As you know, this is an ongoing theme in my writing right now, and actually, there is more to come on the subject, I'm sure. I'm simply waiting for the Lord to provide me the rest of the vision before I share it. I've had another case of a type of writer's block the past few days - this one, however, has been a little different than before. I simply have so many things floating around that the Lord has laid on my heart, I am not sure which to write about first!

Tonight I want to share my column from Sharing Spirit with you. It has to do with the sanctity of life - of all life. This was put on my mind tonight as I listened to the evening news, and heard the most recent update.

Last night, as I was waiting for the weather during the late night news, I saw a story that had me in tears. Apparently some teenage boys were bored one night, so, they grabbed their video camera, some lighter fluid, and went out to find something to do. They ran across a couple of oppossums, and thought it would be a great idea to set the oppossums on fire (while they were still alive), and videotape it. During the video (only a short segment was shown on the news - and I couldn't watch all of it), you could hear the boys laughing and joking as the poor oppossum walked in circles, crying in pain, looking for help - but, to no avail. The boys stood there, camera rolling, watching the animal suffer and burn alive - no assistance offered, only crude comments and laughing as they cruelly stole the life of another living being.

Maybe you are reading this thinking, "But, Dee it's only an opossum!, I mean, really, what good are they anyway?" My answer to you is simple. I honestly don't know what good an oppossum is - I really don't. In my part of the country, they are looked at as pests and nuisances. All I know about them is that they are nocturnal and they dig in garbage cans for food, and, while they are sort of cute in a homely way (like a Cabbage Patch Kid) - they aren't really something I would look at and think "OH, I want to CUDDLE!"

However, they are one of God's creatures, one of His creations - and, that, in and of itself, makes them valuable and good. Check this out, when God made the covenant after the flood, He didn't just make it with Noah and his descendants. OH NO! He made it with every living creature - if some creatures aren't valuable in His eyes, why would He do that?

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This week's Christian Carnival is up over at Christweb. Make sure to stop by and check it out!

Dei gratia,

Dee

Trackback: http://www.mac-con.com/christweb/mt-tb.cgi?__mode=view&entry_id=1159

Tonight, I offer to you a very special prayer, an old prayer, that I lift up to God, with the friends & families of Jesstin Pagan, Daniel Agosto and Anibal Cruz in my heart and on my mind. Those three young boys, missing since Wednesday, were found dead this evening in the trunk of a car, by one of the boy's father....after an extensive search to find them.

This prayer was written by Clement of Rome during the 1st century.

We beseech thee, Master, to be our helper and protector.
Save the afflicted among us; have mercy on the lowly;
raise up the fallen; appear to the needy; heal the ungodly;
restore the wanderers of thy people;
feed the hungry; ransom our prisoners;
raise up the sick; comfort the faint-hearted.

I ask that you join me in prayer for these families and their friends, as well as the family and friends who have loved ones who are still missing.

Dei gratia,

Dee

"Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 'Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.' Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel."

~Revelation 7:2-4 (NIV)

When I first read this scripture with open eyes, heard, and mind last year, I was in utter shock. Shocked! How could this be, I thought. Only 144,000?? That's it? Maybe there is something there that I'm not seeing. I read the scripture over and over, but, the number is unmistakable. At the time, I justified it in my head - well, that's the tribes of Israel - that doesn't count everyone else! Then, earlier this year, when I realized that "the tribes of Israel" meant more than people in a specific region of the world, this scripture returned to me - yet again.

I've read many estimates of the Christian population of the world. That is to say that the people in all nations who consider themselves Christians. There are over 2 billion. Yes, you read that right - 2,000,000,000. That number has weighed on my heart more recently than ever before.

2,000,000,000 self-described Christians and only 144,000 who will bear the seal of a servant of God in the end times. That's less than 1%! To be specific, that is .0072% of the world's population who proclaim Christ as their savior. Of course, the angel isn't here today instructing the other angels - maybe there will be a huge catastrophe that will seriously reduce the number of Christians....but, I suspect that is wishful thinking (I know, sort of an odd wish, but, the alternative is worse)

I don't want to believe it....

I want to tell myself that the angel isn't here today, this moment, instructing the other angels. I want to imagine that there will be some sort of huge catastrophe that will seriously reduce the number of Christians. I know that's an odd wish - but, the alternative is so exponentially worse, I want to grasp for any reason - any possibility - other than what is right in front of me. Less than .0082%.

