Coffee, Journaling, Prayer

Welcome to the new blog journal of Stacy Duplease. This is a blog about prayer and prayer journaling.  Mainly, it's my personal prayers as I go through the life, the day, and reading through the Word of God (Bible) each year. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and explore this blog journal and prayer site.

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas. This is one of the four times in the last 100 years that the two observances have aligned on the same day. It's not an accident that this is happening in 5785 and 2024. While we might not understand the significance, God does. Regardless, let us stand together in Jesus (in Yeshua) as the Saturday and Sunday believers. I pray your day is blessed and sacred as we draw close to God (Adonai) and search the Scriptures this day and enjoy time with loved ones.

Lord, help me guard my mouth and watch my tongue. Help me keep my mouth shut. If I do not praise You, thank You, or glorify You, should I really say it? Unless it is matter of fact for prayer. That is the only exception.  I am to represent You and the Good News. Let my words reflect all this. To You be the glory.

Do you ever feel like you are messing up in so many ways, on so many fronts? And you know better. Yet, you keep making mistakes, even though you want so desperately to get things right. And you make the wrong choices, though you really are trying... And you feel like you fail God with every instance, with every fault, with every wrongdoing? Prayer: Father, forgive me. I want to do better. I want to be better. Help me. Teach me. Show me another way. Help me remember to stay focused on You and remain in Your Word.

Every moment has both sunshine and grey clouds (even in the tiny splatterings in the distance or the huge storm cloud overhead) There is some good and some yuck in every moment. But when our eyes drift to the grey clouds, we need to remember if we look beyond them, we see God (Adonai), and that is where we need to keep our focus. And count our blessings and give thanks through all of it, for this is by far the best way to deal with the storm.

So Russia, Iran, and Turkey are meeting... Let us pray. Is Jesus (Yeshua Messiah) coming sooner rather than later? Hmm. These are sure interesting times.

Yesterday was my first day of actual canning (pressure canning). I was taught by an elder. And a friend who is in age between us also learned with me. Three ladies getting together to can. As generations have prior. A communal thing. It was an all-day affair. But, wow, it was worth it. We did stew meat, ground beef, potatoes, and apples. I learned how easy canning is but it takes a lot of time. But in stages. You do some work, have wait time time, do more work, repeat. I learned canning is fun.  And the peace of mind I have that I have good food preserved is far greater than I thought I would have... because of emergency possibilities... and all the other reasons listed in Part 1 and the other reasons in this blog journal entry. The three of us wonder why more people do not can. It takes time. Sure. But the benefits far outweigh the things that stop us from canning. I will eat cheaper meals for a bit and sacrifice a little sleep because of the benefits of canning. And I made plans ...

A couple months ago, I decided I wanted to do some canning. Pressure canning, I was told. That, I will be honest, was something that had not come to mind until one moment and at that time. God put it on my heart.  I will be honest. When He did, I was not sure why. I just know He told me to do so. Hence, I knew I needed to do so. I wanted to be obedient. I have learned through the years to do it, even if I don't understand... and even if I disagree. But I pray and ask Him to help me do so.  I still proceed, though, even if I never understand or agree. Because I trust. This is most important.  I am finite and sinful. I am not God.  That being said, I usually am blessed through my obedience.  The last year and seven months has been one big trust, though I don't fully understand time in my life. Canning is just another way or thing in that I didn't understand (though I do understand now). So I began to buy all the expensive upfront items needed to can. I did so out ...

I will not lie. I have been struggling with this. I hear what some dentists say about toothpaste and mouthwash. I also hear what some say about the homemade recipes. I have been using up store bought toothpaste. I have not tried this yet for long-term use, but have friends and family who have mentioned this. But last night, I put together this recipe and began using it: First, grab a container of some kind that has a lid and where you can pour combination into your hand and rub your toothbrush over to collect on the bristles. This is a 2-ingredient recipe. INGREDIENTS 1/3 of that container sea salt 2/3 of the container baking soda TIPS Pour some into your hand. Run your toothbrush over some hot water. Rub your toothbrush over to collect on the bristles. Brush your teeth. If the mixture is too dry, run your toothbrush fast under some water and try then to brush your teeth. This should make your oral health even better and save you from the damages of fluoride. 

