Portable DIY Prayer Journal. Proverb of the Day

Portable DIY Prayer Journal

I absolutely love stationary products, sticky notes of all types and sizes, notepads, pens, markers, colored pencils and, yes, journals!  

I have several many journals in my collection - leather ones, spiral bound ones, expensive and inexpensive ones, handmade ones,  and composition books. 

I absolutely love my Scripture Memorization journal made from a spiral bound ruled index card notebook! So, that said, I'm sure you'll understand why I fell in love with this idea from Shelly at Dolen Diaries.  She has inspired me to make a portable prayer journal as well! Please stop by her blog and check it out!

I'm using a 3 X 5" note card binder.  My daughter kindly hole punched the note cards for me using a three hole punch.  

I decided to use a fabric cover because my poor little notebook is a bit worn.  I measured the fabric about 1/4" bigger than the notebook making sure the seam from the leg of the jeans was centered on the spine of the notebook.  Then I cut out the  fabric.  

  

Then I measured and cut two more pieces for the inner flaps of the notebook, sewed them to the each short end of the original fabric and pressed the seams open. 

 I used 1 1/2" cross grain ribbon as a binding.

 Then I just had to take time out to admire this beautiful bird enjoying his snack outside my sewing studio window!

 

I wanted a cute, conversation starting cover for my journal.  Who better than Snoopy?  

Using this tutorial from Melissa at Happy Quilting, I printed the above image on muslin and attached it to the front cover of my journal.   

I also added this image to the inside journal.  It will always remind me of a special promise the LORD kept to me which I'll share about later.  

I forgot to add a closure, so my handy dandy seam ripper came in handy as I tore open a short seam, inserted a hair tie, and sewed over it several times to secure it.  I attached a red button to complete the closure.  

It was a no brainer to attach a red yo yo heart!  I love fabric yo yos!    

To follow Shelly's example, I wanted to distiguish between each family member that I would pray for.  I wanted to use washi tape to mark each family members' card, but, sadly, that would prove to be too bulky.  After all, the goal is to make this particular journal portable. So I ended up going with Shelly's idea and color coding the cards. I'm thinking I should also add a "Praise" section!    

So....what do you think?  I love my new prayer journal!  I can hardly wait to see how the LORD will work in my life!

Proverb of the Day


There is a saying regarding the workplace:  

90% of your problems are

10% of your people.

As I read this verse, I am reminded of a friend's struggles at work.  We all know what it is like 
to have conflict in the workplace.
to be treated unfairly.
to be misunderstood.
to be lied about.
to be harrassed.

This verse is so timely today because my friend's challenge is being worked out - Praise God!

Though I am not one to advocate revenge, I do believe that the best revenge is to simply 
continue living one's life, 
continue performing at one's highest level,
and continually seek joy in all circumstances.  

After all there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD!

http://www.thequotepedia.com/quotes/worship/page/10/

I'm Trying. Proverb of the Day.

 I'm trying.
I'm trying so hard to live a normal life despite the pain, the constant pain, that I'm living with. Is it neuropathy? Is it fibromyalgia? What is happening to my body? Today I see my oncologist  and I hope against hope that he'll have some answers. My toes  swelled up, then my feet and on my ankles. I don't know what God is doing in my life but I do know He holds the answers. I'm desperately trying to maintain my hope despite the pain and fatigue that have decided to be my companions. 

Proverb of the Day





I'm beginning to notice that I talk too much! This happens especially when I'm flustered, nervous chatter. I speak without thinking and go on and on and on. Thank God for Proverbs 29:20! I am making scripture cards to carry with me and this is at the top of the list! Do you suffer from nervous chatter as well? If so it's OK cause guess what? God loves us anyway!

Struggling.

http://quotesgram.com/chronic-back-pain-quotes/#9AtLnJuNQB

The neuropathy pain is overwhelming.  I'm grateful I was able to make it to church and do some shopping at the mall with my husband. And now I just lay down in pain and grateful for the inspiration from my friends  

Dear friend, this is my truth.

Regret. Defeat. Greatest Lesson. Proverb of the Day.

Regret.  Defeat.

I'm not sure if I mentioned that I lived in a city about an hour away during radiation.  After hearing my story, the manager of the Marriot Hotel gave me a significant discount, so I was able to live in the city where I had my daily radiation treatments.  My dear husband drove an extra two hours every day to be with me in the evenings.  Imagine! But, alas, I digress.... 

While there, I discovered KLOVE, one of the best Christian radio stations I have ever heard!  I would listen to it on the way and back from Texas Oncology. God used this station to speak encouragement, courage and healing to me.   I purchased and created a playlist of the songs that truly ministered to me.  I still listen to them all the time.  

Yesterday, the following song spoke deeply to me.  I'm on the journey to healing, to creating a new life for myself.  And it's wonderful.  
                       