But, my heart tells me it is true, I truly believe scripture is God breathed - theopneustos - there are no errors. There may be things we can not understand - or that people intentionally misconstrue for their own purposes. But, it is breathed from our unerring God.

How can this be, though? How can there be so few with the seal, when there are so many that proclaim their faith in Christ?

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"For the grace of God that brings salvation...teaches us to say 'no' to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self controlled, upright, and godly lives."

Titus 2:11,12 (NIV)

God's grace is truly beyond comprehension sometimes. It's difficult to understand why He continually pours His grace onto us - even when we make mistakes, stumble on our path, or wander away. Yet, it is always there, pouring down on us. Constant.

His grace teaches us to reject worldly desires - to die to self and to live in Christ.

In your journal, write about the changes that you have seen in your life as a result of this outpouring of grace. They may be imperceptible until you really look at who you used to be and examine who you are today.

Christian journaling prompt bonus: How can you make God's grace & His glory the focus of your life? What can you do to frame your day with Him - so intertwined in your hectic life that your life is a self-controlled, upright, godly life?

Happy journaling!

Dee

This Christian journaling prompt is brought to you by FaithMinders - inspirational Christian gifts for all occassions designed to remind you who you are, and is copyright (c) 2005, except where otherwise noted. Duplication without permission is not permitted.

This week's Christian Carnival is taking a road trip! Enjoy!

The maps & tools for the road:

A road trip is always so much more pleasant if we remember the maps and tools for the trip - you know, the map, the compass (for people without a sense of direction) - or better yet, the GPS! And, as with any tools, knowing that they are actually accurate and up-to-date relieves most of you anxiety about the journey.

Holly Aho at Soldiers' Angel - Holly Aho looks at archaeology, the Bible and it's accuracy in dealing with historical events. in God, Science and the Bible....Proof of What?

Team Hammer's musings explores the origins of the modern Bible in the most recent update to the discussion on Biblical Inerrancy in Biblical Inerrancy: Where We Got the Bible

Sven's Theology and Biblical Studies Page continues the series on Marks' Gospel. What was the significance of Jesus' refusal to fast like those around him? What was the meaning behind his cryptic statement about new wine and new wineskins? What might this mean for us today? Have a read a find out. Story of Jesus part 9: Mark 2:18-21

Rey at The Bible Archive gives us ESV Lovers Unite (and Answer Me). When describing the post, he says: I don't prefer the ESV. You do. I think I know why but I may be wrong so you tell me Why. Let me know, please.

The Road Less Traveled

Call me crazy, but, I think there is something terrific about choosing less Traveled roads in every journey. Not only do you get to find things that others may miss, but, there is something very free-ing about choosing the right path - the harder path - the path that is less Traveled The road less Traveled is not the path for everyone. Those people who are desperately following the crowd because they are caught up in everyone else's opinion shouldn't take this road without a help from their friends.

David at All Kinds of Time, gives us a single Christian's perspective on not worrying about getting coupled in Confidently Alone.

Bruce, at Sprucegoose, replies to a NY Times article written by John Danforth. He takes the moderate Christian stance and I have looked at some of the things he has said and show them to be more the words of a humanist than a Christian in Onward Moderate Christian Soldiers.

Faith Commons says if you're looking for progress, don't expect it from the mainstream—the inert coagulum—because little progress occurs there and nothing starts there. All change, whether good or bad, starts at the fringe in The Inert Coagulum.

J A Greer at the The Regulator contrasts Biblical revelation, the rejection of natural law and the failure of the modern/postmodern situation with suggestions on how Christians can influence society in Natural Law and post modernism.

Kim Bloomer, at Sharing Spirit, looks at our fast-paced, success driven society, and finds out how much better and exciting it is to be led in Driven or Led?

Between Sundays looks at the secret to writing as described by Heather Sellers--you can't ignore your muse in The Secret To A Happy Writing Life.

The Long, winding Road, full of unexpected Turns

The best roads that aren't Traveled are really those long windy roads, where you never know what's around the next corner. Learning to expect the unexpected, and trust God not only makes the journey more excited, but, also builds faith. Remember, particularly on the long, windy road of your journey - things are not always as they seem.