I have heard people say that they follow the entirety of the Bible (as in 100% of the Word of God). I've even said it. But is this reality? Are we really following all of the Bible or are we just saying that we are? This past year and a half, as I have been reading through the Bible, I have learned how I have not in fact been following or living the entirety of the Bible. In fact, I have come to realize how much I have not been doing so and this has been a quite painful lesson and journey. The thing is, I thought I was. But, if we are not doing everything that Jesus did, we are not living the entirety of the Bible. Period. And can I share a secret? Most of us in the Body have not been living the entirety of the Bible. Nor have we been doing what Jesus did. I will share what I mean by this in future blog journal entries (posts).  Stay tuned. In the meanwhile, see if you can find out when Jesus (Yeshua) practiced the Sabbath (Shabbat). Then ask yourself, when do you practice Shabbat?...

Through my reading of the Bible this year, I have learned something. There are many traditions and doctrines that I have followed for decades... that are not in the Bible. I pause and search for words, some hard truths, some honest conversation. That will come. This past year, I have come to realize how I would much rather do exactly what God says, and tells us in the Bible (in His Word) than follow traditions or doctrine... of the things that I thought were in the Bible but are not. Let me rephrase it, I would rather live how Jesus did and do what He and taught. I want to do what the Bible says, which is what God says, and not do what people say or what the world says. My eternity is dependent upon living the Bible, and doing what Jesus did, not what man says. If I am going to do something, I want to do it with eternity in mind, not because it feels good in this worldly reality. I don't want to do what the masses do. I want to do what Jesus did, pure and simple. I want to live as ...

Let us not forget that it is okay to disagree. We can even agree to disagree. That's okay, too. We can still get along, and do so well, even though we do not see eye to eye. We answer to God alone, not to one another. He alone is judge. He alone has heaven or hell to offer. So if I say something and you disagree, it is just fine. But maybe we can learn from the disagreement and use it to check and see what God and the Bible really say about the issue. This is the real litmus test of everything. Sound good? (Can we agree on that?)

This blog journal is also my way of beginning to think about writing a spiritual memoir. Of reflecting back on my life, of seeing what God has done, and how we have traveled this road together. I will be sharing my stories of life with God and living the Bible and would love to hear yours. Again, please ad a comment at the end of any blog journal entry (post). I would love to hear your stories, too.

Question for you: Does the Bible say anything about decorating a Christmas tree? Feel free to add comments at the end of this blog journal entry (post). I would love to hear what you find.

I will also ask the question of if certain things are in the Bible. I will give you a week or so to do your own research and see for yourself. Then, I will do a follow up blog journal entry and answer the question.  Stay tuned. ~ Is This in the Bible: Decorating a Christmas Tree https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/12/is-this-in-bible-decorating-christmas.html

As I have read through the Bible in 2024, I have come to realize that there are many things that are not in the Bible (The Word of God) that we have thought are in the Bible... but they aren't. I am going to share blog journal entries (posts) about these topics. Stay tuned.

I cannot tell you how many times I have said that this past year as I have read through the Bible. Therefore, in the future, I will do multiple blog journal entries on the subject of: "That's in the Bible?" I want to share all the things that I didn't realize, all the things I overlooked, and all the things I didn't understand in the past of: "That's in the Bible?"

IT IS NOT EASY In so many ways, it is not easy reading through the Bible. Never mind doing so each and every day. But, talk about worthwhile. DON'T BE HARD ON YOURSELF IF YOU DON'T KEEP UP WITH THE READING This was a hard lesson for me to learn. Life happens, no matter how hard you try to avoid this from happening. You will have times that you fall behind in your reading. This is a fact. Just catch up the moment you can that week and make sure you read the Bible all the way through in a year. That's your ultimate goal and is so every year hereafter. Cut yourself grace. Get caught up. That's what Shabbat (Sabbath) is for and give you time to do so. Since I refused to back down from the ultimate goal of reading the Bible through, every page, every chapter, every book, every year, this helped keep me focused and motivated. This helped me have the drive to catch up, even at one point when I was almost ten days behind in the reading. BLINDED: HARD TRUTHS I will not sugarcoat...

In time I hope to get enough blog posts that I can turn these journal entries into books. We will see how God leads. Just know this is my intent. Time will tell as to which books are written. Stay tuned.

I pause. I take a moment to look around. I see two robins drinking out of our bird bath, a sight I have only seen one other time. I also see tufted titmouses eating peanuts I just put out for them in a handful on the drink railing of our deck. The electric fireplace is keeping me warmer. I seem to be quite chilly for some reason today. I see all the leaves on the ground and realize all the leaves that still need to fall from the trees. A robin is now bathing in the birdbath, flapping its wings. Its pale red-orange is now deep red-orange. There is a slight breeze. All of these are glory-sightings. I would have missed them if I hadn't stopped to breathe. Thank You, Lord. Your creation is beautiful and perfect. Thank You for the sights and for the joy the sights bring me. Glory! I praise You. Hallelujah!

