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In the Spirit of grace

The Voice of Truth

Thursday, March 31, 2005

Have you ever had a time in your life when everyone told you that you couldn't do what you were planning to do? Did they remind you of your previous failures, your inadequacies? Did people tell you that you were crazy for considering whatever it was? At the same time, could you hear God's voice, feel the Spirit moving you - propelling you towards whatever it was?

Did you give up and listen to those around you?

or

Did you persevere and listen to God's voice?

Friends, no matter what happened then - there is always hope *now*. Do you feel something deep within you calling you to do something that is impossible in every one else's mind? Something that you could never do (according to them)? The bible is full of example of ordinary people defying reason and doing what couldn't be done. There is a "key" - a "secret" - to their success in those impossible endeavors.

[Read More!]
Posted on 03/31/05 at 22:58:00 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Scripture Meditations for Women - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: A Mighty Fortress

Thursday, March 31, 2005

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

~Psalm 18:2

I have this CD by Sheila Walsh - its incredible - and in one of my favorite songs on that CD....she sings "A mighty fortress is my God".

Take a moment, in your journal, to consider this and Psalm 18. Think about a Renaissance style fortress. A stronghold. What does this scripture say to you? What feeling pervades your soul when you consider this?

Imagine living in a mighty fortress. How do you feel? How does that relate to your life now? What does that tell you about living with God in the center of everything you do? Explore this feeling, along with the other questions in your journal entry.


Happy Journaling!

Dee

Are you looking for a unique journal to keep your responses to your Christian journaling prompts in? Well, your search is over - FaithMinders carries a wonderful variety of individually handcrafted leather journals for your journaling experience! Need more pages? Lined pages? Have another special request? Simply let me know when you order, and I will customize your handcrafted leather journal specifically for you!

Posted on 03/31/05 at 22:33:09 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Words of Wisdom

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

"Let the words of my mouth and the
meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."

~Psalm 19:14

Imagine that you are leaving words of wisdom about...words...to future generations. Consider this scripture, and take some time to write your advice to your future's future in your journal.

At this time, think about the words you speak and write in your daily life. Are they acceptable to your Creator? Do you think He smiles when He hears your words and the meditations of your heart? On a seperate page of your journal, take a few moments to consider these questions and respond.

Happy Journaling!

Dee

Are you looking for a unique journal to keep your responses to your Christian journaling prompts in? Well, your search is over - FaithMinders carries a wonderful variety of individually handcrafted leather journals for your journaling experience! Need more pages? Lined pages? Have another special request? Simply let me know when you order, and I will customize your handcrafted leather journal specifically for you!

Posted on 03/30/05 at 14:11:12 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Living with Purpose

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Last night, we had quite a bit of excitement. My son and my niece were playing basketball on the back patio, and my border collie, Te, was patrolling the yard. Then, a commotion arose, the teens looked to see what was going on, only to find a full grown, adult deer leaping the fence *into* our backyard, with Te quickly turning to give chase. She chased the deer across the yard, within a foot of the deer's back legs, and herded that deer right over the fence on the other side of the yard.

I was working late, so my son came in, out of breath, and related the entire story, along with his revelation that he didn't realize how big a deer really was. We went out to look (the deer clipped the fence when she was exiting the yard), and sure enough, that deer had dented our chain link fence. As we walked over to examine the fence, Te got up from her position in the center of the yard, and followed us over. She was wagging her tail, and I reached down and told her what a good dog she was. Once she got that affirmation, she wandered back to the center of the yard, wagging as she went, and quietly laid down in such a way that she could keep her eye on everything happening in her territory.

As my son and I walked inside, a warm feeling entered my heart, a feeling that I'm sure my border collie was experiencing as well. She had done what she was *meant* to do. She had done what many years of careful breeding had refined her to do. She was serving her purpose. And, she was confident that she had done it well.

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Posted on 03/29/05 at 11:43:08 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Scripture Meditations for Women - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Success

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

"Wait on the Lord,
And keep His way,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;
When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it."

~Psalm 37:34(NKJV)

Today, take some time to journal about your definition of success. Do you feel successful, or do you find that success is eluding you at every turn?