Steve at An accidental blog provides an overview of Rudolf Steiner's worldview to show it is incompatible with Christianity, stemming from a program on Channel 4 in the UK called 'The strangest village in Britain' as part of 'Only Human'. At one point in the documentary it suggested that Steiner's perspective was Christian. It is anything but. It was the story of Bottona village of handicapped people run along Rudolf Steiner's anthroposophical philosophy in Botton and the anthroposophical worldview

Steve, at Steve Pavlina's Personal Development Blog, shares a long personal story of shifting philosophies in response to life events and recovery from a dark period in: The Meaning of Life: Intro

Over at Viewpoint, A writer raises the tocsin of impending theocracy if we don't do something to stop conservative "Christers" from getting involved in the political process. The essay is inane but apparently represents the thinking of a lot of blue-staters in The Christers Are Coming!

Stand Up and Walk wrestles with the various theologies of different denominations, and comes back to the basics for comfort, realizing that intellectualizing the gospel is not for everyone in The Message of the Cross.

J. Random American at Ideas In Progress looks at Shanghai adding the Bible to school reading lists. Is this the work of studious, rational, atheists or the subtle maneuvering of well-placed Chinese Christians? I don't know. in: Communists Promote Bible Study in the People's Republic?

David at A Physicist's Perspective points out that mostly we still think of lying as a bad thing. But there are several areas in our society where it's almost taken for granted. I give a couple examples and point out how the Bible exhorts us to speak the truth in:
Lies, advertising, and marriage.

Chad at PlaidBerry observes that everyone has some sort of opinion to offer. He's not sure how or why this is happening. Although he speculates that it is always easier to point the finger than it is to express or live out a proactive vision in.: Little Roger Eberts

Tim at Callmeteem shares his perspective about the reality that even the places generally seen as comfortable need God in The 'Burbs Need God Too.

Wendy at Just a Little Bit Odd wonders is she should get a t-shirt that says "Jesus Loves Me Better Than You in "Jesus Loves Me".

Gullyborg at Resistance is futile! ponders a news story about a girl rescued by lions -- is this the work of Jesus? in Nice kitties!

Tom at Uncle Tom's Blog Cabin shares his views on hypocrisy in judgment in "Here's Mud in Your Eye"

Kipling's Recessional, with its biblical allusions of the end, was a provocative, prophetic piece of poetry when it was published for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee on June 22, 1897. Is it any less so for America today as we approach our 229th birthday as a free nation? See Recessional Redux? at JD Wetterling’s Midweekly Reality Check.

Jeremy Pierce at Parableman asks...Just what is John Piper's Christian hedonism supposed to amount to? Some complain that it's not really hedonism, and that's right, but not for the reasons they often say...in Christian Hedonism

Often we think that God only uses those who are His children to bring blessings to others. Responding to a post by Mike McLoughlin of Faith at Work blog regarding Apple's Steve Jobs' live, ...In the Outer... raises the question whether this is necessarily true, and wonders if it is appropriate to celebrate his life as one that has liven up to his potential as a member of God's creation in "Who God Uses to Bless Others".

Brian at Reasons Why was motivated to look at Hebrews 12 because someone was using it as support for physical discipline of children. What I found was that it had far richer meaning than that in Hebrews 12 and Discipline.

At DawnXianaMoon.com: Randomness, Dawn ponders "Is it possible to have true happiness without first surviving trials,
without suffering?" in Kafka and Art

Clinging to the Edge

Sometimes, we find the curve in the road takes us dangerously close the edge....where we cling to the road and pray we don't fall off the cliff. But, somewhere in that prayer - we find some of the most beautiful things.

Lance at Ragged Edges reflects on his first Father's day as a father - a day of conflicted emotions, as his new role of dad only forced him to face the pain of his relationship (or lack thereof) with his own dad in Reflections On my First Father's Day.

The Gad(d)about sees much criticism of the experiential today that reduces all experience in Christian practice as of the flesh, at best, and demonic activity at worst. What worries him is this criticism is not coming from the mouths of cessationists, rather, from people who otherwise agree the Spirit is capable of operating in great power today in Surprised by the challenge of experience.

DeputyHeadmistress at The Common Room looks at how guilt can act as locusts in our lives, until we deal with it, and use it to repair what is broken. The comes the honey in the appropriately titled: Locusts and Honey.

