Prayer For Forgiveness

Feeling gloomy on a rainy day. Feeling confused and without direction. Hoping God comes to take me out of this dump and washes me clean and restores my hope back. Feeling distant from Him. I've disregarded His precious and life-saving powerful Word. It's no wonder I'm feeling so weak.

Forgive me, Lord for not seeking You the way I always should this entire week. I've asked for prayer from many and have whispered my words to You, but I haven't knelt down to pray, nor have I picked up Your Word to find light, guidance and direction. And even with that, You still have managed to send me sweet messages and soothing Words to comfort me and help my lost hope. Thank You for Your mercies toward me even when I've stopped seeking You appropriately. This is how good You truly are. I'm so sorry for having doubts about you on Thursday night and yesterday. Make me capable of waiting for You. I want to fully trust You. Let me be still and let You be God. Let me trust You even when it seems You are silent. Help me remember, know and trust that it is in silence that You are Your hardest at work. 

Thank You so much for always lending me Your listening ear. I'm so grateful and compelled that You don't turn Your back on me and that no matter how long I'm gone, You welcome me back each time with open arms. I love You and I should demonstrate that more often through my actions and not just my words. I'm deeply sorry, Lord. 

Bless me on this Sabbath day. Renew my spirit, my mind and heart. Clean me. Restore my joy so that I may enjoy fellowship with You. Uplift me. Pick me up. Give me Your joy back--please, I beg of You. 

Thank You, because I can already start to feel the difference. I'm already starting to feel better. You're truly the Greatest!!! *MUAHHH* It's in Your holy name that I pray this. Amen!

Love,

Grisel ❤

Letting go...

Feeling free. Thank You, JESUS!

Sadness...

She was a genius of sadness, immersing herself in it, separating its numerous strands, appreciating its subtle nuances, she was a prism through which sadness could be divided into its infinite spectrum. 

~Jonathan Safran

When I get sad,  I embrace it. 

I let it in and feel it. 

Then,  I let it go.

This Makes My Heart Melt... ♥

"And I learned what is obvious to a child.  That life is simply a collection of little lives, each lived one day at a time.  That each day should be spent finding beauty in flowers and poetry and talking to animals.  That a day spent with dreaming and sunsets and refreshing breezes cannot be bettered.  But most of all, I learned that life is about sitting on benches next to ancient creeks with my hand on her knee and sometimes, on good days, for falling in love."  ~ Nicholas Sparks (from The Notebook)

Creativity Is a High...

I am excited to get home, get cozy, and dive into more crafts and art.  All of this crafting has really been helping me out lately.  Creativity is a high.  And it's left me alone with my thoughts, and I've really enjoyed it.

The Bright Side...

Sure.  Today was not the greatest of days.

Until, I decided to turn it into one by looking at the bright side.

Here are some "bright side" moments from my day today. 

GOD relieved me from a heavy financial burden.

I was blessed with being able to sleep in.

I received my favorite perfume (birthday gift).

I enjoyed  a lot of down time before going in to work. 

I started my first art journal page and it's lovely.

I received happy mail from Simon Says Stamp.

I completed V's Sweet challenge project for March.  

I decided to play in three different challenges.

My room is warm and cozy on a cold day. 

I truly believe that you can control the way you react to things.

The second I decided to look on the bright side,

things actually started feeling brighter.

Moving on...

Just because you miss someone, doesn't mean you need them back in your life.  Missing is just part of moving on.

Sad...

It's a gorgeous, sunny, Sabbath morning... Instead of smiling, I'm all sad and feeling gloomy, both on the inside and the outside.  I just want to cry away all these sad emotions out of my system so that I don't ever have to feel this way again )':  

I miss him.  I love him.  It seems though, that he's trying to push me away and it hurts so bad.  It's been at least 4 years since I've felt this type of pain in my heart.  I've been trying with all my might to be strong and not go through another heartbreak, but I guess I've been beaten down.  I'm feeling so vulnerable right now.  I have so many mixed feelings, too--the more I think about it, it just keeps making me sink deeper into the sadness that already exists.

Why can't he understand how much he hurts me?  Isn't he supposed to be my best friend?  Then why does he hurt me?  Funny how he expressed, some weeks ago, how he would never try and hurt me intentionally or unintentionally.   Could it be that he purposely lied?  Or is he genuinely that innocent and completely clueless about how he's making me feel right now?  It still makes me sad, either way...

Love is the person you think about during the sad songs.

