Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal

Book Description 

Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal invites you to mix creative journaling and coloring into your personal time with God. Prayers that focus on topics such as being thankful, dealing with stress and heartache, caring for yourself and others, listening for God’s leading, and waiting patiently on Him will guide your thoughts and calm your spirit. Filled with more than 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling, and 40 needs-based prayers, Tranquility will help you express your devotion to God with your whole heart.

My Review

I was so glad to see Tyndale had created yet another wonderful coloring book! The first one I got from this line was their Gratitude: Prayer & Praise Journal. And like the one before, this one is filled with beautifully illustrated pictures and encouraging, uplifting, inspiring words and pictures to meditate and reflect on! Don't believe me, take a look: 

And that's only but a few pages! Each page is filled with something to color or discover. I love this book! This makes a wonderful gift for yourself or a friend or family member for any time of year!

I give this book a 5 out of 5 !

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review for Tyndale.

365 Pocket Morning Prayers

Book Description

Each morning when you arise, take a moment to talk with God about the day ahead. Ask Him to prepare your heart so that you can be ready to face any challenge that comes your way. 365 Pocket Morning Prayers can guide this time of life-changing conversation and help you express your needs and concerns to God. Don’t worry about what the day will bring. Instead, release your troubles and concerns into God’s care by reading and meditating on the prayers featured in 365 Pocket Morning Prayers. Begin your day in joyful anticipation, trusting that God is in control of your life and wants only the best for you.

My Review

A wonderful little morning prayer devotion to get your day started right! It's small enough you can carry it with you anywhere. A nice leather cover and embossing. It makes for a wonderful gift to add for any occasion. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review for Tyndale Blog Network.

How to Love Your Depressed Friend

As I was reading this article, I decided it was something I needed to share. I wish I had read it sooner so I could've shown some of the people in my life. Both, for my sake and theirs.  http://www.tosavealife.com/love-depressed-friend/

There have been times where I tried to comfort a friend who was depressed. I knew my attempts to "solve" their problem only made it worse. But I didn't know what to do; I felt helpless, too.

But, I too have been on the receiving end of that rope. I've had friends try to solve my problems when I was depressed when all I really needed was for them to listen and maybe just embrace me with comforting arms.

There have been many times when I wished they'd asked more than the simple "How are you?" and then accept the "I'm fine" like I'm actually fine, and then continued on about themselves.

Sometimes all it takes is an encouraging few words to expel someones sadness. Sometimes words alone aren't enough. Just being there for them, not ignoring or excluding them, and not leaving them to be alone is what they need.

One of the ones I wish I had known about sooner, and what might have saved my friendship was

• It's Okay to Go Away

I've always been the kind of person to never leave a friend behind or alone because I hate being alone. And people always tend to leave me because they found something better. I always want to treat people better than how I've been treated. But, sometimes, it's okay to take a break. I've slowly been learning that the last year. When two friends are depressed then you need to take a break from one another. Otherwise, it's just like trying to help a person drowning when in fact you can't swim yourself. You end up just dragging each other under. 

Taking a break doesn't mean its over. It just means we all have problems and not one person (except JESUS) can help you with those problems. Just knowing you will always have that friend be there when you get back is what you need. 

Next time you see a friend depressed or just sad, be there. Don't worry about fixing the problem or try to figure out what's causing it. Just wrap your arms around them and say "I'm here, I'm not going anywhere". 

And if you need a friend, maybe send them the link I shared in this blog. Sometimes, our friends are just as lost as we are and need some help on how to help. 

God bless and give someone a hug today! 

And if you're not close enough to hug them right now, send them one through prayer!

Lord, I Lift Up My Friend To You

I came across this song just a few minutes ago and it made me think of my best friend, Christina Jamison, that I mentioned in a Prayer Request.

It's the prayer that is now imbedded into my heart, put into song, and worship.

