FAITH WOMEN INSPIRING GENERATIONS

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SWEET TO THE SOUL

WOMEN INSPIRING GENERATIONS

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SUMMER 2021 | SWEET TO THE SOUL FAITH 3

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4 SWEET TO THE SOUL FAITH | SUMMER 2021

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SOUL INSPIRED

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SUMMER

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7 Favorite Christian

Children’s Books to Share

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MITZI NEELY Content Director / Editor In Chief JANA KENNEDY-SPICER Art Director / Creative Editor STEPHANIE K ADAMS Community Coordinator TYANNE RAKOWITZ Business Administrator

Sweet To The Soul FAITH - The Inspire Journal Copyright © 2021 by Sweet To The Soul Ministries All rights reserved. www.SweetToTheSoul.com ISBN: 978-1-953718-06-8 Sweet To The Soul Ministries PO Box 785 Royse City, Tx 75189

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommer-cial uses permitted by copyright law. For inquiries and permission

request, contact through website: www.SweetToTheSoul.com Unless noted otherwise, all scripture quotations are taken from the “ESV”, The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2011 Scripture quotations marked “NIV” are taken from The Holy Bible: New International Version, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblicia, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. To order copies of this issue and access additional resources, visit www.sweetothesoulFAITH.com To inquire about ordering in quantities of 10 or more,

please email info@sweettothesoul.com For information regarding advertisement opportunities,

please email info@sweettothesoul.com

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS:

Stephanie K Adams, Real Women Ministries Lisa Appelo, True and Faithful

Monica Bard, monicabard.com

Jodie Barrett, Faithfully Following Ministries J. E. Berry, J. E. Berry Speaks

Kristine Brown, More Than Yourself Michelle Cooper, Digital Learning Specialist

Kim Crumrine, Educational Foundation Non-Profit Director Betsy de Cruz, Faith Spilling Over

Gretchen Fleming, Following Hard Karen Friday, Hope Is Among Us Carmen Horne, Women’s Hope Coach Elaine Lankford, Transforming Love Ministries Amy Elaine Martinez, Amy Elaine Ministries,

Past to Power Podcast

Mitzi Neely, Peacefully Imperfect Ministries Michelle Nietert, Your Mental Health Coach Michele O’Leary, micheleoleary.com Cyndee Ownbey, Women’s Ministry Toolbox Melanie Davis Porter, Courage to Endure

Christy Rodriguez, Brave Girl Ministries, KLRC Radio Karmen Smith, Blessings Beyond the Barnyard Jana Kennedy Spicer, Sweet To The Soul Ministries Jennifer Watson, More Than Small Talk Podcast

ARTWORK CONTRIBUTORS: Debbie Bonner

Megan Lawson

Darlene Schacht, Time Warp Wife

Jana Kennedy Spicer, Sweet To The Soul Ministries

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS:

Jo Anna Duncan, Jo Duncan Photography and Studio Terri Hill, food photographer

Darlene Schacht, Time Warp Wife

Jana Kennedy Spicer, Sweet To The Soul Ministries Amanda Wells, The Farm Wyfe

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□ Matthew 6:33-34

□ Proverbs 31:26

□ 1 Timothy 2:9-10

□ Philippians 2:3-5

□ Colossians 3:23

□ Joshua 1:9

□ 1 Peter 3:4

□ Psalm 1:2

□ 1 Thessalonians 5:17

□ 2 Corinthians 9:11

□ Psalm 38:18

□ Proverbs 17:22

□ Ecclesiastes 9:10

□ Colossians 3:13

□ Romans 12:2

□ Psalm 100:4

□ Ephesians 6:10

□ John 4:28-29

□ Proverbs 14:1

□ Ephesians 4:25

□ Philippians 2:2

□ Titus 2:4-5

□ 1 Peter 1:22

□ Proverbs 18:15

□ Proverbs 19:2

□ 1 John 3:17

□ Romans 12:18

□ Psalm 15:4

□ Galatians 1:10

□ Galatians 6:9

□ Hebrews 13:2

INSPIRING WOMEN

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CRIPTURE

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In a world filled with half-truths and

propa-ganda, it is easy to become a skeptic,

second-guessing what we read and hear.

