As the sand of the sea...

 "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."

Psalm 139:17-18

At long last I return...

Hello friends! I don't know if any of you have noticed, but I have not posted on here in a very long time. Due to the fact that Bible Bee studying had been taking much of my free time. Now that Nationals is over, I hope to get back into posting regularly. It was so nice to meet several JOJ readers at Nationals...blessings, Christianna, Elanee, Elizabeth, Eden, and anyone else I missed! :) It was also wonderful to see many friends again. The whole event was amazing...even though I didn't make the Semi-finals I had a blast :) 

{watching the challenge rounds!} Christanna and I sat together for a couple of these...that was fun! It was exciting to have friends up there competing! :) 

{Late night visits with friends} I am third from the left. We had so much fun!

So I hope to get back into regular posting soon! I'm going to miss you Esther. :( 

We'd love to do some guest posts on JOJ in the future...if you're interested, drop us a line! :)

Rachel 

My favorite way to memorize scripture

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness...(2 Timothy 3:16). 

One thing I really enjoy doing is memorizing scripture. Whether a longer passage or a short verse, all scripture is beneficial to us as Christians. It's amazing how sometimes a verse I have memorized will suddenly pop into my head in the different situations of life.

I've had people tell me "I can't memorize" or "It's too hard". But I know this, that practice makes perfect...The more you memorize, the easier it becomes. 

There are many different methods people use to memorize, but today I'll share one of my favorites. It's actually kind of guessing game! :)

1- Choose a verse, passage or chapter from God's Word to memorize. You may want to read it all the way through before starting. Also pray before you begin! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

2- Find a whiteboard/dry erase board and some markers. Write out the verse on the whiteboard. 

3- Check your verse one last time to make sure that you have it correctly written out. It's challenging if you find out later that it's slightly off. :P

4- Read the verses out loud from your white board over and over, erasing one word or so each time you start over. When you get to the erased part of a verse, then you try to remember and say the missing word. Fill in the blank! :) And you can erase less or more, if you'd like. :) 

5- Once the whole board is erased and clean, say the entire verse from memory. Do you have it memorized? Practice and review it to get it mastered. (Also, you could definitely do this with paper and a pencil, but just make sure you erase it completely so you can't see what you erased.)

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There you go! :) Pretty, simple, right?

Blessings to you as you memorize Scripture! It seems as I read the Word, I find more and more verses I want to memorize...I have a on-going list of scriptures I would someday, like to master. ;-)

I have also found Memverse to be very useful in reviewing your memorized verses. There are different learn features, fun weekly Bible quizzes, and much more! And, it's 100% free and nothing to download. A plus for me :D

How do you memorize Scripture? Is there a verse or passage that you've been working on recently? 

Please share in the comment box!

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P S A L M   1 1 9  :  9  - 1  8 

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach my thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."

Encouraging our Siblings

As a big sister to five of the most wonderful brothers and one precious sister, I have plenty of opportunities to encourage my siblings. Each day the Lord gives me with my family is a priceless gift – and I thank him for both.

Abigail and Micah

Here are some practical ways sisters can encourage their siblings.  There are so many avenues you can travel down, but I hope my ideas and thoughts will only be a starting point for you.

-Memorize Scripture with your siblings.  Encourage them in personal Bible reading.  I know many of you are already doing that.  One way my siblings and I like to get into God’s Word together is by participating in the National Bible Bee.

-Praise them!  “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Prov. 25:11). Words are so powerful – we can’t take them back after they have been spoken – why not say words that will build them up?!

-For siblings of younger ages, tell them stories or read to them.  My 2 year old brother, Micah, loves to cuddle in my lap have me read a story to him. Sometimes even my siblings that are older will gather round to hear also!  You can also play with them.  Micah loves for me to build him big train tracks or chase him in a game of tag.  It’s also fun to sing together.

-Have a party, just because!  Invite them to a special time together – it could be one-on-one or all together. Have a special snack and drink, maybe play a game they enjoy.