Been listening to some sad love songs and every word/lyric speaks to me.  It identifies both him and I, but especially me.  I'm so sad... I don't want to keep hurting like this anymore.  Please, GOD, if You truly love me, please make it stop.  If it's true that You hurt when one of your children suffers, then please, I beg You, take the pain away.  I can't stand suffering over this guy who isn't and has never been mine.

Please, don't leave me here hurting alone--drowning in all this agony.  I've stayed single for so long, trying to follow Your counsel, so that I avoid exactly this: heartbreak.  I do expect You to reward me for staying single this long.  It has been my pledge to You so that You know and understand how serious I am about not wanting to ever go through heartbreak again.  Yet, here I am 5 years later, and why am I experiencing all this pain?  I feel like my heart has been toyed around with.  Please, JESUS, make it stop.  Dry my tears and replace them with tears of joy.  Otherwise just paint a huge smile on my face without the need of that boy.  

I don't want to be defeated by pain and sadness,  please grant me this wish... Comfort me, give me Your peace.  Help me forget him--erase him from my thoughts.  I only deserve to be with someone who brings me constant joy.  I want only what You know will bring me true happiness.  Please, help me forget.  Heal me.  Rebuild me.  Make me a strong, confident Godly woman.  Don't let me hurt like this ever again.

Give me Your word and assure me that You will make this happen.  Please hurry--don't take too long.  I'll continue to follow Your counsel, just please pull through with Your end of the promise.  Don't let me be controlled by feelings of sadness and deception.  Free me from wrongful emotions.  Help me feel Your tender love and care.  Quiet me down with Your peace.  I wait, once again, on You...

Thankful To The Living GOD!

Wow, what a glorious day it has been!!!  My heart overjoys with gratitude towards the Almighty and the living GOD I serve!!!!!!!  Today, GOD has given me more than plenty of reasons to smile!!! :D  I am SO thankful to my Creator for His Son Jesus and for the love He pours out to me without measure!!!  Today has been one of those days where I have seen, first-hand, GOD's love and His quick answer to my prayers!!!  I can hardly even believe it, but GOD has truly outdone Himself and has spoiled me rotten--rotten I tell ya!!! ♥ Hahaha! (:

I had a gorgeous devotional early this morning and spending time with JESUS never felt sweeter!!!  After the study of His Word,  I remember praying for something specific in the prayer and I just poured out my heart to Him, believing in His power to deliver and answer my prayer.  I just didn't expect for Him to answer SO quickly, but I couldn't be more enthralled that He answered right away!!!!  :D

I sent out a few e-mail messages upon praying.  Within approximately half an hour, the e-mail responses all started coming back with favorable replies to what I had requested from these companies I had contacted.  Every single one of them gave an affirmative "Yes" to my request.  Tell me I don't serve a Mighty GOD and I will... no wait, HE will prove you wrong!!!!!!

My lips can't sing Your praises enough, Father.  Please, receive my heart-felt thanks for everything that You have done in my favor today!!!  Not to mention, all the other little perks that tagged along today!!! (;  I hope I have a great rest of this week.  Thank You for quieting my soul at a moment when I most needed it.  Your timing is always precise and perfect!!!

I guess this means You want me to continue asking for this.  This is in Your plans for me.  In that case, I couldn't be happier!!! :D  Thank You for taking care of every little detail in my life--including the hobbies that my heart has learned to love and express through art and creativity.

Teach me to ask for other things in my life in the correct manner that You want me to ask for them, so that I may receive them from You, because that's the only way they'll be in tune with Your will!  SO glad I got to experience that once again today!!!   THANK YOU!!!  I love you, my LORD and Savior and those words fall short of what my love for You truly is!!!!  XOXOXO

Give me a good night's rest.  Thank You for taking the time to listen to me.  Speak to me throughout the night.  In the loving Name of JESUS, I ask all these things.  Amen!

With love,

Gri ♥

Broken...

I don't know why they call it heartbreak.  It feels like every other part of my body is broken too... Sometimes I wish I were a little kid again--skinned knees are easier to fix than broken hearts.

ILoveYou

ILoveYou.  And yes, I wrote it with no spaces so there's no room for anyone else...

