Life and Writing Chronicles 05-07-2015

My Personal Journaling 05-06-2015

1059 a.m., Wednesday

I thought I found "it." My story. But, then I read the news article about the terrorists here in the U.S. and I noticed only one news source is talking about this. 

I got, and am, disturbed, needless to say. 

Suddenly what I was writing seems so... inadequate.

The truth is, I do not know what to write. 

Terrorism has me ramped up. 

Maybe that should be my focus. 

Maybe I should re-think how to write book and incorporate what I have written, but in a new way. 

That's it! 

I just figured it out. Same book I was working on, different way to tell it. 

*~**~*

Words of the Day and Bible Verses of the Day

1

Revelation 1:8 Expanded Bible (EXB)

8 The Lord God says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega [C the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; 21:6; 22:13]. I am the One who is and [the One who] was and [the One who] is coming [see 1:4]. I am the ·Almighty [All-powerful]."

Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Prayer journal your thoughts, what God said to you, what you said to God, how you'll actively and intentionally apply this verse to your life. Then, meditate on this, ponder it, and prayer journal about it day and night.

2

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Expanded Bible (EXB)

16 Always ·be joyful [rejoice]. 17 Pray ·continually [without ceasing], 18 and give thanks ·whatever happens[in all circumstances; in everything]. That is ·what God wants [God's will] for you in Christ Jesus.

Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Prayer journal your thoughts, what God said to you, what you said to God, how you'll actively and intentionally apply this verse to your life. Then, meditate on this, ponder it, and prayer journal about it day and night.

Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease
Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com
Blog:
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

Life and Writing Chronicles 05-05-2015

CHOOSING EACH MOMENT HOW TO LIVE: A JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT

You never know what curve ball life may throw you or when you are called to be in life's waiting room. It is what we choose to do with every moment that counts.

How are you choosing to live each moment today?

NEWS TO KNOW, JOURNAL ABOUT, AND PRAY:

1

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/ISIS-claims-texas-attack/2015/05/05/id/642572/

(Side-Note, Journaling Prompt, and Prayer Point: A terror attack by ISIS in and on the U.S. What is going to be done because of it? Point to ponder and pray.)

2

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsmax-Tv/Bernard-Kerik-Brian-Moore-slaying-outrage/2015/05/04/id/642558/?ns_mail_uid=97105315&ns_mail_job=1619576_05052015&s=al&dkt_nbr=8jrkxzrl

3

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Bosch-Fawstin-draw-prophet-winner/2015/05/04/id/642554/

4

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/05/isis-claim-responsibility-for-shooting-at-texas-muhammad-cartoon-contest/

5

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/05/university-researchers-uncover-new-cache-mark-twain-writings/?intcmp=latestnews

6

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/05/04/muhammad-cartoon-contest-note-to-jihadists-in-america-shoot-back/?intcmp=ob_homepage_opinion&intcmp=obnetwork

7

http://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2015/05/04/wapo-2016-gop-field--might-be-the-most-diverse-ever-n1994155?utm_source=thdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&newsletterad=

8

http://townhall.com/columnists/johnhawkins/2015/05/05/if-everybody-likes-you-youre-doing-something-wrong-n1994395?utm_source=thdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&newsletterad=

9

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/241031-immigration-battle-moves-to-the-military

10

http://www.ijreview.com/2015/05/312524-when-baltimore-police-union-launches-its-own-twitter-campaign-some-say-they-just-dont-get-it/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=morningnewsletter

BIBLE VERSES OF THE DAY OR WORD OF THE DAY 

(To meditate, ponder, think upon, ponder, prayer journal for at least the next 24 hours)

1

Philippians 4:6-7 Living Bible (TLB)

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

Living Bible (TLB). The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

2

Proverbs 9:10 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

CHRISTIAN LINKS TO READ

1

https://maxlucado.com/audio/daily-audio/god-never-changes/?utm_source=MaxLucado.com+Weekday+Emails&utm_campaign=f0bac6aad7-RSS_DAILY_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9b9306e0eb-f0bac6aad7-222957317&mc_cid=f0bac6aad7&mc_eid=3ec8c24aa8

