Prayer Notes by Cynthia

Uplifting Scripture and Creations

2013-06-14T21:48:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends!

This evening, I am sharing a few of my creations.

I hope these pieces will bring you hope, joy and peace.

Every day, I ask the Lord to touch my art.

Many blessings to all of you!

Remember to speak life!

Proverbs 18:21

The tongue has the power of life and death....

Staying Positive in a Troubled World: Pray Without Ceasing

2013-05-30T11:36:00.001-06:00

Photography and Product: Prayer Notes by Cynthia, LLC 2009-2013

Good Afternoon Friends,

Today, my heart goes out to all of those who have experienced loss, pain and hopelessness, in the past few weeks. It seems like our world has been riddled with problems and disasters.

Last week, in the Moore, Oklahoma tornado, my family lost

our 9-year-old little cousin, Ja'Nae Hornsby.

Please, keep the victim's families in your prayers, along with all of those who have experienced loss, throughout the world.

We must remember that we are the salt of the earth. We must not lose our seasoning! We were made to endure and we will! It will not be easy, but we will triumph. Even in the midst of storms,

we must continue our walk and place our hearts in the Lord's care.

May you all of you be blessed!

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Thankfulness and Winners of the Richly Blessed Bookmarks

2013-05-01T09:41:00.000-06:00

Photography by Prayer Notes by Cynthia, LLC 2013

Linking-up with...

I can't believe it's May 1st and the snow is falling, here, in Denver! Smiles!
Five Minute Friday: Brave, is rejoicing in the face of chaos and knowing that your Father is standing beside you...having faith and showing love, no matter the circumstances.

Hello Friends,

Today, I am thankful for being able to praise and worship. I am thankful for the chance to love, forgive and continue to walk with the Lord. I am thankful for being able to read, understand and practice The Word. There is so much more I'm thankful for...

What are you thankful for, today?

Winners of Richly Blessed Bookmarks:

Meredith Garrett

Brandee Shafer

Katherine

Ashley Ditto

Betty Alark

Please, leave a comment! You can place your P.O. Box or address that you would like me to send the bookmark, on the contact form link, below. You will be asked to prove you are not a spammer.

Many blessings to all of my followers!

http://prayernotesbycynthia.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

Scripture

Psalm 69:30 (NIV)

I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Mother's Day is only 12 days away!

MUSIC by Smokie Norful!

Trading My Doubts and Fears for the Lord's Joy!!

2013-04-19T11:31:00.001-06:00

I enjoy a great cup of tea and reading my Bible!

~photography by prayer notes~

Good Morning Friends,

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like, if you just sat your cares, worries, and doubts on the altar of the Lord?

I have wondered.... And, I actually have begun to sit my "everything" on the His altar. The problem is that I tend to go back and stare at them! Yep! I say I'm going to leave them and I do, for a little while. But, if something or someone triggers a thought about the situation, I will sorta' move a little bit closer to the altar and look at the problem, again. However, I've come to a point in my faith, that I do not take it off of the altar,

but I will stare at it, sometimes! LOL!

I don't believe this is how the Lord wants us to live. We must continuously grow our faith. Yes, we may worry, but as our faith grows, we worry less. We begin to understand how great, wonderful and powerful or Lord is. We look back and remember the many trials that He has brought us through. We begin to live...to really live our lives, according to His Word. We begin to see others through His eyes. We begin seeing love, hope and prosperity in ourselves and others. I tell you, it is truly amazing and life-changing! So, I encourage all of you, this morning, to place your "everything" on His mighty altar and leave it.

No peeking! Smiles and blessings!

Scripture to Remember:

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Listen and Rejoice!

Arts and Crafts

Yes, He does! Are you watching?

I enjoy a great cup of coffee, too, and reading my Bible.

Coasters to remind you not to fear!

Reminder: April Giveaway

Richly Blessed Bookmarks

I will choose 5 winners! Join my blog and comment on the April posts, to become eligible. You may begin by commenting on this post! Blessings and Joy!

Fundraiser Ended: Helping Each Other is Our Calling

2013-04-13T18:58:00.005-06:00

By the grace of God,

we met our goal and more!

UPDATE and END of Donations: WE HAVE RAISED $111.75, SINCE 7 PM, LAST NIGHT, AT THE TIME OF THIS POST.

