My Defender

 

"Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

What a powerful Bible passage. This takes place when the Israelites are being pursued by the Egyptian army, and panic and begin crying out that God should have left them in Egypt.  Moses tells them to be quiet, and watch God work.  It reminds me of when someone who's freaking out needs a slap in the face to bring them out of their frenzy.  

How often do we fret and stress over the circumstances we find ourselves in?  If we would but stand still and stand firm in Christ, and allow Him to work, we may find that He performs miraculous wonders before our very eyes!  All we need to do is praise Him, even before He acts, and then wait to see what He does.  Pray, worship, stay still.  God's got this!  He's our Great Defender.  

"Defender" has recently become one of my favorite songs.  It speaks to the trust and submission to His power and victory in our life.  I've linked the video below.  Here are a couple of the verses:  

Hallelujah, You have saved me

So much better this way

Hallelujah, great Defender

So much better Your way

And all I did was praise

All I need to do is worship

Lord, I will just bow down

I'm just gonna stay still

(My Defender, Francesca Battistelli and Steffany Gretzinger)

All we have to do is allow God to fight for us, stand back, pray and praise.  He will defeat our enemies and troubles, just like He delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians.  

I made this page with a mixed media approach to give a sense of chaos and disorder.   This represents how we should let Christ defend us in the midst of that chaos.  I used Distress Oxide Inks in Kitsch Flamingo, Wild Honey, and Peacock Feathers.  I stamped images from the new Grunge Elements 3 stamp set and Typewriter Text Background.  I also stenciled with ink and white acrylic paint using the new Script stencil.  

 I stamped the title using Love Ya Like a Sis and Bold and Outline alpha sets.  I then added detailing a white gel pen.  I adhered my Bible text, which I had typed onto a clear sticker sheet.  I added some black and white splatters, and then topped the page with a couple of tabs and a bow.  

My prayer is that you can allow Jesus to be your great Defender in your most difficult of circumstances. 

--Julie 

Script Stencil

Grunge Elements 3

High and Holy

 

"For thus says the High and Lofty One

Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

'I dwell in the high and holy place,

With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,

To revive the spirit of the humble,

And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.'" 

(Isaiah 57:15)

The Israelites had the terrible habit of disrespecting God.  They forgot who led them out of slavery, and saved them from their enemies.  They forgot who daily fed them manna for 40 years.  They forgot who the One True God was, and mixed their worship with other false gods.  Therefore, here is Isaiah, God is reminding the people of His holiness and highness.  He is reminding them of WHO HE IS.  

We can cast blame on the Israelites, and ask why they would continue to act that way.  But the truth is, we act the same way.  Despite all the blessings, provisions, and watch-care that God grants us daily, we also disrespect Him by doing our own thing and worshiping our own gods (be they social media, our self-image, Netflix, our jobs, etc.).  We do not fully ascribe to God the respect and honor due Him.  

I created this page with the Puffy Clouds stencil.  I used two colors of ink (Tumbled Glass and Kitsch Flamingo) and shifted the stencil slightly on the second color in order to get the multi-toned effect for the clouds.  

I stamped my title with three different alphabet sets:  School Days Alpha, Typewriter Blocks Alpha, and Lollipop Alpha.  Then I colored in the words "high" and "holy" with some Wilted Violet ink using an aquabrush.  Next, I added some splatters with black watercolor paint and some smooshing and splattering of the three ink colors.  

Next, I added some white detailing to the letters with a white gel pen.  For my tab cluster at the top of the page, I stamped and fussy cut three little clouds from the Count Your Rainbow stamp set (although I could have used the coordinating die).  I added the sentiment "Praise the Lord" from the Prayer Time stamp set (the "Heavenly Father" and "Amen" over by the verse also came from the Prayer Time set).  Then I added some Sparkle Glitter glue to the title and cloud tab cluster.  

I encourage you today to worship, respect, and honor God for the God that He is.  One living in a high and holy place, but One who also lives inside of each of us.  

Thanks for hanging out with me today.  God bless!

