NEW YEAR NEW YOU - PRAY IN FAITH II

Praying for a spiritual awakening in China, this year.

A little background:

Today L and I joined C and his classmates on a field trip to a local Chinese restaurant. We were there to celebrate the Chinese New Year. It was fun and the children were really pumped, they have looked forward to this for a while. The food was average but being in the company of curious and very verbal 4 and 5 olds was just priceless. Some were turned off by the “ugly orange” sauce on perfectly good "chicken nuggets" while others openly shared their disdain for “yun-nions in the rice,” that's onions in the rice. And then there was the group who just wanted to celebrate their ability to find new and unintended uses for chopsticks. It was so much fun!

As for the chopsticks, C and I wanted so badly to get it right …



Here, C and Dad posed after a successful attempt (1 of 100) at picking up a nice chunk of chicken. They felt like true Olympians.



Since China was on my palette and my mind I was moved to say a prayer for that country today. Somehow I knew that China was NOT a country that embraced Christianity. However, I did a little research this afternoon and was surprised by the specifics. Here are a few of the things I learned:

¹ China has a population of approximately 1.4 Billion. The current number of Christians (though said to be increasing rapidly) ranges from 70 million to 130 million, representing a mere 5-9% of the total population. The disparity in the numbers (70m versus 130m) is driven by fear. Many Christians in China are not open about their faith and practice it underground due to a persistent attitude of intolerance.

² The Chinese government is officially atheist. However, China is often characterized by pluralism – having many different religions. Buddhism is the largest organized religion.

³ The Chinese government limits the amount of churches in Beijing and other cities forcing many Christians to meet in house churches, which gives them the advantage of being away from the glare of the Communist Party. However, they still must register with police, avoid neighborly confrontation (which can be loosely defined) and keep their congregation size low (the maximum is 25) – only then are they tolerated - "grudgingly." Still others make the choice to be completely “underground” and risk arrest to practice their faith.

⁴ China caps the number of Bibles that can be printed each year

Learning all this was enough to get me pleading God’s promises on behalf of my sisters and brothers in Christ, in the Peoples Republic of China, who even through trial seek to serve the True and Living God.

Heavenly Father, I pray for the people of China. Though the numbers of those who believe in the way, the truth and the life is growing there, let this New Year bring greater acceptance of you, Lord. I pray a special prayer from my sisters and brothers in Christ who are not able to worship you openly and risk persecution for professing their faith. Place a hedge of protection around these sisters and brothers so that no weapons formed against them prosper. Father, I know you are the same yesterday, today and forever. You changed the hearts of Kings in Babylon so that the temple could be rebuilt in Jerusalem. You changed the heart of Saul, who murdered those who preached the WAY and you in your almighty power can change the hearts of men in China so that you are exalted among ALL nations and in ALL the earth. I ask this in the name of your darling son Jesus, Amen.

Please pray for Christians in China.

One additional note: This was a VERY exciting trip for C. His classroom is very diverse he has classmates from almost every corner of the globe (one from Turkey, one from Puerto Rico, one from China and one from Pakistan) He wondered aloud a few weeks ago, if his friends went to church to learn about Jesus, he informed me that he was “getting ready to ask ‘em.” He also loves to travel. I have never seen one kid get more excited about going to the airport or seeing a plane! I talked to him about one day traveling to tell others about Jesus and his eyes lit up. I think I see mission trips in our future. I just know God is going to use him in a mighty way!!!

DREAMS FROM MY FATHER

Today marks the inauguration of our 44th president, Barack Obama. It was a time of reflection for me. Not on the man or the inaugural ceremonies, but on the Body of Christ. I will share, however, that only a few short months ago, while visiting the pumpkin patch with C, we ran across this: rows of cotton growing in the fields.


