Will You Pray For Me?

Hello dear friends.

The next two weeks birds may be chirping a bit over here.  Can I tell you why?  And ask you to pray for me :)  ??

This time last year, my heart was a-breakin'.  You see, I really, really, really, reeeaallly wanted to attend the She Speaks Conference in Concord, NC.  This is an equipping weekend for women who have a passion for writing and speaking.  An event  that is hosted by Proverbs 31 ministries.  But last summer, life's circumstances did not allow me to go.

But guess what??  In two weeks from today, I'll be there.  Gasp!  I. Am. So. Excited!

And nervous.
And humbled.
And ready.
And not ready at all.



Can I ask you to pray??

Let me tell you...I was not even going to post this.  The enemy had me totally convinced that no one wants to hear about it.  It is all just too silly.

But seeing as how Satan has a stout track record of lying, I will assume this is not his first truth-telling moment.

So, here it goes....my prayer requests.

Will you pray for the next two weeks?  I am preparing two talks...one is "my story" - which comically must be summed up in three minutes.  And the second is a "teaching talk".  So pen to paper this week.  Me, Jesus and my little green journal.  And some fine tip sharpies.

AND...in the next two weeks I will be completing a book proposal (which I have never done anything like it...and there is a sharp learning curve).  Hello molly.  My every fleshy impulse is to tuck my tail between my legs and run away.  Change my mind.  And cancel the appointments I have set with two publishers.  The enemy starts at me again...who are you Becky?  No one wants to hear what you have to say.  Cancel it and give someone else those time slots.  Other people with book ideas that might make it.

Ugh.  He is a liar, I tell you.

(My proposal is on the Chasing Skinny series I did this past winter.  Do you remember that?)

And one more thing...let's throw in a birthday party for my soon-to-be nine-year-old next weekend!  Sweet boy.  Nine years old!  So in the midst of writing, praying and freaking out every now and again, I will be baking a UT Football helmet cake!

I can do it!  Philippians 4:13!  Whoo hoo!

And over all...will you pray that I will seek the Lord.  That I will glorify Him!  That I will be full of His Spirit.  That I will be His vessel, to speak His words and have full confidence in Him.  Not myself.

So there you have it (if you can make sense of my rambling).  My next two weeks.  I would appreciate your prayers so very much.

I adore all of my readers and I am unspeakably thankful for your encouragement through this little screen.

One Latte with Post-It Notes and Humble Pie, Please

Early the other morning, as I sat at my dining room table having coffee with the Lord, my sweet Grant quietly crept over, sliding a round post-it note beside my Bible.

It read....

Some mornings, the boys wake and walk downstairs before I've had a chance to write their Bible verse on the chalkboard.  In that case, I give them permission to climb up on the counter (which they love to do) and I tell them the verse for morning quiet time.

This particular morning, Grant gave me his suggestion.

I read the note and asked, "James 4:10.  OK. What does it say?"

So he came over and peeked over my shoulder.  I flipped back to the book of James.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.  James 4:10

"Oooh. Good one, buddy.  Why this verse?"

"I just like it," he said.

Oh, you have no idea.  Listen, I write this not to say "Look at my overly-zealous, humble and spiritual eight-year-old."  No way.... in many ways it is the opposite.

You see, when I started using my prayer cards, one of the KEY WORDS on Grant's 3x5 is my cry out to God for HUMILITY for this kid.  I pray often that he would have desire to put other's needs over his own.  I regularly pray Colossians 3:12 over his life.  I pray Grant would..."Put on a compassionate heart, kindness, HUMILITY meekness and patience."

This post-it note was confirmation that God is doing a work.  It may be years before I see a huge harvest of humble pie, but today I am encouraged.

And when I see him literally pushing his brothers to the ground to be first in the van or ferociously scooping up the last helping of macaroni and cheese, I will remember the little note he slid beside my Bible. {grin}

It serves as hope to this little mama.  I trust and BELIEVE that God is revealing to Grant that humility is where his bread is buttered.

Lord, thank you thank you thank you.  I needed the encouragement.  I pray you will use this little post-it note to encourage other mommies and daddies today.  That no matter if they are seeing the fruit of the prayers going up for their own kids, YOU HEAR EACH PRAYER and are at work.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

I'd love to hear of a time you've seen a little (or a lot) of fruit from your own prayers. Share if you have a minute...

A Little Sermon ... Within a Sermon

This summer our pastors are teaching a series on Living With The End In Mind.  A sermon series with our bookmarks pitched in First and Second Thessalonians.

Yesterday morning we flipped through passages, all concerning our daily manner of living.  A manner of living that is, specifically, worthy of the Lord.

A manner of living that is fully pleasing to a Living God.  (click above and listen if you have time - such great stuff.)

As I sat in my seat, flipping along with the church body through references, the Lord spoke to me separately.

About something a little different.

A little sermon within a sermon.

A word from the Lord...about my little boys.

"Turn with me to Colossians 1:9-10," my pastor said.

And so from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, adding that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.  

Pray this over your boys, He said.

He being the Lord.  Not my pastor.

Mmm.  Yes.  Great idea.

So I wrote myself a little note.

At that my Bestie, who was sitting next to me, leaned in and whispered, "That would be a great one to pray over my kids."

