Tag: encouragement

Anchor Angel Project, hope, prayer

Free Downloadable Prayer Images for Inspiration

The Kedge Anchor

⚓ “We all need encouragement—an anchor in the storm, a reminder that we’re not forgotten. Sometimes the simplest way to lift someone’s spirit is to let them know they’ve been prayed for. That’s what the Anchor Angel Project is all about and is here to help make it easy. 💙

Below you’ll find free prayer images you can download, save, and share with anyone who needs a reminder of hope and encouragement today.” Just right click and save to your device. The next time you are praying for someone, let them know, send one of these images with or without a short message of your own. I will never forget the day a friend of mine dropped by my office at work to have lunch with me. It was a wonderful surprise and really lifted my spirits. We don’t always have that ability to surprise a friend at work, but we can still let our friends and family know we are thinking about them.

While I have you here, please head over to my YouTube channel and check out my crafty Christmas card DIY videos repurposing old Christmas cards giving them new life. Check them out

God sees us, nothing goes unnoticed by him. Sometimes we just need to reminded in the storm when we can’t see past it. (2 Chronicles 16:9 – “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”)

art, encouragement, hope, Uncategorized

Create Joy: Handmade Cards to Encourage Others

The Kedge Anchor

In the last blog post, I shared a little about what the Anchor Angel Project is and how you can be part of it. The idea came from a friend of mine who had been walking through a long, difficult season. I started sending her memes, Bible verses, articles, care packages, and cards—just little things to lift her up. One day she referred to me as her “anchor angel,” and that phrase stuck. After that, my imagination took off.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved making cards for my family. I used to dream about working for Hallmark someday—LOL. I’ve always loved to design, draw, paint, hand-letter… just create. Making greeting cards became one of my favorite ways to express myself and brighten someone else’s day. I don’t always have the time to make them as often as I’d like, but I’m hoping that by making this project my mission, I can do it more consistently—and encourage others to do the same.

We’re reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to “encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (NASB1995). A simple greeting card can be such a beautiful way to do that. It’s a tangible reminder of God’s love and your thoughtfulness. Tuck one into a care package. Send a photo card with a favorite old memory—like that beach trip you always laugh about or a random Tuesday that turned into a lifelong moment. The recipient might even frame it. It’s a little thing that can have a lasting impact.

A handmade card is personal. It’s heartfelt. It’s a surprise in a world of bills and junk mail. When was the last time youopened the mailbox and felt your heart smile from something totally unexpected?

That old saying, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” is so true. There’s a special kind of joy that comes from knowing you’ve encouraged someone else. It encourages me, too.

So—who will you bless this August? Who will be your three? I’d love to see your creations! Follow The Kedge Anchor on Facebook and Instagram and share your cards with #anchorangelproject.

And hey—there’s still more to come. I haven’t revealed everything yet… there’s a little twist on the horizon. Have you guessed it?

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend Eve!! I am so ready for the weekend—how about you? 🧡

hope, Uncategorized

Who is God to Me? Anchored in the Storm

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com

Introduction
God is my anchor, my steady, unwavering presence when the stormy seas of life begin to swell. In moments of stress or emotional overwhelm, I often turn to comfort: food, TV, or even my art supplies. These things aren’t inherently bad, but they can’t hold me like God can.

🙏 What Does It Mean to Be Anchored in God?

When stress hits, I sometimes reach for things that feel comforting: a snack, a tv show maybe a movie or a paintbrush. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what I need. In 1 Kings 19, God cared for Elijah with food and rest—not with judgment.

But when I elevate those comforts above God, they can’t provide the stability my soul truly needs.

📖 God’s Love Reminds Me I’m Not Alone

Truths that anchor me:

  • He is always with me. (Omnipresent)
  • He is in control. (Omnipotent)
  • He knows and sees me deeply. (Omniscient)

One of my anchors is a journal entry from August 22, 2011. A hurricane was coming. We were preparing to move. And in the chaos, God gave me peace. (See Hope for the Future Part 1 Part 2  Part 3)

God is my anchor. He doesn’t move—even when I do.

🧁 Comfort Isn’t the Enemy—Misplaced Comfort Is

After I’ve prayed, read Scripture, or reached out to family and/or friends for support, I can return to those comforts—but now with peace, not panic.

  • Instead of mindless snacking, maybe it’s yogurt with fruit and granola.
  • Instead of bingeing, maybe it’s watching The Chosen, Tangled, or Shrek to relax.
  • Instead of spiraling thoughts, maybe it’s making art with worship music in the background.

These become life giving when they’re no longer the foundation—but just blessings on top of it.

🎥 Why I Rewatch the Same Movies

There’s actually science behind rewatching movies you love. They create a sense of safety. You know how they’ll end. Favorites like The Chosen, Shrek, Star Trek: Enterprise, or My Big Fat Greek Wedding bring peace when my brain needs it most.

