Virtual Smooches: Custom Folders (and tips and extra projects)

Hello, friends:}

Today is my day to share a video over on the  Paper Smooches video blog- Virtual Smooches! **Note: Thursdays and/or Fridays are my NEW days to post on the VS blog:) 

Today I'm sharing a couple of bible journaling pages that I've created, as well as how to create your own pocket folder for your binders! It's super easy to make! 

Here's a sneak peek of my video:

 THANKS so much for stopping by--- be sure to go HERE for my video! Be blessed:}

Virtual Smooches: A Personal Journal

Hello, friends:}

Today is my day to share a video over on the  Paper Smooches video blog- Virtual Smooches! **Note: Thursdays and/or Fridays are my NEW days to post on the VS blog:) 

Today I'm sharing something a bit personal and a project that is ongoing- so ongoing that I've been working on it for almost 2 years! 

I'm sharing my prayer journal/binder and decorated journaling cards/covers that I've created using Paper Smooches stamps/dies! 

I pray that this video inspires you to start a prayer journal/binder or to start illustrating in your bible!!!  

Here's a sneak peek of my video:

 THANKS so much for stopping by--- be sure to go HERE for my video! Be blessed:}

deep{er} #31: reflections

Hello, friends:)

I can't believe it's Saturday already! I hope that your week was full of rest, relaxation, and reflections as you dug into the Word of God! 

UPDATE: So this last week was super busy again for Trav and I. I thought after our launch service I would have more time on my hands... but that was NOT the case- LOL! 

1. Discipleship- we finished week 5 of Beautiful Encounters--- LOVE! Each week this study is pressing in/on issues that are so important for Christian women! Week 5 is about 2 encounters with Jesus' power (healing power)--- and the funny thing is that I knew both of these stories in Luke 8:40-56 but had NO CLUE that they were intertwined! Quick Reflection--- this chapter makes me think about how much faith I have. I know it only takes the smallest of faith to move a mountain [Matt. 17:20], but I wonder if I even have that small amount--- sometimes I ask God for help or say the promises from the Bible, but do I really believe God will do what He promises or help when I ask? I need His divine touch to reach beyond my brokenness and heal me from the inside out.
2. Launch Sunday- we made it! Our launch was a success- we had lots of visitors and a great time at the party! My FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE part of Launch was that my friend "Betty" came! Background story- I met her during a night of Evangelism. She came to the door with her phone in her hand but quickly told the person on the other end that she would call them back. I introduced our group and invited her to church. She mentioned that she was just talking to a family member (that person on the phone) about finding a church. She also told us that her husband had just passed away. We prayed right there for her and encouraged her to attend our Sunday services. I didn't see her the next week, so I baked some cookies and went to check in on her. She was thankful and said that she just needed time to get the courage to attend church alone. I understood and let her know that we would continue to pray for her. Fast forward about a month which was Launch Sunday.... I wasn't having the greatest of days, but I walked around the corner of our sanctuary and THERE SHE WAS!!!! I was so excited! I was beyond thrilled! Praise the Lord for the courage He gave her!!!! And praise the Lord for bringing us to her house just when she needed encouragement! And praise the Lord for hearing our prayers and answering them!!! Seeing "Betty" really made my day--- turned my frown upside down:) 
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Virtual Smooches video- Trav and I LITERALLY put off my VS anniversary video for weeks because of the pressure to be funny and not knowing what to say. Well, on Wednesday we finally sat down and did a dry run....and kept the entire video! I only had to edit a few things (like when I had hair in my mouth or when I was laughing for 5 minutes and couldn't talk! LOL!). It went really well--- praise the Lord! Now all I need is for people to stop by and enter my giveaways;) I just love to bless my followers and friends- so if you haven't checked out our video yet.... stop by HERE! Watch our video and then enter to win! ****NOTE: if you don't like crafts or whatever... you can STILL watch our video! Hopefully you will laugh and get an idea of what it's like to be in "Savannahland" and what it's like to hang with us (even Olsen)! 
   

REFLECTION: So this week's reflection is really quick... honestly, I don't even want to share my reflection because it shines light on the hard time I had this past week (and possibly the week before). 

