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When I asked Pam about this design, she recalled painting the bird first, then searching for a hymn to go with it. The black and white bird resembles a black-capped chickadee, which is in fact a songbird. 

She then researched the backstory of this particular hymn and after reading about it, just soaked in the fact that suffering and sorrow is not new! People have been walking through it since the Garden. There have been countless people who God has worked through in the midst of great sorrow as they used words and songs to process their pain and write of His faithfulness in the midst of their storm... and there are countless more people who have come after them and are continuing to receive the blessing of their honesty and obedience. God continues to use their stories for our good and His glory! This gives tremendous HOPE!

Just like the bird keeps singing with hopes of his future days, and just like Bridgers wrote in his hymn, we can keep singing knowing Jesus is always with us! In all of life's ebb and flows!

The best thing about using products like these to decorate is that they are also USEFUL! I've basically created my own little space to enjoy. And this part is my favorite. Now I can pull out a journal, notecards, and our mini shareables. And enjoy some quiet time to do something that is a stress-reliever for me, writing.

Being surrounded in a space with scripture and God's Word makes any daunting task enjoyable. Because I know God is always looking out for me, always there for me, no matter what I am doing. Whether it's on my knees asking for help or asking for help trying to write out a grocery list. 

One of my favorite things about this ministry (that I also get to call my job!) is hearing customer testimonials, and testimonials in general about the products I make.

One of our long-time customers, Monica, shared part of her testimony with us. Since we knew our focus this week would be on 1 Peter 5:7, we asked if we could feature it in our blog.

No matter where you fit into the mix of “Back to School”, I would love to encourage you to be intentional in praying! There are a LOT of emotions flowing right now, that really affect us all in one way or another. I’m including a few verses and suggestions for praying for those around you. You could even insert specific names of people or names of a school or even communities. Customize it the way The Lord leads you!

Jeremiah 33:3 says,  “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

REMEMBER 

Did you know that in the Hebrew language boast means to “have confidence in” or “trust in” something or someone?

With this in mind, when I re-read Psalm 20:7 and replaced the word boast with trust, it is so much easier to understand and apply it to my own circumstances. I can ask myself who or what am I “trusting”? Who or what am I typically using as “a means of escape”? Yes, asking yourself these things can be convicting… But that is a GOOD thing! With conviction, comes the opportunity to repent/turn away and receive forgiveness and freedom! And that is a wonderful BLESSING!   

Psalm 139: 23 & 24 can be used as a prayer as well, asking the Holy Spirit to sort through our motives and intentions. We aren’t always the best judge of our own heart, but He is! “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.”

All of these verses bring reassurance to my heart and mind, especially when I am praying for direction. I’ve often asked Him to make my heart, my mind and my desires line up with His. Basically, to make me want what He wants for me! And to give me a distaste for anything that is not of Him.

So, friend, receive the comfort from these powerful verses [of Psalm 139], BUT I also want to encourage you that even the discomfort can be useful! Welcome the blessing of the vehicle that leads you to the foot of the Cross!  

“Search me (thoroughly), O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23 & 24 Amplified