Providence 365 - Week 52

Luke 2:10-16
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
I love hearing the story of Baby Jesus from the book of Luke. And it doesn’t matter if I hear it during worship, during a children’s Christmas program…or when Linus shares the Word during Charlie Browns Christmas – it is a story that never gets old, brings a smile to my face and warms my heart.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

As we bring Providence 365 to a close, I pray that you have been blessed through our year long journey. Barbara (Precepts and Promises) and I (Pam of by the Shore designs) have enjoyed sharing His word and pray that you have found words for reflection that have been timely and inspiration for your scrapbooking layouts using our word-art.

Please take a moment to share with us in the forum at Faith Sisters how our Providence 365 journey impacted you. Thank you for joining us in 2011. Please make sure to visit us on our blogs for more inspiration in 2012 – God Bless and give Glory to God in the Highest!.

(Click on the image above or here for your word art for week 52)

AND.....MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Providence 365: Week 51, the 4th Week of Advent

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent, and traditionally, the candle lit for today is the candle of peace. 
Isaiah 9:5-7:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Christ has come and brought peace, sweet peace between sinful people and a righteous God. Only when we are at peace with God will we, or indeed can we, have true, lasting, peace among men. 


But, our peace didn't come peacefully.  
We love the story of the Christ Child, but He didn't stay a pudgy, cuddly, sweet little baby.  He grew into a man, fully man and fully God, who walked the earth, who ate our food, who felt all that we feel. 

Wonder of wonders!

Mystery of mysteries!

The peace He brought us, he didn't obtain as a baby.  It was through His work as a man, His suffering in our place on the Cross, that we can stand before God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ.  Our forgiveness came through the blood and sweat and pain and despair of a very real man, who suffered so greatly that I want to weep when I read descriptions of the crucifixion.  

But, praise God! the story doesn't end there!


No, the veil was ripped in two, the wall of division between men and God, and between men and men, was torn down with His bare, nail-pierced hands.  


And, then the stone was rolled away, for death could not hold Him, the Maker of the Universe.  Oh, does your soul not soar with that thought?

 The Babe in the manger was just the beginning of the story....

You can find the word art HERE.  And, this week, when you download, I'd so appreciate a comment, especially if you've been blessed by our journey this year.  Pam and I so appreciate each and every little note we receive.  This will be my last P365 posting, so thank you so much!  God bless you as you seek Him in all of the Providences of your life.

Providence 365 - Week 48

For those in the United States, I pray that you each had a blessed Thanksgiving, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones.

It is hard to believe that it is week 48 of our 52 week journey through Providence 365. I have personally been blessed to be able to work with Barbara and share with you His words of inspiration.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

To be joyful, patient and faithful – these three words represent completely different actions – yet in this verse they are strongly intertwined. When we rejoice in hope, we are waiting confidently for an expected outcome. When we rejoice in hope, we are better able to be patient, sit quietly and wait when times of tribulation occur. And during these difficult times we need to pray without ceasing more than ever.

Where do you find hope? How has hope helped you through those rough spots? And are you faithful in your prayer life?

In addition to Romans 12:12, here are a few more verses to reflect on:
Philippians 4:!9
Hebrews 11:1

Here is wordart I have created for this week’s Providence 365.

Barbara and I love to see the layouts you create with the Providence 365 wordart. Be sure to post it in our Faith Sisters Providence 365 Gallery and share with us in the Providence 365 forum - here


As I close this week’s Providence 365, I have a special prayer request for a young boy named Peter. Prayer is so powerful. Peter is fighting a strong battle against a few known illnesses and a few yet to be identified. While he has seen a couple of upswings in the last 2 weeks – his current condition is one that has his doctors and family very concerned. Please lift Peter and his family in prayer. His Mom shared a message today on his ‘Care Page’ that brought me to tears. Despite his health conditions, she puts her faith in our Lord and knows that Peter is not alone and is in His loving arms. She had prayed early on that regardless of what his little body was fighting on the outside, that he would not be alone and would find comfort and joy on the inside. She knows that this is the case and this brings her hope. Thank you for lifting this lil guy in prayer.