Have you taken time to wait on God? Listen for His answer. He will always lead us to success. It takes a commitment on our part - keeping His way, and keeping our focus on Him.

If you feel success is eluding you, take some time in your journal to explore why.

If you feel successful, examine what has lead you to your success.

Happy Journaling!

Dee

Are you looking for a unique journal to keep your responses to your Christian journaling prompts in? Well, your search is over - FaithMinders carries a wonderful variety of individually handcrafted leather journals for your journaling experience! Need more pages? Lined pages? Have another special request? Simply let me know when you order, and I will customize your handcrafted leather journal specifically for you!

Posted on 03/29/05 at 09:04:55 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

A Covenant Prayer

Monday, March 28, 2005

Ever since I was first introduced to this prayer, it has held a deep spot within my heart. It touched me so deeply, that it is one of a very few prayers that I can recite, now, by heart, through the depths of my soul. I pray that you will find this to be a very touching prayer as well, and one that you can wholeheartedly identify with. Grace be with you, Dee


A Covenant Prayer

~John Wesley

I am no longer my own, but, Thine.
Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by Thee or laid aside for Thee,
Exalted for Thee or brought low for Thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to Thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Thou art mine and I am Thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
Let it be ratified in heaven.

Amen.

Posted on 03/28/05 at 23:30:45 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Christian Prayer - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Enough

Monday, March 28, 2005

"Two things I request of You
(Deprive me not before I die):
Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches -
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, "Who is the Lord?"
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God."

~Proverbs 30:7-9

Let the wisdom of this scripture fill you. The beauty of Agur's words to his pupils, and the wisdom behind them, show us that this was a man who truly understood that, through God, he would always have "enough" - He didn't want too much, nor too little - just enough.

In your journal, take some time to create an "answer" to this scripture. If you were to ask two things of God, would they be the same? Why or why not? If not, what would you ask of Your Creator?


Happy journaling!


Dee

Are you looking for a unique journal to keep your responses to your Christian journaling prompts in? Well, your search is over - FaithMinders carries a wonderful variety of individually handcrafted leather journals for your journaling experience! Need more pages? Lined pages? Have another special request? Simply let me know when you order, and I will customize your handcrafted leather journal specifically for you!


Posted on 03/28/05 at 14:34:08 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

A Poem of Faith in an Awesome God

Sunday, March 27, 2005

Brothers and Sisters, I am so excited to have been given permission to share this poem with you. The author of this poem is a woman who I hold a great deal of respect for, and I feel exceptionally blessed to have known for several years now, through different online groups. She is not only an incredible Christian woman, she is an incredible business owner - skillfully, artistically crafting beautiful, fun, and whimsical teddy bears. I would be remiss to not mention her personalized teddy bear gifts - they are marvelous! Grace be with you, Dee


A Poem of Faith in an Awesome God

by Debbie Garrett

In all of your circumstances,

Look for God’s blessing.

Look for His joy

And His love everlasting.


Seek out God’s goodness

In a world of tears and sorrow.

Seek out His hope

In the dawn of tomorrow.


Let His peace fill your heart,

Let His hand and word guide you.

Know that you are never alone

For He always walks beside you.


Let His love be your strength,

His trustworthiness your shield.

Be courageous as He goes before you,

His victory to yield.


Walk forward in faith,

Let the Lord work His ways.

His unfailing love is with you

For all of your days.

The author, Debbie Garrett, is a Teddy Bear Clothier and owner of Bear Family Gifts, LLC. She specializes in themed teddy bear gifts for special occasions. Debbie's website, http://www.bearfamilygifts.com, which has been online for 5 years, displays a variety of teddy bear gifts in over 100 styles.
Debbie's poems are God-inspired thru personal experience, including breast cancer treatment in 2003.
Debbie and her husband and 3 children, live in the Kansas City area. They attend Community Covenant Church where both she and her husband are active in choir and other adult activities.

Posted on 03/27/05 at 15:47:00 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Living by Grace - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Draw near God

Sunday, March 27, 2005

"But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all Your works."