Please continue to pray for her. It's been a hard couple weeks for me, being unable to talk to her, share my joy and laughter with her. To see and know how she is doing. I miss her, a lot. More than any other friend before.

Lord, I lift up my friend to you, my best friend in the world I know. I know you love her more than I ever could. I know you can and will take care of her, because you love her. And because you know how important she is to me, too. Send your angels to surround her, protect her. Show her the way, Lord.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen. 

Don't Hate the Blind

"But he who hates (detests, despises) his brother [in Christ] is in darkness and walking (living) in the dark; he is straying and does not perceive or know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." ~1 John 2:11 (AMP)

Reading this verse gives me courage. I know, your probably thinking, "How do you draw courage from a verse like that?" Maybe to some of you it sounds like, "If my brother/sister/friend hates me, then their not a real christian. They're choosing to walk in the shadows of their hatred, not me." Some might see it as a confirmation of their not having done wrong, its the other persons fault. Rather than making it about the blind man, we turn it around to be about ourselves.

That's not what I read when I see this verse. When I see this verse, I hear God whispering to me, "She doesn't know what she's doing, don't abandon her." And the verse rings out.

"If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble." ~Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT)

See, we're not their salvation, but by not abandoning them we are given the opportunity to show them the light through Jesus Christ. We're not always able to be with them in person; sometimes it doesn't matter if we're standing right beside them. Their still walking blind. So, what do you do?

You pray them through!

Jesus is the one and only Salvation. The light that can shatter any, and all, darkness and open the eyes of the blind.

I believe God takes us out of the picture, to gaze at it from a distance, so we can focus solely on praying for them. Because there is something going on in their life that need your complete focus and attention and that require stepping away to see to that need.

If you have a friend, brother, sister, relative, that has pushed you away, don't turn your back on them. Because, they still need you even if they don't see it. Through prayer you are still with them, in Jesus. Fighting for them, shielding them, blessing them, loving them.

I'd like to pray over your friend or family today. Leave a comment below with a name(s) (doesn't have to be full name if you don't wish to) and I'll put them in my prayer journal. Maybe even make a special post in prayer just for them.

God bless in Jesus name, Amen!

Has It Been a Year Already?

I say that every year after the ball drops, announcing the new year; and every year is sounds just as corny as the last. LOL. But, occasionally I get a laugh or two. ;)

I am glad to be posting again. It's been quite an exhausting, but eventful, few months. Everything from moving, to near death experiences with Devine intervention, to saying goodbye to a dear friend and preparing to welcome new ones.

It's been a tough few months, but The Lord has always promised to be with me, always; that I'm never alone. And, in the last few weeks he's been showing me he is there. It's a remarkable thing, too.

In the next few months, I'll be trying out some new things. I'll be adding more to my blog; and not just more books. Things like:

• Music
• Movies
• Daily Life
• Reflections
• Crafts
• Story Writing Updates
• Blog Tweaking
• Bible Widgets (Like one of these: Matt 28:20, Matthew 28:20; still testing!)
• Nail Art 

You heard right, nail art. I've really gotten into the last 8 months! But I'll save all that for another post. I'm really excited to get up and going again. This year is going to be a fresh start and I hope you all enjoy and come to visit!

God bless!

Altar-Cation: A Call to Prayer

I'm sure many of you have heard of the Ebola breakout in Africa on the news. I'm sure you've also heard of the the medical missionaries who have been stricken by this awful virus. I first heard about Dr. Kent Brantly when KLove Radio announced that he had the chance of getting ill but then the next morning I hear on the news that he had indeed become infected. I quickly prayed for him and his family.

I caught a cold the other day and as I was jokingly whining to my sisters about how much I hate being sick, God whispered, "at least that is all you have." He was right. I felt humbled and began praying immediately again for Dr. Brantly and his family, as well as the people who are now infected and dying from something much more serious than my little summer cold. 