Providence 365, Week 45: Nothing, Nothing at All...

...can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

Are you living in the truth of this?  Paul, who penned these words, was a man who lived this.  He was beaten, lashed, shipwrecked, stoned, driven out of town, lost at sea, imprisoned, and ultimately martyred for his faith in Christ.  He also wrote these words: "...God causes all things to work together for good..."

He obviously had no trouble reconciling the trials and hardships he endured, one after the other, with God's Providence in bringing those same hardships into his life.

My goodness, wouldn't we moan, groan, complain, and then write a book and go on a lecture tour if just one of those things happened to us?  I'm afraid that would certainly be my inclination.

But, we are to stand, firmly rooted, in the truth of God's Word, not on our feelings and experiences.  Those feelings and experiences vary tremendously from person to person, and even in the same person, can vary from moment to moment.  But, the Word stands sure, unwavering, for all time and for all people.
I, for one, will stand on the promise:

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels,

nor principalities, nor things present, 

nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, 

nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate

us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus."

How about you, my sisters?

You can get the word art HERE.

Providence 365-week 44 TIME TO SERVE

TIME TO SERVE

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

Yesterday, my 10 year old daughter participated in our regional Special Olympics competition in bowling. Another amazing experience for our family. The event always begins in prayer and I cannot think of a better way to start. All of the athletes had a wonderful time and their positive spirit resonated throughout the bowling alley. What really struck me yesterday were the volunteers. They were out in full force – all to help make this experience the very best it could be for the athletes.

Where do you serve? Where would you like to volunteer? Where is the greatest need? We often serve in our church, but there are so many more opportunities in each of our greater communities. Reach out to all of our brothers and sisters, lend a helping hand. Perhaps in a soup kitchen, in a school, a homeless shelter for families, a food pantry, Special Olympics….His children need us.

This week, reflect on where you serve or where there may be a need in your community that you have not considered before.

Here is word-art to get you started on this week’s layout.




Barbara and I look forward to seeing your layouts in the Providence 365 gallery and here in the forum. Oh, and my daughter earned a Silver Medal. We move onto State Competitions in two weeks!

Providence 365, Week 43: What are you gifted with?

Do you realize that your gifts, abilities, talents, and knowledge have been given to you for a purpose? They aren't random; you have been given them for a purpose.

The trick to life is figuring out just exactly what that purpose is!

In Exodus 31:2-5, the Israelites were in the desert, and God gave instructions to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle.  Have you ever read this story?  It's truly incredible; the Tabernacle was a wondrous work of art, with carving, tapestries, perfumes, and sparkling jewels.  Moses needed some expert workers for the job, and they were provided:

"See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you:  the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do."

These craftsmen (and there were women, too) were gifted specifically for this.  Someone who had spent his whole life in bondage to Pharaoh in Egypt and was now wandering in the desert was placed here to weave the high priest's garment.  A woman who labored making bricks out of Egyptian mud was now honored with mixing incense for the altar of God Most High.

Where have YOU been placed?

If you are a mom, that place is obviously your family and home.

If your children are grown, or perhaps you don't have children, have you been placed in a church, a neighborhood, or profession? 

Usually, God is gracious in placing us in spots where those gifts are needed and appreciated, so we really don't have far to look. Sometimes, He nudges us in the right direction by a request or an obvious need for help.

Have you been asked to help out at church?  At the local homeless shelter?
Or maybe, you have been asked to assist in your child's classroom.  Perhaps there is a special assignment at work, just waiting for you to fill.

So, take honest stock of your talents, gifts, knowledge, and abilities; chances are they have been given Providentially to lead you to the special task God has in mind.  Just for you.

You can get the word art HERE.
And, then come back and share with us in our forum and in  our gallery.  Pam and I love to see how God is at work in you!

I thank my God every time I remember you. Phil 1:3

Last weekend, Barbara of Precepts and Promises and I had the unique opportunity to meet “in real life”. We attended a conference with over 75 digital scrapbookers from around the country. What a blessing it was to spend time together with my Providence 365 friend.

During the conference, we heard a quote that really put in perspective why many of us scrapbook.

