Beth Moore's God Moment

I'm working on a couple of projects that I'll be able to share later. I wanted to share this with you. I read this tonight and it touched my heart. This is another example of God using simple acts that we don't see as significant in a life changing way. "Never underestimate your small part in someone else's blessing"

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"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble."- Psalm 59:16 HAIRBRUSH EXPERIENCE OF BETH MOORE AT THE AIRPORT For those of you who do not know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother of two daughters. This is one of her experiences: April 20, 2005, at the Airport in Knoxville , waiting to board the plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say this because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you. You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons, not the least of which is your ego. I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones. The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy, gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man. I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport... an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere? There I sat; trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served up on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while, my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him. Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man. I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing. I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. 'Oh, no, God, please, no.' I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, 'Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!' There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, 'Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane.' Then I heard it...'I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair.' The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No-brainer. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, 'God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm your girl! ;You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am going to witness to this man.' Again, as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. 'That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair.' I looked up at God and quipped, 'I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?' God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: 'I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works.' (2 Timothy 3:17) I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, 'Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?' He looked back at me and said, 'What did you say?' 'May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?' To which he responded in volume ten, 'Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that.' At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, 'SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?' At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Long Locks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, 'If you really want to.' Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, 'Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush.' 'I have one in my bag,' he responded. I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I've never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I -for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while. The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God's. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant's. I slipped the brush back in the bag and went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knee and said, 'Sir, do you know my Jesus?' He said, 'Yes, I do' Well, that figures, I thought. He explained, 'I've known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn't marry me until I got to know the Savior.' He said, 'You see, the problem is, I haven't seen my bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and she's been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride.' Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll never forget it. Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft. I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She said, 'That old man's sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?' I said, 'Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!' And we got to share. I learned something about God that day. He knows if you're exhausted, you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you're hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need! I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way... all because I didn't want people to think I was strange. God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me. Please share this wonderful story. 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!

Never Underestimate Your Small Part

I was feeling particularly thankful yesterday after returning from Warner Robins, Southside Baptist Church, and all the friends I have there.

I can't think of Southside with gratitude without thinking about the one person who is responsible for bringing us there with one simple gesture of kindness.

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We were going thru a relocation from Augusta GA to Macon GA. It turns out that a lot of people from our current church were from that area, or thy had family in that area and they suggested that we move to Warner Robins instead of Macon. My online house hunting online turned up a few interesting prospects. One such house that I thought would be worth looking into was listed by the owner/agent. I contacted her by email with questions. Her response was quick and very pleasant. Because of this, when we planned a trip to WR and decided to use Anisa as our realtor. My husband talked to her a few times as they lined up a few houses for us to see.

Planning the house hunting trip was a feat in itself. We were trying not to make the kids miss too much of their final activities in the town we'd spent six years of their lives. Moving is already tragic enough and I wanted to make it as easy on them as possible. We tried not to take them out of school or away from any of their activities. January is the peak of our busiest season. Two cheerleaders plus two basketball players with all their games and practices equaled a crazy busy schedule. We scheduled the house hunting for a Sunday afternoon of a holiday weekend with the intention of visiting one of the churches suggested to us by members of our current congregation. Michael had already started working in Macon and was coming home on the weekends. When he was at home we spent most of Saturday at the children's games. The week before this trip, I prayed all week long dreading the house hunting and church hunting process. Looking at the list of suggestions, my prayer was, "Lord, You already know exactly where you want us to serve you, would it be too much to ask that you send us straight there?" During one of the last conversations Michael had with Anisa that week, they discussed her church. It was one of the ones on the list, but not the one we originally planned to attend first. He called me and told me that he wanted to try Southside first. I smiled.

The plan was to drive down early Sunday morning in two cars and I would come back on the Monday holiday with the kids in tow. We left much later than we'd planned. If you know us, you're probably chuckling as you think," that's not a surprise." We arrived in WR just in time to meet Anisa. The new plan involved evening service after a couple hours of preliminary house hunting.

We finished looking at final house for the evening just about 20 minutes or so before the service was to start. Michael was ready to go to church, but I wanted to feed my children, then ages 15, 13, 10, 7 and 4. They had been very cooperative all afternoon going from house to house, missing lunch because we'd had a late breakfast. I didn't want to go to church with stomachs growling. So as we stood in the Anisa's kitchen quietly 'discussing' the issue, neither of us was going to budge. Anisa interrupted and asked if she could feed the children peanut butter and jelly to hold them over until after church.

We arrived at the church just a few minutes late missing most of the music. After Bro. Jerry's sermon, the service ended. Rachel came over to me to introduce herself and Larry started talking to Michael. They took us around separately, showing us the building and introducing us to people-- I met the pastor and Michael met the music pastor, Bryan. We decided to take the kids out to eat and planned to compare notes.

