Sermon Notes - Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled

Our Pastor’s recent sermon (you can listen here: https://www.oursavior-lcms.org/recorded-sermons) focused on John 14, particularly verse 27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” The Greek verb “tarasso” is the word for troubled here and its definition is “to cause inward commotion and distress; to take away calmness of mind.” We all experience troubled hearts now and then, and Jesus knows this. He himself experienced a troubled heart in the garden (Matthew 26:37 says that Jesus was “sorrowful and troubled”) before His arrest and ultimately His suffering and death. The verb used here is slightly different and infers a very heavy burden of distress that Jesus was experiencing as He began to take on the sins of the world.  But even so, Jesus knows and can empathize with our troubled hearts. When Jesus tells His disciples (and us) to let not your hearts be troubled (see also John 14:1, Mark 6:50, Luke 24:38), He simply reminds us to focus on Him, not our troubles. He reminds us that He is our peace. “Believe in God, Believe also in Me,” He says in John 14:1. “Take heart, it is I,” He tells the disciples in Mark 6:30. In yesterday’s sermon Pastor said, “The remedy for our troubled hearts and anxiety is Jesus Himself.” Sometimes, the answer is simple, but it’s not always easy to implement the cure. We need to be deliberate about it. We need to be disciplined about it. We need to work with the Holy Spirit and ask for the Spirit’s power to focus our eyes and our hearts on Jesus Himself. In Him we find true peace, rest, and joy for living.

When your heart is troubled, what’s your go-to scripture or spiritual discipline that helps re-focus you?

Faith Planner

Do you keep a planner? I do, but it's not for keeping dates and appointments.

I'm talking about how I use my planner to journal scripture lessons, reflections, and prayers over at The Holy Mess blog.

Come join me!

Lent 2018

This year, Lent began on February 14th - Ash Wednesday (and of course Valentine's Day). Once again I am committing my mornings to the spiritual discipline of journaling the Word. I'll be following the daily devotional, "Silent Witness" offered by Lutheran Hour Ministries. I've created a set of travelers notebooks to contain my journaling.
Here's a bit more...

Bible Journaling Worship & Praise

One of the main reason I Bible journal is because it gives me the time to meditate on specific words of scripture. While I am coloring or painting or stamping, I am repeating scripture in my mind and contemplating the meaning of these precious words. The creative process draws me in and allows me to linger longer in the Word. My page today gave me the chance to target specific words and think about the many reasons to worship and praise our amazing God.

Psalm 29 is a psalm of worship and praise. It wasn't difficult to find many of the words used in this psalm in stamp form on SRM's two "wordfetti-style" faith stamp sets - Daily Devotion and Scripture Notes. These two sets contain multiple words that can be used in a variety of ways. 

After lettering "worship" and coloring it in with marker and watercolor twists, I added several word stamps to emphasize some of the words in the Psalm. I also added a star stamp from another set, Child of God. I created the background using the watercolor twists and a water brush. Then, I added a few highlights with my white pen. I really like how this page turned out and am grateful for the time to worship and praise God through Bible journaling. Be blessed!

For this project I used:

Marvy Uchida LePlume markers | Watercolor Twist Pencils | Water Brush | White Gel Pen | Child of God stamp set | Daily Devotion stamp set | Scripture Notes stamp set

Bible Background Stamps

Today I'm sharing several ways I utilized SRM's Bible Background stamp set this week. My favorite technique is using the "amen" Bible background to dress up plain white letters. 

After cutting the letters in my die cut machine (or use stickers), I randomly stamped on top of them before removing them from the cutting mat. I also added a bit of marker wash to give them colors that coordinated with my faith planner layout for the week. 

To watch me complete this technique and for a few more ideas using Bible background stamps, watch my process video below!

For this project I used:

Bible Background stamps | Sermon Notes stamps | Marvy Uchida LePlume markers

Shout! Bible Journaling Page

We attended our church's Vacation Bible School recently and this story in Joshua was the focus for one of the day's activities. Through the power and might of God alone, Joshua and the Israelites took the city of Jericho. God showed his mighy power as He caused the walls of the city to fall flat. "Shout, for the Lord has given you the city." -Joshua 6:16. 

For more details on how I created this Bible journaling page, visit the SRM Creative Blog.

By His Wounds...

As we approach Easter, I wanted to have a visual reminder to help us focus on the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. This verse in the Old Testament, which points to Christ, came to mind. 

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

I wanted to keep it simple and meaningful, so I just grabbed a few supplies. I started with some simple lettering using my black LePen on a sheet of watercolor paper. I lightly drew a few guide lines to keep my lettering straight. These were erased before applying any color.

I started with bit of light purple shading over the lettering with my LePlume marker and then added some stamped borders. Then I decided to add more color with my markers using a plastic baggie, markers, water, and this "smooshing" techniqe (see video tutorial here). 

