Showing posts with label Jessy H.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jessy H.. Show all posts

A couple of helpers

11:49 AM
I am so happy that we live in a world where we can carry around our devotionals, bibles, and apps that help us in our daily faith walk- right in the palm of our hand- in our smart phones.

 I mean, how great is it that when you're in line, waiting on car repairs, or on the train, you can have a few precious minutes with God? Amazing!

So, I thought I'd share some of my favorite lock screens from She Reads Truth, one of my all time favorite apps. The lock screens help with my scripture memorization, so I change them every time I memorize one. Every little bit helps!






What apps or aids do you use to help get in more of God's word in this busy world? List everything below so we can share!
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Modesty?

10:16 PM
Lately, modesty has been on my mind a lot. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, and the younger gals are wearing less and less clothing, maybe it's because my Christian walk is getting deeper... whatever the reason, I am diving in to find out what it is exactly, and what I should change, according to my own personal convictions.

Last year, I found this video, which really hit the modesty point home...




And I've been googling, reading, listening to, and Youtube-ing tons of things on modesty. I mean, aren't we supposed to help each other not to stumble?

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” ~ Mark 9:42

 Jami from Young Wife's Guide has TONS of blog posts about this. So, if this is something you're interested in learning more about, then check out her site. 

 Ultimately, I feel this is a subject a lot of us don't really learn that much about. I mean, you're taught, in the words of my Grandma, "Don't let out all your goodies for God & everybody to see!" But, as a young lady, you think it's just because you will get the wrong kind of attention from guys. And that's partly true, but I think as you get older and married, it becomes more about respect for God #1, then respect for your husband, and finally- just respecting yourself. 

 Will I completely throw out everything but dresses? Probably not. But I know, for a fact, I will continue to seek God's wisdom on this, praying that He will guide me to what He wants me to wear. I know that may sound kinda hinky to some of you, and that's fine. To each his own. For me- it's important at this point in my life. And I think if it's tugging at my heart, then it's God tapping me on the shoulder saying, "Hey, let's talk about this."
I know I'm probably opening up a can of worms here, but ... what are your thoughts on modesty? 
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Those Jesus movies

10:28 AM
Did you guys watch those Jesus movies from Pure Flix Entertainment? I see a lot on Netflix, and it's pretty much regular people, involved in some sort of crisis, and this guy comes around, saying he's Jesus, revealing their past and secrets that he couldn't possibly know... and then they come around to give their life to him in the end.

This is the last one I watched...



It's kind of the corny acting jobs on here, no really huge stars, but you'll recognize a couple of the actors from other Christian movies.  Honestly, the message is stunning. And got me to realize, what in the world would I do if I was just going about my day and BAMMM Jesus appears? Would I believe him, that he is the Son of God? Or would my heart be calloused and my worldly brain not accept that this is real?  After he started talking to me, some weird stranger just coming up to me... would I run away or would I listen? Of course, my pride would like to say that I'd know it was him and fall to his feet in worship... but is that really the case? What if he come to me, looking like a homeless person? Honestly, I'd probably do the fast-walk-don't-look-them-in-the-eye thing. And that's sad!

 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2

I try to put myself in this scenario and each time, if I'm completely honest with myself, I would probably not believe it. Of course after he starts telling me of my past, and knowing the details, I'd start to know something was up, but would I listen that long or run away and call the cops, saying I have a stalker?

What would you do?


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Join us, won't you?

4:00 AM

Today is National Day of Prayer. I think this idea and day is absolutely fabulous, and wanted to include a little history behind it, as well as provide links in case you wanted to get more involved for next year!


 Quote from National Day of Prayer.org site-

"The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible."
Y'all, how great is that? Below is the 2015 Theme & Verse- (again, quoting from  National Day of Prayer.org site)