Perhaps you are living with regret and defeat as the voices in your head.  May I suggest you turn this song up really loud, listen to it several times, dance and go nuts praising God - and go forth living in victory as the "Child of the One True King"!!!  

I did that just this morning.
I was freed.
I may forget.
I may push play and repeat.

You were on my mind, too.
You may need to do this.
You can be free.
You may forget.
Push play and repeat.

Greatest Lesson.

http://quotesgram.com/lessons-learned-in-life-quotes/#9WKTbJIjMU

Proverb of the Day.

Oh LORD! How I struggle with this!  I'm getting better, but sure could use Your help with this one!  The question, "Does it improve on the silence?", is helping me to keep my tendency to rise to the challenge of a quarrel in check.  Please continue to help me be a person of honor and avoid strife.

Dear Friend, this is my truth!

I'm Back. Proverb of the Day.

I'm Back. 
Hello there!  Did you miss me?  I sure missed you - knowing you are out there and reading my little blog.  

I'm back, with my friends, Pain and Fatigue, but I'm back.

Yup.  You read correctly - my friends.  You see, friends, as defined by Merriam Webster, are:   

a person who helps or supports someone or something (such as a cause or charity)

I have chosen to personify Pain and Fatigue because they have taught me a valuable lesson:  find the balance between taking care of myself and taking care of others.  I'm surely not saying I've learned this lesson in less than a week!  But, finally, my heart is open to learning.  And isn't that how we grow?  

It hasn't been easy or fun, but I am learning to be even more gentle with myself.  

As we learn to take care of ourselves, we can offer the best of ourselves to others - to God.  

http://quotesgram.com/taking-care-of-me-quotes/

Proverb of the Day.

Friends, let's make sure, whether we are rich, comfortable or poor, that we are rich in Christ.  Then, we can live confidently, knowing that even if our walls are scaled, we still win the war!

Dear Friend, this is my truth!

It's good to be back!

Pain.

Today was a good day.
 And then I got a visit
 From pain

 So I will lay beside the still waters
 And rest -
 knowing God is ministering to me.

 For now I will lean on His everlasting arms

http://songsofpraises.blogspot.com/2012/05/leaning-on-everlasting-arms.html

Proverb of the Day. A Little Extra.

Proverb of the Day

By our, hopefully, wise and kind words, as well as the diligent, honest work of our hands, we are known and receive the reward from our LORD.  

In my 12 Step Program, I learned a saying to direct our speech:

http://thequotes.in/before-you-speak-think-is-it-necessary-is-it-true-is-it-kind-will-it-hurt-anyone-will-it-improve-on-the-silence/

Now, the last question about improving the silence is one I just now saw and loved!

Do I live by these questions?  Not all the time, but I'm working on it.  I really am.  Perhaps I need to post this image, along with this one around my house to remind me.  

http://bitesizebiblestudy.blogspot.com/2015/10/how-what.html

Imagine if we could take hold of every thought and hold it to this standard as well!  Perhaps by doing this we can be as Nelson Mandela:

http://www.deseretnews.com/top/1635/11/-The-21-best-Nelson-Mandela-quotes-in-pictures.html

I would love 
to be free 
from the prison of 

anger, hatred, bitterness 
and unforgiveness, 
wouldn't you? 

I would love to 
earn the reward of enjoying
the meadows of serenity, 

love, and forgiveness, 
wouldn't you?

Definitely a goal worth working for, 
don't you think?

Dear Friend, this is my truth!

30 Days. Proverb of the Day.

30 Days

This Friday, April 15, 2016,  will complete my thirty day challenge from the LORD.  I'm not sure how I feel about this.  This week I'll be pondering "lessons learned" throughout this time......it should hopefully prove insightful.  

Here's a few images on this theme that caught my eye.  I hope you enjoy them!

http://quotesgram.com/lessons-learned-in-life-quotes/#2xXBd1hbRE

http://www.picturequotes.com/lessons-learned-in-life-quotes

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/d2/dd/6e/d2dd6ea0297a9f55bf29776b1023d0ef.jpg

Proverb of the Day.

I immediately though of my husband when I read this verse.  He is extremely generous to all he meets. He sees a need and he does his best to meet it.  And, yes, the LORD has blessed him beyond measure.  

Not just financially, but in ways that have immeasurable value:

  

* He is one of the most peaceful people I know.

* He sleeps well every night - regardless of what is going on in our lives.  (Unless the LORD keeps him up praying, of course!)

* He can make me laugh at the drop of a hat - even when I am in pain from neuropathy, he can make me laugh!

Refreshed according to Merriam Webster is: 

to restore strength and animation to

https://heathercking.org/2015/01/26/12-bible-verses-and-a-prayer-for-when-you-need-to-be-refreshed/

I wonder, how would our world change if we each chose to refresh someone today?