I smiled and nodded, pointing to my sloppy note.

We grinned in agreement.

(A love a little confirmation.)

I do believe the Lord has given me a Spirit-led passage for some prayer cards.  

Yay. Love that.

Will you take a minute...if even a minute...but a minute to pray this over someone special to you?

Who might that someone be today?  

Lord God, I ask that _____________ would be filled with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so they will walk in a manner worthy of you, Lord.  That their lives would be fully pleasing to you, bearing fruit in every good work and that they would increase in the knowledge of you.  In Jesus name, Amen.

{And even though I don't know exactly who all is reading this right now, know that I prayed this over you, too.  ~grin~}

Do you recall a time that the Lord has given you a sermon within a sermon like this?

If You Struggle With Prayer...

I've told you before that prayer can be hard for me.

But in my mommy-with-young-kids season,  I have accepted the fact that an hour of quiet prayer every-single-morning may be the exception.  Not the rule.

I've come to grips with this.

But the invitation still remains.  Every moment...the Lord invites us into His Throne Room to pray.

The good news for me is that....kids are allowed! {grin}

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thess 5:17

It is obvious from the descriptions of Paul's prayer life that he prayed for an enormous amount of people.  He tells the church of Ephesus, "I have not stopped giving thanks for you.  Remembering you in all of my prayers. (Ep 1:16)

He tells the church at Philippi that He "prays for joy in all of [his] prayers" for them (Phil 1:4).

To Timothy he writes, "I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day." 2 Tim 1:3

It is obvious...the man prayed.  A lot.

Paul must have spent some time each day naming before God all of his churches, colleagues and supporters.  And that is wonderful.  But how on earth does this translate today?  To me.  In my mommy-with-little-kids season?

My heart echoes the disciples' plea in Luke 11:1.

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us how to pray."

And, of course, Jesus is answering.

I recently finished the book, A Praying Life, by Paul Miller.

Hands down, one of the best books I have ever read on prayer.

Miller says, "Let's face it, prayer is hard.  In fact, prayer is so hard that most of us simply do not pray unless an illness or a public setting, such as saying grace at a meal, demands it.  Prayerlessness is rooted in a core unbelief that can shape our lives, even as Christians.  Because of prayerlessness, our lives are often marked by fear, anxiety, joylessness and spiritual lethargy."

Does that resonate with you?

It did with me.

I truly can not tell you in one blog post how the Lord has renewed my prayer life while reading this book.  But in one blog post I can show you one little way he has.

You see, if I have walked with the Lord for twelve years, I have probably completed twelve or more journals.  Each one filled with list after list of prayer requests.  But if you asked me if I regularly prayed for people I would have to say, no.  Honestly.  How sad.

For whatever reason, "prayer lists" just don't jive with me.

Something about a list makes me think of Wal-mart.

Miller suggests prayer cards.  Simple 3x5 cards devoted to one person or category.  Each card filled with bullet point areas to pray.  Each card holding Scripture to claim for each person's life.

As you see, Ethan's card doesn't have Scripture, yet.  Every few days, I spend time asking the Lord about passages for my cards.  If I am going to pray Scripture over a person, I want it to be right and Spirit-led.  Not just a "nice verse" to recite.

I spend a few seconds reading each card before the Lord.  Focusing only on that person or group.

There are no long lists buying for my attention.  Just one card.

Something about this doesn't overwhelm me.

These cards have helped me in the discipline of confessing my sin daily before the Lord.  Mmm.  So good. See, there's my Repentance card.

Below you see my little prayer case.  Not another notebook!  Praise God.  This makes me happy.  And, if my quiet time is cut short (which often happens) I throw this case in my purse and take it with me.  So while sitting in pick-up line (or even one time at the car wash), I can pray.

God is OK with praying in the car wash :)

I don't know.  You may find it hokey.... my little 3x5 cards.  But I am so thankful for this system.  Something about it works for me.

Bonus: I feel even more connected to my family and friends because, like Paul, I am remembering them constantly in prayer.  I love that.

What about you? 


Do you struggle with prayer, too?  Have you found a way to break the "prayerlessness" cycle?  

Dollywood's Got Nothin' On You

Two mornings ago, the sun shone brightly through my bamboo, Roman shade. 

 My eyes opened and immediately I heard Him speak.

"This summer, be filled."

His voice, quiet and clear.

"Be filled."

He is faithful to answer my questions.  The past weeks, I had been asking...

Lord, what is Your purpose for this summer?  

Give me a word.  Give me a Scripture to claim.  

What do you want me to teach my boys?  Let's get creative.

And intentional.

"Be filled," He said.

Each summer I have focused on something.  Summertime Sanity, remember?! And then last year we planned a Summer of Significance.  We've read books and made crafts and kept calendars. 

And it was great!

But this Summer, the Lord is having me keep it simple.

"Be filled."

Parent, you don't need a new book or catchy moto this summer.  

The Holy Spirit lives inside you.  

You are in dwelt with the power that called light into existence.

Do you know this about yourself?  

If you haven't thought about this earth-shattering truth in a while sip your coffee and smile...

The Spirit of the Creator God lives in you and empowers your life.

This summer, be filled.

What does that mean to you?  What does that mean for your summer?  For your children?