~Psalm 73:28

Nothing we do, no works of the flesh will last forever. However, if we draw near to God, we will have everlasting life - life forever. How awesome is that?

Take a few minutes in your journal to declare the works of the Lord, and consider the impact on your life, knowing that nothing we do will last forever.

How do you draw near to God? How can you put your trust in Him in all things?

Let go of your troubles, and trust God will take care of them!


Happy Journaling!

Are you looking for a unique journal to keep your responses to your Christian journaling prompts in? Well, your search is over - FaithMinders carries a wonderful variety of individually handcrafted leather journals for your journaling experience! Need more pages? Lined pages? Have another special request? Simply let me know when you order, and I will customize your handcrafted leather journal specifically for you!

Posted on 03/27/05 at 13:37:00 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

St. Gregory's Easter Prayer

Sunday, March 27, 2005
It is only right, with all the powers of our heart and mind, to praise You Father and Your Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear Father, by Your wondrous condescension of Loving-Kindness toward us, Your servants, You gave up Your Son. Dear Jesus You paid the debt of Adam for us to the Eternal Father by Your Blood poured forth in Loving-Kindness. You cleared away the darkness of sin by Your magnificent and radiant Resurrection. You broke the bonds of death and rose from the grave as a Conqueror. You reconciled Heaven and earth. Our life had no hope of Eternal Happiness before You redeemed us. Your Resurrection has washed away our sins, restored our innocence and brought us joy. How inestimable is the tenderness of Your Love!

We pray You, Lord, to preserve Your servants in the peaceful enjoyment of this Easter happiness. We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with God The Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever.

Amen.

- St. Gregory
Posted on 03/27/05 at 09:53:05 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Christian Prayer - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

He didn't die just for your sins

Saturday, March 26, 2005

Friends, this morning I received a call from a sister in Christ, excitedly wanting to share some news with me. That was the first time that I realized that sometimes, there is too much time spent stressing that Christ died to make atonement for our sins, and not enough time elaborating on that, to help all of us understand everything that means.

Christ didn't die *just* to make atonement for our sins. The unblemished lamb sacrifice that is called for as a sin offering in the old testament. Yes, that is part of the reason He died and was resurrected. And, that, alone, is so enormous, as to be pretty overwhelming. But, there is more to it than what meets the eye.


[Read More!]
Posted on 03/26/05 at 22:43:46 by Dee Kreidel
Category: General - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Prayer & Praise

Saturday, March 26, 2005

"Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion;
And to You the vow shall be performed.
O You who hear prayer,
To You all flesh will come.
Iniquities prevail against me;
As for our transgressions,
You will provide atonement for them."

~Psalm 65:1-3 (NKJV)

In your journal, take a moment to consider today's scripture. God deserves our praise for every thing we are given (blessings and lessons) - but, most of all, He deserves our praise for providing atonement for us, through Christ's death and resurrection.

Even though times may be tough right now, take a moment to praise God for all your blessings & lessons - naming some specifically. Give Him the praise that He is due, He has saved all of us from the worst punishment by providing us His Son.

Happy Journalling,

Dee

Are you looking for a unique journal to keep your responses to your Christian journaling prompts in? Well, your search is over - FaithMinders carries a wonderful variety of individually handcrafted leather journals for your journaling experience! Need more pages? Lined pages? Have another special request? Simply let me know when you order, and I will customize your handcrafted leather journal specifically for you!


Posted on 03/26/05 at 13:23:00 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Atonement

Friday, March 25, 2005

"But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by his stripes we are healed."

~Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)

As you prepare to celebrate our Saviour's resurrection, take a moment today to consider Isaiah's prophecy and Christ's fulfilment of the prophecy, as well as the results for all living creatures. Write about your feelings about what God gave for you, what Christ did for you.

He was wounded for our transgressions, and by His stripes we are healed.

What does this mean to you? How does it effect your daily life? How does it effect your life today?


Happy Journaling!