After a bit more color, a dotted border stamp, and a quick trim, I simply attached it onto a clipboard for display. It reminds us that Jesus loved us so much that He willingly suffered on our behalf to make the full payment for our sins. By His wounds we are healed! On Easter Sunday we will celebrate His victory over sin, death, and Satan. 

A blessed Easter to each of you.

For this project I used:

watercolor paper | Marvy Uchida LePlume II markers | Marvy Uchida LePen in Black | The Lord is My Light Clear Faith Stamps | BIG Trinity Clear Faith Stamps

Let the Sea Resound Bible Journaling Page

Psalm 99 is an amazing song of praise to the Lord. In verse 7 we read, "Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!"
With that powerful imagery in mind, I created a powerful wave on my Bible page with acrylic paints, a LePen fine point black pen and the new Marvy Reminisce white gel pen.

The stamp set Heaven & Earth provided a few more details - the jumping fish and sentiment.

To fit the sentiment in my Bible margin, I snipped it into two pieces and then stamped it in the middle of the wave. Pefect fit!

The Amen stamp is from another new set, In Jesus' Name.

I love how this page turned out and that I can shout my praises to the Lord and use my creativity to do it!

For this page, I used:

Heaven & Earth Faith Stamps | In Jesus' Name Faith Stamps | LePen Fine Point Black | Marvy Reminisce White Gel Pen

Week 3 Lenten Journal Wrap-Up

During Lent, I'm primarily working in a journal (see here for journal set-up) as I read and reflect on the daily devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries Lenten Devotion booklet, (free to print, HERE). The theme is From the Cradle to the Empty Tomb and the entries follow Jesus as He makes His way towards His death on the cross. The devotions are mainly from the book of Luke, which is another great advantage for recording my visual faith entries in a journal, rather than the pages of my Bible. 

This week I missed one day of journaling. Here is the rest of the week's wrap-up of my entries.

Lenten Journaling Week 2

During Lent, I'm primarily working in a journal (see here for journal set-up) as I read and reflect on the daily devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries Lenten Devotion booklet, (free to print, HERE). The theme is From the Cradle to the Empty Tomb and the entries follow Jesus as He makes His way towards His death on the cross. The devotions are mainly from the book of Luke, which is another great advantage for recording my visual faith entries in a journal, rather than the pages of my Bible. 

Here is this week's wrap-up of my entries for days 8-15.

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for daily posts. Be blessed!

Lenten Journal - Week 1 Wrap-Up

During Lent, I'm primarily working in a journal (see here for journal set-up) as I read and reflect on the daily devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries Lenten Devotion booklet, (free to print, HERE). The theme is From the Cradle to the Empty Tomb and the entries follow Jesus as He makes His way towards His death on the cross. The devotions are mainly from the book of Luke, which is another great advantage for recording my visual faith entries in a journal, rather than the pages of my Bible. 

Here is this week's wrap-up of my entries for days 1-7.

Day 1 | Ash Wednesday

Day 2

Day 3

Add caption

 Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Lenten Journal

Lent begins this week with Ash Wednesday on March 1st. Many Christians use the 40 days leading up to Easter as a time of special reflection, repentance, and drawing closer to Jesus. Some commit to "giving something up" in order to better focus on Jesus' suffering and death. Some add special devotions or attendance at mid-week services in their churches.

Lutheran Hour Ministries offers a free daily devotional on their website HERE. You can download to your e-reader, print, or subscribe to daily e-mails or podcasts to stay in the Word throughout the 40 days of Lent. I'll be using this devotional and journaling every day. To prepare, I've put together a separate notebook to record my reflections and creative journaling. I'll be posting daily on Instagram and my Facebook page and then doing a weekly round-up here on my blog.

Check out this video to see what I've done in the past and my Lenten journal for this year.

What are your plans for Lent? 

Faith Planner During the Week

I get a lot of questions about my faith planner. My planner/agenda is from Illustrated Faith. 

Here's what the weekly page spread looks like blank.

My spread takes shape over the week as I add prayers, thoughts, scripture, and more that is influenced by my devotions, study time, and whatever prayer requests come up during the week. I don't really plan anything ahead of time, but there are some consistencies. The first thing I always do is create a border to the right for my prayer list.

This week I used word stamps from SRM's new Daily Devotion set.
Usually on Mondays I add some reflection from Sunday's sermon. It's usually similar to what I've journaled in my Bible from my sermon reflections.

As the week progresses, I add a little each day. After journaling in my Bible I often just use the same supplies and thoughts and transfer a bit into my journal. 

As the week progresses, my prayer list continues to grow and sometimes those prayers are driving factors in a bit more art in my planner. This week I was praying for the March for Life and that was a big part of this page.

