Spiritually Sleepy

Hello my lovelies, I'm sorry that I haven't posted any blogs recently.

I would like to quickly say I that I am going through a really tough time at the moment, I am struggling with depression and anxiety and horrible thoughts. But on the bright side I have God. Unfortunately I don't always think of the bright side.

Recently I have thought to myself;

-Do I really have to go to church?

-Do I really have to get out of bed?

-Why are these people being horrible to me?

-Why is God is putting me through this? 

-Is there any point? 

-Why am I so alone? 

And last night I attended a connect group (study group with some of the church) I really did not feel like going, I had horrible thoughts in my head which I could not stop. People always tell you to smile, it can't be that bad... well the truth is... it's worse. People who haven't been through your circumstances can never understand but the one person who can understand and listen you is Jesus. 

Last night I finally decided to attend the group but I was not even on the same planet as everyone there. I was in my own bubble of pain. I just wanted to break down, cry and lock myself away. I didn't want to attend but when deciding to go I packed my bag which consists of a journal, bible and 2 pens and a highlighter. Which is very organised for me.

During the night I was asked if I had 2 pens to lend to someone for an activity, so I said yes and willingly gave them to people. But when the message was being shared later that night I didn't have the confidence or words to ask for them back. So by me being prepared and bring 2 pens I still ended up with nothing. I couldn't write any notes during the message. I sat in my chair and just stared at my empty paged journal. 

And asked God how am I supposed to equip myself and be prepared by bringing several pens when you knew that I still would not be able to write anything. And I felt God saying, Jessica you were prepared in body but you are not prepared in spirit. You are being unfaithful by not trusting me and letting me provide you with the correct tools in which you need to study the message. I felt God saying talk to me when planning because I am the senior planner and your plans go through me. This made me quite frustrated but I turned my voice recorder on my iPhone and today I listened to the message a friend had shared and I felt little better because I prayed and prepared myself to absorb the word and just open myself up bit more.

My goal now to focus on daily is to be spiritually awake and to be faithful by trusting in what god has promised me and trust that he will prepare me for the journey ahead which I know is going to be worse than this. 

I urge to today to read the following scriptures and meditate them in your own bibles. Be awake. Don't be fast asleep in your own judgement. 

1 Peter 1:13  Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:14 For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 

Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Have a blessed week 

Be Well

Jessica Louise 

Founder & Head Writer of BFW

Scandinavian Christmas

Hey Guys, as many of you already know I've recently taken a trip to Sweden, Stockholm for Christmas with my other half Kieran. We had such an amazing time. And it was so lovely just spending time with him and planning our future together in our cosy little cottage (cabin).

We plan to spend every Christmas together from now on which is amazing. 
Next year we plan to visit Sweden again or maybe even Austria... which would be amazing. 

When we were in Sweden we did a bit of sightseeing for example we went into Stockholm and Skansen, the outdoor museum which had reindeers and quirky little cabin shops where we bough a beautiful red throw blanket for the future for our own home. We also walked around the lake at the farm we stayed on. 
Ive shared some photos from the trip on this blog so I hope you enjoy them. 
Roll on next year for the Swedish Christmas Markets! It was just truly beautiful and so scenic. 
Have a blessed new year! Love Jessica Louise Xoxo 

Standing Together / Steady Your Boat

As many of you know I have a great friend called Brittany Nicole and she is the founder of Stepping on dandelions. She is a young girl who dedicates her time to God and helping others by sharing her life experiences and journeys with her followers. And the other today she emailed me, which we do quite often, and it got me thinking and made me reevaluate my friendships because the bible says we are children of God. And personally I believe we all need to stand together in doing good on this planet. And it doesn't matter how far away your friends are (my friend Brittany is 4,119 miles away but I can honestly say she is one of my closest friends and she is full of faith and supports me on my journey) so when your talking to your friends just be Christlike and others with see that and want to be like you.

1 Thessalonians 5:11- Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

I love having friends who are fellow Christians because it's what we need it's good for our minds, and souls and spiritually it's great for our faith as it challenges us and explores our boundaries. We need to stand together in the storm and throughout our difficulties in life and keep our friends close by and just talk to your friends about experiences with the Lord and you will grow in confidence and faith. I know this is hard but it is so rewarding in the long term.