At that time, I reflected for a brief moment on slavery and racism, on the hurts and the ugly scars they have left on our country. Then, my thoughts turned towards thanksgiving that so many Americans have united and moved forward together. President Obama symbolizes that progress. BUT today, President Obama is not my foucs. With my thoughts towards Heaven, it is my earnest prayer that these historic events turn hearts, ALL hearts - that includes Obama, his supporters, his opponents and the whole-world-over - NOT towards man and his past accomplishments or future intentions, but towards God.

I was reminded in my meditation this morning that God is in all things, that government stands on HIS shoulders ¹ and that while Obama may put his best foot forward to do what he thinks is right...many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that will prevail ². I pray the enthusiasm that surrounds Obama today will surround our Lord and Savior who has already done and will continue to do immeasurably more than all that we could ask or imagine. ³

Obama faces huge challenges and though confidence in him is high (69%) it is yet to be determined whether or not he will rise to the occasion and successfully meet those challenges. On the other hand, God’s track record is spotless; there has never been anything too big for him. With the sheer power of HIS Word, HE spoke all things into existence. ⁴ HE owns the cattle on a thousand hills ⁵ and has never been in a recession, a mortgage crisis or a melt-down of any sort, in fact, HE is able to make all grace abound and provide all needs at all times for every good work ⁶. I find myself in the midst of all the excitement, wanting to defend and campaign and to use political speak, re-ignite the base of the body of Christ so that we experience this same exhilaration, hope and faith in our precious Lord and Savior. How I pray that no matter what the Obama administration carries forth God will gain glory and HIS Kingdom will reap a mighty harvest!

It is likely that the book by Barack Obama, - "Dreams from my Father - will fly off the shelves. I pray the same happens for the book that God Almighty provided -The Holy Bible - and today I, for one, have a renewed passion for it. A a passion to immerse myself in scripture, looking closely at the Dreams From My Heavenly Father and pleading his promises:

"If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.⁷"


I want to live the dream he had for me in Deuteronomy 11:18-21, NIV:

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.”

I am in prayer today for our world, our nation, our leaders and the church. I pray that we will experience a renewed and unprecedented motivation to do for God what MILLIONS are doing today for our new President elect. I pray that we will elect God and him alone as the Lord of our lives and that upon HIS call we will travel from far and near to spread HIS message of hope; That we will put our faith, expectation and confidence wholeheartedly in HIM, that we will get excited and motivated, that we will excite and motivate others and finally write the Dreams From our Heavenly Father on our hearts and hold fast to his many, many promises!

WILL YOU JOIN ME?

Scripture references:
¹ Isaiah 9:6
² Proverbs 19:21
³ Ephesians 3:20
⁴ Genesis 1
⁵ Psalm 50:10
⁶ 2 Corinthians 9:8
⁷ 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

PRAY IN FAITH

Pray for baby Harper and children that need healing, everywhere.


click button to read Harper's story
"The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up....." James 5:15

O HAVE MERCY

(Happy New Year!)

This morning C ran into the kitchen, irritated and upset, to ask me if “I could put B in trouble.” Translated, that meant he wanted me to place his little brother in time-out for a behavior that he decided was offensive. B has a little cold and has been having some bad days. Lately, his noise level and whiney-ness has frustrated C who, this morning, was really trying to "con-sun-straight" on something. I immediately thought of one of the first teachings of Christ – The Beatitudes. Specifically, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7, NIV)

C and I talked and I asked him to show a little kindness to his brother. I asked him to think of all the times he makes noise and mommy doesn’t “get him in trouble,” but gives him lots and lots of chances. We talked about the times he plays the piano while I’m on the phone with Nana, or sings really loud while I watch television or how he sometimes cranks up his remote control car when daddy and I are talking. We decided that he would just play something else for a little while so he wouldn’t have his “con-sun-straight-chun” broken again. I’m so glad the Holy Spirit nudges and reminds me to make the most of these teachable moments. When I had time to settle down this afternoon, I read a few passages on mercy.

I love the clarity of Luke 6:37-38 in The Message:

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, and criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting is the way. Generosity begets generosity."

