Don't Be Afraid of Fear! Fight it With His Word!

Hi Friends~

Well, Joshua leaves a week from today for Basic Military Training  (boot camp), and I will be very busy putting together a postage package for him with envelopes and writing paper, sheets of labels with all of his family and friend's addresses, for ease to write quickly.  He was told that on some evenings he will have 15 minutes to write...not much time when you have so many people who love you and want to hear from you!  So, I am including some postcards with postage on everything, with pre-written questions.  Questions may be:  What did you like today?  What didn't you like today?  What is the best part of the Air Force so far?  And so on...I think it will help on the nights when he is too tired to take the 15 minutes for writing, rather than sleeping!  I wonder if they read their mail?

Most of you know that I have been fearful of his leaving this area, and going into what I see as a very grown up field...when I see him more as a teen-ager than a twenty-two year old, even though he is very mature.  And, since when is 22 that old?  lol 

We had a fabulous weekend together.  I didn't get any crafting done this week.  I don't know if I will get any done this week.  I am going to try tomorrow.  Well, you know I took a guest's advice and gave Josh's care back to the Lord.  And, I have been so much calmer.  I have a sense of peace that I couldn't find anywhere...but with the Father.  Which I knew, but for some reason, when I need to remember something so important, so ingrained in me... I still forget to go before Him for myself some times.  Perhaps these are words to the wise for one of you reading this?

I saw this column in my emails.  I follow many Pastor's on the Internet.  I have my Pastor at my church who I really listen to a lot.  One thing about Pastor Joel Osteen is he looks for the positive in everything...and knows God is capable of all things.  I want to share his column on FEAR with you today.

Close the Door on Fear

"Do not give the devil an opportunity to work.”(Ephesians 4:27, ISV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

"So many people today are living with less than God’s best because they’ve allowed fear to creep in and take root in their lives. Fear is the greatest weapon the enemy uses to try to hold us back. Fear is not from God. Scripture tells us that fear brings torment. It’s designed to paralyze us and keep us from God’s blessings.

The good news is that God is greater than fear. His power in you is greater than any power that comes against you. But in order to walk in His power, you have to close the door on the enemy. See, the enemy can’t have access to your life unless you open a door and give him access. That’s why we have to be careful about what we watch, what we listen to, what we read, and what we say. When we open ourselves to fear, we give the enemy opportunity.

If you’ve allowed fear to steal from you in any area of life, today you can be free — you can be finished with fear. Conquering the enemy starts by making the choice to close the door on fear, and instead, meditate on God’s promises. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and word of our testimony! Let His truth sink down into your heart. Declare it out of your mouth. Let Him set you free and lead you into victory as you close the door on fear!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, I come to You today declaring that I am finished with fear. Thank You for giving me power, love and a sound mind. I choose to stand on Your promises. Fill me with Your peace and joy today as I move forward in Victory with You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel and Victoria Osteen

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I found several Scriptures that back up, you will recognize them from past posts:

"No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling:  For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."  (Psalm 91:10-11)

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you:  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  (John 14:27)

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  (2 Timothy 1:7)

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."  (1 John 4:18)

"So we may boldly say;  The Lord is my helper, I will not fear.  What can man do to me?"  (Hebrews 13:6)

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  (Psalm 46:1)

It is so important that we work to memorize these and other Scripture.  These are all about fear, and what fights it...He does, He teaches us how... it's in His Word. 

Just a reminder that we are giving away "2 He IS Able Cards of the Week!" on Wednesday!  Just be sure to leave a comment or prayer request or prayer in the comment section before Tuesday at 8pm.  If you do, you are eligible to win the 2 cards!

He IS Able!

Traci S.

Let's Praise the Lord! And, "The Trees of the Forest Will Sing--"

Hi Friends,

It is Friday, and to be honest, I have had a terrible week.  I would like today to be a day of praise to the Lord, even though we praise Him every day.  Let's praise Him for things BIG and small.  Let's encourage each other, and list one or many reasons why you want to Praise the Lord.

And, remember, anyone who leaves any comment, prayer request, or prayer, before Tuesday at 8pm (Eastern) is eligible to win not 1, but 2 of the "He IS Able Cards of the Week!"   We will continue to list the randomly chosen recipient on Wednesday, and we will continue sending 2 cards and postage until further notice.  Exciting!

I am going to list several Scriptures.  They will be about all different things which we may want to Praise Him for...or perhaps your reasons won't be found in this list.  I ask that you please read the list...without skimming over any words...you never know what will strike you.  And, please read it slowly.  These are Words from the Holy Bible...and deserve our respect, right?  I hope you enjoy this process as much as I will. 

(I wish I was an artist, I would try to paint this first Scripture.)

"Let the Heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;

 let them say among the nations,  "The Lord Reigns!"

Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;

 let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!

Then the trees of the forest will sing,

 they will sing for joy before the Lord,

for He comes to judge the earth,

 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

His love endures forever.

(1 Chronicles 16:31-34)

 

"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.

Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful singing."

(Psalm 100:1-2)

"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)

And lastly for today, for those of us facing troubling times...

"On the day I called, You answered me;

You made me bold with strength in my soul...

For great is the glory of the Lord,

For though the Lord is exalted,

Yet He regards the lowly...

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

You will revive me;

You will stretch forth Your hand...

and Your right hand will save me."

(Psalm 138:3, 5-7)

 

He IS Able!

