More Prayers for my Sons

Here are more prayers from Brooke McGlothin's ebook....

May__________ not love the world or the things in the world (1 John 2:15).        
May our sons love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7).        
May our sons love one another earnestly from a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22).        
May our sons, when they become husbands, love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself (Ephesians 5:28).  
     
McGlothlin, Brooke (2011). Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most (p. 33). Kindle Edition.

My marriage is going to be the main example for my boys. Mine.....and mine alone. My husband and I will teach our sons what it is to love someone else as Christ loves the church.

We are responsible for showing them what it is like to love your best friend with all you have. We are the ones who will teach them that love is a commitment, a decision, and hard work.

We are to teach them what I Corinthians 13 is all about....not just something you read at weddings.

We are to show them what it means to fight to keep a marriage strong, even when we are miles apart.

May I show my sons the kind of wife they should look for. Please, Lord, help me not to be the kind of wife my sons hope they don't have.

Lord, help me be a strong, loving and submissive (oops...there is that word!) wife. Help me to love my husband so much that he feels he is the most blessed man on earth! :)

Lord, help me continue to strive to be that Proverbs 31 wife and mom!!!!

Amen and Amen

Only God matters......

I am a people pleaser at heart. I have always been this way.

However, when I met my husband, he slowly made one of his missions to make me strive to be a God pleaser.

Anyone who has met my husband knows that he only concerns himself with pleasing one person....and that is his Lord and Savior. I think that may be part of the 10 commandments? You shall have no other gods before me?

See, when we spend our energy and time trying to just please others, or make sure we "do the southern belle thing", we take our eyes off our real goal. We should be spending all our time finding ways to please our Father in heaven. If we do this, everything else falls into place, or doesn't matter.

I want to surround myself with positive people who think the same way I do....who only want to please God. Then we can all go out and show the world the light of Christ, without judgement, hatred, prejudice, or jealousy.

I Thessalonians 2:4
"On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts."

Church family!

Last week, my six year old son was once again asked to go to the movie with two awesome teenage brothers. These guys have two awesome parents, also. They are part of our wonderful church family.

How can you ever describe what it means to have a loving church family who are there for you through everything? Today, we stayed at home, just to be cautious. I could just imagine J taking a flying leap and messing up his foot again. haha!

But then, around noon, this family.....the oldest teenage boy....calls us to see if we need anything at the grocery store. How awesome is that?! What other teenagers would be willing to call an old lady like me to check on me and the boys? ............only God can lead teenagers to be like that....and their godly parents. I pray I can be half the parents they are!

Thank you, Lord, for friends who are closer than most of our family. They are there through thick and thin. I pray I can be the same for them!!!!!

Finding Yourself

Today I had the privilege of going to a wedding reception for a cousin of mine. We only get to see each other every few months.

It makes me think a lot of growing up. It seems like yesterday we would all be outside at their house listening to the "Grease" soundtrack. Or, at our grandparents house, swinging on the swing on the front porch....or, watching the "biddies" in the cage Grandpa had built for them on his back porch....or, Grandpa making us "real" popcorn in his pot on the stove.......or sorting through Grandma's old photos. It has been a goal of mine to give my sons the same types of memories.

I hope J remembers picking blueberries with his Pawpaw, and riding scooters and pedal cars with his Grandpa, and coloring pictures with Grandma, and making gingerbread houses with Nana.

Yeah, I am kind of old fashioned, but I pray I am instilling a legacy...and helping bring up a mighty man of God who appreciates the simple life....but dreams big about what he can do for God!

Some days you just want him home.........

There are some days I just wish he was home. My husband left out last weekend. He'll be in Africa for another week, then head to Singapore. I am praying this transition goes well for him.

But, of course, the kids have to get sick or injured when he is gone. He misses all the fun! haha!