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” ― Anaïs Nin

What does it mean to “remember”? Recall, reminisce, ‘think of’, ‘bring to mind’ are just a few of the words and phrases that we use to define remember.

We “recall” events and occasions. We “reminisce” about people we have met in the past that have made an impact on our lives. We “think of” people that are in our life today that are important to us. Certain situations “bring to mind” special memories from the past. And we thank God when we remember.

When we scrapbook, we sometimes let our pictures do the talking (a picture is worth a thousand words). More often than not, we journal our thoughts – documenting details and sharing feelings and emotions. And as we journal ~ we taste life twice.

Here is your challenge this week. Why do YOU scrapbook? What do you scrapbook? Who do you scrapbook about? Who enjoys your scrapbooks? (And do you actually get those layouts printed out or posted on a blog so that your loved ones can enjoy them too)


Here is word art to use on your layout.

I look forward to seeing your layout about this week’s challenge. Please post your layout in our Providence 365 gallery and share it with us in the forum at Faith Sisters.

Have a blessed week. (and by the way, Barbara is just as sweet in real life as I thought she would be)

Providence 365, Week 41: Wisdom from Above

This is Barbara, of Precepts and Promises, here with my post for week 41 (!) of Providence 365.

Most of us would like to be wise, wouldn't we? Perhaps not older and wiser, though, just wiser! But, what exactly is wisdom? Where does it come from? And, most importantly, how do we acquire it?

I have a giant, (really, it's over 6 inches thick) Webster's Unabridged Dictionary from 1947. The definition of wisdom from it reads, in part:

"...the faculty of making the best use of knowledge...In Scripture, right judgment, 

concerning religious and moral truth...the knowledge and fear of God, 

and sincere and uniform obedience to his commands."

Wisdom isn't just knowledge; like Webster said, it's making the best use of that knowledge. There's an old quip that's appropiate:  "A smart man knows that a tomato is a fruit; a wise man knows not to put it in a fruit salad." 

I chose Job 38: 36 for this week's verse:

"Who has put wisdom in the innermost being, or given understanding to the mind?"

This is obviously a rhetorical question, as God asked this of Job to bring Job to point of complete and utter submission to God's rule and reign in his life, to a place of wisdom. Are you in that place? Do you know and fear (have deep respect for) God, having sincere and uniform obedience to His commands? Most of us would fall short, if we are honest with ourselves. 

So, if we are lacking, what are we to do? Again, Scripture has the answer! Proverbs 8 tells us that wisdom:

"lifts up her vioce, on top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet,...

beside the gates, at the opening to the city, at the entrance to the doors."

Today's equilivent would be, "in the mall, at Target, on your street, all over the internet." Wisdom is there, waiting for us to seek and find her, Providentially placed in our path.  IF we would only have eyes to see! 

So, this week, diligently LOOK for the examples of wisdom in your everyday life; they are there, I'm sure. And, then please come back and post in our forum and gallery at Faith Sisters.  Pam and I love seeing your pages testify to God and His goodness and mercy.  

And, speaking of Pam, when this is posted on Sunday, we will actually be together in Las Vegas, in "real" life, where we're both attending a digiscrap event!  I'm very excited to get to meet her in the flesh and am very much looking forward to it. 

You can find the word art HERE.

Providence 365-Week 40

Welcome to week 40 of Providence 365.

What a gift it is to be able to journey with you through 2011 – seeking His providence, reading His word and spending time in prayer and reflection. This week, as I spent time choosing a verse for week 40 – I kept coming back to the book of Galatians, specifically chapter 5, verse 22. Then I would wander elsewhere in the bible thinking that perhaps there was another verse ‘more worthy’ for reflection this week – nope – He kept leading me back to Galatians 5:22. I read it in a daily devotion. I saw it posted on facebook. It jumped out at me from a book I was reading. And I overheard our older students discussing it this morning during Sunday School. Sometimes it takes a thunk on the head for me to listen.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

We are blessed with a fresh attitude towards life and towards each other. He is the Vine and we are the branches and from the branches are the fruit that we bear. We cannot bear fruit if we are detached from the vine. We are lifeless. But when we are in a firm relationship with Jesus, with God, when we open our hearts and let the Holy Spirit in, we are blessed with the fruit of the Spirit. Our attitudes – our fruits are abundant.

