Faith Dreams Journey

Should Christian Women Read "Fifty Shades of Grey"

2012-05-24T16:57:00.002-07:00

It's one of the most popular books on the market. A New York Times # One Bestseller and millions of women are reading E.L. James' book, Fifty Shades of Grey. The controversial book was banned in several town libraries. Yet most women reading this bestseller will say the book is not controversial. What's all the uproar about? I sat with a group of women today who have all joined together to

Fearless Faith: How Do You Handle Change

2012-04-30T07:03:00.002-07:00

Have you ever been unsure of yourself? Have you found it difficult to discern whether something was right for you or not? Predictability is comfortable. Knowing what lies ahead and being certain in some areas makes us feel comfortable. Who wants to upset that happy routine? Sometimes people or events come into your life and everything changes. What was once a normal routine of expectations

My Dreams of Writing Inspire My Soul

2012-04-28T06:48:00.001-07:00

Inspiration fills my space. My senses are renewed by the smells, sounds, and whispers of a new breeze of faith. I'm writing more fiction these days in young adult and children's genres. I'm also telling my stories in a new eBook I'm developing. These are exciting times. I'm curious too. My appetite for writing seeks solutions and I'm reading a lot. It's a juggle of priorities. How can I get

Celebrate Resurrection Sunday: He is Risen

2012-04-08T09:36:00.001-07:00

“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." (Matthew 28:5-6) Today we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, the day Christ followers praise and worship the risen Savior as we eagerly await for His return. For He is Risen. Jesus overcame death! Thomas Kinkade "Sunrise" (Celebrate: He

My Tribute to Thomas Kinkade the "Painter of Light"

2012-04-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning to hear about the passing of Thomas Kinkade. The "Painter of Life" as he was called, was an inspirational artist. His works are beautiful that capture the essence of the divine light. Many of his pieces include scripture and with such an amazing talent, I was saddened to hear of his death. Kinkade's work has always been an inspiration to me.

Palm Sunday Reminder: You are More Than Conquerors

2012-03-31T11:49:00.001-07:00

He returned to his home town the week before he was sentenced to death."The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, "Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Hail to the King of Israel!" (John 12:13) Jesus rode in on a donkey

Weeping may Endure for a Night but Joy Come in the Morning

2012-03-27T10:52:00.001-07:00

Oh the weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. The Bible tells us in Psalm 90:10, "Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." This weekend I was reminded of how fragile our lives really are. When one encounters death, be it through a friend or family

Keeping a Fresh Perspective and Reading Daily Scriptures

2012-03-20T06:55:00.001-07:00

Staying in the Word and keeping a fresh perspective is necessary these days. Romans 15:4 says, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Some days may be seem more difficult than others. Getting into the Word of God and staying there takes endurance. There will be days when

Thought for the Day - Noah's obedience

2012-03-09T07:05:00.001-08:00

I'm inspired to share this thought for the day. In my daily meditation this morning, I read a piece about Noah. I loved what it said in just a few short words, so I thought I would share this with you. "Noah as a person inspires me, but his obedience challenges me." Genesis 6:22 says, "Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him." Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation.

Kindness From a Stranger Offers Peace During Times of Tragedy

2012-03-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

When a person experiences hardships over and over again, they come to expect it. If they live in these types of situations long enough, life is something they just endure. There is little pleasure because they expect another crisis around the corner. But what happens when someone comes along and offers that person some kindness? What happens when they experience genuine love and someone

Leap Day Begins a New Chapter in My Life

2012-02-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

Leap Day comes but once every four years. What does that mean to me? Well it's a milestone. For me, it's about how good God has been to me. He has blessed me in many ways. If one looks back every four years and can say, 'this is what God has done for me,' they may see prayers answered, problems adverted, or reasons why certain things had to happen. I have failed plenty of times in life, but

Bible Study Series: Stages of Faith

2012-02-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

This week's Bible Study is on the Stages of Faith and finding that perfect faith. What is perfect faith? Everyone will go through stages of faith during their walk with God. As believers begin their walk, they are considered 'Baby' Christians. When a person first accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they are beginning their first stage of faith. Most believers will tell you when they

Bible Study Series: We live by faith not by sight

2012-02-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

It's one of the famous verses found in the Bible, "For we live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7 If we study the Bible we'll see faith is a common thread among many chapters. In Hebrews 11:1-3 we read, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by