My oldest had a bench fall on his foot last night and broke his toe. He is bruised and swollen. We will have to follow up with an orthopedic doctor next week. Thank goodness my dad was able to come and keep my youngest and my niece. Papa saves the day, as usual!

We will be heading to my cousin's wedding tomorrow. I pray it is everything she has dreamed of.

I still need to get more involved in the 21 Days of Prayer. I am ashamed to say that I have not been a Proverbs 31 mom right now. However, I think I have handled a lot of the bumps that have come up this week pretty well.

We are blessed. There is no reason to complain.....only reason to praise!

Looking back......

I kept my niece yesterday and today. It got me to thinking of how much our world has changed. For years, my sister tried to have a child. Finally, Z came. It is like God knew right when we needed her. She is an angel........

When she enters a room, it lights up. My boys light up when they are around her. Sometimes, I feel they are just like brothers and sisters. I guess that has always been our dream. My sister and I have never really talked about it, but we love the fact that we can raise our children together.

I love you Z. Your KK is very proud of you. Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with this angel! :)

Off the wagon once again!

Okay....can we say "grrrr!". It has been quite a busy weekend. My husband left yesterday for work in Nigeria. He will be there for about a week and a half, then head to Singapore. He's a well traveled man, to say the least.

I haven't been praying the "21 Days of Prayer" like I should. I have to get back on track. I even see where it is affecting our oldest son. He is struggling with "being good" and discerning God's voice from temptations from Satan. We had a good talk tonight though. We even ended it with prayer. My commitment to him was to spend more time in the Word and in prayer. We also are going to do a morning devotion together over breakfast. I can't wait for the morning! I feel that God is going to do some great things in this family!

I am so blessed. Thank you, Lord, for all you have done for us. Help us to constantly be searching for ways to edify You and serve others!

Now, I am going to also be listening to some podcasts of the sermons at our Texas church. The series is "Practical Atheism". I think I read that the sermon Sunday was something about Dogs and Vomit. I can only imagine what the pastor spoke on! :)

Thank you , Lord, for mighty men like Pastor J and Pastor Z. We don't deserve to be under great leadership like this.....especially two pastors! But, God, You are all knowing. You know just what this crew needs!

Amen and Amen!

Spiritual growth is not running faster, as in more meetings, more Bible studies, and more prayer meetings. Spiritual growth happens when we slow our activity down. If we want to meet Jesus, we can't do it on the run. If we want to stay on the road of faith, we have to hit the brakes, pull over to a rest area, and stop. Christianity is not about inviting Jesus to speed through life with us; it's about noticing Jesus sitting at the rest stop. While the church earnestly warns Christians to watch for the devil, the devil is sitting in the congregation encouraging everyone to keep busy doing "good things."
— Mike Yaconelli

Help me not be busy.....but be constantly aware of Your presence...and where You are working. Then and only then can I join You in your work! :)

New life and stepping up!

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Ethan. He is precious. His mom and dad have been going to our church for a few months. He is stationed nearby. They have no family here. We are so grateful for his sacrifice and service. Our church family is really stepping up to the plate to help them with the baby "goodies" and meals once they get home.

These days we get so busy that we forget what we are here for.....first, to worship God, and second, to serve Him by helping and loving others. Life is too short!

We are trying to teach our sons to be givers. My husband was actually talking with our oldest about this today. We explained to him how both sets of his grandparents are givers.....and that we are striving to do the same. I pray we can influence both our sons to give over and above to God, the church and to others.

Struggles and Victories

The past few days were filled with struggles and victories. Our oldest is a very vibrant, outgoing six year old. He is also very headstrong and stubborn. This can be a lethal combination. I have been reminded over this week that I need to be more on my knees for both my sons.

J is struggling with acting upon his own "thoughts" and not God's thoughts. He has told me before, "Mom, sometimes I just can't help being bad.". We try to explain to him that it is not him that is bad, it is his actions. We are all human and sin. It is up to us to make the conscience decision to ask for God's help and guidance.