I think mercy is our God-given theme this weekend. Yesterday, as I sat at a red light in some pretty nasty fog and rain I was rear-ended. An extremely apologetic older gentleman jumped out of the car and immediately began giving me his insurance and personal information. Only a few short months ago, I probably would have had some not so kind words for what I would've have seen only as the dude that rear-ended my nice new mini-van, but the Holy Spirit allowed me to see a real person who made a mistake, a grandfather who proudly wore the pictures of his grandson on his t-shirt and through conversation I learned, was rushing to the hospital to see a sick relative. Right there, The Holy Spirit also reminded me of the Lords mercies towards me and brought back to my rememberance (John 14:26) my memory scripture from a couple of weeks ago, which was Lamentations 3:22-23:

“Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

Not by my own power, but through Christ that lives in me I had compassion for this man and learned of the many reasons he could have been distracted at that moment. Besides, only a few minutes prior, I came just inches shy of rear-ending the vehicle in front of me in that same slippery spot.

Again today, I was reminded of God’s command for us to show mercy. Most days it’s not in a car accident (thankfully) but rather the fast food drive-thru, the long line at the grocery store or the telephone with a less than “engaged” customer service representative, that I find myself called to show mercy. I hope the lessons of today and yesterday will serve as reminders for me to be as compassionate towards others as God has been towards me.

READING THE SIGNS

I was reading my round of blogs last night and ran across a posting on "most memorable church signs." I've seen some really thought provoking ones over the years, but committed little to none of them to memory. But here are some from people who did:

"No God. No Peace. Know God. Know Peace."

"Sign broken. Come Inside for Message."

"Pray Until Something Happens."

"Don’t Make Me Come Down There – God."

"Need a lifeguard? Ours walks on water."

"Stop, drop and roll won’t work in hell."

"If you don’t believe in God you better KNOW hell doesn’t exist."

"Soul Food served here."

"Staying in bed shouting, “Oh God!” does NOT constitute going to church.”

"God answers knee-mail"

"Got faith?"

"Praying. It does a body good."

...and one I managed to recall:

"God invested in you. Have you shown him any interest?"


Okay just a few more (source)


"Does life stink? We have a pew for you!"

"What kind of person does God use? Details Sunday at 11:00 AM"

"Many who seek God at the eleventh hour die at 10:30."

"Prayer. The Best Wireless Connection."

"Cars are not the only thing being recalled by their maker."

"Swallowing pride will never give you indigestion."

"How will you spend eternity - Smoking or Non-Smoking?"

"Come in and let us prepare you for Finals."

MY HEART TRANSFORMED

First, we decided on a church home. The next decision (mine) was that, wherever we landed, we would “be more involved,” this time. Looking back, this wasn’t a real substantive decision just one that said we would strive for regular attendance of Sunday service and sign the kids up for something fun and biblically educational.

As it turned out, our church requires the completion of four new member assimilation classes; the four classes cover seven lessons. A week after joining we started. It was the second class that became the catalyst for a life-altering change in my heart and life. In short, one half of the class focused on spiritual disciplines for spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of a quality relationship with God and identifying specific actions Christians should take to grow spiritually: Daily Quiet Time, Reading/Studying the Bible, Memorizing and Meditating on Scripture, Prayer and Stewardship. It changed my plan from what would have been a routine Sunday appointment to one of spiritual transformation that God intends. Even at that moment, I don’t think I was fully aware of the road I was about to take, but I was moved to set aside some time each day to read and study the Word of God.

The Lord led me to some devotional websites and I picked one to visit each morning. Before I started my day, Bible in hand, I visited the site, read the daily writing and studied through the scriptures outlined in that day’s devotion. Each day, I became more and more engrossed in the Word. I would often start to read a scripture and before I knew it, had completely read an entire book of The Bible. I recall studying in the New Testament and then, led by an interest in the historical events that were referenced there, I would flip to the Old Testament and read a book (or two) there. I read and studied and read and studied, progressively more each day. My heart was being transformed.