I've been really struggling the last few weeks with being a leader. I'm not sure I've been called to lead. I know I'm called to sing, but be the "leader".... not so sure. I need to work on so many things first---- I need to work on my selfishness and put that aside; I need to work on my compassion for others and being thankful for anyone who wants to serve with me (no matter what--- even if they don't do what I've asked correctly or if they have a bad attitude); I need to work on breaking my chains and being set free; I need to learn to turn off the devil's lies and only believe the truth; I need to work on how to be a great leader- one that lifts the team up, bears fruit, and glorifies God... not one that brings the team down or that causes division. 

There's A LOT more that I need to work on, but I didn't want to bore you with my sin and problems. 

Anyway... some things have been happening that have made me question my leadership position and qualities. I felt like I was a kid again--- trying to get family/someone to love me yet only getting pushed aside or forgotten, basically worthless/unloved. I also felt like I was in our former church/situation--- my voice wasn't heard and it was as if no one cared about my story/my past/me. ***NOTE: I wish I could give you more details, but it's just not necessary. Maybe someday I will give my testimony....someday.

Listening to these feelings for 2 weeks had me in a very selfish state of mind. And then God took me to John 3 during my 3030 Challenge. 

John the Baptist wasn't out for the spotlight. He pointed people to Jesus- even when his followers were arguing and jealous that Jesus was getting more followers/etc. John didn't care. He pointed them to Jesus. John even humbled himself to say, "He must become greater; I must become less." [John 3:30]. 

I try very hard to only point people to Jesus and to humble myself when I'm leading, serving, or whatever! I know it's not about me! I know I shouldn't put an emphasis on my achievements but on God's Kingdom--- honestly, I can't do anything without God so what's the point of taking the credit for accomplishments if I don't give praise back to Him!?! 

I think that the past 2 weeks has been hard because I don't like the feelings these situations brought up in my life. I thought I had been set free from the chains of abuse. I thought that I knew in my heart how loved I am and my worth is in Jesus. 

But I listened to the lies from Satan. I forgot it all and was sent down the tunnel of hurt and pain again. 

Now I'm working on humbling myself so that I can lead on Sunday. I know that God has called Trav and I to NHE ... and I'm almost POSITIVE that God wants Trav to lead (because it's out of his comfort zone)! I'm not sure on my position of leading, but I know I am with Trav. I will lead with him. We are a team. 

I just pray that I don't get in the way... that I always point people to Jesus. 

***NOTE: I guess my reflection was a bit longer. And it is a bunch of stuff that might not make sense, but one day when I give my testimony... hopefully it will all be clear! LOL! 

My goals for this week:

1. Continue my 3030 Challenge --- I'm in the book of John and super excited about what God's going to reveal to me! Open my eyes and show me great and marvelous things in your Word!!! Psalm 119:18
2. We DID it!!!!!!! We completed chapter 5 of the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse--- now we just need to do the sermon and study guide! NOTE: Trav said last night when we completed chapter 5 that that was his favorite chapter! LOL! 
3. Continue to pray for my NEW Women's Bible Study- Stuck! Will you join me in praying?! THANKS! It starts April 21st.  

I pray that God has been speaking to you--- and that you are blessed beyond what you have asked or wanted ❤️. I also am praying that God would open our eyes and heart to His Will, love, and Word. May you go deep{er} with God this week! 

Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

THANKS so much for stopping by today! Be blessed:}

deep{er} #30: reflections

Hello, friends:)

Happy Saturday! WOW! It's the middle of March-- I can't believe it! 

I hope you've had a great week and that the Lord has been opening your eyes to His marvelous Word and works [Psalm 119:18]! 

UPDATE: So again... this last week was a busy week. That's because NHE is having our Launch Sunday event! I hope that you will be able to attend--- that's if you live in the area;) Details below!!! 

Here's what else has been going on this week: 

