Just keep reaching... Mark 5:21-43

Today was a ... day.  

It was full of high "ups" and really low "downs."  It was full of prayer... and tears... and laughter... and conversation... and pain... and peace... experience and growth.  

This evening, I focused my study on Mark 5:21-43... It begins with the story of a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years.  As Jesus made his way through the crowd to see a girl who was very ill, this woman squeezed through people to reach Jesus because she had heard about him. She had been ill for 12 years - consulted MANY doctors - paid MANY dollars - and still had not been healed.  She said to herself "if I could just touch the hem of his robe, I will be healed" as she reached for the hem.  Jesus knew, as soon as she had touched his garment that healing had gone out of Him and he asked "who touched my robe?". 

Picture this... Jesus is walking through a CROWD and stops to ask "who touched me?".  His disciples must've been thinking "are you serious?"... you're surrounded by people and you want to know who touched your robe? 

As Jesus continued to look around, the healed woman, realizing what had just happened in her body because of His power, fell at his feet and told him what happened.  Jesus' response was so merciful... He simply told her that she was healed, not by the power within him, but by the faith that she had in Him.  

She reached... and reached... and reached... until she could brush her fingers against the mere hem of Jesus' robe.  

In times of need, when I pray to God, I always picture myself reaching up to hold God's hand, as if I were a child reaching for the hand of a parent prior to crossing a busy road.  I may spend days, weeks, months, or even years seeking help from those here on earth, but my help comes when I reach for God.  So in light of the occurrences of the last week and especially today, I am reminded to just keep reaching.  Yesterday, God said "I am with you."  Today, His message for me is to remind me to reach for Him.  

Lord, thank you for the gentle reminders... and the not so gentle reminders that you give me to encourage me to seek you in all situations.  Help me reach, Lord, beyond myself... beyond those around me... beyond this world... Help me reach for your hand - even if I can only reach the hem of your garment, I know it will be enough.

Peace give I to you; not as the world gives, give I to you... Peace give I to you.

Until tomorrow,

~Sara

"I AM who I am." Exodus 3:1-15

Who am I that you would send ME, Lord?  I am a sinner... I am no better than any of them... I am hated... I am judged... I am too fat... I am too skinny... I am too short... I am too tall... I am not faithful enough... I have doubts... I slip and fall... I am weak... I am bold... I am misunderstood... 

You name it, Moses thought it.  Don't we all?  This Exodus reading tells the infamous story of Moses and the Burning Bush.... an experience that told Moses that he's either 
A.) going crazy or 
B.) God's really busy.  

Either way, these are extraordinary circumstances!  This passage really spoke to me today because over the course of the last couple of years, I have asked God the same question... "Who am I that you would send ME, Lord?"  Over and over... situation after situation... circumstance after circumstance... conversation after conversation... opportunity after opportunity... obstacle after obstacle... and day after day... Why would you choose ME?  Of all the dedicated, faithful, more appropriately placed, equipped people in all the world, why ME?  

God's answer?  "I will be with you."  

Let that sink in for a second... God says - every single day - "I. Will. Be. WITH. You." - and He wants us to say "Ok, Lord... I surrender."  He prepares our path... and not only does He go before us, HE WALKS WITH US!  How blessed are we that we, God's chosen people, get to walk hand-in-hand with our maker - for as long as we are willing to hold His hand.

I trust you, Lord.  I trust that you've gone before me... that you are WITH me... and that you will continue your work after I'm gone.  Help me, O Lord, to remember to hold on and embrace your hand rather than pulling my own hand away and shoving it deep into my safe, warm, private pockets.

Until tomorrow... Peace, my friends... God is calling you.
~Sara

A picture far more beautiful...

I didn't blog yesterday.... and I am disappointed... but that doesn't mean I didn't spend time with God.  Yesterday, there were several Psalms listed in the daily office; the Genesis reading continued the story of Joseph and his brothers; In the 1 Corinthians (chapter 7) reading, Paul gives directions to the church in Corinth regarding marriage; and in the Mark reading, Jesus casts out demons (Legion) into a herd of pigs.  There was a wide variety of readings... all illustrating the power of God, the mercy of God, and the compassion of God. 

As I began reading over the scriptures, first thing in the morning, with my cup of warm coffee in hand, my oldest son joined me at the breakfast table.  I was reading the Psalms out loud by the time he sat down with me, I noticed he was listening.  As I always do, I reached for another Bible to read the scriptures from another translation and he asked "Can we read it out of my Bible, Mom?"  I said, "Of course," and I waited for him to fetch it and come back to the table.  We read it together and then we had a great conversation.  The key words and phrases that we each picked out as drawing our attention, we realized that God was drawing our attention to the same verses, but for different reasons.  

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord." ~Psalm 27:14

I did not journal in my Bible yesterday but I remember the picture that God painted to begin my day... He gave my son and I some really special time to spend in His presence - a picture far more beautiful than anything I could have painted or drawn into the pages of my Bible.

