I have a challenge for you. As Christians, with the priveledge of calling on God, building a relationship with Him, and really getting to know Him, we have this tendency to take our relationship with Him for granted at times.

Quite naturally, when things aren't going well - when we are caught in a valley - we will cry out to Him. We ask Him for His guidance, for His help, for His strength. And, God answers our call.

Yet, when we are on the mountaintops - everything seems to be going well, we are blessed beyond measure, and "all is right" in our world, we sometimes neglect our prayer time. We may say "I don't have anything to pray about right now" - or "what I have on my mind is too small to take to God."

But, we couldn't be further from the truth.

"When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you;
And put a knife to your throat
If you are a man given to appetite.
Do not desire his delicacies,
For they are deceptive food."

~Proverbs 23:1-3

Have you ever had a time when you sat down to a beautifully laid out meal, with lavish, rich deserts included? Think back to that time and consider it in your journal. Did you find yourself eating too much, taking in too much rich dessert - only to find yourself hours (or possibly the next day) later wishing you hadn't over-indulged? Maybe you were sick from too much rich dessert, or maybe you were just incredibly uncomfortable as your stomach was trying to process your overindulgence.

Earlier this year, I was involved in a discussion on how I focus on my eyes on the cross every single day. I've meant to share this with you, but, other things continued to be put on my heart. So, I waited. Well, friend, tonight, the issue of focusing on the cross throughout the day was brought up in a meeting, and the Spirit prompted me to share this with you tonight.

While I'm no expert, nor am I a theologian or a well-known scholar, and I am certainly not perfect - I sometimes think I make more mistakes than I did before I was a Christian!

(Although, I know that is just the Spirit not "letting me get away" with things - so, I'm sure that it's not that I make *more* mistakes now - but, rather, that I am immediately convicted of them now - and hear that conviction.)

I have a daily "routine" which helps me focus on the cross - opening my heart, mind, and soul up to be conduits of the Holy Spirit. Following, is that routine. I pray that you will be blessed by me sharing this with you.

Every morning - very first thing (before I even get out of bed), I read scripture. I am on a bible in a year schedule, so, I know (ahead of time) how far I am going to read - which has helped a lot, because some morning, I really just want to keep reading the word and never get up <VBG>. Second thing, I get out of bed and start my day with prayer and meditation. My morning prayers are about 95% praise - the rest is prayer requests and a plea for guidance and indwelling of the spirit for that day.

"There is a way that seems right to a men,
But its end is the way of death.
Even in laughter the heart may sorrow,
And the end of mirth may be grief."

~Proverbs 14:12-14

Have you ever had a time in your life where you thought you were doing "the right thing", only to find out afterwards that you either misheard God or weren't listening to Him at all?

While it may not have led to physical death, there may be a "death" of sorts related to the situation. The death of joy, the death of a relationship.

Consider that time in your journal tonight. While you can not change the past, you can evaluate the situation and identify where you may have mis-heard God's lead or see what led you to the weakness that closed your ears to His voice altogether. Take the time, in your journal entry, to see His voice now, and learn and grow from His instruction.

Happy Journaling!

Dee

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!"

~Psalm 133:1 (NKJV)

Does living together in unity with your brothers and sisters seem like an impossible task? Truly, this is one thing that God desires of us.

In your journal, take a few moments to ponder Psalm 133:1 - if you are experiencing division among you and your family (yes, both your earthly and heavenly family), consider the reason for it. Are you being difficult? Is everyone else? And, if it's everyone else, what can you do to work toward unity?

Sometimes, we must give up something to experience unity with others. That's not to say that we should let others "walk all over us", but, we must be willing to bend.

Explore this idea in your journal. What else is this scripture saying to you?

Happy Journaling!

Dee

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In our backyard, we have an apple tree. Every spring the apple tree blooms, and every fall, it produces wonderful red apples.

While I was working in the yard recently, I noticed something that I had not seen before. The "trusty" apple tree was blooming. But, this year it was different.

You see, the apple tree is only blooming on once side of the tree. The other side is almost completely bare of blooms (there are a few, as you can see in the picture, but, the south side of the tree is "bloom heavy") I looked at the apple tree in the yard next to ours, and that apple tree is exactly the same - blooms on the south side, almost no blooms on the north side.