Traci S.

p.s.  Would the person who sent me the comment that I posted a week or so ago, and again this week...please email me your identity?  I would love to speak with you, if possible.    tracistarkweather@gmail.com

Win 2 Cards Each Week in Our He IS Able Card Give Away!

Dear Friends,


So sorry that I was not here on Monday.  I have had such a bad migraine for so long.  I went to the doctor in the morning, and made a few errands with my Mom, (Who so nicely drives me around.) and then I had to sleep the afternoon away.  I didn't even check my email yesterday.  That means I had a really BAD headache! 


Today we will announce our winner of the "He IS Able Card of the Week."  Let me tell you a little something.  We have a nice number of guests who stop by the blog...however, only a few of you leave a comment.  Leaving a comment is the way you are made eligible for the free card, envelope and postage...and it makes our day!  Now I'll say it the other way...if you don't leave a comment...any comment...you are not entered into the random drawing. 

We have a great supply of these amazing cards on hand right now, We are Going to give 2 Cards to the Winner of the "He IS Able Card of the Week Give-Away" until further notice!  They are made by such giving people and they make beautiful cards, too!  So, please leave your comment, or prayer request...anything you want to share, before Tuesday night each week at 8pm!


The winner for this week is Grace!  She was actually the only person besides myself who left a comment.  However, Grace asked that I use the card to give someone else a lift up and a few words of encouragement.  Grace you are so wonderful!  The winner next week will win 2 cards and postage.  I can't wait to read everyone's comments!


Today, I also want to share a few things that I have made recently.  I went to the Southern Woman's Show and it had a CHA section.  (Craft Hobby Association)  While I was there I did a "Make & Take" for only $5.  I made this pendant.  It was the easiest new hobby I have ever tried!  It is made with pieces of glass. This one is square, but they come in all shapes.  Then you choose 2 scraps of design paper that you like.  I chose this floral...and an iridescent purple piece.  After all, purple is my favorite color.  All you do is put a thin layer of 3D Galaxy Gloss on the glass with a brush like a nail polish brush, and then press your piece of paper on it.  You push out any wrinkles, and cut the excess paper off when dry.  Then you put the other paper on the other side.  When you are done you take a beil (the piece that you put a chain or ribbon through) and put one big dot of the gloss on the beil, and push it down on the pendant.  A clothespin will hold it in place for an hour or so to set! 

 

I would like to show you a card also.  It was made for my Father-in-Law.  We send him a card each month...he is so far away from us.  He is such a special Godly man.  When we visit him, I read the Bible to him before bed and we discuss it.  We get so excited...we go back and forth sharing what we know.  It is a special time I will always cherish!  This was just a fun card for him...no reason, except that we love him a lot!

 

This card base was made with SU! Hunter Green, Ivory and a Sand colored paper.   I used a piece of webbing for a folding lawn chair for the background!  I tucked the corners under the Hunter Green paper.  And, put dimensional glue dots along the webbing.  I loved using this as an embellishment on this simple card!  I don't have a clue where the stamp is from...it isn't marked.  I did use Creative Inspirations Paints on the truck and dog...except for the gold.  The gold was colored with a Sakura Gel pen...so was the red break dot!

I think that soon my cards will show improvement.  My dear husband  gave me a bunch of Copics for my birthday...which was Sunday.  I was so surprised, and so happy. I am going to watch every video I can find on using them.  I have already seen many on how to shade faces.  I would like to know how to color trees, and birds, things of nature mostly.  And, I'd like to know if you color differently for Vintage cards or perhaps you just use different colors.

 

Josh had his birthday a week before I had mine.  He leaves in a mere 13 days for his life in the Air Force.  I plan on working on scrapbooks and cards the whole time he is away!  God is good!  He has blessed me with a sense of peace. I know I will still worry, and wonder what he is doing.  But, I know that He will watch over Josh much better than I ever could!  I am trusting in Him, in as many areas as possible.  It is wonderful, whomever left an anonymous comment telling me how to rededicate Josh to the Lord.  Your advice helped so much!  My prayers for friends and family seem more passionate, and I believe with all of my heart that their outcomes--or even better ones will be true.  He knows what is best for us.

 

Thank you all so much for being here!  Congratulations to our winner again!

Remember, every winner from now on will receive 2 cards and postage until further notice.  If they are regular sized envelopes, the extra set will not be included...that would double the amount of postage needed to mail it to you.  I'd rather give you the free cards to use to share about the Lord with friends and family!

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?  It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled under foot of men."  (Matthew 5:13)

 

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Open The Door!

Hi Friends~


Today is the 3rd Friday of the month, the day we post Michele's "Precious Women of God--This Includes YOU!"  Sadly, Michele is feeling under the weather, and so I will be sharing a beautiful Devotion with you today, and we will share hers on a different date.  Get well soon, Michele!


Have any of you decided to join me as I memorize a Scripture this week?  (From Wednesday's post)  I posted this Scripture to memorize. If you chose a different Scripture to memorize, please post it in the comment section, so that we can share.

" For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

 (Matthew 6:21)

I asked Michele if she knew of a specific Scripture that I was trying to think of.  One that was about the importance of storing Scripture in your heart...like they spoke of in that important article The Armor of God.  She found a great Scripture to memorize for this week:

"I have stored up Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You."
(Psalm 119:11)

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Please enjoy this Devotion from the book Quiet Moments in the Presence of God.  This book is published by Bethany House.  Today's piece is called:

Open The Door

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.  I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgements."

