Faithbooking Inspirations

Putting Scriptures to the Numbers

As we were standing in the kitchen talking about how long a marathon actually is (26.2 miles), my son said he wanted to find a verse with those numbers.  He ran upstairs and came down so excited.  "Since Psalms was the only one he knew that had at least 26 chapters", he turned to Psalm 26:2......And, would you believe what it says?

"Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;"

How cool is that?????!!!!!  If there is anyway to describe training/ running a marathon, it is a testing of the heart and mind.

I now have a Bible opened to Psalm 26:2 set on my treadmill.  It has become my prayer and my proclamation.

'Putting Scriptures to Numbers' can be such a blessing of inspiration, teaching, and downright fun.  I've done it with important dates, numbers on my race bib, receipt numbers and appointment times.  Look up different versions as well.  In fact, one version of Psalm 26:2 actually says "test my body".   

It is amazing how often you can easily find just the right scripture to fit the occasion.

Use this to help children learn verses, assign a scripture to jersey numbers, to inspire or encourage as important dates approach, or as scriptures / titles on your album pages.  It is just a great little way to direct our loved ones back to His Word and learn to apply it to our lives.

Have fun, and, if you find any, pass them on in the comments below!

Fireproof

If you are married, thinking about getting married, or, know someone who is married, Fireproof is a must see movie, and it is now in stores.  It is brought to you by the same people who created Facing the Giants. See clips and great song videos from the movie here. And, read more about the movie at Fireproof my Marriage.  Would you believe Kirk Cameron has 6 kids now? See him on the Dr. Phil show.

I can not even begin to put into words how great the movie was, or how important this story is for our marriages and families today.  Let's support these guys who are doing so much to bring movies with a message to our world.

If you are creating an album for a newly married couple, a teenager, or even child ~ stick the movie title in an empty spot with a review and encouragement to watch it.  It's like a mini-treasure within your album that could change a loved one's life.

Just a Call Away

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. ~ Joel 2:32a

After many years, I finally broke down and let my poor husband get a new phone.  I guess when it got to the point that clients were saying, "Oh, you have the really old Blackberry," it was time :~) 

As we were trading in the super-glued, scratched, much dropped, even dried in the dryer phone, I was amazed to see the number of gadgets and options available for us to keep in touch with our loved ones.  While his has more bells and whistles than the International Space Station, mine is the free "I'm Just a Mom Phone".  Why would I want a phone named "Storm" when, with 4 kids, I already live in one daily!!  Anyway,....

I watched a daughter ignore her mother as the teen texted her friends and, my heart was saddened.  Not only at the interaction, or lack of, but, at the idea that as humans we have our priority of quick / direct link communication with each other while we literally ignore our Creator.

And, He wants to hear from us more deeply and urgently than anyone else in the universe.

We never have to be on His plan for free calls.

He never makes us leave a voice mail. 

We never have a bad connection.

We never have to ask, "Can you hear me now?"

We never have to worry about our minutes going over.

Whether we call Him from a "storm", "new", or "abused" line, He hears us all the same.

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. ~ Joel 2:32a

• What a perfect scripture when your child gets their new phone!
• Highlight EVERYONE and / or WILL BE SAVED with different markers, decorations or fonts.
• Include words similar to those above relating to our open connection to Him.
• Use Colossians 4:6 on the page as well.

As we continue to plunge deeper into a culture of quick communication, may we not lose the pleasure and peace of prayer.

Treasured Jewelry

I have a cross pendant, a little like the one on the left, that I received over 30 Christmases ago from my parents.  It has seen me through high school, college, parenting 4 children and every moment in between.  Each time a chain has broken, I have been devastated and have even paid extra to get the ring repaired quickly so I can put it back on.  It is not a point of idolatry for me, it is just a piece of jewelry I treasure beyond what a few words can say. 

As I ran yesterday, the necklace became so entangled in my earphones that I can not believe it didn't break ~ I felt a panic to think that it could have broken and been lost on the trail miles before I would have noticed.  How would I find it?  Could I even begin to consider replacing it?  I would never be able to give it to my daughter, or my grand-daughter.  This precious piece of jewelry would have been gone, and pictures along with the story would be gone with it. 

After untangling it, I finished my run thinking about this treasure, as well as the other pieces I have that have a story.  I have a pair of earrings my mom got me on our very first shopping trip.  My mother's ring has a history with a complete miracle.  

So, I encourage you to make a few pages with the pictures and stories of your favorite / most treasured jewelry. 

