Take a Breath

Tis the season for lots of lasts. The last soccer, or baseball game. The last day of school. There are field days to prepare for. End of school picnics. Preschool, Kindergarten, High School and college graduations. It's a busy time. Lately I've heard many a mom's heavy sigh as she is trying her best to get it all done, and do it in a memorable way. There need to be more hours in the day so we can properly wrap up this school year and prepare a fun filled, yet educational summer. It's so easy to get overwhelmed with it all and to forget to enjoy these fleeting moments. Take deep breath with me and lets pray.

Dear God,
Give me strength today to do all the fun end of school year activities with my children. May I have joy as I prepare for my day the night before, anticipating the fun, instead of anxiety about how it is all going to come together. Please help me to remember that my children will remember my enjoyment and love more than the look of the cupcakes or decorations. In Jesus Name Amen.

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. " (NIV)

Philippians 4:13 " I can do everything through him who gives me strength"(NIV)

Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it"

What Are You Wearing?

Yesterday after my youngest saw how fun dress up could be we had to put on "her finest" as soon as we got home! It was a fun afternoon of playing ballerina in the back yard! She does have two older brothers so it was not all frilly girly time!

It made me think about the things we wear and what I hope we are wearing no matter what clothes we happen to pick on any particular day. There is a parable in Matthew about a wedding feast. Those invited did not come, so the king sent out his servants to go out and find anyone they could find. They found people out on the streets both good and bad and soon the wedding hall was full. In those times, when you were invited to a wedding-special clothing was provided for you by the host. The king, while visiting with his guests saw some who did not have on their wedding clothes. He asks them how they got in without the clothes. They are speechless. They are thrown out. It seems rather harsh. Perhaps the king does not recognize them as his own because of what they are not wearing.

When God looks at me what does He see?

My hope is that He sees me covered with the robe of righteousness. Because of Jesus covering my life full of sin with His perfect life, God will recognize me as His own.
May we be covered in the robe of righteousness, "holy and without blemish."

Revisit this parable Matthew 22:1-14

Dear God,
When the time comes and we stand before You, may our faith in Jesus be so strong that all You see is Jesus covering us. Give me the words and wisdom to teach my children and others about Your abundance of love for us, in the gift of Your Son, that I may pass this faith on, so that they too will be covered. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Colossians 1:22-23 "But now he (God the father) has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, with our blemish and free from accusation if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel." (NIV)

Ephesians 6:14 "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. "

Job 29:14 "I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban."

Butterflies

Yesterday my daughter and I did a butterfly craft. It was really easy; made with a coffee filter, painted clothes pin, pipe cleaner and googly eyes. He is missing two of his legs as she wanted to play with him before he was dry!

To Christians the butterflies life cycle can be symbolic of the three stages in the life cycle of Christ and the Christian.

The caterpillar's non stop eating reminds us of the normal earthly life of mankind where we are preoccupied with taking care of our physical needs. The chrysalis or cocoon resembles the tomb and the butterfly represents the resurrection into new and glorious life free of material concerns and restrictions. The butterfly can soar!

For the Christian the caterpillar can represent our life in sin, the cocoon time spent in contemplative study and searching for truth and the butterfly when we become born again in Christ. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come!" I Corinthians 5:17. (NIV)

The butterfly can represent the victory of eternal life over death. I Corinthians 15:51-52 Paul writes, "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed- in a flash, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." (NIV)

The butterfly is a symbol of a change for the better.

Dear God,

I know I have fallen short on Your plans for my life. I have gone after my own selfish gains, grumbled and complained, forgetting all of the sacrifices You have made for me. My life is not my own, as You have paid for it in the life of Christ Jesus. Search my heart and if there is anything in word, thought or deed that is not in accordance with Your will reveal it to me so that I may confess and be rid of it. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for the life of Jesus that was given for me. May I daily be conformed and transformed to Your will for my life. In Jesus Name, Amen

2 Corinthians 3:18 "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (NIV)

Romans 12: 2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV)

Please pray for my neighbors husband- he had back surgery a month ago and is still in pain. He is concerned for his job. His wife, my friend covets your prayers for healing.

