Each Wednesday evening I lead a small group Bible study. At the end of each lesson we have prayer time w/ prayer requests. I feel compelled to ask my siestas reading my blog to pray for this family.
My dear friend Tonja has a nephew - Justin who is serving in Afghanistan. He was granted leave a few weeks ago as his wife Kiesha was due to deliver their first baby. Miley, a sweet baby girl came into this world. Miley has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Kiesha has been admitted to the hospital with kidney problems and Justin was denied an extension of his leave and returned to Afghanistan on Monday.
I cannot fathom the fear, anxiety and sadness this family must be experiencing at this time. If any of you are so compelled, please write your prayers in a comment. I would love to print them off... give them to Tonja to send along to her nephew and his family.
Father God, I ask you to be with Justin, Kiesha, Miley and all of their family as they face struggles that so many of us cannot fathom. Cradle them in Your loving arms, provide protection, healing and strength during this difficult time. May they know that You are their rock, their fortress their strength. I ask all of this in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. Amen
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Word Filled Wednesday...
This photo was taken a few weeks ago. I hosted a baby shower for my niece Becky.
I love the book of Ruth and I think of my mother in law every time I read the verse I have chosen for today. It is such a blessing that I am able to worship our Lord with my family. God truly blessed me when He chose to place me in this family. I pray today for all of you and your family... that you know the love of God and your God be their God!
(from left to right: Me, seated - my mother in law - Mabel, niece Stephanie, sister-in-law Ann, niece Chrissy and niece Becky.
For more Word filled Wednesday's visit: 160 Acre Woods
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Thankful Thursday...
Today I am thankful for my "fur babies"
Jet the Whippet and Jasper, my fat cat!
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young-- a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
~ Psalm 84:3
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
WFW ~ How does your Garden Grow?
I took this photo after harvesting some veggies from our garden last year. I am looking forward to some wonderful summer produce this year as well.
May your "heart" garden produce the Fruit of the Spirit in all seasons!!!
For more Word Filled Wednesday blessings visit:
160 Acre Woods
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Peace
What does the word peace mean to you? Is it a word, a state of mind, where you are...?
Keeping the peace, peace offering, peace brother, peace out, Peace be with you... and also with you! What do you think of when you hear the word peace? What does the "world" say peace is?
I would love to hear your comments about peace! Do you, like me, at times fall into Satan's trap desiring the peace the world gives? Those Calgon take me away moments?
I have a note scribbled on a sheet of paper that hangs over my desk:
Peace has everything to do with the authority of God in our lives nothing to do with circumstance...
Job 22:21 says: Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.
Father, you alone are the only source of peace that can fulfill this anxious heart. I thank you for being the authortiy and author of my life. I thank You for the peace that surpasses all human understanding. I thank You that in a world that promises peace in things... that I can find peace in You. Just as You are not of this world - neither am I. You keep Your promises... You will look upon me with favor and give me peace! In the awesome name of Jesus - Amen!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
We are Warriors!
This week as I have been reading many, many blog posts (I have enjoyed them tremendously) I noticed a theme emerging. Many of my blog-land Siestas have been writing about Satan and his schemes. I am praising God today for the boldness of speaking out against Satan and the call to arm ourselves in this age of seduction! At times I think we are afraid to talk about Satan - whether in conversation or from the pulpit. It's not always comfortable conversation, but we cannot turn our back on the enemy. We have to face him head on!
In June 2005 I I had the privelege of attending a Living Proof Live event at the Hoosier Dome here in Indianapolis. The first words written in my workbook are these: "prepare my mind for action" and then a few lines down these words are written: "Stand Up - this is a war - do not conform. We are warriors fighting a full scale seduction of the mind.
1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy"
God calls us to action! He calls us to be warriors! He calls us to fight the full scale seduction that is happening right in front of us! He calls us not to conform. God is different - so we too must be different. To be holy - to be set apart. Satan is working harder at destroying the faithful than many of the faithful are working for God's Kingdom. He is working harder at tempting us than we might be working at resisting Satan. Are there days in which I am not working hard for God's Kingdom? I am sure, no I know, there are those days. Are there days that Satan isn't working hard to seduce God's chosen? Absolutely not. That's what he is going to do while he still has time to do it. Sisters, Satan is out there... taking notes, prowling like a lion - ready to pounce. Arm yourselves w/the full armour of God - We are Warriors!
