With a Joyful Noise: October 2014

Friday, October 31, 2014

Grace Card

Is it wrong that it was during church when I got the idea for my newest graphics design? :) Wednesday night, our pastor was teaching on 1 Timothy 2 and expounded on the marvelous grace of God. Here is the result of my reflections (I've been playing around with different styles that are not particularly mine - hence, the lines):

Available at Etsy

Printed as a card

Instead of a simple graphic, I made this to be printable cards - because I'm always needing more cards.

What is one word from God's Word that He has been impressing upon your heart lately?

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Understanding God's Will - Part 1 | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:15-17

(15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

(16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

(17) Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

We already understand that we must walk wisely and redeem the time. Beyond that, though, we are to understand the will of the Lord - what it is. How do we know God's will? We must redeem the time and instead of seeking after this world's ideas, seek first God and His kingdom.

Mark 3:35 - For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Doing the will of God is evidence that we are one with Christ.

Acts 13:36- For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

God has a specific will for specific children. For David, God's will was that he would serve his generation by being king.

Acts 21:14 - And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

As believers, we should be surrendered to God's will for our life and the lives of others.

Romans 1:9-10 - For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

Romans 15:30, 32 - . . . strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

In our prayers, we can make our requests (and even ask others to join in this request), but must be submitted to the will of God.

Romans 8:27 - And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

While we pray, Jesus Christ (our Intercessor) intercedes on our behalf, but submitted to the will of God.

Romans 12:1-2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

To prove God's will in our lives, we must first be renewed in the spirit of our minds - renewed according to God's way, not to the way of the world or our sinful flesh (the "old man"). God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect. Part of proving God's will in our lives seems connected with the first verse: presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, living holily, and doing what is acceptable in God's eyes. Perhaps to know God's perfect will, to be renewed in the spirit of our mind, we must apply those three aspects.

The Solid Rock - CD

The Lord allowed me to record my first piano solo CD last year. It is now up for sale at withajoyfulnoise.com.

Here is a sample of the music on the CD:

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Word Wednesday #26

"If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands; Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out." (Job 31:7-8)

This whole chapter is Job's cry of "If I have done ____, then let me bear the consequences." Only the purest in heart can truthfully utter these words, willing to bear the iniquity of their wrongs. Am I willing for God to justly judge me for my wrongs?

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you'd like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Announcing . . .

Yes, I'm at it again! Last week, the Lord allowed me to open With a Joyful Noise.

This week . . .

it is Truth Pics! Unlike With a Joyful Noise, Truth Pics is merely my "hobby-business." In fact, you've seen all of the pictures already, most of which I've shared on Fridays. However, you can still hop on over where I now have large quality images for sale as instant digital downloads. And if you have an Etsy shop, I'd love to hear about it!

View HERE

All three styles HERE

See HERE

Give Thanks Challenge!

In just a few days, November rolls around and we can "officially" start the "Give Thanks x7 Challenge!" I am thrilled to have an excuse to count my blessings. ;) Join me, will you?

Monday, October 27, 2014

Redeeming the Time | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:15-16

(15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

(16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

The wise man considers not only his walk, but also the times in which he is walking. He believes that what God says is truth - and because of this belief, he is hard at work to fulfill what God says he must do.

An example of this is the belief that Christ really is returning soon. Do we really believe the following verses?

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." (1 Peter 4:7)

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." (James 5:8)

"Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time." (1 John 2:18)

If we truly and honestly believed these verses, then would we not walk circumspectly? Would we not wisely consider our lifestyle? Would we not redeem the time? ("Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." Colossians 4:5)

Yes, as many people have used this verse, we need to be wise stewards of our time in general. We need to wisely use our time. But let's consider the next verse: "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17) It is unwise to think that God is merely talking about my personal pleasure and activities in "redeeming the time." We must understand God's will - the bigger picture - and walk according to that.