• Discipleship- it's going well! This week was all about an encounter with the Living Water and the woman at the well [John 4:1-26]. Quick Reflection--- I understand that the woman didn't get what Jesus was telling her (most of the time I don't understand the parables and stories)... so I think if I met Jesus at a well and he was talking to me... I think I would respond with a curious face and the words, "uh....???" And I think this especially if the situation was the same-- I was a Samaritan woman, Jesus a Jew, no one really talked to me anyway, etc. I also understand how she was looking for satisfaction (approval, love, etc) from men. And finally, I understand that we need to run to God for complete satisfaction- only God can satisfy my deepest needs and desires. We were created that way- with a longing for eternity and for God. When I was doing this study, I instantly thought of a song that I started singing last year during my trial. I printed the music and played some of it on the piano for my student J (I messed up several notes, but at least she got the idea! LOL! Check out the YouTube video below!).   My challenge for myself and for J this week: to catch ourselves when we run to things/people instead of God and when we are relying on self-sufficiency or putting hope in something/one other than God. I know when we do this, it just ends up in emptiness... so why do we do it? Our nature... we haven't put our trust in God completely... either way, I hope that we both will really find peace and satisfaction in God! 
• The Table Event- Trav and I went to a worship conference yesterday. It was super super fun! We met and made friends with many other worship leaders/pastors in Florida--- it's great place to network! And it was such a blessing because the whole group (and individual groups) prayed for our church's launch weekend service! Took me by surprise that they were so excited about our church and this special service. Several new friends said they would be praying for us at 10am on Sunday!!! I can't even describe how that makes me feel or how good God is! He knows everything! He planned it all--- from Trav and I meeting... serving together on a worship team...going through our trial.... to getting yesterday off from work and attending this event for worship leaders. WOOOOOOOW! Thank you, Lord!!!  

REFLECTION: This week's reflection will be a bit short due to a couple of things (including a busy week and I already wrote a novel for my "quick" reflection- and I still had one more point to make but I cut it off so I didn't write too much! LOL!). 

This week's reflection is from my 3030 Challenge reading of John 2: 14-16.

***NOTE: I've really enjoyed my Bible Study lately--- I love seeing what God reveals to me through His word, but I also like reading about the places/events happening because Trav and I have been there. It reminds me of all the things we saw on our trip to Israel last year. 

So in John 2: 14-16 Jesus gets upset that the temple is being misused and turned into a marketplace. He made a whip and drove everyone out saying, "Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a market!"

This reminds me of when we went to Israel and how the area around the temple was full of stores and marketplaces. Things really haven't changed. 

And even more so in our own churches... are we going to church (the temple/God's house) with the right mindset? I know that I attended church for the longest of time because "I had to" and because that's what was expected of me. Now I am excited about Sunday. I love going to church and serving the Lord, using the gift that He gave me. I want to go to church and learn more about Him and how to give to others in our community/etc. I love the fellowship and worship/sermons. 

I'd like to challenge everyone with this question: Why do you go to church?

My goals for this week:

1. Continue my 3030 Challenge --- I'm in the book of John and super excited about what God's going to reveal to me! Open my eyes and show me great and marvelous things in your Word!!! Psalm 119:18
2. FINALLY (REALLY!!!!!!!!! I need to do this goal) start chapter 5 of the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse *This is the chapter where Trav and I can be seen on the TV program Turning Point--- The Dragon! Check out my original post HERE. I'm giving up on this goal! Maybe if I give up, I will actually do it! LOL! UPDATE: still trying to finish this chapter! LOL! 
3. Start praying for my NEW Women's Bible Study- Stuck! Will you join me in praying?! THANKS! It starts April 20th.  

I pray that God has been speaking to you--- and that you are blessed beyond what you have asked or wanted ❤️. I also am praying that God would open our eyes and heart to His Will, love, and Word. May you go deep{er} with God this week! 

Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

THANKS so much for stopping by today! Be blessed:}


ps... I am asking for prayer for our church relaunch service. NHE is having a relaunch party TOMORROW---- Sunday, March 22nd. Please pray that all the details will be handled and completed, and that our community would come out and check us out (possibly even consider NHE their home church!)! THANK YOU for lifting us up in prayer ❤️

deep{er} #29: reflections

Hello, friends:)


I cannot tell you enough how much time flies--- I seriously thought I had another day to post! LOL! 

UPDATE: As you can tell by my opening statement, this week has been SUPER busy again! Here's what's been happening: 

