Before I share the post, I want to tell you about something I have done for the last two years. I choose a word of the year. I use it in decorating my art room. I also post Scripture that are about or contain my word of the year on the walls. I post things that inspire me on the walls in my art room. I call them my "Walls of Inspiration." The first year I chose the word "Joy." I really searched for it to add it for my life...let me tell you the closer you get to the Lord...the more joy you will have in your life. This year was a bit different. I didn't use a word, I used a phrase. "I am trusting God...for Everything!"
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Many Winners for the "Card of the Week!"
Hi Everyone~
Happy Friday! I do I apologize for my lack of Wednesday's post, and for the tardiness of todays. I am really sick of being sick! Dave is back at work for 2 days, but is still in pretty rough shape himself. I'd like to welcome our new Followers, and thank all of you who come to the blog on a regular visit!
Let's get to the "Winners of the Card of the Week!" I told you on Wednesday, that I was so sorry for not feeling up to doing the "Card of the Week," drawing and that there would be a surprise this week.
Well, here it is: Everyone who left a comment during the allotted time will win a wonderful card and envelope for your use. We always hope that you will use it to share about the Love of, or for, Jesus Christ, or about His Holy Word, or perhaps you will share about what the Gift of Salvation can mean to a person. It is up to you. Just know that each card sent out is prayed over, and they carry the promises of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Today's Winners are: jcb, Francie, SeaMom, Grace, Deb S., Chrissy D.! Congratulations to each of you! I can not thank you enough for your comments. So Ladies, please email me your mailing address by Tuesday 8pm to receive your card and envelope! If for some reason you do not want to receive your card, simply let me know that you'd rather I donate it to a charity I work with, or don't send me your current address, and your card will go back into the He IS Able Blog's card-stash. Important: Even if I know your address, it is important to email me and let me know it, so I can make sure it is up to date, and it tells me that you do want to receive it. Anyone can leave a comment between now and Tuesday 8pm to be eligible for next week's "Card of the Week" random drawing! Any topic. Winner will be announced Wednesday.
Also, anyone who is willing to email me with their thoughts of Love for the Lord or from the Lord, please do so. We are having a special sharing time on Love in February. You could write your favorite Scripture about love and why, or your favorite love story in the Bible, how you show your love for Him, or vice versa. There are so many options. I thank you who have already sent in your ideas. You are not limited to one entry. This is your chance to serve the Lord by sharing in a big way here on the blog. Plus, it is something that you could forward to your family, and share with them....sometimes the typed words are easier said that verbal words. You are loved for considering stepping up and participating in your blog! That's right! This is your blog...you can write in it anytime...just email me, and I will enter it.
I felt good enough on Saturday to go out, get my flu shot, and spend the day in my art room, I made a few cards. This card went out to Pat and Bubba--1st time Grandparents! Congratulations! I love this image! And, I used the side of a tissue box...light yellow and blue stripes right under the baby. A light blue hounds- tooth paper for the larger rectangle with some bright blue gems stands vertically. I thought this Verse was perfect to pray over the birth of a child! (Or any other time!)
You should see the neon colors of this paper and in the butterflies themselves! I added a chipboard bright and sparkly flower on the bottom of the card. There is a neon colored strip of paper embossed by Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder.
This card was made for my Brother-in-Law, Tom's Birthday. He just retired from the military, and usually he avoids eating his birthday cake because he will have a mandatory run just around the corner. Now, he can have his cake made by Chef Voila and eat it, too!
Happy Birthday, Tom!
This is a card for Tom's daughter, Amber!
I loved making these whimsical flowers. I stamped them on vellum, they have dots on the flowers...so I used my Sakura Souffle Gel Pens and polka-dotted the front of the flowers. Flipped them over and colored the back of the flower in a slightly-lighter shade of a Sakura Souffle Gel Pen. I used Sakura Glaze and Gel pens on the leaves and stems. I love how it came out.
I hope you enjoyed taking a look at first of my cards in about weeks! If you know someone who has won "A Card of the Week," please have them contact this blog, or me personally.
I hope you all enjoy a weekend of beautiful weather, and that you all find time to play in your art areas! Please be sure to take a look at card of the week donated for next week. I hope to see you on Monday!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Happy Friday! I do I apologize for my lack of Wednesday's post, and for the tardiness of todays. I am really sick of being sick! Dave is back at work for 2 days, but is still in pretty rough shape himself. I'd like to welcome our new Followers, and thank all of you who come to the blog on a regular visit!
Let's get to the "Winners of the Card of the Week!" I told you on Wednesday, that I was so sorry for not feeling up to doing the "Card of the Week," drawing and that there would be a surprise this week.
Well, here it is: Everyone who left a comment during the allotted time will win a wonderful card and envelope for your use. We always hope that you will use it to share about the Love of, or for, Jesus Christ, or about His Holy Word, or perhaps you will share about what the Gift of Salvation can mean to a person. It is up to you. Just know that each card sent out is prayed over, and they carry the promises of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Today's Winners are: jcb, Francie, SeaMom, Grace, Deb S., Chrissy D.! Congratulations to each of you! I can not thank you enough for your comments. So Ladies, please email me your mailing address by Tuesday 8pm to receive your card and envelope! If for some reason you do not want to receive your card, simply let me know that you'd rather I donate it to a charity I work with, or don't send me your current address, and your card will go back into the He IS Able Blog's card-stash. Important: Even if I know your address, it is important to email me and let me know it, so I can make sure it is up to date, and it tells me that you do want to receive it. Anyone can leave a comment between now and Tuesday 8pm to be eligible for next week's "Card of the Week" random drawing! Any topic. Winner will be announced Wednesday.
Also, anyone who is willing to email me with their thoughts of Love for the Lord or from the Lord, please do so. We are having a special sharing time on Love in February. You could write your favorite Scripture about love and why, or your favorite love story in the Bible, how you show your love for Him, or vice versa. There are so many options. I thank you who have already sent in your ideas. You are not limited to one entry. This is your chance to serve the Lord by sharing in a big way here on the blog. Plus, it is something that you could forward to your family, and share with them....sometimes the typed words are easier said that verbal words. You are loved for considering stepping up and participating in your blog! That's right! This is your blog...you can write in it anytime...just email me, and I will enter it.
This card was made for my Brother-in-Law, Tom's Birthday. He just retired from the military, and usually he avoids eating his birthday cake because he will have a mandatory run just around the corner. Now, he can have his cake made by Chef Voila and eat it, too!
Happy Birthday, Tom!
I loved making these whimsical flowers. I stamped them on vellum, they have dots on the flowers...so I used my Sakura Souffle Gel Pens and polka-dotted the front of the flowers. Flipped them over and colored the back of the flower in a slightly-lighter shade of a Sakura Souffle Gel Pen. I used Sakura Glaze and Gel pens on the leaves and stems. I love how it came out.
I hope you enjoyed taking a look at first of my cards in about weeks! If you know someone who has won "A Card of the Week," please have them contact this blog, or me personally.
I hope you all enjoy a weekend of beautiful weather, and that you all find time to play in your art areas! Please be sure to take a look at card of the week donated for next week. I hope to see you on Monday!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Try as I may...
Hi Everyone,
Well, try as I may I seem to have caught the bronchial illness that is going around. Dave has been home from it since Friday. I started this blog this morning, posted a couple of cards to my computer to share...and all of a sudden I was waking up at 7 or8pm! I thought it was morning!
There is no way I can get a post out today. I am praying for each of you. That you do not catch any of this, and that you are all well. And, that your families are well. That Jesus is watching over each of you, as He is me, too.
I will be back either tomorrow or Friday. The "Card of the Week" Winner will be announced then...and there may be a surprise announcement then! Please be sure to leave your comment in the comment section. This would be a great time to send (email) your message about LOVE. We'd love to see it!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Well, try as I may I seem to have caught the bronchial illness that is going around. Dave has been home from it since Friday. I started this blog this morning, posted a couple of cards to my computer to share...and all of a sudden I was waking up at 7 or8pm! I thought it was morning!
There is no way I can get a post out today. I am praying for each of you. That you do not catch any of this, and that you are all well. And, that your families are well. That Jesus is watching over each of you, as He is me, too.
I will be back either tomorrow or Friday. The "Card of the Week" Winner will be announced then...and there may be a surprise announcement then! Please be sure to leave your comment in the comment section. This would be a great time to send (email) your message about LOVE. We'd love to see it!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Pleasing God--Trust Him More! And, All About LOVE!
Hi Everyone~
Wow! I hope all of you are staying away from this bronchitis, sinus, flu type thing! Dave has had it since Friday morning, and it has knocked him over like a bowling pin at a bowling alley. He NEVER misses work. He has missed two days and the weekend fun from it already! And, I have been trying to help take care of him, make jello, keep his water glass filled, make sure he takes his medications, vitamins, and aspirin on time and plump this pillows of course. All the time trying not to catch it! It sounds horrible! I have however, developed a serious case of sleep deprivation. He is coughing all night...guess what happens? I don't sleep! Amazing correlation. So, I apologize if I haven't been leaving comments as usual, or having art ready to share.
I apologize this is going out so late today. I woke up this morning left him on the couch, and my Mom drove me to one of my doctor's and back to the pharmacy and grocery store. (Thank you, Mom!) And, then I came home and fell asleep....much needed.
I am so glad we have something delightful to share about today. Help me get my mind off of all of this illness...which would usually hit me right before we leave to fly up to see my very sweet Father-in-Law! FIL) (Which is in 3 weeks!)
Can you believe I am still working my way through the end of Chapter 8 and the beginning of Chapter 9 of The Purpose Driven Life written by the wonderful author Rick Warren? I am! I am enjoying this book so much, I am reading every sentence a couple of times, and then cross-referencing it to my Bible.
Think of LOVE while we are reading and sharing. That is the main topic for February. I am asking you to consider sharing something you write, a segment perhaps about what you LOVE about the Lord, or His amazing LOVE for you, or your favorite show of LOVE in the Bible, or your favorite LOVE Scripture, or a time when you knew He was LOVING you, being with you during a time you may not have deserved it, or a difficult time...you get the picture, right? If you're not sure...I'm sure you are right! It can be 2 lines or 2 pages. You decide. Please email it to me at the email on the right side bar. Please put LOVE or He IS Able in the subject line. I LOVE all of you for considering your participation in this ministry, and how you will use this opportunity to serve Him. Thanks so much!
OK-- here is a shocker! According to Mr. Warren, the author, worship is not for our benefit. As we have previously learned, our life purpose is to please God. So, why would all of that beautiful music, and plays, and activities be there for us? They aren't. Primarily, those activities that you do in church, are to please Him. He finds joy in you when you serve others or Himself. If you are in the choir...He is pleased if you are singing to Him. Of course, most worship also include fellowship, evangelism, edification...and one on one time with God.