Until a little later, friends... peace give I to you...

~Sara 

Genesis 43:1-15 and Mark 4:35-41

In Genesis, Jacob, the father of 12 sons faces a difficult decision.  As he struggles with the task set before him - trusting the fate of his youngest son as he is used as a barter tool in a test issued by his other son, Joseph - Jacob trusts God to grant mercy on his children, regardless of what the outcome may be.  Jacob may lose his beloved youngest son... a result that would break his heart. And yet, he grants his sons a blessing of mercy on the journey ahead.

In Mark, the disciples and Jesus set out in a boat to cross the lake.  As they made their way, a fierce storm arose.  The disciples were scared and they woke Jesus asking whether or not he cared if they were in danger due to the storm.  Jesus responded with a profound thought... he said "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" and then he commanded the storm to be silent and still... and the storm settled immediately.  The disciples were astonished at what they had seen.

These two passages really spoke to me today.  Jacob proved himself to be an honest man who is willing to accept God's will, regardless of the consequences or heartache that it might bring.  Jacob shows his faith in the goodness of God in this situation.  

Over the last couple days, I've been anxious and heavy-hearted about a recent situation that has come to light... questioning myself as time passes and nothing happens.  Today's scriptures reminded me to trust that God is at work - I trust God's goodness and am reminded to trust that I followed His guidance in the hard situations of this week.  Through these passages, God spoke to my heart - Do not be afraid - do you still have no faith?

Lord, thank you for your voice - the voice that whispers to my heart in the moments that I most need to hear it.  Help me, O Lord, to trust that you are at work and that you have granted mercy to me in each and every task that lies before me.

Peace my friends,

~Sara +

A different reflection.

I received an email today from a dear friend.  It's an article in a church's newsletter, written by their new rector (priest in charge).  This letter to a congregation from their new leader is a beautifully written personal letter... full of vulnerability, memories, and risk.  This article struck a chord with me because I am a painter... I have left murals in every town I've lived in over the last fifteen or so years.  I know that, one day, if not already, my murals will be covered up but my memories of what was will always be.  As we prepare, over the next few months, to move to Baltimore, Maryland, I cannot help but feel sad that this chapter of our lives is coming to an end... my time in ministry here, with the life-long friends that I have made... the work I've seen God do, right before my eyes... the growth I've seen in my family - mentally, emotionally, physically, and (most importantly) spiritually... the growth and learning that I have undergone, in a place I never expected to meet God.  

It WAS good... it IS good... it WILL BE good... and in my memories, it will always be.   Many have come before me, laying the foundation of the things I've experienced... many have walked with me through this path of my journey.... and many will come after me building upon the additions that my presence here left in the book.

I'll be journaling today... but this article has me really thinking... and grieving.

Until later...

~Sara +

Here's a copy of the letter, reprinted with permission, changing any identifying details, in an effort to respect the privacy and vulnerability of the parish and the priest.  

Dear Family of God,

This week, I am reminded of an old memory. It is one of me, a baby on my back, standing at a wall for long hours, painting. Early in my adult life, for a portion of it anyway, I worked as a freelance muralist.

I drove around in my Chevy Nova, which itself was a bucket of memories banged about all four sides, carrying a playpen in the backseat and a load of paints inside a trunk held closed by a bungie cord looped to a crumpled bumper. But, oh, what came out of that trunk: Gerber jars full of acrylic latex that translated into dancing bears and roller-skating rabbits, which in turn translated into dollars for diapers and more Gerber jars.

I painted all over town, children's murals mostly, first in the suburbs and then for upwardly mobile urban families, finally even a couple of the city's "first families." Sometimes, those murals took on dimension, as I also sewed plushies that could be plucked by small hands from their "scenes" and hugged. I painted things that I knew I would want to remember, after doors closed behind the artist for the last time. So, I was careful to take pictures, baby still on my back.

Those residential jobs eventuated in some commercial ones. Child- and family-related businesses provided bigger walls, longer after-hours in lonely stores and shops, a baby now curled in some silent corner. One business, the last business, was my opus. A kind of Disney-angelo of the Safari, I painted for weeks on a 3000 sq. ft. mural that wrapped 3 long walls. The scene incorporated swinging apes in palms, giraffes stretching their long necks over great hedges of blooms, and elephants squirting waters below cascading falls. The product was something to remember.

The business opened, families with children poured in to see the jungle, but the payment to the artist was not forthcoming. It never was to come, and the young mother with a baby on her back and the sad Chevy Nova never had the power to pursue it. Some months later, I drove by the business to look in through the plate glass and find that it had been sold, my opus painted over in a solid Pepto-pink. The previous owner, I learned, had moved to another state, where my studies were reportedly given to another muralist to recreate. I never had the stomach to investigate, and I never had the stomach to paint another mural.