Beneath The Dirty Hood asks the question....Have you ever put up with something from someone for so long, and one day you lash out at someone else who doesn't’t have anything to do with it?...in The little things can really get you.

The Upward Call reflects on the dangers of allowing bitterness take root in our hearts, and offers an encouragement that we can let go of our bitterness...ending with an example of someone whom I know that refused to allow bitterness to control him in Letting Go of Bitterness.

Mr. Standfast looks at The Consequences of Under-estimating the Love of Christ.

Enjoying the Scenery

Every good road trip requires that we stop and really enjoy the scenery that God has provided us along our journey - and, those long, windy roads provide the best scenery around!

The Northern 'burbs blog Continues a series on the environment and talks about God's purposes in creating the environment in Environmental Purpose

Semicolon responds to the Human Events article listing the 10 Most Dangerous Books of the Last Two Centuries is this list. These are not the BEST books of the last two centuries, although most of them are very well-written, and they’re not the most influential books, but only those fiction books that have had the most influence for GOOD in 10 Most Helpful Fiction Books of the Last Two Centuries

Beyond The Rim... Reflects on the one year anniversary of my blog, Beyond The Rim... in A Blog's Life

Back of the Envelope shares a work of fiction, in a genre best described as horror with Christian themes. When Ryan meets Emily, a girl who claims to have visions, his first impression is that she must be crazy. His skepticism is shaken when he meets the man who is after her. Whether this man they dub Red-eyes really is some psychotic mutant demon or not, his intentions are deadly, and he seems to be able to track them wherever they run. Whether they fight or flee, they are on their own, as no one else seems able to see him in Resolution, Chapter 16 of Eyes in the Shadow .

At Horn+Swoggled, David Brazeal asks: Joel Osteen: Corporate Raider? in Lakewood Launches Scientology Takeover Bid

Better Bibles Blog excerpts and discusses the literary qualities of passages from two pieces of great literature, the novel of Tale of Two Cities, and Shakespeare's Macbeth. Then I point out why two passages from two English versions strike me as being of good literary style in Literary style -- Part 7.

Promptings has a treat for you....If you're a My Utmost for His Highest fan, this biography will help you discover more about the man (and woman) behind this famous devotional in Book review: Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

And, sometimes, when we are enjoying the scenery so much, we forget to watch the road, we end up wondering how we got stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Wallo World explores the idea of the Big Bang and creation in "nothing" in God and the Singularity.

Adrian Warnock continues his ESV interview this week, and questions if doctrine affects bible translation. He calls for people from different backgrounds and in particular Catholics to evaluate whether we feel doctrine has influenced the ESV translation of the bible. He calls for any specific examples where the ESV, which aims to be a "literel" translation may betray its Evangelical routes. If you comment or trackback to his post you are eligible to win a free ESV worth up to $100 in Calling all catholic bloggers: lets interact!

Tim at Broken Masterpieces ponders, out loud, the word affirm and what it means to him as a father of 2 sons in Word to Ponder - Affirm.

A Penitent Blogger reflects on the easy, popular path and on the path of God in Broad is the way

Getting Lost

Alright, I admit it - I get lost more often than I should - on my road trips AND in my spiritual journey. Sometimes you find yourself wondering which way you are supposed to go next - faced with all sorts of options, and no real answers. I think all of us know what it's like to be lost at some time. The first thing to do, when you are lost, of course, it to realize you are lost. Then, you must find your way again.

Sharing Life questions why there is sometimes no change in our lives as Christians and no desire to grow more mature in our walk with Christ. Our hearts need to be changed through the application of the milk of the gospel. It draws strongly on a sermon by John Piper in "A question of the heart".

Another Man's Meat shares some Sunday morning thoughts/laments about the state of education in America, using C.S. Lewis's "The Abolition of Man" as my catalyst in The Great Need of Our Generation - "Men With Chests".

Blogotional realizes that parts of America are now so poorly churched that they are better designated as mission fields rather than home church territory in Been To The Bay...

Jordan's View mixes John Lennon, a discussion of why hunger for truth draws people to conservative churches (mentioned in a recent book by Dave Shifflett), and a conclusion about how to proceed with the challenge of pursuing truth in the postmodern world in Gimme Some Truth.

Dadmanly reminds us that when we hear the word of God and don’t respond with Obedience, we are as the children of Israel. We consume that which does not satisfy, and seek after gain that does not enrich in A Call to Obedience.