2

http://holleygerth.com/heart-hungry/

3

http://www.lovegodgreatly.com/2015/05/week-7-the-profile-of-a-false-teacher/

4

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/todays-insight-chuck-swindoll/

5

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/truth-for-life/

6

https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/

Life and Writing Chronicles 05-04-2015

RESPECT: A JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT

Why is it we demand others to respect us, but we do not offer everyone else the same respect we demand others give us?

Journal your thoughts.

I think this can be said about every single one of us if we were to stop, get out of the emotions, and really think.

Journal your thoughts.

How is it this can be said about you?

Journal your thoughts.

Read the news links below and come back to this journaling prompt or exercise and journal your thoughts.

How did we ever get to this point? I disagree with you, so I will kill you? Terrorism... Riots...

Journal your thoughts.

Every single human has a soul and a heart that beats. Every human makes mistakes and no one is perfect. None of us deserve respect because we are not perfect. However, it is the civilized thing to do and show respect to everyone, regardless of whether we agree or not. For, our agreement does not matter. Our respect for one another's lives, regardless of belief, should be what defines us.

Journal your thoughts.

NEWS TO KNOW AND PRAY

1

http://www.ijreview.com/2015/05/311756-nyc-police-officer-was-shot-in-the-head-and-now-hes-clinging-for-his-life/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=morningnewsletter

2

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/04/police-shooting-at-muhammad-cartoon-contest-in-texas/

3

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/penny-starr/expert-terrorist-group-boko-haram-has-killed-more-10000-people-nigeria

4

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/03/with-rescue-near-boko-haram-fighters-stoned-nigerian-girls-to-death/

(Side-Note and My Personal Journaling: This is the article that has me the most disturbed, moved, saddened... WHERE is the outrage? Where is the outrage of the Church as a whole and every single Christian? What about the USA?)

5

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/04/across-mideast-islamic-state-group-challenges-al-qaida-but-veteran-terror/

6

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/03/isis-killed-25-captive-yazidis-lawmaker-says/


~*~*~

WORD OF THE DAY OR BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

I wrote everything above this BEFORE I went to BibleGateway.com to see their verse of the day. Here it is:

2 Chronicles 7:14 Expanded Bible (EXB)

14 Then if my people, who ·are called by my name [belong to me], will humble themselves, if they will pray and seek ·me [L my face] and stop their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and I will ·heal[restore] their land.

Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Prayer journal your thoughts day and night about this verse and the journaling prompt and news links I shared.

~*~**~*~

Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease

Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com

Blog:
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

Romans 12:12 Expanded Bible (EXB)

Romans 12:12 Expanded Bible (EXB)

12 ·Be joyful because you have hope [L Rejoice in hope]. ·Be patient [Endure] ·when trouble comes [L in suffering/tribulation], and pray ·at all times [faithfully; with persistence/perseverance].

Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Prayer journal, ponder, meditate on, think about, and contemplate day and night.

Life and Writing Chronicles 05-02-2015

A JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT

How was your week?

What did you do this week for others?

How have you been blessed this week? Count at least 15 Blessings, preferably a lot more.