 "2015 Theme and Verse



The 64th annual National Day of Prayer, May 7, 2015, will have profound significance for our country.  It is an unprecedented opportunity to see the Lord’s healing and renewing power made manifest as we call on citizens to humbly come before His throne.Our theme for 2015 is Lord, Hear Our Cry, emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men.  To further highlight our theme, we’ve chosen I Kings 8:28 as our Scripture for this year:  “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.”
For the May 7th observances, Dr. Jack Graham, the 2015 Honorary Chairman, wrote a special prayer to be simultaneously read throughout the nation at noon (EDT).  This recitation will create a huge wave of prayer, flowing from one coast to the other, illustrating the unity of God’s people and acknowledging His dominion over the circumstances facing us.  Millions of people will gather to pray at thousands of events facilitated by our volunteer coordinators and people just like you!  We hope you’ll join with our staff again as we seek to bring more communities than ever before together in prayer.  As a way of assisting you, we have assembled a variety of resources that describe how to organize and publicize citywide prayer breakfasts, worship services, and rallies.  These materials also present creative ideas geared toward helping individuals and families to establish meaningful devotional times.  If you have any questions after reviewing these items, please don’t hesitate to contact our NDP staff at (800) 444-8828.  We would count it a privilege to lend a hand in whatever manner we are able.
At this crucial time for our nation, we can do nothing more important than pray.  Thank you in advance for making this spiritual discipline a personal priority and for standing with us as we encourage others to incorporate prayer in their lives.  The Lord has graciously anointed our efforts, empowering them to touch and change many hearts and lives.  We look forward to seeing His hand move across our land in exciting ways each May in response to our petitions!  In closing, we ask that you prayerfully consider becoming a volunteer in your church or community to lead a National Day of Prayer gathering. May the Lord’s peace fill your heart as you rest in Him throughout the days ahead.
Quick Links:


This year's prayer, say it with me-

"Heavenly Father,
We come to You in the Name that is above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You.
Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God—the One we trust in times like these—we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land.
We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word.
We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You.
Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness.
We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations. And we pray for our leaders and ask that You give them wisdom and faith to follow You.
Preserve and protect us, for You are our refuge and only hope.
Deliver us from all fears except to fear You, and may we courageously stand in the Truth that sets us free.
We pray with expectant faith and grateful hearts.
In Jesus’ name, our Savior.
Amen.
– 2015 National Prayer by Dr. Jack Graham"

Thank you for participating! There are other links that you can go to if you want to be more involved than just saying the prayer every year. Please check out this awesome organization! Prayer changes everything! 

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Children of the Light

4:00 AM


  Isn't it funny? What once would be okay to do, or be around, or even hear and see, is now deemed inappropriate in your eyes. Your good friends who were always a blast at parties now seem to crude for you. You still love them, but it's like 2 days too late old milk, you just can't seem to stomach things that they may do or say. It just doesn't feel right anymore.


Romans 5:8 - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

  Or maybe things that you've done in the past, that you knew wasn't quite right- but you could always justify it away in your mind, "Oh what's a little white lie when... (insert excuse in here)."  Why did this happen? Because you, my dear, saw the light. You have been shown just how much God loves you, by giving His only son for you. You now know what that action of love took to complete- and how can you continue down a path of less than stellar activities and thoughts when you KNOW who is jealous for you?

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

  Give God a chance. Follow His leadership, and your life will change in ways you never even dreamed of. Yes, you may lose a couple of friendships, you will definitely lose sleep wondering how could you follow the wrong paths when God was chasing after you all along. But end the end, folks, the reward, a chance to walk with God everyday and feel His love-  is so much better than whatever "bad" things you are hanging on to.

Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.
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Join me for Sharing Scripture

10:28 AM
Folks, it's been hard to blog lately. I get on spurts, knock out a couple posts, schedule them, and then I.... don't blog for a week or more... (cue duh-duh-dunnnnnnnn music)

BUT, I couldn't help posting for my Sharing Scripture link up. I totally forgot about it on Thursday, until I was reading Charlene's blog !   Sharing Scripture is the once a month link up to share all of your hand lettering projects, typography and photo shopping skills showing off your favorite scriptures! This link stays open for a month, so come back and link up!




I choose this because I love heights! My Mr. does not. And he got on that ferris wheel with me and even if he was nervous or scared, he never showed it. That is love. And it reminded me of this phrase.

 Often times, we don't do something out of fear. It could be a fear of heights, fear of rejection, fear of embarrassment, or fear of judgement. We censor ourselves from talking about God just in case the other person doesn't believe in Him, or they think we're some sort of bible thumping person who is just going to shout verses at them all day long. 