What fruits are apparent in your life? What fruits may need nurturing?

Here is a bit of word-art for this week’s challenge

.

Please share with us your layout in the Providence 365 Forum at Faith Sisters – here.

I want to leave you with some ADDITIONAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT. The book I was reading this morning as I was preparing for this post referenced a quote by D.L. Moody –

“Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian”

This really stuck with me. I kept reading my devotion, but I also keep paging back to reflect on that quote. When others are “reading” me – do they see a Christian? I am displaying all of the fruits of the Spirit detailed in Galatians 5:22? Do others “see” Jesus exemplified in what I do and say? What about you?

Have a blessed week.

Hello, Sisters!
This is Barbara, of Precepts and Promises, here with a little friendly reminder of my monthly speed scrap at Faith Sisters. It's always on the first Tuesday of the month, or at least I try to always make it the first Tuesday!  We have participants from all around the globe, so the time does change (and I'm always open to suggestions). This coming Tuesday, October 4th, at 4PM Pacific time, is our next scheduled speed scrap, and I hope you'll consider joining us.

It's only an hour, and believe you me, it goes by quickly! I give you a total of seven steps, each 10 minutes apart, and at the end of the hour, you will have a layout completed. Occasionally, there might be a step or technique that not everyone is familiar with, so the hour can also turn into a mini-lesson as I help you through. 


And, of course, there is always a little posting bonus from me for everyone who gets a layout completed and posted in our gallery.  This month I've made you a Fall Foto Mask.  It's messy and layered, and I think you'll like it!

If you've never participated in a speed scrap before, go and peruse the gallery to see pages made in previous scraps. You'll see that it's nothing too complicated, but it's always a good idea to have in mind beforehand a few photos that need to be scrapped. Then come and join us in the forum. I'd love to have you there!

Providence 365, Week 39: Without Batteries

This is Barbara, of Precepts and Promises, back with Week 39 (!) of 2011's Providence 365. 
 
I am blessed to live only 30 minutes of one of the two Nikon repair facilities in the US.  This past week, I took in my beloved D40 for some cleaning and adjustments, and I just got it back. I could take it to a camera shop closer to home, but who better to fix a Nikon than the original maker?  

It's back home now, on my kitchen counter, all spiffed up and ready to go to work. But it sits there powerless and useless. Dead.

That's because it doesn't have a battery. So, as soon as I fix that, I'll have a camera ready to do what it was made to do. 


In many ways, we are like my camera. Before we are made alive together in Christ, Scripture is clear that we are dead, too. Dead in our transgressions and sins. But, God in His great, wonderful, mysterious, irresistible mercy called us to Himself, making us alive in Him.  Is that not happy news???

"When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, 

He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions..."

He, our Maker, has provided our battery, so to speak, by giving us His spirit who lives in us, enabling us to do the work that we were created for. Without our power source, we are like my camera: not completely useless, but not doing what it was created for. It would make a great paperweight. Or, I could hide a secret note in the empty battery compartment. But, it was made to take photographs. So, I will put the battery back in, and we will go take some photos together.

So, this week, reflect on how He has called you and made you alive. How did He call you? What were you made alive for? What is your unique purpose?

Pam and I would love to have you post in our forum and show us your layouts in our gallery. We love to see how God has been good you.
You can get the word art HERE.

Providence 365 - Week 38

Welcome to week 38 of Providence 365. It is hard to believe that we are almost 3/4 of the way through the year.

Barbara and I have been so blessed that you have joined us on this journey. You have shared of yourselves and given us a glimpse into your lives. Thank you!

This week, I want you to reach over and pick up His Word. What is your favorite Bible? What special meaning does this bible have to you? Was it presented to you as a child, or by a good friend? Do you have a favorite version?

