Joyful News for Today

"DON'T BE AFRAID!" HE SAID.

"I'LL BRING YOU THE MOST JOYFUL NEWS 
EVER ANNOUNCED, AND IT IS FOR EVERYONE! 

THE SAVIOR - YES, THE MESSIAH, THE LORD - 

HAS BEEN BORN TONIGHT IN BETHLEHEM!"

Luke 2:10, 11 TLB


May you find time to reflect and rejoice in the birth of our Savior. 
May you spend time thinking about what that means to you
 as you close out 2017 and begin 2018.

Merry Christmas to you!
May 2018 be a year full of blessings!

On this day....

And suddenly 

there was with the angel 

a multitude of the heavenly host 

praising God, and saying, 

Glory to God in the highest, 

and on earth peace, 

good will toward men.

Luke 2:13-14 KJV

May you be able to enjoy time with those whom you love today. 

May there be joy and laughter during your celebrations. 

Most importantly, 

may you remember the Christ child

who came to earth on this day

and the miracle of his saving grace for each one of us. 

Merry Christmas to each one of you. 

May 2017 be a year that you can share good will with everyone you meet.

Stacie🎄

My Inspiration this Week from Reading the Bible in 90 Days - 2 Samuel 22:2-3

I've been reading the Bible in 90 days with Amy at MomsToolbox.com as well as many others. We started this journey on July 18 and I kept up until several crisis situations came up that took any and all free time I had. As soon as I would get one under control, another would come up. Seriously. I just had a lot going on and couldn't focus on much. Plus I had deadlines for my paying job that needed my attention. So, I got extremely far behind, which is why I haven't posted anything about my reading lately.

But, the key is I am STILL READING. I haven't given up even though that would be the easy thing to do. I'm still finding snippets of time to soak in the Word and learn from Him.

My latest verse that, as usual, hit me at the perfect time is from 2 Samuel. I've been doing lots of praying the last several weeks for various things going on in our lives. He has been my rock and kept me going through all of my life's struggles.

I hope this verse offers some comfort and support for you today as well.

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My Inspiration This Week from Reading the Bible in 90 Days - Joshua 1:5

Five years ago, I started the Bible in 90 Days Reading Plan, reading with over a thousand others across the world. At that time, I only made it to the Book of Jeremiah, about a month before the finish. I was disappointed in myself but knew I could try it again.

On July 18, 2016, I joined Amy at Moms Toolbox and many others to Read the Bible in 90 Days again. This week while reading I had a crisis come up and it railroaded my reading. I got behind and let other things get in the way. I didn't get all the way through, but I'm doubling up and will catch up this week. I noticed that when I was going through my highlighted verses on my phone, I had highlighted the same verses from my past reading in my Bible. It was comforting that God's words are still ringing true to me five or more years later. But, I did add some new verses to highlight also.

This week the verse that hit me at the perfect time with just the words I needed to hear brought me lots of comfort. When I didn't get time to read a chapter or an entire book, I scrolled back and read this verse and took comfort that God has got my back in this and will find me a way out of this mess.

No one will be able to stand against you

all the days of your life.

As I was with Moses,

so I will be with you.

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Joshua 1:5

Even though this week I felt very alone, I knew someone was watching over me and that was just what I needed.

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A post from today, 2 years ago - I'm Grateful Today

My Inspiration this Week from Reading the Bible in 90 Days - Deuteronomy 5:33

Five years ago, I started the Bible in 90 Days Reading Plan, reading with over a thousand others across the world. At that time, I only made it to the Book of Jeremiah, about a month before the finish. I was disappointed in myself but knew I could try it again.

On July 18, 2016, I joined Amy at Moms Toolbox and many others to Read the Bible in 90 Days again. Many of these passages are coming back to me both from reading before as well as during my years of in depth Bible Study during Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). 

Last week's reading included Leviticus, Numbers and a good chunk of Deuteronomy. Much of it is tedious to read regarding laws, sacrifices, and family geneology. But, plowing through is important and there is a reason behind these teachings. Just be thankful that every time we sin, we don't have to sacrifice a lamb or bull. Although during my "monthly visit" I wouldn't mind a 7 day sabattacal! ;) All that aside, there were numerous important lessons from last week.  The one I would like to focus on really sums up the week and the reason why I am reading the Bible to begin with.

Walk in obedience 

to all that the Lord your God 

has commanded you,

so that you may live and prosper

 and prolong your days

in the land that you will possess.

Deuteronomy 5:33

By walking in obedience with Him, following His teachings, asking for His forgiveness, trusting His faith, and being thankful for His grace, we are allowed a life with Him forever.

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My Inspiration This Week from Reading the Bible in 90 Days - Exodus 14:14

Five years ago, I started the Bible in 90 Days Reading Plan, 

reading with over a thousand others across the world. 

At that time, I only made it to the Book of Jeremiah, about a month before the finish. 

I was disappointed in myself but knew I could try it again.

A few weeks ago, I came across my bookmark for the Bible in 90 Days 

and was thinking about starting the reading again on my own, without a scheduled group. 

