My 12 Week Journal Stories

Journaling Day 1 

Challenged  to journal once a day for 12 weeks. I got this,right? I whipped out the wasabi tape and my stickers to make it fun. My heart is happy. Teddy and I are ready Freddie. 😜 

Tonight's scripture: 

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Journaling Day 2 

I mentioned yesterday how I was challenged to write in my journal, every day for 12 weeks. I said sure. Didn't hesitate. I'm always up for a challenge. It's a food intake diary, motivational messages  and exercise log plus a scripture a day. It even consisted of taking a picture of ourselves for our own eyes to see reality. A full figure selfie 😂😳🤦Sporting work out gear I would never dream of wearing in public. I put my camera on a tripod and snapped pictures 😬 I would never wear leggings in public. I will keep my groceries at home - thank you. 🤣 Awe, it wasn't pretty. To stand so vulnerable. I'm glad I live alone .To say the least it was an eye opener. 👀This journey  has me thinking about our small group. How we did a 21 day plan and then a 40 day. This will be for 3 months straight. Thank you Jennifer Schlander for motivating me to "jot" it down and stay accountable.

Journaling Day 3

Making time to pray, to give thanks and being present. Fully present. Set a timer and close you eyes for full dedication to your Lord and Savior. Start with just 3 minutes of quiet time and go longer with each passing day.  Challenge your self.

Journaling Day 4 

How do you know you have a true desire to please God verses just going through the motions?  

For me, it's when it twinges into the uncomfortable yet I know it's something God would be pleased for me to do. It's biblical -it matters. 

Verse today: 

God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him. 

Philippians 2:13

Journaling Day 5

Inner strength from the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to serve God, do our duty, and persevere in our Christian walk. Is it easy?No. Yet,you strive to stay in  obedience. For me,it's failing  God so many times in my humanness, in my reactions to others and certain situations.I question so much.My Rachel reaction is better with time yet God knows I'm working on being a better human and Christian. Reacting better in my disappointments and thought process.I call it my Rachel  Reaction Distraction. It takes me a bit longer than I like to- I want to react more Christian like,naturally. I'm  processing so much first. I'm like a toddler and asking God, why more than I should.I'm full of questions. 

😏 That's when I humbly ask God keep working on my Christian maturity.❤️That gives me strength to carry on. 

Scripture: 

I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength. 

Phillipians 4:13.

Journaling Day 6. 

Yikes ! Time is always so fleeting. Already Day 6

 Today's scripture: 

James 1:5

If you want to know what God wants you to do,ask Him,and He will gladly tell you. 

I know God answers my questions through his word, through people, a song, a conversation. He answers through a sermon. When timing aligns so easily and you just know it was from God. ❤️ If you don't experience this. Pay attention. Be present. Go to God first. ❤️

 Journaling Day 7

Dear Journal, 

Fell asleep pretty much when I got home of pure exhaustion. Physically and emotionally just plum tuckered out. Between getting an amazing text from Maria and having to bid a fond goodbye to a co-worker I've worked with for over 5 years, Sunday was his last day of work.

 I just wanted to rest. It was as if my heart had two extremes in one afternoon. Felt too over the top. 

A good cry over Maria's healing. 

A sad cry over Matt leaving.

I remember having a full conversation with God before falling asleep. 

Expressing to God how my heart is full today. My tears are full today. Heavenly Father fill me with grace and cover and protect my heart. 

Asking him to strengthen my spirit. The beauty of having such a personal relationship with God is letting him know the desires of our heart.  

I slept for 5 hours and here it is a little after 10 pm. 

Tomorrow I start new, you reading this can start new,as well. Have the memories yet a do over in the morning. Ask God for a renewed spirit and fresh start. Go and seize the day. Pay more attention to people. Be kinder. Find a way to be more  obedient today. Be more present. Be more yourself. Be the person you needed growing up. Show up. Be grateful. Give thanks. 

Scripture: 

Create in me a pure heart, Oh God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 

Psalm 51:10

Journaling Day 8

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a pure heart, Of God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

In Psalm 51 in particular we see that David prayed to the Lord concerning three kinds of spirit: a steadfast spirit, a willing spirit, and a broken spirit.

When you have a personal relationship with God you can ask and work on these traits. Being loyal and faithful in your relationships. Give it your all in the work you do with a joyful heart. Pray for any bitterness residue to leave your heart. Yes, God knows your heart's desires yet he also knows your obedeant action. It not just the desire to change. It's the obedience.

Being a steadfast, willing joyful human.

My Name Necklace Black Friday Special 11.27.20

  via My Name Necklace

BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS! 

Just bought by Daughter, Julia  and my Son in law this as part of their Christmas present. 

Click the link for Coupon code

One Year Anniversary Bouquet from Bouq.com

  via Bouq.com  

It was my One year Anniversary at Job#1. I love flowers and mason jars - so this was a win,win! 

Virtual Tupperware Party 11.22.2020 7:30pm PST

Click here Find a Party "Rachel Entzminger- Lloyd"

Psalm 139:14

 This. An example of when I see something that speaks to me yet missing a biblical reference. I then add one. 

I don't want to go through life missing a biblical reference. That's were I  find peace with the pieces of my story I left behind and continue to leave behind. The people, their reactions and lack of action. Boundaries set,then pray from afar. I've come this far to be in the mist of drama. 