•  Discipleship- it's been going well! I really enjoy having J come over on Tuesdays. We are opening up more and getting more comfortable with each other... being with her makes me wish I had someone to disciple me when I was a teenager! Anyway here's my "Quick Reflection"---this lesson was about friendship with Jesus and the stories of Martha and Mary. The first story is one I'm very familiar with- Luke 10:38-42. Jesus visits these women and Martha is busy/distracted with preparations while Mary is at the feet of Jesus listening to him. I love how our study pointed out that Martha was gently rebuked and taught that there is more to life than work/etc. It's so easy to fall into the worldview of wanting credit for everything and working hard (so hard you miss out)... but Jesus was telling her to spend time with him. NOTE TO SELF! Great lesson right there! The second story was even better because I was also familiar with it but never read it the way it was presented (I miss out on so much info sometimes! LOL!)- John 11:1-16. Mary and Martha's brother, Lazarus  had died and Jesus came to raise him from the dead. Their reactions to his death were different, and Jesus responded differently to both women! I love that! Martha ran to Jesus and wanted to talk it out with him--- and Jesus talked with her! Mary waited and then went to Jesus, falling at his feet weeping. Jesus wept with her! LOOOOOVE that! When I go to God... it's a combo of these two reactions. I wait and try to do it on my own or I wait and not saying anything because I don't know what to say or want to hide my thoughts... and then I finally realize I need to go to God. I do wish I ran more to Him. NOTE TO SELF--- must try running to God:) 
• Visitors- I love studying in our Study Room (check out my video tour HERE)! This week I was visited by two different creatures. Olsen was the first one... he loves to bother me when I'm studying... for good reasons though! He usually has to go out or needs food. But the second creature freaked me out the other night! In the video tour I mention that we have bird feeders outside our window. Trav and I like watching the birds eat and gather together. We also have pesky squirrels that eat the birdseed. One night this last week I heard scratching outside the window (which is above the couch I sit on for my studies).... I hit the wall thinking it was a squirrel. It continued and got louder. I turned around and saw two large eyes staring back at me! LOL! I freaked out because it was a large raccoon eating the birdseed! I never thought I would see that when I looked outside into the dark! LOL! 
  
  You've got to love this look! Olsen is such a goose! 
  
  Not sure you can see... but there is a large raccoon on our windowsill staring back at me! LOL! 

REFLECTION: I have a couple of things to say today... they kind of go together... and then again, they could be completely random thoughts! LOL! 

For 2 weeks (HERE and HERE) I mentioned something about being upset because the world is bad/horrible/getting worse/pulling me down/etc., and I'm finding it hard to live like Jesus. 

Well.... this feeling is even more than what I've talked about the past 2 weeks... I want to be a GOOD Christian role model. I thought I was doing this, but it's so different than what I was taught! Honestly, I didn't have a Christian role model until very recently. So I've been doing my best, but Christianity is SO MUCH MORE! I love this quote from a sermon I heard on the radio the other day: "Christianity is a religion of the heart. An outward compliance is NOT enough." SOOOOOOOOOOOOO true! I'm trying to live like Jesus but that's not enough... I've got to get the Word down into my heart, as well as have a deep{er} relationship with God! When I only have an outward compliance I get sidetracked by the world... I've got to stick with my Bible and live with Jesus in my heart. *Hope this makes sense! It made sense to me when I heard that quote on the radio! LOL! 

Ok... so here's my big reflection for the week---- a bit of background first...For about a year I've been stressing over how hard it is to be a leader in a church and if I could be a good leader. Pastors/leaders are held to such high standards and guidelines (there are lots of Bible verses about this). Trav and I were disappointed in many leaders that we knew, and we definitely didn't want to become like them (but that was really all we had been taught). As soon as Trav and I took on the role of Worship Leaders at NHE, I started to stress again but tried to put my trust in Jesus that he would give me the knowledge/strength/etc. Just a month ago, Trav and I were listening to a sermon that mentioned the early church leader Diotrephes [3 John]. I found this story interesting and then forgot about it.

Until this week. My 3030 Challenge is continuing (btw- LOVE it), and I read 3 John. 

3 John is a letter from John to Gaius, a man who generously gave to followers of Christ. This letter also mentioned 2 other people: Demetrius- another man who gave to followers of Christ and loved the Truth, and Diotrephes- a self-proclaimed church leader who does NOT reflect God's values. Diotrephes looks out for himself and only his works/things/etc; he is not a good leader and even refused to follow other spiritual leaders in authority; we read of his sin in this book, including pride, jealousy, and slander.

I DO NOT want to be like Diotrephes! I don't want my work or leadership to be about me! I do not want to misuse my leadership position... I don't want to take for granted Christian workers who serve faithfully! 

I haven't thought of our last experience much lately... but reading this chapter really opened my eyes to the type of leadership we were under. And that breaks my heart. 

