How am I different on the days I take the time for prayer and personal devotion in the morning?
1. I start the day with a positive outlook
2. Immediately after spending time in this way I feel as if I am prepared to conquer whatever comes at me in the day.
3. I AM better prepared when problems arise and situations occur that challenge me throughout the day.
4. Things actually go better on the mornings that I get up early to spend time with the Lord than on the days I sleep later.
5. I reflect on that time throughout the day and think of the Lord more than on the days that I sleep later.
6. I am more patient with my family.
7. I feel happier (which is important any time of year, but especially February - it's always been a rough month for me with feelings of depression)
Okay, so what are the days like when I don't take time out for the Lord as my first activity of the day?
1. I quite often start the day thinking about all the "stuff" I have to do and get anxious about how I will fit it all in.
2. I get frustrated easily with my children, and it actually seems as if they provoke me more (?)
3. I get anxious easier when problems arise and situations occur that are not going "according to plan".
4. I think about "my problems" and how "I" can correct them
5. I struggle with impatience throughout the day, especially with my children, but mostly with the dog ;)
6. I struggle with grumpiness and get depressed easier.
7. I end the day with more regrets, feeling unhappy about how I handled things.
For those of you who know me well, you know I have had my complaints of the "rules" of Bible Study Fellowship. However, I know the Lord placed me there for a reason. We are studying the book of Matthew and what an awesome experience to be reminded of all the examples that Jesus provides. EVERY time that Jesus needed refreshment or wisdom he saught his Heavenly Father and was provided with His needs. He took time out of His activities to discuss things with the Lord for confirmation and guidance. The Lord knew that I really needed to sit down and review the life of Jesus, His examples, His teachings and to be reminded of the undeserving grace that He gave to me.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Her Secret
Another thought-provoking devotional from Proverbs 31 ministries. If you haven't read it, it's worth taking the time:
By Amy Carroll
“Be joyful always; pray continually...” I Thessalonians5:16-17 (NIV)
Devotion:
There's a woman who works at my local grocery store that just makes my day. She is ALWAYS positive and cheerful. I’m sure it isn't easy working with the public and spending long hours on her feet, so today I asked her for her secret. "My secret for bagging?" she asked in surprise."No," I explained. "I want to know your secret for staying so positive." She just gave a big smile and explained that God is her secret. She followed by telling me that she had to be at work at 6:00 am today, so she’d gotten up at 3:30 am to spend time with Him.Tears filled my eyes as I thought of this precious sister in the Lord rising in the dark to spend time with the Lord so that she could minister to all the people that will pass her at the cash register today. She shares her enthusiasm, energy and smile equally with each customer. She is a beautiful woman, but she doesn't have the advantage of youth that many of her co-workers have. This woman had gotten up in the middle of the night, spent time with Jesus, and worked an 8 hour shift. She said that it isn't always easy. "By the 40th hour of my work-week, I'm very tired," she said. "But He is my secret."R.A. Torrey once said: "The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came...Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory."Lucia, the checker at the grocery store, is living proof of this quote. She prepares herself with prayer for the battle of each day. She's an ordinary woman just like me, but she has taken the ordinary and made it beautiful beyond measure.I'm a "doer", and prayer does not come easily for me. I want to start attacking my checklist about the time I open my eyes in the morning. Lucia reminds me, though, of this truth. Prayer isn't preparation for the work. It IS the work. One tool that has helped me tremendously is a prayer journal. Writing out my prayers helps me to focus and not get distracted so easily. It is also a wonderful record when I want to look back and remind myself of what the Lord has done and how He has answered prayer.
Like you, I’ve got several battles that I’m facing. I needed Lucia to remind me today that time with God is invaluable.
Dear Lord, I want to be ready for the challenges of each day. Help me to remember that nothing prepares me like time spent with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Intimacy with God: Your Daily Guide to Prayer by Tara Furman
His Princess, Prayers to my King by Sheri Rose Shepherd
A Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer by Cheri Fuller
Do You Know Jesus?
Application Steps:
Set a time aside to pray each morning. Make it a “standing appointment” with Jesus before your day starts.
Pray without ceasing. Talk to God all day long. Praise Him, cry out for help or tell Him that you love Him. He is there!
Reflections:
How am I different on the days that I pray?
How does God use prayer to prepare me for the battle?
