NEW CLASS: Journal It For Change! Take my free 6-week class online! April 8 - May 14, 2021

JOURNALING CLASS APRIL 8 - May 14, 2021 You may take the course and progress at your own pace. Sign up by email: Your name and email address to Gwen@gwendolyncaroletipton.com

To participate in a free class, purchase Journal It! Take Hold of Your Life by Journaling or any book by Gwendolyn Carole Tipton WWW.AMAZON.COM. Thank you.

My Blog title is Journal it with Prayer, and I've tried to encourage you to document your activities and feelings during this coronavirus season. I want you to read my book, "Journal It! Take Hold of Your Life by Journaling" that describes 50 different strategies to use while journaling. Please visit my Blog page and join me in documenting your activities and feelings during this time. I email a new Prayer each Tuesday morning and new Blogs each month. Thanks for visiting. Come again.

JOURNAL WITH ME

Bible Verses and Prayer

Hebrews 11:1

New International Version

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we have confidence in Your knowing and seeing the finish of this coronavirus season. We are drained and worn from the pandemic. Our country is strained by believing in several differing democracies. Families are hurting and in need of their daily bread. Gracious Lord, please be reminded of Your promise to love us and guard us against danger. You said You would protect us from all evil and keep our souls. We have put our faith in You, even though we can not see the goodness ahead. Show us Your Glory. Come quickly. Amen.

Psalm 46:1-5

Good News Translation

God is our shelter and strength,

always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths; even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence.

There is a river that brings joy to the city of God, to the sacred house of the Most High.

God is in that city, and it will never be destroyed; at early dawn, He will come to its aid.\

Prayer: Almighty God, we bow with praise and thanksgiving as we know You are with us. Thank You for being our shelter during this worldwide pandemic. Our country is divided and troubled. While we know we must let it be, we stand waiting for Your help. Please come. Amen.

Philippians 4:6

New Living Translation

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to leave all our anxieties to You. We are still concerned about the coronavirus and those who are ill and have lost loved ones. We stand before You with Thanksgiving and Praise. Thank You for the relief that is yet to come. Amen.

Psalm 9:9-10

New International Version

9 - The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

10 - Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lor, have never forsaken those who seek You.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we continue to call on You for a fair election, with no need for lawyers to question the outcome. We pray that You have input into the selection of the president and other officials. We ask that You steer all US citizens toward peace and acceptance as we look to You and see Your Will being done. Bless this nation. Amen.

Isaiah 41:13

New International Version (NIV)

For I am the Lord your God

who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Prayer: Our beloved Savior, you are our ultimate helper when we are sad, in need, stressed, or overly exuberant. You quell our fears. Stay close to us and hold our hands tightly so they won't slip away from you.

We pray for your help in dealing with the coronavirus, calming the fires, and guiding the leaders of our nation. Please help us. Thank You for helping us get through each day, no matter what comes. Amen.

Ephesians 5:15-17

New International Version (NIV)

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Prayer: Judge of the Nations, we have let many opportunities pass by because we were not focused on You. Help us to be careful as we try to search for more opportunities amid the pandemic. We pray for restoration from this coronavirus and wisdom for the leaders of our nation. Please render us an understanding of Your will. Thank You for helping us get through each day that is filled with natural fires and ongoing protests, both that kill and destroy. Amen.

II Corinthians 9:15 – New International Version (NIV) "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift."

Prayer: Great God, forgive me for not recognizing your great gift today. This beautiful day you have made brings me joy and happiness as I think of your lessening the coronavirus and our returning to work and school. Thank you for the gift of my life with you. Amen.

Habakkuk 1:5 – New International Version (NIV) Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.

Prayer: Bearer of Light, I cannot assist our nation and its leaders, but I can see they need your direction. Do something they would not believe. Show your Holy Spirit is present. Thank you for blessing our leaders. Amen.

I’m a paragraph. August 25, 2020

Hebrews 11:6 – New International Version (NIV) And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Prayer: King Invisible, my faith looks to you for guidance, but my spirit may stray without your counsel. Believe that I trust in you, knowing you are my refuge in time of need. Thank you for your rewards. Amen. August 18, 2020

Proverbs 7: 2-3 – New International Version (NIV) Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the table of your heart.