"These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men." Isaiah 29
I feel a dull "thud" in my chest when I read that. Don't you? He is telling us that we, His people...were letting Him...the One who is All Mighty down. He wants our hearts to be in it...and He wants us to mean what we say and do. That is what this means to me. He doesn't want us to just go through the routine of saying good morning, and starting our day in prayer. He wants us to enjoy the time with Him. Do you have any other thoughts about this Scripture above? Please, leave a comment. I'd like to read it.
"How is it possible to do everything to the glory of God? By doing everything as if you were doing if for Jesus and by carrying on a continual conversation with him while you do it." states Mr. Warren.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
Mr. Warren continues, "Work becomes worship when you dedicate it to God and perform it with an awareness of His presence."
"Take your every day, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to work, and walking-around life---and place it before God as an offering." Romans 12:1
Take a peek at these Scriptures telling us how we can please God:
"Noah consistently followed God's will and enjoyed a close relationship with Him." Genesis 6:9
Jesus called the following the Greatest Commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." Matthew 22:37-38
God also smiles when we trust Him completely. I think this is such a simple belief to have. After all, HE is GOD! But, sometimes, my being a human gets in the way, and I want to take back control (did I ever really have it?), or I think I have a faster plan or (don't laugh,) a better plan! Trusting God in a complete way is an act of worship...and may take practice!
"He takes pleasure in those that honor Him; in those who trust in His constant love." Psalm 147:11
Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what is best for your life. You expect Him to keep His promises, help you with problems, and sometimes do the impossible when necessary. The Bible states, "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6
Trusting God is an act of worship! In what area have you been trusting God a little more? A lot more? I would love to read about such acts of faith! I am sure the other guests would also.
If you are willing--how about sharing with us in the comment section? Or you could write about anything else. If you leave a comment you will be automatically entered in our random drawing for the Fabulous "Card of the Week" shown on the sidebar! Be sure to leave your comment before 8pm Tuesday, and come back on Wednesday afternoon to see if you were chosen to receive it. If yes, you will receive the card, an extra envelope, and postage for it, here in the United States.
I hope you saw a few opportunities on how you can please God and make Him smile more. I wanted to make sure that you were aware that we (Michele, Wendy and I) do not receive anything for the number of comments we receive. It is really the only way we hear what you want to say. I love to read your answers to our conversations, your feedback on the blog, your thoughts and questions. But, we do not win an award for a certain number of comments or Followers. I just wanted you to know that. (Because I ask you to comment so often.) Oh, if you leave us a question in the comment section, please be sure to leave an email address, so we can answer you! Or email me...I will get it to Michele if it is for her.
Please, enjoy your week. Consider practicing trusting God more. You may want to think about wearing a mask to work, if someone is coughing, and they won't wear one. Lysol your phone--both parts, your door knobs to your office, and spray a paper towel and dust your keyboard. Hopefully, you will get through the season without getting this horrible bronchitis-icky type stuff. I hope you will really consider sharing about Love for February, please send in your sharing any time now. It would be such a blessing to have post after post about Love. A special type of Love. Please email me. May God bless each of you!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
p.s. Wednesday, please join us as the "Card of the Week" Winner is announced and hopefully, my scrapbook page for the ABC Scripture Challenge page "B for Bible" will be shared.
Wow! I hope all of you are staying away from this bronchitis, sinus, flu type thing! Dave has had it since Friday morning, and it has knocked him over like a bowling pin at a bowling alley. He NEVER misses work. He has missed two days and the weekend fun from it already! And, I have been trying to help take care of him, make jello, keep his water glass filled, make sure he takes his medications, vitamins, and aspirin on time and plump this pillows of course. All the time trying not to catch it! It sounds horrible! I have however, developed a serious case of sleep deprivation. He is coughing all night...guess what happens? I don't sleep! Amazing correlation. So, I apologize if I haven't been leaving comments as usual, or having art ready to share.
I apologize this is going out so late today. I woke up this morning left him on the couch, and my Mom drove me to one of my doctor's and back to the pharmacy and grocery store. (Thank you, Mom!) And, then I came home and fell asleep....much needed.
I am so glad we have something delightful to share about today. Help me get my mind off of all of this illness...which would usually hit me right before we leave to fly up to see my very sweet Father-in-Law! FIL) (Which is in 3 weeks!)
Can you believe I am still working my way through the end of Chapter 8 and the beginning of Chapter 9 of The Purpose Driven Life written by the wonderful author Rick Warren? I am! I am enjoying this book so much, I am reading every sentence a couple of times, and then cross-referencing it to my Bible.
Think of LOVE while we are reading and sharing. That is the main topic for February. I am asking you to consider sharing something you write, a segment perhaps about what you LOVE about the Lord, or His amazing LOVE for you, or your favorite show of LOVE in the Bible, or your favorite LOVE Scripture, or a time when you knew He was LOVING you, being with you during a time you may not have deserved it, or a difficult time...you get the picture, right? If you're not sure...I'm sure you are right! It can be 2 lines or 2 pages. You decide. Please email it to me at the email on the right side bar. Please put LOVE or He IS Able in the subject line. I LOVE all of you for considering your participation in this ministry, and how you will use this opportunity to serve Him. Thanks so much!
OK-- here is a shocker! According to Mr. Warren, the author, worship is not for our benefit. As we have previously learned, our life purpose is to please God. So, why would all of that beautiful music, and plays, and activities be there for us? They aren't. Primarily, those activities that you do in church, are to please Him. He finds joy in you when you serve others or Himself. If you are in the choir...He is pleased if you are singing to Him. Of course, most worship also include fellowship, evangelism, edification...and one on one time with God.
"These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men." Isaiah 29
I feel a dull "thud" in my chest when I read that. Don't you? He is telling us that we, His people...were letting Him...the One who is All Mighty down. He wants our hearts to be in it...and He wants us to mean what we say and do. That is what this means to me. He doesn't want us to just go through the routine of saying good morning, and starting our day in prayer. He wants us to enjoy the time with Him. Do you have any other thoughts about this Scripture above? Please, leave a comment. I'd like to read it.
"How is it possible to do everything to the glory of God? By doing everything as if you were doing if for Jesus and by carrying on a continual conversation with him while you do it." states Mr. Warren.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
Mr. Warren continues, "Work becomes worship when you dedicate it to God and perform it with an awareness of His presence."
"Take your every day, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to work, and walking-around life---and place it before God as an offering." Romans 12:1
Take a peek at these Scriptures telling us how we can please God:
"Noah consistently followed God's will and enjoyed a close relationship with Him." Genesis 6:9
Jesus called the following the Greatest Commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." Matthew 22:37-38
God also smiles when we trust Him completely. I think this is such a simple belief to have. After all, HE is GOD! But, sometimes, my being a human gets in the way, and I want to take back control (did I ever really have it?), or I think I have a faster plan or (don't laugh,) a better plan! Trusting God in a complete way is an act of worship...and may take practice!
"He takes pleasure in those that honor Him; in those who trust in His constant love." Psalm 147:11
Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what is best for your life. You expect Him to keep His promises, help you with problems, and sometimes do the impossible when necessary. The Bible states, "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6
Trusting God is an act of worship! In what area have you been trusting God a little more? A lot more? I would love to read about such acts of faith! I am sure the other guests would also.
If you are willing--how about sharing with us in the comment section? Or you could write about anything else. If you leave a comment you will be automatically entered in our random drawing for the Fabulous "Card of the Week" shown on the sidebar! Be sure to leave your comment before 8pm Tuesday, and come back on Wednesday afternoon to see if you were chosen to receive it. If yes, you will receive the card, an extra envelope, and postage for it, here in the United States.
I hope you saw a few opportunities on how you can please God and make Him smile more. I wanted to make sure that you were aware that we (Michele, Wendy and I) do not receive anything for the number of comments we receive. It is really the only way we hear what you want to say. I love to read your answers to our conversations, your feedback on the blog, your thoughts and questions. But, we do not win an award for a certain number of comments or Followers. I just wanted you to know that. (Because I ask you to comment so often.) Oh, if you leave us a question in the comment section, please be sure to leave an email address, so we can answer you! Or email me...I will get it to Michele if it is for her.
Please, enjoy your week. Consider practicing trusting God more. You may want to think about wearing a mask to work, if someone is coughing, and they won't wear one. Lysol your phone--both parts, your door knobs to your office, and spray a paper towel and dust your keyboard. Hopefully, you will get through the season without getting this horrible bronchitis-icky type stuff. I hope you will really consider sharing about Love for February, please send in your sharing any time now. It would be such a blessing to have post after post about Love. A special type of Love. Please email me. May God bless each of you!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
p.s. Wednesday, please join us as the "Card of the Week" Winner is announced and hopefully, my scrapbook page for the ABC Scripture Challenge page "B for Bible" will be shared.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Sing Your Praise to the Lord!
Good Morning~
I hope you have all enjoyed your week, and are ready for the weekend! Remember when we first started sharing about ways to please God? Well, we read that worship was not only done with singing. Well, now it's time to read a bit about singing as a form of worship! And there are many Scriptures telling us about it. Today's post includes several of them. Enjoy!
"O sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the earth."
Psalm 96:1
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14
I continue to be ill, and extremely exhausted, and have only made one card in the past week. I hope to be able to play in my art-room this weekend!
Today we will read about:
The Importance of Praising God Through Song Dr. Jack Graham
Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens! Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe! Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! Psalm 150:1-6
It was Billy Sunday who said we need to "Yank some of the groans out of (our) prayers and shove in some shouts." And of course, one of the most precious and beautiful ways to praise God is to sing the name of Jesus.
I'll tell you, I just love singing to the Lord. In fact, there are times I even make up songs. Now they're not fit for human consumption. In fact, they're not fit for anybody but the Lord! But I'll be driving down the road sometimes, just singing and praising God. It's great!
Now I realize that most of us aren't professional recording artists and many might not like to sing. But one clear truth we find in the Scripture is that God wants us to praise him with music.
Musical praise isn't just limited to those on stage with microphones. No, singing praises to God should be done by "everything that has breath!"
So next time you're driving down the road by yourself, turn the radio down and sing a few songs to the Lord. You'll be amazed how it feels to express your heart to your audience of one!
PRAISING GOD THROUGH MUSIC IS A COMMAND FOR EVERYONE. SO USE YOUR VOICE TO EXPRESS YOUR LOVE TO HIM!
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your name. O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and Your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy." Psalm 92:1-4
May you have a wonderful and blessed weekend! I pray that you will sing praise all through your day. I pray that you will notice the many things for which we can offer praise to the Lord. Open your eyes. Look around. Praise Him for anything and everything. That's what we are here for. To praise Him (through our life's actions.)
"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, and all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the wound of melody!" Psalm 94:4-5
He IS Able,
Traci S.
I hope you have all enjoyed your week, and are ready for the weekend! Remember when we first started sharing about ways to please God? Well, we read that worship was not only done with singing. Well, now it's time to read a bit about singing as a form of worship! And there are many Scriptures telling us about it. Today's post includes several of them. Enjoy!
