The Quill and Me

The Quill and Me Stepping Stones of Faith and Art Preface This is the first time I’ve spoken here about my Etsy shop, Creations by Quil . It began as a place to gather the pieces of my creative journey — coloring book attempts, charts, and art that grew out of seasons of trial and discovery. My shop is not the center of my ministry, but it has been part of the road that led me here. I mention it now only as part of my testimony, because the art I share there has carried stories of faith, remembrance, and resilience. My Journey This past year has been a tapestry woven with threads of creativity, challenge, and grace. My Etsy shop has been a small stepping stone — a place where I continue to share art and practical helps like chore charts and devotional printables. It is not my primary concern right now, but it remains part of my journey, and I am grateful for the lessons it has taught me about patience, stewardship, and the quiet courage of beginning again. Through Etsy, I’ve shared pi...

 The Quill and Me Self-Love Devotional Series Self-love and Self compassion continued... Voice-Changer Hack When you’re feeling low or can’t summon self‑compassion, try a voice‑changer app. Record a simple, kind statement to yourself and play it back in a silly voice — a robot, a cartoon, or anything that makes you smile. Laughter loosens tension and makes it harder to stay stuck in harsh self‑judgment; a small laugh can open the door to gentleness and perspective. Mindfulness  Mindfulness helps us cultivate self‑compassion by teaching us to observe the present moment without judgment. Judgment labels feelings as right or wrong, good or bad; mindfulness simply notices what’s happening in the body and mind. Practice by naming sensations when emotions arise — where you feel tightness, warmth, or breath changes — and remember that feelings are like ocean waves: they come, crest, and pass. Try listing recent emotions on paper and note how each one arrived and faded; this builds tr...

 The Quill and Me Short Daily Prayer and Verse December 9 Daily Bible Verse for Today - December 9 Scripture: Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 NLT Reflection: Matthew 11:28 is one of the most tender invitations from Jesus. He doesn’t ask us to be strong before coming to Him — He welcomes us in our weariness, carrying our burdens just as we are. Rest in His presence is not simply physical relief, but a deep peace that quiets the soul. The wooden cross necklace and paper flowers beside the journal remind us that surrender is both a symbol and a practice. Writing down our burdens, naming them, and placing them before the Lord is a way of releasing what we cannot carry alone. Today, let us accept His invitation to rest, trusting that His mercy is greater than our weariness. Daily Prayer for Today - December 9 Lord, I bring you my weariness. Refresh my spirit and give me strength to carry toda...

 The Quill and Me Short Daily Prayer and Verse for December 8 Begins with a quote from the Holy Bible Daily Bible Verse for Today - December 8 Scripture: " The Lord is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1 Reflection: Psalm 27:1 is a declaration of confidence in God’s presence. Light dispels darkness, and salvation removes fear — together they remind us that the Lord is both our guide and our protector. Fear may whisper in the quiet moments, but courage rises when we remember who walks beside us. The napkin words, “Inhale courage. Exhale fear,” echo the truth of this verse. Each breath can become a prayer: courage in, fear out. As we invite God’s light into our day, we discover that His presence is stronger than any shadow. Today, let us choose faith over fear, trusting that His salvation is steady and His love unshakable. Short Daily Prayer for Today - December 8 Lord, shine Your light into my day.  Remove fear from my heart and give me coura...

 The Quill and Me Short Prayer and Bible Verse for Today - December 7 Begins with a quote from the Holy Bible Scripture: " Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus"   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT Reflection: Gratitude is a posture of the heart that transforms how we see the world. Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians remind us that joy, prayer, and thankfulness are not occasional acts but daily rhythms of faith. Even when circumstances shift, God’s will for us remains steady: to rejoice in His presence, to seek Him continually, and to give thanks in all things. The plaque of gratitude affirmations is a reminder that thankfulness is both spoken and lived. Each word of thanks becomes a seed of joy, and each prayer becomes a step closer to God’s heart. Today, let us practice gratitude not only for blessings we see but also for the unseen ways God is working in our lives. Daily Prayer fo...

 The Quill and Me Self-Love Devotional Series Prayer of Release Laying down years of self-hatred at his feet Before I could move forward in this workbook, I needed to pray: Lord, forgive me, and help me forgive myself for years of self-hatred. I lay it at your feet—the pain and the reasons behind it. I carried it so long I don’t know how to walk without it. For years I kept the door shut, afraid of the hurt inside. With your help, I finally opened it and faced the pain. You have been patient, your love enduring. I don’t know why you ask me to share this, Lord—I don’t want to be this vulnerable. Yet I submit, because my thoughts about myself hinder my usefulness to you. I trust you to protect me. I am weak, but you are strong. Be my refuge, my courage. Help me stay faithful on this journey. Continue breaking the chains and walls around my heart—you’ve already been doing this, as my tears have prepared me for today. Father, guide my mind, my prayers, my words, so all I do glorifies y...

 The Quill and Me Your Daily Bible Verse and Prayer December 5 Daily Bible Verse "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." Philippians 4:13 NLT Reflection: Philippians 4:13 is a reminder that our strength is not found in ourselves but in Christ. Life often places tasks before us that feel too heavy, yet this verse assures us that we are never alone in carrying them. His power is made perfect in our weakness, and His presence gives us courage to keep moving forward. The image of God’s hand reaching down is a picture of His constant help. Just as a loving parent steadies a child, the Lord steadies us in every step. Today, let us lean fully on His strength, trusting that He equips us for both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life. Daily Prayer Father, I praise you and give you the glory in all things.  Forgive me of my sins.  Thank you for this day and the blessings you have given me.  Father, continue to grant me stre...