On the way to the restaurant, we polled the kids and they all answered "yes" to the question, " did you like this church?" Remember, they heard very little music and had not been to Sunday school or anything kid related. I'm floored! My five kids, who can't be more different from each other, agreeing on one thing? The same five kids who never eat the same thing causing me to find clusters of fast food restaurants so that I can do at least two different drive thru windows to make everybody happy? It must be a God thing. And if that weren't enough to convince me, guess who showed up at Fuddruckers? The pastor and his wife! We scooted over and he and Mrs. Debby, joined us. As if we needed further confirmation than all five kids agreeing, It turns out that we had a lot of friends in common and supported some of the same missionaries.

Oh, and I failed to mention that we'd also found the house we were going to buy that day too.

Of all the places we've lived, we were in WR the least amount of time but I feel like we have the closest ties there. We also go back there more often than any other place we've lived due to the fact that our very dear, family-like friends (the Hydes) live there. And to think, God made this all happen because of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I'm still grateful to Anisa for her small part in our very special blessing.

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This stamp was made quoting me by smARTworks. The flowers are from Flourishes stamps.

I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils.

Beautiful Garden

Yesterday, I received some news that knocked me off balance for a little while. I found out that according to the doctors, my friend Sara Perry would be ushered into heaven within the next 24 hours. I've been praying and antsy since then. Antsy, because every time I get an email, I think it's going to be the one.... So far, she's still resting with her family and friends surrounding her. Her heart and lungs are strong, but she is fading.

It's really hard to believe. Although she's been sick for months, she's been fighting and I expected her to beat this cancer. We celebrated the miracle of finding a perfect match for the bone marrow transplant in her sister. We rejoiced when she was able to attend the graduations of her daughters, one from high school and one from college. Every time she hit a obstacle, she championed it. I was surprise by the news that she may not be able to overcome this latest infection. I was even more surprised that it's happened so soon. We are sad, because she's leaving us here. But we don't grieve like those without hope. We know that she'll be there greeting us at the gates of heaven when our days here on earth are up.

I was always impressed with Sara. I still smile when I think about the first time I remember talking to her. After Sunday School one afternoon, I was talking to Marcia about BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) because I was interested in attending. Just as Marcia tried to tell me when and where, Sara walked thru the Sunday School room. She stopped at Marcia's request and was able to give me the information about the introduction class. She was very warm and friendly and short. (At almost 5 feet 5 inches, I'm not that tall, but she's short to me. ) When I arrived at the designated time, she was there greeting people. It was good to see a friendly and familiar face. A little later I was surprised (almost shocked) to see her standing on the podium on her step stool. She was the teaching leader and she never once mentioned it!

She always seemed to be so organized and prepared and disciplined. She was a great leader and a great teacher and a great friend. She was also wonderful at sending cards to encourage people. She sent me a card to encourage me or thank me numerous times. One time I noticed that she was using return address labels that you get free in the mail with her husbands name on it. Her labels were functional and free. I realized that I'd found something I could do for her! I quickly printed her a sheet of pretty ones with flowers and other icons. I didn't think twice about it. When I arrived at the leaders meeting the following week, there was an empty chair next to her chair with all her stuff. I put my stuff down in that empty chair and took out the sheet of labels and sat it on top of her pile. She was no where to be found when I did that, so I figured I would mention it whenever she got back. I'll never forget the face she made when she noticed the labels. She looked very puzzled as she looked around and looked up as she tried to figure out if the labels had supernaturally appeared.(It was priceless!) It seems that the thought that she needed labels had crossed her mind too... God heard...

Just recently, during my time of healing, I received a card from her. With all that she was going thru, she took the time to send me a card. They are a beautiful family. I'll always be grateful that the paths of our lives crossed in Kalamazoo, MI.

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Debbie cave me this image when she came to see me and I don't know who the manufacturer is. I sent her an email so I'll let you know when I know.

My sister is coming tonight so I may not be around much this weekend. and I still have to make her card...

ETA: The stamp is Northwoods.

My Favorite

Remember this card? It was the first card I officially made for Hero Arts and it's still my favorite. It was featured on their website a few weeks ago.

My dad used to say when some food tasted particularly good, "tastes like more". That's what I thought about with this card. I need more! I thought I would copy this card so that I could send them to a couple different friends.

I think I'm going to send this one to Gail. It's been a while since I sent her a card.


