“I’ve Pitched My Tent In The Land Of Hope”

A friend of mine, asked me to help lend a visual for a tent. After studying Acts 2:26 in Women’s Bible Study, it’s what comes to my mind whenever I think of, or see a tent:)

Acts 2:26

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest in hope (NIV)

This same verse is written like this in The Message

“I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope.”

Thinking about tents a little further, I created a list of ”attributes”

• Temporary Home
• Shelter, Protection
• Supported by an organized structure (The Church)
• Held up by it’s frame (Truth)
• Tied or “rooted” to the ground (Faith)

Abraham left all He had known to obey the Lord’s command and follow Him to a place that was foreign, and for a time, temporary. He lived in tents, and looked forward to the “city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

While we dwell here on earth, in our temporary home, let us “pitch our tent, in the land of hope!” For we can rest in the promise, that we will one day live in “a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God!”

Revelation 21: Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. ² I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bridebeautifully dressed for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

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ROMANS 14

Today’s post was inspired by a timely message given by Beth Guckenberger who is serving as Interim Pastor for a local church here, The Vineyard Cincinnati.

I’ve written many posts highlighting my friend Beth. She and her husband took and assignment from God some 20+ years ago to begin a great work caring for orphans.

Back2Back

“Back2Back Ministries is the best orphan care organization operating in the world today.”

-Steve Biondo, President, Tim Tebow Foundation

This year, Back2Back launched a new global ministry, TRAMA FREE WORLD.

Breaking the cycle of childhood trauma

Trauma Free World is a community dedicated to helping people around the world heal from childhood trauma. We are headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA and offer training all around the world, as well as online for anyone with an internet connection or mobile phone. Trauma Free World partners with leading trauma researchers to adapt cutting edge trauma research into training that is accessible to all, regardless of literacy level, and applicable across cultures.

I hope you will take a look at these life changing ministries, and prayerfully consider participating in them!

Beth’s Message comes from Romans 14. “How to Love When We Disagree!” You can listen below…I promise you will be greatly encouraged by it!

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Doodle 101 “Pocket Full Of Sunshine”

Happy Thursday!

I’ll admit, I’m a bit of an Emma Stone Fangirl. She makes me laugh:) She was in a movie that I wouldn’t recommend (due to it’s content/theme) however, there is a scene in the beginning of the movie that keeps this song on repeat for me when I think of her:)

When I listen to this song….I think of JESUS. …my Pocket Full Of Sunshine:)

I like what Billy Graham has to say about sharing your pocket full of SONshine…below is an article from

Billygraham.org

So how exactly do you shine?

Do not be conformed to this world … —Romans 12:2a, ESV

“Being a light” sounds great, doesn’t it? But it’s also a little abstract. How exactly do you become this brilliant beacon to people around you? Here are 4 practical tips:

• Be careful what you say. The Bible calls the tongue “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Yikes! That’s pretty serious. And that’s how we should take our speech—seriously. Maybe a parent once told you, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” It’s not bad advice, even as an adult. Words are powerful and can be used for good or bad. You might even post this verse somewhere as a reminder: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Read How to Tame the Tongue.
• Consider your entertainment. Where do you go for fun? What shows or movies do you watch? What kind of music do you listen to? Would you go to the same places, watch the same things or listen to the same music if Jesus were sitting next to you? Or would you be embarrassed? It might sound silly, but asking those questions is a good way to keep yourself in check, whether you’re alone or with others.
• Use social media wisely. People are watching what you post, whether they interact with your posts or not. Think about the things you’ve posted recently—articles, comments, photos and so on. Could they be seen as prideful? Self-centered? Rude? What’s your motive? To put others down or make them jealous? Hopefully not. Aim to make informed, respectful posts that represent the One you claim as Lord.
• Think of others. Consider other people’s needs and help meet them. Encourage instead of criticize. Be patient. Give others the benefit of the doubt. If you hear gossip, distance yourself from it or change the subject. When you encounter a difficult person, remember that they were made and are loved by God. Above all, “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:31).

Point 2 is something that I’ve personally learned the hard way! It critical what you “put in.” I’ve heard this argument from my kids as long as I can remember… “Watching gory movies, won’t make me a slasher Mom.” Well… It does change your heart over time. It subtly shifts the way you see yourself, others, and even God. You become numb to things, and the line between right and wrong becomes blurred…God’s voice gets more distant, and you walk further and further away from Him and the Love, protection and provision He provides. This is the journey we often take towards the mess we can make of our lives. I’ve made plenty of messes. Every point on this list hits home for me, and it’s important to be reminded of them….especially in the culture and climate of today.

“Draw near to the Lord, and He will draw near to you.” -James 4:8

The rest of this verse goes like this… “Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

We don’t like to admit that we’re double-minded. The Holy Spirit keeps our thoughts clear on this.

”You can’t ride two horses with one ass sugar bean”

We can’t ride 2 horses…

Stay close to the light, and you’ll have enough Sunshine in your pocket to share:)

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Doodle 101 Salt

Hello!

I love salt. I shouldn’t, but I do. I carry it with me…in a little tin:) This post makes me feel a bit better about my salt addiction:)

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A Few New Doodle 101’s

It’s been so nice to hear from several of you out there! Thank you for taking the time to write, I appreciate your thoughtfulness so much!

It’s encouraging to know that there are so many Sister’s out there creatively studying God’s Word! At times I can allow the enemy to sneak in a jab… he whispers that what I’m doing here is not important or helpful. I know that this is not truth…it comes from the father of lies.

In this climate of unrest, the world needs more LOVE, not hate. Let’s band together in His name…hunker down, and look to the Lord as our source of help, strength, comfort, perseverance, patience, compassion, self-control, forgiveness and love! Each day is a challenge that can only be met with accomplishment through the One who gives us life. Any small part I can play in encouraging others to abide in Him, is fruitful ❤️

Here are a few new Doodle Pages for you! (You can also find these, and more, by clicking on Doodle 101’s Pdf Files in the menu)

“Dig” into truth, and build your house on a firm foundation so that you can be filled with life (and light) and extend it to this hurting world.

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Doodle 101

I recently had an online friend ask about printing my Instagram Doodle 101s. She mentioned that she likes to print them first (when creating a Bible entry) and can only do so with the doodles I post here on my blog. (Not from Instagram)

I so enjoy “meeting” those who follow, and love to be of service! I don’t often hear from those who might be using these tutorials, but when I do, I am thrilled to improve what I do, to better come alongside all of you! This is the reason I have an online presence ❤️

When deciding how to best use my time, I have recently chosen to create more posts through instagram, thinking that those following me there, can easily use their phone to follow a doodle tutorial. I have to agree with my friend, I like to see things on paper too:)

So….I will try to get back to posting more printable Doodle tutorials and will be adding them more frequently!

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