Friday, January 29, 2010
Caffeinated Randomness - Cake
Our Caffeinated Chieftain's and my RL book club is currently reading Eating Cake. I finally finished it today. Besides being a great quick, feel good read, it has recipes. How can you say no to that? I may even try one out soon.
The writer and I agree on cakes.
Cakes have gotten a bad rap. People equate virtue with turning down dessert. There is always one person at the table who holds up her hand when I serve the cake. No, really, I couldn't, she says, and then gives her flat stomach a conspiratorial little pat. Everyone who is pressing a fork into that first tender layer looks at the person who declined the plate, and they all think, That person is better than I am. That person has discipline. But that isn't a person with discipline, that is a person who has completely lost touch with joy. A slice of cake never made anybody fat. You don't eat the whole cake. You don't eat a cake everyday of your life. You take the cake when it is offered because the cake is delicious. You have a slice of cake and what it reminds you of is someplace that's safe, uncomplicated, without stress. A cake is a party, a birthday, a wedding. A cake is what's served on the happiest days of your life. Ray, Jeanne eat cake. New York: New American Library, 2003.
Personally, I have met very few cakes I didn't like. Fruit cake and I don't mingle, nor does any cake with coconut. Today I was inspired to make a Tomato Soup Cake. Don't laugh or cringe. It was so yummy. Imagine a lightly spiced cake with raisins, covered with a creamy Cream Cheese Icing. Sam enjoyed the cake so much that he ate 1/2 of mommies piece. That just gives me a reason to have more later. 
I was privileged to make a cake for our Caffeinated Chieftain for her birthday at our Bible Babes group. I made a lovely pink and white almond flavoured marble cake with almond flavoured butter cream icing, which I dyed pink in her honour. For anyone who wants the recipe go to my sister blog Cooking with the Evil Twins, I posted the recipe there.
So go eat cake and post your Caffeinated Randomness.
So go eat cake and post your Caffeinated Randomness.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday's Voice - Vietnam
Christian forced to recant faith in Vietnam
A Christian couple from Ho Co village, Vietnam -- Sung Cua Po and Hang thi Va -- has endured physical abuse and threats since Sung converted to Christianity in November 2009. On December 1, the couple was arrested and beaten by officials after police earlier incited locals to abuse and stone them and other Christian families. Officials reportedly struck Sung 70 times on his head and back. Afterwards, the believers were fined 8 million dong (approximately $450 CAD) and a pig weighing at least 16 kilos. Sung's cell phone and motorbike were also confiscated.
On December 15, police took the couple to members of their extended family who severely pressured them to deny their Christian faith. When police threatened to beat Sung to death and seize his property, which would leave his family destitute, he signed recantation documents. He has since been subjected to further pressure from authorities, his family and clan members. Sung is scheduled to prove his reconversion on February 13 by offering sacrifices to ancestors. (Source: Compass Direct)
Ask God to equip Sung by His Holy Spirit to remain strong in his faith despite severe pressure and threats.
Pray for protection for Sung, Hang and their children, as well as the other Christian families in their community.
Pray that Vietnam will respect religious freedom for all its citizens.
A Christian couple from Ho Co village, Vietnam -- Sung Cua Po and Hang thi Va -- has endured physical abuse and threats since Sung converted to Christianity in November 2009. On December 1, the couple was arrested and beaten by officials after police earlier incited locals to abuse and stone them and other Christian families. Officials reportedly struck Sung 70 times on his head and back. Afterwards, the believers were fined 8 million dong (approximately $450 CAD) and a pig weighing at least 16 kilos. Sung's cell phone and motorbike were also confiscated.
On December 15, police took the couple to members of their extended family who severely pressured them to deny their Christian faith. When police threatened to beat Sung to death and seize his property, which would leave his family destitute, he signed recantation documents. He has since been subjected to further pressure from authorities, his family and clan members. Sung is scheduled to prove his reconversion on February 13 by offering sacrifices to ancestors. (Source: Compass Direct)
Ask God to equip Sung by His Holy Spirit to remain strong in his faith despite severe pressure and threats.
Pray for protection for Sung, Hang and their children, as well as the other Christian families in their community.