It is sometimes hard to explain that to a six year old boy, though. However, yesterday we had an appointment for our youngest at the allergist. It was a long visit! But, when I got out of the appointment, I was so surprised. J had stayed in the lobby with my husband. There he was with his bag of minature transformers, playing and sharing with two little boys. I so wanted to stop time.

You see, my sons are can be very stubborn, yet very giving. I just know that there is a battle here, though. Satan does not like the men that my sons could become. God has a wonderful plan for both these boys. We prayerfully chose their names....one after a fearless leader of the Old Testament and one after a prophet.

So, I am asking God to guide every step of my day, especially those where I am teaching and guiding my sons. Here is a quote from Brooke's book:

While attending a homeschool conference, Brooke heard Ken Ham, of Answers in Genesis, say “I would rather my children be ditch diggers and love Jesus, than PhDs and go to hell.”
McGlothlin, Brooke (2011). Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most (p. 22). Kindle Edition.

Lord, help me raise my boys to love You with all they've got! :)

More Prayers for my Sons

Here are more prayers from Brooke McGlothlin's book:

Avoiding Foolishness   May __________ avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless (Titus 3:9).       May __________ have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; for they breed quarrels (2 Timothy 2:23).       May __________ not participate in filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4).       May __________ hear these words of Yours, act on them, and avoid being like a foolish man who built his house on the sand (Matthew 7:26).       May __________ be more like a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to take advice (Ecclesiastes
McGlothlin, Brooke (2011). Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most (pp. 22-23). Kindle Edition.

Father's

It has been a crazy first part of the week. My youngest had an allergic reaction Saturday. This week we have been in the er and at doctors.

On a different note, I have been reminded by everyone on Facebook (well, almost) that we should remember all our dads did for us. I have to brag that I have one of the most awesome dads ever! I am so blessed to have a strong Christian father.

My dad has been there for me through everything! He has helped me with projects around the house, given advice, and kept my children...even changed his share of diapers! A lot of people don't believe me when I say that my father kept my children a lot when they were babies. He did! He and my mom have been a lifesaver for me! :)

Then I am also remembering my father-in-law. He loved me and my boys with all he had. His whole life changed when those boys entered the world. Never a shopper, you would often see him in the toy section or children's clothing sections of a store. He spent countless hours outside watching my boys ride bikes and scooters.

But, I think I appreciate him most for being the dad he was to my husband. My husband would not be the dad he is today without him. I just love this picture of him here.

My husband and I have been so blessed with wonderful fathers. I just wish M's dad was here to celebrate with us.

New endeavor

Today was a day of "getting back in the groove". I went back to teaching youth Sunday School. I had really missed these guys. I sure hope they learned a little bit and enjoyed themselves.

See, I am a visual learner. I like videos. I learn so much better from that. I think most of them do also. So, since we have moved to a downstairs room, I had to improvise with the Ipad. I don't think they minded too much. :)

On another note,
I am thinking of doing that thing that husbands dread....couponing.

Have you seen that show on TLC, Extreme Couponing? Well, some friends of mine at church are doing it. I am praying about maybe God making this a ministry for us. I wonder..........

Could a group of ladies trading coupons at my house, aka toysrus home, be a group of strong Christian women supporting each other? This may be an idea.....later on this..........

Also, I was checking that addicting site called Facebook, and the church we went to in Texas had even more baptisms! Praise God!!! I am so excited.

I was able to go to my niece's first birthday party today. She is just precious to me. See, I probably won't have any girls....so Z's my girl! :) Even with all those months away from her, she still came to me with no problem. I guess looking like her mom helps a little?

Praying this week will be a great week!

God's Hand

I felt God's hand big time today. We had some friends over. M and J went geocaching with their friend, while I visited with his wife and niece. Lil' M shared a macadamia nut cookie with me. He had a very small piece. Before we know it, he is coughing, sweating, breaking out, turning red, and his face is swelling. Luckily, my friend was here to drive me to the ER.