AN INTRODUCTION My journey of reading through the Bible (the very Word of God) began in all truth on December 15, 2023. However, I had a slightly different mindset then and on January 01, 2024, a new era of reading through the Bible began for me (and my husband with our congregation). Let me offer a little context. I have read through the Bible before. A few times. I also have studied it for years, and even taught and written a few unpublished Bible studies, devotionals, and Christian living books. I even went to the seminary. Never mind all the radio ministries I have listened to and all the Christian living books, commentaries, study Bibles, and so on that I've read. I do not say that to brag. I am just giving a point of references and am sharing some of my background. However, on January 01, 2024, I learned something extremely fascinating. When you read slowly, prayerfully, and communally (knowing others are committed to reading it at the same time, and have done so for years), ...

I have tried to create blog posts that are menus, indexes, or collections of certain topics to help you find what you are looking for on this blog journal.  Here is a link that will point you to some of the Main Pages of this blog journal and could help you find what you are looking for: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/search/label/Main%20Page I will not list them all here because in time, there will be too many. The previous link, along with the following links are meant to help be a springboard to assist you on your journey through this blog journal. Here are a few of those main pages: ~ Books of the Bible: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-main-pages-of-all-books-of-bible.html

~  Matthew: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-book-of-matthew-main-page.html

This is the main page of the Book of Matthew. Here are all the links associated with this book: ~ Matthew 7: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/quoting-verses-on-this-blog-journal.html https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/this-blog-jounal-hard-and-not-for-faint.html https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-unexpected-death-and-how-god-works.html ~ Matthew 24 https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/12/matthew-24-main-page.html https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/12/matthew-246-we-are-seeing-truth-of-this.html https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/being-prepared.html ~ Matthew 26: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/matthew-26.html https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/daily-bible-reading-dbr-for-november-27.html ~ Matthew 27: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/matthew-27.html ~ Matthew 28: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/matthew-28.html ~ Matthew...

~  https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/12/matthew-246-we-are-seeing-truth-of-this.html ~  https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/being-prepared.html

We are seeing the truth of Matthew 24:6 right now. There are wars and rumors of wars in: ~ Israel ~ Lebanon ~ Russia ~ South Korea ~ Syria ~ Ukraine Have I missed any? Please add a comment at the end of this blog journal entry (post) if I have.

~ Living a life of faith (which includes living 100% of the Bible) ~ Each chapter of the Bible These are in no particular order: ~ Essential Oils (Chemical free living: Body (Beauty) products; household products; cleaning supplies; natural products; hair products; skin products) ~ Recipes ~ Prayers ~ Prayer requests ~ Canning (Pressure Canning) ~ News Updated: December 06, 2024, Fri., 830 a.m.

You might want to check the news right now and see what is going on in South Korea. This is something we need to pray about immediately.

~ This blog journal is always growing and being added to. Therefore, if you have enjoyed reading something in the past, you might want to read it again in the future because I will be adding to much of the material here through time. Therefore, keep re-reading anything in which you are interested. ~ Remain prayerful to see where God leads you on this blog journal. ~ Use the tabs/pages in grey at the top left of this blog as a place to start.

This blog journal entry is about how to find or search for something on this blog: Are you curious about something?  Do you have something on your heart?  Longing to learn about something?  Read something before and are trying to find it?  Do you not have any idea where to begin? There are multiple ways to find something on this blog. You might start with these options: ~ Begin with the tab or page toward the top in the grey that says, "1st." ~ Use the magnifying glass at the top right corner of this blog that says, "Search this blog." ~ Look underneath that at archives. ~ Look underneath that at labels. ~ Open up something random. ~ Add a comment at the end of any blog journal entry and ask me for help finding something.

If you are new to this blog, or have read this blog journal before and want to see if anything has changed, you might want to begin here, and in this order: ~ Introduction and Purpose of This Blog: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-real-introduction-to-this-personal.html ~ More on the Purpose of This Blog: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/12/more-on-purpose-of-this-blog-journal.html ~ Let's Form a Community https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/12/lets-form-community-add-comment-at-end.html ~ Main Pages https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/12/main-pages.html ~ Books of the Bible Main Pages https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-main-pages-of-all-books-of-bible.html ~ This Blog Journal is Hard and Not for the Faint of Heart https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/this-blog-jounal-hard-and-not-for-faint.html ~ Quoting Verses on This Blog Journal (The Lazy and Easy Path) https://shininglightonthew...

