The Written Word

I really don't know how to classify this post.  It's not a devotional, bible study, ladies meeting idea or Sunday school lesson. Perhaps it could be classified as a sales pitch or classified ad which is not the context of this blog (and one of which I am not getting paid for), but whatever it is, it is worth a post.

I was recently at my niece's home and noticed some "sayings" on her walls.  No frames, just words.  I had asked if she had painted them.  She told me they were vinyl decals that just stick to the wall.  Of course, I had seen some of these types of things at different stores but had never really put much stock or thought in them.  You know just another form of wall art, but then I got to thinking and remembering when my pastor preached about displaying the word of God in our homes, reminding us that the bible says...

"Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart
and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand,
that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

And ye shall teach them your children,
speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down,
and when thou risest up.

And thou shall write them upon the door posts of thine house,
and upon thy gates." 
Deut. 11:18-20

This passage basically says that the Word of God should be in front of us and on our minds and hearts always, at all times and in all places, especially those places we dwell. 

My pastor suggested that there are lots of framed art prints and other things with bible verses out there that we could buy, and encouraged us to display "The Word" in our homes to remind us and those who visit that we live by the word of God.  I thought it was a great idea but have not found anything I liked or that would go with my decor; well, that is until now. After I saw the "sayings" at my nieces place I was sure that these vinyl wall thingies must come in scripture form, and sure enough they do.

I have found several sources for these vinyl scripture decals.  They have some at places like Hobby Lobby but online is where you'll find just about any scripture you would like already premade and if you don't find the scripture you want, you can have one custom made in the font, color and size you desire.  The best part is they are less expensive than most other forms of wall art and they are easier to hang than most pictures.  Besides, they don't leave holes in the walls that need repaired later and they make such a huge impact.

 

I recently purchased one from Hobby Lobby and have it boldly situated over the archway leading to my living room.  I absolutely love it!  It is a decent size (12" x 26") and was only $19.95.  Plus, if you sign up to receive Hobby Lobby's email newsletters, you can receive printable coupons for 40% off (of course you will want to do this before heading off to Hobby Lobby!!).  I forgot to use my coupon (wouldn't you know it) but with the coupon I would have only paid $11.97.   Now, if you want to know what scripture I chose you will just have to come over for a visit!   Just kidding, HA...mine is pictured below...but you are still invited over for a visit...REALLY!!

Sorry for the poor quality of my picture.  I am no photographer for sure, but I think you get the gist.

Today I am listing a few of the online sources I found for you to enjoy.  I'm sure you will find something you like!

http://www.wallpraise.com/christianartshop.html
http://www.enchantingquotes.com/
Christian Book Distributors

These vinyl scripture decals would be great in any room of the house or, if you are a Sunday school teacher like me, you could use them in your classroom as well.  They are fun, modern and classy.  Not to mention, the written word is very powerful and would make a tasteful addition to any decor. 

I hope you find something you like and that you choose to display proudly the word of God in your home or any place else.  

Bargain Hunting Day Trip

I absolutely love this type of get together.  Every woman loves to shop, right?  So, why not plan a ladies day out shopping trip. 

This is easy to coordinate.  Simply...

1. Set a date
2. Plan an itinerary of your shopping locations; and,
3. Choose a destination for lunch. 

Nothing to it!  Load all the ladies up in the church van (of course, with the pastor's permission), fuel up and GO SHOPPING!!!

Suggestion #1:  Before heading out for your day of shopping, scour the internet and advertisments for coupons.  Places like Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Mace's, JcPenney and others sometimes offer coupons online for things like 40% off items, $10 off if you spend a certain amount and other great bargains.  Gather enough coupons for everyone to save some money.

Suggestion #2:   With shopping budgets as tight as they are these days, why not make your shopping day out a THRIFTING day out.  Thrift stores, "resale" shops and high end flea markets are popping up everywhere these days.  It's big business.  You can still have a great shopping experience and save money too. 

Simply plan your itinerary to take you to all the thrift stores in your surrounding area.  This is sure to be a big hit with the ladies.

Love is...

Do you remember (or should I say are you old enough to remember), the cute little "Love is..." characters that were so collectible several years back?  Sure you do!  I remember them from my childhood.  I think every lady had a cabinet or shelf full of the little figurines.  They were so adorable!!!  Each one was encrycpted with a different thought provoking "Love is.." phrase.  Awww, how sweet!!!

Why, you might ask, am I thinking about these sweet little characters?...Well, it's February!!...You know, the month of LOVE.  Before you know it Valentine's Day will be here.  Cards, flowers and chocolates will be purchased and given to a many of "loved" ones in just a few short days.  It's such a wonderful time to reflect on those special relationships and people God has placed in our lives and to just simply let them know that you LOVE them.  I absolutely love Valentine's Day.  Don't you?

Recently, well actually over the past few months, the Monday night bible study group I attend at First Apostolic Church has been studying the subject of "Building Godly Relationships".  Our studies in the past couple of weeks have focused on biblical love...how fitting seeing as how the month of love has arrived, right? 

I must say I have learned some things about love that I personally need to work on.  Of course, I know love is more than just giving out some chocolates and saying "I love you" to a few special people, but to tell the truth, after studying the definition of love that the bible gives, I feel somewhat (a lot) shallow... True love goes way deeper than anything I can honestly say I have ever given. 

As the case manager of a law firm which practices domestic and family law, I can tell you that most people's definition of love is NOT love at all.   I have personally witnessed the rise of divorce in our country as it increases greatly each year simply because of a lack of true biblical love.  We live in an age of "throw away relationships".  The age of "when I get tired of you, you're gone", "you are disposable".

When the relationship is fresh the words "I love you" parade off their lips.  Passion and desire consume their every thought, but somewhere along the line their "love" for one another wanes.  Why is that?  It's because they have never truly loved that person.  Their relationship was based merely on lust or desire, not love.  You see, love is more than just some heartfelt, lustful emotion that is here today and gone tomorrow...

LOVE IS...

Oh yes, love is a lot of things, patient, kind; and oh, one more thing...love NEVER fails!! (1 Corin. 13:8).  There's no such thing as "throw away love" and, if you really dig into the definition of love as the bible explains it, you would be amazed to see just what love truly is and where your love stands in comparison to it.  Let me tell you, it's way more than flowers, chocolates and a few spoken words...it is the epitomy of God...for God is love (1 John 4:8 & 4:16), and we are commanded to love one another with a pure heart fervently (1 Peter 1:22), which is a VERY tall order but so very rewarding.  Love is power to those who embrace it.   

There is more to love than I could possibly share in this or a million more blog posts but I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed studying this subject in bible study class.  What's better is that I am starting to see wonderful changes in my life and my home as a result of those studies.  If you would like to know more about what LOVE IS and how to attain the agape love that the Bible so defines, please contact me.  Our bible studies are recorded and I can get CD's (free of charge) for you to listen to in your spare time in the privacy of your home or car.  These lessons would be a great benefit to any individual who listens to and applies them in their life. You can also listen to future bible study sessions online every Monday evening beginning at 7:30 p.m. central standard time.  Go to:  http://www.theoriginalfaith.com/live.html