Bible Journaling
Go, Get ‘Em! April 3, 2023
“Destiny s not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It’s not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.” - William J. Bryan
When we look at successful people, we probably imagine that they are just luckier than we are, better at making connections or being the right place at the right time. Chances are, they aren’t luckier or more blessed or in any way slated for more favor, they probably are people who persevered. They probably didn’t wait for destiny to ride in on a white horse. They went seeking destiny instead.
It’s not easy for us to take a great leap of faith and try something we haven’t tried or move in a direction that feels foreign. When we have to get out of our comfort zones, we aren’t as sure of our steps.
God is! God still knows what the steps are that you have to take and He goes before you in your pursuits to help page the way for you. Only you can choose the moment when you’ll decide to act. Just be reassured that when you’re ready to go out there, you won’t go alone!
“A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul.” - Proverbs 13:19 NKJV
Let us pray: Lord, you know what we need to do and how we’ll get there. Help us to take the most direct route to the things You want us to achieve by following You more closely. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
Bible journaling
The Question of Who You Are March 27, 2023
“Let your only evaluation of worth derive from the awareness of God’s love for you. All other measures leave one in a state of delusion.” - Anonymous
Sometimes we look up to people we think have accomplished much more than we have. We imagine that they must be very special in God’s sight to have done so well. We look to them for inspiration and for leadership, or for ideas about how we might become more like them.
The problem is that when we look up to others, we lose two things. We lose our awareness of the gifts God has given to us, the things that make us unique and worthy in His eyes, and we lose that sense of knowing God has truly designed all that is good for us to accomplish as well. Taking note of what another woman does, or what she has of this world’s material goods, isn’t any kind of statement about your worth or your ability.
The important thing is to always know who you are, and whose you are. When you have that set in your mind, all things are possible for you.
“Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you.” - Romans 12:2 NCV
Let us pray: Lord, we admit that we’re often a bit envious of some of our friends. We imagine that they must have done something better than we have, or they must be smarter than we are to have accomplished so much. Please help us to focus on You and forgive us for those thoughts. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
bible journaling
Becoming a Woman of Worth March 20, 2023
“Be dogmatically true, obstinately holy, immovably honest, desperately kind, fixedly upright.” - Charles H. Spurgeon
What would it mean for you to see yourself as “desperately kind”? Would you find yourself opting for kindness in any and every situation? If someone was rude to you, you would be kind. If someone hurt your feelings, you would retaliate with kindness, if someone lied to you, you would remain fixedly upright. You would not budge from doing the right thing, the honest thing, the obstinately holy thing, no matter what!
What a beautiful picture and what a difficult one to uphold. Yes, we can do our best to be honest, but those little temptations might still slip in that allowed us to cheat on our diets or spend more money than we know is good for us. We might go to church, but we forget what we learned before we hit the parking lot. We might want to be kind, but turn our backs on someone who needs our help without even realizing we did. Yes, this is a difficult list of qualities and yet it is not impossible.
You’re becoming more of these things every day.
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” - Proverbs 21:2 NIV
Let us pray: Lord, if we’re going to be stubborn, then let us be stubborn for You. Let us be obstinate in our efforts to become more holy, more honest and more kind. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
bible journaling
Don’t Rain on My Parade March 13, 2023
“If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.” - Horace
Some of us can only imagine the dark side of any opportunity. When good things happen, we choose to think that something not good is probably coming our way. When joy peeks through the window, we look to find the clouds that surely will turn the world upside down. After all, we’re just not worthy of the good things that others enjoy. We do our best to prepare for the worst and never get a chance to experience God’s best.
Why do we do that? Our God of goodness and steadfast love offers us a new chance every single day. We rise to possibilities beyond measure. We see His hand in places we never expected because He has gone before us to make sure all is safe and well for us. He is the light and He bids us to follow him wherever we go. We don’t have to sit in the darkness and wait for the thunderstorms to come rolling in.
Today, accept God’s goodness! Alert yourself to moments when you can see His hand at work, chasing away the clouds.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” - Proverbs 13:12 NLT
Let us pray: Lord, help us to see the good in every situation, not giving up when the storms come, but rejoicing always in the coming sunshine. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
bible journaling
Doing What Works March 6, 2023
“Work with all your might, but never trust in your work. Pray with all your might for the blessing in God, but work at the same time with all diligence, with all patience, with all perseverance.” - George Müller
You probably know people who are defined by their work. They are known as your accountant or your waiter. They are your hair stylist or your dentist. Whatever their role, you probably know them best for what they do. They may work hard and they may be wonderful people, but chances are you don’t really know much more about them. You don’t know what makes life work for them.