Pray that Vietnam will respect religious freedom for all its citizens.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Just Something I Whipped Up Monday
I know that this blog is not a crafting blog, but I have been following The Girl Creative for a few months and have been inspired to make inexpensive crafts for my home. Every Monday they have a meme for a quick and easy craft. I finally did one that I thought I would share with you.
My daughter has a lot of pictures from friends that have been literally floating around the house. I decided I needed to make her a memo board for her room. I found an old frame at a thrift store near our home and was immediately inspired. I knew I had some cork board at home and ribbon and stickers.
My daughter has a lot of pictures from friends that have been literally floating around the house. I decided I needed to make her a memo board for her room. I found an old frame at a thrift store near our home and was immediately inspired. I knew I had some cork board at home and ribbon and stickers.
The first thing I did was get rid of the bears in the frame and pulled out the backing. I measured the backing to the cork and cut out an appropriate sized sheet.
I then measured and cut the ribbon to cross the cork and glued it on the cork board.
I placed glue on the edge of the frame to attach the cork board to it.
I had some sticker paper for scrap booking. I used my large round punch to punch out circles and randomly placed them on the frame.
FINISHED PRODUCT!
I know it is not perfect but she loves it and the photos are no longer floating around the house. I paid a total of $2.00 for the frame. The ribbon and sticker paper were purchased many years ago and in crafting storage.
My only problem now is that she wants to know what I'm doing with the bears from the frame. Any ideas?
My only problem now is that she wants to know what I'm doing with the bears from the frame. Any ideas?
Music Monday - Yet I Will Praise You
My friends and I have started a small group and we are studying Ruth. The verse that we started studying this week was when Naomi returns to Bethlehem and blames God for her sorrow.
Like Ruth, sometimes I forget that through all my circumstances I am called to praise God. Through our joy and pain; through our laughter and tears, we are called to praise God. This song reminds us that through the times we don't feel like God is with us that we need to praise Him even more.
"Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, c]">because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me." Ruth 1: 20-21 NIV
Like Ruth, sometimes I forget that through all my circumstances I am called to praise God. Through our joy and pain; through our laughter and tears, we are called to praise God. This song reminds us that through the times we don't feel like God is with us that we need to praise Him even more.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5: 2-4 NIV
I will praise You Lord my God
Even in my brokenness
I will praise You Lord
I will praise You Lord my God
Even in my desperation
I will praise You Lord
And I can't understand
All that You allow
I just can't see the reason
But my life is in Your hands
And though I cannot see You
I choose to trust You
Even when my heart is torn I will praise (trust) You Lord
Even when I feel deserted I will praise (trust) You Lord
Even in my darkest valley I will praise (trust) You Lord
And when my world is shattered and it seems all hope is gone
Yet I will praise You Lord
I will trust You Lord my God
Even in my loneliness
I will trust You Lord
I will trust You Lord my God
Even when I cannot hear You
I will trust You Lord
And I will not forget
That You hung on a cross
Lord You bled and died for me
And if I have to suffer
I know that You've been there
And I know that You're here now
Even in my brokenness
I will praise You Lord
I will praise You Lord my God
Even in my desperation
I will praise You Lord
And I can't understand
All that You allow
I just can't see the reason
But my life is in Your hands
And though I cannot see You
I choose to trust You
Even when my heart is torn I will praise (trust) You Lord
Even when I feel deserted I will praise (trust) You Lord
Even in my darkest valley I will praise (trust) You Lord
And when my world is shattered and it seems all hope is gone
Yet I will praise You Lord
I will trust You Lord my God
Even in my loneliness
I will trust You Lord
I will trust You Lord my God
Even when I cannot hear You
I will trust You Lord
And I will not forget
That You hung on a cross
Lord You bled and died for me
And if I have to suffer
I know that You've been there
And I know that You're here now
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday's Voice - Pakistan
Two Christians shot for refusing to convert in Pakistan
Thank the Lord for the bold stand Imran and Khushi made for their faith.
Pray for their complete healing and recovery.
Pray that they will find refuge under the cover of His wings (Psalm 91:4).
