Teatime Tuesday~Start Every Morning With God~Bible Art Journaling Through James

It's time for Teatime Tuesday! 

Let's start every morning with God!!!

Hope ya'll had a wonderful week! Today I made a nice cup of hot Blueberry Tea with a dash of Stevia in one of my favorite mugs from a Christian Artist: 

Chrissie Grace Designs

The mugs are no longer available but there are 

prints you can buy and frame in her shop. I decided it was finally time to use this sweet Bible Journal Mr. Darling ( Preacher Man ) got me a while back. I had great intentions to use it sooner but just kinda put it off. This darling Bible Journal was found online but also no longer in stock. If your interested in starting a Bible Journal yourself...Don't fret, you can find them out there. Freckles and I have been hoarding cute pens, washie tapes, stickers, stamps etc.... for using in our journaling projects...So we are ready to rock it!! 

My Preacher Man started preaching through the Book of James this last Lord's Day, as we are also doing our own personal family Bible study at home to get a deeper understanding of The Book Of James. So naturally I decided to journal in James too! What a great way to start the morning. With God and His word! I admit I have failed in my morning devotions with the Lord...But we are moving forward with this together using it in our family devotion time. The journaling itself has given me inspiration...I really love the idea that you can make creative pages along with favorite verses throughout scripture...Being that I am a doodler by nature, this is the perfect fit for me.

For me personally, this is the perfect book to be going through. As of late I have been struggling with trials in my life and sometimes they bring me down pretty low. However, it is encouraging to know that my Lord is inspiring me and encouraging me to face these trials with joy!! I have the disposition of letting things get to me and it digs down deep into my heart and soul to where I get depressed or have anxiety...I tense up to where I can't relax my body...

which turns to making myself completely ill. 

Keeping in the word reminds me that I need to rely on Him and ask Him for help and wisdom to get through these trials and not allow them to make me physically sick...But to face them with joy! Let's be real here!!! That is hard...I know. But God knows what we need and what is best for us...The testing of our faith truly can be good for us...and will produce steadfastness! 

I encourage you too, friends! Start a Bible Journal.

Journaling helps you interact with God's word by recording your thoughts on what your reading and  Gong back through your journal can help you reflect what God has shown you in His word. You can do this in your Bible or in a separate notebook...I actually use both. Your journaling method can be as simple as recording thoughts about a passage, or your favorite verse in that passage with some art work or doodles. It's a great way to grow deeper in God's word.

 May the word of God penetrate deep within you! His word is life!

Have a wonderful week ahead!!!

God Answers Prayer~Be Patient

If you have been a long time reader here, you would know the hard seasons we have gone through when it comes to friendships or encouraging people in our lives. It has been a long season of many years and prayers to God that He would bring good friendships our way. It has been years of feeling alone at times. Yes even though we have our little family unit, there is always a crave for friendship with others. I myself still struggle with finding that really good friendship with another woman...And knowing what that has been like made me pray even harder. "Lord please bring, Christian, like minded, fruitful friendships to my girl". The road has been rough with a lot of tears and a lot of hurt feelings by others who just are not so kind. It has been very unfortunate that she has not had a strong family female role model in her life. Yes, she has had me and thank God for that. We are very close and have a delightful relationship.

 But as far as an outside female role model who has sought her out to be an encourager to her, who looks for her to talk, or really takes the time to get to know her has not been there. That is one reason I have been so adamant in being in her life as a mom, a friend and a prayer warrior for both my children. I know her inside and out, I know what she loves, what she dislikes, what her favorite color is or her favorite food. I can tell when she is upset or sad or when she just needs an encouraging hug. I have known her desires to have just one girlfriend at least. Someone in her age group that she can just be a girl with. We have prayed and prayed and prayed and never did we give up. Even though our prayers may seem silly or small to others, they do mean something to God. He cares very much. But, as a Christian we need to trust God. Sometimes He doesn't answer prayers when we want them answered. It is in His good time.He knows what is best. And sometimes our prayers may not be what God thinks is best for us. So as time passed, we still prayed for just one friendship to blossom.

The last handful of years have been the hardest with our transition and change in my husband's career. We have moved a handful of times. We have met some nice people on the way. Then we would have to move again and leave those friendships behind and start all over again. Which is not easy. We keep in touch with only one special family back in So. Cal. But it is so hard because there is quite a distance between us. We moved here a little over a year ago thinking for sure we would meet people right away. Sad thing is the church we attended before my husband started our church plant didn't have much youth there. There were a couple potential girls only a couple years older than my girl, but they never seemed interested in wanting her friendship. She was pretty much ignored week after week. I felt like I promised something to her that didn't happen and it broke my heart. Well, to make a long story short. We started our church plant. Still no youth for my girl...So we decided to put her in the Academy for part time home schooling and joined a speech club. It has been a little over six weeks and I am so thrilled beyond words to share with you...God answers prayers, even the little ones that don't seem like they significant. God has answered our prayers with friendships for my girl.