Walk circumspectly. Redeem the time. Understand God's will.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Maggie's Hopechest (cover design)

It was Maggie's teenage dream to acquire her very own hopechest. Surely now that the Lord provided one for her, He wouldn't ask her to give up the collection she's worked on for years - or would He?

"Maggie's Hopechest" is a short story that the Lord allowed me to write recently. It's an old idea that I've had for several years, but never made the time to sit down and write it. Short stories are an excellent way to express story ideas when you don't have time to sit down and write a full-length novel. I'm not a short-story writer by any means (aka: I'm very wordy) but this was a great challenge for me to stay concise and keep the plot flowing.

But! I haven't edited the short story yet, so for now, here's the cover I was playing with:

Original

After looking at it, I realized that it looks very vintage and masculine. Neither are a good portrayal of the short story (it is a modern story about a girl), so I played with some color, trying to "soften" the tones.

Purple

Pink

As I looked at it, I began to wonder if the chest was what gave it that look, so I tried to lower the opacity on the chest:

Pink 02

And, as I always like "behind-the-scenes" stuff, here is the base image that I used. I actually created this image as a background for my sister's blog, using a picture of burlap (with writing) and a few Photoshop Elements features.

And then, since I didn't have any picture of a hopechest or trunk on hand, I searched for a royalty free image and found one:

Via freerangestock.com (use caution when looking!)

If you would be so kind as to give your opinion and/or advice concerning my "cover play," here are some questions I'm wondering:

- Does the cover look too masculine?
- Which cover gives the thought of a girl with her treasured possessions?
- Any overall suggestions?

And a random question on the topic:
- Do you have a hopechest? (no, I do not :))

~*~*~

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." 2 Corinthians 9:6

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Now Open!!!! With a Joyful Noise

Praise the Lord, I just launched With a Joyful Noise - music company and ministry!!

Walking Circumspectly | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

The word "circumspectly" means "exactly" (NT: 199, akribos). The very description of fools vs. wise gives us a deeper understanding of this word. Scripture has a lot to say about this issue.

"The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall." (Proverbs 10:8)

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." (Proverbs 12:15)

"A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident." (Proverbs 14:16)

"A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool." (Proverbs 17:10)

"A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards." (Proverbs 29:11)

"The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself." (Ecclesiastes 10:12)

To walk as the wise (according to these few verses) would be to receive commandments, depart from evil, receive reproof, check our words, and speak graciously.

To walk as the foolish would be to reject commandments and thereby fall, walk according to what is right in our eyes, harden our back against any correction, let our mouth pour out abundant words.

The fool does not consider the path he is walking - he just walks, lives. The wise ponders carefully where he is walking, being sure to follow the right path. The fool does not care about the instructions of others. The wise thrives on following God and His Word.

When I consider the path I'm walking, does it look more like a fool or wise?

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Word Wednesday #25

"As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?" (Job 21:4)

To whom are we pouring out our troubles? To mere men? Or can we say like David, "I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication." (Psalms 142:1) Man is not the right source from which to seek true comfort. Yes, God uses men to comfort, but He is the ultimate comforter, able to help and change things.

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you'd like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Give Thanks Challenge

Join HERE

The past two years, I have joined King's Blooming Rose with their "Give Thanks" challenge. It has been a HUGE blessing to me and I look forward to doing it again this year! By doing the "Give Thanks" challenge, the Lord has helped me to incorporate thanksgiving in my everyday life. Once you "give thanks" for seven things every day for a month, you just can't stop there!

If you're like me, you need something to help you keep track. I've created a little chart that I just fill out each day. Email me for a copy (withajoyfulnoise {at} gmail {dot} com).