On December 26, two Pakistani Christians, Imran Masih (21) and Khushi Masih (24), were shot for refusing to convert to Islam while at a wedding in Chak 297-JB, Punjab province. Shortly after the believers arrived at the wedding, a group of armed Muslim youths surrounded them and began shooting into the air, as is a customary show of celebration at village weddings. However, one of the Muslims then threatened to shoot Imran and Khushi if they did not recite the Islamic profession of faith. The Christians refused and instead recited Psalm 91. The infuriated Muslims then shot the believers in the chest and left them for dead. At last report, the believers were receiving treatment at a hospital and doctors were hopeful that they would make a full recovery. Police have yet to arrest the suspects, who have claimed that the shootings were an accident. (Source: Compass Direct)
Thank the Lord for the bold stand Imran and Khushi made for their faith.
Pray for their complete healing and recovery.
Pray that they will find refuge under the cover of His wings (Psalm 91:4).
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Music Monday - Cry Out to Jesus
This song has been on my heart this last week. Its a reminder that we can't do it alone. That only God can help us. That when we are at our weakest and most vulnerable, He lifts us and carries us.
Third Day - Cry Out To Jesus
* | MySpace Video
To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye
And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right
Chorus
There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus
For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith and love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough
For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering
Chorus
When your lonely (when you're lonely)
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
To the widow who suffers from being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye
And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right
Chorus
There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus
For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith and love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough
For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering
Chorus
When your lonely (when you're lonely)
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
To the widow who suffers from being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight
Chorus
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Knapsacks
Last Friday, Tom started preschool. He was so excited. He didn't want to put on his indoor runners at first. He wanted to run right to the play area. I had made arrangements for Sam to stay at a friends in case I had to stay. Thomas didn't even see me leave. I have to admit that I was a little depressed not to be needed. When I picked him up, he was excited and the teacher said that he was enjoyed himself.
That afternoon, once Nic got home, I was looking at two knapsacks. I was immediately struck that Nic and Tom are growing up and I can't be with them 24/7. It's not something any mother looks forward. Right now I have to give them up to God like Hannah gave up Samuel to God. I have to trust God to protect them and be with them when they are not with me. I have to trust that He has placed people in their lives who will teach them and guide them, in the way that He wants them to go. I can't and won't always be with them physically, but He will!
That afternoon, once Nic got home, I was looking at two knapsacks. I was immediately struck that Nic and Tom are growing up and I can't be with them 24/7. It's not something any mother looks forward. Right now I have to give them up to God like Hannah gave up Samuel to God. I have to trust God to protect them and be with them when they are not with me. I have to trust that He has placed people in their lives who will teach them and guide them, in the way that He wants them to go. I can't and won't always be with them physically, but He will!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wednesday's Voice - Iraq
Christians shot, kidnapped in Mosul, Iraq
Christians in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul have continued to face attacks in recent weeks. On December 24, Basil Isho Youhanna was shot and killed in front of his house in the northern neighbourhood of Tahrir. On December 28, a university student, Sarah Edmond Youhanna, was kidnapped from The University of Mosul. The kidnappers have since telephoned Sarah's family and stated they are members of an Islamic group. Two days later, on December 30, a deacon, Zhaki Homo Bashir, was seriously injured when unknown assailants shot him in his shop in the district of al Jadida. (Source: AsiaNews)
Pray for the loved ones of Basil as they grieve and complete a complete recovery for Zhaki.
Ask God to protect Sarah and bring her home safely.
Christians in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul have continued to face attacks in recent weeks. On December 24, Basil Isho Youhanna was shot and killed in front of his house in the northern neighbourhood of Tahrir. On December 28, a university student, Sarah Edmond Youhanna, was kidnapped from The University of Mosul. The kidnappers have since telephoned Sarah's family and stated they are members of an Islamic group. Two days later, on December 30, a deacon, Zhaki Homo Bashir, was seriously injured when unknown assailants shot him in his shop in the district of al Jadida. (Source: AsiaNews)
Pray for the loved ones of Basil as they grieve and complete a complete recovery for Zhaki.
Ask God to protect Sarah and bring her home safely.
Pray that authorities will provide protection for Christians and other minorities in the country.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Music Monday - Take My Life Lord!
This week I've been asking God to take me...deeper into His word. To lead me... in obedience. To help me ...stay submitted to Him. I've been asking Him to take me- the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Take me Lord, Jesus. Take All of Me!
Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my king.
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold not a might would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use every power as you choose.
::Chorus::
Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it's all for thee.
Take my will and make it Thine it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord I pour at your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be ever, only all for thee,
Take myself and I will be ever, only all for thee.