10 Things I Learned This Week

1. Friday nights in are oh, so fun!
2.  I am getting close.  SO close!
3.  Whenever I pray for patience, I invite trouble.
4.  My best friend can brighten the gloomiest of days.
5.  The Cheesecake Factory is still my fave.
6.  Watching "Friends With Benefit" made me shed a few tears... a sweet movie I identify myself with (minus the sex)!!!
7.  Being involved in a creative hobby makes me feel alive!!!  I love card making ♥
8.  I'm loving being single.
9.  I wish I could snap my fingers and fix all of my friends and family's problems.
10.  I want so badly to fulfill GOD's purpose for my life!  SO badly!

Cántico de acción de gracias - A Hymn of Praise

Isaías 12 - Isaiah 12

Cántico de acción de gracias

1 En aquel día dirás: Cantaré a ti, oh Jehová; pues aunque te enojaste contra mí, tu indignación se apartó, y me has consolado.

² He aquí Dios es salvación mía; me aseguraré y no temeré; porque mi fortaleza y mi canción es JAH Jehová, quien ha sido salvación para mí.

³ Sacaréis con gozo aguas de las fuentes de la salvación.

⁴ Y diréis en aquel día: Cantad a Jehová, aclamad su nombre, haced célebres en los pueblos sus obras, recordad que su nombre es engrandecido.

⁵ Cantad salmos a Jehová, porque ha hecho cosas magníficas; sea sabido esto por toda la tierra.

⁶ Regocíjate y canta, oh moradora de Sion; porque grande es en medio de ti el Santo de Israel.

A Hymn of Praise

1  And in that day you will say:

“O Lord, I will praise You;
Though You were angry with me,
Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.
² Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song;
He also has become my salvation.’”

³ Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.

⁴  And in that day you will say:

“Praise the Lord, call upon His name;
Declare His deeds among the peoples,
Make mention that His name is exalted.
⁵ Sing to the Lord,
For He has done excellent things;
This is known in all the earth.
⁶ Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”

My First Lawnscaping Sketch Challenge!

This is my very first Lawnscaping Sketch Challenge ever!!! YEAY!!!! Couldn't be more excited!!!  


Here's the sketch, which was designed by the very talented, Chari Moss!  The challenge is sponsored by Simon Says Stamp.  Now, come and join all the excitement and participate in this FUN challenge!  Go to the Lawnscaping blog by  clicking here or the link above for instructions. 

Here is the inspiration picture:

 And here is my card! (:

For the card base, I used a Hero Arts folded card from the "Naturals" variety pack.  All the lovely pattern paper: My Mind's Eye "Lost & Found Two" 6x6 designer paper pad (I just LOVE all these gorgeous patterns and colors--don't you?!).  The punches: Martha Stewart's "Doily Lace" (which is my fave border punch at the moment), Martha Stewart "Royal Butterfly"; Marvey Uchida 1 1/2" circle; EK Success 2.25" scallop circle, AND Perfect Pearls for the butterfly's body... Note: I had to reapply perfect pearls 3 times, because my card refused to cooperate with me.  It kept falling face down while I was trying to position it in order to get a shot of it w/my phone (Ughh!).  The sentiment is from Lawn Fawn which I received as a free gift with one of my purchases from them (they are my absolute favorite stamps brand--remarkable quality, great shipping rate, too AND just THE BEST customer service!).  I also used Memento ink in "Tuxedo Black" and in "Rich Cocoa".  The third time I inked up my stamp, I lightly stamped it onto scratch paper before stamping it again onto the card, that way I would get a "ghost" effect (Learned this technique from Kelly Marie (: ) Hope you guys have enjoyed my first card challenge participation and my first blog about card making!  I'm now inspired to continue posting more of these in the future!


I would like to give a BIG shout out to the lovely Laurel Beard for being SO supportive of me and for expressing her excitement when I informed her that I would be playing along in this challenge.  Stop by her blog and check out her gorgeous work... And beware, you WILL drool over her clean & simple classy inspirations!!! :D


I'm off to soak in the blessings of a delightful Sabbath rest!  Have a lovely weekend, everyone! ♥


Love,


Grisel

When GOD Made You...

