Tag: Peace

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

Thanksgiving Day

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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 words Thank You 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, “Save 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.” (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 from 100 Days of Grace & Gratitude 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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DaySpring Cards

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 “can’t live with or without each other” 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,

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

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, 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

Oct 25, 2017 by Kristin
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. I Thessalonians 5:18 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. Philippians 4:11-13 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. Philippians 4:6-7 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. Romans 5:3-5 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. Psalm 118:1 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 starting 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 them a handwritten greeting card, encouraging Ecard or check out our Difficult Times section to find just the right gift to lift their spirits this season.  

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

Be Thankful People

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Be Thankful for People
This devotional was written by Robin Dugall

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

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 our 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 the THINGS 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 the THINGS in our lives, we should remember to be equally thankful for the PEOPLE 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 play The Beatles 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; Philemon 1]

For more information and resources please visit HomeWord.com.

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

Remember To Give Thanks…

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Remember to Give Thanks

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. (Luke 17:15–16 NKJV)

The Bible tells the story of ten men who had a lot to give thanks for. They were miraculously touched by Jesus. Prior to this touch, they were complete outcasts, the very scourge of society. These men had leprosy, and you couldn’t get any lower in that particular time in history with this incurable disease.

If a man was found to have leprosy, he could have no contact with others. He had to leave his house and his friends and live apart from them. So here were these men living an isolated, miserable, lonely life. But they heard about Jesus. They heard how He had touched others and healed them.

So they called out to the Lord and asked for His healing touch. Now these men were standing before Jesus in various stages of decay. Their clothing would have been ripped from perpetual mourning. Their skeletal heads would have been uncovered. They would have been required, according to the Law of Moses, to cry out, “Unclean! Unclean!” wherever they went.

But Jesus did not respond to them with special effects or even a dramatic touch. He simply said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:14 NKJV). So that is what they did. And guess what? They were healed.

We are so quick to ask for God’s help, but let’s remember to be just as quick in giving Him praise when He comes through.

Copyright © 2019 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

Posted in Encouragements, Miscellaneous, organization

Post Holiday Fatigue? 4 Scriptures to Help Restore & Renew

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After weeks of whirlwind shopping, family gathering and party planning, the holiday season has come to an end. Anyone else feeling less-than-energized? If so, you’re in good company! When post-holiday exhaustion hits, it can be difficult to find motivation. Care to join us for some much-needed rest and rejuvenation?

Here are 4 Scriptures on rest and restoration to help guide us in the coming days:

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 NIV

Whatever holiday transition looks like for you—boxes of half-put-away ornaments, counters full of dishes, or maybe just a neglected to-do list—there’s likely something crying for your attention. Try giving yourself a little mannequin challenge every once in a while: stop right in the midst of whatever you’re doing—stand, sit, or lie still—and just breathe in God’s peace. Recall His Word in Psalm 46:10. Remind yourself that whatever’s making life feel hectic today, it will get done—eventually. It’ll work out. It’ll be ok. And best of all, it’s not in your hands (even if you’d like to think so!). Let go, and let God work through the rhythm of your life to accomplish what’s needed in His time.

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

The post-holiday season can be a challenging time to keep the “heavenly peace” going in our homes (and hearts!). It’s likely the kids have had way more sugar than they’re used to, we’re all running on little sleep after some late nights, and we’re thrust back into our weekly school and work routines. We may be more likely to snap at one another or say things we don’t mean in moments of frustration. Why not introduce a new post-holiday theme this year called Space & Grace? Hang a sign, tack it up on the fridge, or remind one another during daily prayer. We all need some healthy personal space and extra grace for one another as the season winds down. Sure, it doesn’t thwart every post-holiday argument, but it does bring us a little more peace as we settle back into daily life.

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV

We often wrap up the season with a New Year’s resolution or two focused on trying harder, doing more, or being better at something. What about a different kind of commitment this year? Once a day (or week, or whatever feels realistic) commit to setting aside a few moments for some holy imagination. Find a little time—maybe after the morning rush or as you’re drifting off to sleep at night—to close your eyes and envision a real connection with Jesus. What does it look like for you to receive the love and peace He longs to give you? Envision this beautiful place, laying your head on His shoulder, just being held without words or expectations. Maybe create a sketch or capture a photo that communicates Matthew 11:28 to your heart. Place it somewhere and remind yourself often to respond to His invitation of rest.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 ESV

For some of us, the after-Christmas blues can be hard to shake. We may be exhausted or disappointed that the holiday “break” is over. We may be dealing with the aftermath of far-from-perfect family gatherings; difficult relationships can often take their toll.