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)

Even though I said I was a Christian, I began to see that there were things in my life that were not in line with the will of God. It had never been clearer to me, that while I professed deep conviction and love with my mouth, I did NOT love the Lord with my life. God was revealing things to me that were previously masked by my own self righteousness (i.e. “I’m a good person.”) And a burden was laid on my heart to change them. I realized the magnitude of my sins. I realized that they were completely disrespectful to such an AWESOME God and they robbed me of the life he promises. I began to pray, take ownership and seek forgiveness. These words resonated with me: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-10). I set out to make a change.

I decided to fast, as a mark of re-dedication as well as to petition God for his strength and continued revelation in my new walk of faith. I called up a friend who has always been a strong believer and inquired about a fast I knew she’d done some weeks prior. She did not ask me anything about my situation, but agreed to fast and pray with me (I am thankful for God-Friends!). That was a pivotal week. Things were revealed to me and people were sent to me, confirming what I was studying and reading in Gods’ Word, my prayers were acknowledged by God and I knew beyond any doubt that He was ready to move mightily in my life.

That was almost three months ago that I set out only to find a church and found God. He met me there. And to speak to his kindness and grace and mercy it was not with a fire-and-brimstone sermon, but rather, the meek and humble words of a teacher that set me on FIRE for HIM. I am reminded of one of my favorite songs in which he is called “Gentle Redeemer.” That lesson led me to The Bible. Once there, I was convicted by the Living Word. Once convicted (and repentant and willing to change), God began his redemptive work in my life.

My Heart Transformed.

SOMETHING ABOUT ME

I am a 37 year old Christian, wife and mother of two. My journey, simply described, is this: raised in the Church, wandered in the world, returned to the Lord (recently). I now seek to live genuinely, by the principles set forth in God’s Holy Word. I have always believed The Bible to be the inerrant and infallible Word of God and the final authority in every matter on which it speaks. But until recently, believing and doing were two separate things. I now aspire to practically apply HIS words to my daily living. You can read about the transformation of my heart here. Though I often fall short, I take each moment as a new opportunity to align myself with HIS will. I find extreme comfort in knowing that God is my biggest fan, that he honors my diligence, and he loves me unconditionally.

Speaking of love, I am “mommy” to two little boys that I absolutely adore. At ages 4 and 1, they give me daily doses of what I like to call Son-shine, filling my heart and life with infinite loads of love, laughter and laundry. I can’t imagine life without them; however, nothing in my journey prepared me for life with them. The amount of work and patience required of a parent is beyond anything I would've ever thought I was capable of doing and even now, I am a true work in progress. I have chased “balance” all over The Peach State (Georgia) and only now do I know that you can never truly attain it (because life is always changing), but God can give you a peace in your situation that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), so that’s where I am on that – peacefully unbalanced. I try to be intentional in my parenting, focusing on those things that are most important. I don’t give myself a failing grade for not living up to everything else. This has been extremely liberating when it comes to Mommy Guilt. I now accept (fully) that, yes, I am sometimes frustrated with my own children, I will always have loads of laundry that don’t get folded and hot dog night does not make me bad mother. I am growing in God’s grace in this and all other aspects of my life, which speaks to the total power of prayer.

One of my favorite things to do is talk to the Lord in prayer; Formal and informal, public and private, frequent and fervent. On my knees, on my feet, in my closet, at my desk, in my car and in my home I am thankful to God for this privilege. It has solidified my relationship with him. And since I believe the most effective prayers are those rooted in scripture it has increased my desire to study HIS word, one hundred fold. I love to talk with God about his promises and to have him talk back to me (through revelations from HIS Word) about HIS will. I go to him in prayer, he sends me to HIS Word, I go back to him in prayer he sends me back to HIS Word, and I go back to him…..well, you get the point. Our conversations are awesome.