Please read the link listed below before you read this blog journal entry. It's about the purpose of this blog. You can read ahead here instead, but you'll get even more out of this if you read the link. The purpose of this blog journal is for me to share my journey of trying to live 100% of the Bible in 2024 (and soon to be 2025). And I hope that we can unite as you are trying the same. How many times does the Word say that the Body of Jesus needs to be united? That we are to stand together in faith (in trusting Him), in living the Bible (the Word of God), and not accepting sin (and standing against it)? The journey of trusting in Jesus (Yeshua) and doing what the Bible says is a hard but very special journey. This blog journal is about all this, of traveling this journey together as we try to read, learn, remember, and apply all that the Word says and grow deeper in trust in Him. Let's form a community here of believers and of the Body as we try to live a healthy biblical...

You might want to begin with reading the link below about some of the purpose of this blog. Then, the more in-depth purpose is this: This blog is my personal journal. It's a blog journal in which I write about the things that are near and dear to my heart. In some ways, you could say it's a miscellany and catch-all blog of journal entries (of personal thoughts). In other ways you could say that it is very purposeful in that I am sharing my life and what it looks like trying to remain in God and in His Word in these last days. I am sharing my journey of trying to live a life according to what the Bible says. And you could say this is a blog about trying to live like Jesus did but in 2024 (and soon to be 2025). If you are reading this journal, I hope it is because you trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior (Yeshua Messiah) as well and are trying to do the same. And I pray that He knows you and me, as well, since this is what ultimately matters. I hope through me sharing my journey, yo...

Pray about the ceasefire in Lebanon. God, guide and protect Israel. 

I read through and pray Deuteronomy 6:4-7 before I even get out of bed. Then I pray: Eternal God, Holy One, Most High, You alone are God. There is none like You. This day is Yours, not mine. Help me avoid anything not of You. Help me remain in You, in Your Word, in prayer, and in thanksgiving all day. Help me glorify You in all I do. For You alone deserve glory, honor, and praise. Thank You for this day, one in which I can serve You and love You.

Let's pay attention to what is going on Syria and pray His will be done. Biblical prophecies might be unfolding and may be fulfilling right before our eyes. Update: As of December 03, 2024, Tuesday, it looks like rebel groups in Syria are getting readying to attack Damascus. (You might want to take a look at Isaiah 17.)

 Adonai, I want this work week be devoted to You and to Your Word alone, nothing more. After all, this week is Yours, not mine. Help me live this way. Help me remember this. Thank You for this new work week, where I can try to live closer to You this week, tell more of Your wonderous deeds (what You have done), point others to You, and share the Good News. Will You please give me divine appointments, and help me not miss them? Thank You for the weekend, for Shabbat, and yesterday, a day to prepare for the work week. I do not want to lose sight of You. I want to live for You alone. Help me avoid temptation, sin, and evil. Help me to remember to pray without ceasing and to give You thanks for everything and in every moment. You alone are God. I will praise You and try to honor You in all I do and all that I avoid doing. Help me be quiet and to listen more. Don't let me get allured or entrapped by the things of this world. Let there be far more of You, less of me. Let others see You, ...

Right now, I have an immediate unspoken prayer request. His will be done. Update:  It was answered. Praising and giving Him glory. God (Adonai) is so good. Thank the Lord!

Happy December. Prayer: You alone are God. There is none like You. Help us focus on the truth of the Word, not on what we want it to say. Help us focus on You, not on a season, doctrine, traditions, or personal preferences. For if we focus on those other things, we are not fully reading or living Your Word. And that means we can be off track. Help us remain in Your Word and in You. December (and January through November) is only to be about You... and not on the foolishness of this world. This month is about You alone. Let us not be so focused on a holiday. Or on decorating. Not Gifts. Not traditions or customs. Not about stress of these things. Help us put You first and remember to keep You our priority in all we do. We want proper focus, right alignment, with You and Your Word, not on anything else. We only want to do Your will, not ours. And we want to love You and honor You. We want to glorify You in all we do and think. Help us keep You first. To You alone be the glory. Thank You ...

I did not post any journaling yesterday because it was Shabbat (Sabbath). This will be the case every Saturday. 

