JoAnn Carter's

December - 2009

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Today

Planned Event

What is your favorite book by JoAnn Carter

What visitors had to say

Tammy Doherty
12/16/2009 08:15:28

I'm excited for you about Daniella. What a great way to celebrate Christmas - with a book release!

ANNA HOWELL
12/08/2009 02:52:15

PISTOLBRITCHES1@HOTMAIL.COM SOUNDS AWESOME MERRY CHRISTMAS ANNA HOWELL

Patricia K
09/02/2009 11:16:12

I love all the authors I learn about

Sherry K
09/02/2009 08:56:09

I haven't had the opportunity to read any of your books yet but they sound great! Congrats on your coming release!

Linda
09/01/2009 10:44:48

Hi. I just joined Whiterosepublishing, so will enjoy seeing the different books published. I'm always looking for new novels to read. Glad I found you.

Devotions to go along with DANIELLA

Dec. 18th, 2009, DANIELLA will be released at White Rose Publishing. Bonus: Two-Week Devotional
Dani's Princess' Diary

Although Dani, the main character in Daniella, is a fictional character, I have the feeling most of us can relate to some of her struggles with self-image. It wasn't until the near the end of the novel that Dani realized her outward appearance didn't define who she was. Come join me in a two-week beauty treatment that will remind us all that we are princesses of the King of Kings. Feel free to print this out so you can journal along with me!

2 Corinthians 4: 16-17 (NIV)
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us and eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
WEEK ONE
Dani’s Princess’ Diary

Week 1: Day 1

The Queen Esther Challenge

Things I need to do today:

____________________________ ______________________________

Physical Health:

Circle numbers of 8oz. glasses of water you drink: (goal is at least 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

___I’ve taken my daily vitamin

Today’s Exercise: ________________________________________________________
Spiritual Health:

Prayer Request(s) & Praise/Thanksgiving:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Inspirational Motivation:

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 1:1-22

1. King Xerxes displayed vast wealth. As you read this passage, did he seem content? Why or why not? ________________________________________________________________________

2. Who did the king look to for wisdom? _____________________ Who do you look to?_________________________________ Who should you look to?___________

Personal Reflections from God’s Word:

Thought of the Day: "Do not store up treasures on earth where thieves break in and moths destroy but rather, store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven."
Mental Health:

Listen to half an hour of music or curl up with a good book. Talk to a friend about what you listened to or read.

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 4:1-2

"Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God."

Day’s End Activity:

____ I’ve taken 15 minutes of focused time to visit with my Father at the King’s Throne.

____ I’ve chosen to eat healthy today.

Personal Reflections from my day:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

****

Dani’s Princess’ Diary

Week 1: Day 2

The Queen Esther Challenge

Things I need to do today:

____________________________ ______________________________

Physical Health:

Circle numbers of 8oz. glasses of water you drink: (goal is at least 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

___I’ve taken my daily vitamin

Today’s Exercise: ____________________________
Spiritual Health:

Prayer Request(s) & Praise/Thanksgiving:

Inspirational Motivation

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 2:1-23

1. In verse 9 a special menu and beauty treatments were prescribed. How about you personally? Do you think what you eat is important? Support your answer. ________________________________________________________________________

2. In verse 15, what does it say that Esther does? ___________________________

3.What was the end result of the months of preparation?_____________________

4. Verse 22 - Does Esther take credit for herself here?_______ Would you be tempted to?_____________

Personal Reflections from God’s Word:

One thought to meditate on throughout my day:

________________________________________________________________________

Mental Health:

Think about yesterday’s Bible reading and how Queen Vashti refused to show up at the king’s party.

It is not always clear what the results of our actions will be. Our actions do have consequences, sometimes unexpected.

* Queen Vashti was usurped from being queen.

*It also opened the door for Esther to be in a position to save God’s chosen people.

There is an old saying, "We know not what the future holds, but we know who holds the future." And if you’re His princess you can be sure He’s working it all out for the Kingdom and for your good.

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (write here)

Day’s End Activity:

____ I’ve taken 15 minutes of focused time to visit with my Father at the King’s Throne.

____ I’ve chosen to eat healthy.

Personal Reflections from my day:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

****

Dani’s Princess’ Diary

Week 1: Day 3

The Queen Esther Challenge

Things I need to do today:

____________________________ ______________________________

Physical Health:

Circle numbers of 8oz. glasses of water you drink: (goal is at least 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

___I’ve taken my daily vitamin

Today’s Exercise: ____________________________

Spiritual Health:

Prayer Request(s) & Praise/Thanksgiving:

Inspirational Motivation

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 3: 1-15

* re-read verses 2-4. Can you think of or locate a different Bible passage that is similar to Mordecai’s experience here?_________________________________________

*Verse 13 - What was to happen to the Jews?_____________________________

*When was it to take place?___________________________________________

*Verse 15 - What happened to the city of Susa when the messengers were to deliver the decree? ________________________________________________________

Personal Reflections from God’s Word:

Thought of the Day: There will be times in your life when you feel like you are the only one willing to stand for what is right. Think of the examples in Mordecai, Daniel, and others and be encouraged.