Recently I had a vision while worshiping and it simply was a boat with my church family inside, and we were all balancing the boat, working together to keep the boat, the vessel afloat and while the rocky shores and waves hit the boat we stayed afloat because of us joining and standing together. We worked as a team, as a family and when difficulties and darkness struck we were safe and when we reached the sandy beaches we danced in the sunlight, the light flowed from the people and surroundings because we steadied the boat and came through the other side, the boat represented the family of church and the waves and rocky shores represented the challenges but the sand represented a free place to worship the Lord, a free place of expression where know one is judged or mocked for what and who they believe in. 

And my church family is the church we don't need a building to worship and pray! We need each other and the support and help and guidance from each other, and praying and encouraging one another, well that's all their is, we all joined together for one cause for one creator for one author. Visions are a gift from God, if you ever experience an image or a word or a song or anything which God has given you, do not be afraid, express it , share it, speak about it, and do something about it. Gifts are not to taken granted for, we should be thankful and we should praise him every day for the gifts he has given and gifts he will give us in the future. 

Thank you for reading today's blog on standing together and I urge you to steady your boats because the waves and rocky shores are in the near distance, steady your boat and passengers, and the end result and the view will be spectacular and so worth the challenges. Gods light will flow from you and your surroundings. Stead your boat and get ready for brilliant but bumpy journey ahead.
Thank you & God Bless
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

Bored?

Bored?

Hey everyone this is a short blog on boredom… because today, I have come home from work and just lazed around the house and just recuperating but I felt bored. And I remember when I was at school everyone would say ‘This is boring’ or ‘I’m bored’ and it got me thinking why do people suffer from boredom? Seriously? Sometimes I think I’m bored and the next I think wait a second… I have so much going on in my mind and heart right now I’m not bored, I’m just having a lazy day, and yes sometimes we need a little rest but there is a difference between lazy and resting.

Make sure you know the difference. I know that I need rest and that it’s important to rest when I can because I am so busy doing God’s work all day and sometimes all night too. I love Gods work he has placed on my heart but sometimes I need a little reminder to keep determined and not be lazy and bored because being bored is an excuse to be lazy. I know it seems like a silly thing to think about but I found this scripture when reading earlier…

Ephesians 5: 2-2 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do… Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.

Also if you read Jeremiah 29:11 you will realise God has a plan for you and when you recognise your purpose in life you won’t be bored. What I have found is that when you follow Christ’s example you can’t be bored because when god is using you as his vessel to do his work and his good, you are being used to the best of your ability and you will never be bored.

Gods promises that if we love each other as long as we live we will not be spiritually dumb.  

You can read Gods promise in Hebrews 6:11-12.

Today I urge you all to imitate God in everything you do, live a life of love, and let God use you as his vessel to do his good work because if you do… You will be busy and fulfilling your purpose, otherwise you'll be being lazy and suffering from boredom. Remember if you are being lazy you will be bored. But if you don’t want to be bored, don’t be lazy.

Have a blessed week!

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

Jessica Adams Love Blog {Valentines Week -16th February}

Love Blogs {Valentines Week} – 16^th February

Well…This is it! The final love blog, written by myself Jessica Louise, founder and editor of The Bible for Women. This was originally a piece I wrote for a website based in California, Fruitful Spirit. This piece is about Love and how love conquers all. Also how love is the most important fruit of them all (in my opinion).

Let’s begin. I would like to talk about the fruits of the spirit. Specifically Love. Love conquers all. So let’s take some time to really think about the meaning of love. Especially with Valentine’s season here, I think it’s fitting to delve into this topic.

Here’s a little reminder of the scripture for the fruits of the spirit.

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galations 5:22-23

I personally think the most important and bold fruit is Love. Love is one of Gods characteristics. Love is God. I feel very strongly about this (I even have a cross equals love heart tattooed on my ankle).

 “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:8

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

– 1 Corinthians 13: 4-13

Go through 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 and replace love with God, this is a description of the Lord. We are told God is love. If you replace love with god and read it to yourself it paints an amazing picture of him.

When people think of love especially around Valentine’s Day, they think of red roses, heart shaped balloons, chocolates, and teddy bears. But the Bible doesn’t speak of these items, it speaks of actions, for example not bragging, not being rude, and being kind. It tells us of actions we do to show our love. Love is the golden rule. Love all. You never know who you will impact and influence if you show them Gods love.

