Queenies Little Kingdom

Here we are on the last day of 2014 and people everywhere are gearing up to CHANGE their lives for the better.  Most of us have high hopes of losing weight, eating healthier, making more money and enjoying the life we're living to the fullest.  All good things, of course but I have a challenge that might kick 2015 even higher in the sky.

What if we focused on prayer this year?  Instead of obsessing over the outside, how about we hunker down and devote some attention to our inside?  Prayer changes everything — from our hearts, to our neighbors illness and even into our everyday decisions.  God has provided a power source that never fails….

I've come up with 31 ways to pray and I challenge you to join me.  January 2015, look out dude!

1.  Spiritual growth  –  Nothing will be as important as spiritual revival in our hearts.  Pray for yourself and your family to grow closer to God.  This will be your foundation to a strong prayer life.

2.  Obedience  –  Ask God to help you obey the precepts He lays out in scripture.  A good way to clear up any confusion as to what is good & holy in God's eyes….is purposely seeking truth in Bible study and prayer.  He will make clear what needs to go in your life.  Trust me.

3.  Direction  –  Seek out God's direction for your life and the life of your family.  No need to waste time wandering, right?

4.  TRUST  –  Instead of relying on yourself or others…why not ask God to help you trust Him more?

5.  Pure heart  –  This is a big one for me because I recognize within me is a weakness to judge, hold grudges, fake it and ignore the obvious.  I have to work double-time to really love and serve with a pure heart.  Ps. 51:10 is my favorite go-to verse.

6.  Humility  –  I can't have a pure heart without seriously focusing on being humble.  God will give you a spirit of humility, if you ask.

7.  Faithful in giving  –  My money is NOT my own.  Generosity in giving is a peek into the heart of every believer.  Sad, huh?  Many of us cling to our money like it is our everything!  Give and do it without blabbing about it.

8.  Boldness  –  As a follower of Jesus Christ, I have wasted many important moments to share HIS LOVE & FORGIVENESS with someone who needed it.  I pray for the courage to speak when the opportunity is there.  I wish I'd never met Jesus, said no believer ever!

9.  Hidden sin  –  What?  You didn't think I knew you had any did you?  Well, I do.  Because we are all sinners!  Focus on cleaning out those secret sins that you keep stuffing down in your heart.  You will never know freedom like this freedom!

10.  Scripture memorization  –  Don't get nervous.  Everyone wishes they knew more verses by heart.  Focus on a few easy ones to get you started.  Some of my fave's are 2 Timothy 1:7, Phillipians 4:13, Isaiah 40:31.  He will help you hide His words in your heart.

11.  A servant heart  –  In an ALL ABOUT ME world, we all could use a little more outward focused people.  Don't you think?  Ask God to help you serve…..and model it for your children.  They won't forget, ever.

12.  Grace  –  Pray for God to show you grace and to teach you how to GIVE GRACE to those who need it.  Every little detail of each of our lives is connected to grace. 

13.  Family  –  Pray over your children, parents and close family.  Focus on God's will for each of their lives.  If you don't do it, who will?

14.  Husband  –  Do you realize how many people your husband has to please?  His job, family, church, friends…YOU, etc.  Everyone expects him to perform at the highest level.  He could really use some prayers.

15.  Hope  –  What are you hoping for?  Ask God to give you what you are hoping for.  Maybe you need a stronger relationship with someone at church or in your family.  God hears your prayers.

16.  Discernment  –  It can be a little prickly to see the true side of the ones we look up to most.  God wants you to love with a pure heart but He also wants you to be careful in whom you are trusting with every detail of your life.

17.  Faithfulness  –  Now that you're half-way into January, you may be falling short on your prayer life.  Get back on that horse and ride, friend.  Pray for focus and faithfulness….everyone grows weary.

18.  Your church  –  The church is a mixed up basket of people from every walk of life.  If we're not careful, things can get very unchurchy real quick!  Pray over the leaders, members and those who'll visit.  Unhealthy churches are the worst witness for Jesus.

19.  The hurting & lonely  –  Someone you know needs your prayers today.  Pray for them, call them….send them a card.  You have no idea what such a simple act will do for their soul.  God cares about them and so should you.

20.  Thanksgiving  –  Say thanks.  Don't ask for anything just graciously thank God for your life and everything He's doing in it.