We have several Bibles here in our home. I have the one given to me as a 1st grader in our church in Massachusetts. I have one that belonged to my great Grandfather who was (I believe) a Methodist minister. We have versions in Spanish, babies Bibles, toddler's Bibles, children's Bible....you get the idea. His Word is in every room of our house. My personal favorite is an NIV Bible for Moms - with inspirational tidbits for reflection. This one in particular was given to me by my precious daughters.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Do you highlight special passages? Do you use the pages to protect special documents? Is your family history and lineage documented within this Bible?

Share with us what makes this Bible special (we know His Word is AWESOME)

Here is wordart to help you get started....here

When you have completed your layout, please post it in the Providence 365 gallery at Faith Sisters and share that link in the forum - here.

Till next week ~ stay in His Word and in His loving arms.

Providence 365, Week 37: Beauty for Ashes

This is Barbara, here with Week 37 of Providence 365.

Ten years ago today, I was sitting at home, reading the morning paper.  I was scheduled to work the red-eye to Dulles that night, so I wasn't in any hurry to start my day.  My husband came in from the gym, asking if there was any big news in the paper, as all eyes were on the TVs at 24Hour Fitness.  We turned on the television and began to witness the horror unfold that was 9/11.

It's hard to believe that was ten years ago.  So much has happened; so much has changed, and it all feels rather normal now.  While not directly affected by those events (I didn't lose a loved one, for example.), that day nevertheless has had a huge impact on my life.  My working life as a relatively new flight attendant at one of the airlines targeted would never be the same.  And, the repercussions continue today.

For those who lost a friend, a parent, a child, or a spouse, these ten years probably haven't dulled the ache or the anger all that much.  And, every birthday or anniversary is just another reminder of the evil that exists in our world.

What do we, as Christians, take from this?  The events of that September morning weren't the first time that evil seemingly triumphed.  History is littered with incidences of evil, from the early Assyrians to politically-caused famines and starvation today. It's easy to become discouraged, depressed, and defeated in light of the larger evils of the world as well as the ones closer to home, the personal, the evil within and around us.

An article in Christianity Today about 9/11 reminded me that our battle here on Earth is not with flesh and blood, but with powers in the spiritual realm.  And, that Christ has conquered them all at His Ground Zero, the Cross:
In the word of the Cross, God tells us he knows all our traumas, our insurgencies, our secrets—and that he has already executed them at Golgotha. We need not fear hell, then, not because there isn't one, but because—if we are found in Christ—we have already been through all of that. We are free. And whenever our consciences accuse, the gospel takes us away from denial or preoccupation and right back to Ground Zero—to the Cross.

 

That bloody day, when it seemed that Jesus' enemies had indeed silenced Him and triumphed, was the very day of our salvation and redemption.  From despair came hope.  From evil came holiness.  Scripture is resolute; evil will not triumph, there will be a judgement, and God will wipe away every tear, heal every wound, and comfort every broken heart:

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Again from Christianity Today:

Let's remember that the gospel brings peace and reconciliation to every Ground Zero in the cosmos. On the day when graves are opened, even those accidental tombs beneath the rubble of terror, we will see just how good this news is, even better than our shiny churches and happy choruses can convey.

I pray that God will allow you to see His Providence this week in even the heartbreak and sorrow of life.  May you see the peace of the Gospel and may it sink deep into your soul.

You can download the word art HERE.

Providence 365 - Week 36

We are blessed!

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Cor 13:14

We are never alone. The bible reminds of us this – again and again. 2 Corinthians 13:14 reminds us that we are surrounded by His GRACE, His LOVE and His FELLOWSHIP. Take a peek at the following definitions. They help provide a bit of clarity as to the incredible relationship we have with our Father.

Definition of GRACE (excerpt)
1a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b : a virtue coming from God c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
2a : approval, favor

Definition of LOVE (excerpt)
1a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties

Definition of FELLOWSHIP (excerpt)
1: companionship, company
2a : community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience b : the state of being a fellow or associate
3: a company of equals or friends

As we go through each day, regardless of the challenges that present themselves – we are assured He is with us; He favors us; He has strong feelings for us; and He walks with us.


Life is Good! And God is Great.


I encourage you to spend some time focusing on this verse and document how His grace, His Love or His fellowship are central in your life. Here is wordart to help you.