This first copy is for my friend Sara, who is battling leukemia in MI. She needs the comfort of a little "Son"shine right now. I mentioned on my prayer list this month, that she's hit another snag. It's like a roller coaster ride for her these days. Praise God that she was able to attend the graduations of both her daughters (one from college and one from high school) in the previous few weeks.

The last two aren't designated just yet, but I'm sure, I'll figure it out in the next few days. I'm in sending cards mode right now. I sent out several the other day and I have a couple more that I'm getting ready today.

On a Personal Note: Remember all that work I did for my calendar a while back? Outlook is broken so I've reverted back to the old calendar. --the one where I have to write everything down by hand! I went to Target yesterday and purchased a set of Franklin Covey calendar pages on clearance. I chuckled when I was reading how to use this system. They talk about how to prioritize the "to do" lists I make at the bottom of the page. I made my list for today and everything was 'A' or high priority. I guess I don't bother writing down stuff that isn't absolutely necessary for today. If I wrote down all the stuff I think I might want to do I'd still be writing. :)

Happy Friday to you. That doesn't really mean much in the summer time normally. But tomorrow I don't have anything on my calendar for the morning. That means I may get to sleep past seven.... I don't know maybe until 7:30?


I really do have to go, but I wanted to talk more about that movie "The Bucket List". I watched it again last night. I do recommend renting it, but watch the ratings because of the theme and a little foul language. Maybe tomorrow. Lot's to think about after that movie.
Have a blessed day! Choosing Joy! Jacki

Stamps: Clear Design Thoughtful Messages, Sketched flower (Hero Arts)

Ink: Memories Artprint Brown

Paper: Cantaloupe and Lemon Note cards

Other: Prismacolor pencils, assorted crystal gemstones

We can make plans...

Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Over the weekend, I decided to be more disciplined this week. I started with my datebook and a note pad. I wrote down what I needed to do and what I wanted to do and scheduled each day.

My Monday morning plan consisted of going to Michaels to make samples for my upcoming classes. Everything thing changed when the boy took his temperature. This child "doesn't feel good" every morning until he walks around for awhile and gets breakfast, so initially I didn't think anything of it when he complained. He had symptoms of a head cold to go along with that fever. Since he was staying home I was "flexible" and went to my Wednesday plan which was stay home and clean. When he still had fever Monday night, I knew my Tuesday plans were shot too. It's a good thing Tuesday was my back up day for going to Michaels. I continued to clean and made a few cards too. I had a couple of packages arrive so I was anxious to finish the cleaning and get to the playing. Finally on Tuesday night, I got around to making the soap. Actually I was molding soap, because I just use a soap base I buy at Hobby Lobby. All I did was melt it and add scents and color. Anyway, since the fever was gone, we planned for him to return to school on Wednesday loaded up with cold medicine to minimize the sharing (coughing and sneezing).

Wednesday morning he woke up with Pink Eye. The visit to the doctor's office confirmed Pink Eye and discovered an ear infection. So as of last night, he's on an antibiotic and can't return to school until tomorrow. Since it's moved to his chest, he sounds worse today than he did at the beginning of the week.

So how's that for my PLANS for the week???

What have I accomplished?? I managed to stamp more and computer less. Which is why I haven't blogged since Monday! I made several cards, soap, cleared my bedroom of my craft stuff and rearranged the furniture, did my Bible Study for two weeks since I joined late. Did I mention the snow storm and my run to the grocery store. I learned a long time ago that when you live somewhere where they aren't used to getting snow, you need to go and buy milk, because "they" will stock up and there will be none left when I venture out the next day!

So God reminded me that ,yes, I need discipline and a plan, but my flexibility is what makes me *special* and creative. It's also how I managed to survive with 5 kids!!!

I just had to get that off my chest. It's pretty cloudy here again today, but I'm going to grab my Ott lite and see if I can take pictures of all the stuff I made this week.

And with my best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice..."I'll be back!"

Which Chapter?

I've had an old worn Xeroxed copy of this poem for years w/o knowing it's origin or author. I thought I'd type it into the computer for safe keeping. Since I did, and I recently found it online so now I know who wrote it, I thought I'd share it here.

Sometimes I find it helpful when I'm reflecting. If I'm struggling with something, I figure out which "chapter" I'm in.
I'm working on my goals and resolutions for the new year, so I'm reflecting on my life and habits and things I'd like to accomplish. So without further ado, here's the poem.

Autobiography in Five Chapters By Portia Nelson

Chapter I

I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I fall in.

I am lost...

I am helpless.

It isn't my fault.

It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter II

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend I don't see it.

I fall in again.

I can't believe I'm in the same place, but it isn't my fault.

It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter III

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I see it is there.

