by Daphne Renee Stephens

This story of faith, hope and deliverance started many years before I actually decided to become a college student.  Journey to Victory is my story of a being a first year college student trusting in God to see me through while at the same time believing in healing from an issue of blood.  But, Trusting God for Deliverance is a lot easier said than done, especially when what you see with your eyes and feel within your body does not line up with what you need to believe.  #JourneytoVictory

Dorcas was an ordinary woman who truly believed in God. She spent her life constantly doing things for others especially giving to the poor.

There came a time when Dorcas became ill and she passed away. As is customary and through their grief her friends washed her body and prepared her for burial. Laying her in the upper chamber for viewing.

It was at that time that Peter had come to Joppa spreading the news of the goodness and blessings of the Lord to all those who believe.

When these friends of hers heard of his presence they sent two men out and begged Peter to come to them. Being a diligent servant of the Lord Peter went with them.

Upon his arrival Peter was escorted to the upper chamber where Dorcas was laid at rest. In the room there were many widows weeping about her passing. When Peter entered they began to show him the beautiful garments that Dorcas had so unselfishly made for them.

Seeing their pain he asked them to leave the room. Peter then knelt beside her body and prayed.

When he had finished his prayer he turned to the body and said "Tabitha arise". She instantly opened her eyes and upon seeing it was Peter she sat up. Peter then stretched forth his hand and Dorcas got up from where she had been laid.

Peter then called all the saints and widows and presented Dorcas to them once again alive and well. What a glorious time it was for the word was spread throughout the land.

When I read this passage it made me think of how wonderful it would be to be so favored by our Lord by our giving so unselfishlessly to those less fortunate than ourselves that he would give us life again.

In essence that is what his promise is to us today. Over and over again we find scripture that talks about helping the poor. Giving to them and helping them through their troubled times.

Proverbs 22:9 (KJV) He that has a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Wouldn't you say that Dorcas was blessed with a renewed spirit due to her undying generousity to the poor.

Are you feeding the lambs, taking care of the sheep?

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In the days of Ruth judges ruled in Israel. There was no democratic society, no presidents, congressman, governors or the like. The judges' decision was law.

A man by the name of Elimelech who was from Bethlehem left his country because of a terrible famine. He settled in Moab with his wife Naomi and his two sons (Mahlon and Chilion). As the years passed Elimelech passed away. Naomi's sons were grown now and had taken wives (Orpah and Ruth) so she was not alone although I am sure she missed Elimelech terribly.

In time Naomi's sons passed away leaving Naomi and her two daughters-in-law all alone. With nothing left to keep them in Moab, Naomi decided to return to Israel where she had relatives. She had heard that the Lord had blessed the people by giving them good crops once again. Of course, she would take her daughter-in-laws with her as they were all the family she had in this strange land. And so they began their trip back to her homeland.

As they journeyed to Israel Naomi began to think about what she had asked of her daughters-in-law. They were young and attractive and could surely make new lives for themselves. They had fulfilled their duty to her according to the law of the land and she had nothing left to offer them to keep them with her. As she was old, had no more sons, and even if she could marry again and have children she could not ask the women to wait for them to become men.

So Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law  "Why don't you return to your parents' homes". You have been faithful to your husbands and to me. The Lord will surely bless you with another marriage. The women all cried and insisted that they go with Naomi.

Eventually, Naomi convinced Orpah it was the right thing to do, so she reluctantly left and returned to her parents. But Ruth refused to leave Naomi alone. So they returned to Israel where they caused quite a stir upon their arrival. Naomi was bitter now because of the circumstances surrounding her return home. No husband, no sons and no way to survive.

Since their were no men in their lives at the moment Ruth decided it was up to her to provide as Naomi was old. She said I will go to the fields and glean the free grain left behind by the reapers.

Ruth set out to find a field and found herself in the field of Boaz. Now Boaz was a relative of Naomi's and he was very well off. As Naomi worked diligently in the field Boaz returned and asked who was the girl in the field. He was informed that she was the daughter-in-law of Naomi his relative. She had been working hard all morning never stopping except to get a drink of water. This impressed Boaz.

After introducing himself to her he instructed her to stay in his field - never to go to another and that he would make sure that she was protected. He also instructed his reapers to leave additional heads of barley for her to glean. Boaz showed her favor because of her love and kindness to Naomi.

Upon returning home that evening Ruth brought with her all the barley she gleaned and even the remainder of her lunch. She told Naomi of her days adventures and they both rejoiced as surely the Lord had blessed them and Moab as well.

As time passed Naomi said to Ruth it is time for you to get a husband. She immediately thought of Boaz as he was a single man. In those days it was proper for a relative to take the wife and inherited land of a kinsman so as to continue the bloodline. So Naomi instructed Ruth as to what she should do to gain the favor of Boaz.

Ruth being the obedient daughter-in-law did exactly as Naomi had instructed. She put on here finest clothes and went to where he was. Taking precaution as to not let him see her until the evening was done. As he slept she lay down at his feet and slept making sure not to wake him.

When Boaz awoke startled in the middle of the night he discovered her there. They talked as to why she was there and it was settled he would handle all the details in the morning. Quietly she returned to Naomi with a gift from Boaz and awaited the details to be worked out.

Now there was a slight problem with this arrangement there was another relative who was in line before Boaz. According to the law of the land this relative was to have first priority and if he could not or would not take on the responsibility then it would go to the next in line.

Down to the marketplace he went to find the relative and some chief men of the village to handle the business. The details about the land and Ruth were presented but the relative was unwilling to take on the task as he did not want Ruth's children to become heir to his land when he died. With this he handed off the responsibilities to Boaz who gladly accepted.

After the proper traditions had been taken care of Boaz married Ruth. The Lord blessed them with a son named Obed who brought much joy to the life of Naomi. For now she had a grandson whom she could care for and bring joy to her days of old. This small boy grew to be the father of Jesse and the grandfather of King David.

Through the sacrifice, dedication and obedience of Ruth her family tree was blessed for generations to come.

What about you? Has life dealt you an unexpected hand? Do you have the faith in the Lord to wait on his blessings for your future? Or have you decided to take your life in your hands and make your own way?

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For twenty years, Jabin - the king of Hazor and his commander in chief Sisera made life unbearable for the Israelites.  After their spirits were broken and they were down trodden they finally cried out and begged the Lord for help.

As Deborah was a woman of God, the children of Israel took comfort in coming to her to settle their disputes.  Her fame spread far and wide.  She became a "mother" in Israel.  (Judg. 4:6, 14, 5:7)

With the Lord's guidance and her direction preparations were being made everywhere for the great effort to throw off the yoke of bondage brought on by the Canaanites.

She summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kadesh and said to him "Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded saying, "Mobilize 10,000 men of Zebulon and Naphtali, and lead them to Mount Tabor on the plain of Esdraelon at its northeast end".  The Lord goes on to further say "I will draw King Jabin's army there and you will defeat them".

Now Barak not having the same faith said to Deborah "I will only go if you will go with me.  If you won't go neither will I.

Even though Deborah warned that her being there would diminish the honor of Barak she went along anyway.

Now King Jabin had gotten word of Barak and his army and he immediately gathered his men together and waged an attack.  But the victory was not to be theirs.  With the word from Deborah "Now is the time for the attack.   The Lord leads on".  Barak and his army rained down on Jabin and his men.  In all the panic and confusion the victory was theirs just as the Lord commanded it would be.

Henceforth the children of Israel prospered and prevailed having the ability to destroy King Jabin and his empire.

With such a victorious deliverance at hand Deborah went on to give all the honor and glory to the Lord with the "Song of Deborah" which can be read about in Judges 5.

Have you ever been called to do something and hesitated waiting for someone else to do it first?  What does that say about your relationship with the Lord? Are you willing to give up your honor because you are afraid to step out of the box?  What are you doing in your walk with Christ to bring the children of God back to him?

Please share your thoughts?

Have a Blessed Day.

Laureltreecreation  Check out our daily inspirational posts.

Brokenness to Abundance - www.facebook.com/brokennesstoabundance777

I gotta go deeper, deeper in your heart

I gotta go deeper till I'm hidden in the holy place. 

