Category: Faith

Takeaway Tuesdays: Psalm 3:3

~ Sarah Elizabeth Joy ~ Leave a comment

I love the Fall. It is my favorite time of year. I love the changing of the colors, the beginning of the school year (as a school nurse, I get to experience this over and over again with every year that passes). Basically all the “fally” things make my heart swoon. I’ve created this month’s Takeaway Tuesday with a Fall theme. And even though Fall brings about change, God’s character does not shift with the seasons. He is steady; He is our shield (our protector), and the One we can rest in when everything else changes. Let your hearts be encouraged by this friends.

Psalm 3_3

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Takeaway Tuesdays: Hebrews 4:9-11

~ Sarah Elizabeth Joy ~ Leave a comment

This month’s Takeaway Tuesday free print is inspired by a really great book I read this summer, Soul Rest, by Curtis Zackery. He encourages us to return to Sabbath, or rest that recharges us—causing us to recenter our hearts, and enter into communion with God.

I highly recommend this book, and I have been inspired to take time once per week to rest and recharge, and spend time with God in my own way. Some times it looks like family dinners, sometimes it is spent with friends. Other times it is spent taking things slowly and taking a nap. My “Sabbath” is usually on Sundays because church is already on this day, but it by no means has to be from sun down Saturday night to sun down Sunday night. The best part about Sabbath, to me, is the freedom in how I choose to enter into communion with God. I am loving my time knowing more about Him and His people.

The print I created for this month is to encourage you to think about setting aside time to Sabbath yourself. I highly recommend this weekly rhythm.

Hebrews4911

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Takeaway Tuesdays: 1 John 3:16

~ Sarah Elizabeth Joy ~ Leave a comment

I love the summer months when I get to go on adventures to different places. This summer I visited family in both Maryland and England. And though traveling is one of my favorite activities, I can’t help feel “home” when I attend my church of 11 years, Outward Church. This morning’s message was on 1 John 3:16. I was encouraged by Pastor Matt’s words, especially, “If there’s action-oriented love in your life, there’s evidence of your love for God.” I created August’s Takeaway Tuesday based upon this passage. I hope you enjoy this free print.

1 John 316

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Takeaway Tuesdays: Proverbs 16:24

~ Sarah Elizabeth Joy ~ Leave a comment

This post isn’t on a Tuesday. I know I’m breaking my own rules, but I honestly almost forgot to create a print for this month. You know when you can’t help but think there’s something you were needing to do, but can’t quite remember the task? I’ve realized I’m out of Tuesdays for the month of April, so I’m adding this free print in on a Saturday.

I’ve finished reading through the book of Proverbs. Such astuteness from Solomon. Here’s one of my favorites (although I have many in Proverbs). Let’s speak gracious words to one another.

Proverbs1624

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5 Things God is Teaching Me Right Now

~ Sarah Elizabeth Joy ~ Leave a comment

5 Things God is Teaching Me Right Now

  1. Pray without ceasing. I can come to Him in prayer, whenever, and be heard. Psalm 4:1 says, “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” Our prayers are heard dear friends. God can handle them all- the minute, tiniest of prayers — to our biggest, loftiest prayers. If you don’t know what to pray about, ask your friends or family how you can pray for them. Let’s be on each other’s teams and lift one another up to Him.
  2. For a girl who loves to plan her life out to the very last detail, it is A-OKAY to be in a period of waiting (the in-between). Waiting = trusting. Am I trusting God with my life? Am I thinking He has His highest and best in store for me? In what ways must I lay down my life before Him and allow Him to work and move, behind the scenes? The book of Ruth exemplifies a gal who trusts God in the waiting and unknown.
  3. Love your people. Love your people. Love your people. Your people are not only your friends and family. They are your coworkers. They are the grocery store checkers, the coffee baristas, the fellow gym goer. Be kind; have patience. Smile. Say hello and thank you. Gratitude goes a LONG way. Kindness matters. Matthew 22:37-39 says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
  4. Seek wise counsel. Feeling a little lost? Debating on which path to take? Need help with refining your relationships? Proverbs 3:13 shares, “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.” Do not fear asking for help. I am no longer a novice at navigating life, but I’m by no means an expert. I’m more than willing to cast aside my pride and learn from those who have trail-blazed ahead.
  5. Look for glimpses of hope. Hope is my #oneword365. My eyes are wide open and expectant for this word in 2018. I am asking God to show me why this word, as well as asking Him to give me more hope. Hope for family, hope for friends, hope for my own life. Hope propels us forward. “But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more,” Psalm 71:4. Hope leads to praising God for all He’s done, all He’s doing, and all He’s yet to do. 

What is God teaching you right now? I’d love to hear!