--Julie @julesk.jewels

Here's a process video so you can see how it came together:

Product Links:  (Click the picture for the link)

"In the Morning" Hymnal Journaling

 

In the morning when I rise / In the morning when I rise

In the morning when I rise / Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus / Give me Jesus

You can have all this world / But give me Jesus

And when I am alone / Oh, when I am alone

And when I am alone / Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus / Give me Jesus

You can have all this world / But give me Jesus

And when I come to die / Oh, when I come to die

And when I come to die / Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus / Give me Jesus

You can have all this world / But give me Jesus

Isn't that a beautiful hymn?  Give me Jesus! Yes! The first printing of this song dates back to 1845 in a Methodist hymnal. However, the 1867 compilation Slave Songs of the United States includes this spiritual as a favorite among former slaves in South Carolina. I can easily understand the powerful words to this song strengthening and encouraging anyone going through a difficult time. When we seek Jesus first, in the morning, we'll be victorious over anything and everything we encounter throughout the rest of the day.

I knew I wanted to journal this hymnal page, but my first attempt was a FAIL!  Well, nothing created in heartfelt worship is really a fail, but I was definitely not happy with the results. I didn't like how the lightly stamped words didn't stand out enough against the watercolor background. Nor did I like the placement of the words and image. So I set it aside for a day, and came back to it the next evening. Here's a photo of the first attempt.

First Page Attempt

I pulled out some white, yellow, orange, and red acrylic paint, because I knew that medium was heavy enough to cover up what I had previously done, but light enough to allow me to still see the score of the music.  

Second Attempt

 

I created an ombre effect with the colors, and then, using the Good Morning stamp set, I stamped the words and images over the background.  I added some paint to the sunrise image, and used a white gel pen to highlight the words and the sun's rays.  I added white, orange, and red splatters, which made me think of droplets of sunlight. I added a tab made from washi tape and the phrase "Not today Satan" from the Faith Wordfetti stamp set.  I finished it off with the some black and white washi (to help balance out all the color) and an orange puffy clip, which reminds me of the sun. 

 

I am much happier with the second attempt. I love its brightness and image placement, and the splashes of sunlight! Which is your preference?  

Faith Wordfetti Stamp Set

Good Morning Stamp Set

Thanks for stopping by.  You can follow me on Instagram @julesk.jewels

 or my YouTube channel Jules Jewels 

I Know

Hello again friends!

    

How are you?  Life still feels pretty weird, huh?  I want to share a song that has brought me so much encouragement lately.  It is "I Know" by Big Daddy Weave.

You don't answer all my questions
But You hear me when I speak
You don't keep my heart from breakin'
But when it does, You weep with me

You're so close that I can feel You
When I've lost the words to pray
And though my eyes have never seen You
I've seen enough to say

I know that You are good
I know that You are kind
I know that You are so much more
Than what I leave behind
I know that I am loved
I know that I am safe
'Cause even in the fire, to live is Christ, to die is gain
I know that You are good

I don't understand the sorrow
But You're calm within the storm
Sometimes this weight is overwhelming
But I don't carry it alone

You're still close when I can't feel You
I don't have to be afraid
And though my eyes have never seen You
I've seen enough to say

I know that You are good
I know that You are kind
I know that You are so much more
Than what I leave behind
I know that I am loved
I know that I am safe
'Cause even in the fire, to live is Christ, to die is gain
I know that You are good

You are good
I know

On my darkest day
From my deepest pain
Through it all, my heart, will choose to sing Your praise

On my darkest day
From my deepest pain
Through it all, my heart, will choose to sing Your praise

On my darkest day
In my deepest pain
Through it all, my heart, will choose to sing Your praise

I know that You are good
I know that You are kind
I know that You are so much more
Than what I leave behind
I know that I am loved
I know that I am safe
'Cause even in the fire, to live is Christ, to die is gain
I know that You are good

I know that You are good
I know

The lyric that really struck me as I was driving this past week, is "Sometimes this weight is overwhelming, but I don't carry it alone". The world seems super heavy lately!  2020 has been no picnic. But there is so much truth in this song!  We are not alone.  God is always with us, helping us carry the load.  We must stick to the truths we know about God and His love for us as we navigate this life.  

I sat down to create with absolutely zero idea about what I wanted to do.  I had some Dr. Ph. Martin's India Inks on my desk that I had yet to play with, so I just got messy with them.  I added a layer of gold Distress Paint and stamped some beautiful flowers from the Flower Garden stamp set.  I added some color to the flowers with some Faber-Castell Pitt markers. I stamped out some of the song lyrics with the new Marker Alpha and the Bold & Outline Caps Alpha. 

⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NIV

Until next time, catch up with me on Instagram & Facebook @simplyjillsjourney.

Jill

Selah

God is our refuge and strength,

    a very present help in trouble.