Consider the many forms of information we allow to infiltrate our thoughts. News, both written and spoken, numerous social media outlets, friends, family, and even strangers sharing stories and opinions. Billboards, commercials, books, blogs, and you get the point, our world is full of information that can affect how we think and feel, and influence what we believe about ourselves.

As believers, we can trust the Bible to be the infallible word of God. We can believe that what the Bible says is the truth. According to 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV), “All Scripture is God-breathed and is

useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and train-ing in righteousness.” As we break this verse apart,

let us begin with pausing to notice the first word of the passage - all. “All” leaves nothing out. That means everything is included and this case, every scripture is God-breathed. Our God is incapable of sin and thus incapable of false teaching and lies. Continue in our passage and we find that the truth-filled words of God are useful for teaching, rebuk-ing, correctrebuk-ing, and training. Given this, we can trust all the words recorded in the Bible and believe them to be of great benefit. Therefore, it is important and beneficial to glean from God’s Word every day. With the truth of His Word in our heart, God enables us to battle the false things of this world.

When fallacies flood our thoughts and leave us feeling inferior and incapable, we have a powerful weapon to slay the lies the world leaves us

believ-JODIE BARRETT

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ing. Our weapon is the mighty Word of God. God’s truth says many things about who we are in Christ. And because the Word is God-breathed, we can trust that we are all God’s says we are.

You are an overcomer. (1 John 5:5) You are rescued. (Colossians 1:13) You are free from condemnation. (Romans 8:1)

You are chosen. (Ephesians 1:4) You are a dwelling place for God. (1 John 4:15)

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But how often do we struggle to believe the truth? While the Bible tells us we are strong, the world would have us believe we are weak. While the Lord says, we are chosen, the world shouts we are unwanted. Standing right there, eager to watch us trust these lies, is Satan himself. What God has come to give; Satan wants to steal.

The truth of God’s word is useful in rebuking the lies of our Enemy.

We must stay alert, for as much as God desires we fill our hearts with truth, Satan wants to twist that same truth into lies that tempt us to turn from righteous living. He wants nothing less than for us to be trapped by his schemes, so we turn from righteous living. We find this demonstrated in Genesis 1 when Satan spews lies to Eve causing her to disregard God’s instruction, and again in the wilderness when Jesus was fasting for 40 days. But just as Jesus’ firm knowledge of the Truth kept Him from believing the lies of Satan, the Word of God, stored in our hearts, can do the same for us. Saturating our minds with scripture leaves us empowered to slay the lies of the Devil.

But many struggle to believe we are all God says we are. One Fall, while speaking at a Mother-Daughter Retreat, two young girls helped me carry things from my jeep to the worship center. I brought a large mirror with the words, “All beauti-ful you are” written across the front. As the girls read the mirror, I asked, “Do you believe that?”

Both shook their heads no. I understood. At 45 years-old, I still struggled with believing these words from Song of Solomon 4:7. I explained to them that God looks upon us and sees Jesus cover-ing our sins, and thus, He sees no flaws within us. Our perfect Savior, Jesus, has cast them away from us. Once we were done with our worship and devo-tion time, I asked the girls again as we packed away the mirror, “Do you believe that you are all beauti-ful to God?” Both nodded yes. The Truth of God’s word had squashed a lie they were carrying in their hearts. Both girls were now armed and ready to combat the lies of the enemy. Both were ready to trust that they were all God’s word says they are. When we know where to turn for Truth, we can shatter the lies of the world. No matter our age, God’s word is a powerful weapon to protect our hearts, minds, and souls.