"O sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the earth."
Psalm 96:1
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14
I continue to be ill, and extremely exhausted, and have only made one card in the past week. I hope to be able to play in my art-room this weekend!
Today we will read about:
- Psalm 150:1-6,71:22-23, Psalm 96:1, Psalm 90:14,
- Psalm 92:1, Psalm 94:4-5
- Dr. Jack Graham's Column Power Point "The Importance of Praising God Through Song" (shared with permission by Power Point.)
The Importance of Praising God Through Song Dr. Jack Graham
Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens! Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe! Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! Psalm 150:1-6
It was Billy Sunday who said we need to "Yank some of the groans out of (our) prayers and shove in some shouts." And of course, one of the most precious and beautiful ways to praise God is to sing the name of Jesus.
I'll tell you, I just love singing to the Lord. In fact, there are times I even make up songs. Now they're not fit for human consumption. In fact, they're not fit for anybody but the Lord! But I'll be driving down the road sometimes, just singing and praising God. It's great!
Now I realize that most of us aren't professional recording artists and many might not like to sing. But one clear truth we find in the Scripture is that God wants us to praise him with music.
Musical praise isn't just limited to those on stage with microphones. No, singing praises to God should be done by "everything that has breath!"
So next time you're driving down the road by yourself, turn the radio down and sing a few songs to the Lord. You'll be amazed how it feels to express your heart to your audience of one!
PRAISING GOD THROUGH MUSIC IS A COMMAND FOR EVERYONE. SO USE YOUR VOICE TO EXPRESS YOUR LOVE TO HIM!
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your name. O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and Your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy." Psalm 92:1-4
May you have a wonderful and blessed weekend! I pray that you will sing praise all through your day. I pray that you will notice the many things for which we can offer praise to the Lord. Open your eyes. Look around. Praise Him for anything and everything. That's what we are here for. To praise Him (through our life's actions.)
"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, and all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the wound of melody!" Psalm 94:4-5
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Card of the Week Winner/ Does Being Joyful Please God?
Hi Everyone~
I hope everyone had a chance to visit the blogs that I chose to pass on the award to...they were all so unique and their blogs are so different! I hope you left them some He IS Able blog love. And, I thank you for your beautiful comments. I love to read them! It is nice knowing someone is out there, you know what I mean? I recently purchased a book with the title,
The Joy of the Lord is My Strength by Summerside Press. I love it. It is a celebration of Joy, and I want to share many of them with you today.
Pass it on: "Let us keep the joy of loving Jesus in our hearts. And, let's share that joy with everyone we meet. Passing on joy is something which is very natural. We have no reason for not being joyful, since Christ is with us. Christ is in our hearts." ~Mother Teresa
We have been sharing about ways to please God. How to make Him smile.
This post is going to be covered with quotes and Scriptures for you to add to your collection of "JOY." I hope you will read this, and then come back and really concentrate on what that piece is really sharing with you, what is it really trying to say?
Joy and Harmony: "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing." Psalm 100:1-2
The Scriptures concentrate on many different areas of your life where you could easily find joy! When you are done concentrating on the quotes and Scriptures, how about taking a look at your life, and see if you please Him in each of these ways? You may want to add one or two things to your and your children's lives!
Congratulations to jcb! What a precious and fun blog candy package to win!
Thanks so much to the Lord and to Traci for her dedication to the first six months of this blog! What a blessing it and she is!
Deb, thank you so very much for your beautiful and loving comment. I really appreciate all of the support you give the He IS Able blog, by donating cards you make, and by posting about us, and by leaving a link to this blog on your blog. That is so sweet and supportive. And, yes, you were randomly chosen, so don't worry! (And, I am sure jcb will enjoy her goody bag!)
In Praise: "May your life become one of glad and unending praise to the Lord as you journey through this world!" ~Teresa of Avila
We will be having another "Card of the Week" drawing next week. A friend made this wonderful and "springy" card that will be given away! Beautiful! You can be randomly chosen to receive this card. All you need to do is leave a comment between now and Tuesday at 8pm. If your comment is randomly chosen...you will receive this card in the mail, after you email me!
Friendship: "A friend loveth at all times."
Proverbs 17:17
Unfortunately, due to my postage budget I can only mail cards to US addresses. I really appreciate all of you from other countries! I can send the card if you send a SASE. I pray that the day will come that we will one day be able to send cards all around the world. Perhaps you would like to have it sent to a friend who lives in the States...I will gladly send your message in it! Or, I could send it to one of the charities I work with. Just let me know your decision!
A Friend's Love: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3
We will be talking about love a lot in February. If you have a favorite Scripture about love and would like to share it...please email it to me. Or, if you have a time in mind that you know you received His love...that would be wonderful to share also! Or, you could tell how you show your love to Jesus, the Christ. We would love to hear it. Tell how you teach your children to show their love for Jesus. Your sharing could help someone.
Please remember, you can send this in Honor of Someone, in Memory of Someone, or just to share it! You can do it...here is how: Share from the heart...write a poem, or write why you LOVE a Scripture, don't worry about spelling for your draft, or the length of your writing. Share with your Sisters. That's how easy it is. Glorify the Lord! I hope you will step out boldly and share...even if it is only 2 lines long!
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better." Ephesians 1:16-7
He IS Able,
Traci S.
I hope everyone had a chance to visit the blogs that I chose to pass on the award to...they were all so unique and their blogs are so different! I hope you left them some He IS Able blog love. And, I thank you for your beautiful comments. I love to read them! It is nice knowing someone is out there, you know what I mean? I recently purchased a book with the title,
The Joy of the Lord is My Strength by Summerside Press. I love it. It is a celebration of Joy, and I want to share many of them with you today.
Pass it on: "Let us keep the joy of loving Jesus in our hearts. And, let's share that joy with everyone we meet. Passing on joy is something which is very natural. We have no reason for not being joyful, since Christ is with us. Christ is in our hearts." ~Mother Teresa
We have been sharing about ways to please God. How to make Him smile.
This post is going to be covered with quotes and Scriptures for you to add to your collection of "JOY." I hope you will read this, and then come back and really concentrate on what that piece is really sharing with you, what is it really trying to say?
Joy and Harmony: "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing." Psalm 100:1-2
The Scriptures concentrate on many different areas of your life where you could easily find joy! When you are done concentrating on the quotes and Scriptures, how about taking a look at your life, and see if you please Him in each of these ways? You may want to add one or two things to your and your children's lives!
The Winner of the "Card of the Week" Random Drawing is...
Deb Saaranen of Dream in Color!
Congratulations, Deb! Wow! You have several reasons of added joy in your life this week! You were one of the recipients of the award, and now you have won the wonderful card on the side bar made and donated by Monica! Thank you Monica!
Now, Deb, don't be surprised if many of our guests visit you at your blog, Dream in Color. Deb makes the most beautiful cards, and wonderful gifts and home decor items...and just everything! She especially makes a fabulous friend! You probably know that your comment as well as everyone else's were put together and yours was randomly drawn. Deb, you have until Tuesday 8pm to send me your mailing address to me via my email on the side bar to receive this card, envelope and postage. It is all set for you to use any way you want, we hope you will use it to share about your Love for the Lord, or His love for you, or perhaps you want to share a special Scripture with the person who will ultimately receive this card. However, if I do not hear from you by Tuesday at 8pm, I will put the card back into the He IS Able blog stash for another day. It is up to you to come back and contact me!
Here is Deb's comment:
Congratulations to jcb! What a precious and fun blog candy package to win!Thanks so much to the Lord and to Traci for her dedication to the first six months of this blog! What a blessing it and she is!
January 16, 2011 1:13 PM
Deb, thank you so very much for your beautiful and loving comment. I really appreciate all of the support you give the He IS Able blog, by donating cards you make, and by posting about us, and by leaving a link to this blog on your blog. That is so sweet and supportive. And, yes, you were randomly chosen, so don't worry! (And, I am sure jcb will enjoy her goody bag!)
In Praise: "May your life become one of glad and unending praise to the Lord as you journey through this world!" ~Teresa of Avila
Friendship: "A friend loveth at all times."
Proverbs 17:17
Unfortunately, due to my postage budget I can only mail cards to US addresses. I really appreciate all of you from other countries! I can send the card if you send a SASE. I pray that the day will come that we will one day be able to send cards all around the world. Perhaps you would like to have it sent to a friend who lives in the States...I will gladly send your message in it! Or, I could send it to one of the charities I work with. Just let me know your decision!
A Friend's Love: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3
We will be talking about love a lot in February. If you have a favorite Scripture about love and would like to share it...please email it to me. Or, if you have a time in mind that you know you received His love...that would be wonderful to share also! Or, you could tell how you show your love to Jesus, the Christ. We would love to hear it. Tell how you teach your children to show their love for Jesus. Your sharing could help someone.
Please remember, you can send this in Honor of Someone, in Memory of Someone, or just to share it! You can do it...here is how: Share from the heart...write a poem, or write why you LOVE a Scripture, don't worry about spelling for your draft, or the length of your writing. Share with your Sisters. That's how easy it is. Glorify the Lord! I hope you will step out boldly and share...even if it is only 2 lines long!
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better." Ephesians 1:16-7
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Monday, January 17, 2011
How Can You Please God? Win a Thoughtful Award!
Dear Friends~
We have been so blessed with our first six months together. Little did we know there was an award being passed around. It was awarded to us in December. Congratulations to all of you who participated in some way, sharing a post, donating cards you made for the "Card of the Week" blog, entering challenges and random drawings, leaving comments with such wonderful ideas, reading a challenge and applying it to your life, memorizing a Scripture from the Inspiration of the Day area! All of you have helped us receive this award. And, of course, this is a Ministry of the Lord. He has led us from day one. Let's not forget to thank Him.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for letting us be given this award. I pray Lord Jesus that people will know that it is our Love of you that keeps us studying and praying and writing this blog. And, it is you, who guides and leads us...
Thank you Lord, Jesus the Christ for blessing us by letting us be your servants on this blog. Lord, I pray that the people that come from Monica's blog will see this blog name, and come and learn how to please you, and be a child of the King of Kings. I pray this in Jesus' Holy and Perfect Name. Amen.
Monica Gardner really surprised me with this award. Please visit her blog, Gardner's Basket Blog! Monica comes up with the most creative cards and paper crafts! She has been on the Design Team as a "Dottie" for Glue Dots!
She has made and donated cards to the He IS Able blog for the "Card of the Week Give-Away" and also for the American Cancer Society's Card Drive Fundraiser I am leading. Monica, thank you for your generous spirit. You are a real blessing, and I know that the Lord is smiling by your unique way of serving His people! Thank you for everything!
Well the rules for receiving this honor are:
1.Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award. Thank you so much Monica!2.Share 8 things about yourself.
3.Pass it on to 8 bloggers.
4.Contact those bloggers and tell them about their award.