Lazy Daisy Day

Yesterday was what I like to call a lazy daisy day! My youngest and I stayed in our pajamas until almost eleven! We snuggled on the couch and watched Sesame Street together, read (it must have been at least one hundred) books and played dolls. It was fun to take it easy and put my "to do" list aside. Perhaps I was a bit indulgent for "taking the day off" but I really was in need of the restful day and my daughter was happy to oblige. The laundry and house cleaning are still there, and not at all upset I did not tackle them. My husband did not complain that I never even made the bed. It was good to slow down, besides what does my "busy-ness" have to do with what God has planned. Today is a new day and I feel refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever God has in store!

Dear God,
Thank you for the relaxing day You gave for refueling and refreshment. May I continue to give my load to You, so as we shoulder it together, I can see my "to dos" as You see them, and truly keep things in a more eternal perspective. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Matthew 11: 28-30 ""Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV)

Psalm 23: 1-2 "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters he restores my soul." (NIV)

Genesis 2:2 "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from His work." (NIV)

Mark 1:35 "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." (NIV)

Home Improvement

This past Saturday morning my family and I all went to a new home improvement store near our home. Being Saturday and all, we ran into lots of friends, everyone with different projects planned. The boys each found a venus fly trap plant, and the thought of a insect eating plant was just amazingly wonderful to them. My husband wanted to go see the store and also pick up mulch for a few of our flower beds. We had a sucessful trip!

There is a church right across the street from the new super warehouse of home improvement items. The church's sign read "Come to the real home improvement place." Pretty powerful sign and placed perfectly as shoppers will see the sign as they stop at the light to turn in. It gave me pause to think a happy home is not happy because of a freshly applied coat of paint, or a newly renovated kitchen with shiny appliances or even a beautiful lawn with perfectly flowered and mulched landscaping. A happy home is happy, if it has love. And love comes from God.

As we "improve" our homes lets remind each other to keep first things first. First of all love God with all of our hearts, mind, soul and strength. Keeping that first- the rest will fall into place -our marriages, our relationships with our children, and our relationships with our neighbors.

Dear God,
May we truly keep You as the center of our lives exchanging worldly views for eternal ones. May we be filled with Your love and compassion as we minister to our families, our neighbors and the world. Bless the projects that we do in our homes may we be good stewards of our many gifts. In Jesus Name, Amen.

I John 4:7 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Vs 11 "Dear friends, sine God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Memorial Day Prayer

Dear God,
As we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, of their lives for our protection and freedom, may we remember You taught us there is no greater love than to lay one's life down for his friends. May the families who have lost their loved one, while in the service of our country, find peace and comfort in that they have followed in Jesus footsteps.
May You surround our troops with your loving protection. Grant them courage and trust in You for each task they must face. Also provide strength, peace and provision for their families while they are away.
Lord, please be with our country's leaders, may they rely on Your guidance as their decisions affect the lives of so many. In Jesus Name, Amen

John 15:12-13 ""This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one gas greather love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."

Seven Fun Facts About Me

I have been tagged by Chatty Kelly and Sue J ! So I will post 7 facts about me.

1. I love the color pink! In seventh grade my room was pink and ALL my clothing head to toe was pink for an entire year! Amazingly, I still love the color!

2. When I turn 50 we are going to buy a motorcycle (a Harley). My husband will drive, with me on the back, and we will ride the Blue Ridge Parkway! I think there is a group called Motorcycle riders for Jesus, we'll have to look into that!

3. I learned to drive in a cow pasture in my granddaddy's old pickup truck-when we go to my parents home I let my boys sit in my lap and drive the way I did!

4. I love the outdoors, hiking, camping, canoeing, and white water rafting. The outdoors is a great big adventure! I love sitting on top of an especially difficult to get to mountain top and enjoy the view, all the while praising God for the incredible world He made.

5. I do not like to touch creepy, crawly, or slimy things but if I had to choose I'd choose a reptile any day. (I live with 2 little boys)

6. I enjoy collecting sea shells and I keep special ones for years. I have a small conch shell from 12 years ago found when walking on the beach at Isle of Palms with my then, boyfriend, now husband, the day before my brother's wedding.

7. Fields of flowers, this time of year are a special treat for me! My favorite wild flowers are Queen Anne's Lace and Bachelors Buttons.

Now I tag you! So if you read my blog and want to join in, read the rules below. I'd love to know seven things about each one of you! Leave a comment and let me know if you'll post, so that I can come by!
1. List these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Let me know you're playing by leaving a comment on my blog.
4. If you don't blog, list your 7 facts in the comments section.