"You have also given me the shield of Your salvation;
Your right hand has held me up,
Your gentleness has made me great.
Your enlarged my path under me,
So my feet did not slip."

~Psalm 18:35-36 (NKJV)

Your heavenly Father's hands not only give, but, they protect. They are strong and yet gentle. They hold you up, and help steady you when travelling treacherous paths in life.

In your journal, take a few moments to consider how your heavenly Father's hands have helped you, protected you, steadied you, corrected you throughout your life. Or, if you think that will take more time than you have tonight, consider how His hands have done this recently.

I can't help but think about my earthly father's hands as I write this. He isn't perfect, but, he has helped me up, held me steady, taught me and protected me throughout my life. Maybe your earthly father's hands have done the same for you. Acted as instruments of God. Yes, God's hands are perfect in all they do, and our earthly fathers aren't. But, compare the similarities.

Now, let's take another moment to really breathe in today's scripture. Take some time in your journal tonight to write about what this scripture is speaking to you.

Happy Journaling!

Dee

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Friends,

It's been put on my heart that I should start making prayer shawls. Now, since I don't remember how to knit (I really think I learned a long time ago - but, the key there is "long time ago" - and I can't remember how to do it!), I will be crocheting these (and, yes, I *do* know how to crochet!). And, since they take quite a bit of time, I will not be selling these for profit (I hope my business coach isn't reading this - she will wring my neck for that! hehehehehe). Although, I will be charging a nominal fee to reimburse for materials and possibly a little bit of time.

First, I want to share the origins of prayer shawls with you. For those of you who are Messianic Christians, you will probably know this, but, for everyone else (and, I didn't know this either - I simply heard the "term" today, pictured it in my head, realized I have seen them given as gifts before, and set about doing research - only to find that this is something that's not only very meaningful, but, also great way to encourage Christian prayer, and lift others up in times of need.)

A prayer shawl is a shawl (that wraps around your shoulders OR sort of like a lap quilt) that is woven, knit, or crocheted (there may be other methods of making this too) that is prayed over as it is created. (And, you all know that I already do this with every product I create for my business, so you know this is definitely something that I am totally excited about!)

Prayer shawls are also called "tallits" in the Jewish tradition. Now, in the Jewish tradition, there are very specific customs and rules for use. I am not sure I really understand all of it - but, it appears that it is used during prayer, and specific ceremonies. There is a prescribed number of knots in these prayer shawls - each specifying a commandment of God - and, there is a specific way to tie the prayer shawl (and specific types/colors of thread that should be used). I've researched all of this in the past few hours - and it's very specific.

From what I gather, prayer shawls made by or for Christians (as opposed to the Jewish prayer shawls or Tallits) are not as defined in creation, purpose, or use - so, we may look on these as prayer tools. As I mentioned previously, they are prayed over when they are created - prayed over before beginning, prayed over and blessed as each stitch is made, and then once again after it's finished.

They are used in many situations - and, I know that I've seen them given for everything from baptism through marriage to death (in that instance, given to the family as a bereavement gift). I've also read in my research that they can be given to people who are chronically or terminally ill, during treatments, during recovery, and almost any other instance that you can imagine.

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered."

~Psalm 32:1(NKJV)

This journaling prompt may be a little more difficult than others that I've shared with you in the past. The reason is that it begs that you write a confession. I know, it's hard enough to confess verbally, let alone *write it down!*, but, I think you will find this to be very liberating.

Sometimes, we seem to carry around guilt for things that we've done in the past. Many people have a tendency to live completely immersed in guilt. Now, you may think this is a good and proper way of living a humble life, but, I dare you to look at this differently.

"Because he inclines his ear to me,
therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live."

~Psalm 116:2

Have you ever been in a room of people, trying to carry on a conversation with a person next to you? Have you ever noticed that he or she will lean forward slightly and turn his or her head slightly, so that they can hear you better. It's sort of like they are filtering out all the other noise, just by inclining their head.

Or, when in the company of someone who has lost their hearing, he or she will slightly turn their head as if to hear you better?

In this light, consider this scripture in your journal tonight. God *inclines His ear* to you when you call upon Him! How does that make you feel?

Can you remember a time where you wholeheartedly called on Him and He inclined His ear?