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OK, 8 things about myself:
1. I am married to the most amazing man- Dave, who is 20 years older than I am. He is such a gentleman! He loves me so much that we danced together every day for about 3 years! We are going to start again. I think it is one of the secrets to a happy marriage. I have a son, Josh, 21. Dave has shared his 3 ADULT children, spouses, and grandchildren with me. There is Kim, Ed, Jillian (13), Matt, Lula, Zachary (15), Matthew Thomas (4), Gregory (3), and Jon. I love our family a lot! We are all in Florida, with Jon living out in Texas.
2. I have been physically disabled for 12 1/2 years, due to a back injury at the store I was managing. It also impacts my use of my legs, neck, shoulders, and causes migraines and problems with my vision. Most of the time I feel blessed. At first I prayed, several times a day, to be healed for about 6 or 7 years. He hasn't, so I know that He has a plan for me to help someone in this position, or some other reason. I would love to be healed, but it is obvious it is not His will right now.
3. I was born and raised Jewish. I actually wanted to be a rabbi. The Lord opened my eyes on July 13th when I was 29, (I am 45.) My life has been so different since then. It really is a miracle! I actually felt like there was cement being chipped off my eyes and drilled out of my ears. So I could see what He would want me to see, and hear what He would want me to hear. It is amazing! Thank you Jesus!
4. I started scrap booking about 22 years ago, cards a year ago, and I am doing both now...and loving it! I like to make cards that fulfill my personal and the He IS Able Blog's Mission Statement: "Sharing His Love, His Word, and His Gift of Salvation through Cards." This is done through the cards I make, and receive from people like Monica who donate them (with envelopes) to the blog. We give one away each week, in a random drawing to anyone that left a comment, and pray that the recipient will use it to fulfill the Mission Statement, and that the person who ends up with the card is brought to the Lord or re-energized in their walk with the Lord!
5. I was the Director of a Children's Church. I also over saw 22 preschools when I was still able to work. I chose all of Josh's teachers that way! I knew every toy was bleached and that the sheets on the cribs were washed daily! Seriously! lol
6. Myself, one step son, and one sister are Christian. The rest are Atheist or Jewish. I pray for them to know the Lord, and become a child of God, all of the time. I greatly appreciate any prayers on their behalf! Thank you.
7. Alaska is my favorite place that I have been to far! How majestic those mountains are...and the ocean is so vast. The air is clean and so easy to breathe deeply...no humidity! I don't see how anyone can visit there and not see God. The people were so kind...if only it didn't get cold or snow!
8. My thumbs do not bend! (I thought of that when I saw Monica's remark about monkey's!) There is more info on myself and how the He IS Able blog came to be. THAT is interesting! Just click on "2010" and then "June" on the side bar.
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I had such a difficult time deciding on only 8 people/blog to pass this award on to! They were chosen for all different reasons. Please visit them and see for yourself! Here is the list: (in no specific order):
1. All of the Sisters at Stampin' Sisters in Christ
2. Dawn B. of My Stamping Thyme
3. Gerrie of Queen of Grunge
4. Deb of Dream in Color
5. Jacque of Jacque's Joie De Vivre
6. Chris D. of Creating with Chrissy
7. Angie of Body, Mind, Spirit and STAMPS!
8. Cindy L. of The Creative Closet of Cindy Lawrence
Congratulations, recipients! Everyone, please take the time to visit each of these ladies/blogs and share some of our He IS Able love with them. I am sure you will enjoy the variety of interests in each blog!
I apologize that this blog was so late getting out to you today. The 1st half was finished days ago. I wanted to think about the award recipients one more night. I was going to finish it before my doctor's appointment this morning. (Thanks for taking me again, Dad!) Unfortunately, we had massive amounts of rain and lightning all day! It is now 7pm, and it is finally only raining! When it thunderstorms here, in the nation's highest level of lightning strikes, we unplug electronics. We learned the hard way.
How does this award please God? Well, I believe that many people read Monica's blog. Even if only half of them stopped over to take a look, hopefully they would have been touched by His love. They may have read His Word, or seen Friday's Bible Study on Miriam by Michele, or maybe they saw something they wanted. Maybe they decided they wanted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Maybe they were already Christians, and wanted to put a little more bounce in their walk with the Lord! I think any of these things would please God and make Him smile.
What do you do to please the All Mighty? How about writing one or two things in the comment section, so that we may learn a new way to do that? I really love to read those comments. If you put your comment in before Tuesday 8pm, you are entered in the "Card of the Week," you could win that great card that was made by Monica and donated to the He IS Able blog for you to win!
Again, Congratulations to all of you for winning this award. It is your inter-action and love of Jesus that keeps us going. And, for the new recipients Congratulations to you, too! Way to go! God Bless!
I'll be back on Wednesday!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Winners for the 6 Month Blog-o-Versary Give-Away and the "Card of the Week" Winner!
Hi Everyone~
Happy Saturday! I pray that you are all enjoying your weekend, and that He is at the center of your thoughts and activities! I hope you are doing as many things as you can to please Him. For we have been sharing about this very topic on Mondays.
I know you are all excited to know who won the "Card of the Week" so let's choose that winner first. To be eligible, you had to leave a comment...any comment on the blog from January 5th through last night (Friday the 14th) at midnight. If your comment was randomly chosen you won the beautiful card shown on the side bar. Please be sure to contact me via email (on the side bar) with your mailing address before Tuesday evening at 8pm!!!! If for some reason you do not want the card...perhaps you have a stack of bird cards up to your shoulders, simply don't email me your mailing address! You can, however, still leave comments. If I do not hear from you by Tuesday at 8pm, the card will go back into the He IS Able blog cards.
The randomly chosen person is jcb! Congratulations, jcb! I will be happy to send you this beautiful card. Just email me your address!
Here is her comment:
"Michele- You are an awesome woman. The post reminded me to pray asking for specifics. I will ask God for understanding for the areas of my life I just don't get. Thanks! By jcb 1/14/11 5:42pm
jcb--I am sure that Michele will be very happy to read what you have written to her. Proverbs 3:5 states, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;" I know you pray a lot...I am sure that makes Him smile, spending that one-on-one time with you! Thanks for the comment!
Each of you have added so much to our He IS Able blog over the 6 months that it has been going. We wanted to do something special for you. We asked that you leave a comment before last night, Friday the 14th at midnight, answering one of the following:
1. What is one thing you have learned from this blog?
2. What have you done differently because of this blog?
The Prizes are just wonderful. We are giving away an Ash2Ash CD named, "He Will Meet You Where You Are." This CD has wonderful music, and moving and meaningful Christian Lyrics. The site has a section where you can listen to their music, hear about their ministry, and find out about their soon to be released CD! I am sure you will enjoy it!
We are also giving the fortunate person who was randomly chosen, author Tim LaHaye's incredible guide titled, How to Study the Bible for Yourself. He will give you tips on the best way to study that will last a life time.
You will also win an assortment of 14 containers of ultra-fine and chunky glitter to help your New Year start out bright and shiny! I love to use the ultra-fine glitter when I have a flower cut out, I use my glue pen around the edges, and tap the edges of the flower in the ultra-fine glitter. You can use this on leaves, too. Anything! The colors are beautiful One trick is to use a coffee filter underneath...it makes pouring the left-over back into the bottle or tube so much easier!
The winner will also receive some incredible lace ribbon. It is stunning, and adds so much to any card, scrapbook page or other paper craft item.
We hope the winner will enjoy all of these wonderful prizes. So, I guess we should find out who was randomly chosen after they answered one of the above mentioned questions!
Wow! This is amazing. The Winner of our Give-Away is jcb!
Double Congratulations to you, jcb! This must be a great day for you! Please send me the address you would like me to send this to...and it will be yours before you know it! If you would like, please let us know how you have enjoyed the give-away items! We would love to hear from you!
Her comment is the same that is written above. Although, she wrote other comments also.
Thank you to everyone who has been with us for the 6 months, or part of the 6 months! We will be talking about love in February. If you have a favorite Scripture about love and would like to share it...please email it to me. Or, if you have a time in mind that you know you received His love...that would be wonderful to share also! Or, you could tell how you show your love to Jesus, the Christ. We would love to hear it. Don't forget, you can send this in Honor of Someone, in Memory of Someone, or just to share. This is YOUR blog, also, please share.
Happy Saturday! I pray that you are all enjoying your weekend, and that He is at the center of your thoughts and activities! I hope you are doing as many things as you can to please Him. For we have been sharing about this very topic on Mondays.
I know you are all excited to know who won the "Card of the Week" so let's choose that winner first. To be eligible, you had to leave a comment...any comment on the blog from January 5th through last night (Friday the 14th) at midnight. If your comment was randomly chosen you won the beautiful card shown on the side bar. Please be sure to contact me via email (on the side bar) with your mailing address before Tuesday evening at 8pm!!!! If for some reason you do not want the card...perhaps you have a stack of bird cards up to your shoulders, simply don't email me your mailing address! You can, however, still leave comments. If I do not hear from you by Tuesday at 8pm, the card will go back into the He IS Able blog cards.
The randomly chosen person is jcb! Congratulations, jcb! I will be happy to send you this beautiful card. Just email me your address!
Here is her comment:
"Michele- You are an awesome woman. The post reminded me to pray asking for specifics. I will ask God for understanding for the areas of my life I just don't get. Thanks! By jcb 1/14/11 5:42pm
jcb--I am sure that Michele will be very happy to read what you have written to her. Proverbs 3:5 states, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;" I know you pray a lot...I am sure that makes Him smile, spending that one-on-one time with you! Thanks for the comment!
OK---I know! You are all excited about finding out who won the
Give-Away for Our 6 Month Blog-o-Versary!
1. What is one thing you have learned from this blog?
2. What have you done differently because of this blog?
The Prizes are just wonderful. We are giving away an Ash2Ash CD named, "He Will Meet You Where You Are." This CD has wonderful music, and moving and meaningful Christian Lyrics. The site has a section where you can listen to their music, hear about their ministry, and find out about their soon to be released CD! I am sure you will enjoy it!
We are also giving the fortunate person who was randomly chosen, author Tim LaHaye's incredible guide titled, How to Study the Bible for Yourself. He will give you tips on the best way to study that will last a life time.
You will also win an assortment of 14 containers of ultra-fine and chunky glitter to help your New Year start out bright and shiny! I love to use the ultra-fine glitter when I have a flower cut out, I use my glue pen around the edges, and tap the edges of the flower in the ultra-fine glitter. You can use this on leaves, too. Anything! The colors are beautiful One trick is to use a coffee filter underneath...it makes pouring the left-over back into the bottle or tube so much easier!
The winner will also receive some incredible lace ribbon. It is stunning, and adds so much to any card, scrapbook page or other paper craft item.
We hope the winner will enjoy all of these wonderful prizes. So, I guess we should find out who was randomly chosen after they answered one of the above mentioned questions!