Monday, October 20, 2014

Preach Christ | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:7-13

(7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

(8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

(9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

(10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

(11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

(12) For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

(13) But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

According to verse 11, we are never to condone the works of darkness - they are not to be a part of our life and we are not to act as if they are righteous in God's eyes. We are reminded why in verse 12: it is a shame to even speak of acts done in secret. We do not have to preach sin to get the sinner to repent - rather, we should preach Christ for "all things that are reproved are made manifest by the LIGHT." (vs. 13) To get a sinner to see how sinful he is, we cannot pursue logic. Like Paul, we must say, "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2)

Friday, October 17, 2014

Project: Par la Grace

Last weekend, I did a photoshoot with . . . wood! Yes, you read that correctly. My oldest sister has begun making wooden signs and is working towards getting a shop set up online to sell them. For now, you can visit her business FaceBook page: Par la Grace Shoppe

More info here

Fall info here
Pumpkin info here

Also in getting her website set up (not yet live), I've played around with a few banners, buttons, and such. Jessica isn't sure that she likes all of the swirls, so these may change in the future. But for now:

(Etsy shop to be opened soon)

Have you been working on any new projects?

And (for any chance to brag on my sister's work ;)), which sign is your favorite?

~*~*~

"And whatosever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24)

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Dangers of Darkness | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Already, Paul has established that we are to be followers of God (vs. 1), walking in love (vs. 2), abstaining from fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, and jesting (vs. 3-4) and instead give thanks (vs. 4). He has reminded the believer that there should be a clear difference between the darkness and light (vs. 5-10). With all of this background, is added "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (vs. 11) In context, it seems that Paul is exhorting the believer to completely shun the works of darkness - to "have no fellowship (share in company with, co-participate in)" with the works.

It very clearly defines the works of darkness, and not the children of darkness. For example, 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, "I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat." In our daily lives, we will come across people who are fornicators of the world, covetous, extortioners, idolaters, etc. If we were to avoid them completely, then we should just all die and go to heaven. No; God has a special plan for mixing His children with the children of darkness. We are to be lights in this dark world ("Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." Philippians 2:14-16 - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16) and by being this light, we are to point others to Christ so that more would come into His kingdom.

But - if we participate in the works of darkness, our light will become dim and lose the powerful glow that could draw men unto Christ. Is our light shining clearly? or do we need our hearts cleansed from some hints of darkness?

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Word Wednesday #24

"Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?" (Job 19:22)

In strong judgment, we tend to forget that the other person is but flesh - facing the struggles and temptations of the flesh. Instead of harsh judgment, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." (Romans 15:1) If the individual is not showing rebellion to God and His Word, who are we to judge and condemn?

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you'd like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Where am I Dwelling?

Yesterday morning in my Bible reading, I came across a passage that really challenged and encouraged me and wanted to share.

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling." (Psalm 91:1, 9-10)

Where am I dwelling? Where am I abiding? To dwell and abide in Christ does not mean to flee to Him only when there is trouble. It means that when trouble comes, I am already there, because I have learned to daily live under His shadow.

Monday, October 13, 2014

The Believer's Walk | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:8-10

(8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

(9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

(10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

As believers, our walk should prove (test, approve) what is acceptable (agreeable) in God's eyes. I think this means that as we live, we should ever be seeking God to see what His ways are, to see what is acceptable in His eyes. If we feel clueless as to "what this way is," God has given us His Word to guide us. Just a simple search shows us that we should walk:

-circumspectly (Ephesians 5:15)

-in His ways (Deuteronomy 8:6, 30:16; Psalm 119:2-3)

-in God's truth (Psalm 86:11; 3 John 1:4)

-in light (Isaiah 2:5; Ephesians 5:8; 1 John 1:7)

-in humility (Micah 6:8)

-in newness of life (Romans 6:4)

-in the Spirit (Romans 8:1, 4; Galatians 5:16, 25)

-honestly (Romans 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:12)

-by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7)

-in good works (Ephesians 2:10)

-worthy of the Lord and His calling (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12)

-in love (Ephesians 5:2)

-in wisdom (Colossians 4:5)

-after His commandments (2 John 1:6)

It also shows us that we should not walk:

-in the imagination of their own hearts (Jeremiah 3:17, 16:12, 18:12)

-in their own ways (Jeremiah 18:15; Acts 14:16)

-in pride (Daniel 4:37)

-in the name of false gods (Deuteronomy 8:9; Jeremiah 7:9, 13:10)

-for others to see and praise us (Luke 40:45-46)

-disorderly (2 Thessalonians 3:11)

-after ungodly lusts (Jude 1:18)

Friday, October 10, 2014

Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow

My photography project this time was fun. Spider Lilies have sprung up around our place and so I captured a few of them. As I was taking pictures, the words to the Doxology flowed through my mind. So . . .