21.  Your story  –  We all have one.  Pray over yours and ask God to help you live out the life He's given you with abundance.  Share your story.

22.  Forgiveness  –  Your story might have some baggage that needs removal from your life.  Repenting of sin that is stuck there in the shadows may be your stumbling block.  Ask God to forgive you and move on.  Also, offer forgiveness to someone your brain keeps telling you…doesn't deserve it!

23.  Your attitude  –  Maybe you're a positive person, all the time.  I'm not.  I need regular reminders to clean up my attitude.  I want an attitude like Christ!

24.  Friends & neighbors  –  Those people you wave to and occasionally speak to….pray for them.  When you talk to them….find out what needs they have that you can pray for.  Somebody needs to know you care about them, that much!

25.  Your eyes  –  Our eyes are the window to our soul.  Why do we watch, read and look at just about anything we want to?  It's important that we protect our hearts especially by what we allow in through our eyes.

26.  Holiness  –  Personal holiness is one of the keys to peace.  If I'm all a mess in this area….I don't have any peace especially in my prayer life.  I must die to things that do not belong in my life.

27.  Tongue  –  What we say matters.  Pray for God to give you a mouth that speaks goodness & love.  Complaining and disagreeing is a joy buster.  Use your words to spread love & encouragement.

28.  Friendship  –  We all need friends.  Don't miss the chance to add NEW ONES!!  Ask God to put someone new in your life.

29.  Surrender  –  Stop holding onto stuff that weighs you down.  Surrender today what paralyzes you.  Be brave and hand it over to God.

30.  FAITH  –  I need a deeper faith and I know it.  Every year that zips past me, I'm reminded that my relationship with Christ should be even stronger than it was this time last year.  I want to blow my own mind with my strong faith.

31.  J O Y  –  Jesus.  Others.  Yourself.  Praise Him first,  thank Him for others and then commit yourself to whatever it is that He has planned for you for the rest of 2015!!!

I'll be praying for you as you resolve to make this year a better year through prayer.  Together, we can jumpstart our year into the best one yet…all through the power of prayer!  So, let's kiss 2014 and all it's ups & downs goodbye and welcome in a NEW YEAR full of faithfilled love & grace!

Lord

Thank you for another year to celebrate all the ways you've loved and blessed me.  I want 2015 to be even better.  Help me, pray faithfully everyday.

Amen

I was at a party recently and a new friend laughingly admitted that she doesn't read.  Brace yourself but….every time I hear someone say that (and I hear it often) something inside of me cringes.  I try not to judge but honestly my bonafied better than thou wicked hard-headed opinion rises up and totally looks down on you as a non-reader!  Sorry friends.  Words are power and when we ignore books we deny ourselves access to endless pages of knowledge.  It's no secret, books make us smart!  They teach us, mold us and change us.  The impact of a good book can be incredible! 

Reading is a treasure. 

Over the last year, I've traveled to endless places…..peeked into the windows of countless lives and built my knowledge base through tons of interesting books.  Some of them still have me mesmerized and hungering for more of the story.  That's what a good book does, it draws you in and captures your imagination.  Stories move our heart.  Some are sad and painful others joyful and uplifting.  I admit, some stink.  If you know me, you know I'm not the biggest fan of fiction.  It bores me and I catch myself criticizing the lame writing (even though, someone else may find it amazing).  This is the beauty of books.  There's always something for everybody, no matter the genre.

Just pick up a book.  Try a little of everything until you find SOMETHING that tickles your fancy.

Since we are closing out the year, it only seems right for me to share a few of my favorite reads over 2014.  Just like everyone else in the world, finding down time is one of the greatest challenges.  Who has time to JUST READ, right?  No worries, books can be squeezed in here and there during just about every single day.  Here are a few of my faves!

1.  Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

I started this book when it was first released a few years back and put it down.  Something about it captured my heart and I knew it was special….but it wasn't the right time to read it.  When I saw the movie was coming out, I begged my hubby to join me in reading it and I'm so glad we did.  It was gripping in every sense of the word.  Laura Hillenbrand is one of the greatest storytellers ever!  Wow, don't miss this story!