I still fall in...it's a habit.

My eyes are open.

I know where I am.

It is my fault.

I get out immediately.

Chapter IV

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I walk around it.

Chapter V

I walk down another street.

Romans 8:28

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Angel(SU) Romans 8:28(Biblical Impressions)
Card Stock: Dk Blue Textured(Bazzill)

Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko), Brocade Blue( SU)
Coloring Medium: Water Color Pencils

Other: 2 way Glue pen( Ek Success) Prisma Glitter

Well ...Duh, I should have posted this card with the previous post. I decided rather than editing that one, I would just add a new post. I made this card a few weeks ago, when I was cleaning off my desk. I had dumped out my whole box of images already colored. I remember coloring this angel in my MI house at least 3 years ago, maybe 2. for a swap.

I didn't make this card for a specific reason, but since I used this verse earlier, it seems like the appropriate card to use for today.

I just thought I would show you a picture of something pretty.

RAKs and Thank Yous

I am way behind on showing all the beautiful cards I've received.... sorry. OK, so let's not waste any more time. Some of these arrived as far back as July, when I was lacking an internet connection.

This first card is from Allison.


Staci


Trish ( I love this set)


Arnetta


Cindy D. This card was made last fall in a workshop I did with my Sunday School ladies. I actually designed this one.

Thank You from Elizabeth

Thank You from Cathy


They have graced my foyer since they arrived. Thanks so much ladies!!!

Before you sleep...

No frills but effective.... I think.


Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Before you Sleep (Stampendous), Solid Flowers (Stamp Oasis), pray for each other(Biblical Impressions)
Card Stock: White card stock(Georgia Pacific), Chocolate Chip (SU),
Printed paper: not sure
Ink: Basic Brown (SU)
Other: Ticket Punch

Staci, do you remember this stamp?? Staci bought this flower for me on sale somewhere, I think. I know it was several years ago. I hadn't really used it before today. I don't do much with solid stamps, but I'm trying to branch out.

I've had a lot on my mind these past couple of days. I don't know why the rememberance of the those who died because of the terrorist attacks seemed more significant this year. I guess it is because I'm already going thru an emotional time, just like I was six years ago. Then, I was just about to turn 39. That was a tough birthday for me. And, although I did not know anyone personally who lost loved ones, I agonized just like the rest of the country over fellow Americans who were hurting. Honestly, I was changed by the event. It was a turning point for the way I parent. I began to deliberately enjoy my kids more. I think it changed things in my marriage too.

I'm sleepy and it's dark. Otherwise I would take a picture of a card I wanted to show you. It will remind you of scenes all across America in the days and weeks after 9*11*2001.
In the meantime, say a prayer for those Americans who lost a loved one and who hurt a little more than the most of us at this time of year.
See you in the morning...
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Forgot to mention, my son had a sinus infection and an ear infection. A couple of doses of antibiotic each day and a little R&V ( rest and video games) and he's as good as new.

Footprints

Finished Card Size: 5" x 7"
Stamps: Footprints (Inkadinkado)
Printed Paper: Blue Stripe( Provocraft), Tan( Basic Grey)
Cardstock: Blue ( Provocraft),White card(Georgia Pacific)
Other paper: Deckeled edge water color paper
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko)
Coloring Medium: Watercolor Pencils

"I don't have the right to give up. I don't have the right to give in. You always pull me through so I'm going to put my trust in you. " These are lines to a song sung by a great encourager, Yolanda Adams. Sometimes is just the slap into reality I need.
This Footprints poem is another one of my favorites. Like the Prayer of Serenity, my first memories of this poem was also at my grandmother and aunt's house. I spent a lot of time there when I was a teenager. I get goosebumps when I look back on the times in my life where I felt lost and abandoned and couldn't see God, only to realize that God had been carrying me through those tough times. I mentioned watercoloring this last month when I was frustrated. This beautiful stamp gives just enough of that poem for the front of a card, I think.

Well, it's Monday morning -- a new day and a new week. I see a lot of potential in all the newness, don't you?

One more daughter to get off to college this week and then back to my own projects. Be blessed today!

Blooming....

Things are better, especially since I had that attitude adjustment reminder. Moving is hard, but as soon as I started dwelling on the things that were going right, it was easier to cope with the things that were going wrong. I've started playing my Christian music more often. It is so helpful to have it playing in the background. The Bible based songs remind me of what is really important. And if that weren't enough, God blessed me with a visual encouragement.