Since, I know personally the struggles of balancing the Mother Load; I am so very compassionate towards women in this season of life, particularly those with children still in the home. I have blogged about it, social networked about it and have overcome many-a-hurdle by the testimony of others. A couple of months ago, I stumbled upon a ministry where seasoned moms minister to newer moms based on Titus 2. I look forward to learning more about it and one day sharing it with moms I know.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are blessed, entertained, enlightened and that you decide to come back.

BEING A WIFE

Bible Study has progressed to our lesson on Being A Wife. Much of what is being discussed speaks to my heart, but speaking the loudest is this - LOVE IS AN ACTION. 7 1/2 years of marriage and I don't think I've ever really thought of it that way. It is something I have to learn and I discovered that God has been preparing me for this lesson, making my heart teachable, for at least a week.

While in the bookstore last week I purchased The Love Dare, a book based on the movie Fireproof. Fireproof, is the story of a firefighter who uses a 40-day experiment (the love dare) to save his failing marriage. The book is a "40-day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and PRACTICE unconditional love." I flipped through the book at the counter and thought it would be a fun exercise one that I would breeze through, because I’m already the perfect wife. I didn’t even tell Larry, I was just going to surprise him with 40 days of uninterrupted kindness. Well, I had no idea that not even ten pages in, it would reveal to me that I’m not so perfect after all. My confession to you is that I haven't even made it past Lesson 1 – Patience:

"Love is Patient. The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret."

By the end of day one, I completed the lesson, but I couldn’t believe how many opportunities I’d missed. I needed to spend some time on Patience, stopping and praying and asking God to conform my heart. This is where this week's "Being A Wife" became invaluable to me.

The first point:

1. Our relationship to our spouse is parallel to our relationship with the Lord. God has many times compared His relationship to the body of Christ to the relationship between a husband and wife.” Required Reading – 1 Corinthians 13.

“Love is patient, love is kind. I does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is no rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

Do you ever just get embarrassed in the presence of God? I didn’t make it past the first three words.

The second point ACTION:

2. Love does not need to be felt in order to exist. IT IS AN ACTION.

How did that convict me? Well, whenever I lash out, my get out of jail free card is “I’m tired,” “I’m stressed,” “I’m overworked,” “I have two toddlers,” and on and on. But, I have to make a conscience decision even when I don’t feel like it, to show love and kindness towards my husband, building him up instead of tearing him down with words because I don't feel like playing nice. Nowhere in scripture does it make exceptions for stress, work or small children. This relates to something else God is dealing with me on - Discipline. Amy made a great point “God does not ask us to operate on emotions or to follow our hearts; we must lead our hearts to conform to God’s will.”

The final point was Prayer:

3. Prayer is the key to a long lasting, God filled marriage.

We should pray for the strength or our marriage, solutions to whatever is troubling you (instead of calling all your girlfriends) as well as cover our spouse in prayer so that he may carry out what God ordained him to do. Amy took the point on prayer to express another one. She wrote:

“I want to take this subject matter and use it as an opportunity to express another point: If you have an issue with your spouse, you have no right to speak of that issue to anyone else if you have not taken it to God in prayer and then your spouse. You are your husband’s helpmate. It does not help him if you do not pray on his behalf, not consult with him, or worse gossip about him to others.”

This was a God sent lesson for me. No matter how "right" you think you have it, whatever IT is, when you raise the standard of God’s word against it, you are humbled and your thoughts are forever transformed, I pray that my actions follow.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord" Isaiah 55:8

We are now studying Part 2 on Marriage (submission). It was not a part of our original plan but Amy felt led by God to take a deeper look into the marriage relationship. I am looking forward to it.!

A CLOSE CALL

The majority of the kids' toys are in our family room. There, they can play under my watchful eye, while I cook, clean and do various chores. Bryce's playpen is there, primarily for naps, but he climbs in and out of it, ooooh, a few hundred times a day. He can't get in or out without assistance, so Chase always gives him the necessary push/pull.