And, when I start feeling this way about putting "Too much Christian posts" on my blog, I remember that 1. people come to this blog to read about me- my life and my thoughts. and 2. If they don't like it, they can click out of those posts. It doesn't hurt my feelings at all! 




A little housekeeping: 

We are now accepting co-hosts for Sharing Scripture! Please leave a comment saying you want to co-host below, and I'll send an email over to you about it! EKK! So excited about this!

Please check out all the rules, and play nice to follow them.
Here's the low down:
  • This will be on the first Thursday of every month, for now. The Linkup stays open for a month, so fit your blog post into your own schedule, and then link back here!
  • You are to follow your host, me (for right now, there aren't any co-hosts), on Bloglovin'.
  • You are to link specifically to the blog post about scripture. If you link just to your blog, your link will be deleted.
  • Spread the love! Comment on the person who linked up before you, at least! You can comment on how many ever blogs you'd like, but let's play nice and leave encouragement on the person in front of you.
  • Lastly, but most importantly, put the "Sharing Scripture" link up button somewhere in your blog post so others will learn of this cool little link up and join us! The link up will stay open for 7 days, so plenty of time to link up if you're running a little late!   This one is so important, ladies. I want to promote you, but I also want to get the word out about this cool little link up! So, I hate to say it, but your post may be deleted if you're not putting the link up button on your post, somewhere, anywhere, it just needs to be there! Thanks for understanding. 

The Artsy Cajun Sharing Scripture


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2:00 AM


Love one another, friends, family, spouses... anyone and everyone... show
 L-O-V-E! 

Happy Valentine's Day, I hope your day is filled to the brim with love. 


Linking up for Finding Beauty Friday with Aimee from Aimee-Lynn Photography.

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5 ways to keep God in your Daily Life

3:00 AM
In today's world, we are all so busy. Rushing from this event to that, grocery stores, kid's schedules, household chores, work, friends, family events... it gets overwhelming!

And sure, we may carve out a few precious minutes with God in the morning, or you may have your time at night. But, is that enough? I'm guilty of shooting up a quick prayer when things get hairy, "God, please let me find this place. I've been circling for minutes," and so on. 

However, is that truly enough for our Father in heaven? Sometimes I don't think it is. Deep down, I know I need to do more. 

So, I've come up with 5 tips to keep God in your Daily Life. 


1. Bring God into your little spaces- bathrooms with scripture on the walls | Cars with a cross on the rear view  | Work cubicles with scripture in picture frames | Kitchens with plaques of inspiration on them. Each time you see any reminder of God, offer up a quick prayer, or even a heartfelt "Thank you," to God. 

2. Buy a pocket bible. These little bibles fit wonderfully in your purse, briefcase, office desk drawer, wherever! When you have a moment or two of down time, say in a waiting room or in line somewhere, break it out and just flip to a page if nothing else. Read and savor every word and try to keep it in your mind throughout the day.

3. Plan and set aside more time with God than what you think you have. That way, if you can't have 3, 30 minute bible studies maybe you will make sure to fit in 2 because you feel bad about canceling the first one. 

4.  Put crosses (or other signs of your faith) everywhere. And I mean, EVERYWHERE! I've started to Sharpie crosses on my chapsticks, just little reminders every time I use the chapstick to shoot up a quick word or feeling to God. I use chapstick like nobodies business, so I send many shout outs to the heavens in a day. 

5. Find an accountability partner.  This can be your current BFF, this could be your Mom, Sister, Brother, a stranger at church, just someone that you commit to checking in regularly about your walk with God. You and your accountability partner can decide to do a bible study together, or just read the books of the bible together. Checking in with someone daily, weekly- whatever you choose can really make a difference in your life. I think we all could use someone holding our feet to the fire so we don't let life get in the way of our walk.  Our little Prayerful Bloggers community has started an accountability partner program. If this sounds like something you'd like to do, 1. Sign up to join Prayerful Bloggers here, 2. Sign up for the Accountability Partner Program here. 


I hope these tips help you! And please, if you have any that I haven't listed above, please feel free to comment with them below! Share the knowledge!  

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Finding Beauty Friday, the first one of the new year!

4:00 AM
The first Friday of the new year! How exciting! How are you spending yours?