Dee

Are you looking for a unique journal to keep your responses to your Christian journaling prompts in? Well, your search is over - FaithMinders carries a wonderful variety of individually handcrafted leather journals for your journaling experience! Need more pages? Lined pages? Have another special request? Simply let me know when you order, and I will customize your handcrafted leather journal specifically for you!

Posted on 03/25/05 at 16:23:11 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Bloom where you are planted.

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Every so often, when we go on walks, or when we used to go hiking, my children and I would find the most beautiful flowers in the most unlikely places. We always called them "paradise flowers" - you know, the flowers that you expect to be blooming in a beautiful, lush, exceptionally green forest or field. Yet, here were these extraordinary flowers in the harshest conditions - thriving, blooming, adding their own beauty in an otherwise devoid-of-life beauty.

I think about those paradise flowers often. And, I know in my heart that God puts them there to remind us. He wants us to remember that no matter what life throws your way - no matter where you are "planted", you are meant to bloom. You were "planted" there for a reason. You are not meant to simply wither up, close yourself off from everyone, and live a mediocre or worse - a less than mediocre - life. He doesn't plant His flowers (you and I) in ugly, awful places for us to "adapt" and become ugly and awful. Quite the contrary, He puts His most beautiful flowers in the ugliest places, to bloom, to flourish, to be a witness to His Awesomeness!

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Posted on 03/24/05 at 23:49:03 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Christian Devotions & Prayers - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Praise

Thursday, March 24, 2005

"We will not hide them from their children,
Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord,
And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done."

~Psalm 78:4 (NKJV)

Take a moment to write a letter in your journal telling future generations of God's extraordinarily wonderful works. Praise Him in writing, considering how it will help your children, your children's children, their children - and many generations to come. Give them a foundation to build on, adding more praise to the foundation that you lay in your journal entry today.

Happy Journalling!

Dee

Are you looking for a unique journal to keep your responses to your Christian journaling prompts in? Well, your search is over - FaithMinders carries a wonderful variety of individually handcrafted leather journals for your journaling experience! Need more pages? Lined pages? Have another special request? Simply let me know when you order, and I will customize your handcrafted leather journal specifically for you!

Posted on 03/24/05 at 15:21:54 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

A very precious egg with a very special meaning

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Silver Filigree Egg by FaithMindersA month or two ago, I created this fabulous silver filigree egg shaped pendant. I loved the look of the pendant, and the meaning in my head behind it, and planned on putting it on my website right away. But, here it is, a few months later, and I have yet to take a few moments and add it to my site. I'm actually working on larger eggs - ones that would be more "centerpiece" than jewelry, with gemstones embedded in them - I'm testing to see exactly how large I can make one, and still have it fire correctly.

You see, I still fire all my precious metal work by hand - using a torch that is just right - rather than a kiln. I carefully clean and polish each piece by hand, rather than using easier (less time intensive) automated methods. Some of my friends who are also business owners can't believe that I actually take the time to do everything by hand. But, I know that in many cases, it produces an item that is of a quality far and above what any mechanical/automated processes can possibly make. I know, when I finish a piece, that it is fitting for a king - my King - and His heirs (you!). And, quite frankly, that is exceptionally important to me.

Anyway, tonight, as I was working on other things, that silver egg popped into my head again. I'm still not sure why I haven't added it to my product line yet, but, since it's on my mind, I thought I would share a sneak peek of this exquisite little egg with you, along with the deep meaning of and inspiration behind this beautiful egg, particularly during this most holy week.

[Read More!]
Posted on 03/23/05 at 23:25:16 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Product Peeks and Inspirations - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Tears

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

"Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy,
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him."

~Psalm 126:5-6

Have you ever experienced something that brought you to tears? A painful event, a loss, a failure? As difficult as this may be, take a moment to consider this event. Explain the event, in your own words, in your journal.


[Read More!]
Posted on 03/23/05 at 21:55:46 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Confused? Bewildered?

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

As I sat outside this evening, getting a breathe of fresh air, I couldn't help but notice that the weather couldn't seem to decide what it was doing. It would rain, then, seemingly the next moment, there would be a sky full of snowflakes racing towards the ground. I was outside for about five minutes, and the weather cycled from rain to snow and back again at least 5 or 6 times.