When we arm our hearts with God’s word we can:

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Combat the lies of the Enemy.

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Live freely, stepping into the life God has pre-pared for us.

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Navigate the false teaching of the world.

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ECANTRUSTTHATWEAREALLTHAT

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OD SAYSWEARE

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You are invited to join Jodie and her ministry partner, Donna, along with a community of women seeking the truth of God’s word, verse by verse, with a desire to trust that they are all God says they are. This July, soak in more than the sun... soak in His truth. Read the truth of His word, store it in your heart, and trust that you are loved, cherished, wanted, beautiful, and forgiven. Follow Faithfully Following Ministries on Facebook and Instagram for a month-long study entitled #TrustThat. You can download free printable resources designed by Sweet To The Soul Ministries at Trust That You Are – Resource Page | Faithfully Following Ministries

JODIE BARRETT is a speaker and writer with a passion for Jesus. Visit her at faithfullyfollowingministries.org to discover more about finding joy even in the midst of pain.

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There’s not an age requirement to being an Inspiring Woman,

but yet I feel now some ownership of this responsibility.

Had it not been for the Inspiring Women in my life,

where would I be today?

~ Jana Kennedy-Spicer

VI S I T SW E E TTOTH ESO U L.C O M/ IN S P I R I N G- WO M E N F O R I N F O R M A T I O N

Learn about Biblical examples of inspiring women

Hear personal testimony from friends about the inspiring women in their lives

Study 31 Biblical Characteristics of an Inspiring Woman

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Imagine yourself going through your morning routine. Maybe

you’re cooking breakfast or downing a cup of coffee before heading to the office. Maybe you’re getting kids started on their home-school work or tending to chores around the house.

Whatever it is, I want you to picture yourself doing that thing. Now, picture yourself doing that thing with a crown on your head and a royal robe around your shoulders. Puts a smile on your face, doesn’t it?

When we think of the story of Esther in the Bible— an ordinary girl who became queen— we picture her in all the splendor. Someone courageous, bold, and definitely worthy of her royal position. But I want us to set aside that perfect image of Esther for a bit and replace it with our self-portrait. Because what we do every day paints a more accurate likeness to how this young Jewish girl be-came queen.

Esther’s life was more hard lessons than luxury. An orphan and exile, she was taken from her home to live in seclusion in the palace. From the most beautiful women in the land, the king would eventually choose Esther to become queen.

Yet something sinister also transpired behind the scenes. The king promoted a man named Haman to power. Haman hated Esther’s adoptive dad Mordecai. So Haman tricked the king into writing an edict for the massacre of the Jews. Mordecai slipped word to Es-ther, directing her to go to the king and beg for mercy for their people.

So what did this courageous girl do in the face of danger? Esther hesitated.

She spoke, “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal prov-inces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter… But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the

king” (Esther 4:11 NIV).

Esther stated her case. She made excuses. Ever feel like you need to explain yourself when you’re saying NO? We will all face times of doubt. Times when we wonder, “Why me, Lord?” Yet our faithful God will give us supernatural courage when we don’t feel like the right person for the job.

Mordecai motivated Esther to draw her courage from the Lord. He replied, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NIV).

Esther stepped courageously into her calling. Will we do the same? We may not be tackling our morning routine all dressed in royal fashions. (Especially those days when the dog gets sick, or the kids forget a school project due!) But in the most difficult times, we can draw inspiration from Esther’s choice to risk going before the king anyway.

Because like Esther, our “for such a time as this” happens most often in the midst of struggle, not once we’ve made it through. We may not feel courageous, or like the right person for the job, but one thing we know is this. We are important to the King. So when we wonder if we’re worthy to come before Him, He has al-ready set us in place as His children. That’s our royal position— crown and all!

REFLECTION:

What is one thing you feel God calling you to do, and you need the courage to take that step of faith?

How can the key verse from Joshua 1:9 inspire you through the struggles you are facing?