Today, Bryce's screams indicated he wanted out, again however, he was unwilling to do his usual part of climbing most of the way. This left Chase struggling to lift his almost 25-pound frame. Chase shouted, "Mommy, I can't get him out!" I offered to help, only after I pulled breakfast from the oven. I found their response (total silence) odd, especially since Bryce usually doesn't stop screaming until he gets exactly what he wants. Well, it was odd and it was not consent, as we sometimes think silence is.

Just as I turned towards the family room Chase was saying "That's okay [mommy], I'll just use this rope," at the same time he was preparing to wrap a belt around his fully cooperative brother's neck and hoist him from the playpen! Oh no!

I thought of the many times a day, I say "Thank you Lord," for keeping an innocent game, an intended good deed, or just plain curiosity, from turning into total tragedy; The answer is hundreds if not thousands. This is just my story, a few weeks ago, I witnessed a neighbor come that close to backing over his son in their driveway, as they were heading out to work and preschool.

Statistics on toddler accidents show that most of them occur at home and result in more deaths than childhood diseases. My prayer is that God continue to keep our home safe and keep me on my toes! Here is a very moving post and testimony on this topic.

ROOTS AND WINGS

"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children, one is Roots, the other is Wings!" ~ Hodding Carter

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This is one of my favorite quotes and today, I think, marked the beginning of both. Tonight at church, all interested parents registered their children for AWANA. The name - Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed - is derived from 2 Timothy 2:15.

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

AWANA is a 40 year old program, that meets weekly in churches nationwide to teach children ages 4 - 12th grade about the wonderful word of God! It focuses on building a good foundation through scripture memorization and biblical teaching via interactive learning activities. This is another answered prayer.

I love the Lord's faithfulness to His Word. If you read this post, you know my heart sank when Chase learned there was no group prayer before eating at school. I have been longing to have him in a more Bible based learning environment (i.e. Christian private school), but we have encountered some personal challenges around the execution of this desire - commute, costs, no vacancies at certain schools - to name a few; and then came AWANA.

"If you shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." John 14:4

During the course of my prayers about this over the past few weeks, came the announcement in our church bulletin. AWANA meets one night a week, and focuses on a set, age-appropriate curriculum, running parallel to the school year. Chase has already learned a tremendous amount through attending the less formal children's classes on Wednesday nights. I can only imagine what he will learn in a more formal program. We will even have the opportunity to participate, along with other member churches, in Bible Quizzes, Games & Talent Competitions. This reminds me so much of my VBS, BTU days growing up. A proper foundation is SO important as stated in the divine Book of Wisdom.

""Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

With these Roots my heart will have peace when it is time to give them Wings.

Oh yeah, an added bonus: Children who complete the entire program receive an automatic $10,000 college scholarship.

TESTIMONY TUESDAY

Amy at In Pursuit of Proverbs 31 started a Bible Study a few weeks ago and I stumbled upon it last night.

I have been SOOO praying that GOD would lead me to a network of women (whether its 2 or 200), that I could study with - virtually, that is. I am not in a place right now where I can take on even one more brick and mortar commitment, but I yearn to know more and grow more in the Lord. He has been placing God-Friends all around me and Amy's Bible study is another answered prayer !


Amy asked that all participants answer the questions below:

What do you hope to get out of this Bible study?
I am seeking to know more about what GOD intends for me as a Christian wife and mother. It is a crazy challenge! But I know that for every life circumstance and condition there is an anointed Word from the Lord - I am seeking to know more about that.

What if anything, has prevented you from studying these scriptures in the past?
I have read P31 and heard women speak on these scriptures many times, but that was well before I became a wife a mother or truly committed in my walk with the Lord; For all those reasons, it is much more relevant to me now.

What have you found helpful or frustrating about living out these scriptures?
Frustrating - The Balancing Act, which I often find myself on the unBalanced end of.

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You can see the outline for our Lesson Plan here

A PERFECT SUNDAY

Daily Bread -

Scriptures that got me through:

"I have been young and now I'm old; Yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. (Psalms 37:25)

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalms 47:10

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Brotherly Luv -

The boys loving on each other while I get ready for church. I cherish these moments. No arguments and violent fits over armless, headless, figure men. 2-Cute!!!










