Jan20

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Children’s Ministry

Posted on by
Standard

I just wanted to take a moment to share my gratitude with and for the children’s ministry at Skyline Church. This church is the real deal. Speaking of the children, the children’s ministry is so much more than a glorified babysitting service. I have been to church services before where the kids are taken care of, but don’t really walk away with anything of any substance.

At Skyline Church, I love the age-appropriate songs and lessons taught each and every week. From my youngest (four years old) to my oldest (eleven years old) there is something for everyone. It isn’t dull and boring either. They come home singing songs, and telling me about what they learned in class. At the end of the service when we come to pick them up, they never want to leave. They look forward to the songs, music, message, and any other fun games and/or crafts. It would seem like a delicate balance of learning with fun, but it really makes me thankful to be in a place that has found and gotten really good at that delicate balance.

To anyone involved in making the children’s ministry a reality, please know that what you are doing has (lasting) impact, and is much appreciated – from the children and parents alike. I know my children join me in saying thank you for all you do!

Jan19

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For The Heart Of A Child

Posted on by
Standard

I am routinely thankful for the heart and innocence of children. I have three such beautiful kids. They amaze me on a very regular basis.

The heart and innocence of a child is something that just warms my heart.

As we were at the Air Force base, my son came running up to where I was standing, begging for a “Little Things” card. He told me that he wanted to use some of his very own money to help someone pay for their lunch there in the food court. So, I gave him a card I found, and he ran up and stopped a transaction in mid operation, and asked the elderly woman if he could pay for her food. Both she and the gentleman behind the counter were touched. It was a small amount, only a few dollars, but it had a priceless impact. It impacted all who saw it, but also impacted my son. The pure and innocent joy on his face was heartwarming. After he did that, he came back to where I was now sitting at the table and talked about the whole thing. He smiled and waved at the woman he had helped. She came up to our table and said that he didn’t have to do that, but that she wanted to say thank you very much. She asked if I was his mother. I told her I was, and she asked if she could give him a hug. It was cute – but she wouldn’t hug him without my permission. It was a beautiful sight to behold. God working on lots of hearts that meal.

That same evening, our family went out to eat. As we were eating with the kids, my youngest struck up a conversation (or attempted it) with the two year old at the table across the walkway from us. She and her dad were dining alone. For reasons still unknown to me, God put their family on my heart. As we were leaving, my oldest son (whispering in my ear) said that we should “little thing” them – that he thought they looked like they could use some happy. After walking away, I went and found a manager. I told him I’d like to take care of their meal, and also notified their server, as they were just attempting to pay. Before I could see a reaction, I decided to leave the situation anonymous. I found one more “little things” card, and asked the server to pass it along. I’m not sure what situation they were in, but it doesn’t matter. I followed after the heart of God and just shared love and a “little thing” with someone. I don’t know what it did for them, but I can tell you it brightened my day in a beautiful way.

What I love most about this, is that doing these intentional, though random act of kindness is making a really big impact on my family. I know the things we do touch the lives of those we reach out to, but seeing my children’s giving hearts, and seeing them follow after the heart of God with such passion is definitely a proud Mama moment.

Jan18

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Solar Powered Cell Phone Charger

Posted on by
Standard

I am not the kind of person to buy all the newest gadgets. However, when I find one that makes sense, and will save me time and money – you better believe I’ll give it a shot if I can.

I was recently out shopping and came across this multi-gadget charger. Better yet, it came with a full charge, and is solar powered.

It works as well as any other charger I have, but is much more convenient.

So, yes – it sometimes really is the little things in life — but I’m grateful for one of those little things today!

Jan17

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Friends You Can Say Even Silly Things To

Posted on by
Standard

I am thankful for all friends. Today, though, I just want to share my gratitude for those handful of friends you can turn to and say pretty much anything to.

This morning, I had a headache.

This afternoon, I had a really bad headache.

I went to lunch – thinking maybe, just maybe, food would help with that. I figured it a possibility since I hadn’t had much to eat prior to lunch. As I get ready to eat, and even eat a few bites, I realize this is the wrong answer. I didn’t feel sick or anything, but my body just was not happy with the idea of food either. So, after a while of pretending I was going to eat and not really eating much, lunch was over.

I should add that I also used some peppermint and balsam fir essential oils, and will do an entirely different post on those later. While they felt good, and helped, my headache would not budge.

So, realizing that God cares about even the small details, I reached out to a couple of friends for prayer. I felt silly, but I know that God answers prayers – even ones we feel are silly! This is a copy of an actual text message I sent to a friend of mine, “Hey, this may be a stupid / silly request, but I have this really bad headache and nothing is helping. I don’t get headaches often. Pray for my head? Haha” As I knew would be the response, they agreed.

Between laying down and getting a little rest, therapeutic grade essential oils, and especially the prayers of friends, I feel much MUCH better. I’m not 100% – but I am feeling a considerable amount better. In fact, I just ate a little of the leftover lunch from this afternoon. My body now thanks me instead of protests.