I will be at home resting! The crud is still residing in my body, so it's going to be a low key weekend. I may convince the Mr. to let me out of the house to go to the movies! I'm really wanting to see Into the Woods! I can arm myself with kleenex and cough drops, and be fine, don't you think?

So today, I wanted to share one of my favorite photos with you! I'm sure this won't be the last time you see this photo, in some way or another.


Please join us on Aimee's site- This Darling Day and link up your beautiful moments! 

Finding Beauty Link Up | This Darling Day
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New Year's Resolutions/Goals/Focus Word(s) of the year

9:21 AM
I'm not sure where the backlash started for resolutions, but I'm not liking it! Why shouldn't you make goals/resolutions/focus words for a new year? Why shouldn't you admit where your weaknesses are for the year before and make plans to strengthen them?

This year, whatever you call it: goals, resolutions, whatever... make some! Think about your year, and what you want to work on, and do it! What's holding you back?

My word for 2014 was "Relax" and I tried my hardest to learn to just relax. I believe I did a pretty good job, although the Mr. would say I didn't relax enough!
I seemed to respond best when I focus on a word for the year rather than a list of resolutions, so I decided to continue the tradition this year. I even have my word(s) of the year personalized on my beloved Erin Condren planner so it's always in eye sight...




2015 words of the year are: "Simplify Everything" sounds great right?

sim·pli·fy
ˈsimpləˌfī/
verb
  1. make (something) simpler or easier to do or understand.

eve·ry·thing
ˈevrēˌTHiNG/
pronoun
  1. 1.
    all things; all the things of a group or class.
    "he taught me everything I know"
    synonyms:each item, each thing, every single thing, the lot, the whole lot; 
    • 2. the current situation; life in general.
  2. "how's everything?"

This is going to apply to all aspects of my life, my blogging life, crafting life, business, even down to my "stuff" that clutters my home. EVERYTHING is getting overhauled and simplified! I can't wait to share this journey with you over the next year. Details on how these words will direct me to make my life less cluttered, less stressful, and over all fan-freaking-tastic! 


What's your resolutions/goals/word(s) of 2015? Share below! 
4 comments ,

What's your New Year's Resolutions/goals/word(s) of the year?

6:00 AM
I'm not sure where the backlash started for resolutions, but I'm not liking it! Why shouldn't you make goals/resolutions/focus words for a new year? Why shouldn't you admit where your weaknesses are for the year before and make plans to strengthen them?

This year, whatever you call it: goals, resolutions, whatever... make some! Think about your year, and what you want to work on, and do it! What's holding you back?

My word for 2014 was "Relax" and I tried my hardest to learn to just relax. I believe I did a pretty good job, although the Mr. would say I didn't relax enough!
I seemed to respond best when I focus on a word for the year rather than a list of resolutions, so I decided to continue the tradition this year. I even have my word(s) of the year personalized on my beloved Erin Condren planner so it's always in eye sight...




2015 words of the year are: "Simplify Everything" sounds great right?

sim·pli·fy
ˈsimpləˌfī/
verb
  1. make (something) simpler or easier to do or understand.

eve·ry·thing
ˈevrēˌTHiNG/
pronoun
  1. 1.
    all things; all the things of a group or class.
    "he taught me everything I know"
    synonyms:each item, each thing, every single thing, the lot, the whole lot; More
  2. 2.
    the current situation; life in general.
    "how's everything?"

This is going to apply to all aspects of my life, my blogging life, crafting life, business, even down to my "stuff" that clutters my home. EVERYTHING is getting overhauled and simplified! I can't wait to share this journey with you over the next year. Details on how these words will direct me to make my life less cluttered, less stressful, and over all fan-freaking-tastic! 


What's your resolutions/goals/word(s) of 2015? Share below! 
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Sharing Scripture, Vol. 4

3:00 AM
It's time for Sharing Scripture! The once a month link up to share all of your hand lettering projects, typography and photo shopping skills showing off your favorite scriptures!

This bit of scripture has never rang more true to me than right now:



 Starting next month, I will be having a co-host join me. If you'd like to be a co-host, please shoot me an email!

