Hello all & Happy Spring! Long time no talk! I've been lazy about blogging in the past couple of months. I've had ideas for posts, but then I never sat down and took the time to write it out. I took the above picture over a month ago at a time that my new coffee table was styled and clean. I thought I would share with you today some products that I've been using lately to help encourage my prayer life and day to day walk with God.
Here's my stack of resources. It looks like a big stack, but it's not all something I necessarily use every day, but I am enjoying them, not only are they inspirational and useful, but they are pretty to look at. I'll just list and explain each thing & link it starting from top to bottom.
This prayer journal is has really helped my prayer life. It has categories to prompt your prayers and list them. It is divided up by month and at the end of each month there is space to record answered prayers. It also includes sections for quotes and scripture, gratitude, and jounaling. For me, it has helped me to organize my prayers and break it into manageable chunks. Before I was trying to pray for everything, every day. It would take me over half an hour to do and often times I would forget about things I wanted to pray for because I wasn't writing them down, it was all in my head. Then when I took the time to pray, sometimes I would get discouraged and give up because it took me so long and I had lost motivation. Val Marie Paper offers not only inspired products, but a community that helps to encourage one another and share ideas in helping your payer life. I have been able to start dividing my prayers up by days, helping me not to get overwhelmed with the pressure of praying for everything, every day. By doing this, I have been able to organize my thoughts better, and God has actually revealed more things to me to pray for, and evolved some of the things I was already praying for. My prayer life has greatly improved and I look forward to my prayer time. Even on those days where I am not feeling motivated, I can just look at the things on my list, and just say them out loud, and sometimes it sparks something more. Unfortunately, the yearly prayer journal is currently sold out, but there are 6 month prayer journals and other products that are inspirational and helpful as well--and it doesn't hurt that they are pretty :)
I actually found this journal randomly at a gift store, and you can't get them on the website, but I thought I would share the artist with you. I was so excited when I found a set of 3 blank journals with her artwork on it, because she is one of my favorite artists!
3. The Holy Bible: New International Version
No link here, I just got this at a Christian book store many years ago, I great find in my favorite color!
This is a daily devotional by Sarah Young that focuses on finding peace from anxiety and worries in Jesus Christ. It is a short blurb with the related scriptures written out below. I love this because I have often struggled with anxiety in my life, and when you're in a hurry in the morning, it's convenient to have the scriptures listed there so you don't have to look them up.
This is a beautiful devotional book by Ruth Chou Simons. It's not a daily devotional, but it is a devotional. Her beautiful artwork is on every page, and she explores the seasons of life through the seasons of the earth.
This is a quarterly Christian magazine publication. It is Beautiful, just like the name! I leave them on my coffee table, because not only are their covers beautiful, but right now I am following a scripture reading plan through the season of Lent leading up to Easter that they provided. The magazine is full of beautiful artistic images, ideas, and interesting information.
Bonus Reads
A book by Brant Hanson. This book is not actually pictured in my stack, but I just finished reading it and I LOVED it!! I think everyone should read it whether you have ever felt like a misfit in church or not. If you have felt like a misfit, this book will affirm your faith, and if you haven't, maybe if will help you understand the different personalities in your church a little better! I am so inspired after reading book.
Not pictured, but currently on my coffee table. My mom gave me this book for Easter quite a few years ago. It's just a pretty book of illustrated bible verses. It's great to just pick up and read a quick verse before heading out the door!
And, in case you were wondering, here's what my coffee table looks like in real time :)
If you're on Spring Vacation like I am, I hope you are getting some rest and enjoyment!
Happy Wednesday!