Whatever it is, we can rest assured that God always has a Word for our hearts. As Christmas decorations come down, why not consider a few new ways to surround yourself with His words of encouragement? There may not be an “official” season to celebrate for a while, but there’s always a reason to rejoice. Check out our Scripture-filled home decor and desktop/office supplies; they can be simple reminders throughout the day of God’s presence with you. Whether it’s a holiday or any day, we can celebrate the beautiful truth of John 1:14 NIV: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

At DaySpring, it is our goal to give you all the tools and resources you need to Live Your Faith year round (not just during the holiday season). We are looking forward to walking alongside you in the new year in your post-holiday fatigue, through the winter blues, into spring, summer, and beyond. Whatever life might bring with it this year, be sure to lean into God’s Word and join us as we continue to come up with new, fresh, inspiring ways to experience and express the life-changing message of God’s love.

Article credit: Paige from Dayspring.com

 

 

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Weekly Verses…

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Monday
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
At many Christian funerals, the preacher emphasizes how Jesus has left to make a place ready for us to join him in heaven. Then he is going to come back for us. But just a few verses later, Jesus adds this promise. He’s telling us that until we can come be with him at his place, he will come live with us here in our hearts. It all hinges on one thing, our willingness to obey him. Not a bad deal, is it. So let’s not let obedience be a forgotten word in our lifestyle!
MY PRAYER…
Holy God, I know Jesus came to earth and obeyed your will. Give me discernment that my obedience will not simply be the obedience of your words, but will also be the obedience of your will. I long to honor you because you have done so much to save me. Thank you. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
Tuesday
We proclaim him [Jesus], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we present everyone perfect in Christ.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Our goal as Christians is not to obey some law, to adhere to some set of rules, or even be followers of some discipline. Our goal as Christians is to be conformed to the character and ministry of Jesus. This is the Spirit’s work in us (2 Cor. 3:18) and as Paul makes clear here and in other places (Galatians 4:19) that this is his goal in working with others.
MY PRAYER…
Holy Lord, conform my heart, my words, my life, my ministry, and my actions to those of Jesus. I want him to be my Lord, not just in my words but also in my life. Through him I pray. Amen.
Wednesday
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
We want the Spirit to be at work in us to make us like Jesus. For this to happen, we must open our heart to the will of God. There are no greater words God wants to hear than “teach me to do your will.” That is what it means for him to be God, to have control over our life and our will.
MY PRAYER…
Almighty God, I want you to truly be God in my life. I renounce any attempt on my part to try to manipulate or use your grace and kindness for my benefit. I submit my will to yours. But Holy Father, I confess that I struggle at times with my own selfish and evil desires that lead me astray. Please forgive me when my heart is cold and my ears are deaf to your will. Please, take control of my life today. Through Jesus my Lord, I ask you to assert your will as God in my life. Amen.
Thursday
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Worthy of respect! What a goal for our lives whether we are men or women! Don’t you want your life to reflect the character of God because our faith expresses itself in a life of self-control. This work of the Spirit in our lives happens only as we dedicate ourselves to being what he is at work trying to accomplish in us.
MY PRAYER…
Father, please strengthen me through your Spirit so that I may gain better control of my passions, my speech, my example, and my habits. Help me put to death the things that would rob me of my spiritual passion and my influence for good to those who do not know Jesus. Through whom I pray. Amen.
Friday
[The Lord says,] “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
God will not forget us when we’re in trouble or when we are old. We may outlive our friends and be forgotten by those who know us, but God will never leave us or forsake us. He will sustain, carry, protect, and rescue us.
MY PRAYER…
Thank you my Father, for promising to never forget me. Because of your faithfulness to your children of old, I know you will never forsake me. I trust that no matter where I am or where I go, you will go with me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Saturday
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Children don’t need to be taught, they need to be trained. Life is not about intellectual lessons, but about integrating truth into the fabric of our daily lives. God calls us to move our children and their training up on the list of our priorities.
MY PRAYER…
Great and Holy Counselor, help me as I seek to know the best thing to do with my children to share my love and your truth with them. I want them to know and love you even better than I do. Give me wisdom and courage to make wise decisions and tenderness to implement them in my family’s life. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
Sunday
The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Sometimes we get so caught up in the wonders of God’s creation and the marvelous blessings of his grace we forget to ask him to teach us his truth.
MY PRAYER…
Holy and Precious Father, teach me your truth, lead me to your will, and guide me in your wisdom that my life may be a reflection of your plan for me when you made me new in my mother’s womb. In Jesus I ask these things. Amen.
Article Credit: Oneplace.com
Posted in Miscellaneous, Occasions

How to Have Joy in Any Circumstance

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Guest Post by Gina of GinaMPoirier.com

It isn't always easy to choose joy. Here is how to have joy in any circumstance.“I just feel like I’ve lost my joy,” she told me one day over coffee and a few tears. “And as a Christian, I feel horrible about that.”

