“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
Philippians 3:20
Today's devo is a nice reminder of our final destination: heaven. I think it is a lovely message of hope as Advent begins.
Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy First Sunday of Advent 2020
"The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail."
Isaiah 58:11
"He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young."
Isaiah 40:11
I have enjoyed the devos focusing on Thanksgiving this month. This has been a challenging month for us as a nation, and these daily reminders to thank God in all situations have been helpful to me.
I hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. My eldest and her husband are heading back to their home today, so I'm a wee bit sad, but I will see them again in less than two weeks!
the candle of hope
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Ephesians 3:16-19
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy."
Psalm 107:21-22
I loved the part in today's devo about how our response to Christ's gift of love is a life steeped in thankfulness. I could hardly get past the word "steeped" without thinking about steeping tea, so I made myself a pot! Tea helps me focus!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Colossians 3:15
"Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized..."
Acts 9:18
"And again they shouted:
“Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”
The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:
“Amen, Hallelujah!”
Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
“Praise our God,
all you his servants,
you who fear him,
both great and small!”
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns."
Revelation 19:3-6
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Psalm 100:4-5
One of my favorite quotes from Jesus Calling is in today's devo:
"Hallelujahs are the language of heaven, and they can become the language of your heart."
Please share with us your favorite moment from Thanksgiving Day.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad."
Psalm 118:24
"I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
and call on the name of the Lord."
Psalm 116:17
"Walk with Me along the high road of thanksgiving..."
I hope you have a very blessed Thanksgiving with friends and family. Isn't it wonderful that we live in a country that recognizes and celebrates how God has blessed us!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Christmas is one month from today!
"Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV)
"Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
James 4:8
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13
If I had to write a title for today's devo, it would be: "How to Practice Thankfulness." Love today's scripture, too!
Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Left Out"
6" X 6"
oil on canvas
"...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:20
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever."
Psalm 118:1
"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, Lord."
Psalm 89:15
I am loving all the devos about thankfulness this week. We are so blessed because we are so loved!
I also wanted to thank you for praying for Braxton. Y'all are the very best!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"When you reach the end of the day, you will have gathered a lovely bouquet."
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
"Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:7-8
As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, it's nice to be reminded of all our blessings. I am so thankful for y'all!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Neighborhood candlelight prayer time tonight for Team Braxy
"Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Habakkuk 3:17-18
"God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],
A very present and well-proved help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1 (AMP)
Please forgive me if I stray a bit from the devo today because I need your help!
Calling all prayer warriors:
We are having a prayer vigil tonight for Braxton and the Weidman family at their home in our neighborhood at 5:30 PM CST. Braxton is one of our neighbors. He's nine, and is suffering from a rare form of brain cancer. My husband also works for the same company as Braxton's Dad Chris.
I would love to ask all of you to pray along wherever you are, and the family truly appreciates all your prayers as God leads.
Here are a few specifics you can pray for:
- Braxton's scans in late December show that the tumor has been beaten by radiation
- Guidance and wisdom for Chris and Brandie as they navigate the right treatment path for Braxton post radiation
- Strength for Braxton post radiation which will allow him to be eligible for trials and experimental therapies
- Protection over their family unit as they walk this very stressful and difficult journey
- Comfort, peace, and understanding for Braxton's siblings, Cason and Lyla, as they support and encourage their brother and best friend
- Financial resources to cover medical bills, trials, and other expenses related to Braxton's care
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20
Thank-you in advance, prayer warriors! Thank-you for being a part of Team Braxy!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas more than ever this year.
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Luke 24:36
"...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:20
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name."
Hebrews 13:15
Thank-you, Jesus, for your peace and presence today and always!
I hope you have a wonderful Saturday. It is an absolutely beautiful day today here in Central Alabama!
Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Ephesians 3:16-19
"Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge."
Psalm 62:8
Thankfulness and trust are the foci for today's devo:
Thank Me for everything; trust Me at all times.
This week has flown by for me. I hope you have had a blessed week, and an enjoyable, peaceful, weekend!
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord."
Psalm 27:13-14
"In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling."
Exodus 15:13
It's nice that today's devo includes scripture from Exodus because God led his people out of Egypt where they'd been enslaved to the Promised Land. We should live joyfully because we know our final destination: heaven. Jesus is guiding us on our journey, or at least he wants to be our adventure guide. I needed this message today!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:18-20
I hope you are not anxious today, Lovelies. Let's lift each other in prayer, and leave our worries at God's throne. I am so thankful for y'all!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."
Romans 8:1-2
"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Isaiah 30:21
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
John 10:27
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake."
Psalm 23:1-3
Today's devo makes me so happy because it promotes simplicity. One of Christ's "simple sheep?" Sign me up!
Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory."
Psalm 73:23-24
"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
1 Corinthians 13:12
While reading today's devo, I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 5:7:
...for we walk by faith, not by sight. (ESV)
I hope you have a blessed Monday, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
White, green, silver, and pale pink is our Christmas palette for plants this year.
"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, Lord."