• Pieces from family members
• Pieces with a special history / story / or meaning
• Pieces that bring special memories of moments or loved ones
• Who gave you the jewelry?  How did you / they pay for it?  Who would you like to receive the pieces once you are gone?
• Include pictures of the jewelry, people or places, as well as receipts and dates
• "The LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of is people.  They will sparkle in His land like jewels in a crown."  Zechariah 9:16   
• Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.  Proverbs 8:10-11
• Add these verses in your Christmas, Birthday, Blessings, and Weddings sections of your Unto All Generations

Magnificent Defeat

I heard a great phrase in a song yesterday ~

"This Magnificent Defeat"

Got me to thinking about how many Magnificent Defeat finish lines the Lord has brought me across through His power, grace and love.

What about you?  What have you defeated only through Him?  How about that sin, fear, moment of decision, or challenge? 

That weight you lost ~ that was only through His power.  That moment you stepped on the airplane despite your overwhelming fear of flying ~ it was His hand that gently guided you.  That sin that was running your life, soul, and, mind ~ it was His Cross that provided the power to overcome.  That mountain of a situation that you believed was an impossible climb ~ the peak was reached and conquered through His love and guidance.  Each of those Magnificent Defeats were yours through, and because of, Him.

We need to share the stories of our Magnificent Defeats in our albums.  The phrase makes a great page title / header.

• Title a page This Magnificent Defeat and tell the story of a specific time the Lord has helped you be a "Defeater" instead of a "defeated".  Include pictures, your feelings before, during, and after, as well as how the Lord provided the power, grace, peace, love, forgiveness and/or direction you needed.
• Title a double page spread "Magnificent Defeats" and share mini stories.  Include a few short sentences about the times you have defeated through Him.  Even little moments such as the time you only ate half the piece of cheesecake or were able to speak to someone who'd hurt you.
• Include scriptures, prayers you prayed, and songs, people or stories that were an inspiration.
• "...the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."  1 John 4:4
• "...divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4
• "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
• "...The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm."  Zephaniah 3:15
• "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:14 (for more scriptures for scrapbooking, see Unto All Generations)

He gives us the gift of Magnificent Defeats daily.  Give Him the glory.  Point to His power.  Focus on His forgiveness.  Leave the Legacy of His Love for you and His children.

A Beautiful Story ~ Soundtrack Saturday 3

For Soundtrack Saturday 3, I had to share this soundtrack / video that I just found....I don't think any music I share can begin to say more.  (Read the full story below)

Now, you can grab a kleenex, I did, and, be inspired that love, a strong spirit, and His Power can defy all odds.

******After she was nearly killed in a car crash in 1987, doctors doubted Lynn Mcgovern would walk again. But Mcgovern, whose brain stem had been damaged, endured seven years of rehabilitation to learn how to walk a short distance--namely, down the aisle to marry Jamie Parks in 1994.

Since then, she has continued to defy expectations by completing more than 170 road races, thanks to her devoted husband, who would rather push Lynn in her wheelchair than run alone.

"I am so lucky Jamie has given me this gift," Lynn says. The 45-year-olds have covered more than 13,000 miles together. Their personal bests, including a 17:35 5-k and a 2:57 marathon, are remarkable, given Jamie's workload (Lynn and the chair weigh 170 pounds).

Jamie, who met Lynn in 1985, started pushing her in races in 1991. "She faces so many challenges, but never complains," says Jamie, a mail carrier in Tinley Park, Illinois. "It makes it hard for me to complain about anything."

At a half-marathon in August, one of the chair's wheels fell off at mile 12. Jamie pushed Lynn on a single wheel for the final mile, finishing in 1:32:11. "We were mad, but then you move on," Jamie says. "We don't take things so seriously as other folks might. Our big picture is much bigger."

Heal the Wound ~ Leave the Scar

A couple of months ago my daughter left this 4 1/2 inch skid-mark on our street with her teeth...yes, I did say with her teeth!

As I held my poor daughter with her busted teeth, I refused to believe my sons when they said there was a "huge skid mark" ~ I told them to grab a ruler and camera.....So, now my daughter tells people this picture is her "trophy", and, "the pictures are gonna make a great scrapbook page" ~ now that is a true scrapbooker's kid!

We've had many trips to the dentist, and there are still some prayers going up about the long term prognosis of her front teeth, but, the wound on her lip has healed to leave a pink scar.  When I look at that little mark, I praise God for so many blessings that came from this incident.  And, even my 8 year old can tell you how God blessed her and protected her that day.

How many scars do you have that really can become reminders of how beautiful God is? 