NEWS TO KNOW AND PRAYER POINTS

1
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/240843-obamas-difficult-legacy-on-race
2
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/240805-iran-defense-bills-to-dominate-house-in-may
3
http://thehill.com/policy/defense/240824-special-ops-chief-concerned-about-al-qaeda-in-yemen
4
http://townhall.com/columnists/toddstarnes/2015/05/01/exclusive-conservative-leaders-blast-cbs-news-over-antichristian-bigotry-n1993279?utm_source=thdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&newsletterad=
5
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/05/02/state-department-reportedly-deems-mission-to-rescue-americans-in-yemen-too/
6
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/05/02/2-russian-nuclear-bombers-entered-alaska-airspace-report-says/?intcmp=latestnews
7
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/02/duchess-cambridge-second-child/
8
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/01/two-jewish-residents-paris-assaulted-by-mob-in-latest-anti-semitic-incident/?intcmp=latestnews
9
http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2015/04/30/how-drones-are-helping-nepal-earthquake-relief-effort/?intcmp=features
10
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2015/04/27/giant-easter-island-hats-rolled-into-place-study-says/?intcmp=features
11
http://www.ijreview.com/2015/05/311178-emotional-facebook-post-eyes-cop-chilling-reminder-face-every-day/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=morningnewsletter

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY (WORD OF THE DAY)

1 John 5:14-15 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

14 Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Prayer journal your thoughts, then answer the following questions:

What do you learn about prayer?

Are you confident when you approach God in prayer?

Do you pray with confidence as though your prayer has already been answered?

What was the last big prayer God answered? How? When?

What big prayers are you praying now?

What simple, smaller (but no less lofty or big) prayers are you praying now?

How will you apply this to your life?

What does God say?

What do you say to God?

Pray on this and ponder it all day and night. Keep journaling about it as well.

~*~**~*~

Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease
Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com
Blog:
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

Life and Writing Chronicles 05-01-2015

NOTHING REQUIRES AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE: SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
(A JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT)

Nothing in this life requires an immediate response, except in matters of literal life and death situations.

Yet, how often do we react immediately and without question or thought?

How often do we react before we take the time to gather ALL the facts?

Doing so has caused families to divide, friendships to break, divorces, loss of a job, murder, race riots, and even war.

If we were to stop, think things all the way through and fully, and gather all the facts, then our reactions would be based on truth and not on emotion. We would them make the best decision every single time and people wouldn't get hurt.

Stop. Think. Gather the facts. Then, react.

Think.

NEWS TO BE AWARE OF AND PRAY

1

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/curtis-houck/2015/04/30/cnns-marc-lamont-hill-police-officers-are-bad-apples-acting-occupying

2

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-graham/2015/04/29/sc-papers-pulitzer-prize-winning-series-blames-bible-thumpers-domestic

3

http://kdvr.com/2015/04/29/theater-shooting-survivors-most-of-them-veterans-called-to-testify-on-day-3-of-trial/

4

http://thehill.com/policy/defense/240635-state-gives-benghazi-panel-4000-pages-of-new-documents

5

http://thehill.com/policy/defense/240630-house-panel-passes-612b-defense-policy-bill

6

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/240642-police-van-carrying-gray-made-undisclosed-stop

7

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/240634-michael-moore-disarm-the-police

8

http://www.newsmax.com/newswidget/saigon-evacuation-40th-anniversary/2015/04/29/id/641610/?Dkt_nbr=13074-1&nmx_source=The_Hill&nmx_medium=widget&nmx_content=121&nmx_campaign=widgetphase2

10

http://www.newsmax.com/US/texas-Jade-Helm-military-training-exercise/2015/04/30/id/641777/

11

http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/ted-cruz-obama-baltimore-race/2015/04/30/id/641653/

12

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsmax-Tv/Black-Panther-Quanell-X-blacks-Baltimore/2015/04/30/id/641866/?ns_mail_uid=97105315&ns_mail_job=1619099_05012015&s=al&dkt_nbr=yncwgmpp

13

http://www.ijreview.com/2015/04/310025-baltimore-mom-of-the-year-comes-under-attack-for-child-abuse-against-would-be-rioter-son/

14

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/01/many-questions-still-remain-in-death-freddie-gray/

15

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/04/30/us-navy-to-accompany-us-flagged-ships-in-persian-gulf-after-iran-seizes-vessel/?intcmp=latestnews

16

http://www.foxnews.com/science/2015/05/01/mount-everest-shrank-as-nepal-quake-lifted-kathmandu/?intcmp=features

17

http://www.foxbusiness.com/economy-policy/2015/04/29/june-is-out-september-looking-less-likely/?intcmp=ob_homepage_business&intcmp=obnetwork

HOPE

Psalm 31:24 Expanded Bible (EXB)

24 All you who ·put your hope in [wait for] the Lord
    be strong and ·brave [L let your heart be courageous].

Expanded Bible (EXB)

The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.Prayer journal your thoughts.