Dear Friend, this is my truth!

Proverb of the Day.

Proverb of the Day.


Wow, this is exactly how I feel ever since I've heard the word, "Cured", from my oncologist!  I'm so grateful that the LORD saw fit to use breast cancer to grow my faith, my spirit, my family's strength and unity!  

Perhaps I've misspoken.  Perhaps it was truly I who chose to use this terrible disease to do all this.  I could have easily chosen to blame God, lose my faith and become bitter.  
But, by God's grace, I didn't.
By God's grace, my faith grew.
By God's grace, my spirit stayed open to Him.
By God's grace, my family and loved ones became stronger.
By God's grace, my family and loved ones grew in unity.

Whatever you are going through, 
by God's grace, your faith can grow.  
By God's grace, your spirit can remain open to Him.
By God's grace, your family and loved ones can become stronger.
By God's grace, your family and loved ones can grow in unity.

Will you trust Him?  
He's trustable.

Dear Friend, this is my truth.

Proverb of the Day.Quilting Again!

Proverb of the Day.

http://biblepic.com/proverbs/9-1.htm#.V3SgGfkrKpA

You know, I'm not sure what the seven pillars are....there seems to be no consensus on them. However, I wonder, what seven pillars I would build my house on?  

I feel yet another Bible study coming......

Quilting Again!
I had started Clover and Violet's Simple Scrappy Sampler Quilt Along some time ago.  I dropped it as the mad sewing Christmas dash began.  Well, I picked it up again!  Here are my finished blocks.

Can you see images of my Grandmother's Flower Garden hexagon quilt behind the blocks?  The blocks were fun to make!  I'm using Happy Tones for the on a white on white background fabric.  

http://ellisonlane.com/2013/10/happy-fabric.html

     
Here is a close up of the one I finished today.  

I'm excited to complete the rest of the blocks and finish this baby up! 

Dear Friends, this is my truth!

Proverb of the Day.

Proverb of the Day

Oh LORD, let me answer Wisdom's call and hear Understanding's voice!

https://coldwaterstoathirstysoul.wordpress.com/2015/11/18/wisdoms-call/

            

Instagram and Blogging. Proverb of the Day.

Instagram and Blogging.
You know, there have been days when I'm just tired, seemingly too tired to blog.  It's a fabulous tired - a tired that comes from living a full life vs. from lingering chemotherapy effects or neuropathy.  So, I'll joyfully embrace the "tired"!

But, tonight I felt that I just absolutely couldn't blog tonight - until I checked my Instagram account and saw a comment directed to me.  She said she really needed my comment on yesterday's Proverb of the Day.  Her kind words infused me with energy.   

So, here we are, my dear friends. 

Proverb of the Day.


This verse has plunged me into a study of knowledge, wisdom and insight.  For now, I'll say that I'm enjoying how the LORD has piqued my curiosity into the individual words in Scripture.  

For example, what is the difference between wisdom and insight?  between a sister and a relative?  Why is wisdom my sister and insight a relative?  

Yes, my friends, this verse has me questioning and researching, but, most of all, thinking about my LORD and Savior.

Hmmmmm.  I wonder if that's His goal?  

http://f3y.com/how-to-keep-your-mind-sharp/woman-thinking/

Dear Friends, this is my truth.  

Portable Prayer Wall. Family Prayer Sticks. Proverb of the Day.

Portable Prayer Wall
After watching the movie, War Room, I was inspired to make a prayer wall, only mine is semi-portable. The reason it is semi-portable is because my devotional desk is in our living room right smack in the middle of my wall-to-wall library.  When we have guests, I simply remove it and place it in a closet.  


It's made from a 2' by 2' pegboard.  First, I covered it with a couple of layers of quilt batting.  Then, I covered the batting with fabric that coordinates with my living room.  Afterward, I threaded a 12" piece of twine through the corners.  This was difficult as I had to find the corner holes in the pegboard and then thread them through all that batting and fabric.  I used a large needle and a hemostatic clamp to pull the needle through.  (Honestly, there must be an easier way to do this!)  Afterward, I just hung it in my living room.  I absolutely love this as I have access to my Bible study library and my prayer wall.  Plus, if I choose to study in my living room, I can hear our backyard waterfall from the backyard. 

To utilize it, I simply use my 2" scrapbooking hole punch to make pretty circles.  I write my prayer requests on them and as the LORD gives me scriptures for those prayers, I pin them next to the prayers.  

I glue answered prayers into my "Praise Slambook".  It's an  encouragement to me right now and a powerful testimony for my family later on!  Love it!  

(Ok, I now realize, I need to provide pictures if I'm going to keep writing mini tutorials!)