Sometimes it’s difficult to show love, especially to people you may not ‘like’ but the way I see it, is that you don’t have to like everyone, but you do have to love everyone. I know personally that its hard showing everyone love, but depend on the Holy Spirit! Depend on the Holy Spirit and he will give you the power and strength to show the actions of love. Let it guide you!

After all you can’t show the fruit of the spirit without depending on the Holy Spirit! It is his fruit at the end of the day. Not ours. It’s the fruit….of the spirit!!!

So when everyone is rushing to shops this Valentine’s Day to purchase teddy bears and chocolates, why not try to show Gods love through your actions. Not by your purchased actions.

To end with I just want to pray for you, that you depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance when showing Gods love. Have an amazing week, and God bless you all. If you have any questions or comments you can reach me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk or follow us on Instagram @bibleblogwomen or @jessicalouiseadams.

Thank you for following the Love Blogs Series this year. And I really hope these truth blogs will influence you in making your life a love based life. Share love. Spread love. Be Love.

Love Jessica Louise

God Bless my lovelies! Xoxo

Jess Drown Love Blogs {Valentines week - 15th February}

Hello I hope you're all well and thank you for following the love blogs here's another segment from the series.
This girl is called Jess Drown and she has an amazing website ministering in song and word around the globe. 

Heres a link to Jessica's bio

http://www.jessicadrown.com/jess-story/

Here’s a link to Jessica's ministry:

http://www.jessicadrown.com/guest-speaking/

After the written blog I will include some social media links for Jess Drown.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48)
Moving from loving relationships to showing love to your enemies seems like a natural transition. Not retaliating is simply showing restraint by choosing not to stoop to other people's level. However, loving our enemies is much more than that. Loving our enemies ELEVATES from not retaliating to proactively being like Jesus to them.
 
Here we see Jesus turns what everyone has been taught on its head. Don't just love your enemies but pray for them. That means you are praying God's blessings on them. Wow!! That is a hard thing to do. I may be praying for something for them, but it sure isn't God's blessings. That is the difference that an ELEVATED LIFE creates. We no longer do what we want. Instead we do our best to do what Jesus says: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." We can't be perfect but it doesn't mean that we shouldn't strive for it. Everyone is nice to those that are nice to them, but loving those that are against you shows that you are a servant of Christ. Jesus prays for those that persecuted Him and gave us a great example of loving our enemies. To truly have an ELEVATED LIFE we have to be different than everyone else. That means we are proactively loving those that are against us. That's what it means to be a Christ follower.

• Why would you consider someone an "enemy"?

• Who do you need to forgive?

• What do you need to do to show love to an "enemy"?

• Who will you pray for?

Thank you for reading Jess Drowns Love Blog stay tuned for tomorrows blog. From myself, finishing off the series. 

www.jessicadrown.com

Facebook.com/jessicadrownministries

Youtube.com/jessicadrown78

Twitter.com/jessicadrown

Twitter.com/calledtoprosper

Instagram.com/jessicadrown

Kerrington Sweeney Love Blog {Valentines Week - 14th February}

Welcome to another Love Blog... This piece was written by a pen pal of mine in Canada and I really hope you enjoy her writing and check her own blog out Uniquely Yours which is an amazing and impacting blog. 

About Kerrington: Kerrington, is truly a Passionate servant of Jesus Christ! She is 17 years of age...And even at her young age, she is still super-busy volunteering in any way she can at her home church and in her community!

She's definitely a work-in-progress but, feels so incredibly blessed to be able to continue serving God with her whole heart. She has a sincere burning passion within her, to see Single Women of all ages rise up and be everything God has called each of them to be. She too is in a ‘Season of waiting’ for her Prince Charming to show up but, in the meantime... Kerrington fills up her time with writing for her Online Women's Blogging Ministry and constantly being a source of encouragement to her many peers.

With Kerrington’s Women’s Ministry, she bestows her personal views on modesty, sexual purity, and having a strong faith, through each blog-post. She writes quite frequently on the ‘Season of Waiting’ and about how True Love will find its way to you, all in God’s timing.

She truly believes that Women were created to be beautiful on purpose, and that purpose is to shine with unfading beauty and release God’s Kingdom every place their foot touches the ground. Kerrington absolutely adores journaling, clothes shopping, wearing high-heels, the smell of clean laundry and Star-bucks with a friend! She feel's God's 'call' to become a Women's Counsellor and Women's Pastor one day, and by God's amazing grace she hopes to fulfill both of those callings! Kerrington continues to cultivate her passionate love for writing day by day, and hopes to one day be a published Author. Kerrington can always be found with a kiddo in arms, hot tea in hand, and notebook in lap.