OUR GOAL was $100.00.

If I had a helper in my art studio, I would continue the fundraising. But, it is just me, so I must get to work and create the bookmarks

that were purchased.

Thank you, Joy, Wanda, Pamela and Celestina!

Joy- http://joysnotepad.blogspot.com

Wanda- http://wateredsoul.com

Pamela- http://ourshelteringtree.blogspot.com/

Celestina- http://larearose.blogspot.com/

Fundraiser Ended in Great Success!!!

Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Thankful Tuesday: Another Day, Another Chance

2013-04-09T12:51:00.001-06:00

Psalm 7: 17

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;

I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.

Good Morning Friends,

It is 19 degrees and the snow is falling, here, in Denver!

But, all is good! My youngest is enjoying his snow day...my eldest is filling-out job applications...my husband is working at home...and,

I am working in my art studio.

I hope all of you are having a wonderful Tuesday, no matter the weather. Keep it real and keep it God-focused. I try to always keep in mind that a new day is another chance to live, explore, learn, praise and enjoy the blessings that God has placed before me!

What are you thankful for, today or everyday?

Reminder: April Giveaway

Richly Blessed Bookmarks

I will choose 5 winners! Join my blog and comment on the April posts, to become eligible. You may begin by commenting on this post! Blessings and Joy!

Winners of the March Giveaway and the New April Giveaway~

2013-04-01T21:04:00.000-06:00

Good Evening Friends,

4 coasters = 4 winners!

The winners of the March coasters are:

1. Kim, from Gospel Girls.

2. Ren, from Consider the Lilies.

3. Angela, from In His Name.

4. Nancy, from Created for a Journey.

Please, visit all of these lovely and inspiring blogs.

They will touch your heart and soul!

Giveaway for April: Richly Blessed Bookmark

I will choose 5 winners! Join my blog and comment on the April posts, to become eligible. You may begin by commenting on this post! Blessings and Joy!

Broken & Daring to Live, Anyway~

2013-03-29T15:27:00.001-06:00

Dare to Live

Ephesians 3:16

I pray that from His glorious,

unlimited resources He will

empower you with inner strength

through His Spirit.

Written from my heart and soul.

Linking up with 5 Minute Friday
and
Deidra, over at The Sunday Community~

I walk the path before me

Sometimes, trembling and afraid

My head held high

Taking life’s taunts and bruises

Falling to my knees

Quicksand closing-in

My life dimming before me

And, I remember to reach for Him

I grasp my Savior’s Hand

His Holy Spirit lifts me to my feet

I carry-on my walk

Stronger than before…

For, I dare to live.

~prayer notes~

Bless Your Blog Makeover Giveaway

2013-03-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

There is something about the onset of spring that gets us all in the cleaning and redecorating mood. Why not give your blog a fresh new look this spring?

Today, I’m happy to be co-hosting a Spring Blog Makeover giveaway from Wanda of Kingdom Advantrix Designs. She redesigned my blog back in December. One winner will be blessed with a free custom blog makeover, which includes:

2 column layout
coordinating background
personalized post signature
4 social media icons
installation

To enter the giveaway, click on the Rafflecopter giveaway link, below. The giveaway will end March 31 at 11:59PM. Winner will be chosen randomly. Giveaway available only for blogger and WordPress.org platforms. *The winner may purchase a digital kit to add to their layout, if they desire but it is optional and will incur an additional charge. *

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Following Christ or Following Christian Rules?

2013-03-10T22:54:00.000-06:00

Linking-up with

Faith Barista Jam Thursdays

Hello Friends!

Have you ever read The Word and thought about some of the rules and dogma that many Christians insist upon? Do you, sometimes, feel like there's a kind of "incongruence" between The Word and accepted Christian dogma? Well, I have and I do. None of us can really get it right because we are not right. We are only made right through His Holy Spirit. When we ask for and allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us, we are made right. And, I believe any believer who has called upon the Holy Spirit with an open heart, has experienced this "rightness." No matter how many rules or beliefs we put into place, we will all stumble and sin, here and there. Now, who can say that they haven't stumbled in thought, word or deed? NO ONE! And, guess what? That's okay! Why? Well, if we are giving our all and trying to follow His path, our stumbles will become less of a bruising and more of a stepping stone. That's why we must stay in His Word and walk in His path. According to Scripture(Romans 2: 14-15), even if you haven't read every single word of the Bible, it is written upon your heart.