Power Verses:
I Peter 3:12, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (NIV)
Luke 18:1, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
By Amy Carroll
“Be joyful always; pray continually...” I Thessalonians5:16-17 (NIV)
Devotion:
There's a woman who works at my local grocery store that just makes my day. She is ALWAYS positive and cheerful. I’m sure it isn't easy working with the public and spending long hours on her feet, so today I asked her for her secret. "My secret for bagging?" she asked in surprise."No," I explained. "I want to know your secret for staying so positive." She just gave a big smile and explained that God is her secret. She followed by telling me that she had to be at work at 6:00 am today, so she’d gotten up at 3:30 am to spend time with Him.Tears filled my eyes as I thought of this precious sister in the Lord rising in the dark to spend time with the Lord so that she could minister to all the people that will pass her at the cash register today. She shares her enthusiasm, energy and smile equally with each customer. She is a beautiful woman, but she doesn't have the advantage of youth that many of her co-workers have. This woman had gotten up in the middle of the night, spent time with Jesus, and worked an 8 hour shift. She said that it isn't always easy. "By the 40th hour of my work-week, I'm very tired," she said. "But He is my secret."R.A. Torrey once said: "The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came...Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory."Lucia, the checker at the grocery store, is living proof of this quote. She prepares herself with prayer for the battle of each day. She's an ordinary woman just like me, but she has taken the ordinary and made it beautiful beyond measure.I'm a "doer", and prayer does not come easily for me. I want to start attacking my checklist about the time I open my eyes in the morning. Lucia reminds me, though, of this truth. Prayer isn't preparation for the work. It IS the work. One tool that has helped me tremendously is a prayer journal. Writing out my prayers helps me to focus and not get distracted so easily. It is also a wonderful record when I want to look back and remind myself of what the Lord has done and how He has answered prayer.
Like you, I’ve got several battles that I’m facing. I needed Lucia to remind me today that time with God is invaluable.
Dear Lord, I want to be ready for the challenges of each day. Help me to remember that nothing prepares me like time spent with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Intimacy with God: Your Daily Guide to Prayer by Tara Furman
His Princess, Prayers to my King by Sheri Rose Shepherd
A Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer by Cheri Fuller
Do You Know Jesus?
Application Steps:
Set a time aside to pray each morning. Make it a “standing appointment” with Jesus before your day starts.
Pray without ceasing. Talk to God all day long. Praise Him, cry out for help or tell Him that you love Him. He is there!
Reflections:
How am I different on the days that I pray?
How does God use prayer to prepare me for the battle?
Power Verses:
I Peter 3:12, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (NIV)
Luke 18:1, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
One Day in His Courts
I was inspired to write this post from a devotional I received today from Proverbs 31 Ministries. http://www.proverbs31.org/.
Do you believe that miracles still happen? Seriously, do you REALLY believe that they happen? Do you believe that God is living, loving and active today? I have attended church my entire life. I became a professing Christian at the age of 14. If you would have asked me those questions at any point in my life I would have said "sure, of course!" Since before I became a professing Christian I have felt God's presence in my life and my heart and I am so thankful for that. In saying this, I am very sorry to say that I have not always lived my days with my focus on Him, on His desires for my life and His desire for ME. It's not that I haven't wanted to, but my excuse has been the busy ho hum of life. I have had a big change on my outlook on things since the accident of my dear friend's husband.
J was involved in an ATV accident late this fall. He ended up in ICU on a vent with brain injuries. At this time there was a call for prayer. They were asking for people to pray 1 hour out of 24. Well, I chose the 6am-7am hour as our house is quiet at that time of day. I had been wanting to get up early and spend time with the Lord, but, to be honest, just couldn't get myself out of bed! So, I commited to spending every morning in prayer over J, L and their family until J returned home. (which he did! That's a whole nother story of the miracles that God still performs today)
I have told J and L that this time in prayer was such a blessing to ME and that I am so sorry it took his accident to get me in the right place with God. To actually spend time with Him, listen to Him and talk and plead with Him. I couldn't believe how fast that time went. And, I couldn't believe how I actually could hear what God wanted me to hear. I was even receiving verses that I knew were specifically for J and L, that the Holy Spirit placed on my heart to share with them. I was also reminded of how important it is to me to be with the Lord. The peace and direction that the Lord provides is like no other.
God is so good. He is such a faithful provider. Things may not always go the way that we would have had them go, but to know that God had it all in control and has a plan is so uplifting. I have been blessed beyond words when I actually spend time alone with Him. When I do this, I wonder, "why is it so hard for me to get up early and be with Him?" Why do I struggle to have the Lord at the foremost of my thoughts and actions throughout the day? How can I go for hours without thinking about God? When DH and I were dating I can honestly say that he was on my mind most of the time. To this day, my family is always at my first thoughts when they are not with me. I even dream about them at night! So, what does that say about my relationship with the Lord? I know that it shouldn't be a "struggle" to obtain this sort of relationship. That is where I am so thankful for grace! He's always there waiting for me. And then when I think of that it makes my heart sad that I could place all sorts of people and things above Him.
