Brave Surrender ~ Book Review

I can remember the very first time that I heard Kim Walker-Smith’s voice. The love for Jesus that poured from her was absolutely overwhelming. The words that she had written to the songs of worship were heart piercing & exactly how I felt.

I have followed Kim Walker-Smith’s music since. Anytime a new album came out, I waited with great anticipation because I knew it was going to be filled with goodness & truth. The way the Lord has used her words & voice is such a ministry.

When I saw that she had written a book, I knew that it was a must read. “Brave Surrender - Let God’s Love | Rewrite Your Story” is a small yet extremely powerful read.

I love this book & how we get to know Kim Walker-Smith. We see how the pain from her past is turned into a devoted love for Jesus & love for helping other know who they are in Christ.

If you are struggling with pain in your life. If you are having a hard time letting go & finding freedom. This is certainly a great book to read.

I received this book from Book Look Bloggers for my honest review.

My star. My Jesus Star as I call it. It is right above my house, in my little slice of the sky. It brings me comfort. He twinkles at me at just the right times. Shines brightly in the break of clouds. He's a whisper of His adoration. The sparkle of His joy. I de-light in Him. Overwhelmed by His love. I'm a messy human that fails constantly. I snap. I feel regret. I carry guilt. But there He is always brilliantly shining despite my flaws. He loves me. Nothing can ever take Him away. Nothing. ⁣
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#jesus #star #love #helovesme

One of my favorite ways to Bible Journal is from sermon notes. This was a quote or analogy from the sermon yesterday on limitless faith. ⁣

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So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.⁣

Romans 10:17 ⁣

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#lovepinklucysbible #biblejournaling

#bible #scripture #creativechristian #illustratedjournaling #bibledoodling   #creativeworship #heartofworship #biblejournalingcommunity #bibleartist #bibleart #bibleverses #illustratedfaith  #journalingbiblecommunity

#ipaintinmybible #icolorinmybible #journalingbible

#illustratedfaithcommunity #faithart #faithartjournaling

#biblejournalinglife #communityofcreativechristians 

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A New Family Member

I'm going to do a combo post to catch up on a few things & our newest family member.

First this happened.....





Over 19 years ago when I moved to LA, I was greeted by this little spunky, beyond hilarious light.Juby welcomed me with open arms. Making me feel loved & accepted. Plus making me laugh constantly. She would often join D & I on our dates & escapades throughout the South Bay. I would always think “is this real life?” When Juby moved to Alabama (the first time) I was ecstatic. That joyful delight of a chickadee was in my hometown of all places! I thought “is this real life?” We remained friends all of these years. Mostly keeping up with each other via social media as she made herself at home in different places around the world. Then all of her food photos, posts about her precious pup Wonton & her never ending sense of humor.
Today to get the phone call she had slipped from this earth, I can’t stop asking “is this real life?”
Juby....you were such a unique one of a kind wonder that graced those that knew you with something special that not just everyone possesses. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for loving life, even when it was difficult. Thank you for being Jubiliene. You are so loved! 





Introducing our newest family member Wonton.
His mom is Juby, our incredibly precious friend that passed away a couple of weeks ago. If you know me, you know that Wonton was one of my first concerns. I really felt the Lord wanted Wonton to come live with us. Juby knows (it’s difficult to use past tense with her) just how much our furbabies mean to us. They are our children. We know she would love him coming to be a part of our family. 
He’s an Australian Shepherd mix that Juby adopted in August & he’s 10 months old now. We all know he is going to liven things up here on the mountain.
So welcome Wonton!!! You know that you will be seeing lots of him on social media! If you are a friend or family of Juby’s & want to keep up with Wonton feel free to friend or follow me.




Wonton wants to know “how you doin’?”



Since coming to our house on Monday, Wonton has been showered with extra toys & treats from Nana (my Mom) & Aunt Denise (in Chicago). He wanted to show off a few.




Wonton wanted to show to family & friends his back yard. It’s full of big rocks, a cave & waterfall. Plus it backs up to a state park. Lots of wildlife to watch out for. He loves it! 



I said “Let’s have prayer time.” And Wonton jumped in my lap. (Don’t mind my I’m cleaning house look.)





I was going through Wonton’s adoption paper work & found his shelter photo. Look at this little fur ball!