"Kerrington looks forward to the days ahead and laughs at the future." ~Proverbs 31:25

Right now that we have been acquainted here's Kerrington's guest blog for the Love Blogs [Valentines Week]

The day all the single people of the world dread and all the happy couples look forward to.
Today, I am neither.

Happy Couples, Heart shaped everything, Chocolates,
teddy bears, Flowers, Music, the works.

The day Facebook and Instagram overflow with couples selfies, pictures of bouquets, and
Happy Valentines day statues...
Oh, yes we all know that day :)

I can picture all the stores and
flower shops bustling today
with dozens of men shoppers,
who are picking up all those
last minute items to make it
the best Valentines day ever!

I personally often dream of the day,
I will wake up on a Chilly, February 14th to a dozen Red-Roses and a hand-written letter on my night table and a new Valentines Pandora charm, under my pillow.
Aww that will be the day ❤️

I dream of all the sweet things couples do for each other on Valentines day! I dream of those unforgettable moments... ;)

Like I have said to people before,
I feel that Valentines day is just another "Holiday" created by Stores to make more money between Christmas and Easter. But none the less, It's a "must" in any relationship...you're seeing someone, you're dating, you're married, Valentines is a must in the eyes of us women!
You forget, you're dead.
(Plain and simple)

Today, I pray a special Love- blessing on all the happy couples. Lord, I pray someway that you would be the centre of their relationships and I pray a prayer of protection over every guy that forgets it's valentines day today. Lord, keep him safe when he returns home without that dozen bouquet of red roses.
Jesus last, but certainly not least I pray for us Single Ladies that are still in that "season of waiting" for our future Prince Charming(s). May we never ever forget that you have someone so very incredibly special for each of us and all we have to do is just wait. Thank you Jesus for the blessings you have given us single ladies and Lord I ask you just to multiply them in our hearts even on this day we celebrate Love.
Multiply Love in our hearts, that we may then turn and Love on the hurting, desperate people.
Let us be so very filled with an abundance of your Holy presence.
In your Precious name,
Amen!!!

...May you all have a sweet day whether it be spending time with that "special someone" or spending it with Our Saviour (just as special someone, if not more ;)),
Under a cozy blanket, eating heart-shaped chocolates, while praying for your future hubby!

Happy Valentines to you all Ladies! ❤️

Until next time,

~Kerrington

Lori Darks Love Blog {Valentines Week - 13th February}

Today's Love blog is from Texas!! Yes that's right! 
This girl is fellow blogger but she does it a different way... She is a YouTuber and blogger. 'I'm married to my better half. I am a lover of vintage, lace and Jesus'.This is just a little snippet about Lori. Their is a video blog under this text, check it out. Especially if you are single! 

13th February Love Blog
As many of you know Valentine's Day is here! Some people love this holiday, others hate it. I'm impartial. I've never really hated it or loved it. Even though I'm married now, I had a fair share of Valentine's Day as a single lady. I hope my tips and pointers help! Ladies, always remember your worth and how beautiful you are on this Valentine's Day and every single day.

Social Media

YouTube: www.youtube.com/gracefulandlovely
Blog: www.iamgracefulandlovely.com
Instagram + Twitter: @loridarks

Make sure to tune in tomorrow for the amazing Kerrington Sweeneys Valentines Day Blog!! It's not to be missed! 
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo 

Lost At The Lakes

Hey Guys! I hope you have had a great week! I'm going to share a little story with you today and my thoughts on the story.

It all happened last Saturday 11:00 AM straight after me and Kieran [boyfriend] had been to help and serve at the food bank for the needy. We set off to The Lake District // Elterwater & Ambleside. We had such a fun journey on the way, listening to The Newsboys.

We got their and had such a fab walk around the lake and followed the trails to this beautiful waterfall [photos included]. After a lovely walk and a cup of tea sat in the middle of a field. We carried on the walk following the instructions for the walk. Suddenly it got very dark, very quickly and we took a few wrong turns and the next thing we knew, we were stood in the middle of a boggy, swampy field in the pitch black.

I'm not going to lie, I was terrified. It was a horrible experience, we turned into a private farm accidentally and I shone my torch in the field, then that’s when the first panic attack started, the cows! These huge cows staring at me and I didn't know they were behind a bar, I just seen their eyes, their huge eyes. My thoughts where pretty negative.