PRAYER:

Lord, Thank you for calling me to a royal position as your child. Most days I don’t feel like I should be wearing a crown or robe. I doubt my abilities to do what you’ve asked me to do. Yet I know from your Word that I am chosen by you. (1 Peter 2:9) What an awesome promise! Forgive me, Lord. Guide me and give me courage “for such a time as this.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

KRISTINE BROWN is a communicator at heart, a nurturer by God’s design, and a life-long learner and teacher. You’ll find devotions and resources to help you “become more than yourself with God’s Word” at her website, kristinebrown.net.

KRISTINE BROWN

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Cut out Scripture cards and tuck in your Bible or display around your home or office; or write an encouragement on the back and share with a friend.

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37. Give flowers to someone 38. Commit one Psalms to memory 39. Help a friend with a project 40. Quit something

41. Write kind notes & leave them everywhere

42. Take a photo everyday 43. Visit some place historic 44. Have a water balloon fight 45. Go see a waterfall

46. Visit an art gallery 47. Conquer a fear

48. Build a summer playlist 49. Pursue a new hobby

50. Reconnect with an old friend 51. Write a letter to your spouse 52. Print a fav picture poster size 53. Do something outside of your

comfort zone

54. Do a random act of kindness 55. Set up a bird feeder

56. Visit a state for the first time 57. Go on a boat ride

58. Take dinner to a new neighbor 59. Host a themed get-together 60. Organize a scavenger hunt 61. Take a virtual tour

62. Go zip-lining

63. Listen to a new podcast 64. Walk on the beach 65. Make new memories 66. Go kayaking

67. Break a bad habit 68. Lend a neighbor a hand 69. Shake up your routine 70. Make homemade ice cream 71. Visit a botanical garden 1. Make homemade popsicles

2. Run through the sprinklers 3. Go to an outdoor concert 4. Visit a farmers market 5. Write letters to a pen pal 6. Paint rocks

7. Explore a nature trail 8. Visit a state park 9. Try a new recipe 10. Catch fireflies 11. Eat watermelon 12. Watch the sunset 13. Tie-dye a t-shirt 14. Go berry picking

15. Have a backyard campout 16. Go tubing down a river 17. Picnic at a park

18. Have a family game night 19. Volunteer for a day 20. Research your genealogy 21. Host a lunch with friends 22. Spend a day at the lake 23. Enjoy your town like a tourist 24. Grow some flowers

25. Make a sand castle 26. Learn something new 27. Visit a friend

28. Read a book in a hammock 29. Watch fireworks

30. Bake a pie for someone 31. Go stargazing

32. Enjoy a rainy day with a book 33. Declutter your space

34. Make something with your hands

35. Do a digital detox

36. Take one step toward a dream

72. Take a class

73. Go to a baseball game

74. Celebrate someone just because 75. Give a young mother an

after-noon off

76. Wash your car in the driveway 77. Fly a kite

78. Visit a water park 79. Write a poem

80. Invite neighbors to walk with you

81. Take a spontaneous drive 82. Try a new restaurant 83. Volunteer at church 84. Visit a family member 85. Have a meal outside

86. Clean out your closet & donate unused clothing

87. Go to a local festival

88. Plant a tree to honor someone 89. Thank someone everyday 90. Host a craft party

91. Visit a pick-your-own farm 92. Repaint your front door

93. Gift a friend a copy of Sweet To the Soul FAITH

94. Visit an historical marker in your town

95. Cook a pizza on the grill 96. Take a trip to the zoo 97. Get to know your neighbor 98. Visit a state or national

monument

99. Make a donation to a shelter 100.Learn something new about

each family member

101.Find joy in everyday moments

Summer 101

101 T

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JANA KENNEDY SPICER

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O ri g in a l A rt w o rk b y : Ja n a K e n n e d y S p ic e r

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This is not the childhood I wanted for you.