How could this summer look different if we walk fully in the creativity of His Spirit?

Dollywood ain't got nothin' on you, honey.  This summer may just be the ride of your life.

As I have researched the word "filled" and prayed about my boys, I have asked the Lord what He wants me to do for the next 76 summer days.  Again, He answered.  Giving me one thing I thought I'd share.

It is simple.  But has been a blessing.

My two older boys (ages almost 9 & 6) have a new morning routine.

Each day, first thing when they come downstairs, they look at the chalkboard.

On it will be a passage reference.  Theirs to look up.  

I bought them each a new journal (spiral Mead notebook) and gave them pens and markers.

Quietly, they grab their Bible and start to flippin'.

I ask them to write out the verse. And next write down a few observations.

Ethan is younger, so sometimes he draws a picture or simply decorates the verse with fun color letters.  Then we will talk about it.

Either way, they are handling the Word of God.  First thing every morning.

They are old enough to begin embracing their own quiet times.

Yesterday, this verse graced our chalkboard.

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52

After Ethan wrote this down he said, "That's it?"

I couldn't help but laugh.  I said, 

"Yes, that's it.  But what are two things we know about Jesus' disciples from this simple phrase."

"Umm.  They were happy?"

"Yes, full of joy. What else?"

"And they had the Holy Spirit?"

"Yep.  The Bible says they were full of that, too.  Filled with His Spirit.  Do you think that we are full of joy when we are filled full of God?...."

And on we went....having a casual conversation about a life-changing Biblical truth.

I told you, simple.

But intentional.

Today, I pray the Lord would speak to you about your summer. 

Or maybe He has already!

 I hope you'll share.

Share a word.  Or His vision.  

For your children and the next 76 days.  

Thanks for letting me share mine {smile}.

Lord, Teach Me How To Pray...Scripture (w/Printable)

Tuesday, I confessed how, "God's Word can be so intimidating!" with its 31,103 verses. Wow. And we are encouraged to read, and pray and memorize its contents which can leave us feeling more defeated in the mornings...instead of empowered.

God, however, equips us in every way imaginable. This area not excluded.

When praying Scripture over my husband, boys, family, home, health, etc, the Lord uses four methods of helping me find Scripture to pray over my family.

The first two I discussed Tuesday...
1. Pray before you pray.
2. Finding key words to pray over my people.

And now the next two...

3. Trusty websites. I don't know where I would be without Blue Letter Bible. This nifty tool has been a key player in my understanding of Scripture. If you're not familiar think...concordance on steroids. Handy dandy, I tell you. I encourage you to visit and play around. There you can find a concordance for every version of the Bible (KJV, NKJV, NIV, ESV & more) which allows us to search more exhaustively. Sweet! Also study tools, devotionals, commentaries and dictionary aids are at your fingertips.

My blogsphere friend, Amy, suggested YouVersion. Which is also a great tool for reading plans, different versions, study notes and feedback with a Christian community. Very cool. Thanks Amy!!

There are also several websites that are devoted to praying scripture. While some believe that the world wide web is the devil, I take the stance that 'For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him.' Colossians 1:16. All things through him and for Him. Even the web. Even google. God is not offended by Google. It is OK to type "scripture for my children" in your search bar! God will bless and be blessed by your search.

My friend and neighbor sent me a "Praying for you children" link last week. Listen, run, do not walk, to your printer. This one is refrigerator worthy. Here is the link. Happy printing!

4. Go with what you know. Aren't there a few scriptures that you just know? If all else fails, pray what you know. Example, just about everyone knows, "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

This verse converts beautifully into a prayer for your family. "Lord, today, I pray that Brent would be still and know that you are his God." Mmm. Powerful.

I have to stop believing that I should "do better than that." God is pleased with my desire to pray His Word. It doesn't matter if I am praying the Greek definitions or in the Amplified version. As long as I pray! My pride tries to convince me I must come up with something new. Not true.

After sitting in front of my blank journal and 31,103 verses in the Bible, the Lord started to ink my pages with passages for my people. He chose at least one, if not all, of these methods to get it there. Here are a few of the final results...

Brent: For the Lord is a sun and a shield, the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

Brothers: May my children grow to find your word more precious than gold, than much pure gold, and sweeter than honey. Psalm 19:10

Mamaw: He upholds the fatherless and the widows and sets them upright. Psalm 146:9

Luke's salvation: Lord, let salvation spring up within Luke, that he would obtain salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:10

Health: He, himself, bore our sin his body on the tree that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Lord, thank you for your Word! I pray the past couple of days have been a blessing to these readers! Let us all grow in the knowledge of your Word! I pray against intimidation or timidity, as you do not give us a spirit of fear! But of POWER AND LOVE AND SOUND MIND!!!! I love you Lord. Amen.

Lord, Teach Me How To Pray...Scripture

We are encouraged to pray Scripture over our lives. Claim Scripture over our family, bathe our babies in Scripture, to believe Scripture for our healing, to stand on Scripture for our marriage...

But there are 1,189 chapters in the Bible. These chapters containing 31,103 verses.

Hello.

This exhortation to pray Scripture can leave us feeling incompetent. Inferior. Defeated.