My Application Bible Commentary likens this type of leadership this way: "When a leader makes a habit of encouraging sin (or ignoring it) and discouraging right actions, this leader MUST be stopped. If no one speaks up (or nothing is done when someone does speak up), great harm can be done in the church!"

OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!! It's TRUE! It's TRUE! The church will be in great harm if leaders don't take this position seriously and if we ignore what needs to be done. That's exactly what happened in our situation, and that breaks my heart that the place I called "home" and loved so much is in great harm! Even worse... my "friends" may still be in great harm! 

So my reflection this week is that I am praying that I will not turn into a Diotrephes type of leader. I want fruit that is good, honors God, and that glorifies Him! I'm assuming that God took me through that chapter of my life (enduring a trial) so that I would learn about leadership and positions in the church. And I'm assuming God had me read 3 John because I need to keep in the forefront of my mind just how important my job is and that I am held accountable for the "sheep" under me [I know this is in the Bible... I can't find it right now! LOL! Trust me!]. 

Whatever the reason... I want to be a leader that is a servant like Gaius or Demetrius. 

My goals for this week:

1. Continue my 3030 Challenge --- I'm in the book of John and super excited about what God's going to reveal to me! Open my eyes and show me great and marvelous things in your Word!!! Psalm 119:18
2. FINALLY (REALLY!!!!!!!!! I need to do this goal) start chapter 5 of the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse *This is the chapter where Trav and I can be seen on the TV program Turning Point--- The Dragon! Check out my original post HERE. I'm giving up on this goal! Maybe if I give up, I will actually do it! LOL!

I pray that God has been speaking to you--- and that you are blessed beyond what you have asked or wanted ❤️. I also am praying that God would open our eyes and heart to His Will, love, and Word. May you go deep{er} with God this week! 

Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

THANKS so much for stopping by today! Be blessed:}


ps... I am asking for prayer this week for our church relaunch service. NHE is having a relaunch party on Sunday, March 22nd. Please pray that all the details will be handled and completed, and that our community would come out and check us out (possibly even consider NHE their home church!)! THANK YOU for lifting us up in prayer ❤️

deep{er} #28: reflections

Hello, friends:)


Happy Saturday:) This last week was busy for us...but it was GOOD! I definitely saw God working and showing His grace/love/mercy/forgiveness all week! I hope that God was revealing Himself to you as well! 

UPDATE:  Like I said, this week was busy. Here's a recap of this week's happenings: 

• Discipleship- Tuesdays are my days with J. I was a bit nervous about this week's meeting because it was titled "A Sinful Woman's Encounter With Grace" Only in week 2 and we are already talking about sins! Talk about awkward. I don't mind admitting my mistakes (especially because it could help someone else from making the same mistakes)... but I thought I would have a couple of weeks to warm up to J before bearing all my deep insides on week 2! LOL! Anyway, it was a  great lesson about the woman caught in adultery [John 8:1-11]. Quick Reflection---this lesson really made me think about the grace I have been given in the past. I definitely didn't deserve this amount of grace, but thanks to Jesus... I received grace, forgiveness, and so much more! AND... this lesson was an eye opener to the labels that I put on myself or what I think others are putting on me. This woman was labeled a sinner (because she was caught)... but do I want to walk around with people calling me a sinner? Some of my labels (some I gave myself and some from others in my life)--- ugly, musically talented, fat, worthless, etc. Some of these labels are not true and shouldn't define me... but I let them. So I learned a really good lesson about grace and allowing Jesus to remove these labels and replace them with the labels like Daughter of a King, loved, special, etc. GREAT lesson! 
• Answered prayers- I mentioned earlier that God has been revealing Himself all week... and He has definitely answered some prayers! We've been praying for a couple of weeks for a friend to get a job... she got it! PRAISE THE LORD! A friend needed help...and we were able to help (just like the early church in Acts 4: 32-37)! PRAISE THE LORD! I needed help to get through some projects...they are completed! PRAISE THE LORD! J had an orchestra assessment on Thursday, and we prayed that the group would do well... they got a superior rating! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! I prayed that a friend would be home so I could talk with her... she was there and thankful that I stopped by! PRAISE THE LORD!! And our friend had her baby on Wednesday--- she was asking God to give her contractions before she went in for a C-section, and He gave her contractions at midnight (she was supposed to go in around 6am!)! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! Here are some pics of the new little one- LOVE! 

One photo... and it's perfect with Uncle Trav! 

Uh... blurry!

