BVOTD: God is Our Refuge & Strength…..

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

⁷ The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

⁸ Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

¹¹ The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

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BVOTD

Launched…now what?

Greetings…

So the website has been launched. I’ve fast forward my business journey to whats going on now. However I will get back to the closed doors and dont-call-us-we’ll-call-you stories. Since before starting this Blog the plans were on paper to start a website. As usual I did my research asked my website guru friends whats the best route for a Designer who is not a Programmer or knows a lot about website design. Nagged a lot of people too. But my aim was to do it myself, even if I had to read every info there is on the web – the cliff note version of course.

So I did my sketches – looked at various sites – looked at whats being offered and how it’s done. So I was prepared, I felt. However between January and now the bulk of the work was done within the last few weeks. It’s like I was starting over I had to research all my research!!! I had a vision in my head and I thought ‘O well it can be done easily’ but that was not the case especially when you are not familiar with the coding language – and that was my draw back. Good thing my host company is a friend of mine – I nagged him about everything! (Thanks George)

However whenever I felt like I was in over my head, and had to change my deadline – I remember I was not on this journey for myself – but for others – and I had a driving force keeping me sane and reassuring me. Not to mention the contributors who I spoke to were very excited about this and were another source of encouragement. My husband who put up with me being persnickety – but he should understand he’s like that sometimes. We’re Designers we can’t help our selves.

But like any creative challenge I face – I learnt a lot and I hated the whole coding thing sometimes and then another time I was saying ‘what, that’s it? cool’ I’m looking forward to my next website challenge but just not right now I need to recuperate.

I hope you enjoy the site and come back to it often. What you see there is just the beginning my mind is already motoring away at various things to add – but I will write them down and take it a step at a time and allow God to lead me.

-Peace

BVOTD:

 

Breathe on me….

Breathe on me, breath of God,

Fill me with life anew,

That I may love what Thou dost love,

And do what Thou wouldst do.

WORDS: Edwin Hatch (1835-1889)

Sometimes, my words can’t quite express how I feel – but sometimes someone else’s words does it quite well!

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3rd DAY…

RISEN – messageboard®TEE Design

“The blood that Jesus shed for me…”

The blood that Jesus shed for me
Way back on Calvary
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power.

It reaches to the highest mountain
And it flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power.

It soothes my doubts and calms my fears
And it dries all my tears
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power.

It reaches to the highest mountain
And it flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power.

It reaches to the highest mountain
And it flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose
It will never lose
It will never lose its power

LYRICS BY: ANDRE CROUCH – SUNG BY: EVERYONE!

BVOTD:

I was reminded about this, while watching ‘THE BIBLE” on History Channel.

Trust & Perseverance

“As Christians, we too should look at mistakes from the past and learn from them.” Our Daily Bread March 14, 2013

When I read the devotional that quote shook my core as I sat pondering a ‘mistake’ I had made. The way I am and the way I look at things and the way things ought to be – I automatically assume that everyone knows how these things should be as well. Naive of me isn’t it? That’s like assuming everyone in the world knows that Jesus Christ is our Saviour. I tend to expect a lot out of people just like I expect it of myself . What usually happens is that I get severely disappointed with people – and it’s not all their fault either, I just expect what I would give. It has somewhat diminished my trust of the human race. So I have been looking at this, not trusting people is the wrong approach, I need to trust in God more and know that He will allow people to do things in their own way to achieve the greater good – and I am not to expect it to be done my way, but God’s way.

Ahh the lessons we learn in lent…..

PERSEVERANCE:- steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success

This is a word that has been coming to me over the past few days. I did a quick search on Biblegateway in the New King James Version and found 8 instances of the word. Then I did a search under New International Version and found 11 instances. The one that speaks to me is James 1:4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. So I read the whole passage, and its one that I’ve read before and created  two BVOTD from as well. No matter how many times you read it, it is still able to give a renewed sense of spiritual ‘being’. Perseverance is KEY to life and to life’s journey, and especially to our spiritual walk.

So as we put on the whole Armour of God let us remember  ”praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Ephesian 6:18

We will pray for each other as we persevere until our work is done!

- Peace

BVOTD:

O Lord, You are my God.

I will exalt You,

I will praise Your name,

For You have done wonderful things;

Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. 

Isaiah 25:1NKJV

I love verses like this, a subtle reminder for us to constantly worship & praise GOD, for every little thing no-matter-what.

Here’s to a BLESSED DAY filled with WONDERFUL things.