And add to that, I have false assumptions. I assume that "really good" Christians intuitavely know the right Scripture to pray. An anointed Word from Heaven sits on the tip of their tongues waiting to slay the next stronghold that rises against them. I assume that Spiritual giants spend all of their free time memorizing Epistles and thumbing through Strong's Concordance.

I am watching to see that my Word is fulfilled. Jeremiah 1:12

And then there's me. A thirty-something mother of three highly energetic boys who has roughly one hour in the mornings to pray, read, journal, worship and squeeze in a blog.

Strong's Concordance doesn't always make it to the table.

The reality is, everyone starts somewhere.

In my five weeks away, the Lord led me to pray. I mean really pray for my people...Brent, my boys, Mamaw, friends, our home, our health, our future, our safety.

And Pray His Word.

His instruction to me very clear. Over each situation. Pray His Word.

So one morning, I sat over an open Bible and a blank journal page.

Bullet point. Brent
Bullet point. Grant
Bullet point. Ethan
Bullet point. Luke
Bullet point. Mamaw
Bullet point. Budget
Bullet point. Ministry

Bullet point.....

I had written out my list...now for the Scripture.

31,103 verses staring back at me.

Where do I start?

I have to believe that I am not the only one who feels overwhelmed by God's Word sometimes.

Do you feel "all thumbs" when thumbing through the Bible, too?

This week, I though we could share together. Although the Lord can speak to us in numerous ways, there are four tools the Lord often uses to guide me through His Word. I will share two today. And two next time.

In the meantime, I hope you'll comment and share tools you use to navigate through Scripture.

1. Pray before you pray. This sounds redundant, doesn't it?

But James instructs us, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all. (James 1:5) No one knows the Word better than the Author Himself. He will speak to us when we ask. We hear His voice. So let us ask Him first. He might just cut to the chase and tell you what to pray. I don't want to pray my agenda for my family, I want to pray His. I want His will for my family. This process must start with prayer.

2. Key Words. My prayer time BFF, without a doubt, is the concordance in the back of my Bible.

For example, when I asked Lord, "What am I praying over Brent?" the Lord gave me a word... Favor. OK...so I am praying for Brent to have favor. I then flipped and found the word favor in my concordance. Bingo. Two Scriptures immediately grabbed my attention. I turned to them, studied, and then wrote them beside Brent's bullet point. I have been praying them ever since. Thank you, Lord!

Two more to come...

Your turn.

Day 17: Love Sends a Text (or something like it)

When I married Brent, I hit the "In-Law" lottery. I really did. I heart all of Brent's family.

My sister-in-law, Erin, is married to Brent's twin brother. She is amazing. I could list one hundred reasons why she is wonderful, but today I will list only one.

She let's me know when she is praying.

It is not uncommon to get an early morning text from her saying, "Praying for you this morning! Tell those boys we love them."

Mmm. It feels so good to be on some one's heart.

I also received a message from one of my dearest and best two nights ago. She lives in Florida. Her message said, "Hey, the Lord has brought you to mind like crazy. So I've been praying for you. I am wondering what is going on. Call me back!" {Feli! I plan to call you today!}

Doesn't the Lord do this? Bring people to mind? And nine times out of ten...it is not happenstance. It is for a reason. An unction from the Holy Spirit to PRAY for them.

But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. Luke 22:32

Jesus, in this memorable passage of scripture, tells Simon Peter, Hey, I've been praying for you. I can only imagine how Jesus' words made Peter feel...the Son of God praying for him. Amazing.

And you know what...He prays for you, too - Romans 8:26.

Day Seventeen: Love Sends a Text (or something like it)

Today, let someone know you've been praying for them. Tell them. Text them. Call them. Email. Facebook. Tweet them. Hand them a card. {Golly geez, we're so connected.} Let that person know that the Lord has them on your heart. How special, is that!? It will bless them, guaranteed.

Do you have a cool story of someone praying for you, right when you needed it?

I Need To Know This...

From the lips of infants and children you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. Psalm 8:2

Do you ever feel as if the enemy, the Devil himself, has a plot against you? Do you ever think that He is on your tale, bombarding you with conflict after conflict, illness after illness, affliction after affliction?

Well, your intuition is spot on. He does have a plot against you. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says the thief comes only to kill you, steal from you and destroy you. (John 10:10)

But we have Good News. Very, very Good News. We are fully equipped to fight.

And not just fight, but win.

We have the power, through the name of Jesus, to silence our foe.

When we praise our God, the Bible says our enemy has to flee.

Don't miss this: The ESV version of the Bible says that He has ordained praise to still the enemy and the avenger. - Psalm 8:2

In its original Hebrew text, to "still" the enemy means to cause to fail; to suffer; to be lacking.

Oh, how I love this Truth. The enemy’s plot against me FAILS when I praise Jesus. Satan suffers and recognizes his lack when we worship our God.

"Abort mission. Nothin' to see here fellas." His plan fails against the name of Jesus.

Goodness gracious, I need to know this.

This side of heaven, we will never fully know how powerful and just what all happens when we speak the name of Jesus.

What a privilege to even say it out loud. Jesus. There is just something about that name.

Will you take a few minutes to worship with me? This song, Your Great Name, by Natalie Grant, describes so many wonderful truths about the name of Jesus. Let us enter into His presence in praise while the enemy recognizes his lack and flees.