Those words pierced my heart as I watched my youngest son walking up the beach toward me. He was carrying his dad’s surfboard, his right arm just able to reach under and hold the board to his side. A newly minted teenager, he was long and lanky against the bleached sand.

I’d always imagined his dad here for moments like this, teaching him how to surf, how to throw a cast net, or how to catch a shark from the pier. But eight years before, my husband had passed away

suddenly. I’d gone to bed happily married and woken a widow and single mom to seven kids. My children and I lost so much with their dad’s death and we were all navigating deep grief. Yet amid the great loss there were also great gifts. One of those gifts was the legacy my husband left. Before he died, I hadn’t given much thought to legacy. It was an end-of-life issue, something to consider in our golden years. I mean, yes, we wanted to leave a legacy but in the busy days of raising kids, managing a home, juggling jobs and bills, legacy wasn’t on the top of our minds.

Your Ordinary Extraordinary Legacy

LISA APPELO

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Until Dan died. His death brought razor clarity to many issues and one of those was the kind of legacy we leave. In the months that followed, I came to see three things about our legacy.

1. EVERYONELEAVESALEGACY.

We often associate a legacy with charitable gifts or philanthropic bequests left by those of promi-nence. It’s a name that lives on after the person has died because they donated money for a schol-arship or new building for the school. Or we associ-ate legacy with those who’ve had a storied career whether it’s in missions or the medicine.

But legacy isn’t reserved for the rich and famous. We all leave a legacy.

It’s not a question of

whether we’ll leave a legacy;

the question is

what kind of legacy

we’ll leave.

So that begs the questions: How is my legacy shaped and is this something I should be thinking about now? Yes, but also no. Because the way we create a legacy may surprise you.

2. LEGACYISSHAPEDINORDINARYMOMENTS.

I always assumed a legacy was made by impressive events in life. That it came from epic family vaca-tions and picture-perfect holidays together. Dan’s death showed me our legacy isn’t shaped in the extravagant highs of life but in the in and day-out ordinary moments.

A legacy is chiseled in dinners around the table

amid the casseroles and sweet tea, squabbling and correction, stories and laughter that knit a family together night after night. Legacy is shaped in the drives to and from practice, in Saturday yard work together and on Sundays in the church pew. Legacy is forged in the daily ways you love, in steady loyal-ty through all seasons, in the ways you listen and uplift and show up for others.

That means legacy, while not something that bubbles to the top of our daily to-do list, should be revealed in our priorities, our time and our choices. Those daily choices add up to a lifetime. And that leads to the last thing I’ve learned about legacy.

3. LEGACYISTHEFINALGIFTYOUGIVEYOUR LOVEDONES.

Proverbs 13:22 (NIV) says, “A good person leaves

an inheritance to his children’s children.” But our

inheritance isn’t limited to money or a great-grandmother’s brooch. The love we show and the character shown as we trust God are gifts that will continue to bless our loved ones when God takes us home.

Dan wasn’t perfect, but he loved well and he had deep faith; both have anchored us as we miss him. As my children have grown, I can see his character continues to shape their decisions as they’ve chosen careers, gotten married and started their own families. The legacy of a life well lived – no matter how short or how long – is a gift that will continue to inspire and fill your loved ones long after God takes you home.

Annie Dillard said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” It is the spending of this ordinary day and the next that shapes the legacy we leave.

LISA APPELO is a speaker and writer who inspires women to cultivate faith in life’s storms. Nine years ago, Lisa be-came a sudden widow and single mom to 7. She’s passionate about rich Bible study and has taught a weekly ladies Bible class for many years. Grab your free copy of Flourish in Life’s Unexpected at LisaAppelo.com.

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for relaxing and taking things slow. With school schedules mostly wrapped up, many families, including my own, relish the opportunity to spend more time together.