Prayers in the Park

This past Friday I took my little girl and one of her buddies to a nearby park in my neighborhood. Surprisingly this park is one of the many places I feel close to God. This day especially reminded me of the many prayers I had prayed there. God faithfully answered each prayer and eased each worry and fear. When my boys were young, one and three, my husband and I decided I could no longer manage as a working mom so I resigned from a job that before we had children I loved. We were both anxious about how we could make ends meet without the extra money but both felt strongly I was needed more at home. Everyday, I would walk about a mile to get to this park with the boys in a stroller. We would go early in the day before it became too hot and they would play. I was able to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise and pray. I would listen to the birds and think about how much God cares for even the birds, how much more so He cares for us. I found peace there in that park. God knew things would work out, He just wanted me to trust in Him. Later that same year, I found a every other weekend job at a local urgent care center so our ends did meet! That next spring my mom, who lives five hours away, was diagnosed with breast cancer*. Because I stayed at home, the boys and I could travel to her, to give love and support during her surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. God knew what was down the road and things fell into place so I could be where He needed me to be.
*my mom has been cancer free for almost four years! Praise God!

Dear God,
What a blessing it is that you faithfully hear and answer all of our prayers. May we bring everything to you in prayer, with an attitude of thanksgiving. May you bring peace to our anxious hearts, trusting that You know best for us, for you are all knowing. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Luke 12: 22-24 "Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! (NIV)

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everytghing by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and you minds in Christ Jesus.

Household Management Cinderella Style

One of my daughter's favorite movies is the Disney version of Cinderella. My favorite part is when she wakes up in the morning singing as she goes about her daily chores. Calmly caring for all of the animals and her family- Managing her household peacefully and while singing beautifully. She even makes scrubbing the floor look as relaxing as a bubble bath! I would love it if I went about my household management with such a relaxing attitude. It takes a bit more effort for me to be cheerful and calm in the mornings. I do try to sing and dance while doing the vacuuming. I guess I am doing a good job because my little girl wants a vacuum cleaner so she can help! Now she uses her dolls stroller and pushes it along with me singing- not always the same song- loudly!

Dear God,
May we find joy in being helpful and kind. May we see and honor You in everything that we do! Grant us the gift of a song in our hearts while we work! In Jesus Name, Amen.

I Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. "(NIV)

Colossians 3: 23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all you heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."(NIV)

"Thank you for Giving to the Lord" by Ray Boltz. Edited by Ben Lee. Music Video

"Thank you for Giving to the Lord" by Ray Boltz. Edited by Ben Lee. Music Video

Listen to this after reading the post about "Follow the Lord"

Follow the Lord

One night this week, my middle son made a poster that read, "folow the lord". He also drew pictures of feet- I think he traced his own and his little sisters. He wanted this displayed in his room so I taped it to his door. I asked him if there was any particular reason he made this sign- he did not have a reason- he said he wanted it for his room. In Sunday School their unit study is on Go and Tell. Our Sunday School director is a dynamic woman for God. She is passionate about teaching children about the love of Christ for each one of them. She wants to make sure they all learn it by experiencing the lessons in different ways so every learning style can be nurtured. The children learn the lesson in four ways, drama/story telling, cooking, art and games/science. Each week they go to a new station to learn the same lesson but in a different way. When they complete the stations she brings them all together and they review what they have learned. It is so wonderful to see and hear as they call out the answers to her questions! They really get it and they are excited about it! Then she has them journal about something pertainate to the lesson and at the end of the year they will get to keep their books.

Dear God,
I am thankful for the people you have placed in my children's lives that help them learn more about you. May they learn to apply scriptures to their daily lives so that Your Word can come alive for them in every day circumstances. In Jesus Name, Amen

Matthew 28:10 "Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, there they will see me."(NIV)

Matthew 18:5 "And whoever welcomes a litle child like this in my name welcomes me." (NIV)

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

Mark 16: 15 "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (NIV)

Praying in Marriage

I would love to share that I am the most wonderful and sweetest wife but of course that couldn't be true. Conforming our will to God's will is difficult, so how could we imagine meshing two individuals could be any easier. I think that's where prayer comes in. It takes lots of prayer at the Patterson house and I am so blessed to have a husband who prays with me. (Perhaps our prayer life is stronger because of my stubborn will). All kidding aside, sometimes we struggle to come to an agreement. During those times I remember we made a covenant to love, honor,respect, and cherish each other. We made this covenant in front of God, our family and our closest friends. Sometimes I have to choose to love, and choose to trust. God placed my husband as the head of our family. I trust God so therefore I trust my husband.