Barbara and I love to see your layouts in the Providence 365 Gallery and here in the forum. We are blessed that you share a piece of your life and your own testimonies with us. If you have just recently discovered Providence 365, please know that you can go back to previous weeks and discover additional verses (and wordart) for personal reflection on and to help you document YOUR story.

Have a blessed week!

Providence 365, Week 35: What is Wisdom?

This is Barbara, here with Week 35 of our year of Providence.  Today, I've chosen James 3:17 for our verse:

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

Do you ever find yourself at a loss as to what to do in a given situation?  I know that I have.  Perhaps there is no "good" option, or perhaps there are too many equally good choices.  Or maybe your mind is just blank!

How do you know what is the wise thing to do?  How do we become wise?

God has graciously given us the ability to know what is wise.  The Proverbs are full of words of wisdom, telling us what wisdom looks like and where it can be found.  The book of James in the New Testament is all about wisdom as well.  We read that wisdom has certain characteristics, that it is gentle and full of grace.  In fact, wisdom shares many of the same features as love.  Hummm... 

So, this week, I am asking you to focus on wisdom, looking for the signs that God in His Providence has placed in your life, visible if you are attentive, there to assist you as you make decisions and choices.  And, when you've made your layouts, Pam and I would love it if you'd come and post in our gallery and forum.  We want to rejoice with you as God reveals Himself!

You can get the word art HERE.

Welcome to week 34 of Providence 365. Here in Colorado, the sun is shining and we’re looking forward to another beautiful day in the Lord.

Today’s bible verse is a favorite of mine. WHATEVER!

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

My first thought when I hear WHATEVER is when I hear it mumbled by a sassy teen. Deep down, I know that it means, “I know you’re right Mom, but I need to express a little independence”

WHATEVER!
In the “urban dictionary” – the definition is as follows: used in an argument to admit that you are wrong without admitting it so the argument is over. (my sassy teen)

WHATEVER!
In a more traditional dictionary, it mean: ‘anything or everything that’ or ‘no matter what’ (our focus today)

Look at the last line of Philippians 4:8 – THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS. The bible instructs use where our thoughts should be – no matter what.

Do you ever have those days where things are not going quite right? Or those days where you are anxious – about everything? What about times where you are struggling with a personal decision or choice? We can get buried in our own negative thoughts. And our own negative thoughts contribute to our confusion, anxiety and sadness. However, when we focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy –our thoughts become positive, uplifting and godly. WHATEVER!

This week – when your thoughts are buried – read this verse – and think about WHATEVER! It’s amazing what a shift in focus can do. We would love to see a layout using WHATEVER….whatever you care to share.


Here is wordart to get you started. Post your layout in the Providence 365 layout here at Faith Sisters and let us know here in the forum.

On another note, I have a personal request for all prayer warriors. I have a very special friend whose young baby is back in the hospital. The doctors have yet to identify what is wrong. Please lift baby G in prayer – for his personal health (and for strength and peace for his family). Thank You!

Till next week! May your week be blessed - WHATEVER!

Providence 365, Week 33: Providential Prayers

This is Barbara, of Precepts & Promises, here with Week 33 of Providence 365.
The verse I chose this week is Ephesians 6:18, which says:

With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit...

...with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.  

God is indeed Sovereign, but He uses means, or the things of this world, to accomplish His will.  "Means" might be things that we can't control, like the weather or the actions of others.  It might also be the things that we can do in our lives, like acts of mercy and generosity.
Prayer is one of those.  Scripture speaks of God changing His mind after hearing a prayer from a faithful follower.  Whether or not He had already determined that changed course of action is for greater minds than mine to determine.  What I do know and believe is that God hears the prayers of His people. 
When God hears, it is not like when you and I hear.  Implicit in the hearing of our prayers by a faithful and good Father is that He will act on those prayers in our best interest and for His ultimate glory. 
What a great responsibility we have!  Our brothers and sisters all around the world are suffering various levels of persecution.  We have close friends out of work.  Our families are fractured.  Our own hearts need encouragement. 
This week, be on the alert for the things God brings to mind or in your path that need prayer and petition, knowing that you could very well be the means He has chosen to accomplish His will.  What a great privilege and responsibility!

