I Have to Admit - I'm Not Good at Housework

I’m terrible at keeping up with it. I like to think it’s because I’m a creative and so easily distracted (anyone else with me?) Don’t get me wrong, I love to have a clean house, I’m just really bad at making a good habit of it. I’ve always loved a cleanly swept floor. Dusting I’ve always hated; what’s the point? You dust and then the next moment you turn around, and it’s back! It feels like such a waste of time, and I’m passionate about time management. Then the light hits it a certain way, and out comes the duster; I fall for it again.

tips, encouragementJackie ScottDecember 2, 2024suggested books, resources, admitting weaknessesComment

Anxiety and Me

I was in an intense “cat-like state of readiness” no matter what the situation: when sitting at home, when getting ready to go to work, at work (that was the worst, because I had no control over what happened or when), and even when trying to go to sleep. If you’ve ever experienced any kind of anxiety, you’ll understand the feeling. If you haven’t, I’m glad you have been spared that, and pray you are always blessed to never experience it.

God is Running After Us

We spend so much of our time running from God, running away from the blessings he’s given us, running away from the guidance he’s provided us, because we’ve done such a good job at twisting his message. People take his love, his grace, his mercy, his goodness, and twist it into something they use to take power, privilege, money, and fame.

Not all people have done that, but too many have, and too many have shattered the lives of innocent people, making them fearful and angry at anything that has God’s message attached to it.

God’s running after us, because as humans, we keep messing up.

7 Benefits of a Creative Practice

Think of the joy we have, whether in making something new and sharing it with other people, or sharing how to make something with friends. Wouldn’t you like to learn a skill that you can share with the next generation in your family? Or the next generation growing up in the world? All this while reaping the benefits of better communication, and hand-eye coordination.

Encouragement

Sometimes you just need that extra bit of encouragement. Okay, not necessarily a sword, but someone encouraging you that you've got the tools to take the next step and continue your journey, whatever that may be.

Battling Negativity

Ever had a moment of doubt or negativity? Like I did when I was nearing the end of my pottery mentorship, had a ton of work, but nothing cohesive enough for our exhibition?

I gathered all the pieces worked on during the time and felt like it was a waste of time

Peaceful Adventures

There is something blissfully peaceful about a cat napping. It's like they've perfected the art of contentment and rest, enjoying the moment, not worrying about the next thing to come. Where do you find moments of peace in your life?

Is it catching a quick nap through a busy day? Or taking a quiet walk in the woods?

Rest

Who loves naps? Do you have a favourite place to curl up for a quick cat nap, like our cat Harry? The piano bench is one of his many napping spots.

Do you feel that too often we neglect our rest? Cats may have the right idea.

encouragement, time management, hope, NapsJackie ScottOctober 7, 2024Rest, spiritual encouragement, encouragementComment

Excerpt 3 from 21 Days of Encouragement

This is a continuation of yesterday’s verse about not worrying about anything, but praying about everything. “God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” Or “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

book excerpts, devotional, encouragementJackie ScottSeptember 30, 2024encouragement, spiritual encouragement, inspiration, daily devotionalsComment

Excerpt 2 from 21 Days of Encouragement

Why wouldn’t everything be possible with God? He created the universe and everything in it. Everything from stardust to molecules, to the smallest specs of minuscule particulates to the largest planets and vast galaxies. Why would anything be impossible for him? So, why do we limit what he can do through us?

encouragement, devotional, book excerptsJackie ScottSeptember 23, 2024faith journey, daily devotionals, encouragement, spiritual encouragementComment

Excerpt 1 from 21 Days of Encouragement:

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Fear and discouragement often go together. It is so much easier to be discouraged when we feel afraid. It is so much easier to be afraid when we are discouraged. It’s kind of like bacon and eggs, Laurel and Hardy, peanut butter and jam, or any other pairing here that makes sense to you.

Goal Setting

One of the things I love doing when we drive up north is taking pictures of the Canadian Shield rocks pushing out of the ground. They are SOLID! Seeing something so sturdy reminds me of setting goals.

I never used to set goals, I'd have random wishes like "maybe one day I'll do this..." Then a few years ago I decided to be firm with setting my goals. Three books and a lot of minor goals later, I'd say goal setting works.

goal setting, encouragement, tipsJackie ScottSeptember 15, 2024encouragement, confidence, tips, breaking down goals into smaller stepsComment