(Newsong Duet with Natalie Grant) - Eddie Carswell, Michael O'Brien

It's always been a mystery to me

How two hearts can come together 

And love can last forever

But now that I have found you, I believe

That a miracle has come 

When God sends the perfect one

Now gone are all my questions about why 

And I've never been so sure of anything in my life

Chorus: I wonder what God was thinking 

When He created you 

I wonder if He knew everything I would need 

Because He made all my dreams come true 

When God made you

He must have been thinking about me

I promise that wherever you may go 

Wherever life may lead you 

With all my heart I'll be there, too 

From this moment on I want you to know 

I'll let nothing come between us 

And I will love the ones you love 

Now gone are all my questions about why 

And I've never been so sure of anything in my life

Bridge: He made the sun, He made the moon 

To harmonize in perfect tune 

One can't move without the other 

They just have to be together 

And that is why I know it's true 

You're for me and I'm for you 

‘Cause my world just can't be right 

Without you in my life 

I wonder what God was thinking 

When He created you 

I wonder if He knew everything I would need 

Because He made all my dreams come true 

When God made you

Tag chorus: 

He must have heard every prayer I've been praying (I've been praying)

Yes, He knew everything I would need 

When God made you (I thank God He made you) 

When dreams come true 

When God made you 

He must have been thinking about me...

A Million Thanks!

Wow, LORD!  You have once again outdone Yourself!!! Thank You, thank You, thank You!!!!!!!!! :D  I couldn't be happier right now!!! 


First, thank You for an amazing day yesterday at work.  I am so thankful to You that I absolutely love my new teacher and the new aide who will be working with us in the class.  At first I wasn't sure how to feel, but You  have truly blessed me.  And I know it's early on in the year, but I already feel blessed to be working with both these ladies!!! I praise You, Father!!!!!!! :D


Thank You also for a wonderful first day of school this new semester.  I am loving my professor, Candice Barriteau-Phaire.  She's fun and I am loving the assignments that we'll be doing in class!  They sound like SO much fun!!!  Please allow me to learn TONS this semester.  I hope that I also like my new professor today as much!  I hope I also get to have fun and enjoy her class.  Thank You for these amazing blessings You've gifted me with thus far!!! :D


I want to trust that what You are doing is wise and that even if I don't understand, You know best and You know well what You are doing in my favor!!! I feel SO blessed already, and this is only the beginning!!!!!!!! :D  Thank You, thank You and thank You once again, Precious Savior!!!!!!! :D  To You be the glory and honor and all the majesty!!!!!!!  My heart is so grateful and joyful because of Your wondrous works!!!!! :D


In Jesus' Name.  Amen! 

Philippians 4:13 -- Praise Report

Praise the LORD!  Another promise delivered and backed up by GOD's Throne!!!  Your Word is TRUE and You indeed ARE faithful and keep Your end of promises.  LORD, I am overjoyed, because this afternoon I whispered to myself that it would be almost impossible to finish reading the articles PLUS doing my reading response, and OHH am I glad YOU proved me wrong--yet again!!!!!! :D  I LOVE it when You show off like that to impress me!!!  I am sure Heaven chuckled today when You heard me think that for a second.  Thank You, Precious Savior and King of the universe for helping me complete my assignments.


Now I want to ask that You be with me tomorrow.  We have to meet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and we'll be there till approximately 7:30 PM.  I'm worried, because the Sabbath is going to be so close and I would really love it if I could be home by Sabbath.  Is there anything You can do to help me out with this one?  I also hope that You don't allow the professor to lower my grade because of the class I missed class last Saturday or if I end up having to leave earlier than everyone else tomorrow, due to the Sabbath.  Lord, if I choose to be faithful to You, then please, work things out for me, I beg You.  I know that You will figure out a way to make it work.  I trust You.  And I don't need to know how You'll do it.  All I need to know is that I can be confident that You will come through for me!  I'm praising You ahead of time!  Oh, my heart rejoices, O LORD, for You have been good to me!!!  I love you, JESUS!!!!!!!!  I praise Your Beautiful Name!!!!!!!!!  Blessed be the Majestic and Omnipotent LORD, my GOD!!!!!! :D  MUAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!  Hugs and Kisses for YOU!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO ♥

I Believe God Will Guide Me

"In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling." ~Exodus 15:13

I believe my life is in God's hands and keeping. I believe He has a plan and purpose for my life and that He is leading me in a path that will fulfill that plan and purpose. I believe it is a good plan, a right plan, and the best plan. I believe there is not a better, higher, or wiser way for me to live or way for me to follow. I believe God knows exactly what He is doing and that He will bring things into my life at the exact time they are needed. I believe He wants me to follow Him with praise on my lips for who He is, with thanks in my heart for what He does, and with obedience in my steps for what He asks me to do.