 You can get the word art Here.

And, then, when you have your layout completed, we (Pam and I) would love you to come and post in  our forum and gallery.  We want to rejoice with you!

Providence 365-Week 32

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Too often during the course of the day, we take for granted all of the blessings we have. But we should give thanks – our Lord is good! He loves us and He has blessed us beyond measure.

The challenge this week is to look around you, and try to identify as many blessings as you can. Create a layout (either in words or pictorial) of each of these blessings…. the more the better!


Here are a few I will be using on my own layout – perhaps these will provide you with inspiration as you identify your own blessings.

Dave, Shannon, Georgie, Mom, Dad, home, food, water, freedom to worship, heat, air conditioning, vehicles, employment, refrigerator, stove, education, free will, (get the idea…..?)

Here is a link to word art to help you with this challenge. Click>>>>>; HERE
And as you work on this weeks’ challenge – give THANKS TO OUR LORD! Keep your completed layout handy and use it a reminder of just how blessed we are. (You may also consider creating this ‘layout’ as a printable file that can be matted and framed and proudly displayed for a gentle visual reminder of all the things you are thankful for) When you are done – please upload your layout in the Providence 365 Gallery at Faith Sisters and share the link with us. I cannot wait to see how many blessings you can identify! (I know my blessings are never ending….)



Wishing you a fantabulous week as you uncover hidden blessings!

Providence 365, Week 31: In Him

Hello, sisters!
This is Barbara, of Precepts & Promises, here with Week 31 of our Providence 365.
My verse this week is Acts 17:28:

"In Him we live, and move, and have our being."

We are living in a bubble of sorts, surrounded by the Presence of the LORD.  He is all around us, He moves with us, and our life, our very being, is dependent on Him.
If you are anything like me, however, your thoughts of Christ are fleeting throughout your day.  I read my Bible in the morning, and there is no doubt that I am blessed and fed by the Word.  But, then, the cares of the world creep in, and my thoughts are of  groceries, dinner, laundry, children, work, and the rest of the life that I've been given.
But, the good news, the really joyful, awesome, and wonderful news, is that our relationship to Christ isn't dependent on our feelings, or lack of them!  Our position in Him is secure because of who He is, not because of our efforts. So, this week, look to see where He is all around you, sustaining you and giving you life, especially during those times when you aren't even thinking of Him. 

You can get the word art HERE.
Please come and join in our forum discussion and post your layouts in our gallery; we'd love to see your pages!

Now Boarding - Blog Train

The Designers at Faith Sisters invite you to join them on a special Blog Train (or should we say Blog "Plane") COME FLY WITH ME is a travel related collaboration overflowing with paper and elements just for you. The color palette is fantastic and can be used for so many occasions – including travel and the ever popular “stay-cation”. Shuttle from blog to blog and download the digital goodness that our designers have created for you.

And before you begin your journey, you can download these special Faith Sisters Quick Pages. If you have never used a quickpage before – now is your chance to give a few of ours a try for free (only through July 31st). They are simple to use and your layout is done in no time at all – scrapbooking at it’s easiest. Add your favorite photos behind the png file – include journaling on the top (if you choose) and your layout is complete. (Remember that Faith Sisters has many quick pages in our store for a variety of occasions and events. We invite you to explore all of the digital goodies in our store - here)

Click on the preview to go to the respective quick page and add to your shopping cart
















You have through July 31st to download our designers COME FLY WITH ME travel related freebies. You may store your digital freebies in your carryon baggage (hard-drive). Enjoy your flight as you travel from blog to blog. (Please be patient if one of these blogs has not yet been updated, you can skip that connection and return after a bit so you don’t miss a thing)

Faith Sisters (you are here)
Today’s Scraps (Vicky)
Designs by Angel (Angel)
Digital Compilations (Cinda)
Precepts and Promises (Barbara)
Living for Him 2 (Lori)
by the Shore designs (Pam)
Steadfast and Immovable (Erika)
Forget Me Nots (Theresa)

Are you ready for take-off? Tray tables up in the locked position, please. Fasten your seatbelts. Safe travels and enjoy your journey!