What I had left were my photos. These were put in a massive book of sticky pages once such a convenient way to pin down memories. It was my portfolio, my only concrete evidence of an era that would not be repeated. It represented sacrifices, untold physical labor, hours on my feet with my arms above my head, days driving around in a car that had given up on blowing anything close to cold air. It represented rooms that I would never again enter, environments I had created, inside which I could imagine children and families living, learning, laughing-- one day to be painted over with something like Pepto-pink. That book represented payments collected for diapers and formula, and the largest payment that never would be.

Then, one day, a thief came and took even that book.

What is left is this story, and the ghosts of dancing bears and skating rabbits. These things, and the fact that it was, it all was-- and it was good: the children, now surely beyond painting nurseries for their own children; the parents now grands, satisfied that they did something magical for their once-little ones, laughing; the families who once went into that business to enter a jungle, who now enter virtual jungles in HD. It happened. Paint happens, and then it disappears under the layers of the passing years.

As I tell this story, I feel much like I pulled a decayed plushie from one of those walls, so that I can hug it again. And, tears surprise me.

This past Saturday, the vestry met in retreat. Part of that retreat involved a walk about the church campus, to open a massive book with memories stuck to every page, to realize that there are some rooms that have become ghosts of what they once were, and to be surprised by tears. The buildings and rooms are the portfolio of the parish, the concrete evidence of eras that cannot be repeated. They represent sacrifices, untold physical labor, hours on many feet, many generous arms raised above the heads of the dedicated. They represent rooms into which the People of God could enter, environments they created for living, learning, laughing-- painted over again and again, each layer disappearing under the passing years.

The story is something that happened, no less valued and valuable because a time has passed. What is left is this story, and the fact that it was, it all was-- and it was good: the children, now beyond this nursery; the parents now grands, satisfied that they did something faithful for their once-little ones, laughing; the families who once entered their own experience of church, who now invite new families to enter an experience of church they can call their own.

Your Vestry members were there. They helped fill that massive book, sticky pages covered with the images of a story you created together. Last Saturday in retreat, they decided to keep painting the parish's living history. It will be an opus. New years are coming, new eras, a new story that will happen, and it will be good-- because something valued and valuable happened.

After my own eras, I realize, to live is to paint. It is time again to stand at a wall, and undertake a mural.

In the Name of the Artist of Life, 

- Mtr. G.

Mark 4:11-12 and 21-34

The scripture passage that I will be journaling on today will be Mark 4:11-12and Mark 4:21-34.  The daily office only lists Mark Chapter 4, verses 21 through 34; however, I think it is important to understand why Jesus spoke in parables, so I added verses 11 and 12 to my study for today.   

I will be hosting a Bible journaling class from 11:30-1:00 today. I hope to journal in my Bible during this class and upload the results of my study prior to 10:00 tonight. 

Update with reflection and journal entry: 
A mustard seed is the smallest seed - Christians are a small group - we began small with Jesus' ministry.  As we lean on God for guidance and understanding, His kingdom of believers grows and will continue to grow until it is the tallest plant in the garden.  We can't always see God at work but as the seed sprouts, so do things that God has been nourishing and cultivating.

Lord, help me trust that the seeds I have scattered in your name will sprout as you shower them with love and shine light upon them with time.  Help me to rest, knowing that the harvest of my efforts will come... in its due season.

Happy study!
         ~Sara +

John 15:1,6-16

In my reflection tonight, I followed the S.O.A.P. method to guide my study.  You can read more about this method here.  

S. (Scripture): John 15:1,6-16
For today's Bible journaling, I sought today's Daily Office readings (Psalm 15, Acts 1:15-26, Philippians 3:13-21, John 15:1,6-16).  For a more in-depth explanation of how I choose what scripture to journal on, read this post. You can find and read today's scripture here.  

O. (Observation):
Key words were "abide" and "remain"
Key phrases were "my words abide in you" and "I call you friend"

A. (Application):
As I read through the scriptures several times, I began to see images in my mind.  This passage of scripture brought to mind several images and it was difficult to choose just one... so I incorporated many of them.  
I taught my weekly class tonight and we discussed many of the key words, phrases, and visualizations/images that caught different people's attention.  My Bible journal entry reflects many of the things we talked about and was inspired by a collaboration of the participants' ideas.  
Today, I faced a very difficult situation... a circumstance that I felt led to deliver a message... It was not received as it was intended and the person felt attacked.  It broke my heart that this is how the situation played out and my heart is heavy, knowing that the pain they are experiencing is due, in part, to the message I delivered.  For months, I have prayed for this person and about situations I have observed or endured. Last night and this morning, prior to speaking with them, I remained in prayer... I read scripture... I sought God and I felt burdened by the task that was ahead of me.  I feel I did the right thing and tonight's scriptures confirmed that for me.  I did abide in God... in His word... in His Spirit.  I did seek His guidance and Godly council and I did hear His voice.  I did lay this burden at the foot of the Cross and it IS in God's hands.  Tonight, despite the happenings of the day, I am at peace and I have had an unexplainable peace throughout the past 48 hours.  I know that this is a result of trusting God.  I know that He will uphold me in my own weakness.  I have been physically and emotionally exhausted but I have been revived spiritually through abiding in Him.