Mental Health:

Something to ponder: We know that every day is precious. What if, like Mordecai, you knew that in one year you would die? Take time now to consider how you are investing your gift of time. Is it being used wisely for the Kingdom? If not, consider how you can change this.

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 4:1-2

Day’s End Activity:

____ I’ve taken 15 minutes of focused time to visit with my Father at the King’s Throne.

____ I’ve chosen to eat healthy today.

Personal Reflections from my day:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

****
Dani’s Princess’ Diary

Week 1: Day 4

The Queen Esther Challenge

Things I need to do today:

____________________________ ______________________________

Physical Health:

Circle numbers of 8oz.glasses of water you drink: (goal is at least 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

___I’ve taken my daily vitamin

Today’s Exercise: ____________________________

Spiritual Health:

Prayer Request(s) & Praise/Thanksgiving:

Inspirational Motivation

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 4:1-17
*Verse 8 - What did Mordecai want Esther to do? __________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

*Did she want to do what he asked? (vs. 11) _____________________________

* Verse 14 - What was Mordecai’s response? _____________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

* Verse 16 - What did Esther purpose to do?_______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Personal Reflections from God’s Word:

Thought of the Day: God uses the right person at the right time.

Mental Health:

Ponder: Am I willing to be like Esther and let God use me where I am?

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 4:1-3

Day’s End Activity:

____ I’ve taken 15 minutes of focused time to visit with my Father at the King’s Throne.

____ I’ve chosen to eat healthy today.

Personal Reflections from my day:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

****
Dani’s Princess’ Diary

Week 1: Day 5

The Queen Esther Challenge

Things I need to do today:

____________________________ ______________________________

Physical Health:

Circle numbers of 8oz. glasses of water you drink: (goal is at least 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

___I’ve taken my daily vitamin

Today’s Exercise: ____________________________
Spiritual Health:

Prayer Request(s) & Praise/Thanksgiving:

Inspirational Motivation

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 5:1-14
*Why was Haman mad?(vs. 9)___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

*What did Haman do? (vs. 11) __________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

*Read verse 13 again. Why do you think he couldn’t just let it go? ____________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

*Verse 14 - What did his wife and friends suggest?___________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Personal Reflections from God’s Word:

Thought of the Day: When something other than God is consuming your thoughts…watch out! It’s a sure sign of trouble.

Mental Health:

Spend time today on a hobby you enjoy. While you’re doing that, think about why and how Mordecai was able to sit, seemingly calm, before Haman knowing what Haman was up to? Do you have that kind of peace?

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 4:1-3

Day’s End Activity:

____ I’ve taken 15 minutes of focused time to visit with my Father at the King’s Throne.

____ I’ve chosen to eat healthy today.

Personal Reflections from my day:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

****
Dani’s Princess’ Diary

Week 1: Day 6/7

The Queen Esther Challenge

Things I need to do today:

____________________________ ______________________________

Physical Health:

Circle numbers of 8oz. water you drink: (goal is at least 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

___I’ve taken my daily vitamin

Today’s Exercise: ____________________________
Spiritual Health:

Prayer Request(s) & Praise/Thanksgiving:

Inspirational Motivation

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 6:1-7:10

What made the king review the records?_______________________________________

What question did the king ask after looking through the records?______________________

Verse 4 - Do you think it was a coincidence that Haman was in the outer court?__________

Verse 12 - How had Haman’s attitude changed?___________________________________

Chapter 7, verse 9 - What was Haman’s fate?______________________ Do you think he wrote his own death sentence? Why or why not?______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Personal Reflections from God’s Word:

Thought of the Day:

God’s justice will always prevail.

Mental Health:

Haman wanted to be popular. He bragged to his family and friends about being invited to the King and Queen’s banquet. Learning all that we have in the past few days, it’s easy to see that being popular comes with a price tag. If this is your focus, it can cost you your self-respect, morals, beliefs, friends...the list go on. Think about it today. How important is being popular to you? Is your scale balanced?

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 4:1-3

Day’s End Activity:

____ I’ve taken 15 minutes of focused time to visit with my Father at the King’s Throne.

____ I’ve chosen to eat healthy today.

Personal Reflections from my day:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

****

WEEK TWO

Week 2: Day 1

Hanging on…just barely--

A look at Job

Things I need to do today:

____________________________ ______________________________

Physical Health:

Circle numbers of 8oz. glasses of water you drink: (goal is at least 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

___I’ve taken my daily vitamin

Today’s Exercise: ________________________________________________________
Spiritual Health:

Prayer Request(s) & Praise/Thanksgiving:

Inspirational Motivation: Daily Bible Reading: Job chapter 2

Personal Reflections from God’s Word:

1. Was Job’s trouble from his sin? (vs. 3) ________________________________________________________________________

2. Was his wife supportive of him? (vs. 9) _____________________

3. What was Job’s response?

Thought of the Day: Staying focused on God gives perseverance, whereas staying focused on self will cause you to give up.
Mental Health:

Where is your focus today? On God or yourself? Do you have any friends who are suffering in some way? Pray for them today and encourage them with a hug, note, or phone call.