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Speaking of Bread....

Tomorrow I have to take a favorite family recipe to Chase's school (a day late, of course - it was due Friday, oops) His teacher is compiling a cookbook for the holiday season. I am looking forward to it. I love to eat some of the favorite foods of my childhood as well as prepare our house favorites - one of which is the Pumpkin Loaf. I thought I would pass it along here.


I store my "best of" recipes in a recipe box I received as a gift at one of my bridal showers, 7 1/2 years ago now - WOW!!! The box is inscribed with The Fruit of the Spirit:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."(Galatians:22-23).

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And some other quotes:


"Those who wish to transform the world, must be able to transform themselves."

"The joyful heart is always ready to count life's blessings."

"The true measure of loving God is to love him without measure."

"Nothing is so strong as gentlessness: Nothing is so gentle as real strength."

"Every good work is a grain of seed for eternal life."

"True Peace is knowing God will do what he promises."

"Patience is having the strength to wait for the Lord's perfect timing."

"Faith is the blossom that springs forth the seeds of hope."

"Gather seeds of kindness: Plant each with tender care."

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Oh yeah, the recipe!

Pumpkin Loaf

Instructions for the loaf:

3 eggs
1 cup of sugar
2/3 cup of canned Pumpkin
3/4 cup of flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts
Powdered Sugar (sprinkle a towel large enough to hold the finished cake, with powdered sugar)

Grease 10x15 cookie sheet. Line w/wax paper, grease again. Mix batter in the order of ingredients given. Beat eggs, sugar, then add pumpkin. Sift together flour, soda, cinnamon & salt and add to egg/sugar/pumpkin mixture. Spread batter in pan, sprinkle w/nuts. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Turn out on a towel that has been sprinkled w/ Powdered Sugar. Roll up in towel w/wax paper & let cool.


Instructions for the filling:

1 (8 oz.) cream cheese
2 Tbsps. Butter, softened
3/4 tsp of vanilla
1 cup of sifted powdered sugar

Cream ingredients w/mixer until smooth. Unroll cake and remove wax paper spread filling over cake. Roll back up & wrap in waxpaper/foil. Store in fridge.

Happy Baking,

MY SISTERS KEEPER

I attended my first Corporate Diversity Committee meeting yesterday. I enjoyed being in a meeting filled with kindred spirit. You could feel the girl-power at the door. I was one of nine women and likely the least experienced in this initiative. I sat there SO praising GOD for both my Right Now (meaning, HIS allowing this opportunity to happen to me) and my Not Yet (meaning, I know HE has a bigger plan for me).

The highlight for me, was when as a part of our "what we hope to achieve" brainstorming session, one of the more experienced women on the team shared the theory of TURN and PULL. The idea is simple: an organization of women can rise, if as each one advances, she Turns back and Pulls one or more women along with her. I played that over and over in my head. I liked it and I saw it not only as a charge to elevate women at our company and in the corporate-world over, but likewise in the Kingdom of God.

Of course in the context of God the desires differ, they are focused on a strong relationship with HIM and a servants heart - rather than the rise to some C-level (e.g. CEO, CFO, CIO, COO) position of envied authority; But the concept is still applicable. GOD's word charges women to be responsible for each other, teaching one another in spiritual and practical matters (Titus 2:3-5). Turn and Pull. Turn and Pull.

That says to me: Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman takes a Titus 2 Support System. I think this is a call to action, ladies, we are indeed our Brothers Sister's Keeper.

Who will you TURN and PULL?

"The aged woman likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (Titus 2:3-5)

NO PRAYING ALLOWED

We start every meal with a prayer at home. Chase is pretty well disciplined and says his mealtime prayers along with a Bible verse (“Jesus wept,” John 11:35) often. There are times he wants to eat right away, until we stop and have him back-it-up and bless his food.