What else does this scripture speak to you?

Happy Journaling!

Dee

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Recently, I had a conversation with a sister about stress. I had just finished reading "In Pursuit of Peace" by Joyce Meyer, and one of the chapters in the book was about stress - and how your stress (and my stress) come from within ourselves. God didn't ever intend for us to live under the stress we labor under. That is our doing.

This was such an interesting thought for me. Since I was diagnosed with lupus, the doctors have continually warned me about stress. I was to avoid stress [essentially] at all costs. At the time, I would just laugh (alright, I tried to not laugh out loud at this thought, although, I'm sure I was smiling).

But, after reading that chapter in the book, I realized that she was right. Stress is not a necessary part of our lives. (now, this isn't normal stress - that is healthy - but, 99.5% of the population is under far greater stress than what is "normal").

Hey Friends! I just walked in the door, and sure enough, on the television there was a picture of a chimney pipe spewing smoke. Now, I will tell you, my old eyes think the smoke is white - but, there have been no bells, and the commentators don't seem to no either. They are calling the color "light" or "unclear". Who knows at this point!

I couldn't help but, grin as I pondered the situation. The eyes of the world on a smoke stack. Is it white? Is it black?

OH BOY!!! There are bells now!

Praise be to God, the Holy Spirit has moved and granted wisdom and a consensus to these cardinals! The church has a Pontiff again - and shortly, we will find out who that is.

The Spirit works in mysterious ways, my friends. I am giggling at the commentators who said "no, it's too early." The fact is, we do not know when the Spirit will move, where He will move, or how He will move.

Dei Gratia,

Dee

Although this is officially a top 5 list of things that a new Christian needs to know, this is a great reminder for "old" Christians as well - for either a refresher or a evangelical aid when you lead others to Christ.

This weekend, at my great neices' baptism, I started thinking about the new life we have in Christ. Cleansing waters of baptism, the outward portrayal of inward cleansing and a washing over us of the Holy Spirit. For the young, this is a sacrament that is seldom remembered. I know many Christians who don't remember baptism, but, have been strong in their faith as long as they can remember.

But, for new Christians (whether completely new as a Christian, or a Christian who fell away and recommitted to Christ), there are a few things to keep in mind - before and after the Spirit washing/cleansing happens.

"For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints."

~Proverbs 2:6-8 (NKJV)

This scripture speaks volumes, and should provide you plenty of ways to go with your journal entry tonight.

First, think about a time in your life (past or present) when you were being reminded about mistakes you made long ago - once again - and how God provided you sound wisdom, and in turn, became your shield against reminders of something that you did that you can not change.

Then, consider a time when you were reminded about mistakes you've made in the past and didn't heed His sound wisdom. Did you feel like you were being attacked? Wondering why people aren't willing to truly forgive your past transgressions (even if he or she claimed to)?

Compare the two in your journal. This entry should be marked for future reference, as the comparison and contrast can help you remember, in times to come, that He will provide you sound wisdom - He is your shield - He will guard your path and protect your way.

Happy Journaling!

Dee

P.S. Did you know that I will be introducing a *new* handcrafted leather journal design sometime this week? Dedicated to *all* moms - from Eve to Mary to mothers today, the "A Mother's Love Makes Hearts Bloom" handcrafted leather journal features an incredible cover with a flowering heart/mother child design! This will make a perfect gift for Mother's day, or just to tell Mom how much you appreciate her.

My younger daughter, Fiona, has discovered a "new thing" this past week - she discovered "bungle bees". You know, those black and yellow fat flying things that zip from flower to flower, collecting pollen? (You may know them as bumble bees.)

Yesterday, on our walk, I got thinking about those crazy bungle bees - and how sometimes, our prayer life can take on the flavor of a bungle bee.

Have you ever noticed how busy bees are? I've honestly never seen one sleeping. They are constantly flying out of the hive, to this flower and that, collecting a little more pollen, and just a little more - and then going back to the hive to collect the pollen.

Granted, they don't always take the most direct root. A "bungle bee" may skip half a dozen flowers when it is finished with one - only to go back to those later on.

"Through Your precepts I get understanding,
Therefore I hate every false way."