A Journey With Friends

But, really, none of the journey is that bad if we have our friends along - and help a few strangers on the way (which, interestingly, makes them friends too!) There's nothing like a great reminder that we are all on this journey together - no matter where we are at on the journey, to keep us focused on helping each other get through it! Our friends and the "strangers" we meet can show us the way - whether directly or indirectly - and generally make the journey much more enjoyable and easy to manage.

Martin, at Sun and Shield, shares about his father, father-in-law mostly, but, also about his son-in-law, and about God, and being a father in "Four Fathers."

Richard at dokeo kago grapho soi kratistos Theophilos continues a series explaining the phenomenal growth of Christianity in the first four centuries of the common era by looking at the success of blogs as a possible model in What have I been Silently Reflecting?

Brutally Honest shares what he's learned over the years with his boys and hopes some of it they'll take with them to collage in A Father's advice to his sons

Crossroads examines the first great revival in America was in the colonies
in the middle 18th century. What was going on in the society and the church to bring this great revival about? (This post is one of many in a continuing series on revival history in America and elsewhere) in The First Great Awakening: Milieux

Katy at Fallible.com shares as a mother reluctantly coaxes the final bird from the nest in My Baby's Leaving.

The Marshian Chronicles looks at the phenomena that there seems to be two kinds of people - introspective and non-introspective, some thoughts on this from a confirmed introspective in Two Kinds of People, Pt. 1.

Mrs. Dadmanly from Dadmanly, gracious agrees to share her own series of "growth experiences" for readers who read Dadmanly's accounts of the tragedy they experienced (here, here, here, and here), in A Witness of Mrs. Dadmanly.

Attention Span wonders what is our responsibility as pastors and as Christians when a stranger shows up at church with a need? What kind of help should we give personally and as a church? in Frank.

Brad Huston at http://brokenmessenger.blogspot.com is moved that the righteous respond here in contrition and humility. The general response appears as: "Who me, Lord?" It is almost as if they ask: "Why are we worthy?" in Sheep & Goats.

End of the Journey

None of us want to think about it really - but, every good road trip, every good journey, must eventually come to an end. That destination may be one of grand splendor, or may be one that is not where you expected to end up - but, every journey must come to an end. May all of us end in the most beautiful of places with the Most High.

Neil Uchitel at Digitus, Finger & Co. revisits Christians’ visible involvment with the Terri Schiavo case, in light of the recent autopsy report in Christians & Terri Schiavo Redux.

Cindy Swanson at Notes in the Key of Life reflects on Terri Schiavo's autopsy results, and calls for Christians to have a renewed heart of compassion for "the least of these" in her post: My interview with Schindler family attorney David Gibbs III

Mark Olson, at Pseudo-Polymath, reviews and discusses a First Things article on ethics of end of life in Review and Discussion: Living Life's End

At Ales Rarus, Eric has been thinking about some issues surrounding the autopsy results, the post mortem diagnose, and the various medical examinations during Terri's life, after his out loud wondering if the results of Terri Schiavo's autopsy might mean that Michael is owed an apology in Terri Schiavo's Autopsy Results.

And, this is really the end of the road for this week's Christian Carnival! I pray that you will read the posts generously contributed this week, comment, and take them into your heart - and may your journey always be filled with an ever constant knowledge that God is guiding your way.

Dei gratia,

Dee

This past weekend, I had to take a drive to one of my local suppliers for a few supplies. I had completely ran out of something that I needed for an order, so, I couldn't simply pop online, order, and have it shipped - I needed it right then.

So, off I went in the van. But, something was different about this trip. I looked at the instrument panel, only to find that nothing was there. Well, I take that back - it was there - but, nothing was working.

No speedometer.

No gas gauge.

No temperature gauges.

No way to see what gear I was in.

I was basically driving blind. No navigational aids, nothing to keep me "in line", no way to know how fast I was going.

It was a little disconcerting. In an attempt to get some sort of signal - some influence - on how fast I was driving, I began counting between the little white spots that are painted on the road - usually used by law enforcement to monitor speeds from the air. I don't wear a watch, so, I had to resort to actually "counting" the seconds.

1 mississippi

2 mississippi

3 mississippi

4 mississippi

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"The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders;
The Lord is over many waters.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars,
Yes the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
The Lord shake the Wilderness of Kadesh."