Scripture

Romans 2:14-15

Good News Translation

¹⁴The Gentiles do not have the Law; but whenever they do by instinct what the Law commands, they are their own law, even though they do not have the Law. ¹⁵Their conduct shows that what the Law commands is written in their hearts. Their consciences also show that this is true, since their thoughts sometimes accuse them and sometimes defend them.

Music

Love this song! It is plain and simple: I Just Want to Say Thank You, Lord.

Giveaway for March

Crafts in My Etsy Shop

Are you following Him, today? How is your walk? Are you in a place of contentment or confusion? Leave a comment about your "following."

The Old Rugged Cross Coaster Winners

2013-02-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon!

It's bright, sunny and very cold, here, in Denver. But, I love it! It is simply gorgeous! Today, I would like to announce the 4 winners of the February giveaway, shown below. I will contact you, by email. Congrats and blessings!

1. Susan over at Susan's Blog.

2. Janet over at Another Porch...A Poetry Blog.

3. Joy over at Joy's Notepad.

4. Cecelia over at Quiet Spirit: Following My King.

Sharing more news: My bookmark creation was featured on Graphics Fairy. If you like the bookmark that Karen featured, please, leave a comment. I would appreciate your warm words and encouragement. Thank you, all, and many blessings!

Here is the bookmark that was featured. You may click on the bookmark photo, below, or the Graphics Fairy link above, to go straight to the featured items.

Running to Sit at His Feet

2013-02-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

Linking up with Faith Jam Thursdays over at

FaithBarista.com

Good Evening Friends,

My heart is full this afternoon. I sit here, in deep thought, thinking about all the situations that I have experienced in my 50 years. There have been times that I have felt alone, lost or forsaken by people. But, through it all, I never felt that the Lord left my side. People, situations and circumstances can make us feel alone, but we must know that we are so very loved and favored by Jesus. There are so many memories at the forefront of my mind. Some memories are filled with pain and others are filled with joy. And, I must tell you that I am thankful for the cuts and scars that I have "won" during my walk, for I would not be here, writing to you, if I had not weathered those storms. Even as the storm raged-on around me, I sat securely at His feet, in tears, love and praise. You see, these wounds of the heart and soul, have brought me closer to my Savior. For, each time a storm arose or a nail pierced my side, He lifted me up. And, he continues to lift me. I don't expect to free of storms and trials because of my faith. But, I do expect to be better able to weather the storms because of Who holds me in the palms of His hands.

What I want you to take-away from this, is that I stayed at His feet, opening my arms and allowing Him to tend my wounds. I want you to do this, too. This afternoon, I want you to take the time to think back over your life. Think of the joyful and hurtful times. Then, give thanks to Jesus for all of those times. Sometimes, we tend to linger on the negative circumstances that have crowded our lives. STOP IT! You are only giving more power to satan and he loves it! So, turn over a new leaf in your mind and heart. Here are a few things to do to get you started on a road to recovery. Notice, I said "recovery" and not a "perfectly cheerful life." The only true and perfect existence, without worries and cares, will be when we join our Father in heaven. Until then, we have to run this race, stick together and lift each other in prayer.

Think, feel, pray, listen to your heart and write:

1. Make a list of the joyful times in your life. Why were they full of joy? What can you remember about those times? During those joy-filled times, were you steeped in His Word and prayer? Were those times full of deep soul-stirring contentment or a shallow happiness?

2. Would those joyful experiences fit who you are, today? Would you have more faith in God, if those times or those feelings returned? Does your faith depend on what's happening to you or around you?Why or why not?

I am praying for you and asking the Lord to send His Holy Spirit to comfort you...to comfort you and grow your faith, through your storms. You are not alone. Please, lift me in prayer, also. Prayer works! We need each other. Private prayer requests are welcome.

Scripture

Isaiah 49: 14-16

God Will Remember Zion

¹⁴

But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me,

And my Lord has forgotten me.”

¹⁵

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,

And not have compassion on the son of her womb?

Surely they may forget,

Yet I will not forget you.

¹⁶

See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;

Your walls are continually before Me.