2.  The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippets

I've shared this book recently because it's only been out a few months.  Kara's story could be any one of our journey.  Cancer doesn't care who it picks on; young mother, old friend….tiny child.  It comes in like a thief.  But Kara shares how to live with purpose even knowing death is only a breath away.  Yesterday, Kara posted on Facebook that her hubby had made the call to Hospice.  Don't skip this book.  You'll be surprised at the attitude and wisdom Kara lovingly shares.  In her, you will surely find a warrior!

3.  The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle

Melanie is the first stop I make every day when I peruse blogs to read.  She is hysterical!  Her wit will draw you in and her fun family will remind you to find the silly in your own family.  Her first book, Sparkly Green Earrings was all about being the mother of Caroline (who is a hoot of a kid) and this one is a loving tribute to her marriage to P.  She has a way with words and genuinely embraces every little nutty moment that every couple experiences.  Marriages deserve a bit of humor!  You will laugh and I guarantee you will cry.  Why are you waiting to read this?  Go!  Now!

4.  Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan

The mother daughter relationship can be complicated.  Not for everyone.  But once in a while, challenges invade families and the parental dynamic can influence us forever.  Kelly tells of her no non-sense mother with love and admiration.  Something every girl who's ever battled for power with her mother can relate to.  I liked the story.  I felt the love and I appreciate Kelly sharing her heart about such personal stuff.

5.  My Story by Elizabeth Smart

Oh my word!  This story is unbelievable!  It's one of the bravest books I've ever read.  I won't sugarcoat this, it is a hard read.  As a mother, I felt sick as she recounted her experience at the hands of a horrible man and woman who clearly suffer from a deep mental illness.  This true story will forever touch your heart.  But be ready to feel a myriad of emotions.  Knowing the ending is victorious helps you get through the anguish of what she endured!

6. The Heir Apparent by Jane Ridley

Here's where I share my nerdy side.  Jane Ridley must have been buried under research forever to write this book.  I have a weird affinity for historical knowledge and this book doesn't disappoint.  It is an incredible inside account of the life of King Edward VII known as Bertie to his friends and family.  I couldn't put it down.  It was so interesting and eye-opening!

7.  The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Uhm, wow!  I could not put this book down.  Jeannette's story is heartbreaking.  I've witnessed neglect but never anything like hers.  She pulls you into her sad world and makes anything you've ever experienced as a kid look easy.  She does a good job of telling her journey and still showing her parents respect (even if you don't believe they deserve any).  If your kids ever act bratty and misbehave….you should send them a copy of this book to read!  It's a peek into real mistreatment.

8.  Finding Me by Michelle Knight

Ok, perhaps I'm like a moth to the flame on these riveting stories.  I don't know.  Michelle's book will remind you just how easy it is to become the victim of such a horrible crime.  She tells of her troubling childhood that sadly, opened the door to her capture and torture for 13 years.  If you didn't know how her story ends….you wouldn't be able to finish this book.  PS. I found her to be so sweet.

8.  Not Cool by Greg Gutfield

If you have any interest in what's going on around you in the world of politics and more….this book will open your brain to all the ways the elite come out on top.  Greg is one of the smartest writers out there.  His take on the cool in our society and the ridiculousness that is celebrated because of them will have you scream laughing.  Careful though, it's a bit dicey in the saucy language department.  He's got mad word skillz!  And he is sooooooo funny!

9.  Happy Happy Happy by Phil Robertson

If you are a fan or even if you're not, Phil Robertson tells a great story about his life and how he got where he is today.  Duck Dynasty doesn't just consist of a family of rich duck call creators.  It was born from grit and a devotion to God.  I loved every chapter.  Phil is a true man of God and if you read his book you'll see….he is the real thing!

10.  Godless by Ann Coulter

I picked this up at Goodwill and then I couldn't put it down.  Reading a book like this is kind of like a revelation of just how far we as Americans stick our heads in the sand.  Sometimes, not knowing is better than knowing you can't do anything about something.  I know she's a controversial gal but she's smart and her books are very well written.  If you like her conservative values….you'll need a pen to underline all the good stuff she shares.

I'm stopping there because I just can't write all day long about my reading habits.  What I like might be totally opposite of what you like and that's okay.   I would just like to encourage you to pick up a book and read.  Add books to your new year's resolution.  Find something interesting and get lost in it at least every month.  Start small if you have to.  But start….  OK?