- Peace

BVOTD:

MY LENT

So the season of Lent is here – and for me it signifies a number of things. I was explaining to my daughter what Lent is by telling her about Jesus in the wilderness. Matthew 4:1-11. As usual I make it into a story, but I didn’t get to follow-up by reading it from the Bible. It wasn’t one of those “Mommy what is…” moment, I was working on a Church document, going through Lent and I just felt the need to tell her when she came into the office, but she was on a different mission, I think she was making Valentines Day card. Plus, I didn’t want to over explain it or even under explain the significance and get her confused (which sometimes happen even with the meaning of words. I’m still a learning Parent). I told myself I would wait until we were having family devotion – then I would read the whole passage and see if I can answer any questions that may arise. Will keep you posted.

It is a time to reflect on your life and prepare for the Easter Season. It is also seen as a time of great temptation. I don’t know how true this is – because I feel we all are tempted everyday from the moment we open our eyes and say “Thank you Lord for another day”. However for me I take it as a test of my faith, things will be hurled at me and I can either dodge them, hit back at them or if it hits me down get back up again. I can’t remember what significant thing happened to me during Lent in my teenage years. However as an adult, I have been fasting during Lent for a few years now – I have been trying to remember when I started but can’t, apparently it’s been that long or I need gingko biloba for my memory!! Since I started fasting during Lent – everything ‘seemed’ to be going wrong and in my initial stages – I would say why, why, why is this happening to me and over the years I have come to realise, firstly that I am not the only one, and secondly it’s just a test and if I hold on to what is true and trust in God whole heartedly, nothing should break me.

It took me awhile to write this let alone post it, because Ash Wednesday didn’t start off good. I woke up with a headache so severe I thought I was going to pass out. With my headaches I try to figure out the root cause – it wasn’t migraine I didn’t eat any cheese, so it was either the pillow or the fact that I was printing for two days(muscle) or stress. It was a combination of the last three. So with the head ache – the muscle ache – the stress ache I was thinking oh-o Lent is here but I cannot blame Lent for anything that may happened from hence forth. We all know where the ‘blame’ lies we just need to realise this, find what triggers it and make the necessary adjustments. Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but it can be done. Which is what I did for that particular day – and the day turned out beautifully.

I pray that we all have ‘beautiful’ days during this Lenten season and that we will attain a whole new resurgence in our Spirit, putting on the whole armour of God and ready to do his work!! I’m ready, just like I’ve been ready for 2013. Here we goooooo….Help me Lord …Help me Lord!!!(while doing jabs and bouncing from side to side)

Peace

BVOTD

BVOTD

I read this passage this morning as a part of my Devotion and I felt the need to share with you the whole passage as well. I am always going back to it every now and again because I am somewhat of a worrier – so this is one of my many reassurances from God, that I’ll be alright and I need not worry. So my message to you for today is God’s message  -  DO NOT WORRY! Matthew 6:25-34

-PEACE

BVOTD

HOW DO YOU STUDY THE BIBLE?

Index of Life Principles in my Bible

I would love to hear your answer. Since I’ve been trying to read more of my Bible I’ve started and stopped my ‘methods’ for want of a better word. My morning sessions consists of reading 1 of 2 devotionals, Charles Stanley’s Into His Presence that was given to us by my sister-in-law (with the most encouraging words) and online I use Our Daily Bread. I like the idea of everything being read to me. That’s why I also have an Audio Bible. Now whenever something is bothering me or I feel the need to be enlightened about a particular topic I use the Life Principles in my Bible – which has its own study guide. I was reading a passage in Kings and the stories were so riveting I just continued – I think I finished all of 1 Kings. The same thing happened when I was reading about Moses to my daughter I just got caught up in the ‘after-crossing-the-red-sea’ part and just read and read and read, long after she fell asleep.

Is that studying? Or was I just reading?

Whenever I go to a Spiritual Retreat I always have my notebook and I take notes. Whenever I listen to a  business seminar I take notes. So I thought to myself that’s whats missing from my personal study – I am not taking notes as I should. That way I can return to it again and again to refresh my memory and meditate on it. I love taking notes and writing lists – it not only helps me to remember, I’ll always have it, and I guess by doing that more and more I will KNOW it even more – devote time & attention!

I just don’t want to spew Bible verses at the drop of a hat. At this stage of my life I yearn for more. As a matter of fact, as God’s children no matter what age or stage we are we will never be too ‘old’ to have something revealed to us. I want to be able to share my personal experiences as it pertains to whatever passages I’ve read and how God used it to make a change in me or to see things differently.

