Can’t Monday come on another day?

January 18th, 2010

What is it with me and Monday’s?  I take them so personally!  Like really, now!  It’s a bummer getting up after having the weekend off to enjoy being free.  I’m a baby!  I accept it!  Here’s what I meant to say…..I’m thankful for you Monday morning!  Glad I lived to see you….once again!   🙂

On another positive note, it’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day!  A day many young people just cannot grasp.  It’s a completely different world.  The time he invested working towards civil rights seems unreal.  His heartfelt desire was to see all people treated equal.  It’s almost too much to bear when I see anything that reflects that time.  I have trouble understanding how anyone could mistreat another because of the color of their skin.  It disgusts me and makes me feel embarrassed….even though, I had no part in it.  I feel the shame as if I did!  So again, thank you Lord for the life and legacy left by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  He continues to inspire me today more than 40 years after his death.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:12-13

I’m starting a new approach to my prayer life.  Our small group kicked off 2010 last night with a great lesson on talking to God.  Next week we’ll discuss “listening”!  I can’t wait!  I tend to do most of the talking in the majority of my relationships (something I’m working on…really).  So, I’m looking forward to sharpening my listening tools.

What about you?  Do you have a prayer plan?  If not, here are a few ideas to think on.

ACTS prayers!  I love this.  It really helps my all over the map brain stay on track.

A-Acknowledgement or Adoration (praise Him….adore Him and tell Him)
C-Confess (spill it!  say it!  get rid of it!)

T-Thanksgiving (thank Him for what He’s done for  you and going to do)

S-Supplication (ask Him for things….meet a need, health issues, friends/family)

Another?

Create a file system.  You’ll need 8 index cards or a folded piece of paper (folded in half and then again….8 boxes).  Name them.

Daily. Sunday. Monday. Tuesday……etc.  Then fill in your prayer plans for each of those days.  Stick to them.  A daily prayer need would be one that you need to focus time on each day.  The rest are your own to tackle as they come.  I like this one too.  I need structure.  Both of these prayer plans do that for me.  Give me a set direction to focus on.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.  Matt. 6:6

Killin time!

January 16th, 2010

I’ve been busy!  Busy doing stuff!  It’s finally Saturday!  Which means at 8:15pm the Colts kickoff the BIG game! All day long, I’ve been running around trying to do things that kept my mind occupied. Crazy, I know!

On the to do list?

1) Wash Dogs (yea….both the stinkers)
2) Wash the cars (uh-huh both, yuck!)
3) Clean the gacky floors in my house
4) Wash the bathroom rugs
5) Laundry (my favorite Colts shirt was dirty)
6) Prep game foods
7) Change the tail-light on the Suburban
8) Flat-iron Ally’s long hair
9) Boss a couple teenagers around
10) Take a shower and get in my game attire!

Ok, I’m ready! Now….let’s get down to business, Colts! GO FIGHT WIN!!!

Praying for Haiti

January 14th, 2010

The news cannot convey the devastation!  We must pray for this area.  Many are suffering.  It’s heartbreaking to see such pain!  I feel like many that just want to go…..and help!

But for now…..I can pray!

God,

Help these people!  They need YOU!  Show us….the way!

Amen

What’s the message?

January 12th, 2010

I have this thing about my kids….I’m a lot like a Mama bear! I feel compelled to protect them (it’s in my blood!). My own mama was much the same…maybe even worse! She butted in when she shouldn’t have most of my life. It’s ok, I didn’t turn out that bad! Still, she could’ve looked the other way on some things….but she just couldn’t!

I’ve tried to be a lot more removed from my kids issues. Some things they just have to work out and go through. It’s how God works and I don’t want to interfere with Him. Many times I’ve cried and prayed over something going on that I couldn’t stand to see in my kids lives. Always, God handles….what I know I can’t!

That’s all I can do. If one of my kids needs me to handle something (specifically) I will do it. It’s my job to try anyway. I’m just thankful that I have the relationship with all three of them that allows us to communicate and work through whatever comes up. I have a responsibility to lead and guide them…..in every way.

Even when they are gone to college!

Gavin left to go back to college life on Saturday. It was hard after having him around for over 2 weeks. I couldn’t help but get a bit weepy as he left. 🙁 I miss him. He’s very special and important to me. That’s what mama’s do! They love their children FOREVER! And always long to see them again!

So, getting this message today as he was heading to his first class of his second semester was…..well, I’ll let you tell me how you’d feel!

“I don’t know what He is saying, but I feel like God is screaming something at me right now as I ready myself for my first class this semester. Prayers please.”

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the reminder that you don’t just have to speak to me to get to my children.  I get it!  They are able to hear you even if I’m not around.  I know this….yet I hold on thinking it’s my job!  I pray for Gavin as he listens to you that he would get a clear answer to what it is you have for him.  Open his eyes…..and ears and speak!  He’s sure you have something very important for him and he doesn’t want to miss it!  Lord, neither do I.

Amen

Linky Must Reads

January 10th, 2010

Oh my goodness! There are some funny people out here in blogville! I just thought I’d share some linky lovin! If you need something good to move you beyond where you currently are…..then click away my friends!
Just click away!

Stuff Christians Like (Oh my goodness this is cute!)

Living Proof Ministries (ya’ll Beth Moore is so danged funny!)

The SITS girls! (Wow….lots of giveaways going on!)

Sweet Jeanette (These notes to God….are priceless!)

The More The Messier (Scroll down to How to Annoy Teenagers….you’ll be so glad you did)

My Charming Kids–MckMama (I love this…..I needed to see it)

A Holy Experience–Ann your words……move me! (Want to hear from Him? Me too)

Sharing is a good thing….right? I hope you find something that makes you smile or laugh…..but most of all, I hope your heart feels a little of something mine does when I read the words of a fellow believer.

Snow day = play day

January 8th, 2010

First…start with snow clothes and friends!

Next you just have to get crazy!!

While you’re at it……seek out a bit of danger!

Let your bud’s know you love em!

Play some more…..

Model your best puffy vest…..and Fargo hat!

Think about stuff….

Just use the day to catch up on fun!  That’s what we did anyway…two snow days in a row!  Woohoo!