Trusting God When You Don’t Understand: Take a Risk on Someone

2012-01-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

Imagine my surprise when I came across this devotion today. “I pray often that God will point out people that I can take a risk on. Because we reach out to others, because we offer someone a 2nd chance, because we are kind and take a risk on someone God might use them to help many others have a life that counts in huge ways.” Isaiah 35:3 says, “With this news,

Bible Study Series: Obstacles to Faith

2012-01-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

Are you growing in your faith? Are you struggling in certain areas of your life? Overcoming the obstacles to faith begins in stages. Where is your focus? Where is your faith? This week, FaithDream's Journey begins a new Bible Study Series. Obstacles to Faith. Join FaithDream's feed as we walk this faith journey together and explore the word of God. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is confidence

Worry is the Enemy's Trap: Don't Get Stuck

2012-01-10T06:13:00.000-08:00

Do you worry about tomorrow? Do you have an issue going on right now that is causing you to worry about your future? How many times have you heard the expression to stop worrying about it? You want to trust more but you still worry things will get worse. Worry is a test of faith. Allowing worry to penetrate your life keeps you trapped. Instead focus on what God can do and not what you think

Instead of Making a New Year's Resolution Try One Word for 2012

2011-12-29T07:05:00.001-08:00

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Do you make them? Many people make resolutions but fail to keep them. Some do not make resolutions at all. Instead of making a New Year’s resolution, why not pick a word, one word, to live by in 2012. Last year my one word was creativity. I focused on being more creative in all my endeavors. I like the one word idea. It’s easier and less stressful

Merry Christmas to You

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to you and yours. Thank you readers for following along on my faith dream journey. May you find all the blessings of Christmas this year.

Christmas Gatherings This Time of Year

2011-12-22T05:33:00.000-08:00

Three Days until Christmas... I love this time of year. Sure it gets pretty hectic and stressful at times but as the day gets closer, I find myself getting sentimental. Reflection comes easy for me. The year in review, what I've been through, all surfaces this time of year. Christmas means so much to me. It brings back childhood memories. It teaches me more about myself with each passing year

Five Days to Christmas a Reflective Journey

2011-12-20T05:54:00.000-08:00

Five days to Christmas. I look at the calendar and think, where has all the time gone? Time does not wait for me, nor anyone else. The calendar's day flips over and we are one more day closer. If I didn't have the calendar to remind me, I would continue in my every day routine. I wouldn't change much because I would be living the same old way. Yet in a very intimate way, the calendar says to

When Should the Unbeliever Seek God

2011-12-11T08:38:00.001-08:00

Charles Stanley has said, "The only assurance we have in this life is Jesus Christ." I just love this quote as well as Charles Stanley's sermons. In his weekly program on In Touch, Stanley teaches believers and unbelievers what life can be like by accepting Christ. Stanley reminds us we should seek God. He adds this question. When should the unbeliever seek God? Reminding us what the Bible says

Finding Encouragement During the Holidays

2011-12-03T06:39:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had a person in your life that was an encourager? Perhaps you have a friendship with someone who gives you gentle encouragement. Finding encouragement during the Holidays settles your spirit. There is added stress during the Holidays. The hustle and bustle of shopping, traffic, and crowds leave even the most prepared exhausted and overwhelmed. Stress and anxiety starts to build

How to Cope with Loss During the Holidays

2011-11-30T07:03:00.001-08:00

The Holidays are upon us. We are entering the Christmas season. The season of joy and peace, it's the season of giving. Yet many of us will be celebrating Christmas alone. Perhaps it is the first Christmas without your loved one. This year will be different. If you find yourself in such a situation, I recommend reading the Examiner article, "How to Cope with Loss During the Holidays". It

Happy Thanksgiving Thoughts and Blessings

2011-11-24T08:49:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone. On this special day dedicated to giving thanks and praise, I'm reminded of the beautiful Psalms of the Bible. Those declarations of prayers and blessings that have pulled me through some of my most challenging days are expressed beautifully in these words. In Psalm 8: 3-4, David wrote, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars

Hope Whispers Try it One More Time

2011-11-20T14:34:00.001-08:00

What is hope? Proverbs 13:12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." A "deferred hope" is a broken promise, and it makes us heart-sick. There are no words to say to the broken hearted promise. When the heart is sick, it longs for a blessing. It longs for love. There is a saying which states, "People cry, not because they’re weak. It’s