This is not my typical style, but it was fun to experiment with. When I was taking pictures, I set the camera close to the ground and blindly pointed it up underneath the spider lily to capture it and the sky. Because of the lens and distance, it didn't focus, but I thought the result was kinda neat (like a watercolor).

Unedited base

I took that image as my base then overlaid it with another picture at half opacity.

Unedited top layer (put it at 50% opacity)

And then, I added the words, experimenting with the "glow." And that's the behind-the-scenes of my picture this week. :)

Just as a bonus, this is the look that I usually gravitate towards:

Low saturation

"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:

for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

(Psalm 9:10)

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Walking in Light | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:8

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

It is as if Paul gave a list to remind us of the works of darkness in the previous verses (fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, jesting, whoremonger, idolatry). He exhorts the believer to no longer partake in these sins (vs. 7), as if we were still living in darkness.

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men." (Titus 3:3-8)

Paul does not ignore the past, however he compares the past to the salvation and light of Jesus Christ. We were in darkness, but now that Christ has freed us from sin and darkness, we are to walk according to His light.

Ephesians 5:9

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Unlike the works of darkness, the fruit of the Spirit is goodness, righteousness, and truth - all attributes of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9)

To now walk in this light that we've been given, we must learn more of Christ. We must cleanse our hearts to "think on these things." The fruit of the Spirit reveals the work of Christ in our lives. If we don't have these fruits, it is doubtable that we are truly walking in the Spirit.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Words Wednesday #23

"Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me." (Job 13:22)

We often think about the latter part: God hearing and answering when we call. But what about the first half? Do I listen and answer when He calls?

"Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands." (Job 14:15)

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you'd like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Camp Christa trip

Here is the Camp Christa report, which is also found on my family's blog (www.terofamilyministries.com). I was so blessed to be able to go up to Colorado for Camp Christa this year and praise the Lord for the work that He did that week!

My older brothers, Christopher and Daniel, and I trekked up to Colorado, July 11-20, 2014, to help with Camp Christa, a camp for Navajo and Ute Indians. The Lord blessed us with an amazing camp! The campers all seemed very receptive and several made professions of faith.

{most pictures by yours truly and my brother, Daniel}

The guys group singing at Newcomb Baptist, Sunday morning

The dining hall

Singing

Bro. Jason, missionary to the Navajo Indians

More singing

Morning exercise

Sword drills

Daniel and friend Trever headed up the activities

Bro. Aaron teaching the youth class

The adult class

Junior class

Looking through shoes

Christopher teaching his class

Preparing for the Scripture scavenger hunt

Me and Imperla

Demonstrating how sin, when we are entangled fully in it, is impossible to get out of in our own strength

At the park

Some of the campers singing a special

Christopher and Daniel, demonstrating John 10:28-30, how no man can pluck us out of the Father's hand

The Baker family singing

Bro. Baker

I was so very grateful to be the girls' teen counselor this year. I had an amazing group - my highlight was leading one of my girls to Jesus Christ!

Baptismal service

Me with Laura and Aaron Baker

Star, Me, Destiny, Mylee, Victoria

Other events in Colorado
Again, we were enthralled by God's beauty in the Colorado mountains! After camp, we went up to the Mesa Verde national park with our cousin Jacob. There, we not only saw the old cliff dwellings made from rock, but we also had an amazing view from the mountaintop!