Here am I, All of me.
Take my life, It's all for thee.
x3
(Take my life, Lord take my life. take all of me)
Here am I, All of me.
Take my life, It's all for thee.
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my king.
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold not a might would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use every power as you choose.
::Chorus::
Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it's all for thee.
Take my will and make it Thine it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord I pour at your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be ever, only all for thee,
Take myself and I will be ever, only all for thee.
Here am I, All of me.
Take my life, It's all for thee.
x3
(Take my life, Lord take my life. take all of me)
Here am I, All of me.
Take my life, It's all for thee.
Now post your song with Shawntele, at Saved by Grace
Friday, January 8, 2010
Caffienated Randomness - Over the Top!
Our Caffeinated Chieftain is back with a vengeance and she comes bearing gifts. I love this award. Not only is it very cute, but it fits me to a cue!
There are some rules with this award and here they are.
1. Use only one word answer the questions; and
2. Pass along to six favorite bloggers, and tell 'em you did so.
1. Where is your cell phone? Diaper bag
2. Your hair? Flat
3. Your mother? Crazy
4. Your father? Afghanistan
5. Your favorite food? Calamari
6. Your dream last night? Forgotten
7. Your favorite drink? Diet Dr. Pepper
8. Your dream/goal? Wholeness
9. What room are you in? Toyroom
10. Your hobby? Reading
11. Your fear? Heights.
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Content
13. Where were you last night? Home.
14. Something that you aren't? Boring.
15. Muffins? Pumpkin.
16. Wish list item? Laptop
17. Where did you grow up? BC
18. Last thing you did? Cook
19. What are you wearing? Pants
20. Your TV? On.
21. Your pets? Nope!
22. Friends? Many!
23. Your life? Unpredictable
24. Your mood? Happy.
25. Missing someone? Yes.
26. Vehicle? Brown.
27. Something you're not wearing? Sweater.
28. Your favorite store? Cleos.
29. Your favorite color? Blue.
30. When was the last time you laughed? Tonight
31. Last time you cried? Today.
32. Your best friend?(s) Far
33. One place that I could go over and over? Hairdresser
34. One person who emails you regularly? Andrea
35. Favorite place to eat? Victorian
Now for my nominations ......
1. Louise at Adori Graphics
2. Donnetta at My Quiet Corner
3. Shawntele at Saved by Grace
4. Amber at Striving for 31
5. Erin at Crafted Confessions
6. Kari at p.s.love.love
I hope you enjoyed my answers. Now, go check out the Chieftain's answers!
There are some rules with this award and here they are.
1. Use only one word answer the questions; and
2. Pass along to six favorite bloggers, and tell 'em you did so.
1. Where is your cell phone? Diaper bag
2. Your hair? Flat
3. Your mother? Crazy
4. Your father? Afghanistan
5. Your favorite food? Calamari
6. Your dream last night? Forgotten
7. Your favorite drink? Diet Dr. Pepper
8. Your dream/goal? Wholeness
9. What room are you in? Toyroom
10. Your hobby? Reading
11. Your fear? Heights.
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Content
13. Where were you last night? Home.
14. Something that you aren't? Boring.
15. Muffins? Pumpkin.
16. Wish list item? Laptop
17. Where did you grow up? BC
18. Last thing you did? Cook
19. What are you wearing? Pants
20. Your TV? On.
21. Your pets? Nope!
22. Friends? Many!
23. Your life? Unpredictable
24. Your mood? Happy.
25. Missing someone? Yes.
26. Vehicle? Brown.
27. Something you're not wearing? Sweater.
28. Your favorite store? Cleos.
29. Your favorite color? Blue.
30. When was the last time you laughed? Tonight
31. Last time you cried? Today.
32. Your best friend?(s) Far
33. One place that I could go over and over? Hairdresser
34. One person who emails you regularly? Andrea
35. Favorite place to eat? Victorian
Now for my nominations ......