Family Prayer Sticks.

http://www.dolendiaries.com/2014/02/family-prayer-sticks.html

I absolutely fell in love with this idea from Shelly at Dolen Diaries for Family Prayer Sticks!  She uses it at dinner time when they say grace to make this special prayer time more meaningful for her children.  Though we are empty nesters, I believe this would be fantastic practice for my husband and I!  Really, consider checking out Shelly's idea this idea out!  

Proverb of the Day.

http://quotesnsayings.net/bible-verses-about-mothers/

I see this scripture and think of those who were raised by abusive parents.  Or what about those who were never introduced to the concept of God?  

Here are my thoughts.  The Holy Spirit draws us to Him.  Even if both or one of our parents were cruel, the Holy Spirit yearns to minister to that hurting child within.  

http://www.knowing-jesus.com/isaiah-49-15/

God will make Himself known to those who have never heard of His salvation.  Here's a couple of reasons I believe this.

Two children came over to ask if my grandson could play.  I explained that he was in very sick and unable to play.  One became very sad.  I asked both children to pray for him.  The other child asked, "Pray? What's that?"  Yup.  That really happened.  His companion and I explained who God is and what prayer is.  I believe the conversation continued as they left my house.

Another true story.  After 9/11, I sat my students on our carpet and asked them how they were feeling.  After they talked themselves out, I asked them what they did when they were afraid.  As they were sharing, one little girl said, "I pray."  When one little boy asked what that was, she explained prayer and God to him.

God makes Himself known.

To the abused.

To the one who has never heard of Him and His amazing grace.

God makes Himself known.

He teaches us as a loving, faith-filled mother and a father would.

He does this because He loves us - yes - that means you.

And we bind those teachings 

upon our hearts for healing, 

and around our necks as a precious necklace.  

And we begin to know Him.

Dear Friend, this is my truth.

Crochet Patterns. Joy. Disclaimer. Proverb of the Day. You.

Crochet Christmas Gifts

http://www.domesticblisssquared.com/2013/09/lacy-scalloped-crochet-boot-cuffs-free.html

 

http://lacycrochet.blogspot.com/2014/01/lacy-infinity-scarf-tutorial.html

Every year around November, I'm madly crocheting and sewing gifts for my family and friends.  This year I got an early start!I absolutely totally enjoy making gifts for my loved ones!  It's so much fun choosing a project, pattern and yarn or fabric specifically for them!  I secretly believe that I'm the one who is really blessed one because I derive so much enjoyment in the creative process - especially for loved ones!  

This crocheted scarf and boot cuff set went up really quickly!  I used Lion Brand Heartland Sequoia.  It's so very soft with slight, but beautiful varying shades of brown in it.  I used this pattern  from Jessica and Hilary at Domestic Bliss Squared for the boot cuffs and this one  by Olga from Lacy Crochet for the scarf.  Aren't they just gorgeous?  

Joy

                                                
I had started a Bible study called Fighting Back with Joy by Margaret Feinberg.  It was so surprising how it all began.  My husband and I were in a Christian book store and he brought me a bright yellow book with the word "Joy" emblazoned across the front cover.  For those of you who know me well, you know this immediately caught my attention.  I asked him if God had told him to show me the book and he said no, that it just caught his attention.  So I flipped through, didn't see a need to buy a video so I decided to take it.

Fast forward a few weeks and hold onto your hat because there are three "God Winks" coming up!  I picked up the book and decided to research Margaret.  Guess what?  

God Wink #1:  She's a bubbling over with joy breast cancer survivor!  Was this study meant to be or what? 

Remember when I thought there was no need for a video?  Ha!  A video was needed!  I missed that tiny little fact.  

God Wink #2:  I found Session 1 online for free!  I haven't found the rest of the sessions, but I'll soon be looking!

Naturally I needed the book, so I searched online for it and wala!  

God Wink #3:  Here was a copy for my Nook for only $3 - less than the the cost of a cappuccino!  

So, yes, I'll be continuing this study - God surely has place it in my hands for a reason!

Disclaimer.
I know I've linked to a few businesses and blogs today.  I do not receive compensation for these links.  I provide them for your benefit and ease in case you're interested.  :)  

Proverb of the Day

http://biblepic.com/47/proverbs_5-1.htm#.VwPvYPkrKpA

 How many times in the Bible do we see God asking us to pay attention to His wisdom, to Him?  Such a great and might God actually asking His children to pay attention to Him!  This is very humbling.

You - Yes You.

The strangest thing is happening to me this morning. I really feel in my Spirit that someone out there is reading my blog today.

You're broken.

You're hurting.

You're hopeless.

You're weeping.

You're struggling.

Be blessed today.  

You are not alone.

You are loved.

You are being prayed for.

You have value.

Dear Friend, this is my truth.