Everything went well in  the end. God took care of us....He made sure I had someone with me to help and someone to drive us. He gave us wonderful friends to support us. It was a scary time, but we felt God's Hand through all of it.

Thank you, Lord, for taking care of my little one today. Thank you that the reaction was not more severe. Thank you for our friends who stepped in and helped us in such a special way. Thank you for the nurses and doctors who took us right in to the ER and began treatment right away.

Thank you, God! You are an awesome God to serve! Amen!

Proverbs 31:20

Proverbs 31:20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

Do I do this enough? Am I constantly looking for ways to help others. Sadly, I must confess, no. I need to be more of that kind of role model for my kids in this way.

Our church here is so mission minded now that we started a position for a minister of missions! I think this is awesome. "Our church in Texas" has the right idea, also. Here is a clip.....

http://vimeo.com/24650203

Memories of teaching

The other night, I ran into a former students from my first years of teaching. I began to think about how niave and clueless I was. I was nowhere prepared for what I would encounter. But, God got me through it. I learned from experience and mistakes. I also made some lifelong connections.

That is what is so great about our God. He will use whatever we go through for His glory. He can take a situation that seems impossible and turn it around. He may not have the same "timing" as we have, but He does come through!

His thinking is so much higher than ours.

Day 3 prayers

Here are a few of the prayers for today's reading....
Integrity
May__________walk before You, as David his father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that God has commanded him, and keeping His statutes and His rules (1 Kings 9:4).      
Till he dies, may__________never put away his integrity (Job 27:5).      
May__________ponder the way that is blameless and walk with integrity of heart within God’s house (Psalm 101:2).      
May__________show himself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in his teaching show integrity, dignity (Titus 2:7).     

McGlothlin, Brooke (2011). Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most (pp. 19-20). Kindle Edition.

Day 2 prayers

Here are some of the prayers in the ebook, "Warrior Prayers":
Fill in the blank with your child's name:
May__________obey his leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over his soul, as those who will have to give an account. Let him do this with joy and not with groaning (Hebrews 13:17).  

May__________submit himself therefore to God. May he resist the devil, so he will flee from him (James 4:7).      

May__________submit to laborers of the Gospel and to everyone who joins in the work (1 Corinthians 16:16).      

May__________submit to others out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).        

May__________be subject to the Father of spirits and live (Hebrews 12:9).    

McGlothlin, Brooke (2011). Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most (pp. 16-17). Kindle Edition.

Prayers for today

The prayers for the boys today focus on obedience. It is not just prayers for them to obey us as parents so they will be "good boys". It is to teach them to submit to other authority figures and to the Ultimate Authority, God.

I pray God will soften J and M's hearts to obey and submit. Help me to teach them to be humble and kind, while being strong in the Lord! Amen!

21 Days of Warrior Prayers for my Sons!

Today I begin the 21 Day challenge of praying the Word for my sons. Today I started out early, cleaning. During that time I prayed for them. Later today, I will pray some of the prayers Brooke McGlothlin has in her ebook.

Last night, I went out to a surprise dinner for a friend from college who was turning 40. We have a group of five girls who have kept in touch ever since college. Each has had their own journey and story. I came home renewed and looking toward a time of strengthening my relationship with God. I am making a commitment to pray more...especially for lifelong friends like these. :)

Here is the link for the 21 Days of Prayer for my Sons.....
http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/2011/05/and-the-next-21-days-of-prayer-for-sons-challenge-begins/

New ministry

I had been approached by our associate/youth pastor about teaching youth Bible fellowship again. (I taught it before we left to TX.)  He also asked about me serving in college/career ministry.

I have prayed about it. I think God is challenging me to serve in both. I am also praying about helping with the church's website and women's ministry.

I know from experience what the web ministry can do. This is how I found the church we so love in Texas.