Dear God
Please help me see my marriage as a sacred thing. May I always understand that being married was not meant to just make me happy but make my character more holy. Help me remember being married is less about having the right partner and more about being the right partner. Shape me into the wife my husband needs and deserves. Help me to pause before I speak so I don’t react out of anger, frustration, or selfishness. Show me how to respect, love and give to this man in a way that honors You and brings joy to our home. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Something to aim for in marriage
Philippians 2:1-5" If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" (NIV)

A Change of Plans

The other night (well it took us two nights) my husband and I watched Evan Almighty. In the movie Evan talks to God about his career plans, plans for his house, and plans his family had made. God laughs at Evan's plans. Just as he does at our plans. I am a big planner. I also like lists and I make goals of when I want to complete things. God chuckles allot at me I am sure. For He already knows the plan- and it's not about my lists and my time table. It's about bringing glory to Him. A week ago I made plans, with a dear friend, to go to an outdoor mall so our girls could play in the fountains and sprinklers. The boys had planned on swim team practice and my husband had planned a game of capture the flag for scouts. Yesterday was rainy and cool. God had other plans for us! For me it is key to remember that I need to be flexible and open for a change in my plans so that I can be ready for what God wants me to do each day!

Dear God,
I am truly thankful that you are in charge of "the plan" and it is not up to me! When plans change may I look at them as opportunities instead of dissappointments. You have given me this day to bring glory to You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" (NIV)

Psalms 33:10-12 "The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the puposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is th nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.

Jeremiah 29:11 " "For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

"If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." --Mother Teresa (1910 - 1997)

Living in the Moment

Today I received a letter from a dear sweet friend of mine, whose always helped me slow down and savor each moment of everyday! She has a quiet sense about her that makes you really stop and think, about what really is important. She moved back to her home state just a few years ago and I miss her. Thankfully there are emails and snail mails so we can exchange stories and pictures of our very beautiful children. I checked the mail right before bus stop time- so I could not open it right away like I wanted too. Then the whirlwind of my boys and their buddies rushed into our home and out the back door for backyard fun. Once Popsicles were served and at least one child was seated I tried again to read my letter but there was the excitement of a hoppy toad and, "Mom, Can you find my bug house so we can keep him awhile?" I put the letter away for later, knowing my friend would want me to enjoy these backyard moments. The boys played in the creek, caught frogs (it could have been the same one each time as I requested they let it go) and we painted pictures. Each child painted creeks with fish, frogs or alligators in them! It was a glorious afternoon! Late last night I settled down to read the letter. She had sent me a poem by Karen Kingsbury, Let Me Hold You Longer. It was about living in the moment for all too soon these afternoons will only be a sweet memory. The poem asks "Would I have held on longer if I'd known they were your last?" There is a time for everything. A time to hold babies and a time to let go. When my boys are men and my girl a lady; they won't want to catch hoppy toads, paint pictures and eat Popsicles in my backyard, but now they do, so I will treasure today!
Dear God,
Help me to be the influence my children need at every stage of their growth. Keep me willing to listen to anything they want to discuss even when I am busy or feeling tired. May I treasure each of these precious moments as gifts from You.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:"(NIV)

Psalms 127: 3 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him." (NIV)

Psalm 118:24 "This is the daythe Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" (NIV)

Find Karen Kingsbury Let Me Hold You Longer poem grab a tissue!
www.parable.com/content/preview/9781414300559.pdf

Trusting In The Promise

The sermon this Sunday at church matched where we are in our family devotion time. This, of course perked my ears as I was eager to gain better insight, gleaning wisdom from our Pastor. The Scripture passages were from Joshua chapters 1-3.

It was an exciting time as the Israelites were about to cross over the Jordan and enter the Promised land. But also a scary time as they'd been slaves in Egypt for 400 some years and then wandering in the desert for 40 years so they probably felt allot like I do about big challenges -a bit unsure of myself. When God gives a job He also gives a promise! Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."(NIV) God also had told Joshua to "meditate" on God's Word day and night. In order to hear God and know what to do, we have to be in His Word.