Your Great Name - Natalie Grant

Lost аrе saved; find tһеіr way; аt tһе sound οf уουr ɡrеаt name
All condemned; feel no shame, аt tһе sound οf уουr ɡrеаt name
Eνеrу fеаr; һаѕ no рƖасе аt tһе sound οf уουr ɡrеаt name
Tһе enemy; he has to leave; аt tһе sound οf уουr ɡrеаt name

Chorus
Jesus, Worthy іѕ tһе Lamb tһаt wаѕ ѕlain fοr υѕ, Son οf God аnԁ Man
Yου аrе high аnd lifted up; tһаt аll tһе world wіll praise уουr ɡrеаt name

AƖƖ tһе weak; find tһеіr strength; аt tһе sound οf уουr ɡrеаt name
Hungry souls; receive grace; аt tһе sound οf уουr ɡrеаt name
Tһе fatherless; tһеу find tһеіr rest; аt tһе sound οf уουr ɡrеаt name
Sick аrе healed; аnd tһе dead аrе raised; аt tһе sound οf уουr ɡrеаt name

Jesus, Worthy іѕ tһе Lamb tһаt wаѕ ѕƖаіn fοr υѕ, Son οf God anԁ Man
Yου аrе high аnd lifted up; tһаt аƖƖ tһе world wіƖƖ praise уουr ɡrеаt name

Redeemer, Mу Healer, Almighty
Mу savior, Defender, Yου аrе Mу King

Jesus, Worthy іѕ tһе Lamb tһаt wаѕ ѕƖаin fοr υѕ, Son οf God аnd Man
Yου аrе high аnd lifted up; tһаt аƖƖ tһе world wіƖƖ praise уουr ɡrеаt name

A Long Run. And a New Couch.

The date was 10-10-10 of last year. The weather was picture perfect Autumn. Crisp, clean air. Ripe leaves ready to touch ground. And this morning my mind was made up. On 10-10-10, I wanted to run 10 miles....By golly.

I remember this run, not because it was 10-10-10. Not because it was a picture perfect Autumn morning. I remember this run because it was one of the few runs in my life that everything felt "right." My joints ran smooth. My lungs felt strong. The road didn't seem as if it would never end. My Ipod was fully charged. I was pleased with my pace. But, best of all, God met me on the course that day. Go ahead, call me a complete flake. But my 10 miles on 10-10-10 was worship.

I felt God's presence with me. And it was quite remarkable. Memorable. Prayerful. I remember praying, Lord, I love this so much. I love to run. And I love being with You. How fun to be a running coach. A Christian running coach! Wow, to run alongside someone but yet encourage them in their faith, as well. (Hold on it gets cheesier) I could even quote Scripture while they ran! Hebrews 12! Throw aside every weight that entangles you! Run with endurance the race before you! Look to Jesus! Be steadfast. Your feet are fitted with the good news of the Gospel! Whoo hoo! Go go! You can do it!"

I once told our friend (and boss), Britain about this little pipe-dream/prayer of mine. Britain warned me that if he ever finds me running up behind him yelling Hebrews 12, he might have to punch me.

So my cheesy, silent dream of becoming a "Christian Running Coach" was never publicized. I never spoke of it to anyone except Brent and jokingly Britain.

The Lord, however, did not sit on this little prayer.

Fast forward a couple of weeks to the YMCA on a Monday morning. Circuit class. 9:30. My friend Tisha, mid-workout, asked me this very question. "Becky, I was wondering, would you consider something? I would like for you to coach me. I want to run another marathon and improve my pace. Maybe you could work me up a plan to help do this. And I could do some sewing for you. I know you've talked of having your couches reupholstered. I could sew and you could train. We could barter."

I about died, I tell you. "Let me think about it...3-2-1...YES YES YES YES YES!!!!"

How neat is that? So we did. We bartered training for sewing.

But as the Lord works, he always has immeasurably more. Come February, she found out she is expecting a baby. Which threw a welcomed wrench in her marathon plans, but we continued working out. And a barter became a couch, and a marathon became a baby, and this little pipe dream of mine on 10-10-10 became one of the sweetest friendships in my life. (I just adore you, Tisha!) I learn so very much from this soon-to-be mommy of six. Godly, grounded, motivated, consistent, enthusiastic - just a few words to describe her. Not to mention she is one adorable and fit pregnant lady.

But listen. The story gets better. After the couches were complete...she continued to have vision for my house (did I mention she is an interior designer, too?) and I continued to have workouts for her little pregnant self. So we continued to train and sew and train and sew...

And I proudly give all Glory and Honor and Praise to the Lord for the beauty he has bestowed on my house and in my heart because of this sweet woman of God.

Wanna see?

This was my house before Tisha. Nothing bad. Just a bit dated. And vision-less.

Hello red plaid couch.


Pictured from the front door. There's Brent. Hello Brent. And lots of red.


Whoa. And more red. The kitchen has by FAR undergone the most transformation. I can't wait to show you.


Funny story about these curtains. I did end up selling them on Craigslist. And the lady that bought them owned a funeral home. She planned to hang them in her funeral home. Why didn't any one tell me that I had funeral home curtains hanging in my dining room?