 I try so hard to be a positive person but when you’re faced with problems you never thought you’d have to face it’s scary, you have no power, or control and you stress but then I prayed! I had no control but God had! He is always in control. He is our help and guidance. I prayed! And prayed! And prayed! A lot of silent prayers to God. I didn’t feel his presence and this was scarier than the dark cold fields in the middle of nowhere.

Kieran was managing to find adventure and enjoyment out of our mess but I wasn’t having any of it. ‘Drama Queen’ I know but it was something out of a scary movie, the noises, the darkness, the not knowing what could happen was … well I didn’t enjoy that, let’s just say that.

Fortunately after hours of walking round private farm fields Kieran knocked on a farmer’s door and asked for directions… Which were in fact useless, so after walking round another field, and jumping over a fence we made it to a main road, unsure of where it would take us. But we followed a sign to Elterwater. We had walked 16 miles estimate. We walked, and walked and walked until we seen a light, we had no idea where it would take us but we just kept walking because we were freezing, wet and aching and I had twisted my ankle and leg. And after all the stress and several panic attacks we knew this could be ‘the light at the end of tunnel’.

The light was a country pub in Elterwater. Thank goodness we made it back … ALIVE!

I was so happy but exhausted. I wanted to go home. After a few hours of being inside a warm pub and then a warm car. I got to thinking, trying to make sense of what had happened that night.

1.  We had a beautiful walk

2.  We went of the trails

3.  We were in a dark place

4.  A lot of silent prayers

5.  We see a light

6.  We followed the light

7.  We found rest and safety

So I listed what had happened and tried to meditate on it and that’s when it hit me, I needed to be lost to be found. I was lost hopelessly lost and I needed to realise that the one being who I trusted more than anything would come and pull me out from the darkness. I needed to have hope and faith in God. God puts us on the right path when we abide by his commands. We need to think very clearly if we are on the right path, if you’re in a dark place, you need to expect that he will come and help you. His presence will bring you into the light. He is the light.

1John 1:5 - This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

God never puts us in a position he knows we can’t handle, so next time you’re in a dark, scary place in your life, just think he’s there, and he is going to save you. And the main point is that he’s put that journey there for your experience to help yourself or others in the future.

Psalm 54:4 -Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

He keeps us alive, he is your helper and he is always keeping an eye on you and a hand on your shoulder.

I hope you take a little knowledge with you from this blog. I have taken so much from it myself.

• Don’t go to the lakes in the winter (Sunset at 3:30PM is not wise)
• Trust in the Lord fully
• Pray to the Lord
• Ask for help when needed
• Thank God!

Thank you for reading this blog. Speak soon

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

www.bibleforwomen.co.uk

E: jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

Twitter & Instagram: @bibleblogwomen

New Year, New Job, New Journey

New Year, New Job, New Journey.

Last year I ventured on what I thought was going to be amazing! and It was.... in the beginning. It was fun and I really enjoyed being a part of my host family. Unfortunately this didn't last, I was treat unfairly and with a mutual agreement we decided we would be better if I left and went home. So after a horrible few weeks with them I left while I was home alone, I didn't even say goodbye. This was the best thing to do because I didn't want to end on an argument. I left and still haven't heard from them. Not even a thank you for the Christmas gifts I left for them.
My family drove 5 hours to pick me and my boxes of luggage up to take me home. 
I had no idea what I was going to do... No job... no income... no life.
After my 30 seconds of stressful thinking and doubting and panicking I asked God where he wanted me, where he wanted me to live, work, and rest. Within 1 day of being home I had an interview at a dream job, which I never thought I'd even be shortlisted for. After the Christmas weekend I was offered the job! To work with babies and toddlers at a day nursery! My dream job! (Don't get me wrong it's a challenge every day, but I think that's why God opened this door for me, I needed a challenge but be home and near family and my home church for support. 

Because while being away I had no family and only new friends who didn't know my story or my life. I am super blessed to be home and have supportive and positive people who surround me daily. I can't wait to get stuck back into Kids Church at Paradox Church and connect groups and study groups and food bank connect. I am so happy to be home. Thank you Lord. You brought me home where I belong. 
Thank you! 

