Happy New Year's Eve, Friends! I hope your Christmas Season has been filled with blessings.
Today Alabama is playing in the Cotton bowl, and I'm so excited about watching the game. But before I begin putting together a few game day snacks, let's get to this week's writing prompt:
Try this happiness experiment today: rejoice with those who rejoice. Whenever a good thing happens to someone else, instead of wishing something good had happened to you, simply be happy for that person. Record how this affected your happiness.
Do you have anything to share? I haven't been out and about much, but it did warm my heart to see our cul-de-sac neighbors' daughter take their precious infant granddaughter out of her car for a Christmas visit.
I hope you have a Happy and Safe New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and 2022!
Until next time...
Happy New Year!
Ricki Jill
Happy Monday, Friends! I have a question: Do you celebrate Christmas through Twelfth Night? Do you keep your tree and decorations up through January 6th? Or is your tree already packed away? We keep ours up until January 7th, but we start putting other Christmas decor away after the first of the year.
This week's guided journaling comes with a CHALLENGE! And I like it....I think it's a very healthy outlook to have. :D
Prayer requests? I will have plenty of downtime to pray today because I'm finally getting my first treatment, and I'm so thankful for that. Please share your prayer requests in comments so we can all pray for you!
Until next time...
Happy Third Day of Christmas!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Christmas Eve, Friends! I am so happy that Shanley Belle and Christopher are flying home today. Please remember them in your prayers (travel mercies) as they fly through the Atlanta airport, the busiest airport supposedly this weekend.
This week's writing prompt:
Whom do you consider more important than you? Whom do you consider less important than you? Reflect on why this is.
The Triune God are the most important. And God so loved the WORLD that he sent his one and only Son to save us means that we are all equal in god's eyes. I have gotten much better about not looking down on people as I've gotten older, and this attitude does lend itself to happiness.
I want to share some scripture with you that dovetails nicely with what we've been studying lately in this chapter, of finding happiness in humility:
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
~James 3:13-16
Yeah, I don't think demonic wisdom is for me. Harsh reality, isn't it!
I hope y'all have a very Merry Christmas. I am so blessed to have you ladies in my life. Do you have any prayer requests or updates?
Until next time...
Merry Christmas!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
It's Christmas Week, Friends! I am so excited. I can't wait to see my family and spend time with them. How are your preparations coming along? This year I've been forced to be a Mary rather than a Martha, so there are always blessings in every situation.
Last Tuesday I studied Luke 14, so when I see it again in this week's guided journaling lesson, I think I need to pay attention!
I am finding it very interesting that a big chunk of this study is about humility. How about you?
Do you have any specific prayer requests for Christmas Week? Please pray that my treatment goes well, and for travel mercies for my family.
I'll be back on Christmas Eve, but no worries if you're late reading the post or replying because it's CHRISTMAS!!!!
Have a great, blessed week!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
This week's guided journaling is about having the correct mindset when serving God. It's also a reminder about how God loves an humble man (or woman!)...
The writing prompt for this week:
Write down your thoughts on Isaiah 10:15 and the idea that we do nothing apart from the hand of God. How does this make you feel? Do you have a positive or negative reaction to this passage, and why?
Is the saw greater than the person who saws?Isaiah 10:15 (NLT)
I have a positive reaction to the passage because I can't think if a better place to be than being directed by the very hand of God.
Look up the entire verse. The block quote above is only part of the verse. It made me giggle ;P
Prayer requests? Tomorrow is a huge day for me. Please keep me in prayer. I will be praying for all of you, too.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Monday, Friends! This week's focus harkens back to the Martha's of the world (that would be me)...
It really is a tough lesson and a tough writing prompt for the week as it focuses on Isaiah 10:15. It's a reminder that God doesn't need any of us, but we certainly need him.
It seems as if the Countdown to Christmas is speeding ahead. Do y'all have any prayer requests? I am asking that you pray for me because I have three more medical tests this week.
Do you have any praises?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Third Sunday of Advent, Sweet Friends! Recently I saw this sweet prayer, and I think it's perfect anytime, but especially during the Advent and Christmas Seasons.
When you wake-up say: Jesus, I love you!When you leave the house, say: Jesus, come with me!When you feel like crying, say: Jesus, hug me!When you feel happy, say: Jesus, I adore you!When you do something, say: Jesus, help me!When you make a mistake, say: Jesus, forgive me!When you go to sleep, say: Thank-you, Jesus, and cover me with your holy mantle.
Any specific prayer requests or praises today?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Happy Friday, Friends! How is your week going? Are you ready for the weekend? I know I am! I want to paint and create in the art studio for most of the weekend.
This week's journaling prompt is very thought-provoking and convicting. Let's take a look:
Even the good deeds we do in the name of Christ cam secretly be for ourselves. Have you done an act of service that was actually motivated by selfish ambition? Write about that experience and how it affected your happiness.
When our oldest daughter was attending a private Christian school, I volunteered for a few events to help the school, but I also did it to make friends and "fit in." I did not have the purest of motives, and it definitely did not make me happy. Eventually I joined a small group of two other "prayer moms" and I was much happier because I didn't feel like I was performing for others, and I could be myself with these sweet, faithful women.
What about you?
Lately we've had some specific prayer requests. Any updates? Any new requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Happy Monday, Friends! The timing for this week's guided journaling is perfect for this time of the year, when our focus should be on Christ.
It's never a good idea to depend on the approval of others for your happiness. I am determined to spend a lot of time this week pondering self-promotion, approval of fickle people, and what truly motivates me to serve.
How is your Advent so far? Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Friday, Dear Friends!
How did the week go for y'all? Did you struggle with the Mary/Martha dichotomy?
I must say that although we've been busy this week, I have been able to spend a lot of time in God's Word, which has been nice. Christmas will be special this year, although simpler.
Let's take a look at this week's prompt:
Write about how you identify with Martha. Do you ever crave recognition? How do you feel when you don't get the recognition you think you deserve?
I think recognition was much more important to me when I was younger. I think this is true when I first started blogging, too, and social media never helped.
In the past, I always felt slighted when I didn't receive the recognition I thought I deserved, whether it was at home, work, or in organizations. I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be, thank goodness!
What about you?
Prayer requests or praises?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Hello, Sweet Friends!
I wanted to invite you over to the other blog for daily Advent posts. Can y'all believe it's already December 1st?
One of my all-time favorite verses for Advent or anytime, really...
Do y'all have any prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
This week I'll be trading out many of our houseplants for Poinsettias. We will also look for other fresh greenery as well.
This year we intend to keep our Christmas decor and celebrations simpler than previous years.
Happy Monday, Sweet Friends! I hope all of you had a lovely and blessed Thanksgiving.
This week's focus is all about the sisterly dynamics of Mary and Martha. Appropriate timing, isn't it, as it's the first week of Advent and the beginning of the Christmas season.
Let's try not to be a distracted Martha this week!
Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Friday, Friends! This week we were challenged to take notes about those who annoy us, and then remember how God feels about them. Here is the prompt:
Over the course of twenty-four hours, each time you get annoyed by someone, think about that person as a unique child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made. Record how this affected your day.
Friends, I took my little tiny notebook around with me for a day, and I truly lucked out because everyone was so kind, patient, and seemed to be excited about Thanksgiving!
I have nothing!
I should probably try this a little closer to Christmas!
This week's scripture:
Do y'all have any prayer requests for the weekend?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Praying that we all have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Thanksgiving, Friends! This week's focus is all about not sweating the small stuff. How appropriate with Thanksgiving as well as Christmas prep happening this week! We are challenged to overlook small things that people will definitely do this week to annoy us.
Are you up to the challenge? I hope I am, and I will pray that none of us will encounter too many annoyances (large or small) this week.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Friends! Prayer requests?
I want to thank all of you because you truly have made a difference in my life!