It’s important to strive to be good at the work you do, but not to trust that the work is the only definition of you. At the same time, you must work diligently, even when you’re praying for God’s blessings, because He wants you to live fully and abundantly. He wants you to excel.
You can appreciate the people you know who take on various tasks around you. You can love the work you do, but you must rely solely on the grace of God to put it all together. God knows what works best for you.
“Make every effort to give yourself to God as the kind of person He will approve. Be a worker who is not ashamed and who uses the true teaching in the right way.” - 2 Timothy 2:15 NCV
Let us pray: Lord, bless the work that we do according to Your will and purpose for our lives. Help us to trust only in Your providence. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
bible Journaling
The Blessings of Angels December 19, 2022
“An angel can illumine the thought and mind of a person by strengthening the power of vision, and by bringing within reach some truth which the angel himself contemplates.” - Thomas Aquinas
At Christmastime, we embrace the idea of angels. We thank them for sharing the light of our Savior’s birth and heralding His entry into the world with joy and praise. We love that they protected Mary and Joseph and helped them escape from evil kings. We are grateful for the role they played in giving guidance to the shepherds and wise men. We love Christmas angels.
The blessing of our lives today is that angels are still with us. They come to our aid, often unseen, protecting and strengthening us. They help us in ways that we may never be able to recount because they’ve done it as part of God’s master plan. It’s okay if you don’t have any personal experience with angels, but consider that they have a deep and abiding love for you.
It’s the season to see angels all around and to thank God for their ministry here on earth.
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” - Hebrews 13:2 NKJV
Let us pray: Lord, we know we are blessed to have the help of angels at all seasons and times and we thank You for the part they play in the human experience. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
bible Journaling
A Loving Prayer December 12, 2022
“Open wide the windows of our spirits and fill us full of light; open wide the door of our hearts, that we may receive and entertain Thee with all our powers of adoration.” - Christina Rossetti
The closer we draw to Christmas and the beauty of the season, the more our hearts are filled with the desire to adore God. We imagine that beautiful manger scene of an innocent young woman, her committed and supportive partner, and the sweet Baby sent to earth by love. It’s the time of year when we truly open our hearts and our spirits and bask in the light.
As you reflect on the gifts of the season, think of what it means to simple offer love and praise to your Savior. Share your heart with Him out of love, more than out of your needs for provision or strength. Just let Go d know how much you love to be in His presence, to be filled with His spirit of joy and peace and grace. The light will flow through you, through your house and through every open door and window. Praise God and let His blessings flow through you today.
“Sing to the Lord a new song, because He has done miracles.” -Psalm 98:1 NCV
Let us pray: Lord, we bow down before You in gratitude for all You’ve done for us and the people we love. We praise You with my whole heart for allowing us to experience the light and peace of all that comes from Your Spirit. Please receive our love. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
bible journaling
The Angst of Waiting September 5, 2022
“If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.” - Horace
Stormy days come into all of our lives. Sometimes we’re prepared for them and we pass through them rather quickly. At other times we are surprised by them and have to rely on inner strength and faith to get past the threat they impose.
However, sometimes we don’t actually face a real storm; we just imagine that a storm is coming and so we get up every day wondering whether this will be the day the lightning strikes and the wind blows. We simply can’t trust that God has more for us than a bad storm.
What if you changed your view right now? If you imagined only good coming your way, you might find that storm clouds seldom gather anywhere near you. God wants everything to happen for your good because you mean so much to Him. He has prepared and planned for sunny days because He loves to see you radiate with happiness. Step away from your impending thoughts of gloom, and let the sun shine in your life.
“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” - Romans 8:28 NLT
Let us pray: Lord, we know that we let our worries get out of hand and often anticipate things that never happen. Please help us to live more in the present and find joy in the moments we’re living today. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
Bible Journaling
Designing Your Life July 21, 2022
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” - Henry Ford
Sometimes we get in the habit of simply continuing on our way without thinking that it is good to discover something new. We don’t engage people in conversation so we can learn more about them. We don’t keep a word list so we can challenge our ability to verbalize things more accurately. We don’t spend time trying to memorize key Bible verses.
If you want to be an active participant in the design of your life, it’s important to keep learning things. Maybe you just need to challenge yourself to look into a topic you don’t know how much about, or adopt the attitude of a scientist and experiment more or investigate details on a subject you don’t know well. Maybe you could learn a new language.
The point is that you want to challenge your thinking skills and be willing to learn new things at every stage of life. God designed you with a capacity to be brilliant on a lot of subjects and He loves it when you take Him up on that challenge.
“I believe in Your commands; now teach me good judgement and knowledge.” - Psalm 119:66 NLT
Let us pray: Lord, help us be willing to investigate new things, to learn more about books or art, or your Word. Grant that our mind will always be open to things You want us to know. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
Bible journaling
Worthy Woman July 14, 2022
“The quality of a person’s live is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” - Vincent T. Lombardi
You probably have people you admire. They may be people in the limelight in some way, faith leaders or celebrities. If you really think about it, what is it about them that catches your attention? What makes you want to emulate them in your own way?
One of the things that makes you a worthy and wonderful woman in the sight of God is that you don’t give up. You keep trying to improve yourself, trying to find ways to foster excellence. You’re committed to this goal and that makes a difference. Other people can see how hard you try, and your efforts make them proud of you and make hem want to try harder as well.
Whatever your goal is, whatever your focus is in your life right now, you’ll get there if you persist in the effort. You know the value of hard work and you’re not afraid of that. You know where you want to go so stand up and be counted among those to be admired in the world. You are a woman of worth!
“We encouraged you, we urged you, and we insisted that you live lives for God, who calls you to His glorious kingdom.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:12 NCV
Let us pray: Lord, we are making an effort to become more of what You designed us to be. We’re grateful that You think so highly of us, and that You are as proud of us as any Father could be. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
Bible Journaling
Thinking Things Through July 7, 2022
“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny!” -Anonymous
What do you listen to the most? Do you hear God’s voice as He seeks to guide your life, as you read His word, or sit with Him in prayer? Or do you let in the voices of the world until they become so loud that you are surrounded by chaos and noise?
The things you think about the most will be the things that drive you to take an action and it is your actions that need guidance every day. We seek God’s favor so that all we do will please Him and create opportunities for those around us to be blessed.
When your thoughts are out of line, that is, not in line with God’s intention for your life, you need to come back to Him and seek Him once again. Let His words come into your heart and mind and your actions will bring you the fruit of goodness and joy. Listen for His voice and look for the things that bring you to your knees in praise today.
“Lord, listen to my prayer; let my cry for help come to You. Do not hide from me in my time of trouble.” - Psalm 102:1-2 NCV
Let us pray: Lord, we hear the noise of the world way too much. Please help us be quiet enough to hear Your words of love and encouragement today. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
Happy Independence Day America!
Happy Independence Day, America!! Another hot summer day 91°!! Stop in to cool off and create your July 4th keepsake! Bring your favorite cold drink while you paint! Snacks and drinks are welcome! We are open until 5pm!
Bible Journaling
Mountains out of Mole Hills June 29, 2022
“Jealousy sees with opera glasses, making little things big; dwarfs are changed into giants and suspicions into truths.” - Cervantes
Envy is an odd thing. It may even surprise you when it comes swooping into your thoughts. You may think that you’re not really a jealous person, until your co-worker gets recognition for something you put twice the amount of work into, or your ideas get shared by your boss without any credit being given to you. It’s hard not to have moments of jealousy.
God knows you and what you’ve done and so the fact is, you already have great recognition for your efforts. Trying too hard to be sure the rest of the world gets how wonderful you are, might not serve you as well.
Look at the things that cause you monetary stirrings of jealousy and give them all to God. He delights in you and knows everything about you. He wants you to have total faith and confidence in the woman He designed you to be.
“I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.” - Psalm 73:2-3 NLT
Let us pray: Lord, help us to keep away from envious thoughts. We realize that we don’t always understand when things don’t appear fair in this life, but we know that You are the ultimate judge and You know what motivates our hearts. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
Bible Journaling
How Can You Help? June 23, 2022
“Therefore, sisters, if you wish to lay good foundations, each of you must try to be the least of all, and the slave of God, and must seek a way and means to please and serve all your companions.” —Teresa of Avila
Chances are when you read the story of Mary and Martha, you’re pretty much on Martha’s side. Martha was used to serving, but she didn’t always like the idea that the responsibility seemed to all be on her shoulders. Why could Mary just sit there at Jesus’ feet?
We have to take the time to sit at God’s feet and really get to know what He wants from us. We have to immerse ourselves in His stories and His Spirit so that when we serve others we don’t grow weary or bitter or angry. That’s what Martha was missing. She didn’t get a chance to sit quietly with her Savior and she was still hungry for Him.
You have that chance though. You can be of great service to those you love every time you take some time alone with the One who fills your soul to overflowing.
“Listen O daughter, consider and incline your ear; forget your own people also, and your father’s house; so the King will greatly desire your beauty; because He is your Lord, worship Him.”— Psalm 45: 10-11
Let us pray: Lord, let us honor You with the works of our hands and with our hearts our whole life through. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
Bible Journaling
The Reason for Hope June 9, 2022
“God often gives in one brief moment that which He has for a long time denied.” —Thomas a Kempis
Have you ever set your heart on something that you thought was probably out of your reach, yet you couldn’t let go of the idea? You filed it away and pulled it out every now and then to see if it still made your heart sing and it did! In fact, the truth is, you kept the hope alive for a long time because God Himself put that hope within you. Only He knows the perfect timing for your hopes and dreams to come to fruition.
Hope is a beautiful thing when it causes us to have to wait, and even more so when the waiting is turned into deep longing. Hope keeps us seeking more for ourselves. It keeps us focused on something that is truly important to us. It gives us reason for sweet joy.
Today, review for a moment those things that you have hoped for in the past that have now come together. Look at the timing of those things and give God thanks and praise that he brought them to you at just the right moment.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” —Proverbs 13:12 NLT
Let us pray: Lord, thank You for knowing us so well and for giving us wonderful reasons to always have hope in You. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers that we have in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
Bible Journaling
Smile! It is good for you! June 2, 2022
“A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.” —Washington Irving
Have you ever sat by a fountain on a warm, sunny day? You listen to the water as it sends its refreshing and cooling spray of water all around you. You hear children laughing who try to put their hands in the spray, or see people enjoying a calm, quiet moment just for themselves.
Kindness is like that. Kindness is the thing that makes people smile because it often comes unexpectedly. It rushes from nowhere in the face of someone passing by, or in the brief words of encouragement from a total stranger. It stops you in your tracks as you seek to take it in and hold on to the moment. It’s your moment of sitting peacefully by the fountain.
May your kindness fall on others like a warming spray of joy, always bring a cooling sense of hope and peace and charity.
“A kind woman gets respect.” — Proverbs 11:16
Let us pray: Lord, help us be ready at any moment to share a smile and a bit of kindness. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
bible journaling
What’s On Your T-shirt? May 26, 2022
“Remember your ultimate purpose, and when you set yourself to your day’s work or approach any activity in the world, let “Holiness to the Lord” be written upon your hearts in all that you do.” —Richard Baxter
Maybe you plan ahead about the clothes you’ll wear when you get up in the morning. You know what you have to do for the day and so you pick something to wear that is appropriate. Other times, you probably just get up and throw on the first pair of jeans and t-shirt you find in the closet. It doesn’t matter so much because you’re just doing errands today and cleaning the house.
What you wear might not matter so much to others. You probably have a bunch of t-shirts that display your favorite seasonal elements or your favorite brand logo. What you wear on the inside, though, makes a big difference to how your day will go. Remembering whose you are and intentionally designing your day to include the part of you that is “Holy to the Lord” can make a big difference. It might clothe you in wisdom and strength and the willingness to forgive. It might just be the most beautiful part of your wardrobe.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” —Matthew 5:8 NKJV
Let us pray: Lord, help us to wear our joy in You wherever we may be today. Father God, hear our prayers of intentions from today, from our prayer wall and for any unmentioned prayers in our hearts.. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
(Today’s devotional comes from”You are Blessed: 366 Devotions written by Karen Moore) Published by Christian Art Publishers
Watercolors 101
“When life gives you lemons…” you know…paint them with watercolors! What fun sessions I had with siblings and friends! Today's lesson we used the two techniques we learned in previous sessions and the lemons came out beautifully!! How sweet it is!!
Thanks for coming out to paint! It was great catching up with everyone!
Next month…animals!!
Terracotta pot paint night!
What a fun couple of hours painting these terracotta pots! Abstract painting always starts out slow and a bit confusing painting “back to front", but when all is done, they came out so cute!! We had a little bit of boho & a little bit of Matisse inspired painting going on!
Thanks for coming out to paint ladies!! I love them all!❤
Clay Learnshop: garden markers
***Last call*** it’s not too late to sign up for tomorrow night's clay learnshop! Just give us a call before noon, and we'll get your clay ready for you! 304.422.8777