  (Psalm 119:105-106 NKJV)

"You have a readily available manual for the time you spend close to God.  In that manual are instructions about prayer, meditation, and reflection.  In that same manual you will learn what it means to have a heart for God.  On its pages are clear directions for a life lived with God.

You will read about the spiritual journeys of very real people, just like you, and you can discern from their stories how to feel the closeness of God.  In this manual, you will find directions and signposts for your walk with God.  This manual is the Bible, the greatest how-to book ever written.  Read of God's love, affection, and desire for you in the Bible.

"God's Words are pure Words,

pure silver refined seven times in the fires of His Word-kiln." 

(Psalm12:6)

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This post will be especially significant if you read it along with the post from Wednesday. (It is directly under this post.)  Please share anything you like in the comment section.  We would be especially happy to see what Scripture you will memorize this week.  It is SO important! We are so glad you are here!  Prayers for a quick recovery for Michele would be appreciated, I am sure.

Thank you so much for stopping by!  If this blog is encouraging to you, please tell your friends and family about this it.  In fact, you can copy & paste the He IS Able button (located on the side bar) on your blog.  (Please just put our URL as a caption, or share a link.)  We would greatly appreciate your sharing the blog however you wish.  Let me know that you posted our blog button on your blog, and you will receive a fabulous He IS Able card with our gratitude.  We would like to reach as many people as possible to share about our Lord, Christ Jesus.  Thank you for your help in doing so!

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

The Armor of God--Is it in Your Wardrobe?

Hi Friends~

Happy Wednesday!  Today we will announce our "He IS Able Card of the Week Winner" as well as information from the website "gotquestions.org"  It is a great site that shares so much information.  I have recently learned about it, and they have granted us permission to use their posts in their entirety.


First, I know that some of our guests have been lifting up Cathy's family, and there is news I need to share.  Cathy's Mother-in-Law has gone to be with the Lord  on Monday.  I have her address if anyone would like to send her and her family a card.  Also, Cathy's Mom, is still in the hospital, and has received blood transfusions and has also suffered from a stroke, apparently.  Cathy knows that her Mother would really enjoy getting cards!  So, if you would like to send a card for her Mom, I have the address to share, with her permission.  Just let me know that you would like it either in the comment section or email.  If you email me for it, please put "address needed" on the subject line. (I will only share the address via email.)  More importantly, they continue to ask for prayers.  Their Pastor is in the hospital suddenly, and Cathy and her husband led the entire service this week.  So, if you are so moved, please lift up these people and situations, and any others you may read in the comment section.  I thank you, and I know Cathy and her family thank you, too.

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The Winner of the "He IS Able Card of the Week" Random Give-Away is...

GRACE!!!

Congratulations Grace!  You have won a beautiful card that was hand-made and donated for this give-away! Everyone who shared something in the comment section before Tuesday at 8pm was entered into the random drawing.  Grace has an amazing blog.  It is called Th-ink-ing of You.  In it she shares the most amazing art projects and she shares incredibly moving Devotions in it.  She surely loves the Lord, and is happy to tell anyone about Him. 

It is our hope that people will use these cards to share about the Lord, or the Gospel itself! This may start a conversation which could lead to the other person learning more about Jesus and deciding to ask Him to be their Lord and Savior!   And, if the person is already a Christian, perhaps your note will create more enthusiasm in them to share about Him with others!  Check out Grace's blog...and tell her you are visiting from the He IS Able blog!  Grace thank you for your very thoughtful comment.  I always appreciate your sharing, and your prayers. 

Here is her comment:
 Traci you already know I'm praying for you and for Josh too.... praying for salvation and safety! Sounds like this devotion was just perfect for the need! That's a God thing!!! Thanks for letting your light shine for Him! His Word never returns to Him void, so your efforts will be rewarded even if in this life you don't always see it!!!
hugs,Grace

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Please visit this website.  They have answers to so many questions.  I really liked this post, and want to share it in it's entirety.  Anything in purple...I have added.

Check it out - www.GotQuestions.org!

 

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Question: "What is the full armor of God?"

Answer: The phrase “full armor of God” comes from Ephesians 6:13-17 (NIV): “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Ephesians 6:12 clearly indicates that the conflict with Satan is spiritual, and therefore no tangible weapons can be effectively employed against him and his minions. We are not given a list of specific tactics Satan will use. However, the passage is quite clear that when we follow all the instructions faithfully, we will be able to stand, and we will have victory regardless of Satan’s strategy.

"If God is for us who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
The first element of our armor is truth (verse 14). This is easy to understand, since Satan is said to be the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Deception is high on the list of things God considers to be an abomination. A “lying tongue” is one of the things He describes as “detestable to Him” (Proverbs 6:16-17). We are therefore exhorted to put on truth for our own sanctification and deliverance, as well as for the benefit of those to whom we witness.

Also in verse 14, we are told to put on the breastplate of righteousness. A breastplate shielded a warrior’s vital organs from blows that would otherwise be fatal. This righteousness is not works of righteousness done by men. Rather, this is the righteousness of Christ, imputed by God and received by faith, which guards our hearts against the accusations and charges of Satan and secures our innermost being from his attacks.

Verse 15 speaks of the preparation of the feet for spiritual conflict. In warfare, sometimes an enemy places dangerous obstacles in the path of advancing soldiers. The idea of the preparation of the gospel of peace as footwear suggests what we need to advance into Satan's territory, aware that there will be traps, with the message of grace so essential to winning souls to Christ. Satan has many obstacles placed in the path to halt the propagation of the Gospel.