Something really hit me last night though. As I was scrolling through Facebook I saw friends posting links from ABCNews and other news links about Nancy Writebol and Dr. Kent Brantly who are ill with the virus and how they are coming home to America. I'm sure these people's families are glad to have their loved ones home even if they aren't quite together yet. At least they aren't thousands and thousands of miles away. However, it wasn't the news of the virus coming to America coming here that drew my attention and concern. Comments from people about the news is what took me by surprise.

"Greaaaattt." and "Pull out the masks, Atlanians."

Echoes of "We don't want you here" resounded in my subconscious. The same way people might have said or thought about Leapers in Jesus's day. Those are the mildest of comments on this matter but I didn't dare look through the rest. It would've broken my heart. I'm sure some people don't think there words will ever  really be seen or heard by anyone, but they are wrong. People hear, people see, and people follow. I'm all for not getting sick. Believe me, I hate it just as much as the next folk. But what has happened to us, as Christians? That all we think about is ourselves, our comfort, our own well being above that of our brothers and sisters? 

I ask: Would you really condemn them for doing what God called them, as missionaries, to do because it makes you uncomfortable when calamity happens? Of course, this virus is nothing to sneeze at.  I believe in taking precautions and it should be taken seriously... then why aren't we standing together as the Christian soldiers we claim to be and turning to God with all this? Why aren't we praying, asking him to heal those who are sick and protect those who aren't? Why are we closing our arms when we should be spreading them wide open? So, as long as they aren't right next door it's okay to send our prayers out to them without restraints, with full compassion and understanding? Instead, groans fill the air and people draw back into their shells. Taking all our support and prayers with them. Why are we so quick to give our opinions and decisions but forget to put our trust in God?

Jesus hung around sick people ALL THE TIME! People with illness's just as serious back then or more than what we face today. Back then there were no vaccine's to help, no comfortable beds to lie your head on as you rested and became well again. No, instead, you would be cast out, ostracized, cut off from the community, your family and friends. Have we put all our faith within human limits, which we know fails, and lost all faith in The Almighty who never fails?

I spent many hours writing this because I truly felt God calling me to share these words. This is not a rant. This is not a blame game. These fingers are not pointing at you, these hands are crying out, "Lift up! Lift them up to the sky!" Rather than moaning and casting stones, praise God for not being ill stricken like these people in Africa. Praise God that you are not suffering through a loved one who has fallen ill like these families are experiencing right now. Praise God that he is with us ALWAYS! 

God says, "giver your worries to me for I care for you." He is not just saying, "I care about you and you're well being." He is saying, "I will take care of you".

Those are action words. 

We need to act as well. Don't just say, "I am praying for [insert your prayers]" but truly do it as often in your day as you can, and then some. Do it when your washing the dishes, driving to work, playing with your family. Steal as many moments of prayer as you can. No one needs to know how much your praying either. Just talk to God as if you were talking to your brother or sister, husband and wife, friends. 

"But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." ~Matthew 6:6 (NLT)

We are followers of Christ. Let's gather together and not let the devil get a foothold in our hearts and our country. Let's take up our cross and instead of groaning and constantly worrying, pray for God's healing and protection and then believe he will do it!

Honestly, all these dystopian movies Hollywood is producing and these books being published, it's setting a fear in peoples hearts that wasn't meant to be there. Will the world end one day, yes! Read Revelations to find the truth, because all those movies and books are nothing but man-made fiction intended to scare you. 

See this diagram below? The top example shows the switch; it looks like a door to me. What if that is the door we are allowing the Devil to put his foot through? If you know anything about electricity and circuitry I applaud you When its open it stops the flow of positive energy and it can't reach the light bulb.

However, when that switch is closed the light bulb comes to life. Much is the same for our way of faith. If we let the devil get a foothold into our life and into our hearts the positive energy gets disrupted and it can't reach its destination. It can't light up the darkness.

"Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous." ~Psalms 112:14 (NLT)

"No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house." ~Matthew 5:15 (NLT)

Let's close the door on Satan and let God's current of life, love, flow through us and shine his wondrous light in this world blinded by fear. Let's bring our worries and cares before the altar of The Lamb. Let's encourage those around us not to be afraid and rest in the assurance of Christ. Because I believe even the least negativity is still negative.

Lets pray over the souls we have yet to meet but who need healing, physically and spiritually. Because if they believe and have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior then even if their, or your, bodies, perish here on earth their spirits move on to be with God forever in Heaven. Let's not forget who we are. We are children of God, his warriors, his cherished and beloved ones. He loves us and we need constant communication with Him if we hope to see change in the world. If we truly believe in God and his love than what do we really have to be afraid of? 

Prayer Starter: Dear Jesus, we ask you to be with Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol. They were out there helping those less than they and were attacked with this awful virus. Heal them of this sickness, fully and completely. We know they are coming home and people are worried they might get sick as well. Keep them safe from harm Lord and put their minds at ease because I know you are with us. Change the hearts of those who are worried and help them welcome these missionaries home. 

Have compassion on the people in Africa and have mercy on them. Show them your loving kindness through the midst of this tragedy and pain. Help us to not act out wrongly in fear and to trust you more with our lives. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. 

Authors Note: I got the idea for the title of this post as I was thinking about bringing our worries before the Lord. How we bring our burdens to the altar and the word Altercation came up. Altercation means to have a loud disagreement. So I played on the words. I looked up "Cation" and it is the positive ION charge in things like batteries. I think you can piece together the rest from how the post went. God didn't just have me write this post but had me praying the entire time. For the peopling coming to the US, their families, and for all of you out there reading and not reading this. I don't think I've ever felt quite that way before. Have a wonderful day! 

GOD BLESS!

Hobby Lobby Needs Our Prayers!

I first heard about Hobby Lobby's stand for christian beliefs, to not endorse the morning after and week after pill, in December. I couldn't have been prouder! We just recently got a Hobby Lobby store in our area and I just love it there! The people there are so nice. I went to go get a buggy (because silly me, I thought we were only going to grab one thing! haha!) and before I could even reach the cart station, one of of the lady employee's asked if I needed and cart and then went and pulled one over to me! I have never experienced such customer service. It really made my day!

In a world where money seems to be everything, I was astounded to when I heard the Hobby Lobby was not letting money or anything else rule them but rather following God's rule. It truly makes me believe that America is not all lost, not yet. There are still so many willing and being shining examples of what as Americans and Christians stand for.

Today the supreme court will be making their final decision on the lawsuit. Though Hobby Lobby seems confident they'll make it, I strong believe in prayer and they need our support! So before you head out to work today, while you're driving down the road or perhaps when your talking with a friend, get together and say a fervent prayer for Hobby Lobby.

I want to give a starter prayer:

Lord, we know this is just an attack from Satan, trying to separate your loved ones from you. I don't mean just Hobby Lobby, but the people fighting against them. Let this stand Hobby Lobby, and everyone working for them and on their behalf, has taken for you be a shining light to the blind in our world who so desperately need you. Continue to protect and work through Hobby Lobby, because Lord we know you haven't left them. You are always there with us.
In Jesus name I pray, AMEN.


God bless.

He is Mighty To Save: Bring Back Our Girls

Hello there Everyone. I want to first thank Brandi from A Travelers Thoughts Blog, her post "Bring Our Girls Back", concerning the school girls in Nigeria who were kidnapped last month, inspired and moved me.

I watch the national news most nights with my dad on NBC or ABC. I didn't use to, I thought it was boring, but with age comes wisdom as the good Lord tells us (so don't forget to respect your elders, they definitely know more than you think!) I saw the news report on the 276 Nigerian girls who were abducted when it aired sometime late last week and just thought "this world is getting worse and worse." With all the disasters and attacks on all the nations that are happening around the globe, what else would I think, right? Kind of how you feel watching the news nowadays, doesn't it?

