Blessings Or Lessons - 1

Since completing the 100 Days to Dream Your Heart Out devotional journal, I've sort of been in a Bible Journaling slump. I've done some, but have struggled with the process and had less that positive outcomes, too. I decided to try a different approach to see if I can get over this dry spell.

First, I decided to start in a different Bible. I've been using the Inspire Bible exclusively since I first started Bible Journaling. I've purchased a few other Journaling Bibles but have hesitated to switch. Now is the time.

Second, I decided to do the devotional included in one of several Illustrating Faith Bible Journaling kits that I own. I've used the kit supplies from time to time, but I've never done any of the devotionals. 

The Blessing or Lessons kit devotional has 14 lessons. I'm not going to attempt to do them daily like I did the 100 Days devotionals, but I will do the lessons in numerical order.

So far, I'm not impressed - with the process, nor my page - but I hope that will change as I get into it. In any case, I plan to persevere. As the saying goes, I'd give up chocolate, but I'm not a quitter. But I digress.

Lesson 1

Human Connections

Matthew 22:37-39

The Scripture from lesson one is one of my favorites from the Bible because it teaches about the importance of loving God (it is the "first commandment, according to Jesus' words) and loving others. It also speaks of loving self, not in a selfish, I'm #1 type of way, but a healthy regard for oneself. This is important, since the second, equally important commandment is to love others as we love ourselves. 

Jesus replied, 

"You must love the Lord your God 

with all your heart, 

all your soul, and all your mind. 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

A second is equally important: 

Love your neighbor as yourself." 

Matthew 22:37-39

The devotional writer mainly speaks about the way technology hinders relationships. She suggests we look at our iPhone screens too much, instead of looking at the faces of those around us. She poses the question: How many experiences do we miss because we are disconnecting from human interaction?

I am not a social butterfly, but I am one who thrives best in the midst of relationships. People are important to me. Connecting with others regularly invigorates me

I have many - MANY - friends whom I have never met. We invest in each others' lives. We pray for each other; laugh with each other; rejoice when good things happen and cry on each others' shoulders. These friends are no less important (nor less of a friend) simply because I see them on my iPhone screen rather than in person.

The writer goes on to say: I know that for myself, having human connections, relationships, and experiences is what life is all about. I totally agree. My friends (both the ones here near where I live and the ones I connect with virtually) sure enhance my life.

I am thankful for each of you, my friends!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Supplies Used in addition to the Illustrated Faith Blessings or Lessons Bible Journaling Kit...

Creative Devotions and Illustrated Faith stamp sets, stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Recollections Ivory CS

Washi Tape from an unknown vendor