Wow! This is amazing. The Winner of our Give-Away is jcb!
Double Congratulations to you, jcb! This must be a great day for you! Please send me the address you would like me to send this to...and it will be yours before you know it! If you would like, please let us know how you have enjoyed the give-away items! We would love to hear from you!
Her comment is the same that is written above. Although, she wrote other comments also.
Thank you to everyone who has been with us for the 6 months, or part of the 6 months! We will be talking about love in February. If you have a favorite Scripture about love and would like to share it...please email it to me. Or, if you have a time in mind that you know you received His love...that would be wonderful to share also! Or, you could tell how you show your love to Jesus, the Christ. We would love to hear it. Don't forget, you can send this in Honor of Someone, in Memory of Someone, or just to share. This is YOUR blog, also, please share.
If you leave a comment today through Tuesday at 8pm, you will be eligible to enter the "Card of the Week" drawing. Why not do it while you are thinking of it? (The picture is on the sidebar) It is made from Monica at her blog called Gardner's Basket! Thank you, Monica. This is beautiful! Your generous donation of cards for the "Card of the Week" Drawing are greatly appreciated!
Have a safe and blessed time this weekend! jcb, we hope to hear from you soon!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Precious Women of God--This Includes You! And, "A" of ABC Scripture Scrapbook!
Happy Friday Everyone!
Today is the very last day to sign up for the Give-Away described on the right column. Just answer one of those questions in today's comment section before Midnight...Eastern time. One person's name will be randomly drawn and announced tomorrow! There have been additional prizes added to this Give-Away!
Also, because of my illness that will not go away, and is causing me to miss one of my Grandson's birthday party...I was not able to have a winner randomly drawn for the "Card of the Week" this past Wednesday. The card is gorgeous! It is made by Grace N. from Th-ink-ing of You! I extended this drawing until Midnight tonight also! So, leave any comment (the Give-Away comment counts also) before Midnight Eastern time.
Today, I will be sharing my scrapbook page that I made for Patter Cross's ABC Scriptural Study, as well as a post to her blog explaining the page. Please be sure to check it out.
And now, with great happiness and joy, I turn this post over to the talented, knowledgeable and all around wonderful woman, Michele G. This is Michele's first Bible Study post here at The He IS Able blog, though she has been a part of the He IS Able blog from the beginning. She has helped by sharing, helping me make decisions, donating cards for the "Card of the Week" drawing, praying, running a challenge with prizes...lots of things... She will be posting the Bible Study the 3rd Friday of each month. Please mark your calendar for February the 18th for the next segment of: "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"
Michele shared:
As I start this study, I really want to take a look at the lives of women in the Bible. I want to be able to show some of their lives and their incredible experiences, their love for the Lord and incredible comparisons between their lives and our own. It has been put on my heart to show just how precious women are to God and how He used and currently uses women for His glory, how He has been able to rely on women in the Bible and how He is able to use us today. Taking time to read His Word, pray and take time to listen, will enable you and empower you to be the woman of God He wants you to be. All we ever have to be is what He created us to be. He has created each of us with special gifts, talents and abilities and when we use those to help others and further his kingdom we are truly blessed.
The first woman of the Bible that I want to review is Miriam. Miriam was the older sister to Moses and sister of Aaron. Exodus Chapters 2 & 15; Numbers Chapters 12 & 20. Her name means ‘one who loves or is loved by Yahweh’. Yahweh means the “self-existent one”. Yahweh is one of the ways the children of Israel referred and do refer to God.
When the new Pharaoh of Egypt declared the death of all the baby boys of Israel in a desperate attempt to curb the growth of the Hebrews, it was his mother who put Moses in the waterproof basket and placed him in the river in the hopes he would find a safer home. When doing this study I found out it was Miriam who was Watching the basket when the daughter of Pharaoh discovered it. Miriam was used by God to watch over Moses and to help fulfill what God had wanted Moses to do.
Miriam was with Moses throughout the nine plagues. She followed Moses out of Egypt. Miriam was a woman of God, she was a prophet herself. (Exodus 15:20.) Miriam was called to do great things. The very same is true in the body of Christ today. Each person has a different role and it is so important to realize that you were made and loved by the the All Mighty God and that you are beautiful and a precious woman of God. The Lord my God whom I serve loves me so much! One of the most important parts of having a close walk with Jesus is prayer. It is in prayer where we humble ourselves before the Lord and it is not only a place for requests but a place for refuge and to gain strength and knowledge. I would encourage you to pray for him to open your eyes to the things he would want you to see, pray for your heart to be open to see with your heart the way God sees with his heart. It can change how you view the world!
Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
1 John 3:22 "...and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases Him."
Whether you are currently walking with the Lord or whether you have never walked with Him, this study is for you. God’s love is the most perfect love. His will for you and your life and for the lives of your family are so important to Him. He desires a closer relationship with each one of us. He desires that we do seek Him. Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears." If there is something that you are struggling with – please read and re-read this verse and the others that surround it. Look it up in your own Bible. Take some time to see what God says because He will and does keep His Word.
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We hope you have enjoyed today's first part of
"Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" Please remember, that Tomorrow (Saturday at noon) will be the announcement for the "Card of the Week" Drawing and the Winner of the Give-Away to Celebrate Our 6 Months as a Blog! Please read the side bar to see how quickly and easily it is to enter if you have not done so yet. We so look forward to seeing you then! Please remember to welcome Michele to the He IS Able blog. She is such an incredible part of it! More new changes coming to the blog soon...so keep reading. Thank you so much for being here.
February-- LOVE is the theme! I'd love to post what you share as your Favorite Scripture about love and why. Just email it to me. It's that easy!
TraciStarkweather@gmail.com
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Today is the very last day to sign up for the Give-Away described on the right column. Just answer one of those questions in today's comment section before Midnight...Eastern time. One person's name will be randomly drawn and announced tomorrow! There have been additional prizes added to this Give-Away!
Also, because of my illness that will not go away, and is causing me to miss one of my Grandson's birthday party...I was not able to have a winner randomly drawn for the "Card of the Week" this past Wednesday. The card is gorgeous! It is made by Grace N. from Th-ink-ing of You! I extended this drawing until Midnight tonight also! So, leave any comment (the Give-Away comment counts also) before Midnight Eastern time.
Today, I will be sharing my scrapbook page that I made for Patter Cross's ABC Scriptural Study, as well as a post to her blog explaining the page. Please be sure to check it out.
And now, with great happiness and joy, I turn this post over to the talented, knowledgeable and all around wonderful woman, Michele G. This is Michele's first Bible Study post here at The He IS Able blog, though she has been a part of the He IS Able blog from the beginning. She has helped by sharing, helping me make decisions, donating cards for the "Card of the Week" drawing, praying, running a challenge with prizes...lots of things... She will be posting the Bible Study the 3rd Friday of each month. Please mark your calendar for February the 18th for the next segment of: "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"
Michele shared:
As I start this study, I really want to take a look at the lives of women in the Bible. I want to be able to show some of their lives and their incredible experiences, their love for the Lord and incredible comparisons between their lives and our own. It has been put on my heart to show just how precious women are to God and how He used and currently uses women for His glory, how He has been able to rely on women in the Bible and how He is able to use us today. Taking time to read His Word, pray and take time to listen, will enable you and empower you to be the woman of God He wants you to be. All we ever have to be is what He created us to be. He has created each of us with special gifts, talents and abilities and when we use those to help others and further his kingdom we are truly blessed.
The first woman of the Bible that I want to review is Miriam. Miriam was the older sister to Moses and sister of Aaron. Exodus Chapters 2 & 15; Numbers Chapters 12 & 20. Her name means ‘one who loves or is loved by Yahweh’. Yahweh means the “self-existent one”. Yahweh is one of the ways the children of Israel referred and do refer to God.
When the new Pharaoh of Egypt declared the death of all the baby boys of Israel in a desperate attempt to curb the growth of the Hebrews, it was his mother who put Moses in the waterproof basket and placed him in the river in the hopes he would find a safer home. When doing this study I found out it was Miriam who was Watching the basket when the daughter of Pharaoh discovered it. Miriam was used by God to watch over Moses and to help fulfill what God had wanted Moses to do.
Miriam was with Moses throughout the nine plagues. She followed Moses out of Egypt. Miriam was a woman of God, she was a prophet herself. (Exodus 15:20.) Miriam was called to do great things. The very same is true in the body of Christ today. Each person has a different role and it is so important to realize that you were made and loved by the the All Mighty God and that you are beautiful and a precious woman of God. The Lord my God whom I serve loves me so much! One of the most important parts of having a close walk with Jesus is prayer. It is in prayer where we humble ourselves before the Lord and it is not only a place for requests but a place for refuge and to gain strength and knowledge. I would encourage you to pray for him to open your eyes to the things he would want you to see, pray for your heart to be open to see with your heart the way God sees with his heart. It can change how you view the world!
Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
1 John 3:22 "...and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases Him."
Whether you are currently walking with the Lord or whether you have never walked with Him, this study is for you. God’s love is the most perfect love. His will for you and your life and for the lives of your family are so important to Him. He desires a closer relationship with each one of us. He desires that we do seek Him. Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears." If there is something that you are struggling with – please read and re-read this verse and the others that surround it. Look it up in your own Bible. Take some time to see what God says because He will and does keep His Word.
**************************************************************
This scrapbook page is size 8x8. I have never worked with this size, but I love it! The idea is that Patter Cross will give us a word that starts with "A" for these two weeks, "B" for the next two weeks...and so on...a new word every other Sunday. You can use any size paper, make cards or bookmarks, whatever you would like. It will last for the year...which will bring us through the alphabet. She then writes such thought provoking entries, and shows us her example as well as the Scriptures that she used on her project to remind her of the word "Anchor."
I need to remind myself to "anchor" myself to the Lord, not just when life is stormy, and doesn't seem to be going well. I need to remember to "anchor" myself to Him when things are going beautifully and all is well. Hopefully, my scrapbook page shows a storm on the right...and an easy going day on the left. It does to me...and the book is to help me memorize Scripture, look for Scripture that I don't use all of the time, and to possibly pass this book on to one of my grand-children when it is completely.
This is the only page we have done...and everyone's looks differently. We get our new word this Sunday from Patter's blog. You can find her wonderful writing about the word "Anchor" here: ABC Scripture Scrapbook Study.
We hope you have enjoyed today's first part of
"Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" Please remember, that Tomorrow (Saturday at noon) will be the announcement for the "Card of the Week" Drawing and the Winner of the Give-Away to Celebrate Our 6 Months as a Blog! Please read the side bar to see how quickly and easily it is to enter if you have not done so yet. We so look forward to seeing you then! Please remember to welcome Michele to the He IS Able blog. She is such an incredible part of it! More new changes coming to the blog soon...so keep reading. Thank you so much for being here.