One of my happy places (regardless of the season) is the kitchen, and it has been for most of my life. Four special women (my mom, mother-in-law and both grandmothers) influenced me and taught me well. A favorite part of my time there is to cook with my five-year old granddaughter, Neely. She started helping when she was two and her first lesson was stirring a bowl of pancake batter. Then it was on to bigger and better things like cracking eggs and measuring dry ingredients and liquids.

If she knows I’m cooking she makes a beeline for the kitchen and always asks, “Can I help?” Then she moves her stool to the counter, washes her hands and gets ready for the tasks ahead. She’s got a pretty good attention span for sticking with the meal preparation and it doesn’t hurt to have a tasty reward waiting at the end.

I don’t know if she will make cooking a lifelong favorite, but for now she loves helping, and it is a sweet time of fellowship for both of us. I am grateful for the special moments, the lessons learned, and our time together as we equip the next generation. I pray one day she looks back on these moments as priceless memories and time well spent. I know I do.

Here are four tasty summer recipes to prepare for friends and family. They don’t require a lot of ingredients or time and, more importantly, they are Neely approved.

is the best season

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P h o to b y T e rr i H il l

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DIRECTIONS:

1. Pour chicken into a medium size mixing bowl and break apart with a fork.

2. Stir avocado mayonnaise into chicken. (start with ⅓ cup and add more for desired consistency)

3. Add salt and pepper to taste. 4. Stir in celery and grapes thoroughly. 5. Chill for an hour.

6. Toast bread slices and then spread ½ to ⅔ cup chicken salad onto bread.

7. Add lettuce and tomato slices if desired.

8. Serve with pickle spears, olives, fruit or chips.

Chicken Salad

INGREDIENTS:

□

1 - 12.5 ounces canned chicken or 2 cups chopped cooked chicken

□

⅓ to ½ cup avocado mayonnaise

□

1 to 2 stalks of celery, chopped

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⅔ cup red grapes, sliced

□

Salt and pepper to taste

*Optional: Seasoning salt; can use rotis-serie chicken.

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

This is a new variation compliments of my cousin, Tonya Norris. She’s a wonderful cook who never hesitates to share with me. The avocado mayonnaise provides a healthy option. I use Na-ture’s Own Perfectly Crafted bread for this sandwich.

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When I began incorporating Bible Journaling

into my Bible Study time,

I was intimidated by all the pics of other people’s beautiful journaling. I've always been a doodler and a letterer but a lot of journaling styles didn't really represent a doodling or lettering approach. They looked more like scrap-booking. They were beautiful, but just not me. So I hesitated and didn't begin Bible Journaling because I didn't think what I could see in my heart would "look right".

But before we talk about that myth (and others), let me ask you a question.

Why? Why do you (want to) Bible Journal? Beyond the, "it looks pretty" and "everyone's doing it" there are much deeper heart reasons.

SPENDTIMEWITH GOD - yes, this really is the first

and most important reason. When we open our Bible, we open the door for God to meet with us. Invite Him in and He speaks to us.

MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE - whether this is a why or a

by-product, I find that focusing on a single scripture for this concentrated period of time is a great way to remember the scripture verse.

REFLECTON SCRIPTURE - spending time focused on

a single scripture and in conversation with God is a great way to really plant God's Word in our hearts.

SLOW DOWN- in our crazy fast paced world, Bible Journaling is a great way to slow down and re-charge.

FEEDYOUR SOUL - As God's children we need to

stay close to Him so our soul can be nourished. Ex-ercising my creative muscles and spending time with God is a double blessing for me.

CALMANXIETY - there is something so calming

about using the right side of the brain. Scientific? Oh, I don't know. Whether that's the reason, or it's spending time with God, I know my stress just melts away when I'm Journaling in my Bible.

So what is your why?

When I talk about Bible Journaling, I hear a variety of responses, but typically one (or more) of four myths that most believe to be true.