~Psalm 119:104 (NKJV)

Have you ever had something happen that you really just didn't understand - couldn't understand? Possibly you experienced the death or serious illness of a small child, or maybe you, yourself, have been afflicted with a serious illness, or witnessed senseless violence? This can certainly cause us to pause, and wonder why God would let anything like this happen.

Our well meaning friends and family may have tried to console you with "everything happens for a reason" or some other adage. But, at the time, that really doesn't help a great deal, now does it?

While we will never fully understand God's ways (His plan is too great for us to comprehend), the psalmist reminds us that God will give us understanding through His precepts (rules or laws, or His prescribed actions/principles which we can see in the Living Word.)

If you have had a time that you simply couldn't understand what the possible reason behind it could be, take a moment to write about it in your journal. Have you been given some understanding about the situation since? If not, simply leave this journal entry "open", and pray on the situation. As I said, you may not ever fully understand the reasons behind the situation, but, some understanding is possible.

Happy Journaling!

Dee

P.S. Have you seen our newest addition to our handcrafted leather journal line at FaithMinders? If you take a look at our weathered handcrafted leather journal with extra long wrap, you will see one small sample of the personalization possibilities with that journal and a tiny taste of what is to come. Contact me today to discuss your personalized leather handcrafted journal, and ask me how you can get a beautifully handscrolled wooden keepsake box to store your journal in, which will further preserve it's beauty for generations to come.

"Happy is the man who is always reverent,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity."

~Proverbs 28:14

In your journal, consider Proverbs 28:14. Are you living a reverent life? Or, have you hardened your heart? If you are a little stumped, think about today's scripture this way:

If you live your life in awe of God, it will be a happy life (forgive me the use of the word "happy" - emotions truly have nothing to do with our spiritual health - but, there are limitations in the English language). Otherwise, if you live your day to day life without ever thinking of God, you will face calamity.

In that light, can you see times where you have been in total awe of God daily as well as times where you have let other things rule out thoughts of God, only to be met with calamity?

Take some time in your journal to consider this. Additionally, pray and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance to shed further light on this scripture and its meaning in your life. Write about that guidance as well.

Happy Journalling!

Dee

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P.S.S. I have to admit, I truly enjoy this journaling prompt series using Psalms and Proverbs. I pray that this blesses you in your journaling time as well. At some point in the future, I will compile the entire year of Psalms and Proverbs journaling prompts, record them, and offer them for your *listening* pleasure for years to come.

"She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor"

~Proverbs 4:9

Tonight at our bi-weekly book study meeting, somehow, we got onto the subject of our hair. Now, I don't remember exactly what it was that brought this up, but, I heard myself relaying this beautiful scripture, and discussing my full crown of splendor - the beautiful grey and white hairs that pepper my otherwise dark mane.

Because I found this so interesting, I contacted the author for reprint permission, so that I could share it here, with you. I quickly received permission to do so, but, the person who gave me permission included the "revised" version of the commentary. (Honestly, I didn't see any similarities - right down to the subject of that particular commentary.)

That "revised" version immediately made me realize that I could not post the original with you, my friend. "Why", you ask?

Because this "revised" version was a seething commentary on the life (and death) of Pope John Paul II. And, if you've read this site for more than a week, you know how I feel about Christians (who are STILL supposed to *at least* attempt to follow the 10 commandments) condemning, criticizing, and otherwise being hateful and spewing venom about other people. That's the only thing I could "see" when I was reading this "revised" commentary - a forked tongue spitting venom. There was no love there.

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

~Psalm 34:14 (NKJV)

Are you seeking peace? Take some time in your journal tonight to consider what peace means to you. Do you feel that peace that surpasses all understanding within you? If not, what is the Holy Spirit telling you as to why, listen closely, and carefully.

Listen to what the Spirit is telling you through this scripture, and write about it in your journal. Pray, and then simply put your pen to your journal page, and allow the Spirit to work within you.

Happy Journaling!

Dee

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"The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech,
and night unto night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard."

~Psalm 19:1-3 (NKJV)

Nature's glory & majesty. Have you ever considered how, regardless of language or nation, the heavens above declare the glory of God?

Even as it is pouring rain, spitting snow, or whirling up a rotating funnel cloud, God's glory and majesty is always present, it's always speaking to us, there is not one spot on this earth where His voice isn't heard from the heavens (firmament).

"Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep."

~Psalm 127:1-2 (NKJV)

Who is building your house?

• Do you find yourself tired, worn down?
  
• Are you constantly seeking more time?
  Have you heard yourself say (at least once) - If only there were more hours in a day?
  

Friend, this scripture tells us that the Lord gives His beloved sleep. Might I suggest that if you are nodding your head to any of the above questions, that you pray about it?

If the hand of God is with us, we are not laboring in vain. If His hands are helping us, we will not lack of sleep.

Consider this scripture in your journal. Are you laboring and prospering in the Lord, or are you working in vain?

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!

Warning: Friend, if you are easily offended by the idea of Christians as Christians - regardless of denominational affiliation, I must warn you that this entry will probably irritate you.

The Spirit has put this topic on my heart time and again - and while I do listen, and heed His guidance, I haven't shared this with you - yet. But, considering that the Spirit let me know that this was something that I must write about this week - and tonight I had another experience that burdened my heart due to this very topic, (which had the Spirit pushing me again!), the time is now.

Since the day I opened my doors at FaithMinders, I've had well meaning people telling me what I should and should not carry. More than once, I've been questioned about carrying rosaries. Actually, at one point, I was so tired of visitors telling me that they wanted their "Christian" things separate from "Catholic" things, I did rearrange my navigation structure. But, I did not remove any denomination specific items. And, there is good reason.

Since I committed my life to Christ, I have been blessed with constant guidance and correction by the Holy Spirit. None of my designs - not one of them - are mine alone. They are given to me by the Spirit, and I am simply following His lead. That includes offering rosaries and (in the near future) sacrament gifts for *both* baptisms and christenings - first communion and confirmation - designed for Christians that are of a particular denomination or of no denomination (depending on the sacrament). I do this because the Spirit has led me to do it - regardless of the denomination of the church I attend.

In His last hours on earth, Christ prayed for us....

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit."

~Psalm 51:12 (NKJV)

In your journal, take some time to consider today's scripture. Are you feeling anything less that complete joy? Are you feeling down? The joy of Christ's salvation is one that goes without explanation. God will uphold us through difficult times - times that are sorrowful, tragic, or difficult in any other way.

So, take some time to express your thoughts and feelings on the restoration of your joy, and your soul. The possibility of being uplifted [think about floating] by the Spirit.

What is this scripture speaking to you as you read it?

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!

Brothers and sisters, as I mentioned in my previous post, I have created a tribute to the life and service of Pope John Paul II as well, and although it pales in comparison to David Yackley's tribute (if you haven't looked at it yet, you really should!), it's created in a different medium - one that I know well - in the form of a very special holy rosary. This rosary has so much meaning in it, I am compelled to share the story behind the creation of this rosary with you tonight.

First, I must mention the importance that Pope John Paul II placed on the rosary during his time as Pontiff - not only did he declare October 2002-October 2003 the Year of the rosary, but, in his Apostolic Letter "ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE ", he states:

"The Rosary, reclaimed in its full meaning, goes to the very heart of Christian life; it offers a familiar yet fruitful spiritual and educational opportunity for personal contemplation, the formation of the People of God, and the new evangelization."

Thus, this tribute takes the form of a rosary. Now, I will share with you the "rest of the story" behind my tribute to the life of the Holy Father: the Totus Tuus Holy Rosary.

Friends, a sister in Christ shared a link to the most remarkable tribute to Pope John Paul II with me today, and as soon as I experienced it, I knew that I must pass it on to all of you!

I contacted the creator of this tribute, David Yackley, and obtained his permission to share this with you all tonight.

Our brother David writes of this introduction to this very touching tribute and meditation:

With the passing of John Paul II, the world mourns the loss of a steadfast man of faith whose perseverance and wisdom will continue to inspire for many years to come. In remembrance of this remarkable man, I hope you will take time to experience - and share with others - a 6-minute meditation on the life and words of our Holy Father, With These Hands.

As an aside, friends, I wanted to share a little more about David, from his website. I've listened to some of his music and it's awesome. I urge you to visit his website at: http://www.yackley.com and check it out. He has a CD that can be purchased through Amazon or World Library Publications - and, from the samples that he has available on his site, I would highly recommend it (It's on my list of must have CD's!)