I decided to pray about it and wait and see if this was really the right time to do it.

Then a week or so after that day, I received an email from one of the bloggers I follow and leader from the last Bible in 90 Days and guess what, she was starting another session that next week.

I felt like her email was meant for me and knew it was just the nudge I needed.

I commented right away, before I could change my mind, and said I would join her.

Amy at Mom's Toolbox is one busy lady. In fact, during the first week of the readings, she was traveling in Europe during most of that week. If she can find time to read, then I certainly can too.

So, last Monday (July 18) we started reading and the reading should be done October 15, 2016. 

Yes, I will have a lot going on in the coming weeks and will make it very tough for me to find the time, but over this last week, I realized it is very doable. During some down time, rather than going on social media, I would open my Bible app and read. 

I'm not pressuring myself like last time to journal and take notes. I'm just reading...mostly from the app on my phone. That makes the Bible available whenever and wherever I want to read it. Whether I have 5 minutes or an hour. I'm highlighting passages I want to remember, but nothing further. I am just reading and soaking it in.  That alone has made the reading so much easier.

I wanted to share one verse that impacted me last week.

 We read Genesis and Exodus last week and my verse comes from Exodus 14:14. 

"The Lord will fight for you;

you need only to be still."

Exodus 14:14

When I'm struggling with something, I am usually very agitated, always searching for answers, and worrying about my next move. 

This was a reminder I needed to just let God do all that. 

I just need to be patient and be still.

I'll try to share something each week from my reading that impacted me.

It isn't too late to join in the Bible in 90 Days reading. I'd love to read along with you. 

Check in HERE and get your daily reading assignments. 

A post from today, 6 years ago - Hummingbirds

Today is a Good Day

My message to you today is..............................................

May this weekend remind you 

of the great miracle of Jesus's resurrection. 

His death on the cross 

was for you and me and everyone who believes 

that by his death, we have been forgiven. 

By his life, we are saved. 

Just believing that He is your Savior is enough. 

You are enough. 

No works, no good deeds, no money exchanged....

just your faith in His grace 

and knowing in your heart 

that he died for YOU...is enough. 

You are enough. 

You are saved by grace through faith in Him.

Take some silent time this weekend 

to acknowledge this amazing gift we have been given. 

A post from today, 7 years ago - Review: Three Cups of Tea By Greg Mortenson

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Merry Christmas to You All

An ornament that I made in Sunday School over 30 years ago

is still a reminder of 

The Reason for the Season.

"While they were there, 

the time came for the baby to be born, 

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

 She wrapped him in cloths 

and placed him in a manger, 

because there was 

no guest room available for them."

Luke 2:6-7 NIV

May your Christmas be filled with love, laughter, and the light of Jesus in your heart. 

Catching You Up on Life Around Here

Even though I haven't been posting much on here, I have been keeping busy.

I finished this book last week:

I haven't told you about it yet, because I read it for the Cedar Rapids Gazette. The author is an Iowan, near where I grew up.  So, I am doing a feature on her and this book she wrote about her mom.  If you like Memoirs and WWII, this is a book for you! I'll be running my review in mid March after the Gazette runs my feature. I can assure you it is worth the read.  Pick up your copy, HERE.

I'm reading every chance I get.  Right now, on my Kindle I'm reading, The Settling Earth.

It's a collection of short stories and it's holding my interest.  It's a quick read and I hope to tell you about it next week.

I'm also reading Splinters of Light.

It comes out next week and I will have a review for you then as well.

Our boys are in the middle of show choir season, which means our weekends are full.  But, basketball is done, so we get our weeknights back...for a bit.  Until soccer begins.

I'm sick of this cold weather and as I type this, more snow is headed our way.  I know that technically, Spring is just a few weeks away, but it doesn't feel like it is going to get here anytime soon.

Blogging and sharing books I love with all of you brings me such joy. Especially when you share about a book I have told you about and how much you loved it.  That is why I started sharing my love of books with all of you.  But, as I have always said, this is my hobby and many other things come first in my life. So, if I am MIA for a few days or a week.  You'll know that I am just focusing of the other things in life.  But, know that I'll be back, just as soon as I can.

I am also spending time studying God's Word.  That has been my Lent goal and so far I have been sticking with it....7 days in. The truths have been eye-opening and I have been reading and rereading 

several scriptures. I'm reading the SHE READS TRUTH "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross" plan and really like how everything is laid out for me.  I didn't realize how much I missed studying His Word. I used to attend a weekly Bible Study called Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and have missed that daily connection.

These are some of the truths that have spoken to me in these first 7 days.  I'm sharing in case you need some encouragement or hope. If so, it can be found here. 

Romans 3:20 For no one will be justified in His sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law.

Joel 2:13 For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and He relents from sending disaster.

2 Corinthians 5 - Really the whole chapter brought tears to my eyes. I don't know why it was so powerful to me at this time, but it has been one I have read every single day.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Mark 2:17 "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick do need one. I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners." 