Please check out all the rules, and play nice to follow them.
Here's the low down:
  • This will be on the first Thursday of every month, for now. The Linkup stays open for a month, so fit your blog post into your own schedule, and then link back here!
  • You are to follow your host, me (for right now, there aren't any co-hosts), on Bloglovin'.
  • You are to link specifically to the blog post about scripture. If you link just to your blog, your link will be deleted.
  • Spread the love! Comment on the person who linked up before you, at least! You can comment on how many ever blogs you'd like, but let's play nice and leave encouragement on the person in front of you.
  • IF you are sharing something that you've created to sell, please do not link up to your Etsy page. Feature your items on your blog, then link up that specific blog post. We want to hear what inspired you to make something! 
  • Lastly, but most importantly, put the "Sharing Scripture" link up button somewhere in your blog post so others will learn of this cool little link up and join us! The link up will stay open for 7 days, so plenty of time to link up if you're running a little late!   This one is so important, ladies. I want to promote you, but I also want to get the word out about this cool little link up! So, I hate to say it, but your post may be deleted if you're not putting the link up button on your post, somewhere, anywhere, it just needs to be there! Thanks for understanding. 
The Artsy Cajun Sharing Scripture


That's it! Now, let's get started Sharing Scripture! 


1 comment ,

Finding Beauty Friday

2:00 AM
I hope you all are enjoying your Friday after Thanksgiving! Today, I link up with the talented Aimee for Finding Beauty Friday.  To me, it's about slowing down and finding beauty in everyday things. And, of course, I can't resist putting scripture on a beautiful photo. Enjoy!




Link up with us!



Finding Beauty Link Up | This Darling Day
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Do you forgive easily?

8:00 AM
Forgiveness, to forgive, forgive one another is all over the bible. And, as Christians, we know that we are supposed to forgive others just as God forgives us for all of our sins. And, as humans, sometimes forgiving someone can seem nearly impossible.

How can you forgive someone? When are you supposed to forgive them, right away or can you take some time to be angry?

Matthew 6:14-15  For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.


Ephesians 4:32  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.


What happens when we don't forgive?

Hebrews 12:14-15  Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 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.

2John 1:8  Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for , but that you may be rewarded fully.


How does God forgive us? 


Hebrews 8:12  For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

He doesn't remember our sins, he truly forgive and forgets! He treats our sins like they haven't even occurred!   If we are to forgive someone, we must act as if that sin had never occurred. We will, of course, remember the sin, but we must live as if we did not remember it.  That is the way God forgives, and if we are followers, we must also.
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Adopting a soldier

8:00 AM

I'm sure you've watched the news, and know that some of our brave men and women were deployed again. And I'm sure you're aware that the holiday season is fast approaching us. So, I've started putting together care packages for some of our troops filled with silly things such as rubber band shooter guns, harmonicas, and also things they can use like candy, (of course candy will be involved), cookies, coffee, and even a couple of toiletries. Why? Because my brother is over there again, and because of the fact that the last time our troops were over there, they had a base with little stores open where they could buy these things. Now? Not so much.

I know that not everyone can put in money or time to send a box of goodies over to a stranger. Christmas is fast approaching, I get it. But what about a card? Or letters, or maybe getting your kids to draw some pictures to mail to a soldier... would that be too much hassle?

I'm asking my readers, my friends, to email me if you'd like to donate a box of goodies for our troops, again, this could be snacks, toiletries, or the cards, letters of encouragement, and of course who doesn't love a drawing from a child? Whatever it may be, I know that there is a troop over there right now, wishing they were home for the holidays, and most of them are single soldiers who may not be getting a lot of mail, but need a little pick me up from his fellow Americans.

Please, comment below with your email if you'd like to join me in sending a little cheer across the miles. Consider this your good deed for the day, week, month or year.
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Grateful Heart Monday

8:00 AM
Every Monday,  Emily from Ember Grey hosts a Grateful Heart link up. I recently started participating in this because, if we're completely honest with ourselves, we are all a bit grumpy on Monday's. The weekend is over, back to work (for most) and/or back to getting the children and spouses back in their routines... it can be stressful. So, to have to sit and think about what you're grateful for on a Monday really puts you in a much better mindset for the rest of the day! 