I love you all!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Friday, Friends! This week's scripture is very convicting, isn't it! If everyone focused more on their own faults and not others' faults the world would be a much better place. Let's take a look at this week's guided journaling prompt:
List some idiosyncrasies or annoying behaviors that someone close to you might point out. Write about how it feels to be accepted by this person despite your flaws.
- I tend to run late. (Not horribly late, just maybe ten minutes or so...)
- I am a loud talker, and it always drove my grandmother crazy.
- I am very clumsy....so much so that my family (sarcastically) calls me Grace.
It feels very good to be so loved and accepted in spite of my faults. And I admit I have many, but the ones listed above are the most consistent.
What about you? Do you have anything to share, including prayer requests?
Be good to yourself this weekend because we have a big week with Thanksgiving on Thursday!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Monday, Friends! I hope y'all had a super weekend. What did you do? Ours was laidback with Christmas shopping and church.
This week is all about self-reflection, and the verse above is a reminder of who we are based on how God created us. I'm holding this verse close to my heart this week!
Also, below is a reminder of the Fruits of the Spirit:
Be gentle with yourselves this week, friends, because we are to reflect on why those who know us, warts and all, still love us.
I know it's close to Christmas, but I'm going to treat myself this week to new socks because they are my favorite thing in the world.
I also like books and flowers, lol...but I love socks more! I know that this is very random, but I'm just keeping it real. I'll share them later this week.
Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Friday, Friends! What do you think about this week's prompt? Did you think it conflicted with the scripture? All I kept thinking about was the Seinfeld episode about "festivus" and the airing of grievances.
Here is the prompt:
Write about someone you love -- a family member, friend, spouse, or partner. Write about this person's annoying or odd behaviors as well as reasons you love him or her.
Personally, I'd rather not share anything negative about anyone I love, their "annoying or odd behaviors." I'd rather keep it positive. Today I'll share three things I love about both of my daughters. Shanley Belle is loyal, tenacious, and kind. Shelley is dedicated, friendly, and optimistic.
What about you? What do you think about this prompt?
Also, I am asking for your prayers. I have a series of medical tests I'm dreading, and I would appreciate your prayers. Also, I would like to remind you to set your alarms and pray 2 Chronicles 7:14 for our country. Do you have any prayer requests? Either email them to me or include them in your comments.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890)
Arles, January 1889
oil on canvas, 95 cm x 73 cm
Credits (obliged to state): Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)
Happy Monday, Friends! How was your weekend? We went to a church service (at our church), and it was held outside in the sunshine! It was lovely. Fresh air, no masks, and communion: What's not to love about that?
Don't you love the sunflower painting above? The older I get the more I appreciate sunflowers and the color yellow, the color of happiness AND the color of our book!
This week's guided journaling reminds us that happiness isn't an emotion, it's a choice. My prayer for us is we choose happiness this week.
Do y'all have any prayer requests to share?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Friday, Friends! It's interesting to me that we had this particular writing prompt this week, after: dealing with installing cabinets, scheduling workmen, irrigation problems (thank-you, God, for the rain!), and Christmas shopping. I just posted last night on my other blog about what an impatient shopper I am!
Here's the prompt:
Write about what type of person you are: patient or impatient. Do you like this about yourself? Why or why not?
Overall, I am a patient person. I tend to get impatient when people are needlessly inconsiderate with my time. I do like that I'm patient with the really important things, like when I homeschooled our youngest daughter, and the fact that I've read every single peer reviewed article our scientist daughter has ever written, and I do not like science. I suppose I like this about myself, but I've never really thought about it.
What about you?
Have y'all had a good week? Do you have any prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Monday, Friends! Did y'all have many trick-or-treaters last night? We waited to the last minute to purchase Halloween candy, and Target was completely out! We found plenty to purchase at another store, though.
This week's prompt is all about patience: I'm sure it will be very convicting for me. This is one of my favorite Bible verses about patience:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.1 Corinthians 13:4
Prayer requests? I think we need updates from some of y'all.
Have a great week!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Psalm 27
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 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.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, Lord;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
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