Do you ever feel like the weather? Not being able to decide whether you are raining or snowing, coming or going? I think all of us have moments like that.

Take heart, brothers and sisters, we have a solution to the always changing situations in our lives. If you are feeling like you aren't sure whether you are coming or going - take a moment.

Breathe deep

Get on your knees

Lift your hands

and pray.

God has the answers. Rest assured, He knows whether we are coming or going - and He knows what we *should* be doing. His guidance is always present, always constant, waiting for us to receive it. Waiting for us to ask for Him to light the way, and show us what decision needs to be made or action needs to be taken.

Rest in your Father's arms, and give your crazy, busy life over to Him. He will always lead you the right direction, and you will no longer need to feel confused or bewildered by your unique situation.


May grace be with you,


Dee

Dee Kreidel is a Christian who has been deeply blessed through motherhood, entrepreneurship, single living, and even through chronic illness (lupus). Ms. Kreidel owns Saving Grace Enterprises. FaithMinders is a subsidiary of Saving Grace Enterprises and carries a full line of fine Christian jewelry, handcrafted leather writing journals, journaling accessories such as handcrafted exotic wood pens and Christian journaling tools, handcrafted leather prayer journals, and prayer tools including Traditional Catholic and Anglican rosaries, non-denominational (scripturally based) Christian prayer beads, and Traditional Catholic and Anglican chaplets. Each product available at FaithMinders (with one exception) is handcrafted at the time you order, with the skilled craftmanship, deep awe, and respect that is due to each very precious son or daughter of God.

This devotion is copyright © 2005, Dee Kreidel and Saving Grace Enterprises. Please do not copy this without permission from the author.

Posted on 03/22/05 at 22:42:58 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Christian Devotions & Prayers - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Joy

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

"Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy;
And on the harp I will praise You,
O God, my God."

~Psalm 43:4

This morning, as I was cleaning my desk, I ran across a blue ribbon that I won, years ago, for a piece of music that I wrote. I sat here, looking at the ribbon, thinking about the joy that I felt as I won the blue ribbon at county fair, and went on to win the giant purple ribbon (first place) at the state fair. I must have been about 15 at the time.

As I considered the joy and elation that I felt at the time, I can't help but think about all of the joy that I've experienced throughout my life. And, yet, everything pales in comparison to the joy I feel through God's grace.

Take a moment to write in your journal about the joy you've felt in the past. Maybe you, like me, have won an award or been recognized for something you have done.

Now, compare that to the joy that you feel as you walk in God's grace. Take some time to meditate on that joy, and write about your experience in your journal.


Happy Journaling!

Dee

Are you looking for a journal that is worthy of your extraordinary life, given by God? FaithMinders carries a nice selection of individually handcrafted leather journals - made especially for you, at the time of your order, prayed over, and anointed with oil.

Posted on 03/22/05 at 11:37:07 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Time

Monday, March 21, 2005

"So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom."

~Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

No matter how long we live, our days spent on earth are short, compared to eternity.

Take a few minutes to meditate on the above scripture, and then respond to the scripture in your journal. To provide a starting point, consider this:

If you knew the number of your days - if you knew you only had a month left, a year left, of your life, how would you change how you are living?

How can you begin making those changes in your life today?


Happy journaling!

Dee

Your life, your thoughts, deserve the beauty and craftsmanship that is only afforded by an individually handcrafted leather journal. FaithMinders carries a nice selection of individually, skillfully handcrafted leather journals designed specifically for you.

Posted on 03/21/05 at 10:34:30 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

I hope that person burns in h*ll......

Sunday, March 20, 2005

"I hope that person burns in h*ll"

"I hope he gets what he deserves!"

I've heard this quite a bit during my lifetime. But, until very recently, it didn't seem to carry much weight in my soul. However, over the last few weeks, I've developed a soul cringe whenever I hear that phrase. There are some awful things that happen in the world, awful things that people do. However, as Christians, we must rise above our human-ness and love the sinner, hating the sin. In doing so, we ought not make deep sweeping statements such as this - no matter how much we want to - and, quite frankly, we should rise above wanting to, and simply live in grace, acknowledging that each of us is living by God's grace, and each of us is not above sin.