David Yackley is a Seattle-area composer and keyboard player who leads the Lighthouse band for Sunday night LIFE TEEN liturgies at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kirkland, WA. In addition to his liturgical work David has enjoyed a varied career as a composer, arranger, and keyboard player. He has also been very active in the interactive music movement in his work for Blue Ribbon, Microsoft and currently HumanBeams. Originally from Ohio, David has lived in Rochester, NY and Atlanta, GA before departing for Seattle in 1996.

I am in total awe and completely inspired by the various tributes by various artists to this great man, Pope John Paul II. Each of us have poured our hearts into something as our contribution to his memory. (I will post more on my tribute later). But, this tribute touched me so deeply - its combination of spoken word, images, and music was astounding. I pray it blesses you as it blessed me.

Dei Gratia,

Dee

"What shall I render to the Lord
For all His benefits toward me?
I will take up the cup of salvation,
And call upon the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord
Now in the presence of all His people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of His saints.

O Lord, truly I am Your servant;
I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant;
You have loosed my bonds.
I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving.
And will call upon the name of the Lord."

~Psalm 116: 12-17 (NKJV)

On this day when one of the most beloved servants of Lord of our time is laid to rest, I urge you to take dedicate some time, in your journal, to remember him and consider your service to God. Do you consider yourself a servant of God? Have you found that to be a free-ing experience? If you don't consider yourself His servant, what can you do to change that?

"When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream,
The our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with singing...."

~Psalm 126:1-2 (NKJV)

Have you ever walked through a valley so low, that when the Lord brought you up to the peak of the mountain, you felt like it was a dream? And, you found yourself compelled to laugh and sing?

What was that like for you?

If you haven't had a time like that, and feel like you've been in a valley so long that you aren't sure you will *ever* see the mountain top, take some time, in your journal, to look at the valley, and, using Psalm 126 as your guide, what it will be like to get to that mountain top.

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!

[my note to you: This wasn't my originally planned topic tonight, but, this is what the Spirit put on my heart, so here we go!]

It's been put on my heart time and again. As women, why have we quit veiling ourselves when we pray. I know that all women have not quit veiling (or covering her head) when they pray/praise, but, there are many who have. It seems to be somewhat denominationally based - but, I have to ask - why?

Scripture seems very clear (although, there is debate on *that* too!) to me - we are to cover our heads when we pray. Not because of the times the direction was given - no, we are supposed to veil as a sign of submission to God.

So what has changed?

"Who remembered us in our lowly state,
For His mercy endures forever;
And rescued us from our enemies,
For His mercy endures forever;
Who gives food to all flesh,
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!
For His mercy endures forever."

~Psalm 136: 23-26 (NKJV)

Our God is a God of mercy! The entirety of Psalm 136 not only extols His holy name, but, reminds us of His great mercy. This past Sunday was the Sunday of Divine Mercy, and my how His glory shone on that beautiful day.

Consider, in your journal, God's mercy. If you can, read all of Psalm 136 (space a copyright limited the verses I included here). Consider the depths and heights of His ever enduring mercy. A divine mercy that endures forever.

Friends, It's been put on my heart to share an experience that I had a few nights ago with my son. And, when I say put on my heart, it's been put there in a big way - to the point that my son and I continued the discussion tonight for several hours (we actually just finished!).

You see, my son is a deep thinker. He's an awful lot like his mother in that respect. He ponders things, tosses them around in his head, and considers them. And, weeks, and sometimes months later - he will come up with a question (usually out of left field) that blows me (and our pastor and youth advisor) away. My older poses the same sort of questions, but, it's usually not out of the blue. She is an out-loud thinker, where he is pensive and quiet, and then will "spring" something on you that you simply aren't expecting.

Months ago, we went to Acquire the Fire. During the event, towards the end, the speaker was talking about enlisting in the army of God. He asked this seemingly simple question:

"Are you willing to give everything up to follow God where He leads you?"

Many of the youth stood up. My son included. And, I stood up as well, because I feel strongly about this. I am willing to give up everything if God calls on me to do so. I will go wherever He calls me, wherever He leads.

But, there was one adult that didn't stand. She wasn't the only one - but, my son took note. That night, on the way home, he asked her about it. Not that he expected her to justify, but, he was curious why.