camp, Encouragements, Miscellaneous, YouTube Videos

Be Thankful People

Crosswalk.com

Be ThankfulĀ for People
This devotional was written by Robin Dugall

I thank my God every time I remember you. 
—Philippians 1:3Ā 

Thanksgiving Sunday is here, and across our country, pastors are preaching sermons pointing out the need for Christ-followers to be thankful people. As a pastor, I’ve made impassioned pleas for Christ-followers to rise above ourĀ culture… to resist the temptation for the holiday season to be simply another opportunity for us to be self-focused and self-indulgent. Thanksgiving isn’t just about eating to the brink of explosion; shopping to the brink of bankruptcy; watching television to the brink of insanity. I’ve tried to make the point that Thanksgiving for a person who loves God can be so much more.

Even so, I discovered in my own life that despite what I’ve preached, I have missed a crucial element in the process of being a thankful follower of Jesus in my own life. I found that over the years I have been mostly thankful for theĀ THINGSĀ in my life; for food, finances, the house I have lived in, the clothes I have worn, and so on. While there’s nothing wrong with being thankful for these things, I have missed the boat on giving thanks for the biggest blessings of God in my life… PEOPLE.

Consider how empty, purposeless, and meaningless our lives would be without relationships. Relationships have shaped who we are and who we are becoming. Without exception, everyone I know has been positively influenced by other people. While it is easy to thank God for theĀ THINGSĀ in our lives, we should remember to be equally thankful for theĀ PEOPLEĀ God has placed in our lives as well!

Let me give you just one example. I am thankful for my Aunt Patty. She had suffered a brain injury when she was a small child severe enough that by the time I was born, she had become mentally disabled. But, when I was a child, she would play games and entertain me for hours. She loved me unconditionally. We would playĀ The BeatlesĀ records and pretend to be Paul McCartney and John Lennon. It was her love for music that infected my soul for the rest of my life. I thank God for her!

How about you? Who do you thank God for? Today, take a few moments and thank God for the relationships in your life. Truthfully, it can revolutionize your life. Happy Thanksgiving!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Make a list of the people who have shaped your life. Share the list with your friends and family.

2. How easy is it to just thank God for things in your life? How can you live a lifestyle of thankfulness more consistently?

FURTHER READING:

[Psalms 150;Ā Philemon 1]

For more information and resources please visitĀ HomeWord.com.

Posted in #FGTBJC2019, Bible Journaling, Bible Journaling Camp, Creative Memories, Encouragements, Journal, Journals, Junk Journals, Miscellaneous, Paper crafting, YouTube Videos

Grandbaby Girl is….

Hello Dear Friends,

We are waiting ready to leave. We have had the call….now just waiting to see what the Dr. says!!

Please be in prayer with us for our Daughter’s safety and health. And prayer for our Little One’s safety and health.

I will not post the 7th Day Bible Journaling in my Bible for the #FGTBJC2019 until Day 14th. My apologies. I was working as quick as I could. The daily camp classes will continue and once all is settled in, I will begin working again at our daughter and SIL’s home after our Little One is here. In between rocking, singing and cuddling our new Little One!! šŸ™‚

Thank you to each and everyone who has stood with us in prayer!! And for all your incredible encouragements!!!

I will post once she makes her official debute and let all of you know!! šŸ™‚

Hugs and prayers….k šŸ™‚