Showing posts with label Stacy Duplease. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

THE LATEST (NEWS): ALMOST ALL OF MY BLOG POSTS IN ONCE PLACE

Written January 28, 2015, Wednesday

I am sorry to do an extra blog post today, but there is a reason for it.

As I'm in the moving process, and waiting for the stars to align (figure of speech only) so we can put in an offer on a house, and as we are in the process of preparing to move and moving, I realize my writing is going to be in fits and starts--a little here and a little there--about this and that. Needless to say, I am going to do something once and for all. I am only going to write on this blog. It has almost every blog post I have ever written, in one place.

Last night, I made sure to export and post most of my blog posts since 2009. I am quite excited to have everything here in one place. It simplifies things. Making things simpler is always a huge blessing. (To Him be all the glory.)

I am also in the process of trying to figure out what I really, truly, finally want to write when I grow up. I promise. Once I move, I will have an answer and will actually stick with it. I want to get serious about this once and for all. Therefore, I am working on getting the committed mindset and will make things work and will not switch once I do make the commitment. I might add a few bonus parts to blog posts, and even do an additional blog post series or two, but that is it. I want to write books--or more specifically blog posts to books.

So welcome to this new and improved blog. I hope you enjoy. {Just a tip: Use the blog archive or labels to search for different topics you might find of use.}

Also, I would love to dialogue with you about any of the blog posts. Let me know if you have any questions, comments, or input--or if you want to read more of something. Just let me know.

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2008-2015.)

Friday, November 21, 2014

MY FANTASY SERIES AND PROJECT

This is the fantasy series and project I am working on writing as we speak. I am currently in the planning stage, so stay tuned for more information.

Cover Image Credit: Image courtesy of sattva at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Cover Credit: Layout only by Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2014.

THE NEW BLOG POST SCHEDULE IS...

THE NEW BLOG POST SCHEDULE IS:

Monday: Blessings

Tuesday: Devotional

Wednesday: Blessings

Thursday: Devotional

Friday: Blessings

(IMAGE CREDIT: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2014. Kara.)

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

TRYING TO KEEP THINGS SIMPLE

I have decided to keep all of my writing here on this blog. I will post everything here and from time to time will post these posts to my other blogs. You can find everything here in one convenient place, though.

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2014.)

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Bible Verses to Meditate On and Ponder List 1

Bible Verses to Meditate On and Ponder List 1:

1 Samuel 12:24 New Living Translation (NLT)

24 But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.

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.

Psalm 9:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Death of the Son.”

1 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

New Living Translation (NLT)

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC. 2008-2014.)

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Personal Prayer Journal (Aug.17.2014a)

Personal Prayer Journal (Aug.17.2014a)

2014-08-17 07:33:17, Sunday, BJ

MORNING PRAYER

Good morning, Lord. I am tired and cranky after not getting much sleep. (Ugh.) Have mercy on me, God, and help me get through this day. Also, far more importantly, help B's back to feel better and Zack's dementia to calm. Help both to rest.

Now that I asked demands of You (I hang my head down in shame. Whoops.), I want to just be with You.

What's a good verse for worship? Hmm... Besides all of them... I want to use it to draw me to You and Your presence, not the yucky I'm feeling. I realize the focus verse I'm about to me.tion might be it. But, let me look at the verse of the day.

Well... I just looked at the verse for the day and it didn't bring me to worship. Is it my foul mood? Probably. So, now what? I went to my email to search for inspiration.

Hah! I went to me email and found how I forgot I signed up for several new devotionals to be sent to me each day.

Then, it hit me, why don't I do several types of Bible readings each day? Yeah. That sounds like a really good idea. So, I went to a different Bible app and website to look for several different reading plans. I hit the jackpot, hallelujah! (I rarely use that word, but it sure applies here. Along with, Glory! Thank You, God.)

It's https://www.youversion.com/

It's an app I can get on my phone and tablet and can go to the website with my pc. Therefore, it saves all of my highlights, notes, and reading plans and even emails me my reading plans each day.