Finally, by Saturday, my 2 page spread is filled in with scripture, prayers, and reflections. I utilize many artsy bits - stamps, scrapbook paper, stickers, washi tape, paints, and even pieces of devotions or prayers cut out and glued to my pages.

Here are a few more thoughts in video format.

Thanks for visiting today. Do you use a faith planner?

New Year, New Bible

This morning I reflected on Sunday's sermon and did some journaling in my Bible. The passage, the Aaronic Blessing in Numbers Chapter 6, had previously been journaled, but I used my watercolor pencils to bring some more colors to the page as I reflected on the words of the Lord's blessing.

The Lord blesses and keeps me, shines His face on me. He does this weekly in a special way as I sit in the pew for Sunday services, alongside my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and hear and receive His very real presence in Word and Sacrament. 

As we were leaving I was struck by the beauty of the window's reflection and the rays of sunlight highlighted by the smoke of the candles. As I was taking a few photos, my daughter ran in and stood in the midst of it all. The Lord's blessing upon her. His very real presence and peace.

He strengthens my faith as I spend time in the Word throughout the week. As I look through this Bible I see and remember how God has walked alongside me these last two years. 

Look how it has expanded past its covers, bursting its bindings with my added notes and journaling.

Yes, this is just paper and paint, but the Word! Oh the Word! Living and active! Accomplishing all the Father has willed for it to do!

I'm sort of sad that I really need to set this one aside and begin in another Bible. But also excited and confident that I do not walk alone. 

I pulled photos of my top 100 journaling entries from 2016 and created a simple slideshow. It includes entries from my journaling Bible as well as the notebooks/journals I used for special seasons and/or studies. Showing 100 photos takes 8 minutes, so play your own soundtrack and grab a cup of something to sip on! 

Faith Planner

A few months ago I jumped on the planner wagon. I purchased a large planner (mine is spiral bound and about 7x9 inches). At first I had a hard time getting started and keeping up. So I decided to rethink how I could to make the best use of my planner. I wanted something to record my prayers, but didn't want it to be separate from my daily devotions.  So, I turned my planner into a "faith planner" and couldn't be happier.

Each week I creatively record my prayers and scripture that is standing out to me from my devotion time, study, and sermon notes. I use lots of stamps, washi tape, printables, stickers, and bits from my scrapbooking stash. It doesn't take much time each day, so it's easy to keep up with. The bonus I've discovered is that having all that in one place has really helped focus my prayers and see God moving in response to my prayers.

In this video I share several of my pages and show you a spread midway through the week as well as walk through my steps for setting up pages for the coming week. You'll see lots of SRM stamps and stickers. 

Hopefully you'll be inspired to think out of the box with your planner.

Here is my finished page for the featured week:

These are just some of the great SRM products I love to use in my Faith Planner:

Trust in the Lord Faith stamps | Shine Your Light stickers | Big Trinity stamps | Sticker Stitches

Bible Journaling in Proverbs

This passage in Proverbs recently stood out to me as I was thanking God for leaders and friends. "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17 As I reflected on this verse, I journaled in my bible using a combination of black pen, stamps, and watercolor pencils.

My first step was to write the key phrase in the margin. I gave it a free handed speech bubble shape and "pinned" on a small tack from the "Planner Notes to Self" Planner Stamps from SRM. I added a few more stamps from my favorite SRM-Faith stamp set, "Trust in the Lord." 

Then I grabbed my ColorIn watercolor pencils and shaded in the speed bubble and added a swatch of bright yellow on top of the crosses beneath it. It's so easy to get the smooth blending of colors with these pencils. I added a bit of white to help the tack stand out and finish it off. 

Thanking God for leaders, friends, and family who have sharpened me.

For this page I used:

"Planner Notes to Self" Planner Stamps | "Trust in the Lord" Faith Stamps | ColorIn Watercolor Pencils and Waterbrush

Bible Journaling with Stamped Background

Many passages in scripture use light as a symbol or to refer to Jesus. In this passage in John 11, Jesus reminds His disciples, who are fearful of returning to Judea, to walk in the light and they will not stumble. I used the  "The Lord is my Light" stamp set to remind me to walk in the light and stay focused on Jesus when faced with fear or anxiety. 

To create the patterned background, I simply used a sun stamp from the set and stamped it repeatedly in oranges and yellows, heavier on the margin and lighter as it covered the text and the remainder of the page. Turning the sun in multiple directions with each stamping will keep the background from becoming too linear.  I cut a smaller piece of white cardstock for the margin and stamped it with the same sun, but in a lighter yellow. On top of that I stamped the sentiment and a border from the set. The lighter block sets the sentiment up for a powerful contrast.

How and where will you use this stamp set?

For this journaling page I used:

The Lord is my Light SRM Faith Stamp Set