(I will have you know that I never quoted Hebrews 12 to Tisha during a run. Just thought I'd throw that in. LOL.)

To see the "after" pictures, come back tomorrow...Fun!

God Wants Us To Ask

Anne Graham Lotz and I aren't friends, sisters-in-Christ, yes, but true friends, no. So I can't say she is "guest posting" for me this morning. However, I read her daily devotional and feel as if I know her. That being said, I feel freedom to share this post from the other day. I have pondered it and been so moved by its message. Sweet Lord, he wants us to ask Him - for everything. He's our Daddy. He hears us and loves to bless His babies. Enjoy..

If we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:15, NKJV

During the days of Ezekiel, God poured out His heart and shared what He wanted to do for His beloved people. Then He revealed an astonishing fact: "I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them" (Eze. 36:37, KJV). God was waiting to be asked!

My mother said that if there are any tears shed in heaven, they are going to be shed over all the answers to prayer for which no one ever bothered to ask. What blessing is God waiting to give you, but you haven't asked Him for it?



Why does He wait for us to ask? Maybe He wants us to acknowledge our need of Him. Maybe it's one way of getting our attention. Maybe it's the only way we will know when the answer comes that it comes from Him, and we don't credit ourselves or someone else for it.

Blessings,
Anne Graham Lotz

{Praying for you, Pep Moms}

A Poem for the School Boy

Oh my sweet boy, what can I say?
Weren't you born just the other day?

How did this happen? You big guy, you.
All grown up and going to
Kindergarten, today its true!

I am thrilled and proud!
(But so sad, too.)

Last night I tucked you in your bed.
It all came to me - the books we've read,
The games we've played, the Sunday praise,
The fun we've had these schooless days.

But now it's time to send you out.
So run and learn and jump and shout!

"I'm five and smart and ready to start
This school God's called me to be part!"

Now don't forget, I'll be right here
To help you read and dry your tears.

I wish you knew how proud I am
to call you mine and hold your hand.

My big school boy, have a great first day
You go on, I'll stay here and pray.

Now, Sweet Lord, between us two
Watch over Him. Protect him, too.

I know you love him more that I
But I don't like to say "good-bye."

So this is what I'll have to do,
I'll find rest in your Word, it's true.

"For I know the plans I have for you
To give them hope and a future, too."

Those words so sweet to mommy ears.
I know you love my little dears.

Now hold my hand and dry my tears
And thank you for these special years.

Is Your Calendar Chaos?

Yesterday, the boys and I were outside. And it was hot. Like give me 150 SPF hot.

But something ever so slight spoke of the coming of Fall. Ever. So. Slight. I can't explain it. But despite the blazing sun, the hint was there. The blue of the sky, a light breeze, a faint smell of dying leaves saying, Hello! Fall is near.

Yet, what speaks more of the coming of Fall is chaos of my planner. Oh dear. I think my August calendar could overwhelm even a non-reader. It is ornate with white out, pencil scratch, eraser marks, highlighter, sticky notes and "sharpie" appointments.

A new semester: Back to school picnics. Staff meetings. Overnight student planning. Kindergarten meet and greet. Orientations. Preschool open house. Welcome week on UT's campus. Freshman moving in. Outreaches. You name it.

Being on staff with a campus ministry, our lives are rarely 8 to 5. One day Brent may work 10 to 7. The next 6 to 4. The next 1 to 11:30. Our calendar is constantly changing. And just about the time I "get it down"... students are taking finals, Christmas break comes, and it changes again in Spring.

I have spent a lot of time glaring at my planner.

And the more I stare, the more I ask, Why can't there be two of me?

Yesterday, I was on the treadmill and the Lord spoke to my heart...

(Maybe it is the hamster wheel likeness of the treadmill that represents me so well, I'm not sure, but the Lord He speaks to me there.)

Running...running....running....

Pray more than you plan.

Running...running....running....

Pray more than you plan.

I left the gym and I heard Him all day long. Pray more than you plan. (The Type A in me wants to rebel against this.)

As coffee brews in the mornings, I open all of my quiet time stuff. First, I turn on my computer. Then I open my email. Then I look to my calendar. Then I write my to-do list. And then I pray....

I go into my time with the Lord backwards.

I plan more than I pray.

Exhibit A:


Is anybody feeling me on this?

My order of events should look more like this.

Exhibit B:


Commit you work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

Your work (ma`aseh)- deeds, a thing done, acts, labour, business, pursuits, undertakings, achievements,a thing made...

Commit my work to the Lord....commit all of my labor, my daily business, all of my pursuits and dreams. Every undertaking. All of my achievements. All that I make and all of the things I do....COMMIT THEM TO HIM.

And he will accomplish them for me.

Hallelujah.

That takes the pressure off.



Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Psalm 146:5

If the past is any indicator of the future ... the next month may be a bit crazy. But the Lord is my help. The God of Jacob is my hope.

And according to Scripture...I am blessed.

Neither chaos nor calamity nor my crazy calendar can separate me.

Pray more than you plan. Commit your ways to the Lord and your PLANNER will be established.

(Total side note: I can't help but think of school teachers this morning. I know they are writing so many plans right now. I am praying for you all today, sweet school teachers. From the bottom of my heart..."Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.")