What about those stretch marks from your pregnancies ~ the cut above your eye from that car accident that so many said they weren't sure how you walked away ~ the little burn from your first homemade cake you made for your daddy's birthday ~ the pain yet peace you still feel when you hear that certain song ~ the memories of that one night when your life was changed forever ~ the smile lines which even the expensive creams can't seem to erase, that really show how often you've had the gift of smiles and laughter during your life....

I have 2 'scars' that I have been praying the Lord would remove, one physical, and, one situational ~ however, realistically, I don't see that prayer being answered in the way I'd choose.  Instead, I have begun thanking Him for his grace, power, and love that is proven in the scar that remains. And, I  pray/sing the chorus to Heal the Wound by Point of Grace. (I've included the song and lyrics at the end of this post)

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

We each have so many wounds He has healed, but, the scars remain. 

Sharing these scars, whether physical, situational, or emotional have the chance of blessing future generations.  We can teach them to see their scars through His eyes and rejoice in His ways.  We can share His works, power, love, and beauty through pages with the story of our scars.

• Share a the story, with or without a picture, of a physical wound you have:  Share the story how it came to be, how you saw His work in the situation, and, how that wound / scar has blessing in it
• Share a time in your life when you were hurt deeply but you can look back through the emotional scar and see His work and way
• Share the story of scars your loved ones have and how those wounds to scars were blessings.  This is especially important and touching for our children as they grow and see a scar but can remember the love of God
• Create a page with a picture of Christ's nail-scarred hands (you can find them on the internet if you search in images).  Journal what those wounds mean to you, how you feel when you see the picture / think of His sacrifice, and the power those wounds represent.  This is a great opportunity to share His sacrifice for EACH of us and the gift of eternal life ~ you never know the heart that your page may change!!!

Enjoy the song below (warning: a tissue may be needed), and, as you read the words, thank Him for a wound He has healed but allowed a scar to remain to remind you of His love and mercy.

~ Praise Him for your scars! ~

Heal the Wound by Point of Grace

I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend
I never knew me back then

I used to pray that You would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I've been
But it's the memory of
The place You brought me from
That keeps me on my knees
And even though I'm free

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
I don't take pride in what I bring
But I'll build an altar with
The rubble that You've found me in
And every stone will sing
Of what You can redeem

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

Don't let me forget
Everything You've done for me
Don't let me forget
The beauty in the suffering

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

Beautiful Feet

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news" ~ Rom 10:15

"Direct my footsteps according to your word..." ~ Psalm 119:133

"He will not let you foot slip..." ~ Psalm 121:3

There are not many things more beautiful in this world than children's feet.  And, at the risk of sounding kinda odd, when I look at the feet of my parents, I am touched by where those feet have been and how those feet have impacted my life. 

Pictures or imprints of feet have a perfect place in our albums. They represent a future and a promise.  They prove God's amazing creative works.  They are what take us down the path He has for us.

I challenge you to make a "Beautiful Feet Page" in your album.  Although it may not be a 'typical' page, think of the words, stories and prayers of legacy you could leave.  Then, e-mail me your "Beautiful Feet Page" so I can share them in an upcoming album on this site.

• Use one of the scriptures listed above as a border around a picture or collage
• Include a prayer for where you pray your loved one's feet will take them in the future
• Journal your praises for where the feet have been:  include the actions as well as the places (mission trips, college, supporting and raising a family, sports achievements, ministries, etc)
• Do you have special memories / feelings about your loved one's feet? (Story time, kicking a football in the back yard, reminding you of the miracle of life, etc)
• If your loved one is insecure about their feet / toes you can place a wide ribbon or make a card to place over their toes (write a scripture on it, their name, or a special saying)
• If you don't have / are unable to get a picture of the feet, make them through stickers, tracing, die-cuts or clip art, then use the suggestions above to complete the page
• Instead of a picture, make an imprint on a piece of paper with an ink pad
• Create a page using these prompts for any special shoes (first pair, athletic goals, special days or meetings).  Go to the shoe rack and take pictures of the shoes owned by your family and journal special moments or thoughts about each pair.
• Create a mini-album for a child about the parts of our body and how each of those parts was created for a special purpose and how they can serve God
• Create a page about sitting at Christ's Feet ~ journal when you feel closest to Him, do you sit at His feet for wisdom, guidance, strength or peace?
• Challenge your scrapping group, family members or friends to make a "Beautiful Feet Page" and then share them the next time you get together.
• And, next time you look at your feet, give them a little pat for all they have been in your life ~ even if you do need a pedicure :~)
• If you can't make the page today, just file the thoughts, imprint, or picture away with all those Precious Papers, and make some Journey Jots to be used later.   And, remember, It is OK to be out of order!

**I found this precious image at AllPosters.com