-Take an interest in their activities. A building project with the brothers, a little bread loaf your sister made or even a simple drawing your 2 or 3 year old sibling made are opportunities to praise them!

-Including them in your activities is another wonderful way to build relationships. They will be thrilled to be doing “big people things”. If you’re washing windows, get them a rag and let them help!  Letting a little sibling help you with a baking project would make them so happy.

-Give them little letters and notes. I like to write little notes with scripture or a word of encouragement or praise to them. Put them somewhere where they’ll be surprised – like on their pillow.

-Do a special project or activity together. For brothers, this might mean playing baseball or Frisbee with them, building towers together with Popsicle sticks and hot glue, going with them on hikes or ATV rides in the woods… And for sisters, you could do a baking project together, card making or do her hair a special way.  If you do not sleep in the same room, let her “camp out” on your floor once in a while.

-Give them hugs and tell them “I love you” often. You never know how much more time you have with them – treasure the moments! It’s so precious to have them return the smiles and hugs.

There are many, many more ways to encourage and bless our siblings. Branch out and find new ideas and activities and make lasting memories with them.

May Jesus bless you abundantly – Press on, sisters!

:: Come forth as Gold ::

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

:: 1 Peter 5:10 ::

When you suffer and lose, that does not mean you are being disobedient to God. In fact, it might mean you're right in the center of His will. The path of obedience is often marked by times of suffering and loss.

:: Chuck Swindoll ::

The man who has an easy way through life, will be spiritually weak, flabby and impoverished. He won't be able to do all that God wants him to do. But the one who has gone through trials and testing successfully, will be strong and capable of doing all the will of God.

:: Zac Poonen ::

"...for when I am tried and purified, I shall come forth as gold." 

Smile! =) =)

Smiling is contagious,

you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at
me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner,
and someone saw my grin -
When he smiled I
realized, I'd passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile,
then I realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine,
could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin,
don't leave it undetected -
Let's start an epidemic quick

Who have you smiled at today? :) :) :)

Craft Corner Mondays :: Handmade Cards

Today, I'd like to share with you a craft I enjoy doing, and hopefully, you do too! :)

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Handmade Cards

Cards are fun to make, and everyone loves to receive a handmade card in the mail! You really do not need many things to make them. Some items that would be a good idea to have would be:

-Paper, both plain and colorful- 

I have some white card stock that I like using for the body of the card, and then paper with designs on it for embellishments.

-Embellishments, such as stickers, ribbon, rubber stamps/ink, etc-

-Tape and/or glue-

That is really about all you need! Oh yes, and an imagination. :) Let your creative juices flow...each card can different than the last.

Now for some creations of my own...

I hope you are encouraged to get out your supplies and be "card crafty"! :) If you are in need of some inspiration (which I need at times myself! :), look on Pinterest. There are sooo many great ideas on there. 

Maybe you already enjoy making handmade cards...if you do, let us know in a comment below! We'd love to hear if you have any tips, ideas, etc.

~Rachel~

January Wallpaper!

Hello, young ladies! 

I decided it was about time to get this wallpaper out of the drafts.

Rachel has been busy with her family, and last I heard from her their computer had broken down, so that will explain her absence from here. Hopefully she won't mind that I went ahead and posted this!

(Click and save image to your desktop and enjoy all month long!)

Please do not use these images for any other purpose other than personal enjoyment on the desktop of your computer!

If you enjoy using the wallpapers, please tell us! :)

May God richly bless you this first month of the new year!

Esther

October Wallpaper!

I want to apologize for not posting a wallpaper for September. With the giveaway going on, it slipped my mind until it was near the middle of September! 

Here it is...the October wallpaper! :) 

(Click and save image to your desktop and enjoy all month long!)
Please do not use these images for any other purpose other than personal enjoyment on the desktop of your computer!!!

Enjoy this month's wallpaper! If you enjoy using the wallpapers, please tell us! :)

O Rejoice in the Lord!!

Source

God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the LORD though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.

Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.