P. (Prayer):
Help me abide - remain - live in you, O Lord... so that your words remain top-of mind.  Guide my actions... guide my thoughts... guide my words.  Thank you, Lord, for your presence and your peace. Amen.

Peace give I to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Peace give I to you.
Until tomorrow,
~Sara

Psalm 61

Psalm 61 New Living Translation (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

1 O God, listen to my cry!
    Hear my prayer!
2 From the ends of the earth,
    I cry to you for help
    when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
3     for you are my safe refuge,
    a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
    safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude

5 For you have heard my vows, O God.
    You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.
6 Add many years to the life of the king!
    May his years span the generations!
7 May he reign under God’s protection forever.
    May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.
8 Then I will sing praises to your name forever
    as I fulfill my vows each day.

Today, my heart has been overwhelmed.  When I turned to the Psalms (as I often do when I need a pick-me-up), I found peace in the scriptures.  I literally said some of the words of this psalm earlier today, prior to reading the passage.  In reading it tonight, I found.... confirmation and validation in the words written on the page.  It felt like God was saying to me, "I hear you and I'm with you."  So many of the words in this Psalm really spoke to my heart... 

I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed... I literally said these words today.  I asked God for His hand to lift the burden I felt.  I even thought... "this burden is so heavy; I can't imagine carrying the burden of the sins of the world."

Let me live in your sanctuary... Give me your peace, God.  Help me leave my burdens at the foot of the cross.  Protect my heart so that I do not grow weary. 

For you have heard my vows, O God... God knows my heart.  He knows that I'm seeking Him in this situation... and I have the faith to understand that He will give me sanctuary under the shelter of his outspread wings... like a mother hen protecting her young.

I am exhausted.... and I am trusting God to revive my soul so that I do not grow tired and weary.  Uphold me in my weakness, O Lord.

Peace give I to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Peace give I to you.

Until tomorrow,

~Sara

John 17 - I'm blown away.

John 17 is Jesus' High Priestly Prayer.  I first happened upon this passage of scripture about 4-5 months ago when I was sitting in on a "seeker forum" for newcomers to our church.  (As the newcomer minister at Good Shepherd, I attend these classes with newcomers to get to know them better and to get a better idea of what they are looking for in coming to church.)  Anyway... I was sitting in the class one day and we were discussing some of the foundational beliefs that the Christianity is built on and we came across the topic of the trinity... God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit... the three are one in the same, hence, the "Trinity."  Fr. Geoff directed us to John 17 and asked me to read aloud to the class.  As I read aloud, I had an epiphany.  Not only did Jesus go to the Father in prayer on behalf of those who had come before Him... he also prayed for those who were on earth with Him... He finished this beautiful prayer by praying for those who would come and hear about Him through stories... He prayed for you and for me.  

This. Is. Sobering.

This. Is. Powerful.

This... Is... Humbling.

Think about it... Jesus prayed for me.  Say that out loud.  

The Lord of Lords... the King of Kings... Emanuel... the Messiah... 

GOD prayed for LITTLE OL' INSIGNIFICANT ME.

I don't know if this needs any more words, so I'm just gonna leave that right there. I'm interested in your thoughts and responses. 
Peace and humility, my friends. 

In Awe,

~Sara

Genesis 40 continued... the Baker's dream

Genesis 40 - He noticed.

Genesis 40 describes two different dreams, dreamt by two different imprisoned men, the King's baker and cup-bearer (highly trusted officials in the kingdom).  Neither of the men knew how to interpret their dreams and this made them sad. When Joseph saw them, he noticed that they looked upset so he asked them what was wrong. The men responded to Joseph, telling him of their dreams but were worried because they had no interpreter to explain the meaning of their dreams.  Joseph uses this moment of anxiety to point their attention to God when he tells them that interpreting dreams is God's business and asks them to share their dreams with him.   

The cup-bearer had a dream of a grapevine with three branches and the branches brought forth blossoms and grape clusters. In the dream, he was holding the Pharaoh's wine cup, so he squeezed the grapes into his cup and placed it in Pharaoh's hand.

The baker had a dream about three baskets full of bread stacked on his head, the top of which had pastries especially for Pharaoh. Birds came and ate the pastries from the basket on his head.  

After hearing the dreams, Joseph then interprets the meanings of the dreams and predicts their fate. In three days, the cup-bearer will be restored to his office and will place the Pharaoh's cup in his hand as he did before he was imprisoned.  In three days, the baker will be hanged and birds will peck away at his flesh.  Joseph asked the cup-bearer to mention his name to Pharaoh so that he might look on Joseph with favor and free him.  

Three days passed and Joseph's interpretations of the dreams came to pass, just as Joseph had predicted, but the cup-bearer forgot about Joseph in the presence of Pharaoh.