Uh...crazy smile and face :( 

Attempt #15--- This one will have to do! 

WELCOME Baby Rachel! Congrats Ramon, Laura, and family ❤️

REFLECTION: Last week I mentioned that I just didn't feel good about something. It was as if the Spirit was convicting me of how much I follow the world. Well... this week it continued and I figured it out! 

It's true- I get caught up in this world and listen to the lies I'm told. But there's more. 

I think that last week's feeling was based on the following thoughts: "Why even continue to live in this world when it's so hard to live like Christ? How does one NOT get caught up in this world? What's the point of having kids, cleaning the house, shopping, throwing birthday parties, and enjoying life, especially if I'm supposed to sacrifice (for God) and not follow the world? And all things in this world pass away anyway... what's the point of doing anything in this world? 

Some of these questions seem silly (and I'm sure some don't make sense at all--- that's Savannahland for you! LOL!)... but during my 3030 Challenge study this week, I had a bit of peace about all of this:) I finished 1 John and while reading a commentary about this book I read the following: "John writes this book to share that God is light [1 John 1:1- 2:27], God is love [2:28-4:21], and God is life [5:1-21]."

"In our dark world, God is light.
In our cold world, God brings the warmth of love.
In our dying world, God brings life.
When we lack confidence, these truths bring us certainty."

(*thud*) This is exactly what I needed to hear! I was giving up on this world and my purpose!  I didn't understand how we could make any difference in this world. BUT God, who is in me, is greater than the one who is in this world [1 John 4:4]! I have victory! Why am I worried? Why was I letting the world get me down?! I have certainty because God is light, love, and life! And the best part is that because Jesus is in me... I can bring light, love, life to this world! Don't give up, Sav!!!!!!!!! Don't let the world win!!!!!!! God is greater and is inside of YOU:)

God showed up this week... especially in my Bible study and what I was supposed to read! PRAISE THE LORD:) 

My goals for this week:

1. Continue my 3030 Challenge and move on to 2 John :) I still think it's funny that I am reading these books before John just like I did before- LOL! 
2. Continue with Today in the Word Acts Bible study.  This goal might be put off for awhile because I'm reading so much and doing so many studies. 
3. FINALLY (REALLY!!!!!!!!! I need to do this goal) start chapter 5 of the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse *This is the chapter where Trav and I can be seen on the TV program Turning Point--- The Dragon! Check out my original post HERE.

I pray that God has been speaking to you--- and that you are blessed beyond what you have asked or wanted ❤️. I also am praying that God would open our eyes and heart to His Will, love, and Word. May you go deep{er} with God this week! 

Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

THANKS so much for stopping by today! Be blessed:}

deep{er} #27: reflections

Hello, friends:)


Happy Saturday:) I hope that you were blessed this past week and that your cup was overflowing with joy, love, and peace.

Before I get started on my post, I wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who stop by my blog and read my reflections/etc. I have received lots of emails from friends, family, classmates, crafting friends, and even other believers asking questions or asking for prayers, as well as comments on several of my posts. I am encouraged by your love and support! THANK YOU! 

UPDATE:  WOW! This week went by fast. Again, I had so much going on that I honestly don't know what I did all week! 

I plan on slowing down soon... I'll keep you posted (if you know me... slowing down doesn't really happen! LOL!). 

Here's a recap of this week's happenings: 

• Discipleship- I met with J for our very first study on Tuesday. I think it went well. I absolutely love our study, Revive Our Hearts and Erin Davis' Beautiful Encounters. Quick Reflection---This week we looked at Anna and Elizabeth's encounters with Jesus. One encounter happened before he was born [when Mary visits Elizabeth Luke 1:39-45] and the other was when he was a baby being presented in the temple [Luke 2:36-38], and yet both encounters shows us Jesus' divinity. He is God and was God even before he was born--- I've never thought of his divinity during these two situations, but now I can't stop thinking about it! How amazing is it that these two women knew the Lord and Savior, and what Jesus would do for the world, before he was the age of one... BEFORE he could do anything!!! 
  