I gotta get closer so I can see your face. 

I gotta get closer till I'm drifting in the flow of grace.

Dr. Naima Johnston-Bush is an accomplished Christian Recording Artist, Songwriter, Educator, Speaker, Author, Minister and Wife!  She has put together a compilation of expression relating to the depth of one's relationship with our Heavenly Father (the creator).  In order to experience the intimate relationship that she is expressing one must take the initiative to spend time with God on a regular basis.  There are numerous ways to achieve this.  Prayer and reading the word daily gives one the opportunity to develop a deeper personal relationship with God.  Songs of praise and worship as demonstrated by Naima in this song from her forthcoming album "The Deeper Project" shows us just how we can develop that relationship.

Psalms 37:4 (NKJV) - "Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your Heart".

Isn't this a wonderful thing to seek to achieve.  It is so simple just spend time with the Lord and you will be able to drift in the flow of grace as the artist states so eloquently in her song. 

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV) - "But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul."    

Having a deeper relationship with our Father gives you the ability to see his plan and purpose for your life.  Each one of us is designed for a specific calling.  It is only by developing a deep, close relationship with the Heavenly Father that we are given the vision of our life here on earth. 

Psalm 40:8 (NKJV) - "I delight to do your will, O my God, And your law is written in my heart."

What a wonderous blessing to be able to live every day delighting in the goodness and the blessings of our Almighty Heavenly Father.   

This song has resonated in my soul from the day I first heard it.  I was driven to write out the words so I could sing along and while doing so I was able to feel what the artist was feeling as she recorded the song.  I found myself singing this song and not realizing that Naima had taken hold of my spirit and connected me with the Holy Father on a subconscious level.  This is what will happen to you if you really desire to have a deeper intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Living in the center of God's will is easier than you might think.  All you have to do is give yourself to him.  All of yourself not parts of your life here and there.  Take in the awesomeness that is God's beauty and slip away and seek his sunlight in the dark. Worship him along with  Naima . Experience his plan for your life.

Deeper from the forthcoming album, "The Deeper Project" by Naima.  To download or preview the song visit www. noisetrade.com/Naima. For more information about Naima visit www.facebook.com/ministryofnaima.

As a celebration of the blessings that have been bestowed upon me by our Heavenly Father, I am paying it forward with "Gifts of Inspiration".  I received this inspiration from an acquaintance of mine Sharon-Marie Jordan, a calligrapher @ Sharmiessence. 

The way this works is the first (12) twelve people who comment on my blog site will receive a "GIFT" from me sometime in the next year with no advance notice.  It will just show up in your mail hopefully when you can most use the "Love" of the Lord.  It may be a piece of jewelry from my collection "Gemstone Crosses", a book of inspirational quotes or poems, a gift basket, a care package - who knows.  But it will be something inspirational that you can keep for yourself or pay it forward to someone in need at the time.

"What's the catch you say?" The (12) twelve people who accept this offer must commit to make the same offer to at least (5) people either on their blog, website or Facebook page.  

After you comment on this post on my  blog  site, then you must email me your snail mail address. Please send your contact information to: laureltreecreation@hotmail.com 

Remember you must post on my blog site to be entered in the giveaway.  While you are there please feel free to look around and comment if you feel so lead to do s.

Blessings and I pray each and everyone of you gets all the Lord has purposed for your lives.      

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They have a huge selection of items such as wall art, plaques, platters and serving pieces for your Thanksgiving celebration. What about a gift for the cook just to say "Thank You".

Christian Book Distributors is a well known distributor of Christian books, at discounted prices. Why pay retail when you can get current best sellers for less. Looking for a bible, concordances or accessories for on the go. Look no further, they have them here.

Click on any of the highlighted links above and find many exciting choices to bring comfort and joy to you and the ones you love.

(2 Sam. 22:19 – 1 Kings 7:37)

1 Kings 3:5-6 (NKJV)

⁵ At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”

1 Kings 3:7-9 (NKJV)

⁷ Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. ⁸ And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. ⁹ Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

If the Lord said to you “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” What would you pray for?

With all the sorrow in the world, would you pray for peace? What about prosperity so you could help all the needy people you know? How about forgiveness for yourself or someone else’s pain? Would you ask the Lord for wisdom as Solomon did so that you could help those who need someone to talk to?

Perhaps you never thought that helping others would enhance your own life. Have you ever thought that blessing someone else might bring a blessing upon you and yours?      

Do you realize that your prayer determines your blessing according to the will of the Lord? 

When you pray, try asking the Lord for guidance and understanding so that you may make a difference in the lives of all those you come in contact with on a daily basis. See how this type of prayer changes your life. You might be amazed at the blessings that come your way.     

Follow the Journey.

(2 Sam. 12:11 – 2 Sam. 22:18)

 2 Sam. 22:2 (NKJV)

² And he said: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

2 Sam. 22:7 (NKJV)

 ⁷ In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry entered His ears.

2 Sam. 22:17-18 (NKJV)

 ¹⁷ “He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters. ¹⁸ He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me; For they were too strong for me.

Are you going through trials and tribulations? Has the enemy crept into your life? What about your peace, your joy? Do you feel like you’ve been robbed, beaten and even destroyed?

The way out of all this is to give praise to the Lord. Thank him for being your rock in whom you can take refuge. Thank him for being your shield when the enemy is near. Call upon him when you think you are drowning. He will reach down and lift you up out of the deep waters. 

Praise him for what he has done for you according to your righteousness. He has been faithful to you, be faithful to him. Remember he can and he will turn your darkness into light. Praise him for all your victories, past, present and future. 

Give God the glory and everything you experience in life will be easier to deal with. How can that be you ask? It’s simple the word says “All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.”    

Follow the Journey.

(1 Sam. 28:20 – 2 Sam. 12:10)

2 Samuel 3:39 (NKJV)

³⁹ And I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too harsh for me. The LORD shall repay the evildoer according to his wickedness.”

2 Samuel 5:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ So David went on and became great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

Good against evil. Spirit against flesh and blood. Your way versus God’s way. How many times have you tried to seek retaliation or accomplish a task your way because you couldn’t wait on the Lord? Did you subconsciously believe that you could make it work sooner or even better. You planned and planned, put it into action only to have it fail. Then you thought to yourself  “Woe is me, I guess it is not the Lord’s will”. 

Do you not realize the moment you stepped in God stepped aside? The very moment you put your plan into action you put your faith and trust in God on the back burner. And when your plan failed did you go running back to God? 

Instead of trying it your way, you should always leave it up to the Lord. He will never leave you nor forsake you. The Lord will always fight your battles because the battle is not yours, it is the Lord’s. His way is the only way. He is the truth and the light. Let his will be done because the peace you seek can only be found in the Lord.

Can you be a soldier in his army? Will you let him win the battle for you? Once you join the fight for the kingdom, you’ll never regret it.  

Follow the Journey.

(1 Sam. 16:1 – 1 Sam. 28:19)

1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

⁷ But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:12 (NKJV)

¹² So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”

In the eyes of the world outward appearance is everything. Your color, your size, your social standing all these things play a significant role in how the world treats you. A well dressed person with a house on the hill gets more honor and praise than the man with a heart of gold.

In the eyes of the Lord your heart is everything. The way you treat your brother says so much more about who you are than you could ever imagine.

Every sacrifice from your heart that you make for the children of God puts a smile on our Father’s face. Your kindness and mercy towards the needy shows the Father just how much you love him. Every good deed is noticed. All these things done in love brings love and peace from above.

Do not live your life based upon the standards set forth by man. Live everyday for the glory of the Lord. The Lord’s favor will rain down upon you and your household to the point of no containment. 

Wouldn’t that be real success? Are you ready to reign?

Follow the Journey.

(1 Sam. 2:30 – 1 Sam. 15:35)

1 Samuel 15:22 (NKJV)

²² So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

Although you were once small in the eyes of man has not the Lord exalted you to a place of honor. In that place did you stray ever so slightly leaning unto your own understanding? Have you misinterpreted that small still voice when the Lord spoke to you? Were you partially obedient? 

By not doing EXACTLY what the Lord says when he says it , we put ourselves in danger of being rejected by the Lord. We lose his favor and the blessings that come with it. We should never think that we know a better way of fulfilling the Lord’s commands. 