31 Days of Prayer: Eight (Showing Mercy)

Mercy

Children:
"May my children always be merciful, just as You are merciful."

Myself and Others:
"May I and _________ always be merciful, just as you are merciful."

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36

Being female, compassion somewhat comes with the package. Girls are, for the most part, more nurturing and boys. It is amazing to me that I have to teach mercy and compassion to my children.



I am always a bit discouraged when I don't see Grant running to his brother's aid when he falls and gets hurt. Especially if Grant is the cause of the injury. And with boys, this is often the case.

"Grant, will you come here and check on your brother? Pat his shoulder. Ask him if he is OK. Show mercy and compassion to those hurting around you."

I'm not kidding. Those words have come from my mouth.

But, as silly as that sounds, Jesus' words to us are not much different. "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." He had to teach his disciples the same principle. Mercy isn't a suggestion - it is a command.

Our first response is not always mercy. Sadly, my flesh likes revenge, grudge and bitterness much better. But Jesus says, "No, no Becky. Love those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for your abusers. Not only do good to those who love you, but do good to the unlovable. Expecting nothing in return." (Luke 6:27-36)

A tall order for little me. But just another day for the Holy Spirit. With Him, nothing is impossible.

31 Days of Prayer: Four

Honesty and Integrity

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. Psalm 25:21

Children:
"May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection."

Myself or Others:
"May integrity and honesty be the virtue and protection of _______________."

I often pray protection over my children. I'm sure you do, as well. It is such piece of mind knowing we can hope (or wait expectantly) for the Lord to protect our children. Synonyms for the Greek word protect (natsar) are words such as watchtower, guard, blockaded and lodge. A life of integrity and uprightness before God act as watchmen over our children. The Lord is their shelter. And yours.

Thank Him for this amazing truth today.

31 Days of Prayer: One

Salvation

Children:
"Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory."

Others or Myself:
"Let salvation spring up within __________. Let the salvation that is in Christ Jesus be obtained, with eternal glory."

You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the LORD, have created it. Isaiah 45:8





So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:10

An Invitation: 31 Prayers For Our Children

This morning my eyes opened and I heard a phrase. The voice within my soul speaking.

The Holy Spirit's unction giving me a Word.

I love it when the LORD does this.

He said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer."

My feet hit the ground and downstairs I go. Coffee brewing, I grab my Bible. I am thinking the Lord is going to take me to the Gospels where Jesus turns tables, reprimands the money changers and gives His "den of thieves" address.

Nope, instead he took me to Isaiah 56:6 & 7:

And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minster to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant- these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my alter; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

Do you feel like a foreigner sometimes? Has it been a long time since you've done anything "religious" or gone to church? Or maybe you go to church every time the door opens, but your heart is stagnant. Maybe you've hit a valley and your spiritual ear has gone deaf. Or perhaps you have done Christian event after Christian event, but rarely get before the Lord, just you and Him?

Do you know all of that can change this very second? In a flash, the Lord can turn us around. The Gospel can grip the heart in an instant. And change your life.

He can change your circumstance.

Join yourself to the Lord. This word join translates as "adhering oneself to Jehovah." Isn't that a beautiful thought? To be stuck on Jesus. I like.

"My holy mountain" (v.7) is the place of God's presence and his people's worship - a house of prayer for all peoples.

This morning, your heart can be that place - the place of God's presence. Your kitchen table, the car on your morning commute, an early morning jog, your living room floor... all of these are eligible places to be a "house of prayer" because God is with us.

As you read this blog post, He is with you. Say Hello. Honor His presence. Wow.

He wants to bring us to the mountain today. Everyone is eligible. Every Israelite. Every Foreigner. Every Bible teacher. Every alcoholic. Every Sunday school leader. Every thief. Every teenager. Every senior citizen. Every wandering soul....

Come to the holy mountain and be made joyful in the house of prayer.

Love the name of the LORD. Be His servant today. Hold fast to His covenant.

He absolutely adores you.

An Invitation to 31 Days of Prayer
Tomorrow will begin a 31-day-series of prayer. Under "A Quick Fix" at the top of this page is a list of prayers for our children. We will be going through each one for the next month.



If you don't have children, tune in and pray them over yourself. Or your spouse. Or your friends. I plan on wording them so they are reader friendly, not only parent friendly.

Some days I will only post the prayer. Other days I will post more. The Lord has wanted me to do this for a while and this morning He gave clearance.

"A house of prayer." Or in our case...a blog of prayer.

Will you commit to this? Intentionally praying for your children the next 31 days?

I urge you to share this post with a friend. Invite people on Facebook. Share this invitation on your blog. Forward this as an email.

Let us, as God's people, join forces in prayer for the next generation.

See you tomorrow. Can't wait!

What Hinders You?

What is the biggest distraction between you and a deeper relationship with God?

What consumes your thought life?

Are you one to make "promises" to God and break them?



I am so sick and tired of anything competing for my affection with Christ. He is so much better than "whatever it is" that might hinder a closer connection with Him.

A hindrance may be as big as alcohol, pornography or overspending.

It may be as simple as gossip, laziness, food or television.

Oh, He is better.

Read this and meditate on its depth...

Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways. Job 22:26-28

You will find greater delight in Him. He hears your prayer.