~Psalm 29: 3,5,8 (NKJV)

The voice of the Lord. It's everywhere we turn. It's over the waters, in the cedars, in the wilderness. Sometimes, we are more in tune with the voice of the Lord in some places over others. In your journal, write about where you hear the voice of the Lord. His powerful, majestic voice.

Christian journaling prompt bonus: Even in the wilderness - the spiritual wilderness, we can hear the voice of the Lord. His voice, calling us out, inviting us back. Think of a time in your life when you were in the wilderness. When you heard the voice of the Lord, were you quick to follow? Or, lost in the wilderness, were you weary and full of angst....making following His voice more difficult?

Happy Journaling!

Dee

This Christian journaling prompt is copyright (c) 2005, Dee Kreidel & Saving Grace Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Duplication without permission is not permitted.

This coming Wednesday (June 22), you are in for a very special treat. In the Spirit of Grace is hosting this week's Christian Carnival! This will give you the opportunity to read select Christian blogger's writings from the past week, and really get a great introduction to a sampling of some of the great Christian blogs online today!

I'm planning something really fun this week - I want to do the Christian carnival in true artistic style - hopefully, it will all come together as I see it now. So, make sure to tune in Wednesday!

If you have a Christian blog and would like to participate in this week's Christian carnival, you can read the participation guidelines at:

Wittenberg Gate

Then, simply send in your entry (plain text preferred) to the submission gmail address including:

The name of your blog and a link to your main site. (Adding the name with a hyperlink would be a nice courtesy to the host.)

The title of your post and the URL of the post. (Again, adding the title with a hyperlink would be helpful.)

If you want a trackback, include a trackback link. (Tracking back is optional. Some hosts may oblige you, others may not have the time or ability.)

Include a short (one or two sentence) description of the post. Your description may be edited by the host, but is often used just as it is.

Make sure to get your entries in by midnight on Tuesday (June 21)!

Dei gratia,

Dee

"God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth by removed,
And though the mountains be carried into
the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
Selah"

~Psalm 46:1-3 (NKJV)

Sometimes it can be hard to remain calm - even when the earth shakes, the waters roar, the hillside crumbles, or the waves of life swell - threatening to crush us if we do not run and hide. Yet, Psalm 46 tells us that we have nothing to fear. No matter what is happening, God is our strength and refuge.

In your journal, after your Selah, write about those things that you fear most at this time. After writing out your fears, look closely at them. What is the cause of the fear or the root of the fear? Note the cause or root of each fear in your journal. After finishing, ask God to be your strength and refuge, and show you the light that is hidden within those things that you fear.

Happy Journaling!

Dee

This Christian journaling prompt is brought to you by FaithMinders and is copyright (c) 2005, Dee Kreidel & Saving Grace Enterprises, except where otherwise noted. All Rights Reserved. Duplication without permission is not permitted.

In your journal, think about ways that you have helped those who were in poor, fatherless, afflicated or needy. Remember, these can be spiritual things as well - maybe you've helped someone who was really struggling with their faith, or someone who had lost their way and didn't believe in the Father (or at least told themselves they didn't believe.) When you helped them, how did you feel? How did they feel?

Christian journaling prompt bonus: As we all know, there is something wonderful that happens inside when we are given the opportunity to really help someone else. But, all too often, we miss those opportunities that are hidden throughout our days. It's like going on an Easter egg hunt but walking past the eggs because we are busy hunting.

In your journal, take some time to think about ways that you can be more receptive and open to these hidden opportunities - the hidden treasures of helping others - that are sewn through the fabric of your days. Or, maybe you would like to call a local shelter and volunteer your time as soon as they are open for the day. Write out a short plan of action that will help you listen closer for those great treasures of helping others during your daily life.

Happy Journaling!

Dee

You know, today I was abundantly blessed by our Father. So much so that I am nearly in tears as I write this - not tears of sadness - but, rather, tears of overwhelming gratefulness and joy.

First, I'm thankful that the Lord is in control of my life. Desperately thankful. And, even when I am not sure why things are happening like they happen - and certainly things aren't happening like I *think they should* - it always amazes and awes me that they are always right. They always turn out for the very best good - better than anything any of us deserve.

Let me clarify this a little bit.