The Lord God knows what he wants us to do and how it should be done. His words test our faithfulness and trust in him. Let us not be so full of ourselves that we risk losing the favor of the Lord. 

Is partial obedience and disobedience worth the rejection? Will you miss your anointing because of yourself?

Trust and obey the Lord. Experience the abundance of his blessings. 

Follow the Journey.

(Jdg. 15:13 – 1 Sam. 2:29)

Ruth 2:12 (NKJV)

¹² The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

1 Samuel 2:4 (NKJV) 2 “The bows of the mighty men are broken, And those who stumbled are girded with strength. 1 Samuel 2:7-8 (NKJV) 7 The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. 8 He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory. “For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, And He has set the world upon them.

The definition of the word faith is “a belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1).

Today we learn of a woman who was so faithful that even when it appears that she has lost everything, she held fast to a vow. She was determined to take care of her mother-in-law when her husband and father-in-law had both passed away. As a young woman she could have chosen to leave and do things her own way, but she chose to hold fast to the Lord and his grace.

Favor was bestowed upon her through God by a distant relative of her mother-in-law. With no home of her own and no means of support she was able to acquire not only more food than she and her mother-in-law deserved, but her faithfulness to the Lord put her in a position to marry a man of influence and to be the mother of a nation. 

How strong is your faith? Will you hold on to the Lord no matter what the adversity? Do you trust and believe what is an unseen truth rather than what your eyes see as a temporary blight? 

Have faith, hold on, your reward is near.

Follow the Journey.

Judges 4:9 (NKJV)

⁹ So she said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.

Judges 4:21-22 (NKJV)

²¹ Then Jael, Heber’s wife, took a tent peg and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple, and it went down into the ground; for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. ²² And then, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said to him, “Come, I will show you the man whom you seek.” And when he went into her tent, there lay Sisera, dead with the peg in his temple.

How many times have you heard the voice of the Lord telling you to do a certain thing? Have you read a scripture, heard a sermon, spoke to another person and that still small voice calls your name. What do you do when that voice is speaking to you?

When the Lord speaks to you he is testing you to see if you believe and trust in him. We should do as the Lord tells us immediately, without hesitation or fear. We should stop telling ourselves that is too hard; I don’t believe the Lord really wants me to do this. How could he ask that of me, that’s not what I want to do? Or maybe you say well I can’t do this by myself so I will take someone with me. 

Do you not know that when the Lord takes you to something, he will be right there to take you through it? Has not the Lord gone before you? Why do we ask the Lord for grace and mercy and then deny the same favor that he is trying to bestow upon us? Why let someone steal the glory that the Lord has intended for you? 

If you just do as the Lord commands when he commands, the honor will be yours through Jesus Christ your Saviour. 

Follow the Journey.

Joshua 18:3 (NKJV)

³ Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?

Joshua 21:43 (NKJV)

⁴³ So the LORD gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it.

Have you ever stopped to wonder just what is preventing you from the promise land? Perhaps something in your past is keeping you from stepping into your destiny. Or maybe it is something in your present. 

Do you have any unresolved issues hidden deep in your heart. Jealousy, resentment, pain, or fear. Any and all of these things could be keeping you from having your promise fulfilled. 

Maybe none of these things are a part of your life. What about the commandments are you keeping them all?  

Ask the Lord to reveal to you if there is anything that you need to deal with that is holding you back. He will show you what is necessary for you to do in order to have his promise fulfilled in your life. 

Follow the Journey.

Joshua 1:6-9 (NKJV)

⁶ Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. ⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

The Lord our God wants us to always be strong. He wants us to know that he is always with us, he is our strength in times of trouble. He is our calm when the storm is raging. He wants us to not falter, never to waiver under pressure. He is always walking with us, carrying us when we feel the load is too heavy or the burden too much to bear. 

God wants us to stand firm in the face of adversity, looking always to him for our strength. He is our peace when war is waging around us. We should always know that no matter what the situation our God is in control. He knows the outcome before the scenario has even begun. He heals us when our heart is broken. He redeems us when we have been wronged. 

 His only request of us is that we follow his commands. We must keep them in our heart. This is the only way to remember them both day and night. We must constantly mediate on his name. We should be forever thanking and praising him for his mercy and grace. This is the way to stay courageous in the face of the enemy. 

 Can you be strong and courageous? Can you be a soldier in the army of the Lord? Will you fight for the kingdom? 

 Follow the Journey.

Deut. 28:1-6 (NKJV)

¹ “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. ² And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: ³ “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. ⁴ “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. ⁵ “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. ⁶ “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

Deut. 28:11,13 (NKJV)

¹¹ And the LORD will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. ¹³ And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.

The Lord wants us to obey him, just as a child obeys his natural father. He has our best interest at heart. It should not be difficult for us to do as he asks. But we allow our selves to get in the way. Too often we want things our way when we want them and are so busy trying to have it our way that we miss out on the blessings that the Lord has for us. 

We sometimes say “How come I don’t hear the Lord as others hear him”? It is not that we don’t hear him it is that we have so much non essential communication going on that we often misread the signals. God does not always talk to us in a loud booming voice, most of the time it is in the small silent voice that he speaks the loudest. 

Are you listening to what it is that he is trying to say? Stop, be still and obey. You will be amazed at the blessings that he has in store for you. 

Follow the Journey.

When we are in love we sacrifice for those we are in love with. We give of ourselves for the betterment of those we love. Love is a feeling that is like no other. The world is brighter, life is happier and our outlook of our circumstances is seen through a different viewpoint.

The bible tells us that Jesus loves us not for what we do but for who we are. Jesus died on the Cross because he loves us. He made that sacrifice so that we may be saved from our sins.

Deut. 6:5 tells us "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."

As Christians this is something we should strive to do everyday. The love we have for the Lord will surely be seen by all those we come in contact with everyday in all aspects of our lives.

When we truly love the Lord we are instructed to keep his charge, his statutes, his judgments and his commandments (Deut. 11:1). We are to love the Lord and follow his plan for our lives. Clinging to him and serving him enthusiastically (Josh 22:5)

We are to love our neighbors as we love the Lord. Not just saying we love them, but hating that which is evil and clinging to what is right. Taking pleasure and delight in loving and honoring one another (Romans 12:9-10).

In Neh. 1:5 we are told of the blessings and promises of the Lord to those who love and obey him. Blessings abound to all who truly love one another. The protection of the Lord is with those who love him. He watches over all and keeps them safe and secure. (Psalms 145:20)

The love of a husband or wife should be second only to the love of the Lord. Loving each other as you love the Lord.

With all this love that we should have we must remember that (1John 2:15) instructs us to "Love not the world neither the things that are of the world. If any man loves the world the love of the Father is not in him." In other words we should not under any circumstances love the evil of the world which include the desire to buy everything that appeals to you and the pride that comes from wealth and importance as these are not the way of the Lord.

Take a moment today to show someone how much you truly love them. You might be amazed at how truly blessed your day will be.

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I came across this challenging meme while doing my weekly research for blog topics.

The challenge is to take a look at each of the Fruits of the Spirit. One per week and to see where you are with the particular fruit.

So each Wednesday for the next (9) weeks I will be writing about what I have learned and how I have or have not implemented these fruits into my own walk with Christ. This learning experience will help me and maybe help others who may be struggling in some way.

For those who are not aware of just what the Fruits of the Spirit are I will list them below:

Love

Joy

Peace

Longsuffering (Patience)*

Gentleness (Kindness)*

Goodness

Faith

Meekness (Gentleness)*

Temperance (Self-control)* 

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

*Galatians 5:22-23 (TLB)

As an added bonus, I will be giving away a framed 4 x 6 version of the Fruit of the Spirit designed by Laurel Tree Creations. To qualify to be entered into the drawing you can do either of three things:

1. Sign-up for our newsletter (receive updates of new and exciting events)

2. Sign our guest book and leave a comment & your e-mail address.

3. Sign our feedback page (quality conversation here)

The more you enter the better your chances are of winning.