1. I don't have a special Journaling Bible

2. I can't draw, I'm not an artist, or I'm not creative 3. I don't have the right tools or supplies

4. I can’t write in my Bible

Do any of these sound familiar? Have you said one or heard a friend voice one of these reasons. Let's

MYTH-BUSTING

Bible Art Journaling

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SUMMER 2021 | SWEET TO THE SOUL FAITH 107 take a look at each one and see if I can convince

your otherwise.

Myth #1 - Must have a Journaling Bible

This myth I totally bought into. Even though I would draw and doodle just about everywhere, I thought I had to have an official "journaling" Bible. And, let's face it, they can be expensive.

There are plenty of other resources to use as you begin your Bible Journaling adventure.

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Blank journals & sketch books

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art papers & note cards

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a regular Bible or vintage Hymnal

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anywhere you can write or draw!

Remember your "why". Why are you journaling scripture? All of the why's still apply no matter the Bible or resource being utilized.

Myth #2 - Must be artistic or crafty

First of all, no you don't. Why? Because Bible jour-naling isn't about you or your talent. Remember your "why" - this time spent in the Bible is all about spending time with God. And He loves to spend time with you - just the way you are. Besides, God cares more about your heart than

your art.

But if you're looking for a little inspiration, here are a couple of my favorite journalers:

 Karla Dornacher of Karla Dornacher Designs

 Tracy Pounds of Miss Tracy Creates

I'd also like to invite you over to our Sweet To The Soul Shoppe on etsy, where we have down-loadable Soul Inspired Bible Jour-naling Templates / Color Your Own Bookmarks.

Myth #3 - Must have a lot of

Supplies

This is my fav myth to bust, because I really believed it! I saw all the beautiful pages by others and felt so intimidated. Surely I had enough supplies in my 'more than I will ever use' craft

supply collection. And I did!

Turns out, my go-to must haves are: 1) a #2 pencil, 2) eraser and 3) a thin black marker (love Sharpie Pens!). That's it! I also love to use 4) colored pen-cils, 5) watercolors, and 6) gelatos.

Yes, there are a lot of supplies you can use, I encourage you to find what fits your personal style and preference.

Myth #4 - I can’t write / color in my Bible

I struggled with this one at first also. All I can tell you is to do what makes you comfortable. Several ladies in my home journaling group began with just using blank journals. They brought their Bibles to our classes to use for the study portion, then wrote their notes and added their art to their blank journals.

Some eventually moved on to journaling Bibles which included open space in the page margins specifically for writing and note taking.

I use a Bible like that. But I do color all over the pages. The Bibles I use for journaling are specifically for journaling. It’s not my Bible which I read from.

My journaling Bibles have become so special to me. I’ve seen others which look like a scrapbook when they are full. Mine doesn’t look like that, but it really is a scrapbook of sorts. Flip ping through the pages is one of my favorite things to do. As I look at the colored pages and read the hand written notes, each page kindles my memory of that time spent with God and what he taught me through his word. Those pages may just look like a coloring book to others, but to me, they hold very precious memories of time spend with my Heavenly Father. Are you ready to move past the myths and let your soul be inspired? That's great!

So now you might be asking where do I start? What

GOD CARES

more about

your heart

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Template Transfer Technique

This ribbon design featuring Proverbs 31:26 is one of my fav pages in my journaling Bible. It is a reminder to me that both of these characteristics—strength and dignity– can co-exist in the inspiring woman.

If you would like to add this artwork to your journal or Bible, it is really very easy. You will need 1) pencil 2) graphite or carbon paper 3) washi tape.

Simply place the graphite paper between your journal page and the design to the right. Temporarily tape the pages in place with a couple of pieces of washi tape to help keep the pages aligned. Then trace over all the lines of the art-work.

If the template is too large for your journal or Bible, simply make a photocopy reducing the size as needed.

do I journal?

If you are already using a Bible Study or a Scripture Reading List, that’s a great place to start. Select a scripture from either of those sources and add your learnings, observations or prayers to your journal or Bible.