When they did cross the river they were commanded by God to follow behind the ark of the covenant of the Lord. "Follow it so that you may know the way you should go, for you have not passed this way before" Joshua 3:4 There are many ways that are new to us and unknown, what a blessing to follow God. The flooded banks of the Jordan were held back so that the entire nation of Israelites could cross over on dry land.

I was very excited to share with the boys when we got home!

Dear God,

I pray my children rely on the promise that You will be with them wherever they go. May they desire to read Your Word everyday. May they trust in You and follow You for they will pass new ways they've never been before. I know You will get them there on dry land! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Proverbs 3: 5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding".

Psalms 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path ."

Praying for the earth

We all went for a hike this afternoon and enjoyed an absolutely beautiful day. The sky was bright blue, the grass and trees were green and there were many pretty wild flowers on our walk. The boys always love to find a treasure on these jaunts and thankfully nature never disappoints them. They found a magnificent hawks feather and showed it proudly to their Daddy with questions on how it's attached and if we had lots of these could we fly?!? My middle son walked along for quite a bit gently holding a lady bug making plans for it to come home and be a new pet. The boys and our dog saw several blue tailed skinks and tried with out avail to catch one. It was a fun Patterson adventure!

For the past month our Sunday School class has done a unit on caring for our world and how as Christian's we should be good stewards of this place God has temporarily placed us to live. We have learned about recycling more, buying less excess packaging, using our own bags, reusing water bottles, using our own coffee cup, making a compost pile to make organic fertilizer, using water more wisely the list goes on and on. We are making little steps to being more responsible with the gift of the earth.

Dear God,

May we be servants of Christ and stewards of God's world by being resposible with our use of natural resourses. May we work together to keep Your world a clean place to live for the generations that follow us.

Genesis 2:15 "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it" (NIV)

Psalms 65:9 "You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain."(NIV)

Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" (NIV)

He's Got the Whole World In His Hands

"He's got the whole world in his hands." We all know the song! My two year old was singing that song today, some verses were different..... "He's got the whole baby in His hands" and "He's got the whole brothers"..."the whole mommies in His Hands." She put "the whole" in every verse. It made me chuckle and then think about how God does want the "whole" mommies, brothers, and everyone. He wants all of our, hearts, minds, souls and strengh. He wants our lives not just on Sundays and not just during our "quiet" time but all of the time. In the grocery store, at the park, in school, at work you get the idea! Sometimes I lose my cool and yell-looking back I think if only I'd prayed about that feeling first instead of just letting it fly out! If only I'd given God the "whole" mommy and let my life be held in His hand! Thankfully God holds us in His hand even when we mess up and forget to give Him each moment.

Dear God,
Thank you for the nuggets of wisdom you pack in my children for me to discover- the wonderful reminders of Your love for us all! May we all find comfort in the promise that You hold us in the palm of your hand. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Mark 12:30 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all you soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength" (NIV)

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strenghen you and help you; I will hold you with my righteous right hand."

Praying that our light will shine

At MOPS yesterday I heard a great devotion about letting your light shine. First of all imagine your young ones singing “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine” …… She talked about how this light is not our light but Jesus light shining through us as Jesus is the light of the world. She asked us is our light shining. Something to think about, especially for me on those busy days running here and there trying to get it all done. Do others see Jesus light shining through me? I see Jesus shining in my children all of the time (I think God plans it that way to help us be more patient with them!) Yesterday my little girl and one of her friends chorused Jesus loves me and Jesus Loves the Little Children –it was heart warming. My big boys, who at the bus stop would rather I not kiss them in public, snuggle down for hugs, piling on our big bed for devotion time. Their willingness to share what ever food we have with -well- anyone! I see Jesus light in my husband , leading us in prayer as I felt overwhelmed and over tired after a busy day, wondering how we are going to get it all done. I see Jesus light in the love many moms gave to the volunteers today at MOPS-letting them know that their volunteering really made a difference to them this year. I see Jesus light in the many smiles and tears as a beautiful Thank you song was sung. It was a special especially bright day!
Dear God,
Let the light of Your love shine out of our lives so as to be a beacon to others. Help us also to see Your light in others so that we do not miss out on a single blessing You have for us! In Jesus Name, Amen.
John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV)
Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise you Father in heaven.”