The shield of faith spoken of in verse 16 makes Satan's sowing of doubt about the faithfulness of God and His Word ineffective. Our faith—of which Christ is “the author and perfecter” (Hebrews 12:2)— is like a golden shield, precious, solid, and substantial.

The helmet of salvation in verse 17 is protection for the head, keeping viable a critical part of the body. We could say that our way of thinking needs preservation. The head is the seat of the mind, which, when it has laid hold of the sure Gospel hope of eternal life, will not receive false doctrine or give way to Satan’s temptations. The unsaved person has no hope of warding off the blows of false doctrine because he is without the helmet of salvation and his mind is incapable of discerning between spiritual truth and spiritual deception.

I highlighted the word "incapable" because I feel that this is something that I think Christians sometimes lose sight of.  It is not possible for a person who is unsaved to tell the difference between spiritual truth and spiritual deception.  Some things are so obvious to us, because our eyes have been opened to the Truth...but the unsaved, do not have this...yet.


Verse 17 interprets itself as to the meaning of the sword of the Spirit—it is the Word of God.(One great reason why we should read the Bible daily, and work at memorizing Scripture, don't you agree?)   While all the other pieces of spiritual armor are defensive in nature, the sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God. It speaks of the holiness and power of the Word of God. A greater spiritual weapon is not conceivable.  (WOW!  It is the greatest of all spiritual weapons...Scripture!)   In Jesus' temptations in the desert, the Word of God was always His overpowering response to Satan. What a blessing that the same Word is available to us!

In verse 18, we are told to pray in the Spirit (that is, with the mind of Christ, with His heart and His priorities) in addition to wearing the full armor of God. We cannot neglect prayer, as it is the means by which we draw spiritual strength from God. Without prayer, without reliance upon God, our efforts at spiritual warfare are empty and futile. The full armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer—are the tools God has given us, through which we can be spiritually victorious, overcoming Satan’s attacks and temptations.

Recommended Resource:

The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare (Revised & Updated) by Ed Murphy

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 I think this column made it clear that Scripture is a necessary part of our lives.  Not just something to educate us on the people and their stories...but to memorize and use often.  The ABC Scripture Challenge that I am a part of and is led by Patter Cross  (some of you thought I was doing it on my own) helps me to memorize the Scripture on the pages.  And, I plan on passing it down to my young grandsons when they are old enough to read...so they can memorize them...and use them.  

The following are the parts of the "Armor of God."

T=   Truth

R=   Righteousnes

G=   the Gospel

F=   Faith

S=   Salvation
W= Word of God

P=   Prayer

 

Are you willing to memorize one Scripture this week?  How about this one?" For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. " (Matthew 6:21)

I am working on storing those Scriptures up in my heart.  Will you join me this week?  What Scripture will you be memorizing and thinking about?  How about letting us know if you are going to work on this for this week, or what Scripture you are going to memorize in the comment section?  It's always more encouraging to do things like this in a group!  God bless!

Thank you so much for being here.  Friday is another post from Michele: "Precious Women of God--This Includes YOU!!"  Monday--more cards!

He IS Able!

Traci S.

"B is for Bible" Scrapbook Page and 2 Cards by Traci

Hi Friends~

I hope that everyone had a beautiful and blessed weekend!  I spent time with my family celebrating my son's 22nd birthday!  I am just amazed that he is 22 years-old.  It doesn't seem possible!  Does that happen with all parents?  I am glad you are here today.  I have a couple of projects to share with you:

I will share Josh's birthday card first, since I was just talking with you about him.  (I know we aren't really talking...it just seems that way to me.)

"How The Time Has Flown By!"

This is a very different style card for me. On the inside it says, How The Time Has Flown By!  I used navy blue paper as the base, and I rounded the corners on all of the layers.  I then took a white piece of card stock from SU! and ran it through my Cuttle Bug with a Tim Holtz Texture Fade folder.  It is called "gears."  I then ran some Faded Jeans Distress Ink lightly across the embossed paper...letting the ink show up darker in some areas than others.   The top layer of paper is from a set of last year's dp from SU!  It has tiny gears lined up all across the page.  The watch face is part of a La Blanche stamp-I used a water based marker and only colored that section of the stamp and pressed on the paper.  Then I took the wings one at a time from a UNITY stamp, and stamped them twice on each side to show movement of the wings.  I ran some Distress Ink around the edges of the paper, and popped each layer up with double sided tape.  A very unique style card for me...Josh loved it!

Happy Birthday, Zachary!

I am really working on some masculine cards this time of year!  This card is for one of my Grandsons.  It has some different elements in it.  I did start with a sand colored base by SU!, and I embossed this sneaker stamp (unknown) with incredible Sparkle & Sprinkle Satin Velvet Blue embossing powder.  It is gorgeous...smooth and brilliant.  Zachary loves the University of Florida Football Team, so I colored the sneakers in a neon U of F color story.  I used some old Heidi Swapp decorative orange tape on the top and the bottom.   Can you guess the source of the cool paper that the sneakers are stamped on?  I found this idea on Patter's Triple the Scraps blog.  It is the inside of an envelope from a bill!  Isn't it great?  Each company has different designs on the inside of their envelopes in different colors.  I saved about 20 envelopes...and trust me, it is almost an endless supply of your own dp!LOL 