Have you read an inspirational devo or blog post lately? Add notes and artwork to your journal or Bible, related to what you learned about God. I also love to journal sermon notes. The notes I take during church get messy (I love taking notes!). So Sunday afternoons are a great time to continue in God’s Word adding the teachings from our pastor. Here in our Inspire Journal, we’ve added several resources which can be used for Bible Journaling. 1. The Scripture art on the next page of Proverbs

31:26 can be cut out and colored, then insert-ed into your journal or Bible as a “tip-in”. After you have finished coloring or painting the page, cut it out and use washi tape to attach the artwork in your journal or Bible.

2. Flip the page and you will find three colorable bookmarks or journaling templates. You can use these a couple of different ways. Color the designs, cut out and use as a bookmark or tip-in. Or transfer or trace the artwork directly into your journal or Bible, then paint or color. I hope this has encouraged you to spend some creative time studying your Bible and worshiping our Lord and creator using creative arts.

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God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay the price for our sins and bring us into a relationship with Him. (John 3:16) Through Christ, we can know the promise of eternal life and experience the joy of knowing God here on earth!

If you would like to have a relationship with God, the Bible tells us that the first step is acknowledging that we have sinned and that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s love (Romans 3:23-26). Next, we believe and confess that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9) and allow Him to guide our lives.

Where we once wanted to control our own future, we now invite Jesus into our hearts to be Lord over our lives.

Knowing God’s peace, perspective and purpose for your life begins with a personal relationship with Jesus.

Would you like to accept Jesus as Lord of your life? You can pray the following prayer:

Lord, I confess that I have sinned against You and ask You to forgive me. I’m sorry that my sin has hurt You and other people in my life. I acknowledge that I could never earn salvation by my good works, but I come to You and trust in what Jesus did for me on the cross.

I believe that You love me and that Jesus died and rose again so that I can be forgiven and come to know You. I ask You to come into my heart and be Lord of my life. I trust You with everything, and I thank You for loving me so much that I can know You here on earth and spend the rest of eternity with You in heaven.

In Jesus name, Amen

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O ri g in a l A rt w o rk b y : Ja n a K e n n e d y S p ic e r

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SweetToTheSoulFAITH.com SweetToTheSoul.com SweetToTheSoulShoppe.com

SCRIPTURE READING PLANS: Each month consists of a topic-driven reading plan, complete with 31 Scriptures to use in your Bible study and quiet time. The verses serve as a guide to dive deep into God’s Word as you focus on small portions. Blank Scripture Journal pages are also available for download.

BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES: Soul Inspired Bible Study is about spending time in the scripture with God and allowing the Holy Spirit to give us understanding. These Bible Studies cover a variety of topics and offer resources in multiple formats including journals, devotionals and more.

INSPIRED INBOX: These free Soul Inspired Bible Studies are delivered directly to your inbox. Choose from several topics. Just sign up, check your email box, then download and print all your study materials. Study alone at your own pace or invite friends to join you and study the Bible together.

SOUL INSPIRED BIBLE JOURNALING RESOURCES: are designed to inspire your soul and encourage you to use your creativity during your Bible Study time. Our journaling resources include Bible Journaling Kits, printable templates / colorable bookmarks, coloring pages, scripture cards and more!

COLORING BOOKS: Coloring is a wonderful way to relax and destress. Our coloring books include inspirational Scripture and encouraging quotes through beautifully hand-drawn artwork. Be inspired as you spend time reflecting on scripture as well as enjoying the calming and refreshing benefits of coloring.

SWEET TO THE SOUL SHOPPE: Our on-line shoppe is where you will find all of our Bible Journaling and creative resources. Many resources are printable instant digital downloads. We also have several sets of scripture cards and blank encouragement cards.

Visit sweettothesoulshoppe.com to see our full line of products.

Our Bible Studies and Journals are available for purchase via Amazon. Visit sweettothesoul.com for direct links to each of our books or journals.