All these thoughts over a devotional! I guess that's what they are supposed to do. Make us think - "better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere"
Do you believe that miracles still happen? Seriously, do you REALLY believe that they happen? Do you believe that God is living, loving and active today? I have attended church my entire life. I became a professing Christian at the age of 14. If you would have asked me those questions at any point in my life I would have said "sure, of course!" Since before I became a professing Christian I have felt God's presence in my life and my heart and I am so thankful for that. In saying this, I am very sorry to say that I have not always lived my days with my focus on Him, on His desires for my life and His desire for ME. It's not that I haven't wanted to, but my excuse has been the busy ho hum of life. I have had a big change on my outlook on things since the accident of my dear friend's husband.
J was involved in an ATV accident late this fall. He ended up in ICU on a vent with brain injuries. At this time there was a call for prayer. They were asking for people to pray 1 hour out of 24. Well, I chose the 6am-7am hour as our house is quiet at that time of day. I had been wanting to get up early and spend time with the Lord, but, to be honest, just couldn't get myself out of bed! So, I commited to spending every morning in prayer over J, L and their family until J returned home. (which he did! That's a whole nother story of the miracles that God still performs today)
I have told J and L that this time in prayer was such a blessing to ME and that I am so sorry it took his accident to get me in the right place with God. To actually spend time with Him, listen to Him and talk and plead with Him. I couldn't believe how fast that time went. And, I couldn't believe how I actually could hear what God wanted me to hear. I was even receiving verses that I knew were specifically for J and L, that the Holy Spirit placed on my heart to share with them. I was also reminded of how important it is to me to be with the Lord. The peace and direction that the Lord provides is like no other.
God is so good. He is such a faithful provider. Things may not always go the way that we would have had them go, but to know that God had it all in control and has a plan is so uplifting. I have been blessed beyond words when I actually spend time alone with Him. When I do this, I wonder, "why is it so hard for me to get up early and be with Him?" Why do I struggle to have the Lord at the foremost of my thoughts and actions throughout the day? How can I go for hours without thinking about God? When DH and I were dating I can honestly say that he was on my mind most of the time. To this day, my family is always at my first thoughts when they are not with me. I even dream about them at night! So, what does that say about my relationship with the Lord? I know that it shouldn't be a "struggle" to obtain this sort of relationship. That is where I am so thankful for grace! He's always there waiting for me. And then when I think of that it makes my heart sad that I could place all sorts of people and things above Him.
All these thoughts over a devotional! I guess that's what they are supposed to do. Make us think - "better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere"
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Is it Halloween?
No, just another snow day! As we said before, the winter weather and indoor activities are starting to get to us! Even the dog is getting bored! Actually, the dog is probably the one that is the most bored! I'll have to post on all his adventures another time!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
First Shift
For those of you who do not know this, DH started first shift yesterday. We are more than thrilled to have him home in the evenings. DS and DH are already planning cub scouts and other evening activities. We have never known having a daddy home in the evenings during the week so we are pretty geeked. DH has some more adjustments than we do as he now has to be up by 6:15am and goes to bed around 9pm (versus his 2nd shift going to bed around 1 or 2 am and up between 10-11am). We are so thankful for this opportunity that God has given us. Please pray that DH's body adjusts quickly to this new change!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Winter fun (?)
Well, it should be of no surprise to any of you that I'm not a big fan of winter. Do not get me wrong, I do love the seasonal changes and winter sure does allow you to appreciate the hot days of summer, but I'm tired of it. February is probably my least favorite month of the year except for the fact that it is the month DS was born.
Our family has hit the "cabin fever" stage about a month ago. So, tonight the kids and I met up with our friends for some sledding and playing at the playground. The kids sure did have fun.
DD enjoyed a nice warm bath afterward and I think her mommy is heading for one soon!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Birthday Boy
Our oldest is officially 7 years old now. Boy does time fly. Here are a few pics of his birthday celebration. It was my mom's birthday on Jan. 30 and DS's on Feb. 7 so we combined parties and celebrated last Sunday with my family. DH's folks are in Florida right now and made sure they made several phone calls and sent two cards!
New to the blog world
Okay, I've been bugging hubby for some time now to update his blog. He has not been feeling well for several months now and just plain hasn't had the energy to post much. We finally did figure out the reason and some day he will post on it, but for now he just tells me to "start your own, it's easy". So, I decided to take the plunge and see how "easy" this really is. There are many times when I think "hmmm... if I blogged, this would have made a great post." However, I just never think of myself as a creative person or profound thinker. In fact, I don't even know where to start in this blogworld and feel rather like I am in a foreign country. I debated just participating and adding to his blog, but settled on starting my own for now. We may decide to "combine" forces at some point, but I guess we'll just do it this way for now.
So, here I am. We'll see how much I get into this one. It sounds like a great concept, but so did scrapbooking and I haven't gotten those out in almost one year...
So, here I am. We'll see how much I get into this one. It sounds like a great concept, but so did scrapbooking and I haven't gotten those out in almost one year...
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