  Here's a pic from last week... Olsen likes to be a part of our class too:)
  
  
• My Notes- A couple of Savannah FACTS before I tell you my story: I don't like journaling, but I will take notes all day long for sermons and teachings that I hear on the radio/at church/etc. I just like taking notes:) I also haven't read the Bible all the way through, so my goal is to start reading books in the Bible and taking notes/etc. Ok... so I started thinking back to when I first became a Christian (2002). I knew that about a year later I started reading the Bible during my lunch break at work, and I remember taking notes in a blue journal... but where was that journal now? Well... I found it! I found all of my original notes from when I was attending church at Ball State University, The Revolution, as well as some of the notes when I started attending my former church here in Florida in 2004. LOOOOOOOOOONG story short.... I started my 3030 Challenge and needed to find a book in the Bible to start reading and taking notes. Well the funny story of this super long story is that when I started reading the Bible in 2003 (or so) I heard that I should start in the book of John. So I opened up the bible and started in 1 John. I thought that was where I should start... it was after 3 John that I realized there was a completely different book of John! LOL! So my point... I started my 3030 Challenge in 1 John just like I did in 2003 :) I am also taking notes for this new study in the same journal from 2003! LOL! LOVE it:)
  
  These are some of the sermon notes on the bulletins that I kept from 2003! The sermon topic was "Strange Love" (marriage and God's love). 

REFLECTION: So all week I've been feeling a bit strange... something has been just tugging at my heart and making my stomach hurt. 

I think it has to do with my 3030 Challenge reading in 1 John 2:15 of not loving this world but looking to God and things of eternal matter. How much do I love this world? Does my flesh win over my spirit? How often? What makes me fall into the lies of this world--- esp since I know that this world passes away and that nothing in this world is from God [1 John 2:16]?!?!?!   

Something has to change... I have to start living more for God. I need to stop falling into the desires of my flesh or wanting a different material item (this week... it's a sweeper but most weeks it's new clothes or shoes or a new purse... possibly even wanting to buy something for Trav, but mostly for myself).... I have to start thinking that as soon as I buy something it will start decaying. 

I'm sick to my stomach for what I've been doing. It hurts my heart that there are so many people in need (real need) and yet I'm worried about getting a new purse! And NOTE: I'm a giver...I love to bless others when I see a need. I just need to give more. Stop falling to the desire of my flesh and being selfish. 

My goals for this week:

1. Continue my 3030 Challenge in 1 John and hopefully move on to 2 John :) I still think it's funny that I am reading these books before John just like I did before- LOL! 
2. Continue with Today in the Word Acts Bible study. 
3. FINALLY start chapter 5 of the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse *This is the chapter where Trav and I can be seen on the TV program Turning Point--- The Dragon! Check out my original post HERE.

I pray that God has been speaking to you--- and that you are blessed beyond what you have asked or wanted ❤️. I also am praying that God would open our eyes and heart to His Will, love, and Word. May you go deep{er} with God this week! 

Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

THANKS so much for stopping by today! Be blessed:}

deep{er} #26: reflections

Hello, friends:)


It's time to celebrate--- yesterday was Poppie's 89th birthday-- happy happy birthday, Poppie:)

I hope that you are doing well and that the Lord has been speaking to you all week!  

UPDATE: SOOOOOOOOO much has been going on since we last chatted!

• Turning Point- Trav and I were informed on Sunday that we were in the audience of last week's Turning Point Spiritual Warfare series (week 5: Shoes of the Gospel of Peace)! So funny since we didn't even get to hear this sermon, and they used the exact same image as last time but just flipped it! Check us out on THIS post-- you will see the similarities. 
  
• Discipleship- I started discipling a young girl this week. Her name is J. I'm super excited but also nervous at the same time.... I'm not sure I know how to disciple! I did pick out an amazing series for our bible study, Revive Our Hearts and Erin Davis' Beautiful Encounters. I plan on doing the study with J at the beginning of our time, and then using the second half for fun stuff like crafting, cooking, and hanging out. Pray for me as I mentor this young woman!
• Radio- AGAIN! I was on the radio show Open Line Radio (air date 2.14.15). I asked a question on Twitter, and they answer it at about 39 minutes in the show! Be sure to check it out HERE to find out what I asked and what the answer was:)  

REFLECTION: So... it's been 26 or so weeks, and I'm thinking it's time to reflect on my deep{er} goal and idea. I need to evaluate and critique how I'm doing--- just to make sure I'm on the correct path and continuing to learn/live for God/etc.

The whole reason I started writing these posts was because I felt lead to share what I've been studying. I thought that my blog would be a good way for me to spread the word of God's love and Truth. And I think I've been doing that- I've completed several studies, reflected on multiple topics and thoughts/beliefs during these 26 weeks.