To begin this Bible journal entry, I visualized each of the men's dreams.  Tonight, I illustrated the cup-bearer's dream.  Tomorrow, I plan to illustrate the baker's dream.  

The key phrase in the passage that really caught my attention is verse 6; "When Joseph saw them the next morning, he noticed that they both looked upset."  So I thought about this quite a bit... and it made me wonder... How often do we see folks who are upset and not notice?  How often do we notice things and not act on our gut feelings?   Not only does Joseph discern how these men were feeling, he also engages them and asks them to share their worries. Beyond that, he reminded them of God's role in their dreams and lives.  

Joseph could've been so engulfed in his own affairs that he didn't notice the men... but he wasn't.  He could've noticed their anxiety and ignored his observation... but he didn't.  He could've asked and responded in judgment.... but he didn't.  Joseph saw an opportunity to connect... with these men and with God... and he seized that opportunity.

Lord, help me to notice... help me to discern... help me to have the courage to act when you nudge me to do so.  Help me to remember to act in ways that will point others towards you... not me.  Thank you, Lord, for your guidance in my life... in my friendships... in my marriage... in my ministry... in my parenting... in my studies.  

In Him,
Sara

Mark 1:11... finished

Tonight, I finished a Bible Journal entry that I started a few days ago... 

The passage (Mark 1:1-11) is about Jesus' baptism.  John submerged Jesus in the river Jordan and when Jesus came up from the water, the skies parted and the Holy Spirit descended - like a dove - and a voice from Heaven spoke... "You are my son, with whom I am well-pleased."  I hope and pray that the time I have been spending with God has pleased Him.

The last few days, I have spent a lot of time in prayer... for others.  I have prayed that the peace of the Holy Spirit would descend upon my friends, family, co-workers, and many others.  I have seen God answer prayers and I have also heard His voice... "Be still and know that I am God."  While I may not see the fruit from the seeds that I scatter, I know that God is at work.  I know, because His peace has descended upon me... softly... like a dove.

Here's a picture of the journal entry from the other day...

Here's the finished entry from today...

I pray that you have peace as you approach tomorrow.

In Him,

~Sara

Psalm 19

The S.O.A.P. method of Bible Journaling is a great method of guidance to remind you of all the steps to a rounded out conversation with God.  S.O.A.P. is an acronym for

Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

Scripture:

Today, the daily office of the Episcopal Church listed Psalm 50 [59,60] or 19, 46; Genesis 39:1-23; 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15; and Mark 2:1-12. Upon suggestion of a friend, I opted to reflect on Psalm 19 today.

Observation:

In reading the Psalm in three different translations, I struggled to pull out a single word that drew my attention.   This whole song really spoke to my heart and I found myself fixed upon verse 14... "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."  

Application:

As I read through the passage, and it described what is perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, pure, true... things more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, I was reminded of the recent journaling I did on Philippians 4:8.  In Philippians, Paul reminds us to fix our thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable and excellent and worthy of praise.  Paul is essentially telling disciples of Christ to fix our thoughts on the things that David describes in Psalm 19... God's instructions, decrees, commandments, commands, reverence, and laws for these things are perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, pure, true, desirable and sweet. 

The words of the 14th verse of this Psalm pull on my heartstrings as this is often my prayer... that others hear God's voice... not mine.  I pray that my thoughts are fixed upon the things that God wants me to notice and ponder... that my focus is fixed upon His will instead of my own.  The first priest I encountered in the Episcopal Church, Fr. Theodore Atwood, often began his sermon by reciting these words... and they have stuck with me for 17 years.  

During the Bible Journaling class that I taught today, I walked students through some basics of lettering and font... using the font to evoke the feeling that the word gives to me; so I did my rough draft on the white board today. 

 As the day went on, I imagined what illustration that I wanted to add to the illustrated words that I had already meditated on.  Here is what the page in my journaling Bible looks like...

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the beauty of today... for your presence in each moment of the day and for your guidance and gentle nudges for me to join you in this journey.  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Amen.

Have you tried this method?  What are your thoughts?  What method or template are you drawn to in your own study?  Share your thoughts and responses in the comments below!

Peace my friends,

~Sara

A little Bible Journaling guidance... and Psalm 119:49-72

Today, I taught week two of a 7-week Lenten series of Bible Art Journaling for beginners.  I'm teaching this class on Wednesday evenings and Thursdays at noon.  I am fairly new (about 4 weeks or so) to Bible Journaling but I decided to teach this class to share a passion that I've discovered.  As I learn new things, I bring the information to my classes.  Last week, I introduced the basic idea of journaling on scriptures.  I walked my classes through a modified version of Lectio Divina, known as "Lambeth Bible Study," and we, very simply, wrote down a key word that drew our attention as we read the scripture in the English Standard Version translation.  Next, we wrote down a phrase or verse that drew our attention as we read the New International Version translation.  Finally, we read the New Living Translation of the Bible and took a few moments to write a couple of sentences that described how the word, phrase, verse, or entire passage applied to us in our lives right now.
This week, we walked through the same exercise but we did so after I did a bit of explaining how to illustrate the letters of the words.  We talked about how words evoke feelings and when we illustrate the words, we should illustrate the feeling visually.  For example, there are BOLD words (words that command attention), tall and narrow words (words that may be largely meaningful but require us to reach up a bit), flat words (words that are oppressive or demanding), tiny words (words that evoke feelings of inadequacy or small in posture), etc.  (see the left side of the white board in the picture below).