What have you put your hope in?

Has it worked?

What do you want to put your hope in? Why? How?

Meditate and think on this verse all day and night.

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

Hebrews 11:6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

~*~**~*~

Journaling Thoughts on 03.31.2015. Tues.

Journaling Thoughts on 03.31.2015. Tues.
~*~
My Camp NaNoWriMo Writing Project and it's Working Title:
"Silence is Not Acceptable. We Must Take a Stand. There's Too Much at Stake."
3,385 words total so far
~*~*~*~*~
A Funk
813 a.m.
So... I am in a funk right now. Allergies and sinuses, along with a lack of a good night's sleep, add to this, but it is more than that. This is the Holy Week... the celebration of the last week of Jesus of Nazareth's life. It is a week of remembrance.
This Bible Verse of the Day helps explain some of what I am feeling and thinking:
~*~
Isaiah 53:5-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 But He was pierced because of our transgressions,
crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on Him,
and we are healed by His wounds.
6 We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished Him
for the iniquity of us all.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
~*~
Jesus Christ for the wrongdoings and sinful hearts and minds of the people then, today, and in the future. But, not just for anyone and everyone. He died for those who choose to believe in Him and that He lived and died for the wiping away of our wicked and wrong ways.
He died so we do not have to because of our wrongdoings.
He died for what the terrorists are doing today to His people.
Christ Followers are suffering in this world today and are being persecuted... tortured... sent into sex slavery... murdered... beheaded... all because of believing in Jesus Christ and not in the manner and way the terrorists want. And, it is far more than Christians experiencing this... Anyone who does not believe what the terrorists want are experiencing this savagery.
It is a new holocaust. And, few are addressing it and labeling it as such.
What else should it be called?
A "holocaust" is defined as: a great destruction.
The terrorists have said they want to annihilate, kill, destroy, eliminate, etc. everybody who is an infidel. An infidel is anyone who does not believe what they do.
So... yes. It is indeed a holocaust. We must face this truth, admit to it, and vocalize it. And, we need to make sure people in our circles of influence, our family, friends, neighbors, churches, clubs, groups, etc. know about this and talk about it.
We, as Christians, must make unceasing prayer about this.
It is a holocaust. People are suffering and dying because of a lack of belief. And I cannot help but weep for them and their loved ones. I refuse to allow any of their loss to be in vain. I will remember.
But, I only can if I am informed about what really is going on. I do not trust what any one human or organization says. I do my research and study several conservative and liberal, several international news articles and agencies. Then, I realize that maybe one-third of the story is the real story and acknowledge I do not know the full story. However, if a reported sentence or paragraph, a topic, rings through several different sources, then, it is most likely truth and fact.
And, contrary to what President Obama says, and supported by numerous sources, terrorism is a threat and problem globally and must be fought so more individuals will not suffer and die because of terror.
And, some sources, but not nearly enough, are calling it what it really is... a holocaust.
This weighs on me. I cannot carry on with my life as normal knowing how many are suffering. And, how so many refuse to acknowledge this and are carrying with their lives like nothing is going on.
These are the thoughts keeping me awake.
Last night, I read more about what women are experiencing because of terrorism... so many words to say... tears shed as I learn more about their story.
Do an internet search for "sex slavery and ISIS" and read about it for yourself. Women and girls are sold for profit to fund terrorism.
The Iraqi girls and women in slavery are begging, praying for a drone strike to go in to kill the terrorists and them since they have not been able to escape... since their children have not...
How can we be silent and not take a stand?
And we are not praying without ceasing about this holocaust? I am not... I want to do so now.
Father, show me how. Tell me what to pray.
~*~*~*~*~
News article to read:
Title:
Muslim groups attack Egyptian Copts over church honoring Christians killed by ISIS
Source/link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/03/31/egyptian-c...
Journal your thoughts.
My Journaling Thoughts 1038 a.m.
Notice how it wasn't terrorists who did this.
This was reported in two sources I have found so far. One is the link and article I just listed and the other link is here:
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.in.me...
In the link I just listed are other links and sources regarding the news. Hence, there is some fact found here at the very least.
My thoughts: Only the despicable attack in any way those who are in mourning. Why add salt to the wound?
A difference in belief has caused this.
~*~*~*~*~
Let's Agree to Disagree
There was a phrase I used to hear here in the United States of America and it was one that set the great nation apart. It is also what sets mature, logical, reasoning, thoughtful individuals apart as well. It is the phrase, "Let's agree to disagree."
From there, we would accept the differences and agree to let it go at that and still be friends. We would not hold it against one another and would respect the differences and love one another anyway.
Where has that concept gone in our world today--and in the USA?
It's the differences that made the U.S. a melting pot. It was what made us such a great nation. Now, we scream at the top of our lungs at one another, literally and figuratively, that the other must believe what we do or else.
Pardon?
Are we in kindergarten?
How did we ever get so juvenile?
It really is okay to disagree. It does not hurt anyone to disagree.
We were the land of the free. Free to believe what you want. Whatever happened to this?
It is now, believe what I believe or I will scream as loud as possible how you are wrong, intolerant, discriminatory, and stupid. Again... How selfish and juvenile.
Now, it is believe what you want, but it better be what I want.
How does this differ from the terrorists' thoughts? (Note how I said thought, not actions.)
It seems from my perspective that if you are conservative or Christian, then you are evil, intolerant, wrong, and deserve to have all your rights taken away--believe you don't believe what they want you to believe. They are tolerant of only their beliefs. The agree to disagree phrase is lost on them.
It's sad... And wrong.
What can I do to help change this? Pause. Not sure I can, except bring awareness and pray.
Can we agree to disagree? It's okay by me. You?
Yes. I will pray about this and that we can truly love and respect one another--for--and not in spite of our differences and similarities. It's okay to be different.
~*~*~*~*~