One entry per blog post please

Anyone commenting or leaving feedback on more than one Fruit of the Spirit post will be entered into a drawing to receive a framed 8 x 10 version of the Fruit of the Spirit designed by Laurel Tree Creations.

Mark your calendars the fun begins Mar. 30, 2011 and runs every Wednesday until May 25, 2011.

The drawing will be held on Sat. May 28, 2011. Winners will be posted on Mon. May, 30, 2011. Be sure to check back to see if you have won.

Blessings to you and yours.

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Early Wicked Candles

The ancient Romans are credited with developing the wicked candle by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. The candles were used to light their homes, to aid travelers at night, and in religious ceremonies.

It is a well known fact that candles play an important role in some religious ceremonies. There are several Biblical references to the use of candles as well.

Middle Ages

Early Western cultures relied primarily on candles made from animal fat (tallow). A big improvement came in the Middle Ages, when beeswax candles were introduced. Unlike animal-based tallow, beeswax burned pure and clean. It also gave off a pleasant sweet smell rather than the foul, smell of tallow.

Beeswax candles were mostly used for church ceremonies, but because they were expensive, few people other than the wealthy could afford them.

The 20th Century

Candles enjoyed renewed popularity during the first half of the 20th century. The growth of U.S. oil and meatpacking industries has resulted in an increase in the byproducts that have become the main ingredients of candles – paraffin and stearic acid.

In the mid-1980s, interest in candles as decorative items, mood-setters and gifts began to increase dramatically. Candles were suddenly available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors. With the technology to infuse scents into candles the market began to explode.

The increase in popularity led to new types of candle waxes being introduced. Something that had not been done for over a century. In the U.S., chemists began to develop soybean wax, a softer, slower burning wax with considerably less soot.

Today's Candles

Candles have come a long way since their first uses. They no longer serve as our major source of light. Today, candles are a symbol of inspiration and celebration. They set romantic moods, soothe the senses, and accent home decors. Their warm glow enhances the environment.

Randy Alcorn’s cover page denotes his books as “Lifechange Books” and indeed I believe they are just that.

Randy teaches us in simple easy to understand terminology how to Unlock the Secret of Joyful Giving. 

His six simple chapters help us to understand the reasons for giving. He does not try to make one feel guilty about giving. He explains and shows us using the scripture as reference how it is our responsibility to give unto others. 

The Treasure Principle is simple – You can’t take it with you but you can send it on ahead.  What this means is “Anything we try to hold on to here on earth will be lost but everything we put in God’s hand will be ours for an eternity. If we give instead of keep we are investing in eternal treasures in heaven that will never stop paying  dividends. 

By storing your treasures in heaven you are serving God and others. Everyone gains no one loses  – it’s a win, win situation.

The Six Treasure Principles:

God Owns Everything – we are stewards of his assets. They have been entrusted to us not given to us.

My Heart Always Goes Where I Put God’s Money -  Reallocating your money brings joy and peace.

Heaven Not Earth Is My Home -  We are citizens of a better country - a heavenly one.

Live Not for the Dot But For The Line – From life on earth extends a line that goes on for eternity.

Giving Is The Only Answer -  A joyful surrender to a greater person and a greater agenda.

God’s Prosperity - raises not my standard of living but my standard of giving.

By observing these principles your eyes will always be on eternity and its rewards. It will be so easy to overcome your previous roadblocks to giving. 

If you haven’t already read this gem take an hour or so and spend some time with Randy and learn why and how you can achieve Joy and Peace in your life just by giving what God has given you. This book will change your life if you let it.

For those who have already read it, please share your views and insights. 

Peace, love and joy to all my sisters. 

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 Soul Purpose Holiday Giveaway

Happy Holidays and Blessings To Everyone 

It's time for another giveaway. For the month of December I will be giving away a Soul Purpose Body Lotion and Bath & Shower Gel gift basket (fragrance of your choice) to one lucky winner.

Here's how to enter: 

Visit my site at http://www.onelilrose.soulpurpose.net to find wonderful, all natural, organic gifts for you or someone you love.

Photo and basket contents to be posted shortly.

Entry deadline December 31, 2008. Lucky winner will be picked January 1, 2009.

 According to Webster's dictionary the definition of soul is: “the spiritual nature of human beings".  It is also described as “the quality that arouses emotion and sentiment.”

Each of us possesses soul. For some it may be hidden, beating quietly within. Waiting for the opportunity to burst forth. For others, their soul is alive, driving them to fulfill their vision and God's purpose and plan for their lives.

Through my relationship with people from all walks of life, I have found that many people are using their soul purpose to direct them in their spiritual, personal and professional lives.

Social Network members make new friends, build their businesses and market their merchandise by determining the values and the passions that will guide them every step of the way.

One of the beautiful elements of the Soul Purpose Lifestyle Company is their dream to inspire individuals all over the world to define and act on their Soul Purpose.

My Soul Purpose is to bring women to Christ by providing them with the necessary tools to love themselves as the Lord loves them. By feeding their minds, bodies and souls they will be able to free themselves from the chains that bind.

At Soul Purpose we provide the avenues to health and wellness products to soothe the mind, body, & soul. All natural, organic products enriched with 100% Vegan Vitamin D. Supportive in the prevention of prostate and breast cancer. Globally and socially responsible, we are helping women across the globe empower themselves.

Stop by my Soul Purpose site and find amazing products that will take you on a Journey of Your Senses. Be joyful in the knowledge that your purchase will empower women less fortunate than yourselves to find their Soul Purpose.

Be blessed and Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

http://www.onelilrose.soulpurpose.net

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Soul Purpose Lifestyle is a company dedicated to the empowerment of women across the globe. They have put together the finest ingredients from around the world creating a unique product line.

Here you can experience in the comfort of your own home natural and botanically based beauty and wellness products.

With amazing products like Shea Butter Balms, Body Custards, shower gels, lotions, body scrubs and so much more you are sure to find something to calm and uplift your spirit.  Our soy wax candles are completely natural, biodegradable and vegetarian designed to illuminate your senses.

We also offer you the opportunity to share with your friends and family an amazing spa atmosphere to wash away all the stress life has brought your way.

Take a moment to visit here and see for yourself how you can uplift your day, your life as well as your well-being.

With guidance from the Lord above I would love to be your Spiritual Personal Care Consultant.

Much love and blessings,

Daphne Renee aka "Onelilrose"

www.onelilrose.soulpurpose.net

We read of how she spoke of harshly of Moses because of the type of woman he chose to marry. She resented him because God spoke directly to him face to face. Miriam was offended by him because she felt that he was no different than any other man of God and that he should have visions and dreams as the other prophets did.

Upon hearing her words the Lord was displeased and commanded that she and Aaron along with Moses appear before him at the Tabernacle.

In his displeasure God said to them .... "If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him I will speak mouth to mouth ........ (Num 7:6-7 KJV)

It is apparent that Moses was like no other man and he had favor in God's eyes. To be so favored that the Lord would speak directly to him is indeed a blessing.

The Lord asked of them ...... why were you not afraid to criticize him?

Without waiting for their answer he left as he came, but just as he did Miriam became white with leprosy. This we learn is her punishment for speaking harshly against a man of God.

Seeing her situation Aaron cried out to Moses realizing what a terrible thing they had done "Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. Let her not be one of the dead ........ (Num 7:11-12 KJV)

Being the man he was Moses cried out to the Lord on her behalf. You see Moses did not hold a grudge as he was a man of God.

Hearing Moses cries the Lord said "If her father had but spit in her face, should she not he ashamed ........... let her be shut away seven days and after that let her be received in again (Num 7:14 KJV)

We learn from Miriam's mistake that having malice in one's heart will not go unpunished. Perhaps not as in the Old Testament but surely we can not move forward with that type of heart.

Is there something in your heart preventing you from receiving all that the Lord has planned for you? Are you resentful of the gifts a child of God is rejoicing in?

What is in your heart?

Let's learn from Miriam's mistake never covet another's blessings hence we prevent ourselves from receiving the blessings intended for us.

God Bless my sisters.

Journaling became an almost constant in my life, sure I got out of the habit from time to time, but I always seem to slip back into it. It is almost as if I yearn for it, and the feeling that it gives me. If I don’t do it for a while, I begin to get cravings, or feel withdrawal.