"B is for Bible"  ABC Scripture Scrapbook

I have told you that I am working on my ABC Scripture Scrapbook that is a wonderful challenge that is being led by the very talented and Godly Patter Cross.  You can find out all about this year's challenge on her blog, Triple the Scraps. It doesn't need to be a scrapbook, that was just my choice in putting this challenge together.  This is an amazing challenge that is so inspiring, educational and helpful!   She also has organizational tips, shares her Design Team and other art, as well as information about all different types of crafts and products.  I finished this page a while ago, but never posted it.  It is page 2...the word she gave us to highlight for the letter "B" is "Bible."  There was also an ODBD challenge to use vellum on your project (separate challenge!).  So, you will see vellum used in several ways on this coral pink 12"x12" page.  I believe Patter just posted the writing for the letter "U"...you can see I am a bit behind in this project.  But, it is there for everyone to work at their own pace.  Join us!

The center page is from HOTP (Hot Off The Press) Ultimate Card Maker's Pack.  The letter "B" in Bible is from a little K & Company Olivia Rose tear pad.  I used decorative scissors throughout this page, as well as my paper trimmer with several different decorative blades in one cartridge.  I love the stamp of the Bible.  It was gifted to me by a dear friend. (Thank you!) It is from ink-a-dink-a-doo, and comes with a beautiful cross with flowers, a candle in a flower base, and several words.  I also used several ODBD stamps on this page.  I will list the Scripture and tell you what set it came from.  The Scriptures are all marked on the page with a red rhinestone heart, and are resting on colored vellum and card stock:

"You are the light of the world.  Let your light shine out for all to see."

(Matthew 5:14-16) ODBD-Light of the World Set

"Oh sing to the Lord a new song;  for He has done marvelous things!"  (Psalm 98:1)  ODBD-Sing to the Lord Set

"Every good and perfect gift is from above."  (James 1:17)  SU!

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."  (Psalm 119:108)

ODBD-Light of the World

And, I wrote a Scripture along side the chipboard stem on the tall, vellum flower on the right side of the page.  The petals on this flower are vellum that was put through the Cuttle Bug in the "Birds on the Vine" embossing  folder and then cut out.  A Prima rhinestone embellishment center sets it off nicely.

"The grass withers, The flowers fade, But the Word of God lasts forever!"  (Isaiah 40:8)

The flowers on the left side of the page are also resting on a chipboard stem.  They are made of vellum as well.  They were stamped and colored with Sakura Gel, Souffle, and Glaze pens.  The bird in the center of the page is an ODBD stamp from the Sing to the Lord set.  She has a vellum side wing added to her, and is colored with colored pencils on water color paper...the texture of the paper is a nice way to make it look like ruffled feathers. And, I used a sticker I have had for ages from Ant-icipation!  It is the grass sticker that goes along the base of the paper. 

I did decide to add more of my own hand-writing to this scrapbook page.  I marked several points that are important to me about the Bible with the same red hearts.  They were:  Walk it!  Live it!  Love it!  Obey it!  Read it!  I also wrote "His Word" on the top under the Bible, and "The Truth."  This page is to remind me of important aspects and Scripture of the Bible.  And, it does. 

I used to promise myself and God to read a Chapter a night of the Bible before bed.  It was too much for me on a regular basis.  I was reading, to have completed my task.  I couldn't retain the information, and I certainly couldn't meditate on the importance of the section right before falling asleep.  And, I felt terrible when I would fall asleep while reading! As I read,  I think "What is God telling me?"  "What is He telling me about Himself?"  Now, I read what seems right for that night.  What I can retain, and still be able to pray about and think about applying more-so to my life.  I hope that makes sense to you.  It's not the quantity that I read each night...it's what I do with it that is important.  And, I do choose to read in order.  It makes more sense that way to me. It's a personal choice.  I use my Devotional books to read about special areas. 

I hope that you enjoyed today's post.  It has been fun and crazy getting in the art room lately.  I have so many October birthdays in our family! I still have a stack of cards to show you.  I am STILL trying to finish the birthdays for the year...and get going on the Holidays Cards!  I am so far behind!  I am very excited, to make them, however. I have new techniques and materials this year.   I hope you have time to get into your crafts, and that you make the time to get into His Word!  Daily. 

On Wednesday we will find out about wearing the Armor of God and we will also choose our He IS Able Card of the Week Winner!  So, please, leave a comment or prayer request or praise report in the comment section before Tuesday 8pm to be eligible!  And, Friday another post for the ...       "Precious Women of God--This Includes YOU!"  And, Joan continues to lift up each prayer request.  She would love to have you pray for our guest's needs, also.

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make His face shine upon thee,

and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up His coutenance upon thee,

and give thee peace."

(Numbers 6:24-26)

This is my prayer for you.

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

He IS Faithful! (And, about my trip to CHA!)

"If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself."

(2 Timothy 2:13)

 

Hi Friends~

Happy Friday!  Yesterday my Mom and I went to a CHA show that was a part of the "Orlando Southern Women's Show."  The Southern Women's Show is an annual event with different vendors selling and educating us on everything from necklaces from Uganda to beautiful jewelry, to soup mixes! They had TV personalities giving shows and classes from Chefs to famous Craft Artists.  They also had many booths that focus on different aspects of health.  Being October, there were many, many booths that were teaching about Breast Cancer Awareness, and reminded everyone to get mammograms and do self exams.  (Hint! Hint!)  There were "pink ribbon" hats, pins, shirts, socks, purses...any item you can think of they had a pink ribbon on it...with part or all of the proceeds going to help find a cure for breast cancer, or to give away free mammograms.  There were other health booths, free chair massages, orthotics for very tired feet (from walking from booth to booth possibly), and many booths on things we must do to lower our stress levels, cholesterol levels, and weight.  (For most Americans.)   I wonder if other countries have these  particular major health problems...If you are from a different country, would you please tell us what your country's major health issues are please?  I am curious.