Day’s End Activity:

____ I’ve taken 15 minutes of focused time to visit with my Father at the King’s Throne.

____ I’ve chosen to eat healthy today

Personal Reflections from my day:

Dani’s Princess Diary

Week 2: Day 2

Hanging on…just barely--

A look at Job

Things I need to do today:

____________________________ ______________________________

Physical Health:

Circle numbers of 8oz. glasses of water you drink: (goal is at least 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

___I’ve taken my daily vitamin

Today’s Exercise: ________________________________________________________
Spiritual Health:

Prayer Request(s) & Praise/Thanksgiving:

Inspirational Motivation

Daily Bible Reading: Job 6: 1-30

Personal Reflections from God’s Word:

1. What did Job compare his sadness to?(vs. 2) ________________________________________________________________________

2. What evidence is given here that Job is certainly in a personal crisis? (vs. 8-13) _____________________

3. Who is Job talking to? (vs. 25) ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thought of the Day:

"I will turn your mourning into dancing..."

Mental Health:

To ponder: What is faith? What is hope?

In times of crisis, cling to Jesus because he may be the only thing you have to hold on to. Praise God, Jesus is enough!

Day’s End Activity:

____ I’ve taken 15 minutes of focused time to visit with my Father at the King’s Throne.

____ I’ve chosen to eat healthy today

Personal Reflections from my day:

Week 2: Day 3Hanging on…just barely--

A look at Job

Things I need to do today:

____________________________ ______________________________

Physical Health:

Circle numbers of 8oz. glasses of water you drink: (goal is at least 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

___I’ve taken my daily vitamin.

Today’s Exercise: ________________________________________________________

Spiritual Health:

Prayer Request(s) & Praise/Thanksgiving:

Inspirational Motivation

Daily Bible Reading: Job 9

Personal Reflections from God’s Word:

1. What is Job's question? (vs. 2) ________________________________________________________________________

2. Name three things God can do from these verses. (vs. 4-12) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What does Job seek? (vs. 33) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thought of the Day:

Have you noticed Job was completely honest with God about his feelings? In the same way, we can pour ourselves out to God. God's not afraid of our honesty. He can handle it.

Mental Health:

To ponder: Why is Jesus the perfect mediator for us?

Knowing Jesus Christ is our mediator can be a great encouragement when you feel far from God.

Day’s End Activity:

____ I’ve taken 15 minutes of focused time to visit with my Father, at the Kings Throne.

____ I’ve chosen to eat healthy today

Personal Reflections from my day:

Week 2: Day 4

Hanging on…just barely--

A look at Job

Things I need to do today:

____________________________ ______________________________

Physical Health:

Circle numbers of 8oz. glasses of water you drink: (goal is at least 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

___I’ve taken my daily vitamin Today’s Exercise: ________________________________________________________

Spiritual Health:

Prayer Request(s) & Praise/Thanksgiving:

Inspirational Motivation:

For today's motivation, we're going to do something a little different. Imagine spring has finally arrived so try to find a sunny place and a comfortable chair then grab your Bible and join me in reading Job chapter 19.

The New Living Translation in verses 25-27 says, "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!"

Spend some extra time with God today in prayer. Thank Him that when life is crashing in around you, like Job, we can have the confidence that God is for us, not against us. (Romans 8:31)

Thought for the day: I can rely on God's infinite strength today.
Day’s End Activity:

____ I’ve taken 15 minutes of focused time to visit with my Father at the King’s Throne.

____ I’ve chosen to eat healthy today

Personal Reflections from my day:

Week 2: Day 5

Hanging on…just barely--

A look at Job

Things I need to do today:

____________________________ ______________________________

Physical Health:

Circle numbers of 8oz. glasses of water you drink: (goal is at least 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

___I’ve taken my daily vitamin Today’s Exercise: ________________________________________________________

Spiritual Health:

Prayer Request(s) & Praise/Thanksgiving:

Inspirational Motivation

Daily Bible Reading: Job 42Personal Reflections from God’s Word:

1. After his trials, what does Job say in verse 5? ________________________________________________________________________

2. How much did God bless Job with? (vs. 10) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Why is ten more children considered double when he had ten to begin with? (vs. 13) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At the end of Job's life, what was said about him? (vs. 17)____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thought of the Day:

"We know not what the future holds, but we know who holds the future." - Author Unknown.

Mental Health:

To ponder: Can you relate to Job at any point in our study this week? Be encouraged, God is walking with you.

Day’s End Activity:

____ I’ve taken 15 minutes of focused time to visit with my Father at the King’s Throne.

____ I’ve chosen to eat healthy today

Personal Reflections from my day:

Look over this week’s journal. Where do you see God working in your life?

JoAnn

writing corner

What is your favorite book by JoAnn Carter

Devotions to go along with DANIELLA