This picture was taken in MI a couple weeks after Mother's Day. My husband planted three planters with these as a gift to me. We assumed they would die if they traveled to GA on the moving truck in the heat of July, so we tried to give them away before we left. When we couldn't get anyone to take them we had the planters with the flowers put on the truck. They were pretty pitiful (they looked dead) when we got here. If I had had a free moment, I may have dug them up and replaced them with new flowers. But we all know I haven't had a free moment in months (smile).

Here is one of the planter now. BETTER than ever!

I'm reminded of an example told by one of the ladies in my Bible study last year. Her family owns a nursery. Her story was that sometimes when they have a plant/flower that is stagnant, they practically kill it by denying it water or nurturing. Just when it looks like it has had it, they start watering it again. And it miraculously comes back bigger and better than ever. This planter holds proof that the process works. And so do I.

Notice the new shades of purple in my flowers.

from Bible Gateway.com

Proverbs 23:18

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.Proverbs 23:17-19 (in Context)

Jeremiah 29:11For 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.Jeremiah 29:10-12 (in Context)

Be encouraged today! Choosing Joy! Jacki

But By My Spirit...

Today's Day 1! As I look around at all that still needs to be doneand I am overwhelmed. It's times like these that I am even more aware that I cannot do this in my own strength, but I need God's Spirit. Please pray for my strength (physical, mental, and spiritual), Please pray that they it all goes as smoothly as possible.

I love this reminder in Zechariah.





Finished Card Size: 5 X 7
Stamps: Zechariah 4:6(Embossing Arts), butterfly(Stampendous)
Cardstock: Blue(not sure), White card(Bazzill), Cardstock Vellum (SU)
Ink:Brocade Blue( SU), Versamark
Other: Clear Embossing Powder

I stamped the verse in the blue first and then stamped it again with Versamark and clear EP.

Just popping in before the movers get here. They will be packing for 2 days. I'm keeping the computer with me so I'll check back when I get a chance to sit down tonight or tomorrow.

And just so you don't think I'm crazy and blogging when I have so much to do, I uploaded several posts (one day last week) with the pictures and stamp credits. That way, I can blog pretty quickly when I have something to say.

Perspective and Healing

4.25 x 5.5

The Perspective:
Today, I re-joined my Romans Bible Study(BSF). It is a very intense and effective study. I was in leadership when this year started, but I dropped out because I was hired full time at a physical therapist's new practice. Then, before I could start it, I had to give up my new full time job, when my husband was transfered. And then, there was the surgery and all the other stuff. So, now that things are trying to settle down in my life ( if you don't count the house being for sale and graduation preparation), I decided to go back and finish the tail end of the year. One of the ladies in the new small group I helped to start last fall was going thru Chemo at the time. I found out today, that her cancer has returned with a vengence.
And then, I just received an email "Immediate Request for Prayer" about a young lady ( I don't know her personally) whose due date was a week ago. The Dr. couldn't detect the heart beat and she was being rushed to the hospital. My heart goes out to both of them and my attention is focused on praying for them right now.
I have a card that I am going to send to the lady from my Bible study. I don't have words of comfort for her, I wish I could make it all better. But the scripture I used on this card comes with a promise. I know and am experiencing God's sustaining power in my life . The Bible verse stamp is Biblical Impressions and says "Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee. Psalm 55:22"


5 x 7

As you can see I have two versions of it. The handmade paper was sent to me by The Rubber Stamper as part of a Design Team Challenge. I doubt if you can tell w/o clicking on the pictures that I stamped the trees image(SU) twice creating a subtle shadow effect.

The Healing
I promised to tell you about my healing over the weekend. First of all, I don't know what it is, but just being around my family made me feel better. But the 5 hour drive down was probably the first solid block of silent and still time I'd had in a week. You are probably wondering how in the world I can use words like silent and still with 4 kids in the car?? I have one word for that-- headphones! They were plugged into DVDs and Mp3s and DSs and I had my music. I love technology! So anyway, Friday was a tough day for me at first, because I was still and I had time to think about my baby. The stages of grief involves denial and bargaining. I thought I was done with that and accepting the loss, but I was overwhelmed with sadness during the drive down. At first, I was encouraged by the music I was listening to (Larnelle Harris, Yolanda Adams, and CeCe Winans) . But when I finally got to the hotel and tried to go to sleep, there was silence. In that silence, I felt a reminder from the Holy Spirit. Principles that I've learned a long time ago during another grieving process.
1. God doesn't make mistakes.
2. We each are given a God designed life span with a purpose. For some of us our life span is 7 weeks and for some it's 70 years. I don't fully know all of the purpose of this child's short life, just yet, but I can't feel like I was cheated out of something. I have a feeling I am learning and will learn a lot from this experience. I will be looking for those lessons.
I'm still sad sometimes, but God is sustaining me.