Just lounging today...



Not sure, but I think I’m being stared at.




Wonton & I have something in common...We both love to lay on air conditioning vents.



Well, excuse me! I won’t disturb your Survivor watching for a photo anymore.



Here is just a small part of this very colorful room that I get to play in. I even have my own chair to sit & observe the creativity. I plan on painting a picture soon! Watch out world...the great arts of me are coming your way! -Wonton

Wonton has adjusted really well.The littles have too.Razzy & Rocco don't even seem to realize that he exists. Well, except for yesterday when Wonton kept trying to play with Rocco & Roc was having none of it. Hahaha!
Dottie tolerates him at this point. He just wants to play & she is not used to that. But each day is progress. Wonton is soooooo smart! Juby had only trained him with some tricks. But he picks up on commands super quickly. I even taught him to catch without realizing that was what I was doing. He is a sweet, sweet boy too! we have been taking him on daily walks so it's getting us out of the house too! Wonton is definitely a joyful addition to our home. 

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:1-8

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For the Lord  takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.

Psalm 149:4

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#biblejournaling #lovepinklucysbible

#bible #scripture #devotional #creativechristian #illustratedjournaling #bibledoodling #worship 

#jesus #creativeworship #heartofworship #biblejournalingcommunity #bibleartist #bibleart #bibleverses #illustratedfaith #if_graceandgratitude

#ipaintinmybible #icolorinmybible 

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Devotedly ~ Book Review

I will never forget the first time, as a teenager, hearing about Jim Elloit. I wrote his quote

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." in black Sharpie marker on the wall in my closet so that I would see it everyday. Then the books by his wife Elisabeth Elliot...Woah. 


When I saw this book written by their only child, Valerie Elliot Shepard, I knew that I needed to read it. Valerie takes the letters written between her parents, She so beautifully weaves these words together. The struggle, love, determination to seek the Lord first above all else...And how human they were. I also love that there are photographs sprinkled throughout the entire book. 


What an incredible pair these two were & still are...As their love story lives on in their pages to challenge us.



I received this book from Lifeway for my honest review.

Women of the Bible ~Kit 3~ Imperfect Hospitality

This is the 3rd kit of 3 in the "Women of the Bible" journaling kit series by Dayspring.

Here are links to each kit.

Kit 1 "Better Together"

Kit 2 "Friendship on Purpose"

Kit 3 "Imperfect Hospitality"

This kit focuses on Rebekah,  The widow of Zarphath, The Shunammite woman & Mary.

These kits work great with the (in)Courage Devotional Bible. The people who created & designed this Bible are also the contributors of this "Women in the Bible" kits. 


Here is my unboxing video of the kit.






Right now through April 1st there is a great sale going on & everything (minus Willow Tree) are 25% off! Just use the code FAITH25 at the checkout. This is a perfect time to get the Journaling Bible if you have been wanting it. Or grab up some gifts with Easter, Mother's & Father's Day, plus graduations coming up! 



***Just a reminder that Dayspring does send the kits to me to review & I do receive a small compensation when you shop from my links. Thanks so much if you do!

The new @dayspringcards #ds_womenofthebible kit will be available soon! Here is the link http://shrsl.com/1i61h to sign up for when it is released! This is kit 3. It's called "Imperfect Hospitality." What an interesting topic to study about, huh? #dayspring #biblejournaling #liveyourfaith #sneakpeek

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If you gotta get a shot in the bum, let it be from a friend! 

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Sweet Friday kisses from Peach 🍑. #sunconure #peachesthesunconure #birdkisses

Even in the midst of the crazy jungle of life, I will sing of the goodness of God!

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Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1 

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#biblejournaling #lovepinklucysbible

#bible #scripture #devotional #creativechristian #illustratedjournaling #bibledoodling #worship 

#jesus #creativeworship #heartofworship #biblejournalingcommunity #bibleartist #bibleart #bibleverses #worshipincolor 

#ipaintinmybible #icolorinmybible #goodnessofgod

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6 years ago this tiny force of nature entered the world & would soon become part of our family. She amazes us everyday with her bossy intelligence. Nothing gets passed her. I mean...nothing. We are so thankful the Lord brought her to us, because she is exactly what we needed. Especially this Mom's heart. Happy 6th Birthday, Miss Polka Dottie! 