Isaiah 25:8--Bible Verse to Pray, Ponder, Journal

http://bible.com/116/isa.25.8.NLT

Prayer journal about this verse. 

Silence is Not Acceptable: My Camp NaNoWriMo Writing Project Monday, March 30, 2015

Silence is Not Acceptable: My Camp NaNoWriMo Writing Project Monday, March 30, 2015
~*~*~*~*~
Bible Verse of the Day, Daily Devotional, and Prayer Journaling:
~*~
Isaiah 53:3-4 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
-- New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
~*~
Prayer journal your thoughts to what you just read.
Prayer journal your thoughts of this verse during the holy week of Easter.
Prayer journal your thoughts of this verse and our era of terrorism, our current holocaust, and a New Exodus.
What did God say to you?
What did you say to God?
How will you apply this verse to your life today? This week? This month? This quarter? This year? Etc.?
Re-read this verse as much as possible all day, night, and week long. Then prayer journal whatever comes to mind and what God reveals to you. Spend as much time with this verse as possible and go as deep as possible with the verse.
~*~
Other Thoughts of Isaiah 53:3-4: Daily Devotional and Prayer Journaling:
Please prayer journal your thoughts about each of these sentences and questions.
This is what our God did for us.
Intentionally.
Knowingly.
He did it because He loves us.
How many other gods and idols love you this much? (Answer = None.)
And, no. Just because a religion calls their god, "God," does it mean we worship the same God or god. Our God is Jehovah, the Great I AM, the Father of Jesus Christ, and who also is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
~*~*~*~*~
Romans 6:20-23 New Living Translation (NLT)
20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right.21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
-- New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
~*~
Take some time to prayer journal your thoughts.
Again, this is what differs our God as the One and Only God.
We receive eternal life merely through our belief in Jesus Christ--and for no other reason. The moment we believe Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of our sins, so we do not have to, our sins--all of them--are forgiven as a free gift by the Lord.
Prayer journal your thoughts.
We do not do anything to merit eternal life and forgiveness of our wrongdoings, except believing. That's it.
Prayer journal your thoughts.
We do not have to murder others in older to stand up for our God and earn His favor.
Nor do we have to commit suicide in His name.
Prayer journal your thoughts.
This is the true Easter message. Particularly this year... After 21 Coptic and Orthodox Christians were beheaded in February 2015 because of nothing more than their belief in Jesus Christ and how He died for the forgiveness of their sins. They did not die to prove He was God. They died.. we're beheaded... murdered... because they didn't believe what the terrorists do.
And now, they are living the free gift of eternal life... of no more sadness or pain... of endless time with perfection and beauty with the One True God Almighty.
This is the Easter message this year.
How serious are you about your belief?
Are you silent about the truth of Jesus and the Bible? Are you afraid to offer? Do you want to be tolerant? Are you afraid of standing out and people disagreeing with you? Would you take a real stand of real belief in Jesus and speak out against terrorism and the current holocaust and the New Exodus?
