We just started a new sermon series on Building Stronger Families. My hubby and I are working to instill the Word of God and Christian values in our children. But honestly, we mess up so many times a day! I’m not gonna lie..it’s not like the Duggar’s around here, and we only have 3 kids, not 19!! There are days of a lot of yelling, or when I feel like putting them out by the road, with a Free Kid sign around their neck. But, God continues to teach us and help us grow, and I am so glad that our Pastor is sharing this sermon series. The first week, was based on Matthew 7:24-27, and having our foundation in Jesus. I can’t pray and ask God to make my husband or children perfect. I need to pray for God to change me and show me how He wants me to be obedient. And my foundation, can’t be my husband or my children. It has to be Jesus, because only He can fulfill my every need.
Do you have a favorite book of the Bible? After going through a Beth Moore study of Esther several years ago, it immediately became my favorite book. Here is poor Esther, who kind of gets thrown into a situation she didn’t ask for and ends up having to make a huge decision that not only affects herself, but all of her people. After going through Esther, I learned that we have to decide to be obedient…always. It can’t be a situation based decision, when God calls us to something. I don’t want to come to a situation, and say, “Sorry God, I weighed the pros and cons of what You asked me to do, and I’m just not feeling it today.” But I also love that Esther took time to fast and pray and had others do the same for her, before she tackled going before the King. Just because God calls us to do something, doesn’t mean we have to go in alone. I love being able to ask for prayers and help from our church family, and know that other Christians are lifting me up in prayer, when I need i
The last scripture, I want to share from today, is found in 1 Peter 2:11. It is easy for me to get caught up in the things of the world. There is always so much going on around us and so much to keep us distracted and busy. I love listening to Christian songs, that reinforce the message of God’s Word. For some reason, I stink at memorizing scripture, even though I have tried many times. But give me a song, and I usually know it almost all the way through, by the second listen! I’ve always loved Third Day and their song “Alien”. And another favorite is “Where I Belong” by Building 429. Both of these songs talk about being aliens and strangers here on earth. I love that these are constant reminders for me, that this home is only temporary, and we can look forward to eternity in heaven. So sometimes, I have to take a step back from something that I consider soap opera dramatic or too huge for me to handle, and realize that in the grand scheme of things, it’s only a teeny tiny fragment of my days here on earth. Then I can focus on listening to God and how he wants me to handle those situations. But it’s also important for me to remember, that even though this isn’t my “home”, there is still work to do here and God has a plan for my life and is continuing to work in it daily.
Thank you so much for letting me share with you today! I look forward to the days to come, and the ways God will use my love for Him and crafting to accomplish His will in my life. Before you go, I have a set of Free Printables for you, and I hope you will enjoy using them, as you journal your way through the Bible!
beautiful pages! I’m so thankful to be part of this process. God is using all of us, all of this… to make more the name of Jesus known in the world. We are called to shine HIS LIGHT to a lost world. My prayer is that all of us will be used more as we stretch and use our talents, our gifts, and our testimonies, more for Him. xo Loved reading this! Way to go Ashley.. your pages are amazing!
Thank you for allowing us into your bible Ashley and thank you Shanna for starting a wildfire!
My testimony is so similar and I am always amazed that my heart has been so contected with God all through the years. I well know the things He has saved me from. I did that Esther study too and it so changed my life. I was amazed at going through that book piece by piece! LOVE all you great accents here and there.
Thank you for sharing your heart, as well as your art Ashley! I love what mrshokim stated above ‘ starting a wildfire’. May we all burn bright for Jesus and Our God, allowing Him to use this wildfire to burn and consume all in our life that stands in the way of complete communion with Him! Blessings to all of you!
Wow, Ashely your journaling is very beautiful! I love how you state the verses boldly. Every page is my favorite :D Thanks for sharing your blessings with us and thanks for the freebie too!
You journaling is so beautiful! Thanks for the fresh ideas and the printable!
It’s so encouraging to realize there are so many Christian women in the scrapbooking community!
What a beautiful post, Ashley! Thank you for sharing!
Wow! Thanks for your beautiful words and a new way to study God’s word. Can’t wait to start my journaling Bible!
Thank You so much for sharing your story. Your pages are beautiful.
Wonderful word and beautiful art!
Beautiful Ashley!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful post!
Reading Writing in the Margins by Hickman- you would love that if you have not read it
WOW!! This was beautiful and so powerful! Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m a new believer and am amazed and thankful everyday for God and his love for us. AMEN!
Esther is my favourite book too – such an inspiring story! And an ever-present reminder that we are where we are, wherever that might be, for “such a time as this”.
Check out these custom covered Journaling Bibles. LOVED THIS POST! Thank you!
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