February-- LOVE is the theme! I'd love to post what you share as your Favorite Scripture about love and why. Just email it to me. It's that easy!
TraciStarkweather@gmail.com
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Prayer Request and Announcements!
Dear Friends,
I am so sorry to tell you that I can not possibly write today's post. I have a severe migraine, and I can see just a blur from my right eye, so I am squinting. And, looking very closely with my left eye. Plus, I need to have my shade open for light to come in...which hurts more. I feel like I have a dime size hole in my head, and that my head is going to explode out of it! I am whining. I am sorry. Will you PLEASE pray for me? For the pain to end. And for me to be healthy, (sore throat, too) to go celebrate Gregory's 3rd Birthday Celebration. I missed last year's party due to being ill. I can't miss this one.
I will post the winner of the "Card of the Week" on Saturday, when we announce the winner of the "Give Away: 6 Month Blog-O-Verary" The prizes have really grown! Wonderful! Simple directions can be found on the side bar. The dead line for comments for the "Card of the Week" random drawing have been extended until midnight on Friday evening. The same deadline to enter the Give Away: 6 Month Blog-O-Versary! Please read the side bar to find out the qualifying question you need to answer to be entered in the random drawing. Winners to both contests will be posted on Saturday!
The side-bar has been fixed!!! Thank you Wendy!!! Her blog is listed on the Side bar. It is "Wickedly Wonderful Creations."
Friday is going to be wonderful! Michele G. is sharing the first part of her Bible Study called: "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" This is full of such interesting details of that part of the Bible. I hope you will join us. It can add so much to your life.
Again, I am sorry that I can not do a whole post. I am so happy and grateful for spell check! Or, I am sure you would not be able to read this post either!
A Scripture proved to be extremely important to me this week. Now, I am sharing it with you. "A friend loveth at all times." Proverbs 17:17
Don't underestimate the power of Scripture.
Remember, He IS Able!
Traci S.
I am so sorry to tell you that I can not possibly write today's post. I have a severe migraine, and I can see just a blur from my right eye, so I am squinting. And, looking very closely with my left eye. Plus, I need to have my shade open for light to come in...which hurts more. I feel like I have a dime size hole in my head, and that my head is going to explode out of it! I am whining. I am sorry. Will you PLEASE pray for me? For the pain to end. And for me to be healthy, (sore throat, too) to go celebrate Gregory's 3rd Birthday Celebration. I missed last year's party due to being ill. I can't miss this one.
I will post the winner of the "Card of the Week" on Saturday, when we announce the winner of the "Give Away: 6 Month Blog-O-Verary" The prizes have really grown! Wonderful! Simple directions can be found on the side bar. The dead line for comments for the "Card of the Week" random drawing have been extended until midnight on Friday evening. The same deadline to enter the Give Away: 6 Month Blog-O-Versary! Please read the side bar to find out the qualifying question you need to answer to be entered in the random drawing. Winners to both contests will be posted on Saturday!
The side-bar has been fixed!!! Thank you Wendy!!! Her blog is listed on the Side bar. It is "Wickedly Wonderful Creations."
Friday is going to be wonderful! Michele G. is sharing the first part of her Bible Study called: "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" This is full of such interesting details of that part of the Bible. I hope you will join us. It can add so much to your life.
Again, I am sorry that I can not do a whole post. I am so happy and grateful for spell check! Or, I am sure you would not be able to read this post either!
A Scripture proved to be extremely important to me this week. Now, I am sharing it with you. "A friend loveth at all times." Proverbs 17:17
Don't underestimate the power of Scripture.
Remember, He IS Able!
Traci S.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Worship Him! How to Please God!
Hi Friends,
Today we will learn more about:
Last week we learned from Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life, "Bringing enjoyment to God, living for His pleasure, is the first purpose of life."
I say bringing enjoyment to God is all about intention. How can we please Him? What can we do? Do you know that Psalm 147:11(CEV) states, "The Lord is pleased only with those who worship Him and trust His love."
Bringing pleasure to the Lord is called WORSHIP! And, this is the part that really caught my attention, and really made me happy... Anything we do that pleases Him-- is and act of worship! All this time, I thought worship was the singing part of our service, or when we sing in praise to Him. It's not. Well, it is not the only part. It is EVERY part of a service. It is the sermon, the reading, the Scriptures, tithing, prayer, Baptism, candles, healing, you name it! All of these things bring pleasure to the Lord...all of these things are a form of worship. Great, isn't it?
And, we are all capable of worshipping Him...in one form or another. Mr. Warren's book states this: "Anthropologists have noted that worship is a universal urge, hard-wired by God into the very fiber of our being---an inbuilt need to connect with God. The reason God made us with this desire is that he desires worshipers!" That's us!
"Jesus says, The Father seeks worshipers." John 4:23
That says it loud and clear, doesn't it? Can you think of ways, besides those listed, when you worship? It could even be through card-making, if your heart is on pleasing Him! (One of our favorites!) It could be through raising children. It could be by serving others. Or, it could be singing. How do you worship the Lord? How about sharing a way in the comment section? I'd love to hear it. When do you worship Him? While washing dishes, in the shower, on a walk, only in church?
Here's the BIG PART... Worship is a lifestyle.
I wish I could hear your reactions right now. What would you take out of your lifestyle? Swearing? Smoking? Using the TV as a babysitter? What would you want to add to your lifestyle? Vegetables? More "thank yous" and "good jobs" to the children? One way in which I worship is to thank Him through the day. It is usually for what I consider the "little" things. The birds that land on our feeders. A breeze that lifts the humidity for a moment. I also love to love my husband and family and friends as much as I possibly can. Things like that. I also like to take any song... and change the words to it into a prayer for people on my prayer list. Did you know that you may have been lifted up to the Lord from a tune from rock or country music? I still remember and like the music...I change the words. What will you add? What will you change?
A little more. This is really interesting.
When we do use the word worship to refer to music that we raise up to Him to Glorify Him...there is no particular style that is truly called "worship music." In fact, according to The Purpose Driven Life, worship was around way before music. Most of us will think of a certain style of music when we think of "worship music." Some of us call it "praise music." Someone may say, "First we sang a hymn, then a praise and worship song." Worship music has nothing to do with the volume of the music or the speed of the music. God loves all types of music because He invented it! We may not like all of the different styles of music...but He does! It is more about the intention. "If it is offered to God in spirit and truth, it is an act of worship", states Mr. Warren. And, don't worry about a certain style of music not being Biblical. There aren't any musical notes anywhere in the Bible.
Another shocker...there is no music called, "Christian Music." There are Christian lyrics. It's the words that make a song sacred, not the number of beats or instruments used in it. The music is always, "Music to His ears!" The words, may be another thing all together! That is why I can say that I can worship Him with the tune from ABC Song. (Which is also the tune to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and a couple other songs!)
It is all about your intentions.
More on how we can please Him next week. More from The Purpose Driven Life also. We are still in Chapter 8. I can't wait to share more with you! Don't forget to share how you worship in the comment section, if you don't mind. Oh, if you do that before Tuesday 8pm, it will qualify you for the "Card of the Week" Random Drawing on Wednesday! I will also be sharing my scrapbook page as part of the ABC Scriptural Study that Patter Cross is leading. (I told you about it on Wednesday, January 5th's post.) It is amazing. She is such a fabulous and inspiring leader and writer. I made it into my art room finally!
This Friday promises to be very interesting and thought provoking. We welcome Michele G. to the He IS Able blog. Michele will be sharing her first segment of "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" This is the
He IS Able Bible Study with a Twist! I can't wait for you to read what Michele has prepared for you!
Friday is also the last day to qualify for the He IS Able 6 Month Anniversary Give-Away! It is super easy to qualify...simply answer one or both of the following questions in the comment section...and check the side-bar for other details including prizes!
Tell of one thing you have learned or done differently because of this blog.
Easy Peasy! There are some great prizes waiting for the person who leaves the comment that will be randomly drawn. It does need to be a comment that answers one or both of these questions. You are encouraged to leave other comments also, but they will not count towards the Give-Away!
I hope your week is full of worship! I hope you make conscious decisions
to make your life please Him in all that you do. That's what I will be working on doing. I hope you will post our badge, located on the top of the sidebar, on your blog. Just copy and paste it! If you do so, please let me know your blog URL, and your mailing address, and I will be happy to send you a card to use from the He IS Able blog! God Bless!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Today we will learn more about:
- Psalm 147:11, John 4:23
- The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
- This Week's Schedule & Give-Away News
Last week we learned from Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life, "Bringing enjoyment to God, living for His pleasure, is the first purpose of life."
I say bringing enjoyment to God is all about intention. How can we please Him? What can we do? Do you know that Psalm 147:11(CEV) states, "The Lord is pleased only with those who worship Him and trust His love."
Bringing pleasure to the Lord is called WORSHIP! And, this is the part that really caught my attention, and really made me happy... Anything we do that pleases Him-- is and act of worship! All this time, I thought worship was the singing part of our service, or when we sing in praise to Him. It's not. Well, it is not the only part. It is EVERY part of a service. It is the sermon, the reading, the Scriptures, tithing, prayer, Baptism, candles, healing, you name it! All of these things bring pleasure to the Lord...all of these things are a form of worship. Great, isn't it?
And, we are all capable of worshipping Him...in one form or another. Mr. Warren's book states this: "Anthropologists have noted that worship is a universal urge, hard-wired by God into the very fiber of our being---an inbuilt need to connect with God. The reason God made us with this desire is that he desires worshipers!" That's us!
"Jesus says, The Father seeks worshipers." John 4:23
That says it loud and clear, doesn't it? Can you think of ways, besides those listed, when you worship? It could even be through card-making, if your heart is on pleasing Him! (One of our favorites!) It could be through raising children. It could be by serving others. Or, it could be singing. How do you worship the Lord? How about sharing a way in the comment section? I'd love to hear it. When do you worship Him? While washing dishes, in the shower, on a walk, only in church?
Here's the BIG PART... Worship is a lifestyle.
I wish I could hear your reactions right now. What would you take out of your lifestyle? Swearing? Smoking? Using the TV as a babysitter? What would you want to add to your lifestyle? Vegetables? More "thank yous" and "good jobs" to the children? One way in which I worship is to thank Him through the day. It is usually for what I consider the "little" things. The birds that land on our feeders. A breeze that lifts the humidity for a moment. I also love to love my husband and family and friends as much as I possibly can. Things like that. I also like to take any song... and change the words to it into a prayer for people on my prayer list. Did you know that you may have been lifted up to the Lord from a tune from rock or country music? I still remember and like the music...I change the words. What will you add? What will you change?
A little more. This is really interesting.
