Door-Warmer
Well, it’s here. December 2008. Wow, can you believe it? Only another 31 days and then it will be 2009, a new year, a new chapter. Growing In Grace Magazine just published their 11th issue for the month of December, and you will want to check out some of the great articles…. interview, reviews, giveaways, tutorials, education, and spiritual encouragement in December 2008.
I had a lot of fun making the sewing tutorial for one of my columns in GGM, and it took very little money, time, or skill. There were a total of three supplies, three snips, and three seams. I think it turned out so cute and is a lovely winter accent to our home for the winter months. It’s not just for “looks” either… it has a purpose and can help with heating-expenses. Read about the Door-Warmer AND how to make your own in my article at GGM: Portfolio de Couturier: Door Warmer
I imagine perhaps next year I will do one for autumn as well. There are so many fabrics to choose from for seasonal purposes. Making one that matches your bedroom would be so cute.
Blessings!
God’s Will, Really?
Sadly over the past year I have heard of many deaths, from both friends and strangers. It truly saddens my heart. It always confuses me when others who are trying to comfort those grieving say that it was God’s will for their loved one to die, especially a child. You can read just about any book in the Bible and you will find either a verse or a reference to the fact that God wants His people to prosper and live long and happy lives. One of the well-known verses to back this up is in Jeremiah. I know it by heart as it’s one of Mother Dear’s favourite verses.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
God knows exactly what kind of life he wants us to have. He wants us to have thoughts of peace and not of evil, and to have an expected end or in other words a long life full of hope. When people say that it was God’s will for a child or a father to die I fear they are completely wrong. Whenever I hear someone say this I think of Job. I have been reading through the entire Bible for over a year now, just letting God speak to me as I read, and the Book of Job really comforted me in more ways than one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. So many terrible things happened to Job that definitely weren’t God’s perfect will for his life, but God was in control the entire time.
I believe it is a falsehood, however comforting it may be, that it is God’s will for any of His people to die without having lived a full life, but because sin has entered our world when Adam and Eve stepped out from God’s perfect world our lives will be not be perfect.
However we know that all things work together for good. We know that He is always in control. We know that He will never forsake us. We know we have His promise of His return and will be reunited with those who are His children.
27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
The Bible says in this world we will have tribulation, but be of good cheer because He has overcome the world!
32Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Be still. Know He is God.
originally posted in the October issue of GGM: Thorns & Roses: God’s Will
Be Bold, Be Strong
Sometimes it’s hard to be bold and be strong in the faith. Sometimes we don’t see the end of the tunnel. Sometimes we have a hard time walking in faith and victory. I have struggled with these issues of fear, doubt, and dismay, and they can be hard to overcome…. on my own.
Some who read my blog might think I’m a very bold person, but honestly I’m not really. Anyone who’s met in real life knows that I’m not at all a bold or arrogant person. However, I will tell you that I am bold and strong in my faith. I want people to see that being a Christian doesn’t make you weak, it doesn’t constrain you, and it doesn’t hold you back. I want people to see that in Christ I am bold and strong, and I can tackle any obstacle satan puts in my path because my Jesus defeated death. I want to be bold and strong in every area of my life so that I can be the best possible light for Jesus that I can.
Be Bold, Be Strong
Be bold, be strong
For the Lord your God is with you
Be bold, be strong
For the Lord your God is with you
I am not afraid
I am not dismayed
Because I’m walking in faith and victory
Come on and walk in faith and victory
For the Lord your God is with you
The main reason I picked this song this week is because I will be having a phone-interview today (or this week) and I’m really kind of nervous. I don’t do good on the phone and I’ve never spoken with the journalist, and this song reminded and encouraged me that I don’t need to be afraid or dismayed because I’m walking in faith and victory! My name does mean Joyous Victory of the People!
I hope it has encouraged you in some way. Don’t ever be afraid to be bold and strong, or to do what’s right when so many are hover around you with a dissenting opinion. Don’t listen to them. Listen to Christ, and don’t be afraid to ask those who you know to be true for help.
Blessings!
Please join me and do the Saturday Psalm & Praise meme today. Add your SP&P link:
fun, I wondered what you were up...