Learn more about why rewatching your favorite movies can be therapeutic.

🎨 Art + Worship = Grounding for My Soul

When I create, especially while listening to worship or hymns, feel grounded and more focused. My breathing slows. My mind calms. God meets me in the stillness.

Try using grounding questions during anxious moments:

  • What can I see?
  • What can I hear?
  • What can I smell?
  • What can I touch?
  • What can I taste?

Pair this with prayer or scripture, and you’ll feel the storm subside.

💛 Anchored in Hope

When life gets chaotic, remember:

  • You are anchored in hope.
  • You are anchored in love.
  • You are anchored in God’s Word.

Bonus Devotional: How Do I Put Joy into Words? (Optional Side Post or Sidebar Widget)

When we are anchored, we can oddly still have joy!

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy…”
— Psalm 16:11

Joy is choosing contentment—even in difficulty. It’s not manufactured. It’s not circumstantial.
It’s found in God’s presence, where joy isn’t fleeting—it’s full.

scripture

God Bless America!

The Kedge Anchor

Free phone wallpaper to help memorize scripture

What has happened to 2024! Where has the time gone? It feels like summer is slipping away and Christmas… the thought of it, the get ready, the shopping, shuts m down. And as it should right now, it’s not time to think of Christmas, unless you’re a crafter or greeting card designer. lol

Right now it’s time to think about summer, vacays, cookouts, warm weather, fireflies, and one of my favorite times of the year – the 4th of July! In my hometown of Bristol, Rhode Inland, we celebrate the country’s oldest and longest parade in the country. We celebrate for an entire month with concerts, races, fireman musters, contests, a carnival, balls, pageants, and our famous red, white, and blue stripe. There are family gatherings with relatives coming from all over, the streets are busy and everyone decorates their house or storefront.

Why do we celebrate? Freedom! In some cases I think many have forgotten about why we celebrate. Our freedom is sometimes overshadowed by the parties and festivities. But when the troops are marching in parade we are quickly reminded of the MIAs and POWs, the wounded survivors and the sacrifices they and their families have made. They have made scarifies, in some cases given their lives to keep our country free.

We are free to worship in the USA. Our troops fight for religious freedom in this country and I worship The One True God who gave the ultimate sacrifice of His Son for the cleansing of our sin. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one goes to the Father but through Him, John 14:6.

As part of exercising religious freedom, download this free wallpaper for your phone or device to help you memorize scripture, just click the image and save. If you want more free wallpaper search Memorize Mondays.

Time marches on and goes by quickly. We can easily lose sight of why we celebrate the 4th of July with all the parties and decorations. Let’s not take our freedom for granted. God Bless America.

Thanks for stopping by and please remember to like subscribe and share.

encouragement

Lighthouse of Encouragement: Embracing Prayer, Scripture, and Support Networks

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

It’s kinda funny. I decide to devote a month to encouragement and it’s probably been one of the most discouraging weeks so far. In the last post, I mentioned having “lighthouses” to help us navigate through the storms of life. And well I guess it’s time for me to practice what I preach. One lighthouse is friends and family, a support system, trusted people we can reach out to for prayer. I think that’s always my first go to. Prayer works and when you know you have your people praying for you, for me it’s like someone propping me up. Like in Exodus 17 – The Israelites were in battle with the Amalekites, verses 5-12- “The Lord answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” 8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” So if you’re reading this, I could use some prayer.

Another tried and true lighthouse is reading scripture. Currently, I am doing Summer in the Psalms. David and the Psalmists weren’t exempt from discouragement or stormy lives. Yet. they cried out to God and they remind us God hears them, He hears us.

Psalm 103:8 – “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (ESV) God loves me, He loves you on the good days and bad days. We can rest our minds in this truth. The days that I am discouraged for whatever reason, He still loves me. When our minds are swirling and our thoughts are out of control, we need something firm and true to hold to and God’s word, His truths are just what we need to ground us. Without truth to stand on we can easily start to believe the lies and worst case scenarios.

I mentioned that friends and family are great lighthouses. We can reach out to them for prayer. However, we should pray ourselves. Hebrews 4:16 – “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” We should reach out to God ourselves. We can go to Him with anything. Yes, He already knows, but He wants to hear it and He wants to hear from us. He loves us!