2 Thessalonians 2: Part of my Daily Bible Reading on November 29.

 2 Thessalonians 3: Part of my Daily Bible Reading on November 29.

2 Thessalonians 1: Part of my Daily Bible Reading on November 29.

 1 Thessalonians 5: Part of my Daily Bible Reading on November 29.

 1 Thessalonians 4: Part of my Daily Bible Reading on November 29.

My husband and I have not watched TV (television) since 2019. It happened by accident when we stopped. The continuation, however, has been intentional.  We no longer have all that noise in our lives.  We are able to hear God more clearly because we have less noise in our lives and we intentionally try to listen for and to Him. Our faith has grown because of this. And we are a great deal less stressed.

About a year and a half ago, I got to the point that I wanted to take my faith (trust in Yeshua; belief) seriously. I wanted to live the Bible, the Word of God. I wanted to not just say it but actually do it. This meant some fast, hard changes. The taking my faith seriously came in stages.  First, I saw what I did wrongly and tried to correct that. Second, I got rid of the things in my life that had no place being part of my life... the things that did not align with what the Word of God (The Bible) says. Third, I got to searching the Scriptures and reading the Bible for myself and not reading a study Bible or commentary. I went straight to Adonai (God) and saw what He really said and what it meant. And I tried to do what He told me to do in the Word and not do the things He said not to do.  The only thing is, this could sound easy. It isn't. It has required a lot of hard work every single day.

I just found out an old friend died. (See link below about that.) And it makes me want to make sure of eternity and what it means. Does it mean eternal life or destruction for me if I were to die today? This also makes me ask another. Am I prepared to die today? And how does my life reflect and show the answer? How can I become more prepared? And if we are living in the End Times, and we are (see Matthew 24), am I prepared for that? For what is to come (see the book of Revelation)?  And how does my life reflect and show the answer? How can I become more prepared? A LINK: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-unexpected-death-and-how-god-works.html

Every holiday, my husband and I try to reach out to most everyone on our contact list. He does the text thing while I do the email.  Yesterday, I reached out to a woman God put on my heart. I found out this morning she died yesterday. Wow. God had me think of her and pray for her on the day she died. Sadly, she isn't a person I thought of on a daily basis or even a monthly basis, but a few times a year, sure.  She had a health thing that led to a fast death. I am not God. I do not judge. I have no way of knowing but I do not think she will be in heaven. This makes me stop and think of my salvation. Have I worked out my salvation today, ensuring a recommitment of trusting in Yeshua (Jesus) (see Philippians 2:12) and living what the Bible says (Deuteronomy 26:17; Matthew 7:21; Romans 2:13; James 1:22-25; Revelation 22:12)?  Am I going to heaven? What have I done today to show I trust in Yeshua and am trying to live the Word of God? 

A psalm of confession. Pray this when you do not know what to pray.

This blog journal is not for the faint of heart, easily offended, or lazy. To truly live Matthew 7:13-14, and live the narrow gate faith, it requires grit and perseverance.  It also requires work. I will say hard things. Difficult things. Things that could make you uncomfortable... and things you may want to disagree. However,  if you read (scrour; search) and live 100% of the Bible, and within proper context, you will see what I say is accurate.  Because it is not what I say that matters. I have no heaven or hell to offer anyone. It is what He says. And it is that which I seek and address. Are you really, truly serious about living the Word of Adonai (God) and living a life of trusting in Yeshua (Jesus)? If so, read on. If not, stop reading. But question if you are really saved and if you are continually working out your salvation (Philippians 2:12). 

You will find that oftentimes I will not write out verses in this blog journal. I might paraphrase some of the verse, but not always. There is a reason. I think we have become lazy in our trusting (faith; believing) of Yeshua (Jesus). And we want the fast or easy way. We do this so we can save time so we can move onto what we really want to be doing and that which we say we ought to be doing. But we forget to stop and ask the most important question of all, at all times, in all circumstances: God, what is Your will? What do You want here? This takes time. Oftentime,  a second or two. But, if we are honest, we would rather get to what we want to do. This means we really are seeking the wide road or path that leads to destruction, not the narrow path that takes us to the narrow gate that leads to eternal life. (Matthew 7:13-14). We want  fast, easy, palatable, and fun faith and walk. We do not want to do the work and put in the time. We want things our way and how we want them. ...

Thanksgiving is praising God. It is prayer. It is a form of worship. It is giving Adonai glory. It is one of the best ways to fight spiritual warfare. It is taking our eyes and focus from self and the world and is turning our gaze and focus on Him and eternity. Thanksgiving is realizing that we are right where we should be. Thanksgiving is the realization that if we are not grateful for what we have, who we have, and where we are at, then we will never be happy or pleased with more. So, praise Him and give Him thanks all day long.

