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. (Each day I'll be adding a new devotional so check back tomorrow for the following day's installment.) 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

"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 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

"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 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

"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 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

"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:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

****

Week Two: coming soon!
 
JoAnn