MY BIBLE READING PLANS ON YOUVERSION.COM

The plans I'm starting today are:

1 Psalms in 31 Days

2 New Testament Epistles and Acts in 85 days

3 M'Cheyne One Year Bible Reading Plan

I will read them in that order, by the way.

How better to spend my day? And how better to search for God and His work and glory so I can count me blessings all day and night long than by being in the Word of God. Reading the Bible, contemplating it, thinking on it, and praying on it is important for me to do all day long, along with praying, rejoicing, and giving You thanks.

Huh. I feel less grumpy already, thank You Lord.

Really quick. Here's something I found last night as I lied in bed and tried to unwind from my day:

FOCUS VERSE OF THE DAY

I want to make this my focus verse for at least the next year, while 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 are my focus verses for the next forty or more.

1 Samuel 12:24 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

24 Above all, fear the Lord and worship Him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things He has done for you.(A)

Cross references:

12:24 : Dt 10:21; Ps 103:2-14

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

2014-08-17 08:44:49

Psalm 1:2-3 The Message (MSG)

2-3 Instead you thrill to God’s Word,
    you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden,
    bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
    always in blossom.

The Message (MSG)

Lord, help me to chew on and ponder and pray Your Word, the Bible, night and day.

Psalm 4:6-8 The Message (MSG)

6-7 Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say.
“More, more.”
I have God’s more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day

7-8 Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together.

The Message (MSG)

I have more than enough. For, God, You are more than enough.

Psalm 4:6-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

6 Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good?”
Look on us with favor, Lord.

7 You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and new wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

You put joy in my heart and it's an abundant joy.

Psalm 4:6-8 Expanded Bible (EXB)

6 Many people ask,
    “Who will ·give us [L make us see] anything good?”
    Lord, ·be kind to us [L let the light of your face shine on us; Num. 6:24–26].
7 But you have ·made me very happy [L given joy to my heart],
    happier than they are,
    even with all their grain and new wine.
8 I ·go to bed [L lie down] and sleep in peace,
    because, Lord, only you ·keep me safe [make me secure].

Expanded Bible (EXB)

Amen and amen.

Psalm 5:7-8 The Message (MSG)

7-8 And here I am, your invited guest—
    it’s incredible!
I enter your house; here I am,
    prostrate in your inner sanctum,
Waiting for directions
    to get me safely through enemy lines.

The Message (MSG)

Show me the Way to go this day, Lord.

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC. August 2014. Lake Drummond and the Great Dismal Swamp.)

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Blessings Journaling (Aug.16.2014e.): A Welcome and Introduction

Blessings Journaling (Aug.16.2014e.)

2014-08-16 13:41:58, Saturday

I've been a journalkeeper for well over three decades now and turn four decades old in less than a month. Hence, the realization of this momentous event in my life has made me reflective. I've journaled more since August 04 than I've journaled in a long time and I usually journal at least six days per week.

I am about to turn forty. Yep. Four decades old. Middle aged. Two-fifths of a century old.

Furthermore, my journaling is about to turn thirty-two years old.

The truth, though, is I've journaled more in the last thirteen years than in the totality of my thirty-two years. Moreover, I've journaled the most in the last four and a half years. Therefore, I'm reflective of my life and of my journaling because of this turning forty milestone and it's made me think think about what I wish I journaled over the last thirty-five years, and wish to do so, over the next forty plus years.

The truth of the matter is counting my blessings of the past, present, and future is my idea of the ideal or perfect journal. Nothing would mean more to me.

My idea of Blessings Journaling is counting my blessings each day, looking back and counting blessings of my past, and counting them of the future.

Blessings Journaling is looking beyond people, circumstances, and things to see where God is working and moving around me, and through me, and in my life. It's looking for His beauty and splendor. It's looking for Him and His creation.

Blessings Journaling is taking the focus off of me and is putting it on Him.

Hence, I am going to stop doing my mainblogging at:
http://rypjournaling.blogspot.com/

I will still put blog posts there, but this other blog will be my main blog. Consequently, I'm moving my journaling blog to:
http://blessingsjournaling.blogspot.com/

Stay tuned.