Today I am making a decision.

A decision to go deeper. A decision to move closer to my God.

A decision to die.

To die to the thing or things that cause my growth to slow.

To die to anything that hinders my walk.

We are called to die. So we can live.

What is it today that needs to be put to death in you?

Pray about it. Make a decision.

And in the power of the Holy Spirit, you will fulfill your vows.

Are you in?

Praying and Parenting...Where's the Balance?

Do you have guilt concerning your prayer life?

Do you feel as if you never pray "enough" or give the Lord the time He deserves?

Oh, I feel that way.

I recently read a passage out of Nora King's, Thirty Days to a Better Prayer Life. She says, "When you look at Jesus' life, you will see that there were many times He withdrew from the hustle and bustle of life and the crowds of people to pray. We need to follow Jesus' example by stealing away in prayer on a consistent basis."

So good. Mmm.

But to be honest, reading this created such guilt in me. "Lord, I do need to do this more. Just you and me sneaking away to pray." I dream of quiet places of solitude. Jesus and I having long talks over coffee.

But it is so stinkin' hard to find the balance some days. I have three boys. Three of which wake up at the crack of dawn and don't go down until dark. And if I spend all of my quiet time praying in the morning what about Bible reading? Or study? Or worship?

I took this dilemma to my mentor.

I asked her, "Are my expectations too high for my prayer life? I wish I had an hour everyday to pull away and pray. A certain place in my home designated for solitude and prayer. I am having a hard time doing that. I feel defeated in it."

Debbie confirmed that my expectations probably are too high for where I am in life right now. She agreed that pulling away with the Lord for extended periods are necessary at times, but more the exception than the rule in this hectic season of life.

She encouraged me, "Do spiritual things while you are doing natural things. When you are cleaning the kitchen, listen to a sermon. While you are folding laundry, pray out loud. Feed your spiritual self all day long. Stay nourished in the things of God."

So freeing to hear. My prayer life will change with each season of life. I just need to do the best with what He's given me today.

When I get that long time with Him - bonus.

This is a prayer tool I have used since January. Simple...nothing fancy, but it has really helped me in organizing my thoughts for prayer...



I just filled this out yesterday and thought I'd share.

The first line of each day, I write down a person in my immediate family. Second, I write down someone or something specific I want to pray for or about. My closest friends, needs they have, etc. I am still working on this month's, but you get the picture. (Pun intended)

And throughout the day, let us be reminded to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

His will for you. To rejoice, pray and give thanks...without ceasing.

Whether on your knees before him in a quiet place, in a church pew, driving in the car or while folding laundry, Sesame Street blarring in the background...rejoice always, pray and give thanks.

With this, He is well pleased.

Serving Others - Without Obligation

Show Your marvelous loving kindness by Your right hand. - Psalm 17:7

My service to others should always be motivated by love.

Not love I "muster" up, but genuine love, from the depth of my heart.

In my own efforts, this is hard to do. Practically impossible at times. Especially when I have worked for forty-five minutes preparing a meal for my family, everything finally in place, each drink poured, every condiment in easy reach, and before the fork can touch my lips, "Mom, will you cut off my corn?" or "Can I have bread, too?"

A bit begrudgingly, I rise. My food growing colder by the second.

I serve. But not with "loving kindness". Not with "marvelous" compassion.

But with sass.

Ugh. This is not love. This is love seasoned with guilt. A little extra force as I butter the bread. An exerted huff as I cut the corn off the cob.

"Mommy wants to eat, too, you know."

Charles Spurgeon wrote, "When we give our hearts with our alms, we give well, but we must often plead to a failure in this respect. Not so our Master and our Lord. His favours are always performed with the love of his heart. He does not send to us the cold meat and the broken pieces from the table of his luxury, but he dips our morsel in his own dish, and seasons our provisions with the spices of his fragrant affections. When he puts the golden tokens of his grace into our palms, he accompanies the gift with such a warm pressure of our hand, that the manner of his giving is as precious as the boon itself."

Oh, read that again. I could just cry.

The pressure He applies to our hand as He presents us a gift is a precious as the gift itself.

Oh, Jesus. Let me serve like You.



Serving - without aggravation. Not with exasperation. Nor motivated by duty or obligation.

Lord, let me be motivated by selfless, Christ-centered affection for the recipient. Be it my husband. Be it my children. Or even more difficult right now, my grandmother, whose situation is growing more complex by the day.

Let me die to myself. And love like Jesus.

"It is impossible to doubt the sincerity of Christ's charity, for there is a bleeding heart stamped upon the face of all his benefactions. He giveth liberally and upbraideth not. Not one hint that we are burdensome to him; not one cold look for his poor pensioners; but he rejoices in his mercy, and presses us to his bosom while he is pouring out his life for us." - C. Spurgeon

Let our lives be poured out as an offering, not only to God, but to all those His Sovereignty places in our path.

Lord, give us grace to show "marvelous loving kindness" motivated by affection only your Spirit can give.

Prayer Request: Today my grandmother will undergo back surgery. Pretty major surgery for any 90-year-old person. Please pray for Sweet Ethel today. She has been in so much pain for so long. She's beyond ready to be done with her discomfort. Thank you.

Love you all so.