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
~ Ephesians 6: 10-17
Lord, I want to be a warrior for Christ. I want to be holy as you are holy. To be set apart from sin and impurity. I want to be set apart to You dear Lord. Give me the strength in these times as wickedness increases to be Your warrior. To be a warrior for Christ! To know Your Word - to be prepared at all times to make a defense for my faith and for Christ. Protect me and all my dear friends, family and those whom you love from the enemy. Gives us minds to discern what is evil - no matter how subtle. Give us hearts to love... I ask all of this in the saving name of Jesus. Amen.
In June 2005 I I had the privelege of attending a Living Proof Live event at the Hoosier Dome here in Indianapolis. The first words written in my workbook are these: "prepare my mind for action" and then a few lines down these words are written: "Stand Up - this is a war - do not conform. We are warriors fighting a full scale seduction of the mind.
1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy"
God calls us to action! He calls us to be warriors! He calls us to fight the full scale seduction that is happening right in front of us! He calls us not to conform. God is different - so we too must be different. To be holy - to be set apart. Satan is working harder at destroying the faithful than many of the faithful are working for God's Kingdom. He is working harder at tempting us than we might be working at resisting Satan. Are there days in which I am not working hard for God's Kingdom? I am sure, no I know, there are those days. Are there days that Satan isn't working hard to seduce God's chosen? Absolutely not. That's what he is going to do while he still has time to do it. Sisters, Satan is out there... taking notes, prowling like a lion - ready to pounce. Arm yourselves w/the full armour of God - We are Warriors!
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
~ Ephesians 6: 10-17
Lord, I want to be a warrior for Christ. I want to be holy as you are holy. To be set apart from sin and impurity. I want to be set apart to You dear Lord. Give me the strength in these times as wickedness increases to be Your warrior. To be a warrior for Christ! To know Your Word - to be prepared at all times to make a defense for my faith and for Christ. Protect me and all my dear friends, family and those whom you love from the enemy. Gives us minds to discern what is evil - no matter how subtle. Give us hearts to love... I ask all of this in the saving name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Word Filled Wednesday...
It's always a treat when I visit other Christian blogs... I love the idea of World filled Wednesday... 160 Acre Woods
The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a verse!
So today I choose this picture of the Rockies of Colorado. I snapped this photo in early April on our annual trek to the mountains. My favorite place on earth! This is where, 7 years ago, the Lord spoke a mighty word to me and released me of a stronghold that had been burdening my heart for years. You could say I had a mountaintop moment on a mountaintop. Each year when I land in Denver, and I see those mountains in the distance... it's like coming home!
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ~ Psalm 18:2
I chose this verse to go w/ the photo... because on the great rock (rockies) the Lord delivered me! I pray today that if you are being held captive by a stronghold... that you can have a mountaintop moment - and it doesn't have to be on a mountaintop - it can be in the quiet of your room, on a busy street, at the kitchen table... God can deliver you right where you are. Trust Him. Ask Him... and believe Him. He will do it. Turn it over, let it go...
The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a verse!
So today I choose this picture of the Rockies of Colorado. I snapped this photo in early April on our annual trek to the mountains. My favorite place on earth! This is where, 7 years ago, the Lord spoke a mighty word to me and released me of a stronghold that had been burdening my heart for years. You could say I had a mountaintop moment on a mountaintop. Each year when I land in Denver, and I see those mountains in the distance... it's like coming home!
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ~ Psalm 18:2
I chose this verse to go w/ the photo... because on the great rock (rockies) the Lord delivered me! I pray today that if you are being held captive by a stronghold... that you can have a mountaintop moment - and it doesn't have to be on a mountaintop - it can be in the quiet of your room, on a busy street, at the kitchen table... God can deliver you right where you are. Trust Him. Ask Him... and believe Him. He will do it. Turn it over, let it go...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
A New Look...
Isn't it great when we get a new outfit, a new haircut or a new shade of lipstick or eyeshadow that sets off the sparkle in our eyes just right!
Well, being inspired by Kelley and Elaine I decided to give my blog a bit of a makeover!