Prayer: Lord of Lords, I try very hard to keep your commandments and exemplify your word. Renew your spirit in my heart that I may keep your teachings close to me. Thank you for letting me live through this pandemic. Amen. August 4, 2020

Joshua 1:9 – New International Version (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Prayer: Lord of Forgiveness, I am frightened. Wherever I land at the end of this pandemic storm, I want to walk with you and see your goodness and righteousness for all that is ahead. Thank you for being with me. Amen. July 7, 2020

Give Thanks - Feeling Wheels, a book of poetic messages, by Gwendolyn Carole Tipton

Give thanks for fond memories and a clear mind,

for good friends who are there all the time.

Give thanks for lasting loves that will never end,

for unwanted loves we chose not to mend.

Give thanks for saddening days that did not last,

for happiness that helped those days pass.

Give thanks for family and children, who are dear,

for this journey called life, year after year.

Class Information

Classes will begin on January April, 2021, for six weeks. The last class will end on May 14, 2021 You may take the classes at your own pace. Each weekly class will be delivered to your email on Thursdays. Simply send an email to gwen@gwendolyncaroletipton.com and verification that you have purchased one of my books at www.amazon.com or Smith and Hannon Bookstore at smihannon@aol.com

NOTE: We are waiting for a vaccine for the coronavirus and the Presidential election to be certified by all states. We wait with optimism. Poems from my book "Feeling Wheels"

# 232 Optimistic

Optimism shows a tendency to look

forward to the more favorable side.

Believing good, ultimately triumphs

over evil, giving positive results.

#32 My Heart Aches for Understanding

My heart aches for understanding to fill lonely voids,

deliberating alone, unavailable to others.

Nourish my troubled soul and heart with infinite strength,

then will come sustenance with love, as I watch and pray.

Fill my longings with redemption, but don’t leave me alone.

Take me to withdraw to your deserted place to pray.

Be my unfailing companion. I want to be yours.

#11 Be True To Yourself

They say to thine own self be true.

But what is truth for your own self?

Is truth the real state of being?

Is truth what we make for ourselves?

Is truth simply dreams we repeat again?

Making them true for thine own self,

is it seeing into thyself?

#65 Planning Your Days

Planning your days leads to flexibility with ease.

Your schedule lists numerous tasks to keep you growing.

Busy. No time to pop the corn or uncork the wine.

You play at life with child-like ambition while doing

and comprehending when you go and where you go to.

Old age. Tired days. Winter years. Make you want to play house;

cleaning, cooking, going out and about for errands,

discovering new sights, looking forward to new days.

Plan and prepare for next days with adjustments in time.

Slow down, breathe, stretch, exercise, and enjoy life’s journey.

It’s not only the scenery and the snacks you’ll miss

by being too busy, going too fast, or too slow.

You’ll miss senses for seeing and feeling when you go,

along with the sense of hearing where you should go.

# 242 - Relaxed

Relaxed makes us less tense or firm

in order to become less strict.

Relief from work can create

a relaxed state of being. #232 - Optimistic

Optimism shows a tendency to look

forward to the more favorable side.

Believing good, ultimately triumphs

over evil, giving positive results. #234 - Powerful

Exerting great authority and influence,

power possesses great forces to do or act.

Magnificent strength was portrayed

in my potential success.

The righteous man prays for deliverance from suffering

Psalm 5:3-10 New International Version (NIV)

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait expectantly.

For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;

with you, evil people are not welcome.

The arrogant cannot stand

in your presence.

You hate all who do wrong;

you destroy those who tell lies.

The bloodthirsty and deceitful

you, LORD, detest.

But I, by your great love,

can come into your house;

in reverence, I bow down

toward your holy temple.

Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies—

make your way straight before me.

Psalm 5 shows David going to the Lord in the morning and receiving the strength and happiness he needs to make it through the day against many enemies.