Gospel Music

My Praise Beverage Coasters in my Christian Shop

Proud to have been featured on Graphics Fairy Brag Monday:

http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/2013/02/brag-monday-french-fringed-pillow-bird.html

Yes, Lord! But....

2013-01-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Friends,

Today, I am joining-in with my friends, over at Faith Barista! The topic for today is, "YES." This one little word, holds a great deal of significance for us. It is so easy to respond with, "yes," and not really mean it or care about what you are agreeing to. Right? So many of us say yes to Jesus, family, friends and co-workers. But, do we really mean it? For me, yes can mean so many things than what it should mean. For instance, I'll say yes, in order...

1. To be left alone.

2. To satisfy another's needs.

3. To move forward with to the next question or task.

4. To get along with you.

5. To NOT have to think about it.

6. To make myself feel good.

And, the list goes on and on. Saying yes, is serious and should not be a ready-response. How many times have we said yes to Jesus and kept right on doing the same things that we were doing before, without a change of heart, attitude, ways and spirit? We have all done it, in one way or another. As I have grown(and still growing) in my spiritual walk with the Lord, I have learned to think upon the word, yes, before uttering it, carelessly. I want to say yes and...

1. Mean it.

2. Feel it.

3. Apply it.

4. Reflect upon the changes that occurred.

Question: When you say, "yes," do you mean it? How does this one little word reflect your relationship with Christ?

Scripture

Luke 11:28

New International Version (NIV)

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Music: God is Tryin' to Tell You Somethin'
From: The Color Purple

My Crafts

My Etsy Shop, Prayer Notes, is participating in this Superbowl Special!!! 20% off everything, Saturday and Sunday ONLY(Feb. 2nd and 3rd). Check out all of the fabulous shops participating in this special, over at Shabby Lane Shops!

Winners of January's Giveaway: The Lord's Prayer Coasters

2013-01-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Good Evening!

First of all, I would like to thank all of you, who took the time to comment and enter January's contest.

There are 4 winners of The Lord's Prayer Coasters!

1. Lisi from Lisi's Place

2. David from Grace Notes and India

3. Connie from Crafty Home Cottage

4. Courtney from Growing is Beautiful

February's Giveaway, the coasters pictured below, starts tomorrow, with my post, titled: Yes, Lord! But...

Linking up with: Faith Barista

Again, I will choose 4 winners. Each person receives one coaster.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

2013-01-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

Hello!
Happy MLK DAY! This is a recap of last year's post. Enjoy your day and think peace, unity, acceptance and love.

Scripture for the Day

The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink,

but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

-Romans 14:15 (NLT)

Music and Videos in Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Happy Birthday by Stevie Wonder
A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

One Word for 2013: JOY

2013-01-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Good Evening Friends,

My word for 2013 is JOY...Inexpressible Joy! I've chosen this word for many reasons:

1. Joy describes how my soul feels, in His Presence.

2. Joy surpasses happiness, as it is deep, fulfilling and everlasting.

3. Joy causes my heart to dance.

4. Joy wraps itself around me, even in the midst of pain, loss and chaos.

Opening Scripture

James 1:2-3

New International Version (NIV)

Trials and Temptations

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

If you pop into my blog, now and then, you know that I try to fill my posts with joy, love and thanksgiving. I try to live in the midst of joy, at all times. I try to keep continuous praise upon my lips and in my heart. Why? I know my Father supplies more than my portion of joy and I refuse to ignore His gift. Joy is special and it lives in each one of our souls. It comes to each one of us through our quiet time with God, while kneeling at the feet of Jesus. This joy has nothing to do with the "things" we own in this world...the tangibles of this life. Instead, it is the recognition of our new life to come, when we are at Home with Him.

As far back as I can remember, I have been a joyful person. As a child, other children and adults would ask me why I was so happy. Of course, I didn't have the words to explain my feelings. But, I always felt that there was this "wellspring" of joy deep down in my soul. And, I would try to give it to others. And, yes, this caused me to be picked-on by other kids and dismissed by a few adults. Many people said that I led a sheltered life and that my time would come for pain and suffering. They were right. My time for pain and suffering had come and continued to come. It came...

~When I was a tiny little girl and couldn't understand why Great Grandma Izetta was sleeping in a beautiful wooden box and couldn't come home with us. I was inconsolable. I didn't understand death.