Praying for young adults/adolescence

A friend looked down at my right ankle and said "You have a tattoo?" I'm sure I turned red as I answered that I was in a sorority in college-it's from a different time in my life. She smiled and said it just surprised her! I don't really fit the tattoo persona. That different time-a time I was wandering a bit in the wilderness was difficult and confusing. My mom shared she prayed alot during that time and I have letters from women of my childhood church who sent prayers and care packages during exams. I believe the prayers said on my behalf were life savers for me. Any time I was in a sticky situation (a place I had no business being) friends would come along and help me out. There always seemed to be someone looking out for me. I am thankful for those prayers and for those friends. I had wanted to have my tattoo removed as it no longer is who I am. My husband urged me to keep it as it will help me remember where I have been and the many blessings that have come since then.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the protection You provided for me in my youth and for the loved ones who offered up prayers on my behalf. May my life be a testimony to your grace and unconditional love. Lord please be with all young people, surround them in your love and protection. Place people in their lives who will remind them whose they are - Yours. Please especially be with my friend's son, Justin, keep him safe and surround him with the knowledge of your love. Daily remind him of the great plans You have in store for him. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11 " "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)

Luke 12:7 "Indeed the very hairs of you head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (NIV)

I Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (NIV)

Romans 1:9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times....

Praying for wisdom for my children

Most nights we have a family devotion time before tucking all three children in. We use Step Into The Bible by Ruth Graham. It's works for us as the stories are short enough so that our two year old can stay focused and it perks up interest in the whole story so we can go to The Bible and read with the boys. My boys especially love the Old Testament. It's very exciting, lots of heroes and action. It is wonderful to see their enthusiasm. Our devotion book prompts us with questions to ask/discuss -to make sure they really were listening. (Our story tonight was from Numbers 13-14:9 Joshua and Caleb stand up to their fellow spies and say they can overcome the stronger group of peoples inhabiting the land God promised for them.) Our middle son quoted scripture from Luke "For nothing is impossible with God" Luke 1:37 as to the answer for why Joshua and Caleb were not afraid. (This was one of the verses he memorized for S.School a year ago) It was a wonderful blessing for me as I hope and pray what we are teaching will stay planted in their hearts for their lifetimes and onto the next generation!

Dear Lord,
Motivate my children to study and apply Your Word in their lives so they can more clearly hear Your voice and know Your will for them. Bless my children with wisdom and with the knowledge that their wisdom comes from You.

Proverbs 3:13 "Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding." (NIV)

Colossians 1:9 "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in everyway: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." (NIV)

Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (NIV)

Praying for my childrens friends

Today my daughter and I are off to a park in the city that has animals and gardens to enjoy! We are going with a friend of mine from BSF and her daughter. We are blessed with friends who love the Lord. Even my boys, who are in school, have chosen friends who are from Christian families. They live nearby and go to church with us. As they are young my husband and I have lots of control over who thier friends are. Today I am praying for thier friendships so they will be in God's hand.

Dear Lord,
Provide my children with godly friends who are supportive and truthful. Keep them from relationships that would draw them away from You.

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return fro their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Bur how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (NIV)

Proverbs 27: 5-6 "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." (NIV)

I Corinthians 15: 33 "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." Come back to you senses as you ought and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God- I say this to your shame." (NIV)

Praying for my children's future spouses

I have a dear friend I walk with to help us keep in shape! I love our walks not only for the time of exercise but for the time of fellowship. She shared with me how her mom prayed often for her and her sister's future spouses even when they were young girls. At first I did not even want to imagine the reality that my children will one day grow up and leave my home. Later I realized the power my friend's mom prayers had impacted the lives of these families. So today I will pray for godly spouses for my three children or for their peace if God has plans of singleness for them.

Dear God,
If it is your will that someday my children marry guide them to spouses who love and honor You first in thier lives. May they all view marriage as a sacred covenant between You and eachother. May they pray together to You for guidance. May they find the support of a church family and other married couples to help them along the way. May they pass on a rich heritage to future generations. Help me to be a kind and loving Mother-in-law, one that will not mettle in thier lives but support the unity that You have planned in marriage. If Lord You have willed for them to remain single let them accept it and enjoy undivided devotion to You.


Ps. 127:3-5 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. (NIV)
Ps 128:1-4 "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. (NIV)

I Cor. 7:35 "I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord." (NIV)