I was revived in my spirit again today in worship. I am so thankful for a God fearing, God lifting church family! :)

My testimony

I guess if I am going to reveal myself to the world, I might as well share my testimony.

I was born into a very strong Christian family. We grew up Southern Baptist. I was active in all aspects of church. At around the age of eight, I really felt the Lord tugging at my heart. It was not until I turned nine that I gave my life to Christ.

I was blessed to have a very supportive youth group. This, in turn, gave me a base of friends who were a great influence on me during junior high and high school. I felt even in junior high that God was calling me into ministry. In high school, I thought about youth ministry, but I only knew of "male" youth directors.

College was more of the same. At 19, I surrendered to the ministry. I began in music and youth ministry. At this time in my life, I thought I had the Christian walk all figured out. Boy, did I have that wrong!

The next few years, I even served in children's ministry in addition to youth ministry. I began teaching and was called to a United Methodist Church. There, I truly had to examine what my beliefs were. The kids really challenged my faith. I also saw that I had lived a double life in college. I was one person at church, another person in everyday life. I also was blessed to attend something called Cursillo. It truly was a turning point in my life. I felt a fire for God like I had never felt before.

Years later, I met my husband. He became a Christian later in life. He asked if he could ask questions since he did not know many Christians. I had to truly search the scriptures at times.

After the birth of our first son, we prayed and felt God was calling me to take a break from church ministry as a "career". It was then that I went back to teaching (I had gone full time for four years.) part time with a GED program. We changed churches. I then felt God calling me to serve him without a "title" behind my name. ie, youth minister, children's minister, etc.

We have since moved to another town and serve in another church. This church is truly part of our family. I have never been in a more caring and loving church.

The story is to be continued.........

Warrior Prayers promo

The mind of a six year old?

I have this son....he is six. Anyone that knows him, knows he is, well, different. One minute he's telling you something profound. The next, you wonder if he will ever "get it".

For instance, today he was watching "Stormchasers". He asked, "Mom, do you think God lets storms happen to show us He will protect us?". I was thinking, where did that come from?

Then, this afternoon, he was able to go to Walmart and get a "reward" he had "earned". After getting home and playing with it, he wants some other toys to go with it. We have been "overtaken" in this house with toys...and he is throwing a fit about wanting to get more.

I really need some wisdom on getting it through a child's head, and heart, that things are just that....things. I am praying God will give me the wisdom to portray that to him. Only God can change a heart.....I can't.

See the next post for a clip about the "Warrior's Prayer" book that I am about to start reading. :) I pray God changes our lives through this! :)

Beth Moore - Be Yourself

I love, love, love this woman! She is awesome!

Jennifer Rothschild on Good Morning America

Wonderful testimony....she is such a wonderful speaker and leader!

Proverbs 31:15-19

Proverbs 31
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.



Well, I got up early today. Seems my oldest child, who usually is hard to get up even at 8 am decides that 5:45 am is a perfect time to get up. So, I got up and did some sweeping, mopping and cleaning. Now it is only 7:14 a.m., and I can sit, study, and blog. Working hard and working hard EARLY is something we all have a hard time with.....or at least most of us. :)

I have never been a morning person. I can say that I am a procrastinator, to say the least. This is something I really, really need to work on!

Lord, help me to work vigirously. Help me to be wise in the decisions I make financially for my family. Give me wisdom and energy to make our home an open place of ministry.

We don't want to have a home that is stuffy or a picture out of a magazine. We just want people to feel loved and supported when they come into our home.

Lord, this is your house, not ours. Help me to be a good steward of what you have "loaned" us to use. Help me to make others feel welcomed beyond measure here. :)

Amen

Tribute to Mike Yaconelli, Oh how I miss this guy!!!!

Where is my treasure?

Love this post and this blog!
Where is my treasure?

It's been seven years?

I was running some errands after lunch, and it hit me....it is June 1st! To most people, this day doesn't mean a whole lot. Yeah, most people have gotten their paycheck, paid the house note/rent, and changed the calendar.