I'm going to start over, for the other blog has all sorts of different facets of journaling. This blog will focus on gratitude, thanksgiving, and Blessings Journaling.

I will coach you on how to keep your own Blessings Journal and will keep my own, which I hope will inspire you and your own Blessings Journaling.

Welcome.

--Stacy Duplease
http://BlessingsJournaling.blogspot.com/
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC. August 2014. Berkeley Plantation, James River, Crapemyrtle.)

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Prayer Journal and Romans 8:22-39

Prayer Journal and Romans 8:22-39

2014-08-06 07:29:22

My favorite Bibles online, and Bible study and reading resources are found here: http://www.biblegateway.com/ at BibleGateway.com. Hence, I get my daily New Testament reading from here (https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/) as well. Today's reading is Romans 8:22-39.

Let me make a confession. Whether it's the Bible or a book I'm reading, I am a highlighting junkie. (Yes. This includes reading fiction as well. Yep. I'm one of those--a nut. Yep. I'm weird. You're going to get used to thinking that of me, by the way.) So, let me confess I have highlighted every single verse of Romans 8. As a matter of fact, yesterday's reading was Romans 8:1-21, but I read the rest of the chapter, so I highlighted every verse at that point.

Well, today, I've determined that this is the chapter I want to spends a lot of time in--and meditate on it day and night. In fact, I want to meditate on it, contemplate it, ponder it, and pray it and pray over it and through it so much that I end up memorizing it. So, I've saved it down as its own journal entry in Penzu so I can refer to it often and throughout my day and night. So, I will journal on it often. There are some chapters of the Bible you just want to spend so much time with that they become a part of you--and become part of you. This is one of those for me.

I also just saved it down as a pdf so I can email it to myself and save it down on my cell and tablet so I can see it every time I can on those devices. I also printed it out so I can have it sitting in front of me as a reminder to read it that much and pray on it and think on it.

My favorite version of the Bible right now is the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible), so that's the one I'm using.

NOTE: My favorite versions of the Bible change with the seasons and sometimes with the day. But, the ones I tend to stick to are: EXB, GW, HCSB, MSG, NASB, NCV, NKJV, and NLT. I like these because of their copyright rules and I stay clear of the rest because I have a problem with anyone not allowing you to quote their version--as if the Bible is theirs to own. But, that's just me. It's a pet-peeve.

I may spend a couple of days in Romans 8, or I may spend weeks to months. We shall see.

Romans 8:1 is what I'm going to focus on today.

Romans 8:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

8 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

What a sweet relief.

What does condemnation mean? See: http://www.studylight.org/dictionary/ved/view.cgi?n=532. It means He does not hold it against us and does not blame us.

The moment I believed, I was forgiven. There is no unpardonable sin. I am forgiven now, was then, and will be. I am forgiven. I am not condemned. God holds nothing against me. He is a God of grace--because I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Redeemer. Jesus died of the forgiveness of my sins. So, I'm forgiven.

What freedom this brings.

This also makes it easier for me to turn to the Father. I have no shame. I am forgiven.

Wow. Wonder of wonders.

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2010-2014.)

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Journaling Prompt

I expect this from my journal and from my journaling...

Journal: The Dementia Monster (2014-08-06 05:18:31, Wed.)

Journal: The Dementia Monster (2014-08-06 05:18:31, Wed.)

A HEARTBREAKER

Look at the time. It's 5:18 a.m. as I start this journal entry and blog post. Why am I up at this dark, nonexistent sun, hour? B, my husband, has to go in to work early. So, we needed to get up early. Usually, it's 615 to 630 when we get up and start our day. The truth is, if we would start every day at this time, I would love it. I am an early bird and love mornings. But, this morning is a tough one.

Why? Dementia is a monster. That's why. I don't know if you've had anyone in your family suffer from Dementia or Alzheimer's, but I can tell you this. It's tough and is a monster. My Nana died from it. It's sad to watch a strong, stubborn, full of life, determined woman die in such a terrible, slow fashion. What a monster dementia is and it reaches out its tentacles and grabs hold of everyone nearby. What a heartbreaker.

