Journaling Your Patriotism

And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free.  
And I won't forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.

~Lee Greenwood

They are red, white, and blue, and they make me smile. I saw them first in my Melanie's cart and needed my own bouquet. I'm not sure why I love them -- could be because I just like the thought of having the colors of the USA on my table for the holiday. But I wonder if they make me smile because they remind me of my daughter. 

It was Ronald Reagan who warned, "Freedom is just one generation away from extinction." Those words came to mind as I was thinking about Melanie planning her Fourth celebrations (including huge amount of bacon and eggs). We've heard many rantings about our country in the last few weeks. But, in spite of its failings, I love the country of my birth. 

I love to see the flag waving in the breezing, its stars representing the states that make up our USA. I like the flag cakes decorated with strawberries and cool whip stripes. I'm blessed to remember my Uncle Arthur who fought for his country. And thrilled to look forward to a meal with our Jonathon's soldier brother, home on leave. 

The horses, sparkling ribbons braided in manes, prancing in parades; sparklers held in chubby hands; wreaths decked out with flags; thick slices of watermelon; hands over hearts pledging allegiance to America; spontaneous singing of The Star Spangled Banner -- it's how Americans celebrate our Independance Day.

We must preserve our love for our country for future generations. Our grandchildren and great-grandchildren need to know how we celebrate. We need to take a few moments to express our love of country and to count the blessings we have because men and women have sacrificed and are sacrificing to preserve our freedom. 

Take a few minutes from the celebrating, pick up your pen and journal your patriotism. Here are five prompts to get you started. 

1. The best thing about being an (American) is...
2. 5 things I want my grandchildren to know about the (USA):
3. Write a prayer of gratitude for our country:
4. Actions I will take to promote patriotism: 
5. My favorite 4th of July memory is...
6. My family's July 4th traditions are...


Download the journal sheet here

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Friendship Friday

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Find Your Brave Journaling Sheet

This is a journaling sheet to accompany Find Your Brave post.

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How I reinforce the holes on my printed journal pages.

The Set-apart Woman: Journaling Sheet 9

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The Set-apart Woman Journaling Sheet 8

The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian. --AW. Tozer


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The Set-apart Woman: Journaling Prompt 5

Download journal pages here

Journal Page 1

Journal Page 2

Journal Page 3

Journal Page 4

The Set-apart Woman: Journaling Prompt 4

Printable Journaling Prompt 4

The Set-apart Woman: Journaling Prompt 3

Journaling Prompt 3: Awake, My Soul

Journaling Prompt 2: Clinging to the Cross

Journaling Prompt 1: The Sacred Call to Come Away

Printable 5x7 Set-Apart Woman Theme Verse

The Set-apart Woman: Journaling Prompt 1

The Set-apart Woman: The Sacred Call to Come Away

The Secret to Set-Apartness: Clinging to the Cross

The Set-Apart Woman: Journaling Prompt One

In preparation for the beginning of our book discussion tomorrow, read Matthew 15:8. In your journal, rewrite the verse as a prayer of confession. Feel free to write your prayer in the comments or keep it private. There's no right or wrong way to participate in this discussion.

- See more at: http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/#sthash.PB1k46Ny.dpuf

Printable 5 x 7 Verse

This is the theme verse for the book, The Set-apart Woman, we will be studying beginning April 13th. Read about it at God's Invitation to Sacred Living. 

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5 Ways to Journal Your Faith

My journal is off limits to anyone but me ... I can't wrestle on paper if I fear what someone else might think of my wrestling. ~Nicole Johnson, from Fresh-brewed Life 

If Facebook is any indication, school started around the world. Whether public school, private school or home school, teachers prepared, parents purchased the necessary student tools and the soon-to-be-students enjoyed the last few days of summer vacation.

We have a granddaughter going to school for the first time. She had none of the reluctance of her older brothers who are long past their firsts. In fact, she asked if she could take work home the first day. She's so eager to learn.

Those of us who are students of the Bible understand her excitement. Getting to learn more about God through the Word keeps us picking up our Bibles each day. One thing I'm learning about God is that He doesn't just want to talk to us through His Word, but He wants us to respond. God knows our thoughts, but desires for us to freely share them with Him.

David tells us, Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8). One way I pour out my heart is through journaling. 

1. Journal truths. God leads us to truths as we read the Word. Journaling them cement the truths to our soul. Rereading them later is a reminder of God's faithfulness.

2. Journal specific verses. If you read a verse that speaks to you, personalize it with your name. Pamela will trust in him at all times, Pamela will pour out her heart to him, for God is Pamela's refuge. 