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I wrote this in 2007 on the 15th anniversary of my Granny's very unexpected passing at the age of 59.

Now....27 years after she left us, I'll repost my thoughts because they haven't changed.

15 years
Seems like yesterday
You were full of life
Always ready for a laugh

Always spoke your mind

Always stubborn as a mule
If there was a story to tell
You told it, over & over
Not leaving out one detail 

You were so strong

You had been through so much
You were the best cook
But not the best housekeeper 

You smelled of cigarettes & sweet perfume
You liked your casual pants with the pockets
But you liked your heels & pink lipstick too
You could play any game better than anyone
And you always seemed to win
You loved us in your own way
A way that is missed every single day
What would life be like, if you hadn't died
Think of all you haven't seen
All you haven't known
What would your thoughts be
What would you have said

So much reminds me of you

Like yesterdays sunset

The pale blue sky with the strokes of pink clouds

It's you saying "Hi!"

You were the one that told me

"The sky is just another piece of God's art work

No two days the same."

I miss everything about you

I love you more than you ever knew

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Little Miss Dots.

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"Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Acts 20:32

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#biblejournaling #lovepinklucysbible

#bible #scripture #devotional #creativechristian #illustratedjournaling #bibledoodling #worship 

#jesus #creativeworship #heartofworship #biblejournalingcommunity #bibleartist #bibleart #bibleverses #illustratedfaith #if_graceandgratitude

#ipaintinmybible #icolorinmybible #sweettea #frontporch #spring

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I'm grateful to God. 2 Timothy 1:3 

This devo talked about being grateful for the small things, not just the big things. After I completed my page I realIzed that I ended up doing it in I Timothy. Oh well....I'm grateful for the Bible to journal in, the art supplies to create with, artistic ability & most importantly the freedom to spend time with my BFF Jesus. 

#biblejournaling #lovepinklucysbible

#bible #scripture #devotional #creativechristian #illustratedjournaling #bibledoodling #worship 

#jesus #creativeworship #heartofworship #biblejournalingcommunity #bibleartist #bibleart #bibleverses #illustratedfaith #if_graceandgratitude

#grateful #thankfulforsmallthings

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The hope of the righteous brings joy.

Psalm 10:28

#biblejournaling #lovepinklucysbible

#bible #scripture #devotional #creativechristian #illustratedjournaling #bibledoodling #worship 

#jesus #creativeworship #heartofworship #biblejournalingcommunity #bibleartist #bibleart #bibleverses #illustratedfaith #if_graceandgratitude

#joy

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My sweetest bitty buddy, Razzy. This past year watching him age has not been easy. He used to always be a lap puppy. But he's gotten to where he doesn't want to be messed with. When he's not asleep in his house, or standing in the kitchen with you waiting for food. He's typically just roaming around aimlessly. I hate it. It breaks my heart. So to have this bitty buddy snuggled in my lap right now makes me so very happy. Having a pet is a lifetime commitment. One that fills your heart forever. 

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Grief is a beast. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that you can't seem to get off of. It hits at moments that you least expect. And also the ones that you do. 

We all have been victim to it. If you haven't. Thank the Lord. 

Grief follows a loss. The loss of a loved one, a miscarriage, failed adoption, a relationship, job...The loss of the desires of your heart. Your dreams.

Grief doesn't care how successful you are. Who you know. How fragile you already are. And most importantly it doesn't care just how much you love Jesus.

I was given this advice after a miscarriage from such a wise person & it impacted me greatly.

"Grief always wins. It's better to cooperate with it. Btw, no emotions are off limits or wrong. No thoughts are inappropriate. Feel what you feel."

This scripture...

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness," Psalm 30:11

...has been on my heart lately. I don't think it means that you automatically stop mourning. I think it means that even in the midst of grief. There are times of dancing. Of joy! Of gladness! Feel the emotions that you need to feel. God created us with them. And there is no reason to stifle them to be healthy. Just breath. Live. Dance.

# biblejournaling #lovepinklucysbible

#bible #scripture #devotional #creativechristian #illustratedjournaling #bibledoodling #worship 

#jesus #creativeworship #heartofworship #biblejournalingcommunity #bibleartist #bibleart #bibleverses #grief #mourning #dancing #joy #mourningintodancing

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