So, today is Grateful Heart Monday, let's jump in:

+ I'm grateful for the simple fact that I have a warm home. I've never really lived in a place where poverty and the homeless were visible... until Hawaii. I know, you'd think every home was a million dollar pad and you just sit around in bikinis, drinking Mai Tais all day, but that's just not how it is. When you get out of the touristy spots, and especially when you pass a public park, you see homeless folks set up with tents and carts, and it just breaks your heart. Now, I know the weather there is fabulous, so they don't have much to worry about, but here, in Illinois, even though I am in an area where I don't see a lot of homeless, I know they have to be somewhere; maybe the next city or town. And I know how cold it is just from the few minutes I'm out walking the dog. I just feel so bad for them to try to survive in this, and it makes me incredibly thankful that God gives me a warm home.

+ I'm grateful for a Mr. who really gets me. I have a weird sense of humor, I know this. Some say it is dry, some just flat out don't get my jokes, or how I can say something and crack myself up for at least a solid 10 minutes. Others don't understand how I can be giggling non-stop and just when you think it's going to end, I start up again. I really don't know what to tell the "Others" but I'm so grateful God gave me a man who just flat out gets me, and can laugh along with me. I may seem shy or quiet most of the time, but don't be surprised when I break out something down right hilarious.

Ember Grey

+ I'm so grateful for "Erin" A.K.A. my life planner. I got the idea to name her Erin from Rebecca, (RebeccaChapman blog) and instead of saying "Planner" over and over, she calls hers Erin, (for Erin Condren, the lady who made these) SUCH a great idea! And I'm grateful for my "Erin" and the fact that it allows me to write something down so it can remember things for me and I can free my brain of the details of life.

+ Lastly, I'm so grateful for my God. In all honesty, this year hasn't been the sparkly, happy, simply fabulous year I wished for. It's been gray and gritty. And, at the end of the year, I'm finally OK with it being this way. I finally realized that God must be seasoning me for times to come, and if this year is gray and gritty, then next year HAS to be the sparkly, happy, simply fabulous year, right?


Revelation 21:4

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Amen to that! 

OH! I forgot about this one, 
+ I'm grateful for this little blogging community I have. I never thought that starting a blog would make me some of the sweetest, most loving and encouraging friends! You ladies keep me going when honestly, sometimes I just want to throw in the towel on this blog. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart! 

A little sidenote: This Wednesday, I'm doing a "Winter 2014 Reading List" link up! You do a blog post on what books you want to get through this Winter, and link up with me! We will do a monthly check-in/accountability every 19th of  December, January, and February, and will end with the final post on March 20th, which is the first day of Spring! This is not a cchallenge but just a way to see what others are itching to read, and see how well we do through Winter! Join me this Wednesday, 11/19 to get this going! 


What are you grateful for on this Monday?
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Sharing Scripture, Vol. 3, Join me!

11:49 AM
Hey you! Thanks for joining me! Today is Sharing Scripture day! This link up is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I love seeing how all of you creative little beings display your favorite scriptures!



Here's the low down:
  • This will be on the first Thursday of every month, for now. I know a few ladies said they get overwhelmed with weekly link-ups, so once a month should work great for everyone! 
  • You are to follow your host, me (for right now, there aren't any co-hosts), on Bloglovin'.
  • You are to link specifically to the blog post about scripture. If you link just to your blog, your link will be deleted.
  • Spread the love! Comment on the person who linked up before you, at least! You can comment on how many ever blogs you'd like, but let's play nice and leave encouragement on the person in front of you.
  • IF you are sharing something that you've created to sell, please do not link up to your Etsy page. Feature your items on your blog, then link up that specific blog post. We want to hear what inspired you to make something! 
  • Lastly, put the "Sharing Scripture" link up button somewhere in your blog post so others will learn of this cool little link up and join us! The link up will stay open for 7 days, so plenty of time to link up if you're running a little late!   This one is so important, ladies. I want to promote you, but I also want to get the word out about this cool little link up! So, I hate to say it, but your post may be deleted if you're not putting the link up button on your post, somewhere, anywhere, it just needs to be there! Thanks for understanding. 
That's it! Now, let's get started Sharing Scripture! 