Psalm 89:15
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
We truly make things so much harder on ourselves when we could take our concerns to Christ, who has already overcome the world. I love today's devo...definitely one of my favorites so far this year. I need to refocus most days, but I'm working on it!
Do you have any prayer requests? Please continue to pray for our little neighbor, Braxton, who has a rare form of brain cancer.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Pansies for winter
"Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame."
Psalm 34:5
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
2 Corinthians 5:21
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Galatians 5:25
The Galatians 5:25 verse is my new mantra! It reminds me of a cheer from high school: "We've got spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit, how 'bout you?"
God's Spirit is a spectacular gift. I hope we all have a spirit-filled day!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
The first Poinsettia of the season. I will bring in more a little closer to Christmas.
I couldn't resist the pink leaves!
"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Colossians 1:27
"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people..."
Isaiah 42:6
"Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.' "
Nehemiah 8:10
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises."
Romans 15:13 (AMP)
Did you know that today's devo can be proven with science? From the devo: "You and I are intertwined in an intimacy involving every fiber of your being." This is true because the very fiber of our being, or the protein network that is the foundation for all cells and organs, is made out of laminin. This is how laminin is shaped:
We have an awesome God who has given us science to learn about his creation.
I hope y'all have had a blessed week. Tell me something good that has happened in your life this week.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Quick sketch of a Christmas ornament
I'm getting excited about Christmas!
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
Psalm 23:5 (KJV)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
Luke 11:9-10
"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
Romans 8:32
Feeling blessed yet? I know I am after reading today's devo and companion scripture.
Favorite quote from the devo:
My kingdom is not about earning and deserving; it's about believing and receiving.
Thoughts? I want to know what y'all think
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Containers are planted for winter.
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..."
Ephesians 1:18-20
"Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always."
Psalm 105:4
"The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze,
and your strength will equal your days."
Deuteronomy 33:25
The passage from Ephesians is overwhelming and comforting!
Happy Veterans Day! Birmingham hosted our country's very first Veterans' Day Parade, and it's one of the nation's largest. Unfortunately this year it will be virtual.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Our Sasanqua Camellias are budding and blooming like crazy! They make me so happy!
I know I shared these last week, but they are the prettiest they've ever been!
"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
They rejoice in your name all day long;
they celebrate your righteousness."
who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
They rejoice in your name all day long;
they celebrate your righteousness."
Psalm 89:15-16
"This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."
1 John 3:19-20
"To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."
Jude 24-25
"Because of my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever."
Psalm 41:12
Today's devo would be a good one to re-read throughout the Christmas season because we tend to let busyness distract us from focusing on Christ. I'm bookmarking it!
How is your week going so far?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Leaves and acorns
Lyra Rembrandt Colored Pencils on colored pencil paper
"Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?' "
Luke 12:22-26
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:5
Wow, today's devo is very timely. Worry is definitely a waste of time and energy, and it can't add a single hour to your life!
I have a prayer request: I've been a bit under the weather lately (nothing serious; allergy related), and I would appreciate your prayers. Please share your prayer requests either in comments or via email.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Christmas tree inspiration: I think it would be fun to have a silver Christmas tree.
This tree is from Leaf 'n Petal.
"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
"But you remain the same,
and your years will never end."
Psalm 102:27
" ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ "
Acts 17:28
Praise God for his promises!
God is our refuge and strength,an ever-present help in trouble.Psalm 46:1
Prayer requests? Today I am fervently praying for transparency in all elections across our country.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Leonardo da Vinci
La Scapigliata (Woman with disheveled hair)
Although this painting is incomplete, it is a lovely example of sfumato mastery.
"Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name;
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
Psalm 29:2 (NKJV)
"One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple."
Psalm 27:4
The one thing I take away from this devo is that there is a holy standard for beauty. That's important to me as an artist as well as a Christian. What passes as "art" today is neither beautiful nor holy.
What are your thoughts about today's devo?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I'm probably going to decorate for Christmas this weekend.
John 8:29
"By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: 'He could not be found, because God had taken him away.' For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:5-6
"Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4
This has been a tremendously stressful year. Many of us have sought His Presence more and more as a means of not only survival, but of finding joy.
My prayer for us today is that we will earnestly seek Him and find joy!
Do you have any prayer requests?
UPDATE: Earlier I had the wrong verse from Psalm 34 instead of 37. Sorry about the mistake. I love the 37th Psalm, and here's a freebie:
A little while, and the wicked will be no more;though you look for them, they will not be found.Psalm 37:10
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist
Cute photography by Anna
Praise God for coffee!
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Philippians 4:12
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."
Genesis 28:15
"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
The Romans passage is so comforting to me today, as is today's devo. My only prayer request is to pray for our country, and for a clean election void of voter fraud.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Our Sasanqua Camellias are blooming like crazy!
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14
"The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze,
and your strength will equal your days."
Deuteronomy 33:25
"Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Hebrews 13:20-21
"The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace."
Psalm 29:11
I am definitely leaning on Jesus this morning, and depending on his peace. So thankful that he is so faithful!
I pray that God showers his peace on our nation today.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
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