Recently, Chase charged the dinner table like he hadn’t eaten in months. I had to slow him down with my “say your verse or you’ll get a tummy ache,” speech. A confused look appeared on his face and I thought he was preparing to debate me on my tummy ache assertion. Not able to articulate what confused him, I helped him.

“Why are you looking like that?” I asked. “Ms. Laurie said we don’t do that," he responded. “Don’t do what?” I questioned. He lowered his head and said “Pray.” My heart sank; Oh yeah I thought, he is in a public school environment. He told me the classroom rules - remain quiet until your food is served and say please and thank you, “but not prayers,” he finished.

For this and other reasons I vowed to find a Christian school, but God said “Wait a minute. Remember, this is your responsibility, first.” Christian school should act as reinforcement to what Chase is receiving at home. We don’t live in a Private Christian World and whether he attends Christian School or not, it is our job as parents to give him the foundation to stand on God’s word everywhere.

Everyday is an opportunity for us to teach more and pray more and say more to our Children about God’s word. In parenting God has given us both tremendous responsibility and opportunity! I told Chase that he was free to say an individual prayer without permission or class participation; Go ahead....pray baby.

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6

THE ECONOMIC CRY-SIS

Admittedly, the recent developments in our economy, have left me wondering whether the bad guys will just get rich and walk away, despite their bad decisions, bad intentions and massive profits; Wondering about those of us who are always careful to do the right thing, those of us who wouldn't so much as dream of being this reckless and dishonest? Do we get left holding the bag - the worthless, empty rescue bag?

It's a crying shame. I have engaged in countless discussions with friends and family, but ultimately, I went where I knew there was an answer for our current state of confusion - God's Word - where every life circumstance and condition is addressed. I started with a familiar scripture (Galatians 6:7), that I learned in Vacation Bible School as a teenager and have never forgotten.

God's word is clear that there are consequences for our actions. No person on this earth - as HE is not mocked - will fail to reap what they have sown. I found it comforting to read the words that God gives on how we should react in distressing times and his promise of what His children will receive. We are not to become discouraged but rather, reassured in our reward of everlasting life! Now, that's ahhh'right with me - smile :)

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36

"Be not deceived for God is not mocked. Whatsover a man soweth, that shall he reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall reap life everlasting. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Galatians 6:7-9

HOME SWEET HOME

We are so blessed that the Lord has led us to a church home. We diligently sought deliverance from our self described serial-visitation and after what seemed like an endless search, we are very excited to be members of Elizabeth Baptist Church, Pastor Craig L. Oliver

Elizabeth is a LARGE church (e.g 11,000 members), which initially concerned me, but we feel so embraced and comfortable there. This church has such a "small church" personality with a lot of opportunities to fellowship and serve, and you feel as though you are amongst old friends from Day One. Pastor Oliver is a dynamic minister and leader and as evidenced by our experience thus far, he is accompanied by an equally strong and spirit - filled ministry staff. We have spent the last three weeks in our New Members Classes (three down, one to go) where we've heard some anointed words from the Lord and met some very inspiring people. The kids love it too, especially Chase. Each Sunday, he heads anxiously to Children's Church where he engages in his own learning activities and conversations about Jesus.

During our phase of serial visitation, I ran across an awesome blog - SisterHill.com. The young lady who started this site lives in Atlanta and is searching for a church home for herself and her young daughter. I think she has done a great job of outlining and speaking to some key points that are often considered when searching for a place of worship to call home like, location, service times, denomination, church size, children's programs and much more. If you are in the Atlanta area, her site can be very helpful to you, and if not, perhaps you might be inspired to do something similar in your city or state.

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

PRAYERS

My first cousin (Marcus), is currently hospitalized. Pray that the Lord restore his health.

"I pray for you, you pray for me and watch God change things." from the song Be Blessed by Bishop Paul Morton. Click on song title to hear.

With less than 30 days left until our Presidential Election, let's start praying for our elected leader; whomever that may be.

"I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty." 1 Timothy 2: 1-2