Many of the booths had different perfumes to sample, hair salons that would cut your hair right there, and give the proceeds to charity.  And, make-up companies that would do make-overs.  I had my very first make-over...just on my eyes.  I do not wear a lot of make-up. Eyes and lips only. I went to the Clinique area of the floor.  I had the most patient woman do my eyes up with me having told her that I like a natural look...but want my eyes to be, well, more eye-catching.  I asked her to choose what she thought would work for me.  They have an eye-liner with brown and violet--LOVE it!  I was so excited with the results.  And, I didn't even blink a lot or pull away when she did the mascara!  I felt so grown-up...and I received a free bonus gift...so many items...with my small purchases.


The CHA part of the Event was not a full blown CHA Event.  (CHA= Craft and Hobby Association)  Usually, they are amazing events, and are on their own...this was part of another event, so there were only a few craft booths.  If you ever get the chance to go to a CHA event...GO!  Usually, you will find booth after booth of different types of hobbies.  A lot of rubber stamping, and scrapbooking booths, along with make and take opportunities.  You would find sewing, needle point, crocheting and knitting, beading...you name the craft....you would find a booth selling and sharing information on that craft.  There are usually many products just being introduced to the market.  This Event, however did not have very many craft booths.  Don't get me wrong, I found so many new items that I fell in love with!  You'll see those things over the next few months.


I imagine it sounds like I am only invested in THINGS...nothing could be further from the truth.  I love the Lord, and my family and friends.  Serving them, is my joy.  I am just excited about the items I purchased to make gifts and cards for Christmas, and the fun I had getting out of the house, which is usually reserved for doctors appointments only.


Oh, I made a beautiful glass necklace at a make and take!  So, I now have another new craft, too! They will make nice gifts.   (I'll show you it on Monday with a couple of cards.)  Now, I need to go find new little homes in my art room for the exciting products I bought...and decide what to use first!


Sunday, is my son's 22 birthday.  I am trying to think of a meaningful gift to give him. He leaves for boot camp in 3 1/2 weeks, and can not bring ANY personal items.  I am really stumped on this gift.  We are having a dinner for him with family.  I am so proud of him...and I am getting less worried...thanks to all of you who have reminded me of who He is! (I worry to an extreme...and I am working on changing that.)

"He will not allow your foot to be moved;  He who keeps you will not slumber.  Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."

(Psalm 121:3-4)

 

Speaking of gifts, thank you to each of you who left a comment on the last few posts. I have really felt so close to each of you, you have helped me tremendously.   I don't know who "Anonymous" is who left such a gift in her comment. She or he told about her child going into the Air Force, and how she gave her children back to God to take care of them.  It was so beautiful.  I appreciate it so much. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

"But Jesus said to them, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."  (Matthew 19:14)

I figure that any person who is capable of loving, probably worries about them from time to time.  I am going to share that comment here...it is full of so much wisdom...for any of us...myself definately included.  I hope you find it to be as helpful, meaningful and loving as I do.   Please enjoy this God-given wisdom:

Anonymous said...

Hi Traci. My son, too, enlisted in the Air Force but did so immediately after high school. They sent him to Germany after boot camp. He is the 2nd of my 5 kids. The other 4 are girls. We lived 20 miles from town, so for work, school activities, to see friends, etc. they often drove those old gravel country roads. In the beginning of the years when they become teenagers, I worried myself sick.

One day I just couldn't take the stress any more, so I gave them all back to God. Literally, I prayed and told God that I needed Him to take them back and be responsible for them, to watch over them in all that they would do, to keep them safe and well. He is so faithful!
They are all 40 something now, married with jobs and kids (4 have children). Some have made faith committments, some have it on their minds often. I know that our God will draw them and their kids to His side, and I believe in His will to prevail. I trust my Lord and Saviour to have His way in their lives. I still pray faithfully for each of them and their kids, and for my DH too.  October 13, 2011 6:25 PM

Beautiful, isn't it?  I can just see God's hand with each child's name  inscribed on it.  I can see Him protecting them...as only He can. 

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. 

 I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you,

 I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  (Isaiah 41:10)

 

I hope you will be here on Monday when I share the necklace I learned to make...and a card or two.  Next Wednesday, we will have a "He IS Able Card of the Week Give-Away!" as well as talking about the Full Armor of God.  And, Friday, Michele will have another incredible post, "Precious Women of God--This Includes YOU!"  Thank you all so much for being here!  We really appreciate you!

He IS Able!

Traci S.

2 Cards Given Away Today! Winner Announced!

Happy Wednesday, Friends!  Today we are giving away 2 cards to one fortunate He IS Able Card of the Week Winner!  Why two?  Because I was not here last week to post a winner...and I announced on Friday that we would give both cards to one winner!  I admit that I have had a challenge connecting with the blog since writing last Friday.  I was so brutally honest, so vulnerable...and so scared.  I am feeling more like myself today, and I am back.  Thank you for your patience with me.  This is an important time in my life.


I thank each of you who left comments that were so heartfelt  and full of ideas to help me through the next 4 years that Josh will be in the Air Force,  They talked about friendship and they talked about trusting in God.  I received emails from some of my close friends, and received Devotions, Scriptures, stories and ideas...and prayers.  And, I was just overwhelmed with love.  Thank you to each of you.  I was really a mess trying to figure every little detail in advance--as if I could...what if Josh was sent to Japan and fell in love with a woman so far away?  What if Josh was hurt?  What if...What if...What if...


What if I trusted in God for everything, and was willing to wait in His time?  The perfect answer.  What if I wasn't the answer...but He was?  Perfect answer! 


There was a comment that was posted today that I want to bring to all of your attention.  One of our guests, Cathy is going through a VERY difficult time.  She has been asking for prayer for her family's situation for quite a while...and the next time, their was another family member with a life or death need, and another person close to her has their life on the line.  So, PLEASE read her most current post...and pray for her and the people in her post.  That is why we have guests list prayer needs in the comment section.  So, that we can pray for them, and so hopefully you will, also.  This is an exact quote from Cathy--except the purple part.

--"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

 

Catherine Kraft said...

I left an update and another critical prayer request yesterday and it has disappeared and it isn't on here. (I don't know what happened to it, Cathy...it never showed up here. But, we are praying now.)

Our Pastor had a serious stroke Monday morning. They said there is nothing they can do and they don't have much hope. We know that strength and hope comes from God!! Yesterday we got a phone call that his brain was swelling and they were going to remove some of his skull. We later got a call to say the swelling is going down and they wouldn't do a surgery. They say they can't go in and get the blood clot and they can't dissolve it.

Rod's Mom is still with us. The miracle here is she isn't in any pain Praise God! She is very frail and she can go at any time.

My Mom was returned to the hospital from the care facility. They have given her about 13 pints of blood in the last 2 weeks. Finally they think they've found the source. There are lots of problems and I know God can and does heal. She needs her strength back so she can endure physical therapy.

The enemy has been stirring up conflict and division on our families. The tension is thick.

I've leaned heavy on this group, but cherish the prayers that are lifted up and the encouragement I've read here. Thank you for praying, we cherish each and every one and that is what is getting us through this. Blessings~

__________________________

We hope these Scriptures will bring any of you who need it, peace and comfort:

--"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."  (Romans 15:4)

--"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from Heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater. 

So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth;  it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I have sent."  (Isaiah 55:10-11)_________________________

He IS Able Card of the Week Winner of 2 Cards

Congratulations to Gerrie!  Thank you for such a loving comment.  I know you are here for me...but I thank you for reminding me!  ;)  You have won 2 cards that were donated to the He IS Able blog.  We hope that you will use the cards to share about the Lord with someone...Share about Life with someone! 

Gerrie has a very wonderful and unique blog.  It is called "Queen of Grunge."  She makes some of the most beautiful, interesting art work...that is sometimes scary, sometimes fun, but always made with a big heart!  To visit Gerrie's blog please visit here.  Take a couple of minutes and look a couple of posts down to see a beautiful take on an ODBD scrapbook challenge page.



Here is her comment:
"You know that I too am with you, holding your hand, hugging you with comfort. Our faith is strong, believe and trust and accept what we have been given, I walk beside you too. hugs"  October 11, 2011 2:22 PM




Your comment was randomly chosen from the comment's left in the last 2 weeks.  We encourage all of you to share your thoughts, Testimony, favorite Scripture...anything you want in the comment section.  And, of course your prayer requests.  It will be our honor to pray for and with you.  And, of course, if your comment is entered before 8pm on Tuesday...your comment may be randomly chosen to win a beautiful hand-made card donated for just this purpose!

Thank you all so much for being here...and remember...

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Do You Have Faith Like Potatoes? 2 Give Aways Wednesday-- Leave Your Comment!

Hi Friends~

Do you have Faith Like Potatoes?  You will certainly want to watch this DVD this weekend!  I must tell you, it is one of the best movies I have ever seen!  Wonderful plot.  Clean language.  Some subtitles...but they are large on the screen and they leave them up there long enough to read. If you have a hard time understanding the different accents give it a while...and turn up the volume, that helped us!  It is a great story of a Scottish Family and South African people.  The movie is about Faith, Trusting the Lord, Friendship, relationships, and so much more.  It is rated PG. You will love it!  Scripture, music, coming through the storms in life...great movie!  We rented it from Netflix.  Dave, my still Atheist husband sat through the whole movie, heard the Scriptures, and loved the story.  And, we know that His Word gets through to people. Praise God for that!  Thank you, Lord Jesus!  It is a story that I hope I remember forever, I hope it prepares me for my next storm.  This is what Netflix says about this movie...

Faith Like Potatoes
"Based on a true story, this inspiring drama centers on white farmer Angus Buchan (Frank Rautenbach), who--weary of the conflict in Zambia--moves his family to South Africa, where they try to transform a bare plot of land into a working farm.  Buchan faces a string of challenges, but as he overcomes each hurdle, he gradually realizes that his hunger for material wealth has been replaced with a growing sense of spirituality.  2006."