 We also talked about varying the types of lettering we used to emphasize various different aspects of scriptures.  As we read through Psalm 119:49-72, the word that caught my attention was "Obey."  So I wrote it in all capital letters in a dark color.  As I wrote the word "OBEY," I began to ponder the meaning of the word... and how the scripture passage defines it.  The phrase that caught my attention was "turn my steps towards your statutes."  I picked up on the word "turn" in particular and it brought to mind the act of turning from my own ways and desires in order to follow God's will... I visualized a U-Turn sign... so I began to illustrate that verse with arrows from letter to letter THROUGH the word "obey." (I sketched it on paper first and then drew it on the board for the class)... see the pictures below for a better idea of what I mean.

        

Prior to bringing my pencil into the pages of my Bible for illustration, I prepped the page with Liquitex Matte Medium, applying a thin layer with a credit card.  It took about five minutes to dry and then I could finally draw the illustrated words into my Bible using watercolor pencils, dipped in a cup of water. 

      

It felt unfinished, so I thought more about the word "OBEY" and tried to visualize a picture that embodied the word.  I came up empty, so I went to the next best source... google images... and I conducted a search for "obey."

Disclaimer: <Sometimes, you have to be careful in doing this, as you might come up with some images that are NOT the direction that you want to guide your mind in pondering.>

Anyway, I came across a picture of a woman teaching a dog to sit as he stood firmly with an outstretched arm, fingers folded into a commanding point, in front of the dog.  Then I did a google image search for a pointing hand and I drew a pointing hand into my Bible. 

                                                   

 I finished it by adding color to the sketch of the hand that I had added.  Finally, I wrote the Bible verse that inspired the whole illustration... Psalm 119:59.

Remember that the point of Bible Journaling is not to make beautiful art or to make perfectly illustrated words... it's not even to practice writing things in different fonts...

The point of Bible Journaling is to spend time 

INTENTIONALLY LISTENING 

to what God is saying to you.  

Several others in my class tonight had different words that caught their attention... "hope," "keep," etc. They also heard emphasis on other verses and phrases... because that was GOD, speaking to THEM.  The pictures I shared here were to help you see my process.  Try it for yourself... If you aren't comfortable with illustrating or writing in your Bible, practice this exercise in a journal... on a piece of paper... anywhere.  But remember to listen for what God is saying to You.  I have found a passion in combining illustration and art with the word of God... it inspires me, it teaches me, it brings me to life and gives me energy and renewed faith... it draws me closer.  

I'm looking forward to my class tomorrow and I hope you'll do some journaling of your own... share it in the comments.  Do you have questions?  Leave a comment - I promise to respond!  Thanks for reading!  

Until tomorrow, friends...

Peace, give I to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Peace give I to you.

~Sara

Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Just a closer walk with Thee

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea.

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

This is the song that has been running through my head today... It's been an emotional day for me... In dealing with the hardships of motherhood, an indescribable physical pain in my back (I'm pretty sure I pinched a nerve), empathizing with the frustrations and pain of some of the people around me and being overcome with tears of joy as I described the feelings that pour over me as I see others drink in the word of God in the same way that has touched me so deeply.  God is at work and I see evidence of His hand in every aspect of life... even the hard parts... the really hard parts.



I chose not to meditate on any one scripture today but I have spent so much time with God. The words of this song have reminded me that my chief goal in life.  I was recently invited to sing with the contemporary band in our 10:15 service and this is one of the songs that we led the congregation in singing.  I felt so blessed as I raised my voice in song to lead others in the same request.  My heart was filled with peace as the Holy Spirit descended on me... gently... like a dove... as I drew closer.  Even as I reminisce, I feel blanketed by an overwhelming peace.  Despite all the struggles of the day, as I lay my head to sleep tonight, I will rest in Him.

My journal entry today is simple and yet, layered.  I wrote the words of this song... drawn on the opening page of my Bible in various fonts that flowed from my fingertips.  I chose to draw these words on this page as I hummed the tune and took comfort in God's response to my plea, to remind myself that the goal in this Bible journaling endeavor is to draw closer to Him... not to show how artistic I am... not to practice my hand at painting... not to boast about my relationship with God... and certainly not to shame anyone else for their endeavors or non-endeavors towards a closer walk with Him... This is about my relationship with my maker... the lover of my soul... and just as I want to draw nearer to my husband in this life as we grow closer together, I desire even more to draw nearer to the heart of Jesus.



