Paper Tree House God's Promises Faith Blog Hop

Welcome to the God's Promises Faith Blog Hop!  If you arrived here from Susan's beautiful blog you are in the right place.  If you just arrived at my blog, you should go to Paper Tree House Studio  in order to start at the beginning.  Every month a group of brave women get together to showcase the Glory of God.  This month we want to showcase His faithfulness during trying times, so kick back, relax and let the Lord touch your heart with His Truth! 

During the hop you will find many chances to win prizes! All you have to do to be considered for one of those prizes is leave a comment and become a follower of the blogs you will hop through.  For the Grand Prizes , make sure to leave a comment, become a follower, and "LIKE" Paper Tree House on Facebook.  This will allow you to find out about future hops we will be having.  

Check out Paper Tree House for the list of grand prizes they will be giving away!
 
"I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done." Psalm 143:5

It is easy to forget what promises God has already fulfilled in our lives when we are going through the storm of today. I was encouraged and reminded of the miracles in my life lately. I felt it was a good time to share a little of my testimony. Maybe it will encourage those that are going through the same struggle now.

I am not sure why I said yes and married him. I saw signs of unhealthiness but didn't listen to my instinct. I was in, what I thought was, love. Why God let me marry I am not sure. I remember praying about His will. Maybe His will was for me to grow closer to Him instead. But I was selfish.

It was five years later that I grew closer to the Lord. I started serving Him with my whole heart. Then, it seemed, as if my whole life turned upside down. I was angry that he cheated, left, and my life started to spin out of control. This is quite hard to write. Not because it is painful, but I don't want it to look like a sob story. It isn't.

God had a better plan. He helped me see that I wasn't alone. I had Him to get through the pain.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-29

So, I focused on Him and not on myself. When I gave the problem to God he gave me such peace that is indescribable. He gave me, most importantly, forgiveness in my heart.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

I realized that I didn't need a man to make me whole. I needed to love God and learn to love myself for what He created me to be. I had a purpose and served in ministry. I was needed by God, the children in my classroom where I taught, my family, and friends. Life was good again.

"The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made." Psalms 145:8-9 

It was about two years later that I began to pray for someone special to come into my life. My heart was ready. But, mind you, I was picky. I didn't know where I was going to find anyone with my long list of qualifications. I only worked, went to church, and spent my time at home. God heard my prayers...

"Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me." Psalm 66:20

Dave came to the school where I worked to "check out" this girl he was told that he had to meet. So, he volunteered in his friend's daughter's classroom party. So, as he held a closed garbage bag filled with balloons in the hallway, he took a peek through the window of the classroom that I was teaching in. A teacher walked by and said, "Hi! You must be the new janitor! Nice to meet you...," as she continued to introduce herself. (Ha! That make me laugh so hard!)

I guess Dave decided I was worth working for. Did I know that Dave was there at school? No. It wasn't until I was practically forced to give my number to a friend so she could give it to Dave. We went out on a blind date and the rest is not "history" but a dream come true. An answer to prayer. A promise that God loves me.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give your hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and find me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me...

That was almost seven years ago. God has redeemed me many times over. This is just one of the perfect examples of His love for me. Dave is much more than my husband or friend, he is a daily reminder to me that God answers prayer and keeps His promises.

When you seek me with all your heart I will be found by you." Jeremiah 29:11-14

I keep these verses in what I call my "truth" journal. It is a small composition book I keep with me always with verses to remind me of the love God has for me. A SMASH book is another great way to keep your "truths".

To win a black SMASH book (yes, girls, I am giving away the above hard-to-find SMASH book!) post a comment in this blog OR/AND become a follower of this blog, become a friend on Facebook, become a Twitter follower, post on your Facebook page or blog about this giveaway. Make sure you copy and paste a link to your blog if you post about this giveaway in the comments. That's six times you can comment on this post to win! 

I hope this post blessed those that might be going through the same trials. Realize that you are not alone; most importantly remember God's promises!

Don't forget to enter to win Paper Tree House's giveaways too! Now, it's time to go to Candy's blog, Sweet Stamper.

Create Well: "I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done." Psalm 143:5

Faith Blog Hop: Scouting His Word

Welcome to another special Faith Blog Hop sponsored by Paper Tree House Studio! At the end of every month a group of bold women gather to give Glory to God with the talents He has given us in a very loud way... :) Our prayer is that through the projects we have created you will be able to see Him in all of His Glory! May He touch you today as we look at the theme of the Proverbs 31 Woman, and may you find that you are indeed everything He designed you to be.


This is how the hop works:


Follow the line-up and please leave some love throughout the way. Start here at Paper Tree House Studio and allow yourself to cry, laugh, smile, along with any other emotion the Lord may bring your way. If you have come from Karel, welcome!  


You will find that there are many prizes throughout the hop. In order to qualify to receive them you must be a follower of the blog and you must leave a comment. Know that if you are announced as the winner of a prize you are responsible for contacting us in order for us to make the prize go your way. Make sure to check Paper Tree House Studios for the list of sponsors and a chance to win some special prizes.


Now let's get on to the hop!

There is so much heartache in this world that it is so much to bare. Then, when we look at our own lives and those of our loved ones, it seems as if the tide is coming in and there is no way out. It grieves my heart to see women struggling or hurting at times, not knowing which way to turn. Maybe that is you today. Whether you are struggling with sickness, loss, financial burdens, or struggles with their children know that God stands with you every step of the way. I wish I could tell you all of the times God has been by my side in times of pain and struggle. There has been so many times where I can say he made a miracle when there seemed to be no way. I know he will do the same for you.

God always seems to encourage at the perfect time. The last six weeks I have been involved in a bible study called, Scouting the Divine. The author Margaret Fineburg goes deeper in scripture about wine, wool, wheat, and honey. This last week we studied the vine and what it meant for the Proverbs 31 woman to plant a vineyard in verse sixteen.

“She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.” Proverbs 31:16

The author interviewed a vintner and asked him why did she plant a vineyard; she could have planted anything but she decided to plant grapes instead. The vintner explained that this woman was thinking long term. To plant a vineyard takes great patience and time as the first harvest isn’t seen for at least four years and then to drink its first wine is at least seven! This makes for a beautiful picture. The Proverbs 31 Woman was planting the vine for generations to come.

Jesus also reveals himself in scripture as being the vine and we are the branches.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

When I think of this woman planting a vineyard I see her hard work planting Christ in the lives of each of her family members. Her children will be touched by her hard work and so will the lives of those around her. As her children grow, they will continue her legacy, showing Christ’s love to those they come in contact with as well. With her hard work and dedication in tending her fields, there will be a great harvest.

(layout created with Lime Twist by My Mind's Eye;

this post will be printed and placed on the back of the layout as my journaling)

Although, we really can not do this job on our own as Christ says, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” My prayer for you today, is that you are encouraged to continue the hard work God has for you today, for the harvest will be great in the days to come.

I would also like to bless you with a giveaway! Comment on this post for a chance to win this 12x12 paper kit and this stamp set of my new favorite line, Daily Junque by Pink Paislee. I will pick a random winner, Monday May 30th.

Next on the blog hop is, Kari.... Make sure to check out her lovely project and blog called, Purple Funtastick Creations.

Create Well: Be encouraged to continue the hard work God has for you today, for the harvest will be great in the days to come.