You see, I am thankful for these kind of friends. To those of you I reached out to today with this simple prayer request, please know you have my gratitude – simply for being one of those kind of friends in my life and especially for your willingness to pray. As we know, prayers make a difference. Thank you, friends!

Jan16

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Weight Loss Accountability

Posted on by
Standard

I am thankful for accountability – in whatever form or shape it takes. With regards to weight loss, I find that I do much better with the accountability factor. I think it’s like that for most people.

This month, I have started in a local weight loss challenge: Winter 2013 Biggest Loser. For the next eight weeks, I will continue the path I have already chosen. I am eating healthier, drinking mostly water, and being more active. It will go beyond the eight weeks, but for the scope of the challenge, I’m just sharing my thoughts on right now.

Even if I don’t win (which obviously I hope I do – there is a monetary prize) the accountability alone will continue to be worth it’s weight in gold.

If you are struggling with weight loss, I urge you to find someone (or a group) to be accountable to. It does make a difference. I will try and update each week on how my Biggest Loser challenge is going. Along with finding an accountability partner, I suggest you take small steps. You need to make better / healthier decisions. You don’t have to starve yourself to be healthy. You can cut certain things (caffeine, carbonation, excess sweets, etc) and those alone will make an enormous difference. Give it a try? You’ve got nothing (except weight) to lose!

I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to comment below, or send me a message via my “contact me” page.

Jan15

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful for Organic Bamboo Velour

Posted on by
Standard

It’s true. I am thankful for fabric. Not just any fabric though, but Organic Bamboo Velour (OBV). If you’ve never felt it, you should. It’s soft and cuddly. More than that, it’s cozy and warm!

I have an adult size “baby blankie” made courtesy of a good friend. (I’ll do a separate blog post about her a different time. Let’s just say – she’s amazing.)

This blanket is a necessity around here – especially in these cold days/nights.

So, do you have a nice warm blanket you just can’t live without? I know I do now!

Jan14

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Good Results

Posted on by
Standard

Today was my appointment to go over the results of the tumor removal, as well as to have the stitches removed.

First, I cannot tell you how happy I was to have those removed. To hear I didn’t heal properly, and that my body clearly didn’t like sutures wasn’t awesome, but paled in comparison to the news that came next.

It was good, no make that great news. Though there was concern, it was a benign / non-cancerous tumor – officially noted to be a lipoma.

I could go on and on – but sums it all up to just say I’m grateful to a God larger than life for having me (and my health) in the palm of His hand – and for me to be able to hear the good report from my doctor this morning.

I will restate something I’ve said before, and will likely say again. God is faithful 100% of the time – it’s just whether or not we choose to believe that!

Jan13

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful for God’s Provision

Posted on by
Standard

More than any other time in my life, I am thankful to God for His provision. He is providing in and for every area of my life – my marriage, my health, my finances, my family, etc.

Today after church, our family went out to eat. My husband and I were discussing the church service. I was sharing with him about a family I know who has seen God’s provision in a big way. This family shared with me something very special. Through some pretty unsure times, God gave them a dream, and then provided for them to make it a reality. I told him (my husband) that I had the same level of faith, for a very similar situation in our lives.

It was almost as if God had a sense of humor mixed with teaching a lesson. He needed me to know that He indeed IS our provider. I had absolutely no idea that there were some friends of mine from church dining at the same place for lunch. It wasn’t until after the meal that they came over to speak. They asked how the food was, and if we’d paid yet. I gestured that my husband was up paying our bill at that very moment. They quickly ran up to the front desk where my husband was attempting to pay, and asked the cashier if she could cancel it (the credit card had already been swiped) and told her to add our entire bill to his. It was the sweetest and kindest gesture. My husband does not know this sweet family (yet) but was absolutely floored. They told my husband that it was a “little thing” and that they just wanted to bless us. To tell you that it blessed us would be an understatement. God used this situation to be so much more than a “random act of kindness” — it was more like an “intentional act of kindness, grown to a huge blessing all the way around” sort of thing.

Not only did God provide (through some very precious friends) for our meal, the “little things” situation also provided me with the opportunity to talk to my husband about God’s faithfulness and some of my heart on what had just happened. I was able to plant seeds, in and with faith, with my husband. It helped him see God’s love through a selfless act of friends.

So, to the faithful family who took care of my family’s lunch today – know that what may have been a little thing to you was much more to us. God used your kindness in multiple ways. Thank you for your giving heart. From my family to yours, we love you!

Jan12

Marriage Is Worth Fighting For, Part 4: Prayer For The Standing Husband

Posted on by
Standard

Marriage is something I find myself passionate about. Being united in such a strong bond of faith and love is one of God’s many gifts to humanity. He created marriage to be a lasting, lifelong experience together – not as something to escape from when times get rough.

I do want to mention something I have said before in this marriage series. If you are divorced, or going through a divorce, I do not judge. Instead, I love. Divorce is something that sometimes happens, and is unavoidable in certain circumstances. I understand that. I do not look down on you for any decisions you have made, are going through, or have gone through in the past. Our experiences in life can either break us down, or strengthen us. I pray for your strength in the midst of this, or any other trial you may face.