This movie had me so excited for what the Lord can do-- I couldn't sleep.  I woke up so early praying for my friends, my prayer list, and for my husband and my son Josh's Salvation.  I felt so close to the Lord.  I praised Him all morning.  And, then the phone rang.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;  not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

  (John 14:27)

It was my son, Josh.  We had just spent the day with him on Sunday.  He told us he was going to apply for a job at the sub shop or the yogurt shop.  He had signed up with the Air Force earlier this year.  With all of the troops starting to come home (yeah!), the majority of the military branches were not taking applications for recruits currently.  In fact, they had stopped sending the people in Josh's group of recruits to boot camp for months.  Last week, they had just told two men to show up for boot camp-one in December and one in February of 2012!  We all figured Josh would be here through the holidays--especially. He has already signed the contract, taken the Oath, passed the physical and other tests and was wanting to go...but was getting comfortable taking it easy just spending time with friends and family this summer.


Well, on Monday, like I said, he was going to start looking for a job.  He called me and said with excitement, "Mom, I have a job!"  Well, he just told me that he was applying.  I asked if it was the sub shop or the yogurt place.  He replied, "The Air Force!"  I couldn't believe it.  I have been waiting for this news for half a year!  I just didn't know this was THAT call!  I was shaken from head to toe, and flipped upside down!  I sounded excited and supportive and happy for him...and when I hung up, I fell apart.  I wrote a few close friends and filled them in...told them how I was falling apart, and didn't know how to be without Josh around me.  I mean he moved about 3 miles from us when he was 18, he is turning 22 on Saturday. But, we have always been near by.  Now, he will be going to boot camp all the way in Texas.  For 8 weeks...no calling.  Only letters...not even cards!  I asked my friends what to do, how to be, how not to fall apart, like I felt I was doing.  I couldn't believe God was letting this actually happen!  Josh would finish boot camp, and could be sent anywhere in the world!  And, he doesn't know the Lord!  I have been praying for his Salvation for such a long time.  Now, I prayed and asked my friends to pray that he be Saved before his departure date!  God works on His own time, always has, always will!  I knew that.  They know that. I was hoping for an exception.  Later on, I would be more realistic.   I am grateful for their prayers for his Salvation.  I was a mess, and couldn't even write the blog posts this week, especially with the added migraine on top of everything! It was as if I forgot everything I knew in my heart and my mind.  I was ashamed of that feeling. I needed to confess.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all righteousness."  (I John 1:9)

I felt that it would be impossible for me to go on...how to "be" not knowing what he was doing, learning, if he was safe during weapon training...if they were going to yell in his face!  It felt impossible for me to know peace for the next four years...at least!  I knew I was supposed to Give it to God and let Him keep it...but that felt impossible, too!  Even though I have been doing a pretty good job of leaving it with the Lord for half a year or so, but no one was being sent to training...so great, I had faith, when things were easy.  Anyone could do that.  Now, it seemed so hard.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for he cares for you."

(1 Peter 5:6-7)

I received the same message from everyone.  I am so grateful for my friends...you are truly my Sisters-in-Christ.  My Family. Thank you so much.  You told me to "Stay close to Him.  Have faith in Him.  Keep praying for Josh."  I heard you, but it just didn't sink in.  I was in such despair.

"A friend loveth at all times."  (Proverbs 17:17)

One of my very dear friends sent me this Devotion from Charles Stanley, and thought it would be helpful to me. Thank you for thinking of me!  It is from October 5th of this year.  It is a part of "In Touch Ministries."  

October 5, 2011 When Things Seem Impossible JEREMIAH 32:17-22 What is your first reaction when you encounter a difficult circumstance—one that looks impossible? Some people go into "overdrive" searching for an answer or a way out. Others curl up in defeat or withdrawal, either declaring the situation hopeless or trying to avoid it altogether. Hopefully, as a Christian, you turn immediately to the Lord, seeking His guidance. But what you ask Him is very important. O Lord, what am I going to do? At first glance, this seems like the right thing to ask, but is it? The problem with this question is that even though we are seeking the Lord's guidance, the focus is on our actions. That means the way we think about how to handle the situation is limited to our abilities, resources, and understanding. All too often, our minds will begin to devise possible plans, and we soon resort to manipulating and maneuvering in an attempt to fix the problem. God, what are You going to do? This is the right question because now the focus has shifted to the omniscience and omnipotence of almighty God. He blows the sides out of any box that confines us and untangles any situation that baffles us. He has the power to carry out His plans, which—unlike our solutions—are perfect, always bringing Him glory. To truly pray the second prayer, you must be willing to surrender all your plans into His hands. Not only does He know what to do and how to accomplish it, but He can also make a way through any impossibility. Your job is simply to trust Him and obediently follow His directions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe | Devotional Archives | In Touch Ministries

Charles Stanley and the In Touch Organization has an amazing home page.
This Devotion helped me so very much! And, they can send you a Daily Devotion also. Please check out their website here is the link: In Touch


It was exactly what I needed to do! It answered my question, and told me what I was doing wrong. I wanted to know what I should do,  How I could "be."  I need to keep my eyes upon Jesus...because ...

He IS Able!

"So then faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."  (Romans 10:17)

Please leave a comment or prayer request. I would really love to hear from anyone who has been through anything like this...and how you continued to thrive, and not curl up and hide. Of course, we would love to hear what ever is on your mind from anyone!


Oh, we will be giving away 2 cards on Wednesday since I wasn't here this past Wednesday.  That is 2 cards to one person!  Leave your comments today!  Thank you so much for being here, and listening.  (I feel that I am talking with each of you when I share on this blog.)

Please take a moment to look at the prayer request from Cathy, and the Praise Report listed in the last post's comments.  Prayer is needed urgently.

His,
Traci Starkweather