So far we have three lighthouses, friends and family, a support system to hold up our arms in battle. Prayer, we can go boldly to the throne of our gracious God, where we can receive mercy and grace when we need it the most. And scripture, there we can find truths, solid ground for us to fight our battle. Stay tuned this month, head over to my YouTube channel I have a short tutorial to make a card to give to someone to help encourage, quick and easy.

encouragement

Finding Mental Health Lighthouses: Navigating Stormy Seas with Wisdom

The Kedge Anchor

Imagine you are out at sea on a stormy night. It’s dark, there are no stars in the night sky to guide you. You’re being tossed by waves and no sight of land. All feels hopeless. Until you see a light in the distance. A lighthouse, a light to guide your way to shore, to safety. You let out a sigh of relief, you feel encouraged, it’s gonna be ok. When you reach the shore all your fears are calmed and you know you can make it until the storm passes.

Have you been there? I know I have. Some of those storms like the storms of discouragement, have been just squalls passing through, others have been more severe, hanging around for a while. Being tossed and battered by my own thoughts or the outward events happening around me, I need something to help me, someone to help me. Whether it’s just a passing or the storm is sticking around for while, we all need encouragement through the rough seasons. Who or what to you turn to? What helps you navigate the stormy waters of discouragement when there is no light, no stars. Who or what are your lighthouses?

I am not a counselor and this blog is not about mental health, however, we need to be healthy mentally. This blog and blog post is just for encouragement. I have found some ways to cope and manage on the days when the waves of discouragement are overwhelming. I am just sharing what has helped me. So if you feel you need or just want to talk a professional counselor please click here to find one in your area.

Through the month of June we’ll be looking ways to find some mental health lighthouses for encouragement. With scripture we will reveal wisdom to help us find hope and direction.

Lighthouse – Trusted friends and family. Having a support system of friends and family is what God created for, community. Some days we need to reach out to others. Being discouraged and mental health challenges are not a sign of weakness. There has been a stigma over the decades of having a mental illness or diagnosis. That stigma, I believe to be diminished. With all the apps and commercials about mental health, it’s clear that this stigma is losing it’s punch. It’s not uncommon for someone to seek counseling just to get them through a tough situation.

It’s ok to feel sad, depressed, mad, anger, anxious. And at times we do feel do feel discouraged. God created you, He created us to feel these emotions, sometimes we need help processing them. He is not surprised at any time if you experience these emotions, He’s not angry with you if feel depressed or hopeless. He wants you to pour out your heart to Him. Jesus experienced these emotions the night before His crucifixion, – Matthew 26:36-46. He understands these emotions. He understands you because He created you. More importantly, He wants you, He wants to help you, He loves you – John 3:16.

Some will try to console by saying “You just need a little more faith.” It’s not about not having a lot of faith. Jesus just asks for mustard seed faith, Matthew 17:20. Even when we doubt He is there to help us. “… Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” – Matthew 9:23-24. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1.

We all at some point will face discouragement, depression, anxiety. You are not weak because you doubt, but be mindful of where it’s coming from. We have an enemy who likes to cause us to doubt. After all that is how he got Eve to sin, – Genesis 3. You’re not weak for feeling depressed and needing to reach out. Sometimes we just need a little help, a little encouragement. Who do you reach out to? Who is your support system? Many people are lonely and if you are one of those people who doesn’t have support system, if you’re not already, search for a local Bible believing church. Join, get involved, reach out and become part of a great community.

If you know of someone who maybe facing loneliness, reach out. Not sure how follow over the month of June for some ways to encourage others.

In the posts to follow we will find how we can find more lighthouses to help us navigate the stormy seas of life.

*** This blog post inspired by “Wisdom for Mental Health” – YouVersion

encouragement, hope

Month of June – Finding Encouragement: Overcoming Discouragement in Our Daily Lives

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Charl Durand on Pexels.com

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines encourage as “ to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope : hearten.” It’s easy to lose hope and not solider on when life seems a bit wonky, off step or totally out of control. Some days you’re just not feeling it, something comes across your path or your social media feed and you become discouraged or you totally are losing hope. You are not alone. Anyone who is honest about their feelings will admit they feel like this from time to time.

We all need encouragement. We all need some one to cheer us on, especially on the hard days. Throughout the month of June The Kedge Anchor is focusing on encouragement, what discourages us and how we can be encouraged.

When I started this blog in January of 2020, I wanted to offer hope. I also wanted to share my art, which has always been an outlet for me. So the month June it’s all about encouragement. Follow The Kedge Anchor on YouTube for tutorials on ways that we can encourage others and ways that we can find encouragement ourselves. It’s so easy to scroll through our social media pages be discouraged by current events or by comparing ourselves. Comparing has become so second nature for me that I have to really be mindful of what I am feeling when scrolling on social media. Heck it doesn’t have to be social media for me to compare myself, just show me something I am not doing that I should be doing and I can judge myself why am I not doing it and why I can’t do it, and I’ll never be able to do it. Flip though a magazine, does anyone read magazines anymore? It’s so easy to compare ourselves to Photoshopped images and feel inadequate. But what we are really doing is comparing ourselves to something that isn’t real.