Day one she felt like she actually fit in with the girls in her class and even some that are not even in her classes wanted to get to know her. She has been so happy. I have watched her bloom even more so, in just the last several weeks. She actually isn't as shy as we thought. There are girls even more shy than her. She chuckles about it now. She hangs out and exchanges giggles and hugs, she has been invited to a few engagements like swimming parties and movies and has had a sleepover.

 A couple weeks ago she came to me and said.. 

HER: "I'm not sure why they like me mom."

 ME: "uhhhh! Are you kidding??!!!"

 "Because they see you for who you are inside and out, you glow with special qualities and sweetness with lot's of love to give and so much to offer and they want to get to know you...

Because well, you are just so awesome"! 

God is good.

 He is always good. Even when we don't see it right away.

 He is always at work for us. We just need to trust Him.

We need to be patient. 

But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day! 

~ Habakkuk 2:3

Summer So Far....

Hey there, just checkin' in to say a little hello. Hope your Summer is going well. Not too much going on here since we just found out Mr. Darling has Bronchial pneumonia/pneumonia in his right lung and asma. Poor dear got worse this last week though he has never felt completely well since Winter when we were all hit with bronchitus really bad. The doctor was concerned if he should be hospitalized or not, will find out if he has improved on Friday. Prayfully he will not have to have a hospital stay. Please pray he will get better. Still no news on our move...We are completly waiting on the Lord. Though I have started packing several boxes of stuff I won't need. Might as well get a head start on hard work ahead of us, just to make it a bit easier and prepared. Well anyways....Last week we got to hang with Lee Koch for a few after church. Him and his wife are the sweetest people. If you don't know who he is a part from being our brother in Christ. He is a talented musician who was recently on that Voice show.

 

Check him out here.

 He is blessed with a voice that is for sure.

   

Our family also spent a time in the wine country and watched a band while eating dinner.

 It was well...alright. But still fun to go on a little adventure with my fam.

   

No huge plans as of now for the rest of the weekend. Probably will be laying low since my dear Mr. Darling is ill. That's all I care for, I just pray to God he will get better.

Hope you are all having a good Summer.

 Any plans?

Covering Him In Prayer...

 
I miss him when he is not with me. My dear Mr. Darling flew off to Washington this last week to attend some meetings, to exhort ( preach) and to be examined for licensure. All complicated... but is something that has to be done before his is ordained as a pastor. Today he will stand before the examiners. I am fully confident that he will do exceptionally well. This is really exciting for our family and a big piece of the puzzle that will fill everything in regards to our future and possibilities will open for where we will move and work. My mind is fully on him, I couldn't sleep. I have been praying and missing him something awful. He will be going back to our home church in Washington on Sunday to preach for our old congregation than be on a plane Monday morn, back into our arms...The big day is almost here. He graduates from Seminary. It has been a long road which we are ever so grateful and indebted
 to Christ alone for the opportunity to serve Him better.

Today I am on my knees, praying...Covering my husband in prayer. I love that man.
Please if you would kindly pray for us too.
Have a wonderful weekend.

It's March Alredy? Hello March....

It's March. I can't believe it. Spring is in the air. We have spent just about the whole Winter ill with something...But all through that I am trying to keep a big ole smile on my face and move forward. Since having pneumonia earlier this month...my son and I have not gotten any better. I have officially been coughing for 4 weeks. So we both went to the Doctors on Tuesday, and found out we have bronchitis. So off to taking antibiotics and prayerfully on  the road to a full recovery. Perhaps my favorite flowery top will cheer things up a bit. ha ha.
 
Our daughter ( Freckles) came home from camp on Sunday...She made it and I didn't have to worry about a thing. She had a blast with her friends and won first place in their skit...She was exhausted when she got home and unfortunately we didn't have much time to talk before we got a dreadful call from my mom that my Gramma was in the hospital. By the evening they had put her in the ICU. I wasn't sure if this was it...My mom and sister were a wreck so I drove up to give them support and to see my Gramma. her blood pressure was something in the realm of 70ish over 20ish something....And kidneys were on the verge of failure. My mom said she just wasn't herself for several days, talking nonsense gibberish, and almost drinking soap. I was shocked. We were all there in the waiting room...waiting, finally had the chance to see her. She wasn't herself. We prayed and waited around and saw her up to her own room in ICU. I decided to stay at my mom's with my sister just in case she worsened throughout the night. We tried to sleep...It was hard to rest with a clear mind...Thankfully no call was made so we made it over to the hospital and saw her. She was 10X's better, a bit confused as to everything that occurred, she did not remember any of it. Poor Gramma was trying to piece it all together in her mind. She had me write her a note that we were there, the time the date, just so she wouldn't forget we were there. We had the chance to talk to the doc...He said she had probably taken so much meds.... possibly forgetting she took it and what she took to the point of practically overdosing herself. Poor Gramma. She is getting older and has been a concern of possible dementia...The Doc. said , yes that is also the case. (sigh). After a couple days in the hospital she was able to go home...My mom will now be administering her meds. Thank God. Now to keep her mentally challenged as much as possible. I pray she will be with us for many more years. I cannot fathom her forgetting who we are, my heart would break. I am grateful for the wonderful times we have recently spent with her visiting and talking all about her life in Latvia and Germany and her meeting my Grampa and coming to America. It is forever embedded in my heart and mind. Those are the times I wish to remember with her. Please keep her in prayer and for my family to cope with it all.