Well, now someone else close to me has dementia as well--and they live under our roof. It's Zack our 14.5 year old beagle, whom I've had since he was ten weeks old.

It started about nine months ago or so. They call it Canine Cognitive Disorder. It's a lot like it is in humans... except they can't speak in human. They sure speak in canine and let you know what's going on, though. They have their good days, bad days, good moments, and bad moments.

How it started was like it continues. First, he has a startle reflex, then he bolts. Then, the shaking begins. And, he forgets who he is, who we are, and all of his commands. He's anxious. He's scared, confused, and doesn't know what to do.

B and I pet him, talk to him, try to soothe him, and hang out with him as he goes through it. Sometimes it's the middle of the night. Sometimes it's the middle of the day. There is no rhyme or reason. The sofa is his happy place. Most of the time, if we move to the sofa, he calms down. He might be in inconsolable up until then. Then, the moment we sit on the sofa, all is right with the world, or at least, safe. He calms. Thank the Lord.

It's been very few times this doesn't even work, so we have to put him on the floor and let him run it out, so to speak. He bolts, dashes, and runs in those times. We try to talk to him and pet him, but he has no idea who we are and it scares him. Eventually, he comes back (his mind does) or he tries himself out and settles.

The one thing I have to remember and remind myself over and over, his dementia is like a lightning storm. If I remain calm, he will be as well. So, I breathe and pray, as my heart breaks and as I want to cry. I am calm for him and push all that back until I can curl up with my journal and journal it out and throw up on paper, as I call it.

Yep. Dementia is a monster. Its tentacles wraps itself around the victim and everyone else who is near. Those tentacles squeeze the heart and make you wonder... Why God? But, as you ask that question, you know just like you are comforting the one who is demented, he is doing the same and is comforting you as well. Why God turns to thank God, be my strength and infuse me with Yours.

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2014.)

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

The Blessing of Turning Forty and Decade Journaling Project

The Blessing of Turning Forty and Decade Journaling Project

Journal August 02, 2014, Saturday, 801 and 833 p.m.

I just realized how in little over a month, I am going to turn the big four-oh. Forty years old. That's four decades.

I should state now. I'm weird. Now, let me continue.

When growing up, I was the youngest in my class. This brought some interesting challenges, let me tell you. And thanks to good genetics, I look much younger than I really am. Therefore, I have always been aware of my age.

Never mind how I have dealt with some tough stuff in my life. Really tough. It's made me grateful for every day I am alive. I know God has a purpose for every day of my life. I try not to overlook this. It is too important.

Because of everything I've said, I refuse to take one day for granted. Hence, I am honored to be alive and am blessed. Hence, when I realized I am about to turn forty, I became excited, for I am honored and blessed. Truly. Deeply. Thoroughly.

Journal August 02, 2014, 900 p.m.

I am excited for the month of September. It's guaranteed to be a special month for me, I cannot deny. September is usually one of my favorite months because it is when my favorite season of the year begins. This September brings another couple of celebrations as well. It's my Mom's birthday. Also, it is the dating anniversary of my husband and I. This year is the lucky thirteen. This is special in and of itself. We've been through so much together. It is a celebration indeed.

This September marks something very memorable for me.

Quite memorable.

I turn four decades old.

A smile fills my face. My heart flutters.

I am truly, deeply, thoroughly blessed. There is only one reason why I am alive. God has me here for a reason and a purpose. Otherwise, He would have me home. It is my responsibility, therefore, to do my best to live for Him each and every day.

God has allowed me to live for forty years, for He has a purpose for me. What an honor. Turning forty marks the beginning of another decade, I hope and at least, to fulfill more of His purpose in my life for this next decade and more.

The fact that I realized just a few minutes ago how I'm turning forty next month made my joyful. It also made me reflective.

I have been a journalkeeper for over three decades now.

This realization caught my attention and made me think. Have I captured enough of my life on the page? Really? Truly, no. I have not.