I hope you enjoy - I am sure it will continue to change as the days go by... I am not a what you would call a "techy" but I do like to learn. By golly - with the gift of perserverance that the Lord has given me... I will figure all this html stuff out!
Enjoy and God Bless!
Kristen
Well, being inspired by Kelley and Elaine I decided to give my blog a bit of a makeover!
I hope you enjoy - I am sure it will continue to change as the days go by... I am not a what you would call a "techy" but I do like to learn. By golly - with the gift of perserverance that the Lord has given me... I will figure all this html stuff out!
Enjoy and God Bless!
Kristen
Friday, May 2, 2008
Ordinary Miracles...
This morning my husband called me to the kitchen window... a blue jay was going from the feeder to the fence, giving a kernel of corn to his mate. What a delight! As it is spring time I am sure he was courting her. An ordinary bird, on an ordinary day... just an ordinary miracle... do you see them?
Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles:
A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself.
An unexpected phone call from an old friend.
A butterfly lighting on a flower
Green stoplights on your way to work.
The fastest line at the grocery store.
A good sing-along song on the radio.
Your keys found right where you left them.
The sun streaming through dark clouds
Rain drops watering the earth
A smile from a stranger that lifts your spirits
There are many, many ordinary miracles that go un-noticed. Do you hear the whisper of God? He's in those ordinary mircacles. God isn't just about being Big! His "biggness" is also in the small, ordinary things... I pray you take time to notice. Let the Lord delight you today. Look for His delights, not just in the big things, but in the little things. He is there... Glory!
I love this song by Sarah McLaughlin - I hope you do too!
Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles:
A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself.
An unexpected phone call from an old friend.
A butterfly lighting on a flower
Green stoplights on your way to work.
The fastest line at the grocery store.
A good sing-along song on the radio.
Your keys found right where you left them.
The sun streaming through dark clouds
Rain drops watering the earth
A smile from a stranger that lifts your spirits
There are many, many ordinary miracles that go un-noticed. Do you hear the whisper of God? He's in those ordinary mircacles. God isn't just about being Big! His "biggness" is also in the small, ordinary things... I pray you take time to notice. Let the Lord delight you today. Look for His delights, not just in the big things, but in the little things. He is there... Glory!
I love this song by Sarah McLaughlin - I hope you do too!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
National Day of Prayer
... Join me!
Almighty Father God... today we kneel before you in humbleness and reverance, to honor You and thank You for all that You are, all that You have done and all You will do.
Father, I am a sinner... not worthy of Your GREAT love... but You, desiring fellowship with us since creation, sent Your son to save me and all mankind from sin. Words fall short as I consider Your great love - that you would send your only son... not to condem, but to save. No greater love will ever be... I thank you for your mercy and grace that You in Your perfectness can look at me through Christ and forgive my sins. I thank you for the innocent blood of Your son, my savior - the only solid ground I can stand on....
Lord, I pray for our country, for my family, for my friends and for my enemies. May they know the great love You have... may they find the peace that only You can give.
I thank You that I live in a nation where I can bow my knees and worship You! God Bless the National Day of Prayer... may the prayers whispered in the quiet of a room, the prayers shouted from the mountaintops and prayed from the pulpits today be a sweet sound, a pleasing aroma of joy to you... and may they be felt by every person you created!
Amen
Almighty Father God... today we kneel before you in humbleness and reverance, to honor You and thank You for all that You are, all that You have done and all You will do.
Father, I am a sinner... not worthy of Your GREAT love... but You, desiring fellowship with us since creation, sent Your son to save me and all mankind from sin. Words fall short as I consider Your great love - that you would send your only son... not to condem, but to save. No greater love will ever be... I thank you for your mercy and grace that You in Your perfectness can look at me through Christ and forgive my sins. I thank you for the innocent blood of Your son, my savior - the only solid ground I can stand on....
Lord, I pray for our country, for my family, for my friends and for my enemies. May they know the great love You have... may they find the peace that only You can give.
I thank You that I live in a nation where I can bow my knees and worship You! God Bless the National Day of Prayer... may the prayers whispered in the quiet of a room, the prayers shouted from the mountaintops and prayed from the pulpits today be a sweet sound, a pleasing aroma of joy to you... and may they be felt by every person you created!
Amen
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