Be Still

Hello friends, it is so great to be back here sharing my Bible with you all. Today my baby is seven weeks old...how is that possible?! I have been slowly finding time between the marathon nursing sessions and cuddles to journal and dig back into the word. Over these last few weeks the words "be still" have been resonating in my heart. God has been reminding me it's ok to just rest in His presence, and allow Him to fill my tired, weary heart. what better way to illustrate this then with the latest stamp set coffee and Jesus.

I used the sunshine girl alpha, some tiny alpha stickers and hand lettering to create the title for the page. The fun coffee rings and splatters were created using a brown watercolor paint. I painted the bottom edge of the cup and stamped it, so it encircled the verse. The rest of the page I simply stamped a few of the coffee images in brown or black ink and colored then in with watercolors.

The message translation often has a new fresh perspective I enjoy reading. Psalm 46:10 says "take a long, loving look at me, your high God." I so needed to hear this, maybe you need these words this week too! It's ok to slow down and rest in the grace and goodness of God. I find it so easy to get caught up in the busy work of being momma that I forget to take time for the relationship that really matters...my heavenly Father. I invite you to sit down, put on the praise music, open your Bible, pour a giant mug of coffee or tea and let the grace of God fall fresh on you and revive your heart.

Father, help me stop and meditate on your goodness. let my focus rest on your insurmountable greatness, grace and love. Amen!!

Hugs and prayers, Jenn @creativegurl85

My Rock and Fortress Forever

Hey guys!  

Deeds here, with a bit of journaling in my "Christian Life Hymnal!!" 

Let me tell you how timely the Lord is in His mercies and favor!  JUST RECENTLY (like yesterday and today, recently) I've been touched and moved by the surrounding forces of His might and power.  His promise is to never leave; to never forsake.  BUT, my friend, He does more than just stand by our side - He's in the every decision, every situation, every rise and fall, every dark and darker. 
 

Can I share with you about "dark?" 
There is a piece of home - my home - where darkness grows up along the walls.  It's damp.  It's dangerous.  It's terrifying. 

Yesterday, my heart sank into a whirlwind of thoughts - estranged from faith as they may be - of what could happen in this situation.  There's something vicious about mold; something unforgiving; something treacherous.  And as I looked on it, I truly believed it to transcend to my heart, blackening it; suffocating it.  Does the phrase, "impending doom," ring a bell?

So what am I talking about??  "Surrounding forces of God's might and power??" 

Oh, fellow struggling, hurting, broken friends…

The joy of the Lord is not in the comforts and ease of life - it's in the holes and broken pieces of our minds; even in the snares set out for us by the enemy of our soul. 
We are not fully capable of understanding the joy of the Lord without first experiencing grief.
We don't get the gamut of victory without first fighting the battles.

We cannot fathom safety, refuge, protection and provision without having first gone through dangers, toils, snares, and want.

Psalm 46:7 says, "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Fortress!"

God has given me meaning and value in my present circumstances, so I hope to be as clearly and authentically bold for His name: HE IS MY ROCK and FORTRESS!

When the earth shakes and quakes, the waters flood and frighten, the fires rage and threaten - when mold rears its taunting face - He's my Rock. 
When it feels that the darkness prevails and the enemy is gaining ground on my "untroubled" turf, He's my Fortress. 

He is high and lifted up, and as a child of the One True King, I am lifted with Him.  I am able to see the battles rage from His perspective, His vantage point. And though I be engrossed in mildew and moss in my soul, He guards my heart and preserves me for His name's sake.

I'm not above problems; but, God is. 

I'm not immune to emotional, irrational, fearful behavior; but, God knows that.

In areas of life where we are most vulnerable and (sadly) susceptible to falling, failing in faith, the enemy WILL strike.  He will strike, and he will strike hard.  But, "get excited," as my friend, Korin would put it.   It's in these areas of attack where God is using even the enemy's "blows" to make us stronger. 

We are not born strong and able; God makes us so.

We are not inherently bold and brave; God makes us so.

We are not innately trusting and faithful; God makes us so.

And this makes the enemy powerless.  HALLELUJAH!

I pray that today, you have found God as your Rock and Fortress.  Forever He is with us.  Forever He is faithful.  Forever He is strong.  Forever.

Much love,

Deeds

**Process is done using watercolor crayons from Lyra, and "Mighty Fortress" stamps from Sweet 'n' Sassy Stamps.