The greatest joy that I get out of journaling is when I journal my prayers and then, I am able to look back on those prayers days, months and maybe even years later (I’ve done this) and see the results, the answered prayers, the prayers God said “No” to or “Wait” and I’m able to understand why certain things happened the way that they did and I truly appreciate the circumstances more.

I encourage everyone to journal. Maybe you won’t make it a daily habit, but I hope you’ll do it often enough to appreciate it.

Alyssa Avant is a Christian speaker and writer and founder of Beauty by Design Ministries.  She is the author of a 30 Day Journaling Guide.  

Rediscover yourself through journaling with this 30 Day Journaling Guide"

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I know that we should not worry what others think of us, but as females, we should think about what we’re doing. We want to be sure about what our actions are to those around us, what language it is speaking, what vibes it is giving off and we should make sure that it is presenting ourselves to others the way that we would want to be portrayed.

Therefore, when teaching your teen daughter about this subject it is important to instill in her the principles about this that the Bible teaches. Yes, the Bible does speak on this subject. We are instructed in 1 Corinthians 6:20, “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” When we loosely throw ourselves on the opposite sex, whether or not our “intentions” are good or bad, we are not honoring God with our bodies. God’s Word says that there should be “even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.” (Ephesians 5:3 NIV) Being overly flirtatious and loose with ourselves as girls can lead to sexual immorality and is in itself a type of it, therefore it is best not to do this at all.

This reminds me very much of the debate on alcohol, no God’s Word does not say specifically, “do not drink alcohol.” God’s Word does however warn about becoming drunk. In this same way, God’s Word warns us about our behavior, especially those behaviors that can lead to other things that would cause you to not honor God with your body. God created us and when creating us, he created us as sexual beings; however, he put some limitations in his Word for how we should use that to our advantage in the reigns of a marital relationship. God would only do this if it were what was best for us. God is the author and creator of everything; therefore, he indeed knows what is the very best for us. Explain to your daughter the very special and unique situation this creates in the relationship that God intends for us to use this part of our bodies for when you are giving her this warning.

It is important that we as parents talk to our daughters about this very important topic. I mean honestly, do you want someone else to have to call her on this when she is stepping out of line. Or would you rather her know in the first place and not be caught in this situation.

Alyssa Avant is a Christian writer and speaker, founder of Beauty by Design Ministries. Their Seven Easy Tips: Encouraging Your Daughter to Say No Guide will help you, help your daughter understand about sexuality and to say no. Check it out here 

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 Do you wish you could connect with your daughter in a meaningful, powerful way?  I hope to give you inspiration, tools and ideas that will help you to do just that.

  
 Moms, I’m sure you can remember the day you found out you were having a baby girl.  Maybe it was through an ultrasound, during your pregnancy, or maybe it was on the day she was born.  Either way, try to remember now how you felt, what thoughts crossed your mind.  It is very important to remember how you felt that day; this can help you focus upon how special it is that you have a daughter.  

 God gave you a very special gift when he blessed you with a child, but he also knew that child would be a girl and he had a special plan in that as well.  Your daughter was born into the specific generation she is in not by accident, but “on purpose”.  You have a special place in this, because you are her mother.  God has give you an even greater responsibility “to train a child in the way she should go.” Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)  

 I know you want to do this and more.  We all want the very best for our children, we all want to not only prepare them for their future, but also inspire them to take their place in their generation, and to find their purpose in life, God wants them to be set apart for “such a time as this” in their lives.  Esther 4:14 (NIV)  

 One of the first keys to impacting your daughter is by setting an example for her.  She needs a faithful example of a Godly woman to help her to become one herself.  No on in her life can ensure that she has that example more than you, her mother can.  Your faithful example will help her to leave a legacy of faith.  Show her a proper relationship with Christ, by modeling it for her.  Do you have a regular daily quiet time and if so does she know it?  I know a lady who does have a daily quiet time, alone in her room, each morning.  She told me the story of her little boy discovering this one day.  She would inform him every day that she was going up to her room for “her time” and would make sure that he was occupied while she would be gone and then she’d head upstairs.  She never realized that he wondered what she did during “her time”, until one day, she saw him sneaking up the stairs, and peeking in on her room.  That day she realized he was curious and even more that he needed to know what she was doing.  Therefore, she began to share with him.  Now, years later, the boy is a teenager, and every morning after breakfast she says she’s heading up for ‘her time” and he says, “I’ll be in my room doing “my time”.  She has modeled this time alone with God for him and now he makes it part of his life as well.  

 Having a daily quiet time is just one of the ways that you can model for your daughter how to have a relationship with Christ.  Making Christ apart of your home and your everyday routine is another way.  How many times is Jesus mentioned in your home each day?  Does your family share a meal together and bless that meal with a prayer of thanksgiving before you eat?  I realize this sounds like something very small, but can make a huge impact on your life.  Verbally mentioning the name of God can do so much for your children.  

 Prayer is such a valuable tool in connecting with God and with your daughter as well.  Through prayer, you can fuse the relationship you have with your daughter, and have a permanent bond that no one can take away.  I heard a speaker at a parent-youth conference a few years ago who gave such an amazing example of the connecting between a parent and a teen. 

 He used the example of the connection between a parent and a teen or child as being a “heart connection”.  The idea was that as parents we have a connection with our children that we can visualize as being a pipeline from our heart to theirs.  The pipe is connected when we are turned towards each other and in good relationship with each other.  However, this connection can easily be broken, when your child goes out into the world their pipeline is susceptible to others and other people can then try and connect with your daughter or child.  These people include anyone who has an influence upon her.  Who influences your daughter?  Think about it, it could possibly be a teacher, coach, youth leader, friend, and boyfriend. The list could go on and on.  It is your job as a parent to ensure that your daughters pipeline is only connected to you and to God.  This is the strongest influence upon their life.  Because we know that “where their treasure is there their heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 (NIV) you want them to treasure their relationship with you enough for it to be their main heart connection, outside their relationship with God. 

How do you ensure that this be the case?  This all begins at home, when your daughter arrives home from school, if you are there do you immediately greet her and ask her about her day, sit down, listen and connect with her.  Listening is very powerful, your daughter when just coming in from the day at school will be full of information to share about her life, her friends, and her activities.  If she is not opening up and sharing with you, encourage her to but never force it, just be there and willing to listen. 

My own mom was always there to listen, offer advice when I needed it, or seal her lips when she knew I didn’t want to hear it.  These things helped me to become the person I am today and I hope that I will be able to do the same with my own daughter.  I know no matter what I’ll impact her in some way.  I pray that both you and I impact our daughters for the good of the next generation.  
 

Alyssa Avant is a Christian writer and speaker, founder of Beauty by Design Ministries.  Their Seven Easy Tips: Encouraging Your Daughter to Say No Guide will help you, help your daughter impact the next generation.  Check it out here.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”  Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

Charm is thought of in today's society in a variety of ways. Dictionary.com defined charm in many ways as well, but as it is used in the Proverb, it is a noun. Dictionary.com says that the noun, charm, is “a power of pleasing or attracting, as through personality or beauty” or “a trait or feature imparting this power.” This is more often than not how females use their charm today. To impart power or control over someone in their life, especially their male counterparts.

The Bible speaks of this as being deceptive. Therefore, this is not the kind of charm you want to exude. As ladies we need to be careful about the way we use our charm and our beauty so that we can be sure we are not using it in a negative way. Beauty is not a bad thing. God created us to be beautiful. However, we want to do everything in our lives to please Him, rather than to draw attention to ourselves. We must make certain that we are doing “whatever we do, whether in word or in deed, to the glory of God.” It is not glorifying God to use your charm or beauty to control someone else.

Beauty can come from more than one source. Beauty is more than just outward beauty, it is also what's inside. As 1 Peter 3:3-5 says,

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.” (NIV)

True beauty comes from within. True beauty exhibits qualities of character and that includes many things. Here are a few of those qualities:

    * Honor - honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions
    * Self-control – able to exercise restraint
    * Virtue – moral excellence
    * Chastity – pure and chaste
    * Purity – innocence
    * A Clean Heart – freedom from evil
    * Sweetness – kind and sincere
    * A Quiet Spirit – a sense of inner peace and calmness
    * Modesty – freedom from vanity

Take some time to evaluate your life, your heart, and how you are using your charm and beauty. If you do not already exhibit the above characteristics, make it your goal to instill some of these into your life.  Find out more click here.