Be blessed, my friends... draw nearer.

Until tomorrow,

~Sara

Mark 1:1-11

Mark 1:1-11... John the Baptist baptized those who turned from their sin and asked God for forgiveness.  People came from Judea and Jerusalem to John the Baptist, confessing their sins .  John preached about the one who would come after him... he told the people that, although he baptizes with water, someone greater will come to baptize them with the Holy Spirit.  Then Jesus came to John to be baptized... when Jesus came up from the water, the skies parted and the Holy Spirit descended on him.  The scriptures described the Holy Spirit as descending like a dove. A loud voice billowed that this was, indeed, the Son of God, with whom the Father is well-pleased.

What a sight to behold, huh?! Can you imagine the looks on the faces of those who were watching and hearing the voice of God?

The Holy Spirit descended... it didn't fly down... it didn't jolt anyone with fear or take over abruptly... it descended....like a dove. What does that look like - to descend like a dove?  I imagine it's comparable to that feeling you get when you feel whole - in the embrace of your children or husband... in the moment that you know you've fulfilled a greater purpose.  Have you ever worked at a soup kitchen and fed the poor?  Have you ever spent time with someone who just needed to feel like they belonged to something - like someone cares?  Have you ever been the embrace of comfort to a hurting heart?  The feeling that these acts of service and care - acts of love - evokes is one that fills your heart... it's a soft descending of the Holy Spirit upon us. This is what I imagined the speculators might have felt.

This journal entry is not finished... and neither am I.  The colors aren't as vibrant as I'd like them to be... just as my life isn't as radiant as, I'm sure, God wants it to be.  What areas of life need the descending of the Holy Spirit?  I can think of several areas that I could use some comfort in... 

Lord, help me become the woman you want me to be... help me to make decisions and interact with others in a way that will allow others to experience the feeling of the Holy Spirit descending upon them... and in my own heart.  Thank you, Father, for the gifts of this life... for the gift of the Holy Spirit... for the gift of your love.

Peace give I to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Peace, give I to you.

Until tomorrow,

~Sara

Luke 4:1-13

Remembering today that I, too, need the Holy Spirit to lead me and help me to resist temptations so that God's Will may be accomplished through my faithful obedience.

Psalm 42 - As the deer longs for the water-brooks, so longs my soul for you, O God.

I am thirsty... thirsty for more of You, Lord... and less of me.  Fill my heart and quench my thirst with the drink that only you can wholly provide... your love.

My heart leapt today when I received a text message with a pictures of a few Bible journal entries from a friend of mine.  She's new to Bible journaling and she is loving the journey.  Seeing others get excited about a passion that God has ignited within me is so encouraging and fulfilling.  Thank you for being here, with me, through this journey.  Please, if you feel comfortable, please share your journaling in the comments.  I love to see how others interpret scripture... to see how God speaks to the hearts of others through this joyous and contemplative practice.  Commune with God and let his light shine.

Peace give I to you; not as the world gives, give I to you... Peace give I to you.

Until tomorrow,

~Sara

Philippians 4:1-9

Today, I opened my Forward: Day by Day book and saw that Philippians 4:8 was highlighted and reflected on by this month's writer... I squealed in joy as I realized I've been wanting to journal about this particular verse for weeks!  Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible... it's so uplifting and reminds us of the basic, simple day-to-day things that God asks of us through his disciple, Paul. Chapter 4 of Philippians, in particular, is full of encouragement!

I encourage you to meditate on these verses and journal today... spend some quality time with Jesus as he speaks to your heart.  Begin with a prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to sit with you... to be present with you... and to help you hear the words that God has for you today.  Ask for understanding, comfort, encouragement, and peace... I promise, you will not be disappointed!

...........................................