Hebrews 12:5-6, 11 My son, do not take the Lord's discipline lightly or faint when you are reproved by Him, for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He receives. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 

Giving Thanks

Today, 

as you fill your bellies, 

laugh with family, 

receive hugs and kisses, 

snuggle under a blanket, 

and catch some extra sleep 

give thanks for health, 

happiness, 

and unconditional love 

because that is really, truly all that we need. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

A Little Monday Inspiration - LOVE

Since February is the month of LOVE, I wanted to share my favorite quotes on LOVE from the Bible every Monday.

May you feel God's LOVE today!

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 

A Little Monday Inspiration - LOVE

Since February is the month of LOVE, I wanted to share my favorite quotes on LOVE from the Bible every Monday.

May you feel God's LOVE today!

1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 

A Little Monday Inspiration - LOVE

Since February is the month of LOVE, I wanted to share my favorite quotes on LOVE from the Bible every Monday.

May you feel God's LOVE today!

Romans 12:9-10
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 

A Little Monday Inspiration - LOVE

Since February is the month of LOVE, I wanted to share my favorite quotes on LOVE from the Bible every Monday.

May you feel God's LOVE today!

John 15:12
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Memory Verse of the Week

In this season of giving and abundance, please remember those who are less fortunate.  Find a family, an organization, a church, or an angel tree at a business and bless someone.  You could even do some of those wonderful random acts of kindness.  Walk in to a homeless shelter and hand out gifts, pay for someone's meal, send a check to a worthy organization, or even adopt a pet from a shelter.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.  

Memory Verse for the Week

This weeks memory verse is actually from the last two weeks.  Since we are closing out the month of November and the week of Thanksgiving, it actually worked out to be the perfect verse.

Psalm 7:17 NIV
I will give thanks to The Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of The Lord Most High.

This print is available for sale HERE.
Photo by Donna Keevers Driver

Memory Verse for the Week

This week I chose a verse that is one of my favorites and yet one I need to be reminded of on an hourly basis.  I rush through each task without really absorbing what I am doing, what I am reading, what I am saying or hearing and am always thinking about the next thing.

This verse has helped me S-L-O-W D-O-W-N.

Psalm 46:10 NIV
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Nothing and No One is bigger than God.  Nothing or No One should be praised more than Him.  Take a moment....or two....today and be still....knowing that God is THE ONE who is all powerful, almighty, and everlasting!

Memory Verse of the Week

This week I chose an favorite and one I need to not only reflect on, but do.

Psalms 46:10 NIV
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. 

Life is busy and quiet time for yourself and with God seem to always take a backseat to everything else in life.  For a couple months, our schedule is a bit slower.  Not quite so many after school activities for the kids which makes our evenings more manageable. It has allowed me to have some much needed quiet time for prayer and reflection as well as memorizing these verses.  For my birthday this year I received two books that allow me to dig deeper in my time with God.  One of them I received from my secret sister at church,SEVEN PRAYERS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER by Stormie Omartian and the other from my sister-in-law, Julie, THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD: Inspiration from the Book of Psalms by Lance Wubbels.  I have skimmed through both of them and have already found some words that I needed to hear.

We all need to take time to Be Still, place our focus on Him and have a conversation with Him.  Allow yourself to be refreshed and remember that you are important to God.  Everything will get done and if it doesn't, it must not have been that important.  Be Still for yourself and for you family.  Take a few moments today.

Books By Lance Wubbels

Memory Verse of the Week

This weeks memory verse for the week is one I have needed to hear.  The daily reminders have been such a blessing to me.  To see my verse and post from last week, click HERE.

Psalm 103:8 NIV
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

He is compassionate and gracious with me after all I do wrong.  I need to do the same with others.  

Have you joined me in memorizing verses?  Let me know your verse in the comments.

My Memory Verse for the Week

Based on the book WOMEN LIVING WELL by Courtney Joseph I've started a new habit.  This is a habit I hope that I can keep for a very long time.  I reviewed WOMEN LIVING WELL earlier this week, (see review HERE) and I decided to incorporate Courtney's idea of memorizing a new verse each week. I will choose a verse related to something I am struggling with or something that is inspiring.  In case you are struggling with some of the same things I am, I thought I would share my verse with you.

I have the verse written out as a reminder on my phone.  Since I was going to be away from home most of this week, I decided that was the best place for it.  Every time I look at my phone, I see the reminder, It is then a good opportunity for me to practice reciting it from memory and then reading it on my phone.  Next week, when I am home more, I plan to write it on the top of my to-do list as well as on a sticky note placed on my bathroom mirror.

As Courtney suggests in her book, place your Bible open to that verse on your counter. Every time you walk by reread the verse.  The verse could also be incorporated as a family verse or a prayer at your meal time or bedtime.

The verse I have been memorizing this week is:

Proverbs 14:29 NIV
Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. 

I just love Proverbs and have a feeling a lot of my memory verses will be coming from there.  Can you imagine having 52 verses memorized for the year?  How awesome would that be?  Join me in memorizing one verse each week!