Well, as I started to read I said where is the funny humor and the stress busters. On and on I read, ready to put it down on several occasions. A little voice kept saying you committed to do this so press on.

This book is quoted as having 15 low calorie ways to lift your spirits and pull yourself out of the dumps so here they are:

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary .... How Does Your Garden Grow?

Minivacations Even a Travel Agent Could Love

A Friend in Need Needs a Friend, Indeed

Would You Like a Little Cheese with Your Whine?

Here's the Story of a Man Named Brady

Sweet Dreams

Simplify Your Life

No Trespassing

The Care and Feeding of a Grudge

The Doctor Is In

Tickle Your Inner Child

It's All In Your Head

Draw A Line In the Sand

Love Your Body

Tend to Your Soul

As I read I kept wanting to put this book down, been there done that, don't care to do that, doesn't apply to me. Until I came to #7 - Simplify Your Life. This is what I am talking about. As we age, we find the need to have a lot less STUFF in our lives. Mostly, material things. Too much to clean, dust and care for. Less material things can really cut down on the stress factor. It gives you time to focus on what is really important - your relationships. 

So I read on #8 - No Trespassing. Here we learn about privacy. As most women know - children and husbands usually have no regard for privacy. Not that they don't care, they are just so comfortable with us being there for them that they don't realize they are invading our little time alone. So we must learn to carve out a little space just for us to kick back and enjoy life.

Read on and on and then #13 (... Line In The Sand), #14 (Love Your Body)& #15 (Tend To Your Soul) really hit home. Now these are all things that most of us know, but rarely do for ourselves.

We forget that there should be boundaries in our lives whether it be what we eat, when and if we exercise and how much we rest. Most of us don't love our bodies so we tend not to pay attention to ourselves until something starts screaming that there is a health problem.

And our souls - how many of us actually nurture our relationships. I meaning really taking the time to have a positive soul. Whether it be our relationships with our Heavenly Father, our spouse, our children and/or our associates & colleagues.

What I have realized and I would not have if I had stopped reading early on (we all have the power through Christ who strengthens us) is that life is exactly what we make of it.

Should we desire to have a life less stressful we have to make a commitment to do so. Just as we are committed to being good Christians, good wives and good mothers.

There are no quick fixes just the commitment to carve out the time to be great women in every aspect of our lives should we choose to do so.

So no Chocolate recipes, no chocolate jokes and no chocolate miracles here just the knowledge that life can be less stressful even without Chocolate.

Have a Blessed Life, my sisters.

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It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book's FIRST chapter! Plus, with this tour, you can win a copy of Julie's book! Leave a comment saying you wish to be in the drawing for the book.

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

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and her book:
 

A Passion Most Pure
Revell (January 1, 2008)

Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. Her first book in the Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Most Pure, was released January 2008, to be followed by the second in September 2008, A Passion Redeemed, and the third in May 2009, A Passion Denied (working title).

You can visit Julie at her Web site.

Product Details

List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800732111
ISBN-13: 978-0800732110


AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Hello fellow bloggers, my name is Daphne Renee aka "Onelilrose" to all my friends.

I'm on a Blog Trip and as part of the trip I have decided to have an "Angel Giveaway" as a thank you to all those wonderful gals who took the time to stop by my site.

The winner will have her choice of the following angels:

The purpose of my writings as well as my website is to inspire women to be closer to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Here at Laurel Tree Creations you will find a variety of Inspirational Gifts.

The rules for entry to the Giveaway are simple:

That's it. You will automatically be entered into the giveaway.

Promotion dates / Sept. 1 - 5, 2008. Winner will be announced Sept. 6, 2008.

Should you like what you see, please sign-up for our newsletter to stay informed of new articles posted weekly, new merchandise and contest giveaways or subscribe to us through the RSS Feed.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a Blessed Day. 

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I'm on a Blog Trip and as part of the trip I have decided to have an "Angel Giveaway" as a thank you to all those wonderful gals who took the time to stop by my site.

The winner will have her choice of the following angels:

The purpose of my writings as well as my website is to inspire women to be closer to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Here at Laurel Tree Creations you will find a variety of Inspirational Gifts.

The rules for entry to the Giveaway are simple:

That's it. You will automatically be entered into the giveaway.

Promotion dates / Sept. 1 - 5, 2008. Winner will be announced Sept. 6, 2008.

Should you like what you see, please sign-up for our newsletter to stay informed of new articles posted weekly, new merchandise and contest giveaways or subscribe to us through the RSS Feed.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a Blessed Day.

A virtual trip into cyberspace where we get the opportunity to visit the blog sites of others, comment on their blogs, enter contests, win prizes and just make new friends. Click on the link on the right to see more. 

Get your favorite snacks, sit back, relax, and have some fun. It's sure to be a wonderful trip.  Don't forget to leave a comment so you can be entered into the giveaway for a porcelain angel of your choice. 

Details and photos to follow.

In the beginning I wrote exclusively about my business - the products in my retail store, their beginnings, uses and concepts.

In an attempt to network and meet new friends, business associates and / or potential customers, I wanted to reach out to Christian women everywhere.

As Christians we are to go to the Lord with everything we do, always remembering to put him first, and he will direct us and crown our efforts with success.

In Proverbs 3:4-6 we are taught: ⁴ So shall thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and men. ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV)

Scripture instructs us that if we want favor with both God and men as well as a reputation for good judgment and common sense then we must trust in the Lord. We must not only believe in the Lord but trust him exclusively never relying on ourselves.

As time has evolved, I began to blog about Christian issues. Women to be specific. Reading my scriptures on a regular basis brought to mind the "Women of the Bible".

Proverbs 31:10-31 speaks of the "Virtuous Woman".  Here we learn what it means to be a good wife in the eyes of the Lord.

Scripture tells us that this woman is more precious than gems. She is trustworthy, eager to satisfy the needs of her husband. She is never a hindrance always helpful. This woman works diligently with her hands. Preparing meals and planning the day’s activities are par for the course for her.

She looks for income opportunities and works them tirelessly. Ever energetic she generously helps those in need. Never afraid of the elements her household is well protected.

Strong and dignified she has no fear of old age. From her mouth flows words of wisdom and kindness. Her children and husband call her blessed.

For she is a woman who fears the Lord and with this she will be greatly praised. Her good deeds will bring her honor and recognition from those of importance.

Reading about this remarkable woman has shown me that even though times and circumstances have changed the way we handle our situations remains the same.

Always believe and trust in the Lord. He answers prayers.

God Bless you and yours,

Does Your Purpose = God's Plan?  Click here to comment

A virtual trip into cyberspace where we get the opportunity to visit the blog sites of others, comment on their blogs, enter contests, win prizes and just make new friends.

Get your favorite snacks, sit back, relax, and have some fun. It's sure to be a wonderful trip. Want to be informed of all new events, signup for our newsletter or subscribe to us through our RSS Feed.

If you are like me you search through the craft stores for just the right sticker or ribbon only to find that there is only one left or the space designated for that item is now EMPTY.

Or perhaps you find a scrapbook or craft catalog and they have a limited supply of items that just don't say what you would like to say. Been there, done that.

At Faithfully Yours they encourage you to remember and share God's goodness with family and friends through your scrapbooks. What an awesome witnessing tool!

Here is a sampling of the items that can be found at Faithfully Yours:  

 and much, much more.

Some of the many manufacturers that you will find there are American Tradition, Crossed Paths, Reminders of Faithfulness and Veggie Tales.

Take a moment and surf on over. You will find faith based scrapbook ideas and supplies to delight your spirit and remind you of God's goodness. Click on their banner on the left to be directed to their site.

Happy Scrapping. Share your faithbooking ideas here. 

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I have been blessed to have a very articulate and spiritual niece Rose Britt-Gordon who has been very inspirational to me.

She has been providing our family with the "Thought for Today" for years and has so lovingly agreed to allow me to post her thoughts here for your enjoyment.