 I thank the Lord for this day. I thank Him for: For my salvation that I try to seek every moment. For all I have. For all I do not have (and have been spared from). For all the people in my life. For all I am. For the two Eastern Bluebirds that just appeared on the drink rail of my deck. ... for what I have is far more than enough and is all I need.

 Yeshua is the Hebrew name of Jesus. He is the Messiah, Savior, and Redeemer.

 Adonai means Lord or God in Hebrew.

1st, Use the shampoo listed here: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/homemade-essential-oil-shampoo-and-body.html Make sure to read everything in that link to see if you should add this conditioner to your routine or not. If you still need more conditioning, then make and do this: Grab another 2 ounce bottle of your choice. INGREDIENTS 2 teaspoons total of whatever oil you choose (for example: olive oil, jojoba, grapeseed, or almond) 1/2 teaspoon aloe vera gel 5 drops lavender essential oil 3 drops peppermint essential oil 3 drops rosemary essential oil 3 drops lemon essential oil Fill the rest of the bottle with water. TIPS Put a very small amount on and through your hair. Let it set for a couple of minutes. Rinse very well. If your hair is still dry in feel and/or frizzy when dry, use the leave-in conditioner here: https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/leave-in-hair-conditioner.html

Daily Bible Reading (DBR) for November 27: Psalm 125; Matthew 26-27. Psalm 125 a very good Psalm. Matthew 26 is a powerful chapter. It is hard to read, I will not lie, as it is gut-wrenching. But I read it slow. I try to take in every word. It comes alive. I learn. I am moved. I am changed by the reading. Matthew 27 is even more of a powerful chapter. Hence, I know it is even more important for me to make sure I read slowly, word for word. And it ties my stomach in even more knots. But it is truth.

I read a verse in Colossians 3 on Thanksgiving Day on Nov282024Thu (Colossians 3:17). The verse describes how whatever (and in everything) we do or say should be done in the name of Yeshua (Jesus). And it should be done or said with thanksgiving through Adonai (God). What a verse. If we were to really live out this verse, and do so as this verse says, I think we would be living drastically different lives. If we were to ask the old WWJD, what would Jesus do question, in all we do and say... And do and say as the Bible directs, we would live differently and would be different people. And we need to remember we represent Him in all we say and do. Moreover, we need to give thanks to God through it all as well. This means more mindful, purposeful, prayerful, and thankful living. Let us try to apply this in all we do today. In every moment. And then tomorrow... And the day after that... And every day, every moment thereafter. In each moment, we are to live for Him and represent Him, in all ...

1 Thessalonians 2: Part of my Daily Bible Reading on November 28.

1 Thessalonians 3: Part of my Daily Bible Reading on November 28.

1 Thessalonians 1: Part of my Daily Bible Reading on November 28.

Part of my Daily Bible Reading on November 28. Thoughts Nov282024Thu Thanksgiving Day: Read Matthew 28:1. This is a very important verse. It gives information that is easily glanced over and overlooked. It was the day after Shabbat (Sabbath and day of rest). It was the first day of the week. It was Sunday, as we know it today. So this means Yeshua Messiah (Jesus the Savior and Redeemer) was dead on Saturday, Friday, and Thursday. FASCINATING THING TO NOTE Note how nowhere in this chapter does it say to change day of Shabbat and our day of gathering as a congregation and community for worship to Sunday. Read Genesis 2:1-3. BACK TO MATTHEW 28 I cannot help but wonder if Yeshua (Jesus) had been dead and in the tomb until the earthquake. Had He remained until then or did He rise earlier? Had He waited for her, and the rest of the ladies, and then risen? Or did the earthquake mean something else altogether? I will not read into it anything more than just some questions of curiosity. The end...

Thank You, Adonai, for the rain. We are in drought and need it. Rain, I know, shows Your favor. Thank You. Thank You on this Thanksgiving Day for this special blessing.

Genesis 2:1-3: Read Nov282024Thu Thanksgiving Day. (Read this as I read Matthew 28.)

Happy Thanksgiving. God is good. He is in control. He is with us when we remain with Him and in His Word. Thank the Lord for all He has given and for all that which He has not. Thank Him for all His wondrous deeds. Let us count our blessings and give Him glory.