Oh that word of the year 2014……what was I thinking?

ENOUGH.

Enough what?  When I reflected on my year of GRACE last year (2013) and searched my heart and prayed to God for what word would pull me in and hold me for another year, enough was the closest fit for where my emotions were at the time.  Don't misunderstand, choosing a word for the year doesn't have to be rocket science or magic fairies dancing on your dining room table….it just needs to mean something to you and fit somewhere in your heart.  For me, ENOUGH was a clear picture of what I had experienced during my mother's illness and subsequent death.  I watched as she deteriorated and carried much of the brunt of letting her go, alone.  Just when I thought I had … had enough, something else appeared and challenged me to take another big step that I didn't feel I was capable of handling.

Guess what?  I made it through and although I'm a little tattered and worn….I am a lot wiser and hopefully a lot better at being the person God really expects me to be.  I am enough.

It's funny though, the many ways the word enough played out like a Broadway show on the stage of my life this year.  From too much time apart from my hubby to multiple home repairs….enough remained the perfect title to each performance.  And just when I thought I had endured enough….

…I would be stretched a little farther because that's how God works (in many of our lives) and enough would suddenly become easier to seeking more.

God used my word as a spring board for my life (in many ways).  It gave me a foundation, which was important for me to own the fact that as a woman, wife, mother & friend….I was enough!  I was worthy and important.  This gave me a validation that somehow along life's path I had pushed to the side.  I'm probably not the only person to do this either.  Society crams the success of other's down our throats and tricks us that we too, have to do something amazing to be enough.  All lies.  Each of us…..have enough and are enough!  Stop chasing a perfection that you think will make you feel complete.  It will never give you the peace you're seeking like realizing you are enough.

As the year comes to an end, I thank God for the ways He used the word ENOUGH in my heart and mind to grow me and love me…even when I resisted and boy, did I resist some days?!  God kept at it anyway and I am blessed because of it.

Over the next few days, I'll spend some time searching for a word to claim as my own for 2015.  Pray for me to be bold in asking …. it's easy to pick something safe.  I know that out there on the water is where He is calling me and you…

2015…..is just days away, friends.  Are you ready?

What?  Your family doesn't go crazy and run in and out of their house yelling?  For the whole world to hear?  On Christmas eve?

You probably don't have the kind of "luck" we do either.  This past week, hubby…..hammered THE VERY LAST NAIL into the trim of our downstairs flooring.  We've lived under floor construction for months because of a mystery water leak that still goes unsolved to this day.  Our house?  Looked amazing!  It was finally finished and with all the twinkling Christmas love, it was so beautiful!

So, if you can just imagine…..my reaction to the strange noise that I had been hearing for A LOOOOOONG TIME – when I walked into the living room and saw deep flowing water, everywhere!  It was pouring like Niagara Falls!  All over the foyer, bathroom…..and racing its way to the living room with mach speed!

The truth is…I couldn't even form real words.  I ran for hubby and whatever I said didn't make a bit of sense.  But he came running.  When he saw what was happening I think even he was at a loss for words.  Needless to say, emotions…they got cranked up super fast!

If you are counting, this is the 3rd problem with water and replacing floors in our 1 year of living in our new house.  Hence, all the crazy with our emotions on Christmas eve!  We couldn't take any more!  Like the water pouring through our walls…our stress was raging like someone opened the floodgates!

So, how was your Christmas eve?

After using every towel in our possession to try to sop up the pool of water and moving furniture all over our house to save it from water damage….hubby started popping up boards to begin the drying process underneath it all.  The water was no joke, dudes.  It was deep and it had spread everywhere!

More crying.  More yelling.  More trying to figure out what to do?  ON CHRISTMAS EVE!  It was one of the worst days of my life!  Hands down!  Awful!  Because, yea my house flooded and on top of that my body decided to betray me with the highest ranking powerful PMS I've ever struggled with!

Guess what DOES NOT go together?  A hot case of PMS & a 3rd time floor damaging flood in your beautifully decorated house (right before you celebrate with your college kids who hadn't even all arrived yet!)

MONUMENTAL!!!!