I can name several instances in the past week where I've heard this terrible phrase. I've heard it associated with people such as Michael Schiavo, Scott Peterson, Brian Nichols, and John Couey. And, while I don't want to try to get into anyone's head, I can totally agree that these people's individual actions have seemed beyond awful. But, by the same token, I wouldn't condemn any one of them by saying I hope he burns in h*ll, and while I am confident that each of them will get what they deserve (each of us will), I wouldn't say in the seething tone that I've heard it in either.

"Why is that??", you ask, "their crimes (or, in some cases, the crimes they are accused of either legally or in the media), are terrible, Dee, you can't actually be serious that you think they belong in heaven."

[Read More!]
Posted on 03/20/05 at 20:37:25 by Dee Kreidel
Category: General - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Judgment

Sunday, March 20, 2005

"For exaltation comes neither from the east
Nor from the west nor from the south.
But God is the Judge:
He puts down one,
And exalts another."

~Psalm 75:6-7

Have you ever had a time when you were judged by the east, west, or south, and that judgment was wrong?

Remember, judgment can be good or bad. But, the only always true judgment comes from God.

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Posted on 03/20/05 at 20:21:22 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: What People May Say

Friday, March 18, 2005

"Also do not take to heart everything people say,
Lest you hear your servant cursing you.
For many times, also, your own heart has known
That even you have cursed others."

~Ecclesiastes 7:21-22

Take a few moments to ponder this scripture. Then, in your journal, reflect upon how this wisdom could completely change your life (particularly if you are a "people pleaser").

If we listen to God's voice, and disregard what people say, we will be much better off.

Conclude your entry tonight with some steps of action that you can take to ingrain this scripture in your heart, so that you keep your focus on our Father's voice, rather than worrying about what everyone around you is saying.

Remember, those around us have the same imperfect nature we have.

Happy journaling!

Dee

Are you blogging your journal entries or are you writing them in a journal? No matter how you are journaling, we applaud you for journaling! Did you know that we can take your blog entries, bind them into a beautiful, individually handcrafted leather journal, and give you a lasting reminder - a lasting legacy that you can pass down to future generations?

Posted on 03/18/05 at 12:45:02 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Potty Training (part 2)

Friday, March 18, 2005
As we come to a close of another week, I realize that I was on semi-vacation, as my daughter and I work on this potty training adventure together. I think it's been a real learning experience for both of us, and I am so pleased to "announce" that she is doing very well! She still has accidents - that's to be expected - but, considering Monday (day 1) we had all accidents and no successes, and yesterday, she only had 2 accidents and many successes, I think she is well on her way!

Now, I usually don't take a lot of time off working, mostly because there is so much to do, and so few to do it! However, this week's semi-vacation was well needed, and has totally revitalized me, just in time for Holy Week to begin on Sunday.

Anyway, as I as thinking about this past week, I realized how lucky we are that our Father is *so* patient and loving with us! We have an accident, and He will just hug us and say "it's okay, My child, just keep going, and make sure to come to Me for support - I will always be here for you."

[Read More!]
Posted on 03/18/05 at 12:24:57 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Christian Devotions & Prayers - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Rejoice

Thursday, March 17, 2005
"Light is sown for the righteous,
And gladness for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name."

~Psalm 97:11-12

Take some time in your journal to record the gladness in your heart, rejoice in the Lord, and give thanks to Him, as we prepare for this very holy week of our remembrance of Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection.

Happy Journaling!