Heavenly Father, We are approaching you for help. We pray continually throughout each day and wait for answers. We pray for relief from the coronavirus pandemic and injustice during these turbulent times.

Adversaries are everywhere in all positions sending new messages. These leaders have rebelled against you Lord We want to take refuge in you and discover the joy in our lives again in each new morning. Show us your favor, Oh Lord. Amen.

June 30, 2020

Paul speaks of his fearless resoslve for his belief in God

Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version (NIV)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your

requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Heavenly Father, around the world, people are suffering and dying from the coronavirus. Others are protesting about the pain from continued injustice brought by police officers regardless of the cry for reform and defunding. Bless these people.

Influence our President and other government leaders while they react to the citizens' cries from the streets. Let them feel your presence. Bless our government leaders.

We recognize the patience and understanding we need to help shape our children's lives. We pray for your guidance to support them with proper instruction and love. Bless our children.

Lord, show us your face. Show us your glory. We ask that you hear us as we pray continually for help and answers. Be our refuge.

Guide us during the coming weeks as we continue to pray and obey your word. Thank you for your promise to fulfill your vows to us. Be our guide.

Thank you for loving us before we loved you and staying with us. We believe in you. We trust you. We fear you. We praise you. Oh Lord, Bless us. Amen. June 23, 2020

David continues a prayer of commemoration as he looks forward to God fulfilling His promise

Psalm 22:24-25 New International Version (NIV)

For he has not despised or scorned

the suffering of the afflicted one;

he has not hidden his face from him

but has listened to his cry for help.

From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;

before those who fear you, I will fulfill my vows.

Heavenly Father, around the world, people are suffering and dying from the coronavirus. Others are protesting about the pain from continued injustice brought by police officers regardless of the cry for reform and defunding. Lord, show us your face. Please show us your glory. We ask that you give ear to the sound of our voices as we pray for help and answers, as you granted David. God, answer our petition for peace, calm, and justice. Guide our leadership as they react. Save them. Save us. Stay faithful to your promise to us. We believe in you. We trust you. We fear you. We praise you.

Thank you for your promise to fulfill your vows to us. We’re waiting to hear from you. Amen. June 16, 2020

No more sorrowfulness. A brighter day is coming.

Revelation 21:4 New International Version (NIV)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Heavenly Father, we come with heavy hearts but sound minds as we’re watching millions protest around the globe about police brutality and injustice against people of color. Lord, show us the new order of things and teach us how to accomplish your work amid the pandemic and protests. Thank you for allowing us to awaken headed for brighter days that you make in new mornings. Amen. June 9, 2020

The Lord answers complaints about violence and injustice.

This is the Lord’s answer to Habakkuk’s complaint about violence, destruction, and injustice.

Habakkuk 1:5

Look at the nations and watch—

And be utterly amazed

I am going to do something in your days

that you would not believe,

Even if you were told.

Oh Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth. We come before you asking you to allow us to take refuge in you. Rescue us.

Dozens of cities in more than half of our United States are under siege. Curfews are mandatory as nightfall brings about destruction and Violence.

National leaders say they are outside groups from the far-left and the far-right who are leading this devastation. If they are such extremists, how can they come together for a noble cause? I cannot believe there is such an extensive network that exists. Their roots are not in sympathy with the peaceful protesters, who are trying to reiterate and shout out loud that across the country, police officers have a history of treating African Americans improperly that leads to their death and injustice in the legal system.

Oh Lord, we are overwhelmed by COVID-19. Now people are destroying public and private properties in our cities decimating businesses in poor neighborhoods. Please bring these internal urban wars to a close. Please dismiss the coronavirus.

Bless our nation during this extraordinary turmoil that repeats almost every few years, when the police execute injustices and exceed their authority, by killing black men.

Our Lord, show us your glory so that we can be utterly amazed. Give us a peace that would far exceed expectations and beliefs.

We give you praise and beg for peace that hosts a shining star. Let us awaken to find a new brighter day. Let us find joy in the morning. Let us close our eyes, and thank you for allowing us to witness Your work. We give you praise and honor. Amen. June 2, 2020

Journaling about COVID-19 Masks and Face Covers