This is the only true Easter message that should be shared this year.
If our faith is comfortable and we are happy, then we aren't really living a true life of faith in this world today.
The Christian faith is quite uncomfortable today. And, we have a choice to run from it it, deny it, ignore it, or dive right in and make sure that the 21 (and the children beheaded, and the girls and ladies being sold into sex slavery to fund the terrorists) did not, have not, lived and believed for nothing or in vain. We must remember. We must be as uncomfortable as possible because of our faith, so we remember to turn from our own personal and collective wicked ways so God will hear our prayers. As we are uncomfortable, we should be praying 24/7 for God to forgive us and heal our land.
This is today's one, true Easter message.
If your Easter avoids this, ask yourself if you are celebrating a comfortable Easter or the real, true Easter.
Prayer journal your thoughts.
~*~*~*~*~
Ouch. I wrote all of the previous and am looking in the mirror. I will prayer journal my thoughts now. Stay tuned.
~*~*~*~*~
I will say this. I refuse to go to any Easter Sunday at any church that doesn't focus on this. A happy, easy, comfortable Easter is not what I want to celebrate, given the scores who have died and have been tortured and sold into slavery as the Church and most Christians have been silent... including me. I want to remember the truth of our world today and everything  Jesus said about why He lived and died for us... and what He said about the last days and His second coming. I want to make sure I am ready... and that I have prayed as much as possible for the forgiveness of our sins individually and corporately for Israel, the USA, and the world.
This is my Easter this year.
~*~*~*~*~
Isaiah 53:3-4 Expanded Bible (EXB)
3 He was ·hated [despised] and rejected by people.
·He had much pain [ A man of pain/suffering/sorrows] and ·suffering[one who knew/was acquainted with pain/grief].
People ·would not even look at [turned their backs on; hid their faces from] him.
He was ·hated [despised], and we ·didn't even notice him [or did not esteem him].
4 But he ·took [bore] our suffering on him
and ·felt our pain for us [carried our sorrows/sickness].
·We saw his suffering
and thought God was punishing him [ …stricken and afflicted by him;C God].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
-- The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
~*~*~*~*~

Jeremiah 2:11 Worthless Idols (Bible Verse of the Day)

Jeremiah 2:11 Worthless Idols
The Book of Jeremiah is for and about Israel. It was written for them at that time. It is also something we can read today and learn from and apply to our lives.
~*~
Jeremiah 2:11 New Living Translation (NLT)
11 Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones,
even though they are not gods at all?
Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God
for worthless idols!
-- New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
~*~
Journaling Questions to Pray About, Ponder, and Answer:
What gods and idols have those in the U.S. followed personally and collectively? Why? How?
Something to remember. Lip service proves nothing. Our actions prove more of our loyalties. However, it is our hearts that prove our loyalties the most. What and who do we treasure?
How have we acted personally and collectively regarding  Jeremiah 2:11?
How do our lives prove we follow God and live the Bible personally and collectively?
(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2015.)