~When I was a tiny little girl and couldn't understand why I was so sick and couldn't breathe. I had pneumonia in both lungs and wasn't expected to live.

~When I was about 7 years old and my sweet Aunt Ruby went to live with Jesus.

~In my preteen years, as I watched a drunk driver in a green truck run over a friend, as we crossed the street...as one of my friends was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis and could barely walk.

~In my 20's when my dad, unexpectedly, passed away....my grandpa lost his sight to glaucoma and passed away.

~In my 30's, when some of my students were hurt, killed and diagnosed with terminal illnesses.

~In my 40's when I lost my Auntie Doris, Uncle Everett and Grandma Agnes...when the paramedics couldn't find my pulse....

These are just a few of the incidents in my timeline of life that could have stolen my joy. But, they didn't. That wellspring of joy just kept on bubbling and growing. And, to this day, I still have my joy. I may become sick, saddened or shattered, but my joy remains. It remains, in the face of life and death. That Joy is Christ. Yes, I am convinced that nothing can take my Joy away.

Closing Scripture

Romans 8:38-39

New International Version (NIV)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Few of My Current Creations in

My Etsy Shop

January 2013 Giveaway! 4 Coasters=4 Winners!

2013-01-01T19:30:00.002-07:00

January 2013 Giveaway! 4 Coasters=4 Winners!

I am giving away a beautiful wooden coaster to 4 lucky winners! The winners will receive one coaster holding, The Lord's Prayer. Want to become eligible?! Here's what you have to do:

1. Join my blog through Google Friend Connect on the right-hand side of this post.

2. Make sure you leave a comment on all of the January posts(only one comment per post, please). Be sure to leave a comment on each post. The first post is already available, here, at this link:

http://prayernotesbycynthia.blogspot.com/2012/12/book-review-if-you-have-craving-i-have.html

Giveaway ends January 31st, 2013!

You may find more decoupaged wood coasters, travertine coasters, tags, bookmarks and more, in my Christian Etsy Shop!

This post is being shared in an Etsy CASTTEAM thread.

Book Review: If You Have a Craving, I Have a Cure by Sheri Rose Shepherd

2012-12-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

I hope your holiday was filled with lots of love and joy. I've just finished reading, If You Have a Craving, I Have a Cure, by Sheri Rose Shepherd. This is one of my chosen books to review for Tyndale Publishers. I was pleasantly surprised by Sheri's real-life short stories at the beginning of each chapter. Her "short takes" hook you into reading each chapter. This recipe book is filled with applicable Scripture and tasty recipes. Here is a taste of what you will find in each chapter:

1. One of Sheri's personal short stories.

2. Soul Food: Scripture and how it applies to our enjoyment of food.

3. New Life Recipes: Scripture and ideas about creating positivity and joy in your daily life.

4. Power Up with Prayer: Scripture and a power prayer.

5. Food Truth: A truth to keep in mind throughout the day/week.

6. Recipes with ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

7. A QR code that you can scan with your smart phone, providing more weight loss and kitchen coaching tips from Sheri. (available as a link, also)

Sheri's recipes are filled with mouth-watering ingredients. No bland or tasteless ingredients in this book! If you are thinking about losing weight, maintaining your weight or just eating healthier, this is a great book to help you achieve your goals.

I received this book compliments of Tyndale House Publishers, in exchange for my honest review. is a great recipe book to add to your personal library. It is a recipe book that you will use when in need of an emotional and spiritual lift. It is available in paperback, as well as eReader formats. Happy reading, friends!

Additional Information about the book:

~Recipe index

~Online coaching

~Availability link: If You Have a Craving, I Have a Cure

Happy Reading!

Cynthia

A Gift to Behold and Cherish

2012-12-11T14:48:00.001-07:00

Good Morning Saints,

I love Christmas and the studying of Christ and His birth! Why? Because of the wonderful gift of God's enduring love: Christ. I think about this Gift, often. And, although the Lord asks nothing of me, other than to believe, I want to honor His gift of life and salvation. Now, I know that my offerings are imperfect, but I also know that the Lord looks upon my heart and not my imperfections(1 Samuel 16:7). Oh, and how my heart jumps in my chest with joy and praise when I think of the love He has for me! I feel the need to dance like David(2 Samuel 6:14)! I hope you feel it, too! So, as I sit in my art studio, writing this entry and thinking about the multitude of blessings that rain upon us, everyday, it is with much joy and thanksgiving that I share my love of the Trinity with you.... May you and yours be blessed this season and every season. ~Cynthia

Scripture

The Birth of Jesus

Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Music: O Holy Night

Crafts

Merry Christmas and Many Blessings to All!