When we do use the word worship to refer to music that we raise up to Him to Glorify Him...there is no particular style that is truly called "worship music." In fact, according to The Purpose Driven Life, worship was around way before music. Most of us will think of a certain style of music when we think of "worship music." Some of us call it "praise music." Someone may say, "First we sang a hymn, then a praise and worship song." Worship music has nothing to do with the volume of the music or the speed of the music. God loves all types of music because He invented it! We may not like all of the different styles of music...but He does! It is more about the intention. "If it is offered to God in spirit and truth, it is an act of worship", states Mr. Warren. And, don't worry about a certain style of music not being Biblical. There aren't any musical notes anywhere in the Bible.
Another shocker...there is no music called, "Christian Music." There are Christian lyrics. It's the words that make a song sacred, not the number of beats or instruments used in it. The music is always, "Music to His ears!" The words, may be another thing all together! That is why I can say that I can worship Him with the tune from ABC Song. (Which is also the tune to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and a couple other songs!)
It is all about your intentions.
More on how we can please Him next week. More from The Purpose Driven Life also. We are still in Chapter 8. I can't wait to share more with you! Don't forget to share how you worship in the comment section, if you don't mind. Oh, if you do that before Tuesday 8pm, it will qualify you for the "Card of the Week" Random Drawing on Wednesday! I will also be sharing my scrapbook page as part of the ABC Scriptural Study that Patter Cross is leading. (I told you about it on Wednesday, January 5th's post.) It is amazing. She is such a fabulous and inspiring leader and writer. I made it into my art room finally!
This Friday promises to be very interesting and thought provoking. We welcome Michele G. to the He IS Able blog. Michele will be sharing her first segment of "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" This is the
He IS Able Bible Study with a Twist! I can't wait for you to read what Michele has prepared for you!
Friday is also the last day to qualify for the He IS Able 6 Month Anniversary Give-Away! It is super easy to qualify...simply answer one or both of the following questions in the comment section...and check the side-bar for other details including prizes!
Tell of one thing you have learned or done differently because of this blog.
Easy Peasy! There are some great prizes waiting for the person who leaves the comment that will be randomly drawn. It does need to be a comment that answers one or both of these questions. You are encouraged to leave other comments also, but they will not count towards the Give-Away!
I hope your week is full of worship! I hope you make conscious decisions
to make your life please Him in all that you do. That's what I will be working on doing. I hope you will post our badge, located on the top of the sidebar, on your blog. Just copy and paste it! If you do so, please let me know your blog URL, and your mailing address, and I will be happy to send you a card to use from the He IS Able blog! God Bless!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Special Announcement And Whispers of Promise
Good Morning, Friends!
I am SO excited about the things I have to share with you today! I hope that you are having delightful weather, and that you have some fun activities planned for this weekend. I will be making lots of cards! I am so excited. I have been reorganizing my art room, and that means more goodies have been added to our Give-Away to celebrate our 6 Month Anniversary! Great for you! Fun for me!
I hope that each of us will also schedule time to be with the Lord. Church is great. I am writing about something different. I am talking about that precious 1 on 1 time. If you have children, you can probably remember those special times you had with only you and your child. Maybe they were sharing something with you, maybe you were doing something together. It was precious time. This is the time that Our Lord would like with each of us, also. Quality, quiet time...(in addition to church)...where you can read, pray and then...listen. Think about scheduling it in...there is a better chance of it happening then! Even do it for the children...let them sit on their beds for 15 minutes and "talk" to God, and then tell them to listen quietly, and see if they "hear" ideas from them. Maybe let them look at their Children's Bible--even if they can't read yet. Never too early to start a great behavior. Of course, 15 minutes may be too long for a 5-year-old, but it wouldn't seem like an eternity to a teen either. You don't want to make it a punishment for them. Make it special. Hot chocolate afterwards, or something. It may open the door to conversations about Him...not lectures, but conversations. Oh, how I wish my son were a child again. The things I would do differently. If you try it out, I would love to hear how it went. In life, most people need to try new behaviors more than once, to make them stick. (Proven in several cases which I can't quote at the moment.) Whatever you do, I pray that you will all be blessed and encouraged through your quality time with the Lord, through this blog, and with each other.
"I always thank God as I remember you in my prayers." Philemon 4
Isaiah 28:26
I promised you a Special Announcement today... First, I would like to fill you in just a bit. I had a row of repetitive dreams a few weeks ago. They were crystal clear...and they seemed more and more urgent as time went by. If you read the first post of this blog...back on June 30th of last year, you would know that it was through this manner that I realized I was receiving marching orders...and an answer to prayer! I was to start this blog...but rather than having the main focus be art...it was to be on Him! He has been such an amazingly faithful guide since that time. I have grown in my love for Him, my desire to be obedient to Him, and in my desire to encourage each of you to be bold in sharing about Him---especially through the gorgeous cards that were donated for the "Card of the Week." (Thank you all again!) The dreams were of this nature. I know exactly what He was asking of me. I am more than happy to comply. We are adding several different areas to this blog...and I am not the one to do all of the areas! (That is a challenge for me to say and admit!) Thankfully, He gave me the name of the person I was to approach about joining us. And, to no surprise...she agreed! The new activities will roll out slowly, so that we can do them in a manner that Glorifies Him, and keeps you interested.
Today's Special Announcement is that Michele G. is joining me here at The He IS Able blog! I could not be happier. I met Michele about 8 months ago at one of the prayer threads at SplitCoastStampers. We immediately became friends. She loves the Lord, Jesus the Christ, with all of her heart. I have learned so much from her. On the prayer thread, we pray for people's prayer requests and needs, and for the people they may know. We encourage each other...and we care about each other. Michele is so at home there. She has such a generous and caring heart. She has been here on the blog many times. She has shared her writing a few times, had a Challenge to have birthday cards sent to her Dad, she helped me take that "Leap of Faith" and write my first post, when I was scared. She has always been involved, but shies away from being recognized. Michele is married, and is the proud mom of a teenager. I know that she really enjoys Victoria Osteen's writings as well as the preaching of Joel Osteen. She also admires the work of Joyce Meyer. Michele has joined the He IS Able blog, because she feels she is being called to do something more. Trust me...she does a lot already...but that is her beautiful heart. Be careful! It is contagious! :)
What will Michele be doing here? She will be starting a very unique Bible Study every 3rd Friday of the month. I want her to be able to explain the unique nature of this "study" herself. She is calling it:
This book, is published by Barbour. It was a bit funny. I was looking for the author to mention here in the blog. Well, the book is full of Scriptures and a few quotes from people. God is the Author! I laughed. The didn't list Him, but they didn't list someone else either. It is a book to encourage women daily. Personally, I think it would be great for anyone. It has a small sharing for each day. Here is one that really seemed to fit today's post:
I am SO excited about the things I have to share with you today! I hope that you are having delightful weather, and that you have some fun activities planned for this weekend. I will be making lots of cards! I am so excited. I have been reorganizing my art room, and that means more goodies have been added to our Give-Away to celebrate our 6 Month Anniversary! Great for you! Fun for me!
I hope that each of us will also schedule time to be with the Lord. Church is great. I am writing about something different. I am talking about that precious 1 on 1 time. If you have children, you can probably remember those special times you had with only you and your child. Maybe they were sharing something with you, maybe you were doing something together. It was precious time. This is the time that Our Lord would like with each of us, also. Quality, quiet time...(in addition to church)...where you can read, pray and then...listen. Think about scheduling it in...there is a better chance of it happening then! Even do it for the children...let them sit on their beds for 15 minutes and "talk" to God, and then tell them to listen quietly, and see if they "hear" ideas from them. Maybe let them look at their Children's Bible--even if they can't read yet. Never too early to start a great behavior. Of course, 15 minutes may be too long for a 5-year-old, but it wouldn't seem like an eternity to a teen either. You don't want to make it a punishment for them. Make it special. Hot chocolate afterwards, or something. It may open the door to conversations about Him...not lectures, but conversations. Oh, how I wish my son were a child again. The things I would do differently. If you try it out, I would love to hear how it went. In life, most people need to try new behaviors more than once, to make them stick. (Proven in several cases which I can't quote at the moment.) Whatever you do, I pray that you will all be blessed and encouraged through your quality time with the Lord, through this blog, and with each other.
"I always thank God as I remember you in my prayers." Philemon 4
- Isaiah 28:26, Philemon 4, Numbers 6:24-25
- Special Announcement and Introduction
- Give-Away & Challenge News
- Whispers of Promise
Isaiah 28:26
I promised you a Special Announcement today... First, I would like to fill you in just a bit. I had a row of repetitive dreams a few weeks ago. They were crystal clear...and they seemed more and more urgent as time went by. If you read the first post of this blog...back on June 30th of last year, you would know that it was through this manner that I realized I was receiving marching orders...and an answer to prayer! I was to start this blog...but rather than having the main focus be art...it was to be on Him! He has been such an amazingly faithful guide since that time. I have grown in my love for Him, my desire to be obedient to Him, and in my desire to encourage each of you to be bold in sharing about Him---especially through the gorgeous cards that were donated for the "Card of the Week." (Thank you all again!) The dreams were of this nature. I know exactly what He was asking of me. I am more than happy to comply. We are adding several different areas to this blog...and I am not the one to do all of the areas! (That is a challenge for me to say and admit!) Thankfully, He gave me the name of the person I was to approach about joining us. And, to no surprise...she agreed! The new activities will roll out slowly, so that we can do them in a manner that Glorifies Him, and keeps you interested.
Today's Special Announcement is that Michele G. is joining me here at The He IS Able blog! I could not be happier. I met Michele about 8 months ago at one of the prayer threads at SplitCoastStampers. We immediately became friends. She loves the Lord, Jesus the Christ, with all of her heart. I have learned so much from her. On the prayer thread, we pray for people's prayer requests and needs, and for the people they may know. We encourage each other...and we care about each other. Michele is so at home there. She has such a generous and caring heart. She has been here on the blog many times. She has shared her writing a few times, had a Challenge to have birthday cards sent to her Dad, she helped me take that "Leap of Faith" and write my first post, when I was scared. She has always been involved, but shies away from being recognized. Michele is married, and is the proud mom of a teenager. I know that she really enjoys Victoria Osteen's writings as well as the preaching of Joel Osteen. She also admires the work of Joyce Meyer. Michele has joined the He IS Able blog, because she feels she is being called to do something more. Trust me...she does a lot already...but that is her beautiful heart. Be careful! It is contagious! :)
What will Michele be doing here? She will be starting a very unique Bible Study every 3rd Friday of the month. I want her to be able to explain the unique nature of this "study" herself. She is calling it:
"Precious Women of God
This includes YOU!"
I am sure you will all bless her by officially welcoming her to the
He IS Able Blog! I hope you will mark your calendars for next Friday the 21st-be sure to stop by! I know what she is planning...and I know it will be very interesting! Welcome Michele! I am grateful that you are joining in this special way to please Him!
Give Aways and Challenges
I wanted to point out that all Give-Away or Challenge Information is now posted on the side bar. This will make it very easy for you to find to reference. As well as making it easy for people from other blogs to take a quick look at!