To add to my One Thousand Gifts list:
46. I am thankful for the breath of life
47. The wonderful opportunity for my daughter to spread her wings a bit
48. Family
49. For the Lord's healing hands
50. My Gramma's strength, making it through this hurtle...keep praying for that strength.

Sunday.....

 
Today I am thankful for:
66. Church
67. The Bible
68. The Lord's Day
69. Singing Hymns
70. The Lord's Supper

Rain....

   
I am thankful for:
21. The rain on my face
22. Rain tapping on my window
23. Singing in the rain
24. The smell of rain
25. Splashing in Rain puddles
***
We have rain.. Who knows if it will last. I can tell you this much...We really needed it. Makes me miss our old home in Washington, where it rains all the time. I am hoping it will rain all weekend...just a nice change from hot scorching sun. have a wonderful weekend.

Pray.....

 

Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year...

Departing summer hath assumed
An aspect tenderly illumed,
The gentlest look of spring;
That calls from yonder leafy shade
Unfaded, yet prepared to fade,
A timely carolling.
- William Wordsworth, September


"Beauty is one of the rare things
 that do not lead to doubt of God."
- Jean Anouilh


"Even if something is left undone,
everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."
- Elizabeth Lawrence



In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year,
 bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil.
 And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time,
 do we get such superb colour effects as
from August to November."
- Rose G. Kingsley, The Autumn Garden


"Youth is like spring, an over-praised season more remarkable for biting winds than genial breezes.
Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits."
- Samuel Butler


“But I remember more dearly autumn afternoons in bottoms
 that lay intensely silent under old great trees”
- C. S. Lewis


"Just before the death of flowers,
And before they are buried in snow,
There comes a festival season
When nature is all aglow."
- Author Unknown
*******
"Crown'd with the sickle, and the sheaten sheaf,
While Autumn, nodding o'er the yellow plain,
Comes jovial on."
- James Thomson, Autumn, 1730

“Dear God, thank you for the warm, sunny days of summer and all the fun we had, especially our times spent with our friends.... For various activities Fall has to offer us, including spending time outside, walks around our neighborhood, bike riding, nature walks, apple picking, picnics, drinking hot coco, wearing sweaters,  field trips and tea parties . Let us live with joy in the world You’ve given us, now and always. Amen

Bible For Breakfast...

Source
My husband always says...Just like we need to eat breakfast in the morning to fill us...all the more we need the Bible for Breakfast to feed our souls. So true! I will be honest...There are mornings I don't feed my spirit...for whatever reasons be it I am undisciplined. Thank God for the husband I have for always encouraging me/us to fill our minds and bodies with the word of God with our children at breakfast time.
"People need more than bread for their life:They must feed on every word of God"
~Matthew 4:4

Every most mornings Freckles and I read from our 6 month track...It has taken longer than 6 months...But happy to report we are almost done with it. We will have read scripture in every book of the Bible. These days...we have been a lot more diligent in reading the Bible for breakfast...Because I know that I need it and my kids need it and because God calls us to read the word. It really has been a great way to start the day. My dear husband also says...
You wouldn't starve yourself from food right?, so why would your starve yourself of the word?"

Now since school will be starting back up our family won't have the same schedule.BOOOO!!!! Mr. Darling has classes during the week which will take much of the day and Maestro has started a couple classes in college which will keep him from a normal morning routine. My hubby though, as disciplined as he is reads the word every morning over coffee...As our son and a few friends who are also attending college with him have pulled together to read and discuss scripture as their devotions. This gives me complete joy.
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. ~3 John: 4
 So looks like it's just me and Freckles most days...
I feel very strongly our mornings with God and Bible for breakfast
 is a priority we need to focus our day.

Not only do we read the word...We also pray. Mr. Darling wrote up a whole little prayer booklet for Freckles to use as prayer guides for morning prayer, meals and night prayers as well. It is so neat. So each morning we read the morning prayer together and pray for others and the goings on.
"Pray without ceasing"
~1 Thessalonians 5:17

"The family that prays together stays together"

Another part of our devotion time is reading from this devotion. I read it to Freckles and she looks up the scripture verses and reads them aloud. Then we talk about it. We also got her a Faith Journal where she can write down her thoughts, joys, fears and take it to the Lord in prayer.

When we walk by the Spirit the fruit of the Spirit will be evident in our lives:
 love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
-Galatians 5:16, 22-23
****
I pray you too will start your day of with your Bible for breakfast...It will keep you going all day long!
Blessings!