Claiming Jeremiah 33:3

"Clama a mi y Yo te responderé y te mostraré cosas grandes y ocultas que tú no conoces" ~Jeremías 33:3

LORD, I claim this promise.  Answer me!  Reveal to me those great and unknown things which I don't know of.  Show them to me like You have done so in the past.  Please, guide me and save me from making another mistake.  Choose for me, because You are the wise One.  Manifiéstate con poder en mi vida.  I am claiming Your promises right now!  They are mine to claim.  Thank You for Your promises.  I am standing on Your promises, O King!


In the mighty name of JESUS,


Amen!!!

~ Guidance, Hope and Peace ~

~ Prayer for Guidance, Hope and Peace ~

Heavenly Father, You have promised to guide me, instruct me, and direct my steps. I need to hear Your voice, know Your will, sense Your guidance. I acknowledge You as the One who is wholly and uniquely able and qualified to lead and direct my life. I thank You that You have not asked me to try and figure everything out, to trust in my own reasoning, or to rely upon my understanding of what is best for me.

Thank You that You have come, not to trouble me, but to give me Your rest; not to confuse me, but to give me clarity; not to bind me, but to free me; not to stress me, but to quiet me. Thank You for a peace that endures the trial, overcomes the battle, conquerors the foe, and keeps me steady through the storm.

Father, thank You for being the God of hope and my hope. You alone are the source and the reason for my hope. Because of You, I can pray in hope; walk in hope; believe in hope; endure in hope; overcome in hope; live in hope.

I believe that as You guide me I will find strength in Your grace, power in Your Spirit, assurance in Your Word, contentment in Your provision, fulfillment in Your purpose. I ask that You will open every door that needs to be opened and close every door that needs to be closed. Lead me and bring me into Your desired place. I want to walk each day with Your peace in my heart. Thank You, Father, that no matter what, I can put my complete trust in You.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

::: The Measure :::

Let the grace of the Lord be the measure of your sufficiency;
let the peace of the Lord be the measure of your quietness;
let the power of the Lord be the measure of your strength;
let the goodness of the Lord be the measure of your contentment;
let the love of the Lord be the measure of your service;
let the faithfulness of the Lord be the measure of your trust;
let the beauty of the Lord be the measure of your worship;
let the fullness of the Lord be the measure of your joy;
let the sovereignty of the Lord be the measure of your confidence;
let the promises of the Lord be the measure of your expectations;
let the coming of the Lord be the measure of hope.

"You are my portion, O Lord." ~Psalm 119:57 AMP

♪ I Lift Up My Eyes...

I want to thank You, Jesus for the prompt relief You've brought to my heart.  I no longer feel hurt/sad about that little Tivon "incident".  Thank YOU!!!  * :


Now I come to You, because I have another concern.  As You know, this afternoon I received a phone call from Debra Genovese, the union rep.  I don't know if she was being the bearer of bad news or not.  If she left a message on my voicemail, then I'll never hear it since my voicemail was having issues till this afternoon.  I sure hope everything is okay, LORD.   Keep me safe in Your loving arms and protect me from all harm and evil.  Let me rest assure that You will carry me through whatever it is that's near and is out to harm me.  You are my Strength and my Shield.  Help me, LORD!  Thank You for hearing my prayer.  In Your holy Name I pray, amen.

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— 

   where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the LORD, 

   the Maker of heaven and earth.

 He will not let your foot slip— 

   He who watches over you will not slumber; 

indeed, He who watches over Israel 

   will neither slumber nor sleep.

 The LORD watches over you— 

   the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 

the sun will not harm you by day, 

   nor the moon by night.

 The LORD will keep you from all harm— 

   He will watch over your life; 

the LORD will watch over your coming and going 

   both now and forevermore.

Encouragement for Spring!

In the ever-changing circumstances of life, there is a faithful, never-changing God in control.

Every day begins and ends with His purpose- there isn't a detail that escapes His eye... a trial that doesn't touch His heart... or a single experience beyond His compassion.

Every moment of your life is in His care- and I pray that He gives you overwhelming peace and hope today.

Pray about everything; tell God your needs... If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7 TLB

~ Much Needed Encouragement ~

I love the LORD because He hears my prayers and answers them.  Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe! ~Psalm 116:1-3

I begin today!  No matter how feeble the light, I will let it shine as best it may.  The world may need just that quality of light which I have. (Adapted from Henry C. Blinn)

My Second Card!

Just HAD to share my second card!!!  I know I still need to polish my creativity and card-making skills, but I am SO proud of my work!!! :D


Enjoy! (;