Leaping Forward (Part 2): Our Adventure Has Begun!

I was way nervous! 

After all, I'd never done anything like this before.

First, I covered the table with a plastic table cover being that we would be using art supplies.  Then, I prepared individual art stations.  

Each station included:  

a foam board table mat, 

a book mark with Bible Journaling directions by Illustrated Faith, 

a plastic sheet cover to protect back bible pages not being worked on, 

an empty Crystal Light plastic bottle, (they are great for storing pens),

a special gift, (a crown stamp for each gal ~ God's princesses),

and a butterfly paper clip.

Pens, pencils, markers, and other supplies were laid out in small clay flower pots in the center of the table.  

I even made sure I had an extra pair of reading glasses, just in case.  

We wanted all bases covered.

On the side I laid out more supplies on a smaller table.

We started the evening by sharing 3 - 2 - 1 ~  This might be my favorite part of our night together because most of the women who came did not know each other. By the end of the night every one was like ole friends. 

It was overwhelming to notice how each of us have different details to our story, but the same lovely theme: the FAITHFULNESS of our LORD!

Some women were not shy and jumped right in.  Others took their time.  It's not easy to write in a brand new book, especially a bible.  But, we managed to break through and get it done.  (Actually, I wasn't able to finish my page until the next day. I wanted to help the others and facilitate as best I could.) 

 I practiced before they arrived on my regular bible so that I could have an idea.

I know, the date says "December" instead of "March".  

Apparently I need practice using the date stamp.  (LOL!)

Not too shabby for our very first try.  

And, this was my end result.  Love, love, love the water colors and gel pens.  

Our verse for the evening was found in Habakkuk 3:17-19.

Re-Joy-ce!  My Word for 2016 ~ still going strong!

We have our next month's date already on the calendar.  A different girlfriend will host, share her favorite verse, and we'll all creatively journal together.  

A Girl's Day Out of a different kind.

Sweet, Refreshing and Delightful!

Stop by Holley Gerth: A Coffee for Your Heart for more inspiration and encouragement.

Leaping Forward

SO EXCITED!

Some time in the beginning of January I learned about Bible Journaling and I was instantly bit!

The very next Monday,  after work, I drove to three different book stores looking for these Bible Journals, hopefully the one that was being recommended on all the sites, but I couldn't find it.  So, I did the next best thing,
I ordered one online.

That very same weekend, an idea sparked inside me as I watched Lauren, from The Thinking Closet's' video. She shared that she journaled one weekend with some of her family members and they had a fabulous time.  Wow, wouldn't it be great to find some girlfriends that would be willing to Bible Journal with me?

Well, I threw the net and I'm happy to report I have several girlfriends who bit as well.  We have started our very own Bible Journaling adventure.

Benefits of Journaling in a Small Group

1) Sharing the Word
2) Sharing the Fun
3) Sharing supplies
4) Sharing inspiration

 

"If two or more are gathered in my name . . ."

 Each time we meet, one of us will bring the verse we will meditate on.  I'll be the first to choose.  I'm still not sure what verse I'm going to share, but I'm sure I'll have it before we meet.

SHHH!  - SECRET - 
(I bought special gifts for my girlfriends who took a leap forward
with me to start this amazing adventure . . ., crown stamps!)
It's a surprise! DON'T TELL!

Take a peek at my Bible Journaling Board on Pinterest for INSPIRATION.

Follow Damarise Murphy's board Bible Journaling on Pinterest.

I couldn't wait to share. I'm actually posting about our Bible Journaling before even starting. I'll let you all know how it turns out.  

Check these websites out to see if your heart jolts like mine did.

The Thinking Closet

Rebekah R. Jones

Illustrated Faith

Shanna Noel

Chasing Crowns

Nine years ago we celebrated our daughter's Quinceañera.  I can still remember the preparations and details.  It was almost like planning a wedding.  We had to secure a hall, a caterer, invitations, decorations, a court, the dance, the dress, the shoes, the hair,
the make-up, and the CROWN.

In the traditional Quince ceremony, the birthday girl walks down the aisle with her beautiful gown, all made-up, surrounded by her court. The crown is lovingly, proudfully and admiringly placed on her head by her parents, signifying she is a daughter of God.  A Princess.

Our daughter had been dreaming of her Quince since she was 12. All her friends, family and anyone else who wanted to be there would be there.
Hence, her crown had to be spectacular.

Choosing bigger-than-life crowns certainly does run in our family.  My cousin wore one at her wedding shower.  So beautiful, the crown and the person.  

Crowns, obviously, symbolize royalty, however, they also imply accomplishment, glory, honor, position, status, winning, success, and all other highest of levels.

Have you ever had an opportunity to wear a crown? Maybe at a birthday, wedding, contest or even a graduation? Whatever the ocassion, if you've ever worn one, even if just for fun, then you certainly know what it feels like. Everyone's eyes are on you.  

Realistically speaking, most days we don't get to wear crowns. 

We just go about our very busy lives, doing what we do best, and count on recovering enough strength to do it all again the next day.  

Interestingly, sometimes, we find ourselves needing one.  Not the one that is worn on the top of our head, the one everyone sees, rather the one we wear inside our hearts where no one sees.

The ones that imply:

importance,
beauty,
effectiveness,
intelligence,
talent,
wisdom,
effort.

We don't always want to believe these crowns are necessary,
and frankly, most of the time they're not.  Seldom do we perform for the crown.  We do what we do for the glory of God, to help others and our families.  And, even if our obligations are difficult, we enjoy them.  It's in our DNA to work hard, to create, to solve problems, to help, to do our best.

Then, out of nowhere comes that one thing, that one task, event, or time, when the "crown" becomes more important than we'd like it to be.

Maybe it's because we didn't really want to accept the challenge,
yet we did and we came through.  Did anyone notice?

How about when someone else received a "crown" for expending much less effort? Did anyone notice?

 Maybe it's because the task has become increasingly rigorous; our confidence, energy and passion is exhausted. We need consideration, to be strengthened.
Is anyone noticing?

Whatever is the case, without wanting or realizing,
we may find ourselves up to our knees in the chase.

If you're in this place right now, I have great news . . . !

You've already been crowned.

Our Lord notices when no one else does.

Our Lord is watching and acknowledging you
when everyone else is too busy.

He sees what you do, what you've done, and He is pleased
with your obedience and effort.

The crown He gives is far more real, meaningful, and eternal,
given only by Him, customed designed with your name on it.
No one else can wear it but you.
It's His reward for your faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 9: 24 -26

"Did you know that in a race, all runners run, 
but only one gets the prize. Everyone who competes in the games 
goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last. 
But we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

When we feel a little disheartened because the "crown-givers" passed us by once again,  let us be encouraged, "We have Him!" And, oh my, what a prize!

Just like my husband placed the crown on his daughter nine years ago symbolizing that she was his princess, our God has a crown for you that signifies you are His.  Chase over.

Thank you so much for visiting with me today.  

Stop by Holley Gerth, Coffee for Your Heart 

for more inspiration and encouragement.