~Cynthia

Ready, Set, STOP!

2012-11-06T08:49:00.001-07:00

Good Morning Saints,

It has been a while, since my last post. And, oh, have I been busy! My etsy art shop is growing and I am becoming more involved in my art and my prayer time. Isn't it a privilege to be able to take all of our worries and concerns to the Lord? If this is true, then why do we continue to worry and fret over our lives? Well, it's human nature to do so. But, it's not our spiritual nature to do so. The Lord did not give His children a spirit of fear. (Psalm 27:1-2) However, this instinct to worry, handle it on our own or take flight is strong. I can attest to this last alternative, taking flight, in my own journey. There have been times when I have run, instead of staying-put. But, I learned from all my "sprints." I learned that I can run, but the trouble still follows. Or, that I can run, but out of sight, does not necessarily mean out of mind. For, running, only creates a lingering problem or a "what-if " question in your mind. So, it has taken much running, stumbling and doing things my way, to grow me into a person who stands her ground. I might cry or decide to wear the cloak of worry, but I remember that the Lord has inscribed me in the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16) and will hold me in my times of distress. I encourage you to stand strong, and be of good courage, saints. It's okay to worry or run, for millisecond, but stop in your tracks and surrender those negative tendencies to Jesus and He will create, in you, a strong and courageous heart. Many blessings!

Scripture
Psalm 27: 14
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Music by Jamie Grace

Drink Coasters for the Soul

Book Review: Perfect Lies by Jennifer Crow

2012-09-13T19:58:00.000-06:00

Good Evening!

This evening, I am bringing to you, the review of Jennifer Crow's book, titled Perfect Lies. This book is not for the faint-of-heart. In fact, it takes courage to read this book and place ourselves in Jennifer's place. For, her story touches the lives and lies of every reader. We all have lies we live behind, in order to survive. But, is this the life that Christ wants us to live?

Jennifer takes us through 9 lies that chip away at our family relationships, physical health, mental wellness, and our relationship with the Lord. She teaches you about the lie and the ways in which it manifests itself. Here are a few of the lies that she lists and tackles in her book:

1. Perfect Lie Number One: I Am Unlovable

2. Perfect Lie Number Three: I Am Unacceptable

3. Perfect Le Number Six: I Am Not Angry

4. Perfect Lie Number Nine: I Am Deprived

These are just a few of the life lies Jennifer touches upon. This book helps you to figure out why you are living a particular lie and the ammunition to fight back. This book is a "must-read" for everyone and especially, Christians.

I received this book compliments of Tyndale House Publishers, in exchange for my honest review. Perfect Lies is a worthy read. It is a book that you will go back to, whenever you are "living-out" one of the "lies." It is available in paperback, as well as eReader formats. Happy reading, saints!

Additional Information about the book:

~Discussion guide for Bible study groups and classes

~Notes section for further study and research

~Availability link: Perfect Lies

Obstacles, I'm Blasting-Through!

2012-08-17T20:40:00.000-06:00

Scripture

Ephesians 6:10

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Good Morning Friends,

This morning, my heart leads me to discuss cleansing our "perspective lens" when running this life-race. Sometimes, when we are striving to grow and try-out our wings in new situations, we come across several bumps and obstacles. But, I am here to tell you that we may choose to do the following:

1. Give-up(been there--done that--not going back)

2. Go around the obstacle and stay on course(did that, but didn't learn anything)

3. Or, choose to stop, study, mentally photograph the culprit, and move forward.... (my choice)

I choose the latter, so that I can "run" straight through that obstacle the next time it appears. Why waste time detouring and taking the scenic route? The way I figure it...if I have the Lord with me and am holding tight to His mighty hand, in confidence and assurance (faith), then I will be okay. And, He has never let me down. Every day, my faith continues to grow and I continue to be amazed at the power and love the Lord has for me. Through thick and thin, He stands by my side and guides me. I challenge you to study the obstacles that come your way, so that you may "blast-through" when it plops-down in your path, again. Many blessings, saints!