When God closes a door he doesn't just close it, he slams it so hard you never go back again and he opens brand new doors for you. It might not be as quick as it was for me but he will definitely take and save you from the darkness and bring you into the light. He is the light. Call to God and he will answer you. Give him a call today! His phone number is P-R-A-Y-E-R. It's the quickest way to reach him. It's the hotline to God. Pray to him for change in your life, if you are in a dark place or stuck in a place you know you shouldn't be in or cant get out of. Call him for help. 


1 Thessalonians 5:5-8 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled.

Psalms 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Have a great week and do not be afraid, God is always with you and his light shines in you every day.
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo 

New Year, New Pages.

 2 0 1 5 ~ Happy New Year! 

New Year is known for the party scenes and making unrealistic goals and resolutions for the year ahead but by the second week of January you've already broken them all.
I usually set resolutions and goals for the New Year and they usually involve, stopping the naughty foods, starting the gym, and being healthier... these are broken by day 5. So what's the point? What is the point in creating goals which are pointless and selfish.
So what's the point? Seriously? C'mon! Shape up, get your head in the game and do something amazing this year. Be the faith impactor you were called to be. 
From helping an elderly lady in the street to donating to a charity. From a smile to a stranger in the supermarket to a hug to a friend in need. 
Let's make your resolutions realistic. Be more Christ like and be a true 'Christian' Be all that you were called to be. 
Leviticus 26 : 12 - I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.
Jesus walks with us, so whenever your about to do something 'not Christ like' just think would Jesus have done that? If not, then don't do it, simple as that guys.

This year make a promise to yourself and a promise to your God! Promise to commit more of your self to him. No one is perfect so we can all admit that we can improve on our faith and stop holding back. Jump into your belief with hands reaching out. Take that leap of faith.

Personally I  think I need to spend more time studying the Bible. And praying.... I pray every day but sometimes I get lost in the days and sometimes I even forget a simple thank you for the things he encountered for me, just so I could live a day to day life.
We need to plug into our faith and endure the prejudice and opinions of others who don't understand our faith. Put your foot down and lay down the fact that we are proud to be the Lords children as we know that he loved us so that he gave his life for us. 

So while your eating those left over Christmas candies and chocolates, remember to make realistic resolutions and Christ like resolutions.

Let your resolution be connecting more... invest in Christ for your life. 

Have an amazing year! Thank God for the new year in which he has given you. He's added another page to your book of life. Don't waste your time.

New Year, New Pages. Get writing some memories, and be a world changer.
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

www.bibleforwomen.co.uk
@bibleblogwomen

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving to all of the American readers out their! 
I thought that with it being thanksgiving it would be a great opportunity to express what I'm thankful for and urge you to do the same. 
I wanted to tell you of F I V E things in which I am thankful for in 2014......

1. Jesus! I am so thankful for Jesus. If Jesus hadn't sacrificed his life for me and guided me, I wouldn't have anything to be thankful for. 

2. I am super thankful for my Au Pair Job, I have asked God to help me with this for over 3 years and now I am super blessed to living in a beautiful city, five and a half hours from my hometown. But I am enjoying it, it's challenging 90% of the time but I am excited and blessed to be on this life changing journey.

3. I am thankful for my boyfriend. We met in New York 4 years ago and dated for less than a year and then didn't speak until January this year. And we started dating again in February. I never thought in a million years that this relationship would ever happen. But our God is unlimited in love and amazement. God Amazed me when my boyfriend came back into my life. It was something I never thought would happen. It was a miracle and I'm so blessed to say that were planning a future together and if it wasn't for God we wouldn't be here. So thank you GOD! THANK YOU! 

4. Health and Safety of my family. Most of family are happy and healthy and I am thankful to have them all and that they all have there health. 

5. I am thankful for my life. I am thankful for every day I get to wake up and have meals, hot meal to eat, to have clean water to drink and shower in. I am thankful for the roof over my head, the bed I sleep in. I'm thankful for my daily life which Jesus sacrificed himself so I could live my life. I live my life in his name because he reigns forever and ever. 
His love never fails for us. He loves us.

What are you thankful for today?

Thank you for reading my thankful Thursday / Thanksgiving Blog.
Have a great Thanksgiving. 
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo 
E: jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk
@bibleblogwomen

Studying Joel : Bible Study

Hey everyone welcome to the Studying Joel blog. 