But something Brandi said first made me feel ashamed but then it sparked a flame in me. That was her swift act to prayer and calling others to prayer.

"In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire." ~James 3:5 (NLT)

I say ashamed because I thought "that should have been my first thought, Lord...". I'm not going to list any reasons or excuses why I didn't. But I'm here to say I am now! If anyone can bring these girls home is Jesus! For He is mighty to save! Let's not just pray for their safe return to their loving families, but for their salvation. That they will find Jesus, the way, the truth, and the light through the darkness. And as hard as it may seem to comprehend sometimes, if anyone can change the hearts of the people who have done this, it's Jesus! Pray they all soften their hearts and listen. Prayer is not just something to do, it's real, it's powerful! Thank you for reminding me of that Brandi.

Prayer Starter:

Dear Lord, protect these girls in this time of trial. Take them by the hand and lead them home. Open their hearts to you, Jesus, so they can live with you forever in Heaven. Soften the hearts of their captor's, let them see what they do is wrong and repent, and if they won't listen to you Lord, diminish their power and #bringbackourgirls! In Jesus name I pray, AMEN.

Holding My Hand

Good afternoon everyone,

Since Sunday night, if you'll remember was a rough night. I honestly don't know what to do, what I feel, or how I should act. Well, I know how I should act but I'm so astonished that I'm having to do double-takes. 

How is it people can plot and plan and speak with such hatred and then pretend they care the rest of the time? 

I couldn't do it. 

I love people and when they hurt me I try not to let it show. I want to say I've forgiven them, but it's hard when the wound is still fresh and my enemies refuse to turn from their wicked schemes, truly handing over their soiled hearts to Jesus for cleansing. 

The other morning The Lord pulled me into the book of Psalms, reminding me of a few verse about evil people and their boasting. As I was reading these verses I started crying inside (I cried so much this week I think my tear ducks were worn out {Psalms 7:6-7}). The verses described exactly how I was feeling and what I felt was happening. 

"I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies." ~Psalms 17:6-7 (NLT)

My heart prayed those words the other night. Even the next few verses my heart cried out to God. 

"They are without pity. Listen to their boasting! They track me down and surround me, watching for the chance to throw me to the ground. They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart--like young lions in hiding, waiting for their chance. Arise, O Lord! Stand against them, and bring them to their knees! Rescue me from the wicked with your sword!" ~Psalms 17:10--13 (NLT) 

But here's the verse that brought real tears to my eyes and hope to my heart.

"Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied." Psalms 17:15 (NLT) 

Despite it all, God is with me; despite what schemes the devil may plan to throw at me using these people, I will still see Jesus. Cause my heart is His, not the worlds. Not theirs, but His! As long as I keep my faith, which no one can take away from me, I will see Jesus. I will be up in Heaven with Him when he decides to call me home. Of course, I pray these people turn to Jesus too because Hell is not a place I want anyone to live in for eternity. But I am glad to say I do not have to worry about where I am going. My faith, trust, and hope is in Jesus.

"You've heard that the law of Moses says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" ~Matthew 5:43-44 (NLT)

So I must continue to pray for them and that they accept the true gift of salvation and turn from evil and give their lives completely over to Jesus! 

"God has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer. May all my enemies be disgraced and terrified. May they suddenly turn back in shame." ~Psalms 79-10 (NLT)

As for me, He's holding me by his right hand, he will protect me and guide me {Psalms 73:23-34} to a better tomorrow. As He will with you. I will keep living for Him. 

"I have followed your commands, which have kept me from going along with cruel and evil people." ~Psalms 17:4

Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, THANK YOU JESUS!

"You will show me the way of life, granting me joy f your presence, and the pleasures of living with you forever." ~Psalms 16:11 (NLT)

This has been strong song the last few weeks! It lifts my spirits and helps me push forward!

"Courage -Feat. Lacey of Flyleaf" by Orianthi 

Stay Strong and Courageous!

GOD BLESS