3. Journal Scripture art. Get out your markers and make a verse into art. I'm a doodler more than an artist, but incorporating a bit of creativity while focusing brings the verse alive.

4. Journal your praise. This is more than a list of gratitude-worthy items. It's more like a love letter to God. Praising Him more for who He is instead of blessings He gives.  

5. Journal from prompts: Make a list of faith based questions and journal your answers. Search for verses that support your answers.  

1. My passion for God is shown through my...
2. I need to forgive...
3. Today I have a burden for...
4. God is speaking to me about...
5. Forgive me, Lord, for...
6. I'm struggling with...
7. I need your help, Lord, with...
8. I believe...
9. I messed up...
10. I was blessed today when...
11. I need to change my attitude about...
12. Today I will bless...

Vacation Packing Favorite Five

Vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.

I'm a list maker, and packing for a trip requires a long one! I've found that especially necessary on our recent trips to Kansas City. While RB sits in seminar sessions all day, I get to party at the hotel. Which in layman's language is read, write and craft. So making sure I have everything I need is important. 

Packing is different from when my children were little. I'd pack their little dresses, hang their matching hair bows in a baggie over the hanger and lay them out with their shoes, slips and tights to make sure I had everything they needed. But life goes on, and my packing is easier. 

Sweet Camden Newton

Still, there are five things on my list that I can't vacay without. And I've been known to stop along the way to purchase them if I forget. 

1. Candle.  Now if you would ask the front desk if you could burn a candle, you might be told "no." I'm a big fan of asking forgiveness over asking permission. I have never been asked not to burn my candles, and the housekeepers are usually delighted to walk in and enjoy the ambiance while cleaning. A lit candle immediately warms the room's atmosphere.

2. Lighter. This may seem obvious, but I've left mine at home and what good is a candle without one? Since our overnight stays are more frequent with RB's on-site teaching, I just leave one in my hotel basket so I'll always have it. (And yes, I could do this with the candle, too, but I'd rather the scents match the season.)

3. Goblets. I don't like to drink out of water bottles, Coke cans or hotel glasses. It's not hard to wrap up two goblets and tuck them in your basket. I don't take fragile ones, but my purple ones are just right. I haven't broken one yet (although I still think the joy of using them would be a good trade-off even if I did).

4. Books.  I learned this the wrong way. I have 100s of books on my Kindle but I learned -- the hard way -- to tuck a few books in my suitcase. We were traveling to Kansas City, and I wore out my Kindle. The car charger wasn't working, and I had to spend the last couple hours staring out the window. We arrived in Kansas City in the middle of a tornado warning and the threat of no electricity -- again with no books. Now I just throw a couple in. How much room do they really take?  

5. Journal. It's when I am quiet that my soul wants me to record my thoughts. Not having my journal stifles my creativity. I usually have some sort of paper, but a journal seems necessary. Which really adds a sixth necessity but I'll join it with this one -- a handful of my favorite pens.  Yes, handful. (I may lose one or two.) 

My family would say I forgot the M&Ms, but I think the others are more important. Maybe since I added the pens with the journal I can add the lighter with the candle. In that case, number 5 is M&Ms. I don't know when the tradition began, but there's always a [large] bag in our suitcase. 

I really need to pack my camera (It almost made the 5). I need to pack our clothes and shoes. I need to remember to pack our cosmetics. But that's not as important as my Favorite Five. 

What are your must-haves for vacation? 

Travel Check List
Vacation Packing List
Warm Weather Packing List

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The Shredded Heart

Don't speak evil of someone if you don't know for certain, and if you do know, ask yourself, why am I telling it? ~Johann Kasper

Did you hear about the church sign announcing the Sunday morning sermon? Gossip. Underneath was the title of the song, "I Love to Tell the Story."  We can laugh about that, but it's not funny when we are the object of gossip.

It shreds your heart, even if it's spread by someone who isn't a close friend. It's human to wonder, Who heard it and who believes it? In the study, I define the difference between gossip and slander, although either one is difficult to process. 

One reason people gossip is that they don't have enough to do. 1 Timothy 5:13  tells us, Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. If you are caught up in this sin, find something to focus your time on -- something true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8a).

To help deal with gossip, start a gratitude journal. Think of things that are excellent and full of praise (Philippians 4:8b). Write down your praise; it will change your attitude and your obsession about the affairs of others. This is a great exercise when we are dealing with gossip about ourselves. The devil would like us to dwell on what others have said.

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Linked to:
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