I've been in a weird mental rut lately. I've attributed it to this or to that, but, the fact is - the rut was very real. Sapping my creativity, and making me downright unproductive. I mean, it looked like I was busy - but, at the end of the day, it sure didn't *show*. I've been working on my new online store - Legacy Journals - a project that has been ongoing, and, one that I've felt led in every step of the way - until recently. Recently, as I sit and work on the new site (mind you, these products have been offered in my offline studio for some time with awesome results), I can't seem to stay focused. A minute or two and my mind is wandering off.

Then, I've been having a really tough time writing recently. Everything felt forced - not led. And, I was really beginning to wonder if I had written everything the Spirit meant for me to write. Maybe I was a 4 month writer - write like a crazy person for 4 months and then poof! that was it.

And, to top it off, I've been having a tough time keeping my temper under control - stupid things would irritate me and have me angry.

I was truly at a loss.

"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;"

Here, I knew the next step that I was led to by the Spirit, I knew what needed done, and I had some time to do it - yet, I wasn't getting it done. I wasn't getting *anything* done.

Stagnating.

And, for the life of me, I was at a total loss. I continued to ask God to help me see, help me understand, lead me through this weird wilderness that I hadn't experienced before.


And, today, He answered in so many little ways that in total, it was like an enormous lightning strike - my very own burning bush.
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"And now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You."

~Psalm 39:7 (NKJV)

In your journal, write down what you are waiting for. Is there a prayer you are awaiting an answer to? Maybe an answer to a question that you've asked the Lord to give you guidance on. Take time to write about it in your journal, giving pause to each thing you are waiting on, and slowly, patiently, waiting in between each item, to hear His prompting.

Christian Journaling Prompt Bonus: What are your hopes? Your dreams? Write them in your journal entry. Have you asked the Lord to provide them? How are you waiting? Are you waiting patiently, knowing with full certainty that they will come in His time? Or are you losing hope because it has been a while?

Happy Journaling!

Dee

This Christian journaling prompt, brought to you by FaithMinders - inspirational Christian gifts that celebrate your awesome salvation - is copyright (c) 2005, Dee Kreidel & Saving Grace Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Duplication without permission is not permitted.

I really enjoy summer. Now, there are many reasons for this - one of them being that everything feels so alive, and another being that I can take off a few layers of clothing, and feel the warm breeze on my skin (through one layer of clothing instead of two or three).

But, one of the things I really love about summer is the storms. It's not the destruction that they cause, or the fact that they like to interrupt the electricity - but, the sheer power of them that is beautifully illustrated by the silver lined, dark storm clouds, the dancing rain drops on the patio, the bright strobes of lightning as it flashes across the expansive sky. I love the music of the storms - the deep base of the thunder, the light pitter pat of the rain drops.

While I'm not crazy about the thought of spending another hour in the basement, waiting out a tornado warning, I do look forward to this time of year. God's magnificent glory is so evident, so "in your face" during a storm (and afterward), it's hard for me to imagine how anyone can miss it. How anyone could possibly doubt that God is real and present.

Last night, as I peered out my office window, I caught a glimpse of one thing that a midwestern-er never wants to see - a "green sky". Not grass green - but, there is a definite green to it - and that can only mean one thing - tornadoes are a sure possibility.

As I watched the sky, and listened intently, sure enough, the signal came - there was a tornado nearby. So, I rounded up the kids, grabbed the dogs, and headed to sit in the basement for some "quality family time" - riding out the storm.

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"Only by pride cometh contention; but with the well advised is wisdom."

~Proverbs 13:10

Have you had a time in your life where you were so sure that you were right, you were unwilling to accept the advise of anyone else? And, at that time, did you realize that you were not right, but, wasn't able to admit your mistake? Sometimes, our pride causes all sorts of strife. Internal strife, strife with colleagues, or family. Write about that time in your journal. Using hindsight, where could you have stopped the "pride cycle", changed your attitude, and had the situation turn out completely differently? How can you use that experience to learn and grow?

Christian journaling prompt bonus: Attitude makes a world of difference in our daily lives. What was your attitude like today? What can you do, in the future, to keep your attitude more open to advise?

Happy journaling!

Dee

This Christian journaling prompt is brought to you by FaithMinders, and is copyright (c) 2005, except where otherwise noted. All Rights Reserved. Duplication without permission is not permitted.