But seven years ago, my heart broke.

See, I had this great friend we will call D. She took life by the horns. She had a beautiful family. She, herself, was beautiful, both inside and out.

A little while before I got married.....her world was shattered. She was diagnosed with colon cancer. We held hands in the hospital, MD Anderson's, at church, and at home. I had the girls over for many nights for sleepovers with another little friend, Mg, and watched movies and munched on grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup.

The things I will remember most about her was her faith. She taught me what it was love without abandon.....to love our Lord with everything we have.  She taught me how to love people! She taught me how to be an awesome and loving wife. She taught me how to love my children the way Jesus loves us. She taught me how to tackle adversity and hold on to Jesus. She taught me how to be a friend.

At the time all of this was happening, I truly thought God was going to make a miracle! I thought for sure that if He would heal anyone, He would heal her.

He did heal her....but by His terms, not mine. I was selfish. I wanted her here to help me raise my kids. I wanted our kids to be so close you would think they were brothers and sisters.

But, God healed her heart. Not her cancer. And while at the church office that morning, preparing for a busy summer, our world turned upside down. D went to be with the Lord. I was heartbroken, angry, mad, sad....you name it!

Eventually, through a lot of events, we all healed somewhat. We will never forget her. I had my "own" plan for what our lives would be like, even if D passed away. But God had different plans.

Now we live in another town, go to another church, and hardly ever cross paths with our friends from back then..........

Two months later, I would find that I was expecting my first child. Oh, how I wished D could have been here to see this one.....she would be laughing her head off at us. I am sure that D and J would have been big buddies. She would have loved his love for life.

She would have loved M just as much. His smile reminds me a lot of hers. I think he has the kind of heart she had. :)

Oh, how I wish she could be here now to see these two..........

But, I know that is selfish of me. She is with our heavenly Father. I kind of like to think that she and God have had their share of laughs at my crazy life since she went "home".

Miss you, girl! Can't wait to see you again. I can only imagine.....................

- for Cookie and Chan :)

Proverbs 31: 13-14

Okay, here it the next two verses I need to study:
Proverbs 31: 13-14
 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

My mom was a seamtress. She learned from her mother. She even worked at Movie Star (a clothing factory) when she got out of high school. I worked the summer after graduation at the L'ton center of Movie Star. I was on the "assembly" line. I surged the side of tshirts and underwear. (Or, should I say "attempted to").

I was not the best at the surging or sewing machine. Needless to say, I did not "make production" a lot of days. However, there were women I worked with who "owned" that machine. They never were paid even near their worth when it came to what they could sew.

My mother was so good at it that she was a supervisor even in her early 20's. She even brought that talent home. I can remember afternoons filled with the sound of the sewing machine running. My sister and I wore many dresses with the same material. She even made my dress for my junior prom. :)

She also worked in the garden and keeps a wonderful array of flowers in her yard year around. I am not that talented. But maybe, here in the "middle age" phase of my life, I can learn.

Okay, so J is probably not going to like any shirt of pants I make, but at least I can sew a button back on or stitch a hole in a knee. I have a lot of lessons to learn from my mom, even still.

However, I think these verses just shows that the Proverbs 31 woman is frugal and hardworking. She loves her family and works hard for them.

America has become "allergic" to hard work. We love a paycheck....just not the work.

The church we attended in Texas just finished a series called "My Stupid Job". Pastor Z mentioned that the church preaches on a lot of things....but seldom talks about work. He brought up so much about how God gives us our jobs, whether it be an office job, a teacher, an engineer, or a stay at home mom.

God wants us to approach our jobs as if He is our boss....and really, He is our ultimate boss! So next time I dread doing laundry, or sewing on a button, I will remember I am doing it for the glory of God!

Check out http://www.revyourlife.com/ for podcasts of the "Stupid Job" series!