For many years my go to was Lord, soften my heart .Just soften my heart.  Now my recent motto: Is this biblical? Find a reference. Where's my bible?  

Psalm 139:14 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

Sleepless in San Diego - 3am

 Went to bed way too early .Fell asleep at @10pm then woke up at 3am. Had some quiet prayer time and now looking at pictures on my phone. It's going to be a long day. Have to be at church at 7am. 

My usual time to fall asleep is about midnight or 1am. It's rare for me to go to bed early. It just is. Do you have a regular bedtime routine ? Any night time rituals? 

For now I look at all the pictures on my phone so I can see The Pretties". 

Sharing The Pretties. 

Flowers. The Pretties.

 Before I left church I took a few pictures of flower arrangements. 

I love flowers. I don't know names, I just love them. There's something about the sight and smells. 

I don't even have a favorite. I love them all.Do you have a favorite?

Bloom where you are planted. 

Avon and more

 I'm not the only one who consistanly looses lipsticks and chapsticks right? Too bad they can't make them flat. This one rolled under my desk and sat there for days. 

It's  one of my favorites . Birthday Balm collection By Avon , named "Surprise". It was a sweet surprise when I went to grab my writing pen that dropped on the floor and there it was. 

Do you have a favorite brand? Color? Do you stay with one shade or have a variety? 

Things Green Tea

 Today woke up in such a green tea mood. Jade Leaf shots are my favorite. Added Christmas Spirit to my daily diffuser to add to a positive morning. With all that's going on in social media my Blogger Page gives me solace. Prayer and quiet time gave me peace this morning. Finding joy in my day is what I am striving for today. Taking it a day at a time. 

There was a time I only drank green tea and water for about 2 years. I was known as the green tea girl at work. Then I just started drinking any other beverages and my green tea habit stopped. I feel like its that time again - creating new habits. Do you like green tea? If so, what are you favorites? If not what is your beverage regime? 

It's the little things that give me joy. 

Cup of Tea and Scripture - Deuteronomy 31:6 -21 Day Challenge

 

Basic Steps -Deeper into Gods word 

1.  Make a favorite cup of tea. 

2. Gather your bible (s) devotionals and journal. 

3.  Find the quietest place you can think of to be present. Really present. 

4. Set a timer on your phone for 3 minutes and sit in silence. Complete silence. 

5.  Ask God to quiet your mind to be present with him. 

6. Ask God for a word or scripture - then just be present. 

7. After the timer sounds - read your bible, devotional or journal and take your time. 

8. Honor  this time with complete attention to Gods words and  your thoughts. 

9. Do this for 21 days with each day adding a minute to your  timer and quiet time with him. 

10. This quiet time should get easier as the days go on. Healthy daily habits are essential.  

Let me know your thoughts, 

Rachel Rose Mercantile 

7 Steps to Combat Fears due to The Coronavirus Quarantine

Week 2 of having a full Sunday off.

It's 12:28pm  and I'm still in bed. 😳It's been so long I can't remember when I ever stayed in bed so late. 🤷

Other than that, I'm still working both jobs. For now-anyway. Still commuting and frequenting the grocery store because I have a small fridge.

 My life hasn't changed other than Sundays off. I'm an introvet, what can I say.

Living in uncertainty is our new normal. The questions, the social distancing and reports of shortages can be overwheming. People react in different ways.

With humor(totally me) , seriousness, to do list and finding their new normal.

Whatever category you fall in and find yourself,
put fear aside and find the strength to improve your situation. Reach out for help. Look within;give yourself grace and start looking at ways to improve your situation.

My 7 GO TO'S

1. Personal Talks with God.

2. Be honest with your tribe.

Discuss those fears within the home. Dialogue because some have great poker faces others will suck the negative right out of your positive vibe and youll want to leave that tribe. 😬 Awe, made a little rap. 😂

3. Explain to the children and Young Adults. Yes, Young Adults.

You know them best - give them a sense of security for their appropriate age group. Have that conversation. Get them talking.

4. Plan financial scenarios with your significant other.

 Share a bankstatment for true numbers and evaluate what can be eliminated for the following month. Whose the spender, the saver. Has one managed the money and the other is blind to finances? Have a conversation.

5.   Research, research and research reliable resources.

 Friends and friends of friends sharing from their part of town sharing their peaks and curves of outbreak. Someone in my little city shared they were out of paper towels yet within minutes others shared the stores within the same area had an ample supply.

6. Doing your part.

 I was in the Target parking lot yesterday and a car pulled up alongside me while a family was in a truck waiting in the next stall over . They exchanged toilet paper for some board games. Neighbors helping neighbors- reaching out.

7.  The number seven is considered a lucky number. Count your blessings. Be grateful. You're  in this with the people you do life with.
Doing  life with those means doing it with love, grace, patience and kindness. Yes, daily  life can be messy yet if we do it with respect and a Godly heart - we can get through this.

Just my 2 cents ❤
Have a blessed Sunday ❤

The Dynamic Trio Vibe

I'm so going to try this soon.
I'll add some vitality oils to my monthly well box. I'll share a video soon.

7 Secrets to Self-Care and Why it Matters for Aging Well

7 Secrets to Self-Care and Why it Matters for Aging Well