2 

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 

though its waters roar and foam,

    though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Selah    (Psalm 46:1-3)

I always wanted to know what this word meant... Selah. 
I've heard it said that it's some type of pause; some form of meditative hesitation.  When someone says the word, I often wonder why they didn't translate this seemingly mystical word into one for our English language as a help for those of us who want to better understand this beautifully-written interjection.

I still have yet to figure that out.  All I know, is that it was placed as another piece of praise/prayer to the Lord which prompted the singers/hearers to take a breather...and just listen.  To what?  Instrumental music, mostly.  They were to take a break and just enjoy the sounds of plunking, clashing, banging, and whatever other interesting musicality they had in their day.  

There are times during a worship service where our music leader will guide the band in playing 3 to 4 wordless measures between verses of a song in order that the congregation can hold still, think on what we just sang, and prepare to pick up the next verse and choruses with stronger engagement.  Songs that have a soul-deafening sadness to them are meant to cause us to lament our sin, repent of unjust deeds, turn to the Lord, and appeal to His mercy.  Other songs are gauged to stir you to dancing, rejoicing, and praising the God above for what He has done and continues to do.  Lyrics are powerful; pauses in the middle of corporate worship are amazing and can have heart-filling effects. 

My goal is not necessarily to talk about music though.  Oh, I love music; one of my favorite things, and part of my God-given ministry at our local church house is singing.  But I'm also curious as to what may happen should we use this term, "Selah," - a pause or a break - in our every day studying. 
What if we took time to read God's Word, pausing to meditate on a particular section of scripture, thinking on His character, thinking on His heart, treasuring those things in our hearts, preparing ourselves to read a bit more, repeating said steps above?
What if, in the middle of our seeking truth and knowledge of the Bible, we intermittently took a step back to listen to the "interlude" of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him space in our time to etch the Word a bit deeper? 
Maybe we read a passage one more time.
Maybe we read a passage many times.
Maybe we slow down; stop rushing; start feasting.

There are many ways to glorify our God, but more than anything He wants us to be completely aware of Him, enjoying Him, and finding our daily satisfaction in Him.  But like anything else, a hurried job is a sloppy job.  By taking, making room for, implementing "Selah" in study, our daily Bible reading could take on a whole new form; it could become more worshipful, more meaningful, more fruitful, more beautiful! Our spiritual eyes may behold something more amazing, breath-taking, awe-inspiring.
It's just a thought.  Whenever I see "Selah" in the Psalms, though it was originally given for pause in prayer and worship, I wonder what it is that I just read that needs to be taken a bit more into consideration. 
In the verses above, for example, reading how God is our refuge, our strength, our help, our present protection is awesome!  Reading about His power, might, sovereignty and kingship is inspiring... Selah. 
Sit still.
Wait.
Think about it.
Lean in to it.
Pause.
Pray.
Praise!

Giving the Holy Spirit a bit of additional time to impress our souls with this description of God, may just make a world of difference as we navigate our day.  It may just bring a closer assurance and a more solidified worship of an Almighty Fortress!  The Rock of all ages, and the King above all kings!
It may.  It's just a thought. 
So, I'm going to try it.  I'm going to make a conscious effort to "Selah" or have "Selah" or practice "Selah" when in my devotions.  During a reading, I've challenged myself to hang out, read again, study deeper, and listen more closely to God's whispers to my heart.  My goal: to be more satisfied in the Lord via the help of a "Selah." 
Let me know if you try it; I'd love to know what your thoughts are, and you're welcome to comment here if you'd like! 
Much love, friends!


Deeds

In the Beginning, God.

A good Tuesday to you, Creative Worshipers!

I'm in love. I'm seriously in love with the sets for the August release!  Have you enjoyed them?  Which ones are your favorite!  Comment below and let's talk. :D

But for now, I want to chit chat a bit about the Person for which the stamp set, "Made in His Image," was intended: God.

What?  lol, yes we're gonna talk about God.  That's what we do here.  That's what brings us the most joy and the most honor as we create and share!  God is amazing, worthy of praise and beyond worthy of our love and affections.

I fail daily to give Him my all; but even if for a few moments of your day, I can pour into your heart and encourage you by His Holy Spirit, I say, it's been a good day!

"In the Beginning, God," is something I heard a pastor once say.  I don't remember which pastor along the stream of pastors I've heard in the couple of decades I've been a Christian, but his words impacted me in such a way, that every Bible I've marked up has those words in highlight.

"In the beginning, God."

Let that sink it.
The very start of existence - EVEN BEFORE HUMANITY - God was there.  Already.  Already positioned in glory, on His throne, looking at the outstretched canvas of what we call our universe. 
He sees vastness.  Emptiness.  Void.
He plans.  He intends.  He inhales.
He moves.  He breathes.  He makes.

In the starting and pivotal stages of what would start the human race, God.

In the place of authority, majesty, sovereignty over all creation, God.

Have you read Genesis 1?  It's fantastic. 
What an account!  What a mind-blowing thing, too! 
How can one possibly imagine a Being out there in (quite literally) "no man's land," looking into the darkness that He may fill it with light?  That's so encouraging on many levels.
1.  God is working and planning the time when all things would exist, then mankind would enter and inherit such a place!
2.  God is moving and placing, creating and positioning the human hearts to love and adore Him from a place of complete intimacy, sharing His light and love with His beloved image-bearers.
3.  God is instilling authority that only He can give into mankind to rule with Him and carry out the tasks of keeping the earth. 

There's more. 
A lot more.
Insanely more. 
More than we can think, and unfortunately, more than we can hope for until Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, returns for His people to once again place them in a perfect state.
In John, we read, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God, and the Word was with God."  (v1)

Jesus Christ was in the beginning - right there by the Father - happily and joyfully creating the world for the coming inhabitants. 
Jesus Christ was in the beginning - right there with the Father - watching the plan unfold and readying Himself for His departure to live as a human.
Jesus Christ was in the beginning - right there in the Father - being filled with the Light of man, and the Light of all the world, that through Him, all the world would be saved.

In. The. Beginning.

The Tri-Unity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is amazing.  Too amazing. 
Vastly beyond our ability to understand, yet still touchable and relative.

This is my feeble attempt to encourage someone in their walk with the Lord, or to begin a walk with the Lord. 
He is, by and large, the greatest Thing you will ever encounter and the most passionately merciful God you will ever meet.
Holy.
Good.
Sovereign.
Mighty.
Gracious.
Merciful.
Compassionate.
Light.
And life.

Friends, if you choose ANYone to follow, love, and worship, choose Him.
If you choose ANYthing to study, seek and meditate, choose Him.

Much love,
Deeds
IG @mercies_journaled
Youtube: Mercies Journaled
Affiliate link for "In His Image," here.

Sing With Joy

Reading through the Bible chronologically has really changed my perspective as I read the Psalms that David wrote. I’ve known for some time that each Psalm was written during certain periods of David’s life. Some during good times, and others not so good. They are a journal of sorts of David’s response to God during these periods in his life. It’s a great to read them alongside the history of what was occurring in the kingdom at the same time. 

Psalm 59 was written during a time when Saul was after David, and Saul had sent soldiers to David’s house to try to kill David.

Hmmm. Wonder what my reaction would’ve been? “Ahhhhh...I’m going to die! The end is near! God, where are you?” Is our first thought to react...or respond...when troubles come upon us?

Let’s take a look at David’s response. In verses nine and ten, David proclaims that God is his strength and that he would wait for God to rescue him! 

What was David thinking? He had soldiers at his house ready to kill him and instead of panicking, He instead says “God’s got it...no need to worry!” (my paraphrase)

David goes on in the next few verses to tell about the enemy scavenging about at night and prowling the streets. I don’t know about you, but the night time is where I have a hard time turning off my head and worrying mind. It seems that during the quiet is when the enemy screams the loudest.

We have a choice. To listen to the enemy, or rest in the peace that only God can bring. Here, David made the choice to rest in the quiet hush of the Lord and to sing the Lord’s praises. 

Verse 16 tells us that David will sing of the Lord’s power and in the morning he will “sing for joy” of the Lord’s love...His unfailing love!!
He goes on to boldly say that the lord has been his refuge and his place of safety.

It wasn’t anything David did himself, or even his mighty men. It was God alone who was David’s refuge!!

I encourage you friends to let God be your strength and your refuge. You’ll be singing for joy about His unfailing love! 

“You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress. In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me. He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies.

But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭59:9-10, 16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

showing some of the added texture

Art behind the story:

For this mixed media entry, I used my interleaved Bible which has a blank page in between each page of text.  For the background, I started with a piece of printed scrapbook paper and added ephemera for decorations.  Using Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps sets, I stamped the words "Sing for Joy" with Sunshine Girl Alpha and  the Life In Jesus set.  To add more visual interest, I added some texture with the Texture Tiles 1 set.

Have a great time in Creative Worship as you spend time with the Lord stamping and creating in His Word!

Hugs,

Gayle
Patio Ponderings