Looking back, I see just how far sin will take you if you're not vigilant.  Especially when under the kind of pressure that many families experience during the Christmas season.  Christmas is special and it's only natural to want it to be perfect!  Emotions are a little on edge, naturally.

The drama settled and instead of turning on each other (which we had done with gusto)…we turned to God and prayed for direction and help in our troubles.  It's amazing what seeking out His help can do.  Suddenly, our destroyed house became a blessing.  In the grand scheme of things, a big stinking wet damaged floor was totally manageable when measured against other tragedies (loss of a loved one/child/spouse).

We felt ashamed for feeling so sorry for ourselves.

Thankfully, God doesn't leave us in our broken miserable crying on the front lawn state.  And sometimes, He even redeems us through something as strange as an encouraging insurance claim adjuster.  After meeting with Steve from our insurance company at 4:30 on Christmas eve….our family felt hope, again.  We breathed out a sigh of relief and cleaned up as best as we could under the circumstances.  Then laughed about how we would only pose our Christmas photos from a certain angle (so, no one would ever know that behind the camera all heck was scattered about)!

You know, a make lemonade kind of thing.

Two days later, with siding off of our house, walls sawed open..and the frozen burst pipe that caused all the pain identified – we now begin to patch up our hearts.  The clean-up and repairs will be challenging but the forgiveness from God and each other reminds me what matters most –>  The people I love …. not the home that holds us!

Lord,

My flooded house didn't catch you off guard.  You saw it coming.  Forgive me for reacting with such anguish and little hope.  I know there's nothing YOU can't solve and I praise YOU for rescuing us through a person named Steve.

Amen

Tis the season to feel all sorts of emotions.  Not everyone feels joy and awesomeness during the holidays.  I know many who struggle with seasonal depression and sadness.  I've learned a few tricks to staying focused during the busy holiday bustle.

Claim….the YAY'S!

One of the greatest antidotes for the blahs is gratefulness.  When we focus on what we're thankful for it opens up a whole new attitude within us.  While it doesn't always erase all the deep sad emotions it can be the boost we need to get through the really low moments.

Try it, y'all.

My first YAYOFTHEDAY arrived last night and later today another one will show up with bells and whistles.  Gavin flew home via airplane and everyone who knows Gates, knows, she will fly by green BMW car.  She's just like her dad.  Oh, who am I kidding?  They're all just like him!

I'm so excited…..and thankful!   Having my kids home is like taking a multi-vitamin full of party serum!  I know the visit is quick so I have limited time to make magic happen (cook all their fave meals) and hug them over and over for no good reason.  They let me smother them and I like it! 

Tomorrow's YAY will be when Ally blows into town and starts bossing us all around (see, told you they were all like their dad).  Teehee!  In the meantime, I have so much to be happy about….

Oh and one more YAY…..Happy Christmas eve, eve! 

Gracie has been busy.  Today, her beloved best friend flies home from Texas.  She's done her best to get ready.  But, like all good dogs…..stopping to rest her head a while was necessary to keep up with all the hubbaballoo.

Both she and Lizzy took full advantage of dad on the couch.  They know who will scratch and love on them (the old softy) for long stretches of time.  I call them touch magnets!

So what she's a big dog.  Surely dad's lap is large enough for all blah blah pounds of her, right?  Love knows no boundaries….

Oh yea, this happened too.  The dreaded bath.  No dog dislikes a bath more than Gracie.  She is so afraid of the bathtub or the water.  Who knows?  She does have a love for all the sudsy soap though.  She will lick every spot of bubble goodness.  She loves lotion too.

She did a little lounging in her Abercrombie sweater.  Or in some circles, her smoking jacket.  Which is useless since she doesn't smoke!   Just say no, y'all.  She's a serious kind of gal.

She snuck in on Lizzy's photo shoot.  I think she wanted her own Christmas suit (after seeing Lizzy's).  I mean, she does look good in red….don't ya think?

Watching the Colts get schooled by the Cowboys was more than she or Lizzy could take.  This is how they responded to all the touchdowns.  Sad sad gameday!

She's going to be so happy tonight about 8:00pm when her favorite buddy walks through that garage door.  Dogs could care less about Santa or presents….football or baths…..sweaters or whatnot, they just care about the love of their owners!

Psssst, guess what?

Christmas is only 3 days away!  ARE YOU READY??