Into his Presence – First edition I think

So whether I study chronologically, or topically, I will be taking notes I should even start taking notes in Church (I know that seems strange to some of my overseas friends but that’s hardly done here) that way I can remember exactly what the message was. I usually scribble in the back of my Bible something that stands out but I feel I need more if I am going to truly study my Bible whether it is my personal study or through fellowship.

So, How Do You Study The Bible?

PS. I want to be able to read the Bible in Hebrew one day.

BVOTD

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BVOTD

Bible Verse Of The Day:

Add this to your day

Mary Mary – “What a Friend we have in Jesus” – courtesy of  You Tube

Or maybe you like it Retro

Aretha Franklin Gospel Greats – “What a Friend we have in Jesus“ - courtesy of  You Tube

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!!!

Resolutions? contd

Resolution, Resolutions, Resolutions, like I said in my previous post I started mine from about September/November of 2012.

Going to Church more often is another one – however this resolution has not been as consistent as I would want it to be. I have made excuses after excuses, some are understandable (will tell you another time) but I know deep down in my heart I could circumvent these reasons. And the crazy thing is on the days I want to go to Church something happens and I can’t get to go!! Hmmmm the song “God’s trying to tell you something” comes to mind. I’ve learnt over the years that fellowship is vital in my growth as a Christian, not just for me but also for my child.

Get Healthy – yep also known as lose weight. I have changed my eating habits, somewhat, I have started an exercise regime, somewhat. I will get there because these things starts with the mind – once you get your mind there then your body/attitude will follow. However, I think everyone should recognize that the older a person gets, there will be some amount of weight gain that you may not necessarily lose! The main thing though is for health reasons, we all MUST keep ourselves healthy – we MUST take care of ‘God’s temple’ how else can we fulfill our duties and achieve/accomplish all that he has in store for us?

The list could go on and on and on, with things like Listen more talk less and Compliment not Complain. However in all this if God is not at the head of the table – then all will come to nought. Whatever it is we all need to accomplish let us put it to God first in prayer and he will surely see us through, so here’s to everyone’s ‘resolutions’ let’s review on Dec 31, 2013 – watch what God WILL do for all of us!!

The TEEshirt Lady

Starting My Business

As  a Graphic Designer I have always dreamed of starting my own business. I was so sure of this that while looking for a job several years ago – the employee asked

“Where do you see yourself in 5 years”

“Owning my own business” I answered, naively

That’s why I’m not working at that place today – because no boss wants a worker who is constantly thinking about starting their own business. Those 5 years came and went and I didn’t start my business I was working for others doing Graphic Design, but like any other Designer in the world that wasn’t my only source of income. I had my own clients all of whom were recommended to me whether through my Church work or even through some of the same people I worked with.

My husband and I were always encouraged to go on our own – I don’t know if we were afraid or we didn’t believe it but in my mind, we were waiting until the right time, (I think we were waiting because of fear). When I started printing T-shirts, I didn’t focus on the business side – {See back story here} I tried the market to see its response. The small circle of people who saw them were intrigued and I got some orders. However I quickly realised that printing to order was harder and more expensive than I thought. So for a few years I fine tuned the designs while creating new ones, researched printing techniques, joined forums and basically started learning the t-shirt business. During that time friends would ask for t-shirts and I would print  them and I got several custom orders done while working into the wee hours of the morning and still having to get ready to go to a 9-5 desk job. Each order I learnt something new – used a different approach and tried my best at getting better at screen printing while making some mistakes!

THE RIGHT TIME

The right time came when I got laid off from my 9-5 in 2009 – so here I thought, ok, I will finally launch my t-shirt business into over drive and get going with profitability. Well lets just say profitability is somewhere in the future. So all the research I did was still on the printing side of things which was the ‘fun’ part. I still had to learn how to handle the business side as in Financial Projection, Market Analysis and Business plan. Huh? What? I knew nothing about this I wasn’t even sure where to start. The only thing I was sure about was that messageboard® and messageboard®CREA†IONS would operate as a subsidiary of Vivid Concepts a Graphic Design business my husband and I operate.

So other than being a wife and a mother I now had to figure out how to be a business mogul! Well you know that creative people are governed by their right brain right? Good thing I still use my analytical, logical, left brain. As daunting as it felt at the time, I was looking forward to it. I thought, this could be fun too, learning about business from the inside out, looking at how others did it and what could go wrong, as well as just being able to go about things the right way, knowing that you set your goal/target and have charted a course to see it through.

So follow me through this, let’s see where the Lord leads me…..

From: The TEEshirt Lady