Bible Verse of the Day

Bible Verse of the Day
1 Timothy 2:5-6 Expanded Bible (EXB)
5 [L For] There is one God and one ·mediator [intermediary] ·so that human beings can reach God [L between God and human beings], Christ Jesus, who is himself human. 6 He gave himself as a ·payment to free [ransom for] all people, ·proof that came [or revealing God's purpose; L the testimony/witness]at ·the right [the appointed; God's own] time.
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
~*~*~*~*~
1 Timothy 2:5-6 New Living Translation (NLT)
5 For,
There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.
This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
~*~*~*~*~
1 Timothy 2:5-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 For there is one God
and one mediator between God and humanity,
Christ Jesus, Himself human,
6 who gave Himself—a ransom for all,
a testimony at the proper time.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Prayer journal about each of these translations. What does this mean to you and your life--today and tomorrow?
Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease
Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

Bible verse of the day

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8:12&version=HCSB

John 8:12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life."

--Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Prayer journal your thoughts.
What does God say to you?
What do you say to God?
How can you apply this verse to your life?

The difference between Christianity and other religions is this. Jesus brings light to everyone, without fail (John 1:9 and 8:12). He does not say to murder anyone who doesn't believe His way and those who disagree. As a matter of fact, He allows them to live and does everything He can to help them believe in Him. He keeps offering them His light and tries to woo them and bring them to His love.
This is a major difference.
Prayer journal your thoughts.

Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease

Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

Bible verse of the day

Jeremiah 17:7-8 New Living Translation (NLT)

7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
    and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
    with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
    or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
    and they never stop producing fruit.

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NLT&search=Jeremiah%2017:7-8

Prayer journal and S.O.A.P. about these verses.

To do a S.O.A.P., read this link:

http://rypstories.blogspot.com/2015/03/you-searched-for-soap-love-god-greatly.html

My Personal Prayer Journaling and Blessings Counted List

March 16, 2015, Monday

Good morning, Lord.

Pause. I try to focus on You alone.

My mind wanders instead, therefore, I will count my blessings instead and see if that helps:

New coffee mugs.
The first cup of coffee for the day.
Sinan Cat enjoying bird watching through the sliding glass doors he didn't have for roughly 3.5 years.
Cell phones so hubby can check the grocery list items as he shops. Also, that he would think to call.
The smell of a freshly brewed pot of coffee.
Wisdom learned from my uncle last night.
Remembering how things could always be so much worse.
Being grateful for what and who I have today. They are more than enough.
Once feral cats.
When one of my critters comes to me for love and attention.
Beautiful big blue sky days.
Fluffy cat tails.

~*~*~

Verses to prayer journal, ponder, apply, and memorize

1
Philippians 4:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

2
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

~*~*~

Prayer journal and blessings counted list

March 16, 2015, Monday

Good morning, Lord.

Pause. I try to focus on You alone.

My mind wanders instead, therefore, I will count my blessings instead and see if that helps:

New coffee mugs.

The first cup of coffee for the day.

Sinan Cat enjoying bird watching through the sliding glass doors he didn't have for roughly 3.5 years.

Cell phones so hubby can check the grocery list items as he shops. Also, that he would think to call.

The smell of a freshly brewed pot of coffee.

Wisdom learned from my uncle last night.

Remembering how things could always be so much worse.

Being grateful for what and who I have today. They are more than enough.

Once feral cats.

When one of my critters comes to me for love and attention.

Beautiful big blue sky days.

Fluffy cat tails.