And then there's my OLW (One Little Word) and goal of going deep{er}. I am still feeling as if I'm in the shallow end. I've dug deep{er} into topics and some scripture of trials... but I'm not going as deep as the Lord wants me. So this past week, I decided to really find out what "going deep{er}" means. 

I mentioned last week that my 3030 Challenge book arrived- I'm super excited because this is the study that I think might kick me off into this deep{er} water. 

For about 13 years, I've only been "reading" my Bible. I mean... I do Bible studies, read scriptures for topics like fear, trials, etc...and I've always prayed. I was doing what I was taught. 

But I need to go deep{er} in my relationship with God and get closer to Him. I complain that I don't hear Him or feel Him around me. Why is this? Because I'm not close to Him. I am unsatisfied. Why? Because I'm not intimate with God. And you know what? The level of my intimacy with God is exactly as close as I want to be at this moment! It's a casual intimacy because I'm not digging deep and not surrendering all of my life and time to Him. 

Often I find myself seeking what God can do for me. GASP! I know! That's horrible! I'm ashamed because I need to be seeking the Kingdom of God FIRST... all the rest will be added when I seek His face [Matt 6:33]. Joyce Meyer said, "if we seek His face first, His hand will always be open". SOOOOOOOO true! And another thing I need to do is go beyond what I think and feel- take God at His Word! 

Joyce also compared "snacks" and a "full course". Snacks are going to church or reading a scripture or two. A full course is making God first (a God Habit), spending time with God daily, memorizing scripture, and knowing that I can't make it without Him. With my weight-loss and training, I'm ALWAYS hungry! I want a "full course"!!! LOL! 

I know the reasons I don't go deep{er}: I get distracted, work, watching TV instead of reading the Bible, etc. I need to get my pruning sheers out, cutting off and out anything that draws me away from time with God. I need to ask myself, "Is it bearing fruit?" If not, cut it off/out!

To go deep{er}, I'm going to continue doing what I normally do, as well as add in a couple of new things:

• Continue to pray prayers for Travis from Power of a Praying Wife and doing my prayer journal, reading my Acts study, and now my discipleship study. 
• But I'm also going to spend 30 minutes in the Word--- reading and asking God bring revelation to me as I seek Him. I have lots of concordances and word study bibles... and I will continue to use these to go deep{er} for topics/words/etc.
• I am going to start journaling (sigh! I hate journaling! But I'm going to do it- I want to keep track of what I read and what God tells me.). 
• I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to start listening, opening my ears to what God is saying! He is talking, but I just haven't been listening.
• And finally, I will pick up my "Book of Remembrance" [Malachi 3:16] again. This is a little journal notebook that I was writing blessings and thanksgiving in for the past year. I stopped doing it because I was writing answered prayers in my prayer journal. But I'm going to pick it back up and start using it again so that I will have a specific area where all my "remembrances" can be found. 

I don't want to waste any more time! Actually, all I'm going to do is study the Word in a deep{er} way. And "study" isn't even in the Greek dictionary! It says "see DILIGENCE part B", which is defined as laboring and endeavoring, exerting oneself, being zealous, continuous, and earnestness. That's what I need to do! 

I'm on the right track, but I'm going to run faster and go deep{er}--- well, that's my goal for the next 6 months:)

My goals for this week:

1. Pray pray pray (this is still on my list of things to-do) *I'm doing good... hopefully I will share a video of my prayer journal sometime in the future! LOL! 
2. Begin 3030 Challenge with Joyce Meyer- I'm starting this challenge probably on Sunday or Monday-- I like to start new studies at the beginning of the week...and I had to watch a week's worth of DVDs/TV programs to get an idea of what the study was about. Hope you can join me--- click HERE if you want to sign up for this 3030 challenge:)
3. Continue with Today in the Word Acts Bible study. *I'm still on chapter 14 or 15- I didn't get a chance to do one Acts study this week :( 
4. Continue with chapter 5 of the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse *This is the chapter where Trav and I can be seen on the TV program Turning Point--- The Dragon! Check out my original post HERE.

I pray that God has been speaking to you--- and that you are blessed beyond what you have asked or wanted ❤️. I also am praying that God would open our eyes and heart to His Will, love, and Word. May you go deep{er} with God this week! 

Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

THANKS so much for stopping by today! Be blessed:}