I recently decided to write a study every month (hopefully) on a different person or book or theme. This idea came to me when I was reading through my bible and realised that even though I've read the Bible cover to cover I still don't understand certain things. Therefore I hope you enjoy these new blogs, they are written in a simple way so you can get a little information and hopefully leave the blog and do some scripture finding yourselves. I pray that these future blogs bless you and enriches you with wisdom and understanding. Thank you Amen.

Outline of the book of Joel.

- He didn't say that much about himself

- Resident of Jerusalem

- His message is timeless

- Disaster strikes

- Son of Pethuel

- Preached to the people of Judah

- The locusts he mentions in Joel 1:4; Joel 2:25 are best understood as real insects

The theme of this book is Restoration. 

- Restoration and blessing will come only after judgment and repentance.

Joel 1:1-12- An Invasion of Locusts

Joel 1:13 - A Call to Repentance

Joel 2:1-11 - The Day of the Lord

Joel 2:12- Return to the Lord

Joel 2:18 - The Lord Had Pity

Joel 2:28 - The Lord Will Pour Out His Spirit

Joel 3:1-16 - The Lord Judges the Nations

Joel 3:17 - The Glorious Future of Judah

Joel 1:13

13 Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests;
wail, O ministers of the altar.
Go in, pass the night in sackcloth,
O ministers of my God!
Because grain offering and drink offering
are withheld from the house of your God.

14 Consecrate a fast;
call a solemn assembly.
Gather the elders
and all the inhabitants of the land
to the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.

15 Alas for the day!
For the day of the Lord is near,
and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.

16 Is not the food cut off
before our eyes,
joy and gladness
from the house of our God?

17 The seed shrivels under the clods;
the storehouses are desolate;
the granaries are torn down
because the grain has dried up.

18 How the beasts groan!
The herds of cattle are perplexed
because there is no pasture for them;
even the flocks of sheep suffer.

19 To you, O Lord, I call.
For fire has devoured
the pastures of the wilderness,
and flame has burned
all the trees of the field.

20 Even the beasts of the field pant for you
because the water brooks are dried up,
and fire has devoured
the pastures of the wilderness.

Confronted with this crisis, he calls on everyone to repent: old and young (1:2–3)

drunks (1:5), farmers (1:11) and priests (1:13).

He describes the locusts as the Lord’s army and sees in their coming a reminder that the day of the Lord is near. The locusts are known to be actual insects and not representations of the Babylonians, Romans etc.

The locust plague and severe drought was known to be the 'great and dreadful day of the Lord'.

The main idea throughout this scripture is ' Repent. for the day of the Lord is near'.

Joel 2:12-13 - Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and boundless in loyal love.

Define Boundless - Having NO Boundaries 

How amazing is that? His love has no boundaries. He is boundless in loyal love for us. Repent your sins, and return to him, your creator, your author, your father, your Lord Christ Jesus.

Christ in Joel

The coming of the Holy Spirit, who applies Christ's redemption, is predicted in Joel 2:28. Jesus Christ is the only one who judges nations but who also restores his people. [Trust me, I know this as a fact, I have been restored].

In Joel 2:18-20 Is Gods response, his agricultural blessing, his promise. He informs us of our glorious future. The people of Judah repented and God restored. There is no restoration without repentance. 

The promise of God follows in Joel 2:25-32 This promise is the greatest promise of hope in the Old Testament. Restoration is so important as a Christian. We need to leave the dignity and proud outer characters out of the picture and just be true to God and ourselves. And ask him for guidance and speak to him about your own pros and cons and he will help you be the person he created you to be. 

Define Restoration - The action of returning something to a former owner, place or condition. 

We need to be restored and returned to God.

Emphasis in the study

Joel 1:1- 2:11 Desolation

Joel 2:12 - 17 Exhortation

Joel 2:28 - 3:21 Restoration

This book shows that no matter what we go through in life, no matter how dark and challenging things might turn, God will always be there to restore you. In the future remember your past and when he has pulled you through a messy time and then have hope for the future as he's helped you before so why wouldn't he help you again? He wants your companionship, your friendship, your communication and obedience. He wants to be in a relationship with you and by repenting your old ways and habits, he can restore you 'The sins I haven't already forgiven, I'll forgive' God has moved into Zion for good'.

Scriptures to check out-

The book of Joel [it's not that long so if you have time, just sit and study, meditate this book, it's such a great book]

If not check out these:

- Joel 2:12-14

- Joel 2:18

- Joel 2.25-27

Thank you for reading this study I hope it helps you in your studies and bible reading. 

Enjoy your day. God bless

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo