Sing Praises

 

I have slowly been studying the book of Psalms using my Max Lucado Encouraging Word Bible and Matthew Henry Commentary (from my Blue Letter Bible app). If you care to see my comments and personal notes, I've included them below. 🙂

The Psalms are replete with joyful praise to the Lord, but the key theme of Psalm 95-100 is singing praises to God. ♪

"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!

Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;

Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms."

Psalm 95:1-2

"Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!

Sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord, bless His name;

Proclaim the good news of His

salvation from day to day.

Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all peoples."

Psalm 96:1-2

"The Lord reigns;

Let the earth rejoice;

Let the multitude of isles be glad!"

Psalm 97:1

"Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!

For He has done marvelous things:

His right hand and His holy arm have

gained Him the victory."

Psalm 98:1

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!

Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before His presence with singing."

Psalm 100:1

Praising God is so important, but not just when things are going well - even when they aren't. When God puts a new heart in our chest, He also puts a new song in our mouth. If all creation rejoices, why can't we? Short answer: WE CAN! And we should. God has given us so much to praise Him for, let's praise His name together! 🙌

  

  

Page Details

My art page turned into a little explosion of color and music notes! I didn't plan it that way, but it sure turned out that way 😀 I used the Texture Tiles 7 for the music notes background, and Lollipop Alpha for the page title. I had originally stamped the title directly on the page, but decided that I needed some dimension, so stamped with words on cardstock, fussy cut each letter, and stuck it on the page using foam mounts. I watercolored the pink/purple background, and used the Background Builders: Stripes for the thick border lines. I then added some purple splatters and called it good. 

Here are the stamp sets used: 

   

  

Let's join together in praising the Lord this week 🎵

In Christ, 

Janelle

@journalingjoy

Snowman Praise

It’s 45 below in Chicago? Praise the Lord! Our flight might be cancelled? Praise the Lord! Our entire trip is cancelled?! Praise the Lord! That was the progression of thoughts last week before our trip to a basketball tournament in Michigan was cancelled due to the worst weather conditions in over 25 years.  I was organizing the trip for 42 people—girls’ and boys’ varsity teams, sponsors, and parents--to fly to Chicago, drive to southwest Michigan, and then compete in a national high school basketball tournament.  Everything was well-planned and under control, and it was going to be AWESOME! Plus, it was my son’s chance to play in front of the coach of his chosen college’s team, hopefully with the opportunity to earn a basketball scholarship. 

But things fell through. The weather predictions kept getting worse. The temperatures kept dropping. The airlines sent the dreaded email that the flight was cancelled. We desperately tried alternative routes, to no avail.  Apparently, this trip was not meant to be.  My son was devastated. And I felt completely out of control. 

I argued with God over this one.  But He convicted me when I read this verse: “For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised…” (Psalm 16:25).  This entire chapter is actually a song of praise. David dealt with disappointment after disappointment, but he continued to praise God.  Wow! I can and SHOULD praise God, even when I’m disappointed, simply because God is praiseworthy!

An alternate basketball trip presented itself, this time to Texas.  We fly out next week.  My son will have the opportunity to meet the college coach.  God works everything out! He is greatly to be praised!

For this page, I created a wintery theme with the Crazy About Snowmen stamp set.  I first stamped the image of a snowman with his arms lifted, as if in praise, and then used Distress Oxides in Cracked Pistachio, Broken China, and Dusty Concord to paint him.  I used watercolors from DotsNDust  (Sugar Rush set and Shimma) to create the colored background, then used some stencils from FaithItSociety with Distress Oxides.  I stamped the words with the Healer of My Heart set directly onto the Bible page, and the letters from the Typewriter Blocks Alpha set onto white card stock, and then cut them out.  I alternated the colors of the letters to match the colors in the snowman.  I finished the page with washi tape, a tag, and texture stamping (Texture Tiles 1).  Of course, I added my journaling to help me remember this story, and the date stamp to truly archive this entry. 

How has God taught you that you weren’t in control? How does He remind you to continue to praise Him?  Share below in the comments.  Remember, we praise Him because He is worthy to be praised! 

           

Bring a Gift of Laughter

When you think of birthdays, what comes to mind? Do you have a favorite memory from childhood? Did you have special parties with lots of friends, or celebrate with family?

Growing up, because my dad was in the Air Force, we were often away from family when birthdays rolled around. But, that didn’t mean we were without birthday fun!

Momma always baked a cake...either a carrot cake or our family favorite, a Sam Houston cake. Daddy would grill burgers and hot dogs for us. We had an old fold up metal table that was about 6 foot long. It was blue in case you were wondering.

In the middle of the living room was that long table filed to the brim with all the fixings and surrounding the table would be neighborhood friends and my family. I can still hear the giggles, smell the food, and taste that cake!

What a precious gift my parents would give me...they were creating memories for me. Nearly 50 years later, I still remember this one particular party. I couldn’t tell you what any of the gifts were, but I can sure recall the love that was in our home that day.

I used to always curl up next to Momma and Daddy and tell them how happy the day made me. Even then, I was a people person and got my batteries charged by being with everyone. I’m sure that my parents hearts were full hearing that my heart was full. 

In Psalm 100, we are told “On your feet now—applaud GOD! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭100:1-2‬ ‭MSG‬

Imagine with me how full God’s heart must be when we stand on our feet, throw up our praise hands, and with laughter shout out to Him “wow, God...you are so good!” 

Praising God with laughter and joy is the gift He deserves! Not because He has done a thing for us...but just because He is God. And He is good. And love. And just. And merciful. And and and. He is God and He is worthy of all our praise!

As I reflect on this birthday that has just passed, my heart is so full. God truly blessed me as many of you loved on me with your sweet words, thoughtful prayers, and love over a meal. I want to praise God for loving me in this way.

But mostly, I want to lift up my praise hands, with laughter in my heart, just because He is God!!

Art behind the story:

The Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps new October All Wrapped Up set was perfect for me for this month!! I loved using it to stamp all the birthday presents. It’ll be great for Christmas...and for year round. I stamped several presents, used the stamp of the month Texture Tiles 4 for “coloring” the presents, and then fussy cut and paper pieced them. The words from the Women of Praise set were perfect for this passage. The background was done with a watercolor wash and then the “confetti” paint drops were splattered on top.

Have fun creating!

Gayle
Patio Ponderings

Pondering

“Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭111:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬


Recently, I had the privilege of traveling back to Iowa to visit some long time friends. These verses just speak for themselves to describe my thoughts on our visit.

“Praise the Lord! I will thank God with my whole heart.” Yes! I was singing His praise and so full of thankfulness to visit with them. 

“...as I meet with his godly people.” Going to church with my friends and worshiping alongside them was the highlight of my trip.

“How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!” Observing the interaction between my friends and their church family blessed my heart. God is using them tremendously and it was so evident that they were right where they needed to be.

“All who delight in him should ponder them.” May I never cease to be amazed at God and never cease pondering His ways! 



________________


Art behind the story:

The August 2018 Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps stamp of the month “Give Thanks” was perfect to use for this page. I stamped the leaves and acorns along the edge of the margin, and then stamped the phrase. You’ll notice that the phrase stamp is actually straight, but the image is curved. This effect was achieved by slightly curving the clear stamp as I adhered it to the block. Lastly, I used watercolors to color the images and the background. 

Until next time,

Gayle
Patio Ponderings

Tickled Pink

Have you ever been so filled with joy that you just can’t contain it? Your face is beaming, and is sporting a smile that is a mile wide. The glow is just radiating from your eyes. You might even be so joy filled that you dance a bit!

What made you feel that way? You got a promotion? A new grandchild? Someone paid you the nicest compliment? How about you knew you were loved?

I might be labeled a little crazy like King David and even dance around the kitchen, but having the joy of the Lord is like that for me! Some days I just can’t contain my joy when I stop and ponder how loved I am by God.

In Psalm 98 verse 1, David tells us to sing a new song for the Lord has done marvelous things. Not only has He defeated our enemies, but He has made a way for our redemption. If that alone doesn’t make you do a little dance, I don’t know what will! 

Later, in verse 4 and following, David tells us not only to sing, but to shout! We aren’t talking strumming a little on the harp, but bring out the trumpets and praise.

All the earth and every living thing is to join in and “clap their hands in praise!” Can’t you just hear the ocean roaring His praises? What about all the living creatures? Creation just screams out in praise of Him.

What about you? Are you so filled with His joy that you praise Him? or do you let the cares of this world steal your joy? My friend, take heart, He has overcome this world and gives us hope.

Will you get “tickled” pink with me and sing a new song before our Lord?



“Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!

Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy”
‭‭Psalm 98:1, 4, 7-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬


Art behind the story:

When I knew these flamingo stamps were going to be released, they made me smile. Most of you know by now, I’m a creation lover because I truly believe creation just screams praises of the Creator! Flamingos are one of those birds that just make me happy by looking at them. 

This stamp set “Be a Flamingo” is part of the June Release for Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps. I stamped the flamingo first, then watercolored it. Next, I did a little “stamp surgery” and cut apart the “tickled pink” phrase, because I knew I wanted to stamp it separately. I added the exclamation point from the Bitty Minnie Alphas and finished it off with the polka dots from Grunge Elements 2.

Hope today you find joy in the Lord and get “tickled pink” over Him!

Hugs,

Gayle
IG: patioponderings

Refresh

Do you ever just get weary? You know, the “my body is just worn out and my mind is cluttered kind of weary?” I don’t know about you, but this girl does.

When I read this passage last week, it brought such a sense of “ahhhhh” to my heart. God himself brings abundant rain that refreshes the weary land. Just reading His word brings such a peace.  Knowing that He provides brings such joy when I get weary.  

David couldn’t help but be filled with joy and had to write about it and sing God’s praises....and so did I!!

“But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy. Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord — rejoice in his presence!

O God, when you led your people out from Egypt, when you marched through the dry wasteland,
Interlude

the earth trembled, and the heavens poured down rain before you, the God of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land.

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭68:3-4, 7-9, 19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Art behind the story:

The Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps Refresh My Soul Set was perfect for this passage. I stamped the cacti and the plants, then drew the sand lines and the small cactus on the lower right. The sentiments are stamped used the word “refresh” from the Refresh My Soul set and the Bitty Minnie Alphas. The tiny word “joy” on the tab is from the Choose Faith stamp set. After I water colored the images and the background, I came back and added some sand using the Texture Tiles 1 stamps.

Thanks for joining me today. Pray you find refreshing by pondering His Word today.

Hugs,

Gayle
IG: patioponderings