So what do we do when we find ourselves discouraged? How do get out of those pits? We don’t have to go there, be there or stay there. We are worth more than that. God created us in His image, Genesis 1:27, and values us more than the sparrows, Matthew 10:31.

Please hang around, like subscribe, share and comment.

Blessings

Trust God

Feeding Sheep

The Kedge Anchor

Photo by Maria Orlova on Pexels.com

It occurred to me the other day, I don’t remember what I was listening to at the time. I began to wonder what exactly am I doing to feed God’s sheep? This blog for example, I don’t have many followers and that’s ok. Sometimes it bothers me. I try to learn how I can increase views and watch videos on how to pump up the blog. Sometimes I get snagged into an hour long sales pitch of buy my course.

But I thought about it. Like Jesus I want organic followers. I want people to follow this blog because it’s pointing them to Jesus, because it’s making them think. I can spend money all day long to attract followers and there’s nothing wrong with that. But God is bigger than any algorithm, any hashtag, bigger than any I could possibly do. Sometimes I feel like what am I doing here? Then He reminds me, “for the one.” A good shepherd will leave the 99 (Matthew 18:10–14 and Luke 15:3–7) and seek the one lost sheep. So if this blog points one person to Jesus, then I am ok with that.

Sometimes I can feel defeated, I know that’s the enemy. God is still bigger. I realized, that it’s not my job to help God spread His Gospel, it’s God’s job to help me spread His Gospel. It’s like a load was lifted. After all He chose me, He chose us to follow Him, (Matthew 4:19) and I willingly chose and accepted. So it’s only fitting that God is going to help me and provide what I need ( Philippians 4:19). Like Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen) said, “It’s not our job to feed the 5000, we just need to bring the loaves and fish.” (Actually it may have been his wife who said that). God does the rest. If I do what He says, He will provide what I need. Matthew 6:8 says that God knows what I need before I ask. He knows who needs to see this and He what this blog needs to reach others. Right now spending money isn’t in my budget, so I’m relying on God. I’m just doing, following His lead, the rest is up to Him.

So all I can ask of whoever is reading this, please like and share. It takes a second and won’t cost you a dime. Also you can follow on Facebook and Instagram and like and share there as well. I do hope this blog is an encouragement to whoever reads this. Happy Friday and thank you to all who follow, be blessed.

Coloring Page

May 13, 2022 _ Psalm 119:105

The Kedge Anchor

A day late and a dollar short, can’t emphasize the dollar short enough these days. Lol. Yesterday was such a busy day, totally forgot it was Monday. But ok so it’s Tuesday, giving myself some grace today and humbly posting Memorize Monday on Tuesday.

Psalm 119:105 is the only verse we all need to guide us through life. By that I mean God’s word, is what we need to get through this life. It’s all there. So if you are a Grad trying to figure out your next step, dig into God’s word. If your a dad trying to figure out your next step, it’s all there in God’s word.

Some extra white space was intentionally left for you to be creative. Please remember to like and share. Thank you.

June 13 2022Download
Uncategorized

How Do I Pray for Ukraine?

The Kedge Anchor
WARNING: This video has audio and at times a chilling sound of sirens. https://bit.ly/3Mqmh6H

Where does one begin to pray for the Ukraine and the situation over there? It can be a bit overwhelming, where does one start.

So I asked God and searched the scriptures and this is where He lead me.

PRAY FOR GOD’S WILL Pray for God’s will to be done. Matthew 6:5-15 and Luke 11:1-13, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Is what’s happening God’s will? He is allowing it I don’t know why. Since the fall of man sin has overtaken the earth we are dealing with those consequences. Not all evil is ordained by God. Look at Job, God allowed Job to go through what he did to show that Job was faithful. If God is allowing something He has a purpose and a plan. We can pray against anything that is not from God. Isaiah 54:17  – “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…” What was meant for evil God will use for good – Genesis 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” That can be hard but we have to trust that God sees all and He’s allowing it for some reason.

PRAY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE, EVEN THOSE IN AUTHORITY Pray for God’s will to be done in each of everyone’s lives. 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4 – “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants ALL people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

PRAY FOR ENCOURAGEMENT Pray for ur brothers and sisters in Christ to be encouraged. Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” God has a way of bringing His people together. Ask God to allow their paths to cross so that they can encourage each other. We have a big God and He can use anything to encourage.

PRAY FOR COMFORT Pray for safety, pray for comfort, not only for physical comfort but many have lost loved ones and are mourning. Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

There are other ways to pray for this horrible situation, these are just a few suggestions for those who may be having a hard time finding words. Please share how you have been praying for the people in Ukraine and Russia. And if this post has helped you, please like and share.