One Of The Best Things I Did Last Year

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I DID

Setting goals (and keeping them) can be hard. But they can also be such a blessing when you follow through (how ever imperfectly) and see real results that make a difference, big or small, in your life and the lives of those you love.

The beginning of a new year, let alone a new decade, is a natural time to take stock of where you’re at, where you’ve been, and where you want to go.

And whether you make resolutions, set goals, or just take small, daily steps in the right direction, one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your relationship with God and others, is to spend regular time each day in Scripture. There’s truly nothing like it, and it sets the tone and foundation for everything else.

Last year, I made a commitment to read the Bible every day from beginning to end. It wasn’t the first time I had done this, but it was the first time I did it in chronological order. Every time it truly gets sweeter, and I see so much more than I did before. And I always tear up in the last few chapters, imagining what it will be like to see Jesus face to face.

So, at the top of my list for this year is starting the Bible over again. And I would love for you to join me!

FREE PRINTABLE BIBLE READING PLAN

I put together this handy printable for us: THE 1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN. You don’t have to have a “special” Bible to do this – just click on the photo above or head to my FREE PRINTABLES page, download and print off the double sided sheet, fold it in half, and slip it in your Bible where you’ll always be able to see where you’re at. You can check off the box for each day or highlight the reference to mark your progress. And don’t stress if you miss a day or three – just pick up where you left off and keep going! Faithfulness is the goal. Not perfection.

For more on getting the most out of your time in the Word, this is a great, practical list my husband put together on INCREASING YOUR VIEW OF SCRIPTURE – it’s so helpful.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

psalm 90:12

Retreats + Conferences

Old + New Adventures

TRAVEL + ADVENTURES

Long ago, when I was a single girl, instead of a wife and mom, I went on a mission trip to the jungles of the Amazon.

Looking back now, I can see that it was a series of miracles that took me there –and brought me safely home again. Including the fact that after paying for my plane ticket and living expenses for two months, I set off on my journey with only a small backpack and $20 in my pocket. And by the time I found a hammock and mosquito net (jungle necessities) in the local market, I’m pretty sure my remaining financial reserves were in the single digits. And you know what? It was an amazing trip. New and exciting (sometimes scary) experiences. All memories I’ll never forget. And friends made for a lifetime.

I’m definitely in a different season of life now and even though the longest excursions our family of six usually makes is a relatively quick drive to the beach or up to the nearby mountains, I still get excited at the thought of planning a trip. And seeing how far our dollars can stretch –just like I did during my Amazonian adventure.

Amazon Sky

I also love hearing about friend’s travels (and dreaming of one day following in their footsteps). My friend Stephanie and her family have actually made “adventuring” their normal way of life – even homeschooling their five kiddos as they travel around the world.

And I love that they’ve finally put together a special bundle of all their best tips and tricks, along with other seasoned experts, so we can all benefit from their amazing experiences (and make some of our own!).

Inside the Smart Travel Super Bundle you’ll learn how to:

Plan family travel on a budget – without losing your mind
Get amazing deals on flights (and understand how travel hacking works)
Travel safely and confidently, even as a solo female (I could have used this years ago!)
Make a DIY herbal first aid travel kit
Pack all the right gear, clothes, and food for safe, fun backpacking or camping
Make long term travel a reality
And so much more!

With 13 eBooks, 10 eCourses, 5 printable packs, and 2 workbooks, you’ll find the inspiration to get behind the wheel of an RV, book your next flight, or take off on your next backpacking adventure.

BONUS POSTCARDS + PRINTS

The Smart Travel Super Bundle also includes these fun new printable postcards of mine, along with a bonus offer for all five full size art prints in the Adventure Collection! The postcards are perfect for travel journals, scrapbooks, or mailing to a friend while you’re on the road.

ANOTHER GIFT FOR YOU +

When you redeem your other bonus offers from me, I’d also love to give you this printable (8×10) design as a sweet reminder of Whose earth this is. All you have to do is claim one or both Hope Ink bonuses, and this one will be sent to you as well!

The catch is that the BUNDLE + BONUSES are only available until midnight Friday (July 19th), so make sure to check it out right away.

With over $1,280 worth of material, in addition to more than $60 of Hope Ink Bonuses, this Travel Bundle really is a smart buy at $47. Even if you just use three or four of the thirty resources, you’ll still be getting more than your money’s worth. And all while preparing for your next big excursion or fun weekend adventure. I’d love to hear where you go next!

GET YOUR SMART TRAVEL SUPER BUNDLE >

I’m so grateful for all the varied seasons of life, and for the One who is our faithful Guide each step of the way.

For this God is our God for ever and ever;
He will be our guide even to the end.
Psalm 48:14

The Power Of Prayer

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Earlier this week, I got to spend some time with friends for a little summer book club. We shared our favorite takeaways from Spurgeon’s gem: The Power of Prayer in a Believer’s Life (which I highly recommend, by the way). I’m only about two thirds of the way through, but there’s been so much that has really stuck with me. Spurgeon has a way of painting such vivid word pictures.

Well, as we were finishing up our book discussion and starting to share prayer requests, my eyes, which had been slightly bothering me all morning, suddenly began to hurt so painfully that I couldn’t keep them open. My dear sisters in the Lord immediately gathered around me, praying for relief and healing. In spite of my intense discomfort, it was a sweet, living example of what we had just been talking about: the privilege of being able to pray for each other, that we can truly bring every concern, big or small to our loving Father.

Gratefully, my eyes are much better, after being forced to rest them all day yesterday –and, without a doubt, because of the power of prayer, as we brought our requests to His throne of grace!

So, today I remembered this quote on prayer (from our friend Spurgeon!) that I had lettered a few years ago for a group of ministry leaders at our church, and I thought it was the perfect piece to share with you all.

You can download the free printable by clicking on the photo above or find it newly added to the FREE PRINTABLES PAGE.

Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saint. It is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honour of a Christian. –Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Isn’t that so good? An always needed reminder of where our comfort and strength come from.

Hope Ink Bonuses Ultimate Homemaking Bundle 2019

And here’s another reminder: don’t forget, if you purchased the 2019 Ultimate Homemaking Bundle, this Thursday (June 6th), is the very last day to redeem your bonus offers, including all THREE BONUSES from Hope Ink: the exclusive printables, shop credit, and extra art prints. Make sure you don’t miss out on these treasures!

Finally, if you want to get your hands on the 2019 HERBS & ESSENTIAL OILS SUPER BUNDLE, it’s available – but only for the next six days until Monday, June 10th. Also, the Early Bird Bonus ends tonight, so today’s a really good day to snag it!

So, have you read any good books lately – or are you in the middle of one? I’d love to hear!

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