It's even more true as I realize how I have lost about twenty years of my journaling because of how movers lost my journals three years ago. Which still gets to me and hurts, by the way. Every one of my journals had my full name and an address on them. The fact is they were identifiable. No one has tried to reach me.

So, I do not have as much journaling as I could have or should have.

This makes me rethink a great deal of things.

2014-08-03 13:08:53-- Aug. 03, Sunday

The truth of the matter is I could journal a great deal more about my life than I have. A lot more. Tons more. (Sigh.) So, what now?

Last week, I started two different fiction series I want to write. I really want to write them. The question is, Am I supposed to? Furthermore, am I to write them now?

How am I really, truly living out Matthew 6:19-21 in my life?

Matthew 6:19-21 Expanded Bible (EXB).

19 “Don’t store treasures for yourselves here on earth where moths and rust will destroy them and thieves can break in and steal them. 20 But store ·your [for yourselves] treasures in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. 21 Your heart will be where your treasure is.

Expanded Bible (EXB)

How can I best live out those verses?

Also, I know it is my responsibility to remember what God has done in my life and give Him thanks for all of it. Have I? Moreover, have I done this lately?

Nehemiah 9:17 Expanded Bible (EXB)

17 They refused to ·listen [obey];
    they ·forgot [L did not remember/recall] the ·miracles [wonders] you ·did[performed] ·for [among] them.
So they became ·stubborn [rebellious; L stiff-necked],
    ·choosing [appointing] a leader to take them back to slavery in Egypt.
But you are a forgiving God.
    You are ·kind [gracious] and ·full of mercy [compassionate].
You ·do not become angry quickly [T are slow to anger], and ·you have great[abounding in unfailing/steadfast] love [compare Ex. 34:6; Num. 14:18; Ps. 86:15,145:8; Joel 2:13]
    So you did not ·leave [abandon; desert; forsake] them.

Expanded Bible (EXB).

What am I doing today to remember what God has done in my life personally? And what am I doing to remember what God has done in the lives of those in my life, past and present? And, what am I doing today to remember what God did in the Bible and is doing now that lines up with the Bible?

Does my writing either fiction series right now do all of this?

What am I doing to remember to...

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

17 Pray constantly.
18 Give thanks in everything,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Huh. These are all good questions.

I think the answer is, I am to journal and capture my life on the page so I can remember all these things. God has allowed me to live four decades already and is allowing me to start another. I want to bring Him glory in all I do and in all I am for another four decades or more.

The Decades Journaling Project

2014-08-03 13:47:41 = When this idea came to me.

What about a journaling book about turning 40 (Four Decades)?

THE BLESSING OF TURNING FORTY:

THE DECADES JOURNALING PROJECT AND MEMOIR

This will be my blog post series, and journaling project, as I make the journey of turning forty. (It's also my memoir.)

Furthermore, this is: A how-to book about how to find turning forty a blessing and journaling about the last decades of your life and the ones to come and turning it into a memoir if you like.

Turning Forty Years in Forty Days (08.03.2014/Sun/435p.m.)

I turn four decades old on September 13, 2014.

Here is an interesting fact about my birth-day. I was born on Friday the Thirteenth and both Mom and I almost died. Lovely birth complications. But, we ended up being okay. Thank God.

Also, my mom went to the doc that day, who did an exam and told her it would be a week or two before she had me.

So, let me get back to the main point. I turn forty in one month, ten days. I guess I could phrase this better. I turn forty years in forty days.

This, I've decided is the theme I want to write about from now until September 13, 2015. I want to see about living the best year that I can, and ever have, as I reflect on where I've been and where I'm going. I want to look at the last four decades and plan for at least the next four decades. Hence, this journaling blog post series will become: THE DECADES JOURNALING PROJECT.

THE BLESSING OF TURNING FORTY:

THE DECADES JOURNALING PROJECT AND MEMOIR

This will be my blog post series, and journaling project, as I make the journey of turning forty. (It's also my memoir.)

Furthermore, this is: A how-to book about how to find turning forty a blessing and journaling about the last decades of your life and the ones to come and turning it into a memoir if you like.

I'm rather excited to see where this journey takes me--and us.