My friend was in the situation many of us find ourselves in: taking care of kids (or something else) and trying to keep our acts together while we’re exhausted, overwhelmed and downright cranky about all. And to top it all off, we feel guilty for not being more joyful.

I wish I could have told her the magic formula, something like prayer + Bible study = joy. And there have certainly been times when I have naively thought it should be that simple.

But in response I simply gave her a hug and maybe cried a little myself. Because in truth, life is hard. Joy isn’t always an automatic response just because you’re a Christian.

Yet on the other hand, the Bible does instruct us to rejoice always, in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I mean really, God? (He says yes, really.)

So how, exactly, do we have more joy, even when life is really, really tough?

I’ll try to handle this carefully, since I truly don’t think there’s a formula. But here are a few things I like to remember that help my own heart feel more joy when the circumstances bring anything but.

Related: How to Trust God’s Plan for Your Life

 

1. Look to Jesus

 

I don’t know about you, but a lot of times when I’m dealing with my not-so-joyful emotions I fall into a thought pattern that goes something like this: this is too hard, and nobody understands what I’m going through.

That’s one of the hardest things about pain and suffering: sometimes it does make you feel isolated. Proverbs 14:10 says, “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.” But the good news is that there is actually one person who does “get it.”

Hebrews 4:14–16 say that Jesus empathizes with our weaknesses and was tempted in every way we are. And as our friend he gets us and is there for us, and wants to show us the way through our pain (John 15:15).

So in other words, take your pain to Jesus. Pray to him; confess your weaknesses and ask for help. Study his life and his words, that it may increase your faith (Romans 10:17). Sing to him. Meditate on his promises.

Having said that, God is not a genie and doesn’t magically turn your emotions off and on whenever you ask. But I believe he’s the way I must turn when I’m hurting, if I want to heal.

 

2. Fill Your Mind with Truth

 

I’m fascinated with the human brain, and I’m even more fascinated by the fact that the Bible supports a lot of what modern psychology has discovered. In particular, we have the power to change the structure of our brains by redirecting our thoughts.

If you’re in the habit of negativity and toxic thinking, your thought patterns will continue down those well-trodden paths (you literally can get into “ruts.”) But if you are more conscious about what you’re putting your mind to, you will change the way you think.

Scripture supports this (Philippians 4:8, for starters), and Brittany has some great suggestions here: Want to Take Every Thought Captive? It’s Easier Than You Think!

I’ve found that copying Bible verses and memorizing them is a way to keep my mind focused on what is true. (Want some suggestions? Check out the printables I offer.)

Another way to fill your mind with truth is through habitual gratitude. Keeping a gratitude journal is a scientifically supported, biblical way to rewire your brain for joy.

 

3. Reach Out for Help

 

When I think of some of the toughest times in my life, I don’t know how I would have gotten through without the support of the body of Christ. And few things make me smile more than thinking about those who have been there for me when I’ve needed them.

When a part of your physical body gets hurt, other parts of it provide healing by delivering the oxygen and immune support it needs. It’s the same way in the church (1 Corinthians 12:21–26). We need each other through good times and bad, to help us heal and grow through our trials and weaknesses.

I’m guilty of being extremely independent through my pain and struggles, as I think a lot of us are. We come to the church putting our best foot forward, when it should be the other way around.

I’m not saying you should go to worship service a weeping mess all the time, but I challenge you to be bold in your vulnerability. Meet with mentors and peers who can cry with you over coffee, watch your kids so you can rest, celebrate your victories and pray with you through your trials. And if you don’t have these people in your life, go find them. Pray for God to lead you to them.

Related: 3 Truths to Remember When Battling Mom Loneliness

 

4. Let the Holy Spirit Do His Work

 

It occurred to me recently as I was thinking about this that joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). Here’s the thing about fruit: it doesn’t appear magically. It takes time and cultivation.

Jesus is the vine, the Father is the Gardener and we are the branches that bear fruit through the work of the Holy Spirit (John 15:1–8). There have been times when I’ve been impatient and even felt guilty because the joy simply wasn’t there when I thought it should be.