I also have information about a seperate event I am doing with my Mother. She is doing a huge 24 hour event called the Re-lay for Life in April! I am doing a Card Drive Fundraiser as a part of it. Card makers are donating cards for the sale, and I needed a public, free place to keep them up to date on how we are doing! This is not a He IS Able blog event. It is to help the American Cancer Society help people and make people aware of all types of cancer. They do not concentrate on one type. So, this updated information is located on the side bar also. It is not a contest for this blog. And, other than posting it in the public side bar...isn't part of The He IS Able blog. Even though the Lord can touch anyone's heart for an important need. I hope you understand.
Whispers of Promise
Well, I found another book that I just love. I am still going to be writing about what I have learned from The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, on Mondays. I will be sharing on how we can please Him, and be on His path for each of our lives. This book, is published by Barbour. It was a bit funny. I was looking for the author to mention here in the blog. Well, the book is full of Scriptures and a few quotes from people. God is the Author! I laughed. The didn't list Him, but they didn't list someone else either. It is a book to encourage women daily. Personally, I think it would be great for anyone. It has a small sharing for each day. Here is one that really seemed to fit today's post:
Everything New
"Everything that is new or
uncommon raises a pleasure in
the imagination because it fills the
soul with an agreeable surprise,
gratifies its curiosity, and gives it
an idea of which was not before
possessed."
~Joseph Addison
Well, today's post has certainly been about changes and new things: Michele taking on a new area, new ideas to try with youngsters and yourself and new concepts for the blog. This seems like an appropriate piece to share today. I hope you have all left a comment to make you eligible for the Give-Away we are currently hosting! All you need to do is leave a comment before the 14th telling of one thing that you have learned or done differently because of this blog! Your name will go into a random drawing...and the Winner will be announced on the 15th! (Please check the side bar for further details.)
And, Wednesday, we will announce the winner of the "Card of the Week." I hope you will join us here. And, please consider inviting your readers, family or friends to visit. Leave a comment and you are entered!
Reminder, if you post our badge (just copy and paste it) on your blog, please make sure I have the blog URL....you will receive a fabulous card to use to share your love for Him, His Word, or tell of His Gift of Salvation! Of course, you can use it anyway you would like. Your participation is greatly appreciated! We love to share what we have learned with you and with others, and we hope to encourage you with your walk with the Lord. God bless!
"May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, all the days of your lives." Numbers 6:24-25 Amen.
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Give-Aways Galore! ABC Scripture Study!
Hi Everyone~
Wow! I have a lot to share with you today! First of all, changes have been made to The He IS Able 6 Month Blog GIVE-AWAY! You have given so much to us in the last 6 months...we decided to do away with the challenge part...and just have a GIVE-AWAY!!!!! All you need to do is leave a comment from now until January 14th telling of one thing that you have learned, or done differently because of this blog...and your name will go into the random drawing! The Winner will be announced on the 15th!!! That's it!
(If you have already made something for the challenge, your name will be entered twice. Thank you!)
The Prizes:
The Ash2Ash CD: He Will Meet You Where You Are
And, a wonderful assortment of ultra-fine and chunky glitter to help your New Year start out shiny!
There are some other wonderful items being added...but will remain a surprise. Be sure to check out the Ash2Ash Site. You can listen to their incredible lyrics and wonderful Christian music, buy CD's and there is info on their newest CD!!!
So, leave your comment while you are thinking of it! Thanks so much!
I am sorry, but do to my postage budget, I can only send prizes to addresses in the United States. If you live outside of this United States, I really appreciate your being here, too,...I really do. If you are willing to send a SASE in the proper amount, I could send it to you. Or, if you have American friends perhaps you would like to give it to them as a Wonderful, Wonderful gift, or maybe they would send it to you.
This entire blog tells you of amazing opportunities today. So, please read the whole thing....down to the very bottom. You will be blessed. You may want a piece of paper to jot down some of the info!
I am very happy and very blessed to tell you about a Scripture Study that I am participating on. It is called the ABC Scriptural Challenge for 2011. It is being posted by Patter Cross of Triple the Scraps. She is a very educated woman, with a special gift of sharing what she has learned with others.
Basically, she is offering her study every other week...and she will share a word that is of importance to Christians. Her writings are incredibly insightful and moving. It is up to us to find some references that remind US of that word. This is a great gift to pass down at the end of the year. At that point you will be given the opportunity to express yourself creatively...if you want! (This isn't for her approval, it is to help us learn Scriptures, and take a different look at them. It is not a contest.)
She started this past Sunday...so please take a look soon. When you visit her blog, please let her know, you are visiting from The He IS Able blog. I will get into my art room this week...and post my page as soon as I figure out why my camera isn't working with the computer!
In fact, THAT is why I could not show a photo of Deb Saaranen's beautiful card for today's "Card of the Week" random drawing! That brings us to today's random drawing for this amazing card. The Scripture on it reads "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4. It is a wonderful card. Brown background, with a combination on elegant green paper, and the most delicious brown and green ribbon. The focus of the card is the Scripture. It is centered and raised on 5 layers of paper, if I can count! It is printed in brown. It is GORGEOUS. So, let's see who the winner for the "Card of the Week" is...
Wow! I have a lot to share with you today! First of all, changes have been made to The He IS Able 6 Month Blog GIVE-AWAY! You have given so much to us in the last 6 months...we decided to do away with the challenge part...and just have a GIVE-AWAY!!!!! All you need to do is leave a comment from now until January 14th telling of one thing that you have learned, or done differently because of this blog...and your name will go into the random drawing! The Winner will be announced on the 15th!!! That's it!
(If you have already made something for the challenge, your name will be entered twice. Thank you!)
The Prizes:
The Ash2Ash CD: He Will Meet You Where You Are
And, a wonderful assortment of ultra-fine and chunky glitter to help your New Year start out shiny!
There are some other wonderful items being added...but will remain a surprise. Be sure to check out the Ash2Ash Site. You can listen to their incredible lyrics and wonderful Christian music, buy CD's and there is info on their newest CD!!!
So, leave your comment while you are thinking of it! Thanks so much!
I am sorry, but do to my postage budget, I can only send prizes to addresses in the United States. If you live outside of this United States, I really appreciate your being here, too,...I really do. If you are willing to send a SASE in the proper amount, I could send it to you. Or, if you have American friends perhaps you would like to give it to them as a Wonderful, Wonderful gift, or maybe they would send it to you.
This entire blog tells you of amazing opportunities today. So, please read the whole thing....down to the very bottom. You will be blessed. You may want a piece of paper to jot down some of the info!
I am very happy and very blessed to tell you about a Scripture Study that I am participating on. It is called the ABC Scriptural Challenge for 2011. It is being posted by Patter Cross of Triple the Scraps. She is a very educated woman, with a special gift of sharing what she has learned with others.
Basically, she is offering her study every other week...and she will share a word that is of importance to Christians. Her writings are incredibly insightful and moving. It is up to us to find some references that remind US of that word. This is a great gift to pass down at the end of the year. At that point you will be given the opportunity to express yourself creatively...if you want! (This isn't for her approval, it is to help us learn Scriptures, and take a different look at them. It is not a contest.)
She started this past Sunday...so please take a look soon. When you visit her blog, please let her know, you are visiting from The He IS Able blog. I will get into my art room this week...and post my page as soon as I figure out why my camera isn't working with the computer!
In fact, THAT is why I could not show a photo of Deb Saaranen's beautiful card for today's "Card of the Week" random drawing! That brings us to today's random drawing for this amazing card. The Scripture on it reads "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4. It is a wonderful card. Brown background, with a combination on elegant green paper, and the most delicious brown and green ribbon. The focus of the card is the Scripture. It is centered and raised on 5 layers of paper, if I can count! It is printed in brown. It is GORGEOUS. So, let's see who the winner for the "Card of the Week" is...
Gardner's Basket!!!!
Here is the comment that was randomly chosen:
Gardner's Basket said...
Traci, I thought your work here was worthy of an award. Check out my blog:http://gardnersbasket.blogspot.com/
January 1, 2011 9:09 AM
Congratulations, Monica! Thank you for your very sweet comment. I did check out her blog...and WOW! Let me just say, she is having a great Blog-O-Versary Give-Away. As always, please let her know that you came from this blog. It is a beautiful blog, and she is not only talented, but has a giving and kind heart. I hope you will be by again next week, Monica! Monica, just let me know you want this gorgeous card, envelope and postage- by emailing me your snail mail address at TraciStarkweather@gmail.com (This is a new email for you.) I will need to hear from you by Tuesday at 8pm, or this card will go back into the blog's "Card of the Week" cards for another time. I hope to hear from you!
Now, a bit about this week's "Card of the Week!" It is made by the wonderful and diverse artist, Grace N. from Th-ink-ing of You. Be sure to stop by Grace's Blog also...for she is celebrating HER birthday and the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus with a HUGE Give-Away! Wow! So many things to see, her art is beautiful! If you love butterflies you may be side- tracked by her art...but remember to sign up and say hello from The He IS Able blog, too!
Well, if all of this doesn't start your New Year off right...I know what will! His Word. The Psalms are so beautiful and so many are about Joy in the Lord.
I encourage you to read at least a little bit of the Bible each day. It doesn't have to be a whole chapter...just a bit, and ask the Lord to please reveal what He would like you to know from reading it...His written instructions for us. I will see you on Friday...with a wonderful announcement!
Thank you for being here! You are each very appreciated!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
Traci, I thought your work here was worthy of an award. Check out my blog:http://gardnersbasket.blogspot.com/
January 1, 2011 9:09 AM
Congratulations, Monica! Thank you for your very sweet comment. I did check out her blog...and WOW! Let me just say, she is having a great Blog-O-Versary Give-Away. As always, please let her know that you came from this blog. It is a beautiful blog, and she is not only talented, but has a giving and kind heart. I hope you will be by again next week, Monica! Monica, just let me know you want this gorgeous card, envelope and postage- by emailing me your snail mail address at TraciStarkweather@gmail.com (This is a new email for you.) I will need to hear from you by Tuesday at 8pm, or this card will go back into the blog's "Card of the Week" cards for another time. I hope to hear from you!
Now, a bit about this week's "Card of the Week!" It is made by the wonderful and diverse artist, Grace N. from Th-ink-ing of You. Be sure to stop by Grace's Blog also...for she is celebrating HER birthday and the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus with a HUGE Give-Away! Wow! So many things to see, her art is beautiful! If you love butterflies you may be side- tracked by her art...but remember to sign up and say hello from The He IS Able blog, too!
Well, if all of this doesn't start your New Year off right...I know what will! His Word. The Psalms are so beautiful and so many are about Joy in the Lord.
I encourage you to read at least a little bit of the Bible each day. It doesn't have to be a whole chapter...just a bit, and ask the Lord to please reveal what He would like you to know from reading it...His written instructions for us. I will see you on Friday...with a wonderful announcement!
Thank you for being here! You are each very appreciated!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
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