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

~Psalm 27:14

Sometimes, courage is a difficult thing to conjure, particularly, when it feels like the Lord is not speaking to you. What, in your life, do you feel you need courage for now? The courage to patiently wait, something that you need strengthening of the heart? In your journal, write about it.

Christian journaling prompt Bonus: Think of a time in the past when you needed a stronger heart, and courage. What was the situation? How did the Lord answer your cry?

Happy Journaling!

Dee

This Christian journaling prompt, brought to you by FaithMinders - bringing you fine handcrafted personalized leather journals, for your writing needs, is copyright (c) 2005, Dee Kreidel & Saving Grace Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Duplication without permission is not permitted.

"Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant."

~Psalm 35:27

In your journal, write a top 20 list - your personal top 20 joy givers. Use this as a praise to the Lord. Don't limit yourself to material possessions, but, truly search your heart to find the top 20 blessings the Lord has bestowed on you that give you great joy.

Happy journaling!

Dee

This Christian Journaling Prompt, brought to you by FaithMinders, is copyright (c) 2005, Dee Kreidel & Saving Grace Enterprises, except where otherwise noted. All Rights Reserved. Duplication without permission is not permitted.

Warning: This entry is written with the utmost love and respect, albeit with great passion - as this lie is one that completely gets my "ire" up. This may be difficult to "hear" for some people, and even more difficult to accept. If your mind is closed and your heart unwilling, you should quit reading now..

There is a great lie being whispered into your ear. You may even hear the lie within your church, among your Christian brethren. But, friend, I urge you to resist believing the lie. This lie is so destructive, so pervasive, that you may unwittingly be listening and believing - and thereby blocking the work of the Spirit in your life - and, even worse, you may be denying everything God wants to bless you with.

Now, before I reveal the lie, I want to be clear. This lie is not from God. This lie is not *of* God - but, it's so insidious, it may not seem to be contrary to scripture at first glance, actually, there are congregations all over the world accepting and furthering this lie. It may seem perfectly harmless, and it is commonly accepted within our society.

Before revealing it, let me remind you that while there are *many* things that are accepted - even propogated within our society - within our world - that does not mean we should accept it. This lie is one that we must fight with all our strength, as it is one that is so deeply ingrained within our world, that we may already have fallen prey to the great deceiver, and this vicious, strength sapping lie.

What is this great lie?

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"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God."

~Psalm 20:7

In the Lion King, there is a line that says something like "Remember who you are". In today's Christian Journaling Prompt scripture, we see the same sentiment - but, from a different perspective. In your journal, take a few moment to consider where you put your trust. Do you put your trust in the numbers & analysis? Or do you put your trust fully in the Lord? Are you constantly reminding yourself *who you are* - that is, a child of the God of the Most High, the One Heavenly Father who wants all that is good for His children? Where you are struggling with your trust or in remembering who you are, and your inheritance?

Happy Journaling!

Dee

This Christian Journaling Prompt is brought to you by FaithMinders - Inspirational Christian Gifts that remind you of who you are, including fine, expertly handcrafted leather journals. Copyright (c) 2005, Dee Kreidel & Saving Grace Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Duplication without permission is not permitted.

"That thou mayest regard discretion,
and that they lips may keep knowledge."

~Proverbs 5:2

Have you ever had a time where you really wanted to say something to someone - knowledge that you *really* wanted to impart, but, instead of sharing it, you used discretion and did not repeat that knowledge that was eager to leap out of your lips? I think almost everyone has had a moment like that. In your journal, take some time to write about the most recent time where this happened. What was the situation? How did it feel to successfully follow this proverb?

Christian Journaling Prompt: Have you had a time when your lips weren't able to keep your knowledge? Throwing discretion aside, you found your lips letting go of a knowledge that should have been kept? If so, what were the results of that? How could you avoid another situation like that?

Happy Journaling!

Dee

Are you looking for the perfect journal to keep your precious thoughts in? A journal that expresses your unique personality, distinguished and extraordinary FaithMinders carries truly individually handcrafted leather journals that are fully customizeable - right down to the cover art! Sure to inspire and express the beautifully extraordinary creation that is you. To discuss customization, feel free to call me, at FaithMinders, at: 888-892-7593!

This Christian journaling prompt is copyright (c) 2005, Dee Kreidel & Saving Grace Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Duplication without permission is not permitted.