But if joy is like fruit, then that means that it will take time to grow into maturity. It will be more plentiful in some seasons than others. And at times we need to be pruned in order to produce more.

We may not fully understand this process, but we don’t have to. All we have to do is stay in the vine (the steps listed above are some practical ways that help with this), and God will grow the fruit.

 

I don’t know what your circumstances are, but I do know what the Bible says about working through them. And I believe that given time, you’ll find the joy that God calls us all to.

Article Credit: equippinggodlywomen.com

 

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FREE Scrapbooking Supplies?

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Hello Dear Friends,

Here is an amazing offer via Creative Memories for FREE SCRAPBOOKING supplies!!!

The Creative Memories scrapbooking supplies are the best!!!  This offer is unbelievable!!!

PLEASE take just a moment and read below!!!

If you are interested in becoming a Creative Memories Advisor, there is an amazing bonus for signing up right now as well!!! (See my website for this sign up offer.) This is the best time to sign up!! You can sign up as a hobbiest, as there are NO minimums!!! Many of us start out as hobbiest and then decide to make a business. Or you could start your own business…the decision is all yours!!!

On a personal note, Creative Memories home office and all the local Creative Memories advisors are the warmest most supportive friends…ever!!! I love my CM family and all the beautiful memories I am saving for my family!!! CM makes it all soooooo very easy!!! I complete beautiful pages in absolutely no time and I have a story to pass onto my children and one day my grandchildren!!

If you are interested in this great offer as a customer or a potential advisor, just contact me at: JosephinesDesigns.com@gmail.com. I am happy to help!!

Here is a link to my website as well: http://www.CreativeMemories.com/user/JosephinesDesigns.com

If you shop on my website and want to receive this wonderful offer..BE SURE to click on the Mystery Bag button to add to your cart!!! It’s amazing!!! Remember, there are 3 different bag with different sayings and many different colors of the albums. Both are the “luck of the draw” and you can see all the gorgeous papers included!! FUN!!!! None of us know which bag we will receive or what color album until we open our box when it’s delivered!! It’s like Christmas in July!!! Woo Hoo!!! 🙂 And you can place as many seperate orders for $150 in product to receive as many Mystery Bags as you like!!! (Until supplies run out.)

My first Mystery Bag comes in Friday and I am considering 2 more orders!!! 3 albums, 3 paper kits and 3 bags!!! Yeah!!! Love, love, LOVE my Creative memories!!! I will have one album for each of my children for Christmas!!!! Shhhhh don’t tell them!! 😉

Great big hugs and hoping this post helps you with you being able to save your family memories and saving money too!!

You can be the story teller of your family…for generations to come!!

Blessings and happy Scrapping,

k

PS…be sure to read all the way to the end of this post!! 🙂
GET YOUR MYSTERY BAG!

Available Until July 31 at noon CT or while supplies last

Now through July 31 (or while supplies last) you can get a FREE exclusive Mystery Canvas Bag, 12×12 Mystery Camera Album Cover and exclusive 12×12 Secret Garden Tone-on-Tone Paper Pack (12/pk) with your order of $150 or more!

My link to my website again… ; )

http://www.CreativeMemories.com/user/JosephinesDesigns.com

 

 

Posted in Encouragements, Journal, Journals, memories, Miscellaneous, Occasions

They Call Themselves Christians

Posted on by JosephinesDesigns.com

If we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.

II Timothy 2:12 NKJV

Soldiers in the Roman army identified themselves with their generals by adding the suffix -ian at the end of the general’s name. Therefore, a Caesarian soldier would be a solider serving under Caesar. In Latin, the word ian means “the party of.” In the early church in Antioch, people began to call followers of Christ Christians, though the use of the name was likely said at first in the spirit of mockery. However, the name stuck and soon believers also began to call themselves Christians, happily adding the suffix to the end of Christ’s name to indicate that they were with Jesus. Early Christians joyfully sent a message to the world that they were followers of Christ, though the message cost many of them their lives. A believer’s life begins at the altar where we surrender our nothing for everything, and sometimes ends on another altar, where believers are forced to decide whether to sacrifice everything for nothing. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

FAITH CHECK

If you knew that openly announcing to the world that you are a Christian would cost you your job, your standing in the community, or your very life, would you call yourself a Christian?

Article Credit: Linda Kozar by way of Dayspring.com

Hello Dear Friends,

Such great encouragement this day!!

Prayers,

k