Have you heard of putting eggshells on top of the coffee grounds in your coffee basket in your drip pot or percolator? It gets rid of the acid and it gives you nutrients. It makes the coffee taste smooth. It is better for acids reflux. I cook and bake with eggs, rinse them out, dry on a towel, and put in a baggie in fridge and use about half an egg shell per pot. And if I do not use them up quickly enough and do not trust using them after weeks, or have too many, I grind them up and add them to the ground around flower gardens and bushes. They give them nutrients and decrease bugs.

Get a 2- ounce bottle of whatever variety you want. (I use the squeeze bottle type.) INGREDIENTS 1 T Vitamin E oil 2T Aloe Vera gel 18 drops lavender essential oil 8 drops frankincense essential oil 5 drops lemon essential oil 5 drops peppermint essential oil 1/3 bottle left water 2/3 witch hazel TIPS: Shake it up and put on a cotton ball or round. Use it multiple times per day, it will refreshen your skin and not dry it out. It helps disinfect wounds and heal them quickly. USES: Facial toner Wound care Rashes Skin irritations Burns To help sleep Morning perk me up

 Grab a 2-ounce spray bottle. INGREDIENTS 2 T vegetable glycerin 2 T Aloe Vera 1 t Jojoba oil 1 t olive oil 1/2 t vitamin e oil 10 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops peppermint essential oil 5 drops lemon essential oil 5 drops rosemary essential oil Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Use while hair is wet and use a comb to comb it through your hair. I have somewhat shorter hair (just under my chin) and use about 12 sprays of this each time I use it. And I use it every time I wash my hair. It will take you some trial and error to figure it out.

 Grab a 2-ounce bottle of whatever kind you like. The kind you get for travel works great. It can be plastic because you use it up so quickly that glass is unnecessary. INGREDIENTS 1 T Vitamin E Oil 1 T Jojoba Oil 1 T Olive Oil 2 T Vegetable Glycerin 1 T Aloe Vera 2 T Water 15 drops lavender essential oil 10 drops rosemary essential oil 8 drops lemon essential oil 5 drops peppermint essential oil 5 drops tea tree oil essential oil 5 drops frankincense Fill the rest of the bottle with liquid castile soap. Shake it and use. It's great for hair and body. It also works great for shaving. TIPS WARNING: At first, the expense of buying the supplies seems high. It is. However, you'll use them for multiple other products and these last a long time. In the end, you will save money. It's just that upfront cost that hurts. Moreover, they are not chemicals. So the health benefits are huge. The aroma, adjust as you see fit. This is the combination that I use to help me with hair loss and...

This blog journal entry might be too much for some. However, if you are female and menopausal, this might be exactly what you're looking for to help you with your hair. Let me give you my story and way of life and share some hope for other menopausal women with hair problems. First, I am lazy and do not style my hair. Ever. I have more important things to do with my time. I like to keep things simple and no fuss. (And frankly don't really care. If you want to judge me about my hair, feel free to look at someone else.) I look presentable and that's well enough. Now about my hair problems. The fact I am writing this and talking about it should tell you something. I am the I-don't-care type about my hair. So the fact that I have these issues and want to share my story with others should tell you something. I don't want anyone else to have to go through these issues and not have solutions. I was having a problem with hair fall (losing my hair; thinning hair) due to meno...

  I read Matthew 27 for my Daily Bible Reading for November 27.

 I read Matthew 26 for my Daily Bible Reading for November 27.

I read Psalm 125 for my Daily Bible Reading for November 27.

I am in the process of using up store-bought, not good for you products. This includes some room sprays to make the house smell good. And I opened up my last package of one of these and found a scent I had never smelled before. It's the best scent I have ever smelled in my life. It's called Driftwood Sea Spray. It's so good that I had to recreate it immediately while I still had the scent to make sure I match it. I admit I have not done much with fragrance. I was a little intimidated by it. But then I realized that aromas are like foods. One you taste, one you smell. I can do the recipe and food thing, so surely I can figure out how to do the smell thing. I quickly did some research and figured out how to attempt to recreate the scent that I love. It's funny, one of the essential oil blog gals mentioned how if a smell is good enough for a room, you can use it for a perfume or body spray, and vice versa. Well, I like this scent so much that I determined I would use it on...

Back in 2015 to 2019, I got on the essential oil kick and made my own cleaning products and skin care products. Then, I got lazy and stopped. Well, when we moved back to Virginia, I started to create and use products made of essential oils and the things that which existed back in the days of the Bible. So, they are much healthier for us. Consequently, I am needing to use up all the grocery store bought products and change to the homemade, DIY, variety. I will share all my recipes and hints and tips on this blog.