~*~*~

Verses to prayer journal, ponder, apply, and memorize

1

Philippians 4:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

2

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

~*~*~

Bible verse of the day: Psalm 91

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps+91&version=NLT

Psalm 91 New Living Translation (NLT)

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
    these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
    and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
    to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation."

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Living Philippians 4:6 Today

Personal prayer journaling

Lord, You know me and worrying. It is something I have always struggled with and is something I try to stop. You have taught me that worrying is also thinking about something more than once, something that tends to dwell in my thoughts, when I should be praying, being open to You, counting my blessings, and thinking of You.

Philippians 4:6New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Lord, You know how my life is in... What is the Word? Not in upheaval... In flux? Yes. My life is in the waiting mode. My husband, whom I will call B, and I are waiting for answers. We moved and are awaiting a job and house to open up and this is a little unnerving. Scratch that. Or could be. If I think about this, waiting for the stars to align so to speak, my heart starts to pound and I start to feel uneasy. Then, I remember Who is really in control, Who has perfect timing, and Who has a perfect plan. That is all I need to remember and then I stop worrying. You are perfect and infinite. You know best.

You have never once failed me. Your timing and plan are usually, okay--always, different from mine, but have always been for the best. So, I do not worry about job or house. I do not need to, for You have it. You are in control. You are capable. You know so much more than I. To YOU be the glory. Use us, Lord, for Your will.

I am not worried overall and am absolutely confident in You and Your perfect plan. Thank You, Lord, for bringing me to this point.

Help me, Lord, to pray for and about everything as I also count my blessings.

Living Philippians 4:6 Today

Personal prayer journaling

Lord, You know me and worrying. It is something I have always struggled with and is something I try to stop. You have taught me that worrying is also thinking about something more than once, something that tends to dwell in my thoughts, when I should be praying, being open to You, counting my blessings, and thinking of You.

Philippians 4:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Lord, You know how my life is in... What is the Word? Not in upheaval... In flux? Yes. My life is in the waiting mode. My husband, whom I will call B, and I are waiting for answers. We moved and are awaiting a job and house to open up and this is a little unnerving. Scratch that. Or could be. If I think about this, waiting for the stars to align so to speak, my heart starts to pound and I start to feel uneasy. Then, I remember Who is really in control, Who has perfect timing, and Who has a perfect plan. That is all I need to remember and then I stop worrying. You are perfect and infinite. You know best.

You have never once failed me. Your timing and plan are usually, okay--always, different from mine, but have always been for the best. So, I do not worry about job or house. I do not need to, for You have it. You are in control. You are capable. You know so much more than I. To YOU be the glory. Use us, Lord, for Your will.

I am not worried overall and am absolutely confident in You and Your perfect plan. Thank You, Lord, for bringing me to this point.

Help me, Lord, to pray for and about everything as I also count my blessings.

Romans 15:13

http://bible.com/116/rom.15.13.NLT

How I want to live

A devotional and personal prayer journaling:

I want to allow the Bible, verse by verse, to sink as deeply into my heart and mind as possible. I want to listen fully to You, Lord, and learn everything You want me to from each verse. I do not want to read a word and then move on. I do not want to rush the process. I want to pray the Word and meditate on it literally day and night.

Lord, teach me to do all these things.

Lord, what do You want me to learn from the following verse?

Philippians 4:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Pray about everything. Every-thing. Meaning without exception. There is nothing I should fail to bring to You, Lord.

And, always thank You for what You have done.

Philippians 4:6 Expanded Bible (EXB)

6 Do not ·worry [be anxious] about anything, but pray and ·ask God for everything you need [or make your requests known to God], always giving thanks.

Expanded Bible (EXB)

The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Lord, teach me how to live this verse. Fully. Truly. Deeply. All the time. Without stopping. Help me make this verse the way I live... the way I choose to live my life. And, help me to actually do it and live it. 

Oh, how this is my heart's desire. Guide me, teach me, show me how, God.

Pray about everything... always giving thanks, Father, for what You have done. Everything. Always. Never stopping.