About a year ago, I really began to focus on my time in His word, my time with Him and developing my relationship with God, in addition to bettering myself, mentally and physically!

Along the way, I read a personal development book, and one of the subjects in the book spoke about using the gifts God gave you to minister or to bless others. 

I feel like God has given me the gift to 'create'. I really enjoy crafting, painting and drawing, and I have always had a passion for writing. 

Not long after I read this book, He laid it on my heart to begin writing. 

As always, I am adding to my reading list, but this year, while I am adding "fun" reads, I am making choices to add intentional reading to my day. 

I want to add more books to help build me as a mom, a wife, and whatever this person God is working to mold me into!

I have always had "issues" with buying books. And notebooks. And planners. 

Okay, so I may just be a good old fashioned "nerd", but I don't see that as a problem! I also have a problem with buying books and not being able to part with them, they are like my trophies!  

Here is a list of books I am planning to read in January and February. 

Studying the Bible and His word is one of the most important things we can do as Christians. 
 
Over the last year, I have really "dug" into His word, looking for new studies every chance I get; even creating a few studies on my own!

That last one, writing studies for others to use, is something I never thought I would do, but it is one of the things I am most proud of- for sure. 

I have been thinking a lot about what I can create for the upcoming year, for my readers, followers, you, my friends and family. I have some studies I am praying about, and working on. 
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But, I wanted to start here, with focusing on His truths; his truths for you, about you and your families' lives! 

Over the past year or so, I have been journaling in various places. 

I journal in my Bible, in a study journal, and a prayer journal. 

Three different places? Yes, three different places. 

There is a couple of reasons for that, but it began with Bible journaling.

I wanted to document what I am studying in my Bible, but sometimes, the lessons would be too long, and I needed a place to organize my thoughts. 

Elisha did not give the widow time to answer when he asked what he could do for her. 

Honestly, he did not need or have to give her time to answer how he could help her. 

After all, she came to him, made her problem known, indicated her need (which was to pay off her financial debt, saving her sons from slavery. 

Instead of the widow responding, Elisha immediately asked her another question.

"What do you have?" 

On the first post of this study (you can read it here), we talked about how God does know us.

He knows each and every one of His people.

We also talked about allowing God to use you to be a vessel of His Light and Word for some one else, like Elisha was to this widowed woman. 

So, how did Elisha help the widowed woman and her boys?

et us first talk about why Elisha was the vessel for the widow. 

How many times have you felt fear that things would not come together?

We worry about whether we are going to make ends meet financially. We worry about if our kids will get into the school we want. We worry we won't ever get a better paying or better job.

We worry. 

Sometimes, we may even feel like God is not listening, or that He does not care, or worse- that He doesn't even know who we are!

We have all felt that way. 

I recently read a little into the book of Job. The study I was in, was talking about giving our fear and worry over our kids and household to God; trading them for prayer, freedom and peace of knowing that all of these things are in the handiwork of God.
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This has been something I struggle with personally, more so when Amila was born.

Have you ever felt that your life doesn't look anything like you imagined it would be. It doesn't look anything like the feeds of people you follow on Instagram. That your life doesn't feel as though it is a full life?

You may even think that if and when you hit some "bumps" in the road, that you have a life full of nothing but hurt.

Maybe, your life really does occupy some scary and hurtful experiences. 

But, I have a secret to tell you!