This is a forever changing list. Therefore, you might want to check this often to see if you've missed anything or see if anything else captures your fancy. BREAD: Keto Cheesy Bread ( https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/keto-cheesy-bread-recipe.html ) PERFUME: Room Spray (Refreshener) and Perfume in Driftwood Sea Spray ( https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/room-spray-refreshener-and-perfume-in.html ) ROOM SPRAY (REFRESHENER): Room Spray (Refreshener) and Perfume in Driftwood Sea Spray ( https://shininglightontheword.blogspot.com/2024/11/room-spray-refreshener-and-perfume-in.html )

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray bread pan or use parchment paper as a liner. INGREDIENTS 2 cups almond flour 1/2 cup coconut flour 1 t baking powder 8 T olive oil 1/8 t garlic powder 2 turns of a salt grinder 5 eggs 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheese (I used cheddar and colby jack) 1/4 cup parm-romano cheese 1/4 cup milk/cream 1 T water HOW Throw it all in a bowl. Stir. Put it in treated bread pan. Cook 45 minutes or until brown. (Hint: If the top is tan in color from browning and not burning, it's finished. You don't even need to check it. Pull it out and cool.) I should say wait to cut and serve bread until it's cool. But, I cheat. I cut mine earlier and eat it while warm. Just know it might fall apart on you. TIP I definitely recommend serving it warm. If you want to use the bread for sandwiches, I recommend adding 1/3 cup flour and no additional liquid.

Well, my plans for this day went through the window about an hour and a half ago. It's mostly my fault, though, I admit. Ugh! I had to step away from this journal entry for a moment as my timer went off, which told me I needed to move laundry to the dryer. When I did that, I stepped on my cat by mistake (poor kitty). Then, I hit my head really hard on a shelf in the laundry room as I pulled out laundry from the dryer. Square in the middle of my forehead and at the front. Ouch. (Serves me right for stepping on kitty.) I then decided I wanted to try the bread I just baked. I made my own recipe up this morning after I realized Thanksgiving was tomorrow and I am not having to bake a great big old meal, as we are going to a friend's instead. I decided I wanted to spoil my husband, surprise him, and make a nice meal for him today.  I marinated the ribeye, which he will grill when he comes home. (He will have no issue with that. He enjoys it. And I will have the meat marinating all da...

Our food, beauty and household products, and medications have chemicals in them, which are bad for us and are hurting us. Hence, I have an aversion of chemicals. I definitely prefer natural of pretty much everything and make my own products that I can trust. I will share on this blog journal how to minimize the effects of chemicals in our lives by what we eat, what we use on our skin and hair, the cleaning products we use, and so forth. Please stay tuned.

This is my personal blog journal and I will share about living a life of trusting in Yeshua Messiah (Jesus the Savior and Redeemer) in the world today. This blog journal will cover a little of this, some of that, and a great deal of miscellany. (You've been warned.) What does it look like living a narrow gate faith? How do you live the best life possible? How do you live your every day life and live it according to the Bible? How do you live a life that is very contrary to the values of the world today? How do you remain bold in your faith in a world that hates you? How do you live according to the Word? How do you life a life for God and not get caught up in the things of this world? This blog will look at that, and just life today.  Never mind how reading through the Bible can be hard, and trying to live what the Word says can be hard as well. This blog will address that. Moreover, a really fun part of this blog will be sharing what new tidbits of information I see as I read thro...

Good day, friend. Welcome to my personal journal, which some of its entries will be published on this blog. I do not know about you but I find this world keeps getting crazier, darker, and more evil and vile all the time. All the while, nonetheless and thankfully, the light (of God/Adonai and His Word) still shines brightly and actually brighter because it is in the darkness. I am finding my trust (faith; belief) in Yeshua Messiah (Jesus the Savior) and in the Word of God (The Bible; The Word; The Word of Adonai) even more paramount than ever before. Remaining in Him and in the Word in every moment is key to right and best living. I cannot imagine living in these times if not for God (Adonai) and the Bible. He is our only real hope. Let us face it, though. Being in the Word, understanding it, and applying it can be a struggle. It is a book with content that is old and uses terms, phrases, and language we do not understand easily today. (But there are ways to help with this.) Although, ...

This is a blog journal in the planning stages. Please stay tuned. Journal entries are forthcoming.

 Welcome to the new blog journal of Stacy Duplease.