Rejoice & Thrive

As we’ve looked at rejoicing through trials and suffering this week, and how that is possible only through being connected to and full of Jesus and His Spirit, looking through faith with hope at what is before us, we come now to Paul’s words “Rejoice always.” Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Paul is closing his letter to the church of the Thessalonians, with some closing exhortations and blessings. I love that the word he uses here, χαίρω—Chairo, is a salutation, a greeting. It’s translated as godspeed,… Continue reading

He Endured for Joy

Day 12 — Hebrews 12:2 How can we have joy during trials? By keeping our eyes on Jesus! He’s the Source and Completer of our faith, as well as our example—“He endured the cross for the joy to come,” which was the finished work, our salvation. …keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 This page continues my work* in my Exploring Joy Journal for #faithjournaljuly2025 The Guest Creator for… Continue reading

Jesus—my Treasure

This weekend, I’m spending some time working on more of the art part of Exploring Joy #faithjournaljuly2025. I’m mainly keeping the pages fairly simple, because I want to finish this project, since I have my new course launching next month.* Today’s page is Day 8 of the study, on Matthew 13:44. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.” Jesus, my Treasure! There’s no way to depict all that He is in, even in just that… Continue reading

The Fruit of Joy

Today we’re looking at the fruit of the Spirit, in Galatians 5:22-23.Fruit can’t be rushed, nor does it come from striving and trying harder. It grows as the natural result of being connected to the source/vine/tree and being watered and fed through that source. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 This… Continue reading

Good News Great Joy

The angels preached the Gospel—Good News, that God had come to earth to live among us, Emmanuel is here, to preach the gospel to the poor; to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Emmanuel—God with us is the most Joyous news ever! But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: “Today in the city of David a Savior was born for… Continue reading

Abide in Love

Last week (actually the week before March 29th! This draft didn’t publish when it was set to.) I did painting of another kind—my living room*, and it turned out great. Even though it’s hard to wrap my head around the different. But now I’m back to working in my Greatest of These is Love journal—where I’m nearing the end of blank spreads in my journal to work on and inspiration sessions. It’s almost time to move on to the next creative project. (And if you’ve followed my posts for the last 3 months since this was supposed to be posted,… Continue reading

Deep Calls to Deep

Deep calls to deep. God’s Spirit is calling us to go deeper into Him. And the spirit that is filled with God’s Spirit searches the deep things of God. Creating this page reminded me of these truths from God’s Word. I had some trouble getting this make to come together, so I took my own path and reverted to starting with free-drawing neurolines and rounding them, in the way I’m very familiar with. I jokingly call my “off-road” detours I make when following a class “going rogue”. Following and learning from others is how we grow. But we’ve got to be… Continue reading

That Your Joy Be Full

Today we’re looking at John 15:11, and all the rich context surrounding it, and the Faith Art journaling of my study of it. {Video below.} This section of God’s Word is so rich, deep, and exciting! And Jesus’ disciples just weren’t getting it. Even looking back on it, many times we don’t either. To study this verse, we need to go back and begin reading at John chapter 13, as that is where Jesus starts this discourse—and it continues through chapter 16/17. Judas had just left the Passover meal, to betray Jesus, and Jesus is giving the rest of His… Continue reading

Question—Need Quick Feedback

Tomorrow my Exploring Joy video for #faithjournaljuly2025 goes live! 🎊 I’m so excited about this month long Bible Study + Faith Art collaboration. 25 different creators have come together to present this study, and thousands of others have joined us, as we explore the verses on Joy in the New Testament, and document our findings with Faith Art or in a Junk Journal. And tomorrow I’m the Presenter—on John 15:11! Here’s a Sneak Peek at a small section of my make. Quick Response Question for you You know I’m always learning and trying new things. I’m considering experimenting with my… Continue reading

Sneak Peek

What am I making with these supplies? Tune in here or on my YouTube channel on Monday to see! Hint! It’s Faith Art Mixed Media And it’s my day as Guest Creator day for— #faithjournaljuly2025 #FaithArt #mixedmedia #freelywholecreative Join me on this creative journey. And share YOUR creations with us! 👩🏻‍🎨