Men, thank you for taking the time to read this. If you serve and have a faith in a God larger than life, I urge you to continue doing all you know to do – serve the Lord, and lead your family in His ways. If you find that your spouse is not on the same page of music you are with regards to faith, I pray you will not give up. God’s got this. I urge you to continue seeking the face and heart of God. He is faithful, 100% of the time. Even though His timing is not always our timing, it is perfect.

If you would like to share your story, or ask for prayer – please feel free to post in comments below or send me a message via my “contact me” page. I’ll look forward to connecting.

Very similar to yesterday’s prayer for the standing wife, I’d like to share the prayer for the standing husband:

Prayers For Standing Husbands

Dear Lord, You know my heart is broken, that I have a troubled spirit, and a longing for Your comfort and the answers I seek during this time of despair. So I thank You for Your Word assuring me that from the very beginning You created my marriage as a one flesh covenant relationship, saying that what You joined together, no one should separate, and that You hate divorce. And thank You for Your promise to heal my broken heart, and bind up my wounds, that You will comfort me as I mourn, and that You will bestow on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Thank You, Lord, that instead of shame or disgrace, I will rejoice in my inheritance, that I will inherit a double portion in my life, and that everlasting joy will be mine, as You restore my marriage, which Satan came to destroy. I thank You that in accordance with Your Word, I can approach Your throne of grace with confidence, and receive mercy and grace to help me in my time of need.

Thank You for Your promise that all things are possible with You Lord Jesus, and that You, and You alone, will give me peace that transcends all understanding. Thank You for the assurance that no wisdom, no insight and no plan can succeed against You. And thank You for having ________’s heart in Your hand, and for directing her heart like a watercourse wherever You please. Thank You for assuring me that she can not plan or understand her own way, because You are the one who determines and directs her steps.

Please teach me how to express my faith in love, because Your Word tells us that unfailing love is what everyone desires. And I ask You, Lord, to work in me to will and act according to Your good purpose, to make me the husband You want me to be. I believe You and I am Your disciple. I want to understand and live according to Your teachings, because then I will know the truth and the truth will set me free. Thank You for Your Word, because it is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. You are my refuge and my shield, so I put my hope in Your Word.

Since faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, please show me how to live by faith and not shrink back so You will be pleased with me, because I know it’s impossible to please You without faith. And thank You for Your promise that whatever I ask for in prayer, and believe, I will receive. Please teach me to walk by faith and not by sight, because Jesus said that according to my faith it would be done to me. So, Lord, I ask You to please give me the faith and patience necessary to inherit what You have promised.

Father, always remind me that I’m not to live by the standards of this world. And even though I live in the world, I can’t wage war as the world does. The weapons You give me to fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. They are mighty weapons that demolish the arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of You, my God, and the covenant of my marriage, so please help me take captive every thought and make it obedient to You, Christ Jesus. I will not be afraid, for You are with me. I will not be dismayed, for You are my God. Thank You for strengthening me. Thank You for helping me. Thank You for upholding me and the covenant of my marriage with Your righteous right hand. Thank You for making anyone who is incensed against me and the sanctity of my marriage as nothing; that they will be ashamed and disgraced. Thank You that anyone who contends with me or wars with me and comes to destroy or put asunder my marriage, is as nothing, as a nonexistent thing, for You, the Lord my God, hold my right hand, telling me to “Fear not, I will help You.”

Teach me to ALWAYS rest in the confidence I have in You, because Your Word tells me that it will be richly rewarded. Help me persevere so that when I have done Your will, I will receive what You have promised. And help me keep Your commandments and do the things that are pleasing in Your sight, so I’ll receive whatever I ask from You, including the restoration of my marriage.

I boldly ask for faith enabling me to speak to mountains and make them move, and the confidence and assurance that nothing is impossible for me. Thank You, Lord, that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and That with You, nothing is impossible, including living my life full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, even during this time of trouble, which You promise to turn into a gateway of hope. And thank You that Your Spirit intercedes for me, Your saint, in accordance with Your will, and that You are working all things together for my good, because I love You, and am called according to Your purpose. I thank You and praise You, Lord, that Your thoughts and plans for me and my family are thoughts and plans for our welfare and peace and not for evil, that give me hope in our final outcome. And I thank You, Lord, that I can be still and know that You are God and that You will be exalted in all the earth, and in heaven, and in the restoration of my marriage.

And thank You for the comfort of knowing that even though my wife may have other plans in her heart, from You comes the reply of the tongue, and that the Words that come out of Your mouth do not return to You empty; that they will accomplish what You desire and the purpose for which You sent them! And thank You for the assurance that You honor and uphold the covenant of our marriage that was made when You witnessed our marriage vows, and that YOU will defend it against the treachery of unfaithfulness, divorce and remarriage.

For all this I ask and give thanks in the most precious and powerful name and authority of Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior. Amen.