1. Louise at Adori Graphics
2. Donnetta at My Quiet Corner
3. Shawntele at Saved by Grace
4. Amber at Striving for 31
5. Erin at Crafted Confessions
6. Kari at p.s.love.love
I hope you enjoyed my answers. Now, go check out the Chieftain's answers!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Blogger Uncovered & The Weather
I'm very excited. I'm this week's Blogger Uncovered. For those who don't have any clue about what I'm talking about, Blogger Uncovered is one of the memes that Louise does at Adori Graphics. Its a place where she and the rest of us can get to know each other better. We can ask questions of the current Blogger Uncovered participant and then the participant's answers them. I don't know which is more exciting: the fact I'm this weeks participant, the fact that more people are coming to the Prairies for a visit (I love visitors, as Andrea) or that I get to add the cute little graphic to my blog (I love the internet).
If you haven't checked out Louise's blog, you should. She is a very talented. She works full time at a lab and in her spare time (I don't remember what that is), she designs blogs, tutorials, digital scrap booking packages, photo cards, business cards, Twitter and Etsy pages, among other things. I can't recommend her enough. When I really started blogging this summer, I checked out other blog designers and found Louise to be not only the most open, and reasonable, but in my opinion, the most creative. She is a very giving person who I have been blessed to get to know, even if she does live across the pond.
Now, I also have a confession. I planned on reading through the Bible this year and I'm already off track. I can't even tell you how many days off track. I'm going to catch up though as I'm still in Genesis. I can't get lost in Deuteronomy, its the one which I always get stuck on.
I hope everyone is staying warm, as it seems like there is a deep freeze going on around the world. What was that about global warming?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wedneday's Voice - Iran
Iranian authorities attack Christmas gathering, arrest two Christians
Fifteen security police and undercover plain-clothes officers attacked a Christmas gathering of more than 70 newly converted Christians in the city of Karaj, Iran on December 17. Officers photographed and videotaped the believers and also confiscated Bibles, Christian books and a computer. The Christians were told they must be available during the period leading up to formal and legal interrogations and that they must appear before legal prosecutors when ordered. Two of the leaders of the group, Kambiz Saghaee and Ali Keshvar-Doost, were arrested. At last report, they remained in detention at an undisclosed location and their families had neither been able to contact them nor received confirmed information from police about their whereabouts. (Source: Farsi Christian News Network)
Pray for the release of Kambiz Saghaee and Ali Keshvar-Doost.
Pray that the new converts who attended this meeting will grow stronger in their faith in Christ.
Pray for safety for Iranian believers celebrating the birth of Jesus as many must gather in secret to avoid attention.
Pray for the release of Kambiz Saghaee and Ali Keshvar-Doost.
Pray that the new converts who attended this meeting will grow stronger in their faith in Christ.
Pray for safety for Iranian believers celebrating the birth of Jesus as many must gather in secret to avoid attention.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Music Monday - God of the Moon & Stars
After my last Music Monday post, my hubby and I discovered an awesome Dutch worship leader named Kees Kraayenoord. He is amazing. We have downloaded 3 of his CDs. One is completely in dutch, but since they are new renditions of old hymns we sing along with them in English. I feel the Holy Spirits' presence whenever we listen to his music and know that they are all God breathed.
This week I have chosen one of his most controversial songs. However, at the start of a new year it is a good reminder that God is the God of everything and everyone. In his image are we all created. That no one else's sins are greater than your own and that we are all equal in His eyes. This song is haunting and sings to my soul. I hope you all enjoy it and reflect upon its words as I do whenever I listen to it.
God of the moon and stars
God of the gay- and singles bars
God of the fragile hearts we are, I come to you
God of our history, god of the future that will be
What will you make of me, I come to you
God of the meek and mild,
God of the reckless and the wild
God of the unreconciled, I come to you
God of our life and death
God of our secrets unconfessed
God of our every breath, I come to you
God of the rich and poor
God of the princess and the whore
God of the ever open door, I come to you
God of the unborn child
God of the pure and undefiled
God of the pimp and pedophile, I come to you
God of the war and peace
God of the junkie and the priest
God of the greatest and the least, I come to you
God of the refugee
God of the prisoner and the free
God of our doubt and certainty, I come to you
God of our joy and grief
God of the lawyer and the thief
God of our faith and unbelief, I come to you
God of the wounds we bear
God of the deepest dreams we share
God of our unspoken prayer, I come to you
God of a world that´s lost
God of the lonely cross
God who has come to us, I come to you
God of the gay- and singles bars
God of the fragile hearts we are, I come to you
God of our history, god of the future that will be
What will you make of me, I come to you
God of the meek and mild,
God of the reckless and the wild
God of the unreconciled, I come to you
God of our life and death
God of our secrets unconfessed
God of our every breath, I come to you
God of the rich and poor
God of the princess and the whore
God of the ever open door, I come to you
God of the unborn child
God of the pure and undefiled
God of the pimp and pedophile, I come to you
God of the war and peace
God of the junkie and the priest
God of the greatest and the least, I come to you
God of the refugee
God of the prisoner and the free
God of our doubt and certainty, I come to you
God of our joy and grief
God of the lawyer and the thief
God of our faith and unbelief, I come to you
God of the wounds we bear
God of the deepest dreams we share
God of our unspoken prayer, I come to you
God of a world that´s lost
God of the lonely cross
God who has come to us, I come to you
Now go and post the music God is calling you to at Saved by Grace.