Music

Crafts of Praise!

Appreciating Freedom

2012-07-03T23:05:00.000-06:00

Happy 4th of July Saints!

I have been mulling-over this topic for about a month, trying to pull-together what freedom means....

Freedom is very precious, yet many of us take it for granted. Every morning, I open my eyes to a safe and secure home. I eat my breakfast, talk to my kids and husband, tend my flower gardens and work in my art studio. Some days, I run a few errands and phone my friends and family members. And, these are just a few of my daily joys! The biggest joy is being able to praise the Lord! I can sit here and write about praising Jesus on my blog and not fear that the military or government will punish me or my family for believing in Christ. Would I have the same joyful and non-threatening environment no matter where I lived in the world? Probably not.

Now, I'm not saying that every day is a holiday. I experience sorrow, pain and grief just like everyone else. But, for the most part, we all go about our business in a relatively safe environment, knowing that the police are a phone call away and that our servicemen and women are keeping a watchful eye on our country's perimeter. Wow! I don't know about you, but I am thankful for my freedom...the freedom to praise, live and enjoy each new day the Lord has provided. So, right now, I want to praise the Lord for every given day and applaud our servicemen and women for working to ensure our freedom. I do not take my life for granted. I try to live each day, as if it may be my last. Enjoy your holiday and give much praise to the Lord!

Scripture

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Giveaway Winner for June

Luella Newkirk of http://luellanewkirk.blogspot.com.

Giveaway for July! Beautiful art coaster, below!
To enter the giveaway, please join and leave a comment.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/90388987

Music-I Won't Go Back!

Etsy Christian Crafters!

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To Accept or Not To Accept...

2012-06-10T11:44:00.001-06:00

Good Morning Friends,

I hope this note of hope finds you well and prayed-up! Smiles. Today, my heart leads me to discuss the accepted and unaccepted.... With all of the "things" flying around in the media, it can, sometimes, become difficult to decide what we choose to accept into our lives and what we choose to turn away from. And, just how do we make the choice to keep or dispense of certain ideas and ways of life? I choose to read the Word, meditate on what I have read, ask for Jesus' divine guidance and listen to His directions. That's all! Yep, that's it! And, you know what? I am always led in the right direction or to make the best decision, when I follow the Master's way. It's as simple as that. Of course, I could make a "big to-do" about why you should accept or not accept certain "things," but I tend to say less and "live" the example. It's NOT easy and I don't always make the right choices, but I put my best foot forward, everyday, knowing that my Father loves me and will guide me, if only I will ask. May your days be filled with prayer, joy and love, saints, as you walk this walk and run this race. Blessings!

Scripture

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Music

Giveaway Winner

Winner of the John 3: 16 wooden coaster: Denise from Refine Me.

New Giveaway in two weeks!!!
To enter: Join my blog and leave
a comment for the current post.

One of my personal sentiments

placed on a decoupaged wooden

coaster.

Wonderful Etsy Castteam Artists

(Click on the photo to visit their Etsy shops)

Gaining Faith

2012-05-23T21:18:00.002-06:00

Good Morning Saints!

Today, it is 93 degrees in Denver! And, this is considered extremely hot for us Denverites:-) You know what else is hot? Trouble! Yep! Trouble is always lurking around the corner. But, I have found that our reactions are totally different when we are steeped in His Word and stepping-out in faith. The calmness that we feel is phenomenal! And, I give Him praise for holding us up when we would rather give-up.

Our faith grows, phenomenally, in the face of trouble and trials. We learn what we are made-of and what we are able to do with the help of the Holy Spirit. Take a few minutes to think-back on situations and circumstances that you have come through.... Was it all you? Were you the rock that pulled yourself through? Nope! It was the Lord and His grace that kept you from falling apart and giving-up. As you go about your way, today, lend a word of encouragement to those who are "going-through." Your blessings and experiences are to be shared with others. Many blessings!

Scripture

Isaiah 43:2

New International Version (NIV)

²When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.

Giveaway Winner
Winner of The Lord's Prayer wooden coaster: Ana Marquez of Spain!!! Congratulations, Ana!

New Giveaway: John 3: 16 Wooden Coaster

Music

Etsy Artists from the CASTTEAM

THEME: Happy Father's Day!