Dee


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Posted on 03/17/05 at 22:23:26 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

The salvation experience - Question and response

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

A few months ago, I received an email that made me pause for a moment. A blessed sister in Christ wrote the following (names have been removed, along with any identifying information):

Dear Dee: My question has nothing to do with your products, but rather with your description of your conversion experience. Every conversion experience I have read involves a dramatic point in time when the person know Jesus and the Holy Spirit had entered their hearts. It seeems all converts can point to a specific day, time and place. Is that always the case? Most of my life (except this last year), I have led a very secular life. Last spring I mentioned to a Christian that I would like to learn more about the Bible. He suggested I join a [specific detail removed] class. I did. It is wonderful and I have been obsessed ever since with studying and learning everything possible about the Bible and Christian theology. Although I have read several prayers asking Jesus Christ into my life, I find it baffling that I never feel the presence of the Holy Spirit or notice anything different. I truly wonder if it is possible that I am not one of the those elected [reference to Calvinism]. The only other possibility I can think of is that I am not ready yet and that God is still preparing me. Did you have any of these same doubts? Thank you for listening to my question.

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Posted on 03/16/05 at 14:06:47 by Dee Kreidel
Category: General - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Work

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

"Do not overwork to be rich;
Because of your own understanding, cease!
Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
For riches certainly make themselves wings;
They fly away like an eagle toward heaven."

~Proverbs 23:4-5 (NKJV)

How much time do you spend working? Take a moment, to consider this question in your journal....

What are you sacrificing to work as much as you are working?

....

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Posted on 03/16/05 at 12:00:00 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Learning to Love Sandpaper

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

You know, I use sandpaper quit a bit when I am working. The other day, while I was working on a sculpted maple box for my new line of leather journals, I got thinking about the sandpaper that was in my hand. Reminiscing on recent events, I started thinking about how some people are sort of like sandpaper. You know the kind..those people that are just abrasive and/or irritating? Maybe you even have the blessing of some sandpaper people in your life. What? You don't think they are a blessing? I hear you. But, I challenge you to reconsider that perspective.

God calls us to love our neighbors more than ourselves. And, I know that can be challenging when it comes to the sandpaper neighbors. However, the sandpaper that is in your life stretches you and changes you - simply because they are sandpaper! Just like as I worked on this sculpted maple box, that sandpaper in your life works on you....refining you in your faith, and helping you grow as a Christian - even if it's not the most pleasant growth experience! (Which it rarely is)

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Posted on 03/15/05 at 16:25:16 by Dee Kreidel
Category: General - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Truth

Tuesday, March 15, 2005
"Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my knowledge;
For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them
within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips.
So that your trust may be in the Lord;
I have instructed you today, even you.
Have I not written to you excellent things
of counsels and knowledge,
That I may make you know the certainty of
the words of truth,
that you may answer words of truth
to those who send to you?"

~Proverbs 22:17-21

The certainty of the words of truth....that phrase in today's scripture really struck me. Are you certain about the Truth? Truly certain - in your mind and within your heart.

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Posted on 03/15/05 at 13:44:00 by Dee Kreidel
Category: Daily Christian Journaling Prompt - 0 comments - [Link to this item]

Spiritual Potty Training

Monday, March 14, 2005

FiaWell, I finally did it! I took the "plunge" into potty training my 2 1/2 year old daughter, Fia, today. Now, she's been ready for a long time. But, I made the terrible decision to try to do this (the first time) right after I finished high dose cytoxan (chemotherapy) treatments this summer - and, I very quickly realized that the the "stress" from potty training was more than what I should be undertaking while I was still recovering from chemotherapy. So, we stopped, and waited. But, it's been on my mind quite a bit recently, so, I decided that there was no time like the present to really focus and help her through this important stage in her development.

So, today, as I started yet another load of laundry, so that she had some clean/dry underwear to keep going through the rest of the day, I got thinking about the whole potty training adventure. I realized that there is a "spiritual" potty training period after someone surrenders his or her life to Christ that all of us must go through - whether we do it when we are young, or whether we do it later in life. It's an awful lot like potty training a toddler - it must be done - either now or later. Either way, it's a necessary step in our spiritual development.

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Posted on 03/14/05 at 20:41:51 by Dee Kreidel
Category: General - 1 comment - [Link to this item]

Christian Journaling Prompt: Peace

Monday, March 14, 2005

"Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it."

~Psalm 34:14

Are you seeking peace in everything you do? Do you have a big decision that you are trying to make? Write about that decision, or one in the past.