Friday, January 1, 2010
In the Beginning.....
As this year and decade end, I'm looking towards the future.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14)
This past month I have felt God calling me into a closer relationship with him. I have studied His word in the past, but have never gone into a deeper relationship with Him. My fault, of course. I've been neglecting my prayer life.
Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
I pray daily. But honestly, I have to admit that I actually sit down and really pray 3 times a week. Why? I've not prioritized God first in my life.
You shall have no other God's before me. (Exodus 20:3)
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. (Deuteronomy 11:18)
In the past, I've been in groups where I've studied on how not to be Martha, Parenting for Dummies and How to be a Good Wife. During these groups, I haven't felt moved. In fact, I have never felt comfortable enough to allow myself to open up to others.
However, in all this I sense a new beginning.
This last week, I've taken advantage of an early riser and have benefited from it. Its been great to start the day with God and see its fruition throughout the day. I take back all the times I said I just couldn't get up at 5:30 am to pray.
My mother-in-law gave me a Devotional Day Planner which has not just a daily devotion, but a Guided Reading Plan of the Bible. I plan to stick to my daily reading schedule and this will be the year that I finish the whole Bible. I will not get stuck in Deuteronomy. In fact, I may even try to do homelitics for each day......like I said the key word is "try."
This coming year, I have, with a group of close friends, organized a bible study. I sense God in this decision and know He is guiding us in to closer relationships with each other and is placing people that will encourage each other to grow.
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)
I have been inspired by Donnetta at My Quiet Corner, to do a word study on something in my walk that I need to work on. I have, and continue to, pray about this. I feel God calling me to do a study on submission. For all of those who know me, even though one of my vows was to obey, know its the one word I consistently struggle against.
I'm excited and scared of how God will work in my life this year. This is the beginning. This is the year God will do a good work in me. This is the year I will surrender to Him and His will in my life.
I'm excited and scared of how God will work in my life this year. This is the beginning. This is the year God will do a good work in me. This is the year I will surrender to Him and His will in my life.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)
About Me
Welcome to Lost in the Prairies ...Found by God. I created this blog as a place to write about my walk with Abba and share my testimony and walk with others. I was a former "bad girl" who was not raised in a Christian home, but a very social liberal home. However, God has always "peeked" into my life and finally opened the doors wide open on March 10, 2000, where I accepted Christ after an Alpha retreat.
I admit that I floated along in my walk until about two years ago when I started to mature in my faith and increase my study and focus on His word and will. I still have a long way to go, but with God at my side, I know that I'm not alone.
About My life:
As the side bar states, I am 36 years old and am a stay at home wife and mother. I have been married for 10 years to my husband, Leroy. We are raising 3 children, Nicole, Thomas (our middleman) and Sam (the baby). We live in small town central Saskatchewan where we are surrounded by canola fields and dairy pastures.
This is a long way from where I was raised on the west coast of British Columbia by the Pacific Ocean. I miss my grey, wet days, smashing waves, tall rain forests, and snow capped mountains . However, I am learning to love the open plains where we have nothing to block our view from God's creation.
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- Michelle
- Alberta, Canada
- I'm a 39 year old (oh yeah I'm telling you my age) Stay at Home mom. A former Bad Girl now reformed sinner, I'm married to my Y2K guy and raising 3 great children from God. Proudly Canadian, however, missing the West Coast, I currently live in the prairies watching the farmers fields produce as I learn how God produces the fruits in me.
Mini Me
Middleman
Tormentinator
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Where I travel