S (Scripture): Philippians 4:1-9
O (Observation): key words - pray. peace. rejoice. think.
                            key phrase - settle your disagreement; Fix your thoughts upon
A (Application): My heart has been heavy this week for a particular situation in which animosity, selfishness, personal desire, anger, and vengeance has been the focus.  Yesterday, the message I got from God was to be quiet and wait for HIM to move.  Today, the message I heard LOUD and CLEAR is that I can't let MY focus be distracted from HIS peace.  In giving attention to this situation, it has made me worry and feel anxious and angry and sad.  While it isn't a sin to feel these things, it is a waste of time.  God reminded me today to TRUST HIM in times of trial... to not worry but to bring my worries to Him through prayer and trust that He is at work.  One of the phrases that caught my attention was "settle your disagreement" in verse 2.  Why is this important?  It's important to settle disagreements because when we remain at odds with others, we retain anger and pain and countless negative feelings that bring us down - in turn, this blocks the light of Christ from shining forth through us.  Instead, Paul tells us to think about those things that are TRUE, HONORABLE, PURE, LOVELY, COMMENDABLE, EXCELLENT, AND WORTHY OF PRAISE because these are the things that bring us peace through Christ Jesus.  Bad things happen... disagreements are normal... and more often than not, we tend to focus our attention on the negative things that are happening in the forefront of our lives and we forget to notice the good things that are happening around us at the same time.  We allow these disagreements, tragedies, and perceived threats to our happiness to place blinders on our eyes, hiding the good things in our lives.  Paul tells us to think about these things because evil does NOT win... and it doesn't deserve the spotlight that we tend to put it in.  When we allow these negative things to overcome our focus on the positive things around us... the things that we VALUE... we allow the devil to steal our joy and peace that is rightfully ours through Jesus.
P (Prayer): Lord, help me to remember to leave my worries at your feet and trust you to take care of me.  Help me, rather, to see the good... the pure, the honorable, the true, the lovely, the commendable, the excellent, and the things that are worthy of praise so that I can have the peace that is promised to me in you.  Shed light, oh Lord, on the areas of my life that I allow to overcome me with negativity so that I can put those things in their proper place - out of focus.  I do not want to forget or ignore the negative things that are happening, but I want to keep them in perspective with the GOOD things in my life.  Help me to model this example to others so that we, as your body, can glorify your name in all that we do. Amen.

Until tomorrow...
Peace, my friends... ~Sara

Habakkuk 3:1-18

Good morning!  (and it really is a beautiful morning, isn't it?)  Today, I sat with God, my cup of hot coffee, and my Bibles and I felt hopeful and radiant and joyful.  Why?  Because I found HOPE in the scriptures...  

S (Scripture): Habakkuk 3:1-18

O (Observation): key words - "Rejoice"; "I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us."

A (Application): The world that we live in today is corrupt.  It hurts my heart to see leaders falter and show no repentance or sorrow for their wrongdoings.  They justify themselves and it's so disheartening.  There are leaders in schools, in government, in society, etc... There are even leaders in the church who stray from God (we all do, don't we?) and lead believers down the wrong path.  There are natural leaders who do not realize the power of their influence - and some do - but they lead their followers astray... rejoicing in their own wants, desires, and needs, rather than focusing on the wants, desires and needs of God.  This is not new to our time... it has been happening since the beginning of time.  It is the very reason that God sent the flood that we read about in the early chapters of Genesis.  The point of today's scriptures is this... though the world may crumble around us... God's wrath is due and will be poured out on evildoers.  We will witness these things... we do everyday.  There is suffering and pain and hatred and fighting... famine and barrenness, and fruitless efforts... but the believer will rejoice in God anyway.  The true believer knows that God's anger is justified and sees that discipline must ensue in order for God to be glorified in the end.  Many people ask (Habakkuk included) why God allows evil people to prosper while the righteous suffer.  God answers... They don't prosper - not in the long run.  Eventually, their evil deeds will catch up to them and the wrath of God will fall upon them.  For now, though, as believers, we rejoice in the knowledge and assurance that God is doing what is right and just and good... for the sake of those who love Him.  

P (Prayer): Thank you, Father, for your love and discipline... your willingness to be patient with me through my transgressions, mistakes, and failures. Help me to learn from those things rather than dwell in them.  Lord, help me to wait quietly, resting in the knowledge that your Plan is known fully to you only. Walk with me today and hold my hand.  Remind me gently to hold on to your guidance through every situation and circumstance - trusting only YOU and my faith in your goodness. Amen.

Where do I pull my scripture verses from?

I read several devotionals, off and on, fairly regularly. Most often, I read the Forward, Day by Day by Forward Movement (www.forwardmovement.org).  On each day, at least four scripture readings are assigned and there is a brief meditation of a writer's interpretation of one of the assigned texts.  Today's choices were Psalm 37:1-18; Habakkuk 3:1-10(11-15)16-18; Philippians 3:12-21; and John 17:1-8.  Today I chose the Habakkuk reading because, simply put, I'm not very familiar with that book of the Bible and it peaked my interest.  Other suggestions for scripture are taken from www.lectionarypage.com.  I am Episcopalian.  In the Episcopal church, we follow a liturgical calendar that determines the readings for each day.  A phone app that I have, the "electronic Common Prayer" ($9.99 by Church Publishing, Inc.) provides the daily lectionary too. Another phone app that I use regularly ("Bible" by Life.Church) provides a daily scripture -which is most often different from the ones listed in the liturgical plans - and sometimes I use that one.  The point here is that I pull scriptures from several resources - and that's okay!  In Bible Journaling, you do what works for YOU and GOD.  This is special time for you to spend in communion with Him - and he has a special message for you, personally.  

I hope you will share your journaling with me.  If you aren't journaling, that's okay... spend some time with God as your read through scripture and ask God what it is that He would have you remember today.  If you ARE journaling, I'd love for you to share your reflections in the comments section below.  Thank you for joining me today.

Until tomorrow,

Peace give I to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Peace give I to you.

~Sara