I am a God follower, who is absolutely in love with my family! I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Thank you for spending a little time with me!
Have you ever felt like you had no more strength? I am not just talking about having a rough day at work, or even a rough week. I mean the kind of exhaustion that occurs when a life experience sucks the very air out of your lungs while simultaneously causing complete muscle failure... I have! I would like to say that it only happened one time, but I have had quite a few moments like that in my life. It was during one of those times in my life that I was talking with a friend of mine, and discussing the fact that I was at the end of my strength and she responded in a way that surprised me at first. She said, "Great! That is just the place God wants you to be! Now He will be free to do just what He needs to do!" What!?
Hopefully, you have a friend like that! That was just the reminder I needed to turn my thinking around. Why is it that we continually think that we are "in control?"
I taught two of my daughters to drive. :-) That is a story all by itself!! The hardest part of teaching my sweet girlies to drive was when they thought they knew better than me. Have any of you been there? I mean seriously, they were only 4 days into this new, dangerous endeavor and they knew better than me??! LOL!! When they were trying to do things their own way, they were unteachable!! I imagine I did the same thing to my parents. In fact, I know that I have done the very same thing to God. I don't want to be unteachable!!
So, what is the key? How do we keep our minds and hearts focused on God during times of crisis? I sure wish it was easy, but it takes intention. We have to take our eyes off the immediate and realize that we are nothing without God.
These verses in Psalms highlight to me how important it is for me to stay focused on His Word. When I submit to God, he is able to guide me and give me counsel.
We are doing a study of Mark @kingsway.tv. As I was reading through Mark 2, and I see several things that stood out to me:
1. “Ministry is about people” -Pastor Jeff. Jesus didn’t miss a beat when a paralytic was lowered down in front of him during his sermon.
2. No matter what is going on in your life, the destination of your soul is ALWAYS the most important thing.
3. Be the type of friend that always points others to Christ. Even if it seems inconvenient. Even if you have to climb on top of a house, dig a hole through the roof, and lower your friend in front of the Savior that can meet their deepest need!
Although I spent most of my life attending church, as I became a young adult I struggled with exactly how to study God's Word daily. I wanted to seek God in a way that caused me to look more like Him every day, and I wasn't entirely sure how to make that happen. I had to dig in and ask God to help me figure it out. I also had some friends that didn't grow up in church and they seemed to have the same struggle.....in fact, you might be reading this and thinking that you too have always wondered what trick other people have up their sleeve that helps them study and retain the Word of God.
I can tell you, it is not a trick at all!! There also is no quick fix or magic beans that will help you in your quest to study and understand the Word of God. It takes what I call
THE FOUR D's!
Diligence: Realize that you can't do anything in your own strength. Ask God to help you to gain knowledge and understanding through your study. And don't fall into a trap of thinking that your knowledge will increase overnight. Be diligent!
Galatians 6:3"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Philippians 3:14 "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Dedication: Make sure that you begin by dedicating the time to God. If you have to set up appointments in your calendar for time with God and then keep that appointment!! I am a fur mom of some pretty adorable doggies. It seems that as soon I sit down to spend time with God, they dial up their cuteness level and do their best to lure me away.....LOL! Can anyone relate!? God wants us to want to spend time with him. Be dedicated to making it happen!
Romans 12:1 "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."
Proverbs 16:3 "Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established"
Discipline: Okay....okay....don't stop reading just because I said the word discipline!!! I want this to be an encouragement to keep going!! KEEP AT IT, MY FRIEND!!!
Don't give up! It may get hard to keep your appointment....but don't give up. The situation you are in may want to demand all your time, but don't give up. You may have put your Bible on a shelf for a day.....a week.....a month.....more......but don't give up!! God desires a relationship with you and the daily discipline of spending time with him can begin fresh and new right now!!
2 Timothy 1:7 "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."
Proverbs 12:1 "Whoever loves discipline love knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid." (yikes!)
Decisiveness:Okay.....if you are like me, sometimes decisions don't come easily. I'm not talking about the decisiveness that you need to pick an item for lunch at a brand new restaurant when there are 300 items on the menu. LOL! I am talking about taking the time to plan out exactly how you are going to dig into the Word of God. There are great tools at your disposal these days, like
"1 Thessalonians 5:21 "But test everything; hold fast to what is good."
2 Timothy 1:13 "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."
This study help is so neat and unique. It is a cross between a devotional and a workbook. In just fifteen minutes a day, you'll learn the Bible's key people, events, and doctrines to get more out of God's Word. I found this wonderful book easy-to-use, and very informational.
Features:*from the back cover
The Arc of Bible History to help you visualize the Bible's overarching themes.
The Story of the Bible, summarizing Genesis through Revelation in just a few pages.
The core beliefs of the Christian faith, focusing on the teachings that have united Christians for the last 2,000 years.
A 13-week plan that provides teachers with creative and effective tools for teaching the Bible in 30 days.
Fan-favorite bonus content, previously removed, now restored from the original edition.
My friends, we are all in this thing we call life together. There are ups and downs that bring us joy and elation, as well as, grief and pain. The one thing that is always constant is the love of God, which He lays out for us in His Word. Don't neglect it. Pick up your copy of this fantastic book, and dig in!! You'll be glad you did!!!
I had the privilege of reviewing three elegantly crafted journals from Ellie Claire Gifts, and I was overwhelmed with the unique beauty found on each page. You definitely need to order your own so you can see exactly what I'm talking about! Do you journal? Maybe you don't, but you have a friend or loved one that does.....you won't find a better quality journal anywhere else. From the ornate cover and binding, to the beautifully detailed pages; you will fall in love from the word "go!"
The Illustrated Word An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal
"Just as medieval monks brought Scripture to life through intricate handwritten and illustrated manuscripts hundreds of years ago, you can now create your own keepsake to be treasured for years to come. Forty illustrations have been recreated as line drawing to color. Full-color illustrations from the archives of the Museum of the Bible
make this journal a true masterpiece." - back cover
Take a look at this fantastic color page!! I was able to incorporate the use of this journal during my morning devotional time. I love the fact that the color pages highlight different Bible references that I was able to use as memory verses. I would meditate on the verse as I colored each page. You are never too old to memorize scripture. Whether you grew up in church memorizing scripture, or you just began your relationship with Him today....memorizing the Word of God is a great way to grow and mature in your walk with God. The journal page on the opposite side is good for notes and other verses that is brought to your mind during your devotion time.
Illuminate Your Story Journal
"Illuminated letters once adorned the pages of books and Bibles giving them rich color and gilding that made the text come alive. Today, illuminated letters are enjoying a renaissance, encouraging beautiful illustration in planners, journals, and personal art." - back cover
When you open this journal you will find easy-to-follow instructions, a "How To" section, along with a brief history of illuminated letters. You will enjoy utilizing the step-by-step plans laid out and the practice section for each letter.
Scattered within there is also journal pages for your thoughts. Allow the scripture references and motivational quotes to speak to your heart and mind. You will find wonderful creativity sparked as you spend time in the pages of this lovely journal.
Faith & Lettering Journal
"Reignite your devotional time, imprint Scripture on your heart, and dig deep into the Word of God through the art of lettering. Expert tips will help you pursue a deeper faith by expressing your God-given creativity." - back cover
What a beautiful journal this is!! The cover is colorful, fun, and full of texture. There is a pen loop on the spine that holds a pen or marker in place for the next time you visit this journal. Each page is nice and thick and allows you to use different types of coloring mediums to fill the pages.
I found that this journal is designed in such a way that it helps you slow down and spend some quiet time with the Word of God as you incorporate hand-lettering into your devotional time. This journal is a safe space for you to practice you lettering skills in various different styles. Remember that God's Word never returns void. As you focus on Him, you will find clarity as you saturate your heart and mind with the truths found in His Word.
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to review all three of the journals. They are each unique, and magnificently beautiful! I have no doubt that you will enjoy these. Don't miss an opportunity to add one to your personal library, or pick up one or more for a Christmas gift! I have no doubt that they will love it!
Do you remember getting your first Bible when you were a kid? I sure do!! I was so excited to break it open and starting reading it for myself!! I had the opportunity to review this wonderful Polar Exploration edition of the NIV Adventure Bible! It is absolutely fantastic!
With over 9 million copies sold, the Adventure Bible
brand is beloved by Christian schools, churches, and families
alike. Now, available to you and your loved ones in a
wonderfully exciting polar exploration theme!
Get ready for a fun and frosty Adventure!! As you can see the full color images jump right off the pages as they highlight memory verses that are a fundamental part of your little ones' relationship with God! Join in on an exciting trek through God's Word by reading along in the NIV Adventure Bible Polar Expedition! While on this arctic adventure, readers meet all types of people, see all sorts of places, and learn all kinds of facts about the Bible. The features of the NIV Adventure Bible, Polar Exploration Edition include:
The same trusted Adventure Bible content in a frosty new theme
Full-color images of polar animals, arctic outposts, and icy landscapes throughout,
make learning about the Bible even more engaging
Life in Bible Times - Articles and illustrations describe what life was like in ancient days
Words to Treasure - Highlights great verses to memorize
Did You Know? - Interesting facts help you understand God's Word and the life of faith
Life It! - Hands-on activities help you apply biblical truths to your life
Twenty polar-themed pages focus on topics such as how to know you are a Christian,
famous people of the Bible, highlights of the life of Jesus, and how to pray
Book introductions feature arctic art and important information about each book of the
Bible
Dictionary/concordance for looking up tricky words
Color map section to help locate places in the Bible
Complete text of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible
Thrilling new glacial cover on metallic paper
Please comment on this blog for your chance to win your very own copy. You have to act fast! A winner will be chosen in the next 24 hours......so don't forget to send your comment. You have the opportunity to receive your free copy before Christmas! I have no doubts at all that your little one will fall in love with this amazingly creative edition of God's Word!! If you want a chance to win a copy, share how old you were when you received your first Bible. I can't wait to hear from you!
There is a devotional available for purchase, but is not part of this promotional review
Must be living in the US to win. This review contains my own opinion. I did receive a copy of the NIV Adventure Bible Polar Exploration Edition in exchange for my review.
Have you ever felt like you had no more strength? I am not just talking about having a rough day at work, or even a rough week. I mean the kind of exhaustion that occurs when a life experience sucks the very air out of your lungs while simultaneously causing complete muscle failure... I have! I would like to say that it only happened one time, but I have had quite a few moments like that in my life. It was during one of those times in my life that I was talking with a friend of mine, and discussing the fact that I was at the end of my strength and she responded in a way that surprised me at first. She said, "Great! That is just the place God wants you to be! Now He will be free to do just what He needs to do!" What!? 