Stay tuned her words will calm your spirits and inspire your soul.

Why do we read what we read and what do we do with the knowledge and/or wisdom that we have acquired?

I have always been a lover of books. As a child, I would prefer to sit with a good book and take myself away to far away places. Lazy afternoons spent with a strawberry shake and a book bought me so much pleasure. Experiencing the lives of others different from myself taught me that even though we live in different places we are all experiencing life in much the same ways.

As I grew into maturity my reading preferences changed. Ever searching for knowledge and wisdom. I found myself drawn towards everything that would help me grow. Whether academically or spiritually life was a lesson to be learned.

In Titus 3:4-5 Paul says "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. (KJV)

Entering in a new phase of life I find myself wanting to share the knowledge and wisdom I have experience. I find that I am being drawn to share life's experiences with women not only of my generation but more so to women younger than myself. To help them grow in the peace and joy that is so readily at hand, if only they seek the goodness and grace of the Lord.

Deciding what to read is a choice. Living life victoriously is a choice. Are your reading choices making a difference in your life? Are the books you are reading equipping you for your walk with Christ? Are you reading as you did as a child taking yourself away to far away places escaping the life you now live? Or are you preparing yourself for the task at hand. Living, loving and enjoying the life that Christ our Savior died on the cross for?

Please share your thoughts?   

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What do you do while you are waiting on the Lord for your blessings? Are you just sitting, hoping and praying that your ship will come in? Are you trusting but not seeing any results? Are you truly preparing for your season?

These words of wisdom may help you jumpstart your season of suddenly’s.

Understand the power of repentance

(Matt 4:17 KJV - From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.) Have you gone to the Lord and told him of your sin? Have you asked him for his forgiveness? No sin no matter how big or small should go un-repented. Even though the Lord knows all he wants to hear from your lips that you are aware of the wrong you have done and he wants you to ask him for forgiveness. Just ask him and he will wipe the slate clean.

Have A Heart of Forgiveness

(Matt. 6:14 KJV - For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.) Have you been hurt by something someone said or did you to? Are you holding onto unnecessary pain? Let it go. Go to them and make amends. They may or may not accept your gesture of love. But the Lord knows your heart and in doing so the Lord will rain down upon you many blessings as he loves you and does not want you to suffer.

The Spirit of Praise

(Psalms 149:6 KJV - Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;) Do you realize that the more you praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the more joy you bring into your life? The constant affirmation of the goodness and the glory of the Lord will naturally bring peace and comfort to your soul. How good you will feel knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ is always there to for you. With God on your side nothing and no one can harm you. The evil of the world may come a knocking at your door but praising the Lord will not let it enter in.

Power of the Cross and The Blood of Jesus

(Col. 2: 14-15 KJV - Blotting out the handwriting or ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.) When Christ died on the cross, all your sins were forgiven. They were cast down and nailed to the cross never to be held against you if only you would follow him and obey the commandments of the Father. With the shedding of Christ’s blood Satan’s power over your life was no more. Use the power to show the world you are free and that you can have everlasting life.

These are just a few revelations to help you prepare in your period of waiting.

Be triumphant in the Name of the Lord while you wait for your season of suddenly’s and he will bless you with unexpected riches far beyond your earthly needs.

Each year Elkanah and his family would go out of the city to worship and to offer a sacrifice to our Lord of hosts at the

Every year it was the same but as time passed Penninah began to mock and torment Hannah because she was still barren. Things got so bad that Hannah cried all the time and even stopped eating. Her husband could not understand saying to her “Why do you make such a big deal of having no children?” “Isn’t having me enough”.

On one of their annual outings Hannah went up to the temple, she was feeling deep pain and prayed silently.

The High Priest thought she was drunk as he saw her lips moving but heard no sound from her. He chastised her for drinking and told her to get rid of her drink. Instead of getting angry at him for his assumption she explained her situation. Upon hearing her story he sends her away and effectively says that her prayer will be heard and her desire granted. She immediately was filled with joy. Thanking the high priest, she returned home and resumed eating once again.

On the family’s final day at the tabernacle they worshipped the Lord once more and then returned home to Ramah. That night she went home with her husband, and gave herself to him. The Lord remembered her petition and soon afterwards she became pregnant.

As promised, when the child was born, and she had weaned him she returned to the temple on her family’s next annual trip. She brought her son with her and gave him back to the Lord. Hannah left her only child at the Tabernacle with the High Priest Eli just as she had promised she would.

It was at that time that she prayed a song of praise for his birth - the

Subsequently, when the child (Samuel) proved himself a good worker, Eli blesses Hannah again with prayer asking the Lord to give her more children to take the place of the child she so willing gave to the Lord. And the Lord answered the prayers blessing Hannah and her husband with more sons and also daughters.

Hannah’s faith and trust in the Lord proved to be beneficial to more than just her and her husband. Her sacrifice to the Lord made it possible for her son to find favor with the High Priest and to subsequently bless all who heard his voice. 

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To thank my readers for their loyalty, I will be giving away a framed 4 x 6 version of the Fruit of the Spirit designed by Laurel Tree Creations. To qualify to be entered into the drawing you can do either of three things:

1. Sign-up for our newsletter (receive updates of new and exciting events)

2. Sign our guest book and leave a comment

3. Sign our feedback page (quality conversation here)

The more you enter the better your chances are of winning.

One entry per blog post please

Anyone commenting or leaving feedback on more than one Fruit of the Spirit post will be entered into a drawing to receive a framed 8 x 10 version of the Fruit of the Spirit designed by Laurel Tree Creations.

Mark your calendars the fun begins June 20, 2008 and runs every Friday until Aug. 15, 2008.

The drawing will be held on Sat. Aug. 16, 2008. Winners will be posted on Sun. Aug. 17, 2008. Be sure to check back to see if you have won.

Blessings to you and yours.

 Your journal does not have to be fancy and expensive. A notebook preferably spiral will do because this allows you to fold it back and write comfortably. If you are crafty this would be the perfect opportunity to indulge in your creativity. Making the cover your own would encourage you to use it more often.

Journaling is a pastime some of us have always enjoyed. It gives us a place to record our observations and our memories before life gets too fast for us to remember the small moments which brought us joy once upon a time. Some women use journals to records important events such as vacations, weddings, and the joys of motherhood.

From journaling your hopes and dreams as a teenager to journaling your doubts and fears as an adult, journaling has been a part of some of our lives through the years.

I can remember my first experience with journaling. It was as a new bride & mother. I was so unsure of what life had to offer and journaling was a way to get those fears out of my head and onto paper. Seeing things in black & white helped to sort them out and gave me the ability to tackle them one at a time.

Years later I remember reading through that first journal and seeing how I had grown as a person. It also brought back dreams that I once had and renewed a spirit to continue on without looking back.

As I renewed my walk with Christ I began to journal my daily readings and the thoughts and questions which arose from the scriptures. Having spoken to other Christian women it appears that this is a way to stay focused on the purpose and plan for their lives.

Would you like to learn more about how to recollect fond memories and create new ones. Would you be interested in learning how to release and express your creativity? If so, then I'd like invite you to download the 30 Day Personal Journaling Guide and begin your journey today!

 Beauty By Design Ministries has created an easy to use 30 Day Personal Journaling Guide to aid you in developing this valuable hobby.

Click on the link on the home page or on the left to discover how to obtain this wonderful guide.

Happy Journaling.

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Jill shares the Good News of Jesus Christ through her book ministry . Her current book titled "God's Love" depicts a journey through the amazing life of award winning Gospel singer, Jordan Alexander.  You can read more at www.JillStJames.net

 Below is Jill's inspiration on Lydia of Thyatira.

As a prosperous business woman who worshiped the Lord, Lydia dyed cloth and traveled to Philippi to sell her goods. Paul was teaching the Good News there because the Spirit of God forbade him to preach in Asia.

Upon hearing Paul preach, Lydia's heart was open to receive the Word. She, along with her entire household were baptized and welcomed the apostles into her home, which immediately became their church.

Lydia is known as the first European convert, and took the message of Jesus back to her hometown city in Asia...the very city Paul was forbidden to go!