O Rejoice in the LORD
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried
And purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

                 ~Ron Hamilton

The Most Precious Gift in the World...

Source: Pinterest 

What an AMAZING Gift!!! :) I'm SO thankful for it!!

Have you received it?

June Wallpaper!

Yes! It's finally here, 4 days late. I'm really sorry to those of you who have been waiting for it. 

So here's this months wallpaper!

(Click and save image to your desktop and enjoy all month long!)

Thanks to Esther for this month's wallpaper! :)

Please do not use these images for any other purpose other than personal enjoyment on the desktop of your computer!!!

If you have a picture that could make a nice wallpaper, please send it to us at this email. Whether if we use it or not, we'll love seeing your pictures! :)

Enjoy!!!

A verse for your day...

Source: Seven Farmgirls on Pinterest

Meditations on Monday :: Give Thanks!

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.  Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.  Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.  Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

1 Chronicles 16:8-12 NIV

What are you giving thanks for today?

Surprise!!! :)

We have a little surprise for you! :)

Jewels of Jesus will have a free monthly desktop wallpaper for our readers to enjoy! Lord willing, we'll try release a new wallpaper for each new month.

If you have a picture that could make a nice wallpaper, please send it to us at this email. Whether if we use it or not, we'll love seeing your pictures! :)

SO! For this month's wallpaper....

(Click and save image to your desktop and enjoy all month long!)

Please do not use these images for any other purpose other than personal enjoyment on the desktop of your computer!!!

Enjoy this month's wallpaper! If you enjoy using the wallpapers, please tell us! :)

Thoughtful Tuesdays :: Thank you God, for....

COLORS....

LITTLE SISTERS TO DO CRAFTS WITH....

BLUE SKY...

PRETTY FLOWERS....

LITTLE BROTHERS AND SWEET SMILES...

BRIGHT SUNSHINE TO MAKE SHADOWS WITH...

Thank you God for all these things, and for much, MUCH more! 

What are some things you are thanking the Lord for today?

Blessings, Rachel

Happy Resurrection Day! Jesus is RISEN!!

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away...

Matthew 26:30, 36, 39, 41, 57 a

The Garden of Gethsemane / Mount of Olives, looking towards the city of Jerusalem.


Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

Matthew 27: 22, 24, 26, 28-31, 33

Golgotha - "The place of a skull"

Do you see it? The lower half of it is now hidden under the parking lot.

 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

 And sitting down they watched him there;

And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews.

 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

Matthew 27:35-37, 46, 50

Photo Credit: FreeFoto.com

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Matthew 27:57-60

The Garden Tomb - where he was buried ... and where he rose from the dead!!

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

HE IS NOT HERE, FOR HE IS RISEN, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Matthew 28:1-8

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:16-17

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Praise the LORD! Jesus is risen and alive forevermore!!!

Happy Resurrection Day! 

Blessings,

Rachel

(Photo Credit goes to my wonderful Daddy! :) Thank you!)

The Fruit of the Spirit ..... And an Announcement!!!

Hello Everyone! 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

~Galatians 5:22-23~

"God develops the fruit of the Spirit in your life by allowing you to experience circumstances in which you're tempted to express the exact opposite quality. Character development always involves a choice, and temptation provides that opportunity."

--Rick Warren

What has the Lord been showing you recently?

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And the announcement ??? :)

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Issue #5 of Jewels of Jesus!!! :D

Click HERE to read this issue! 

Have fun! And once you've read it, tell us what you think! :)

~Blessings~

Rachel for the JOJ team

I'm SO thankful....

I'm SO thankful...

~ I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed!
~ I have the Holy Spirit’s power in me!

~ I'm a disciple of Jesus!

~ My past is redeemed! My present makes sense! & my future is secure!

~ I now live by faith, lean on His presence, and walk by patience!

~ My goal is heaven! My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions   are few, my Guide is reliable and my mission is clear!

~ I belong to Jesus!

:: Me and my little brother, Micah - June 2012 ::

Keep pressing on the upward way!

Rachel