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10:34 AM



"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." ~Matthew 7:7

Seems simple enough, right? Ask and He will give it to you. Seek and He will allow you to find. Knock and He will open the door for you.  Right now, I think this is the toughest verse to get through, for the simple fact that, in my opinion, the Lord will NOT give it to you just because you ask, seek, or knock. I've had to learn this the hard way. And as much as I've asked, begged, bargained, and pleaded, I did not receive. Why? Because it wasn't part of His plan for me. It's that simple. 

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Or maybe it's because I wasn't asking, seeking, or knocking with my whole heart? 

Matthew 22:37
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'

Loving God isn't my problem, it's the loving Him so much that I relinquish all control of every part of my life. Something about my personality finds that incredibly hard, almost impossible. I've been told, multiple times, that I tend to come into a situation, and take over. So how do I give it all up to God? For me, it's a visualization of putting all my problems and thoughts onto a silver platter, as if I'm picking the issues out of a buffet line. Then, after everything is loaded up, I simply hold that platter up to the heavens and "Let go, let God." This works for me, it may not work for you. But I just simply cannot live where my God isn't in control of every aspect of my life anymore. I'm done, I'm weary, I'm tired and only He can give me what I need.

I hope you, my friends, find rest in our Lord, today. 

1 comment

Sharing Scripture, Vol. 2

8:00 AM
Hey you! Thanks for joining me! Today is Sharing Scripture day! This link up is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I love seeing how all of you creative little beings display your favorite scriptures!



Here's the low down:
  • This will be on the first Thursday of every month, for now. I know a few ladies said they get overwhelmed with weekly link-ups, so once a month should work great for everyone! 
  • You are to follow your host, me (for right now, there aren't any co-hosts), on Bloglovin'.
  • You are to link specifically to the blog post about scripture. If you link just to your blog, your link will be deleted.
  • Spread the love! Comment on the person who linked up before you, at least! You can comment on how many ever blogs you'd like, but let's play nice and leave encouragement on the person in front of you.
  • IF you are sharing something that you've created to sell, please do not link up to your Etsy page. Feature your items on your blog, then link up that specific blog post. We want to hear what inspired you to make something! 
  • Lastly, put the "Sharing Scripture" link up button somewhere in your blog post so others will learn of this cool little link up and join us! The link up will stay open for 7 days, so plenty of time to link up if you're running a little late!   This one is so important, ladies. I want to promote you, but I also want to get the word out about this cool little link up! So, I hate to say it, but your post may be deleted if you're not putting the link up button on your post, somewhere, anywhere, it just needs to be there! Thanks for understanding. 
That's it! Now, let's get started Sharing Scripture! 

The Artsy Cajun
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Are choosing blog sponsors like picking your friends?

8:00 AM


We love our blogs. We care for them hours upon hours. We tenderly cultivate blogger friendships all over the US and world. We over analyze every teensy detail to make sure our little residence of the blogopshere accurately represents our personalities. And then, after blogging for a while, we come to the monumental question, do we need to jump into the sponsorship pool?

I stressed for a while about this question. I feel like it was time for my blog, and so I researched every post I could get my hands on about it. What exactly is sponsorships? How many spaces do I offer at a time? Do I need to charge actual money for them? Will anyone buy them?  It can be a tricky thing, my friends.

After a couple of months, I did get the hang of this whole concept. I loved building more connections and networking through other blogs. My problem became, is this person's blog going to mesh well with mine? And I'm not saying you need to reject every blogger asking for sponsorship that isn't like you. What I was questioning is this, I've built a nice little reader group. They like what I have to say. So, if I offer a sponsorship to someone who isn't like me, who won't write about the same things, will my readers be upset that I am boosting their exposure? Will my readers think I am a sell out?

The other way you could go about this is by reading the other person's blog. See if you would get along with them. I always ask myself, would I enjoy getting to know this person over the next month? After all, a sponsorship is a sort of business/friend relationship between two bloggers, at least for the month. In my mind, if I wouldn't be able to get along with the other blogger, then I politely decline their offer.

To answer my own question, are picking blog sponsors like picking your friends, I would say yes. Most of my very best blogger pals have become that way through us reaching out for sponsorships first.

Ultimately, it comes down to you. If you feel comfortable promoting this other blogger's post and content, then go forward with the sponsorship. If you don't, then politely decline, and move on.


Jessy H.
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