Because of Lydia's open heart and obedience, she helped spread the Gospel of our Savior in a region that didn't know of Him.

This is a great lesson to us, to always be available to follow the LORD's will. Great things can happen when we trust and obey His voice. He places us exactly where we need to be, when we need to be there. It's up to us to be aware of our surroundings and the opportunities available to advance the message and love of Jesus where ever we are.

Be a blessing!
 

As I attempt to come up with a curriculum for the little ones so we are all constantly learning I have decided that at least once a week we will do scrapbooking (faithbooking) my new term of choice.

So the first step will be to organize all the supplies. Here is what I did:

     1. searched the house in all the known places for supplies. Paper in one box, stickers in a     

         cabinet, specialty pens in a canister.

    2. sorted all the paper by color and design

    3. categorized all stickers, embellishments, etc. 

With everything all laid out I then began the task of making sense of it all. Along the way I thought what if I created a system (like the pre-made kits) where I would start to create pages with like items.

So I put some of the pages into the Faithbook sleeves (scrapbook). I then took some of the embellishments and added them to the pockets accordingly.

As I did this all sorts of creative ideas came to mind. First I searched for inspirational bible scriptures. I then created clear decorative labels using a quirky font and printed them out. These can be add to the pages as I see fit.

The I took an empty binder put in some plastic sleeves and began filling them with all the stickers, etc. Having the embellishments in a handy binder with clear sleeves lets me see at a glance what I have and what I might need.

While doing this I re-discovered so many things I purchased and did nothing with because I thought I had no themes to go with them.

At the end of the day, I now have 12 sleeves set and ready to go, of course, I will added details as the project progresses, but now I have a place to start.

Now the Faithbooks (Scrapbooks) and supplies are prominently displayed in the family room for easy access and as reminder to faithbook regularly.

Now to find a container that I can re-purpose after decorating that can be used for all the specialty pens and pencils.

Let’s make some memories and leave our legacy behind for generations to see.

Happy Faithbooking (Scrapbooking)

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She was a woman that found favor in Mordecai her cousin and Hegai the one who had charge of the King's Harem and then the king; even after the thirty days she was separate from her king she found favor in him. Haman even pleaded for his life knowing she could help save him.

A woman that finds favor in all the men around, at different levels and different aspects of her life, has me in awe. God made Esther to be a woman "of noble character .... worth far more than rubies" (Psalm 31:10 emphasis mine) as he made all other women. We just have to walk in what he has already done for us.

Because she had pleased Hegai, he provided her with special foods and beauty treatments, as well as, being assigned seven maids while she was being prepared for the king.

Esther was a woman that settled into life without forgetting her heritage. She was able to obtain the finer "things" in life by obeying the laws of the land but protecting her nationality in the mist. (Chapter2:10, 20) In this book, you can almost sense her spirituality without the author even saying it. She had kept her connection with the Lord. She knew to fast and pray first before "challenging the world" (Chapter 4:15). She remembered her people and protected them. She also remembered her spirituality and focused on that to help her continue to find favor with her king. (Chapter 5: 1-8 and 7:1-10)

Esther showed women how to love their husbands. Before she became queen, she took with her, to please the king, whatever Hegai told her to take. (Something he/she knew would please the King). She always stated when she spoke to the King "if it pleases the king" saying whatever you like my husband, whatever you want my love, if what I suggest to you pleases you my king. Her husband, the king, was never displeased with her.

Esther was and is the biblical woman to help all other women to stand in their marriages and not be in bondage to situations. She is the one that never forgot her spirituality; remembers to pray first before going into "battle" a battle that was not hers to fight. I admire Esther because she never forgot herself and continued to be a help meet to her husband the king.

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Mommyfest 2008 has ended and I would like to thank all those who visited my site and left their comments. I pray that everyone who participated made new friends and/or found products to enrich their lives.  Here is a photo of the gift.

Have a blessed day.

When the Mayflower landed on the shores of America, the European settlers were greeted with the first gift baskets.

Dried fish and meats, corn, beans and other vegetables were presented to the settlers, by the American Indians, to welcome their arrival.

In the 1700 and 1800’s, individuals created baskets full of fruits, foods and candies for Christmas, Easter and other holidays.

Today’s gift baskets are designed with the individual recipients tastes in mind for holidays, special occasions such as showers, birthdays and anniversaries or “just because”.

Books, music, figurines, and photographs are being used to create memorable keepsakes. Fruits, foods and candies now share space in gift baskets with “useable” items for the baby, the bride, or for play.

Perfumed soaps, lotions, and specialty loofahs are often found in baskets for the bath. It is not uncommon to find recipes, potholders, kitchen utensils and even coupons in baskets designed with the cook in mind.

Today's baskets or boxes themselves are designed to be used creatively by the recipient once they’ve enjoyed the contents of the gift basket.

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Within my favorite local market, a huge blackboard displays the store’s monthly events and special days. August 26th marks Women’s Equality Day. Upon seeing the notice, I wondered, have I been missing something? I decided to do a little research.

August 26th, I found out, was designated as Women’s Equality Day in 1971 by the U.S.Congress to commemorate the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote.

Such a victory might seem like eons ago to younger women, but I remember growing up in a time of  "little girls are to be seen and not heard" and "because I said so."  Women chose from three "careers"—secretary, teacher, or nurse. Talk about a glass ceiling; you could barely get on hands and knees to crawl! With much fortitude, however, the secretaries,teachers and nurses of yesteryear paved the way for female bosses, principals and doctors of today.  

Wow! Have we come a long way!

Women have been struggling with equality for centuries, although our Maker granted her equal status from the beginning. Woman was created in the image of God as a suitable helper for man [ezer in Hebrew] and as an equal custodian over all His creation.

(Note: ezer not ebed which is servant) NIV Genesis 2:18; NIV Genesis 1:27- 28

Recently, I was seated at a table of women,ages ranging from 30s to 70. All mothers, many had pursued corporate careers and now elected to stay at home with their newborns, while the remainder had opted out of their careers at a later time in their children’s upbringing. In listening to the three generations of stories that circled that table, I realized that certain aspects how we as women are viewed had not changed.  Advancements in rank and pay require women to think like "the guys". 

Additionally, the executive, MBA moms who had left their corporate worlds behind felt their status in their different roles as the suitable helper had dropped. It  saddened me that they weren’t seeing themselves as the helper—the woman created in the image of God.

I love the woman of Proverbs 31, one who is looked upon as capable and strong in her convictions. She brings honor to her husband with her wisdom in being responsible to business affairs, managing the household activities, and nurturing the love and respect of her family.

And how does Proverbs 31 woman gain her status? She is a savvy business woman, praised by her husband and honored by her children. She runs a busy household, leading by example. She is a seamstress, accountable to her customers to deliver on time, thereby, providing additional income for the family.

She goes the extra mile for quality in provisions for her family. She is the model woman as portrayed in this poem.

How does Proverbs 31 woman multi-task and maintain her health? She is certain to give herself the same measure of care she bestows upon her family. She eats fresh foods, she is rested, she is well-read, she gives of herself to the needy, and she is organized.

What ultimately sets the Proverbs 31 woman apart? She understands the need for God. He determines her priorities. Therefore, who must the virtuous woman as portrayed in Proverbs 31 be— married, children, businesswoman, and homemaker?  The answer is that one can be single or married, with or without children. She can be a designer, author, or stay-at-home mom.  Imperfections and all, the virtuous woman puts God first.

Several years ago I attended a women’s retreat at which we each were asked the question: "Who are you as a woman?" When it came my turn, after hearing the numerous adjectives others had chosen, I could say only, "I’m not the woman I use to be." I’d been growing into the Proverbs 31 woman, and I realized just then that I’d been set apart.  

"Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he shall not turn from it"

NIV Proverbs 22.6

by Anne Schrock

Contact us at: 888-211-0509

or view our web site www.healthierskinnaturally.com

 With an inquisitive nature, Anne Schrock sees her self as a lifetime student of healthier living. She is eager to help today’s generations achieve vitality as well as longevity.  A woman passionate to be in God’s grace, through her company La’ NE, Anne hopes to encourage others to adopt small changes along the way that eventually lead to major improvements in their health and happiness. 

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