Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts

Friday, July 17, 2009

TGoF .14

Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I am so thankful for/that...
  1. my husband puts up with my emotions.
  2. you can and are changing my heart to be more like yours.
  3. people that are praying for my family.
  4. stamp club is this weekend!
  5. friends, old and new.
  6. good books.
  7. the Good Book.
  8. my camera.
  9. my children and health and thriving.
  10. we have 4.5 months to go!

Friday, July 10, 2009

TGoF .13


Awesome Father, Lord and Savior, today I thank you for/that...
  1. my family's health.
  2. craft time.
  3. quiet time.
  4. prayer time.
  5. my awesome Bible studies and everyone that goes to them, too.
  6. people that drop off clothes for the boys on my front step.
  7. a/c.
  8. my husband has a job.
  9. my husband can go to school for free.
  10. my husband.

Friday, June 12, 2009

TGoF .9

Precious and Gracious Lord, today and everyday I am thankful for/that...

#1 we are healthy.
#2 my Bible study groups, they have become great friends.
#3 Jason making a commitment to doing The Love Dare with me even though he is crazy busy.
#4 Proverbs.
#5 new paper from Stampin' Up. This may seem petty but this really helps me de-stress and use one of my gifts.
#6 comments on my blog. It really makes me feel good!
#7 books. What a great escape!
#8 cameras (especially my very nice one!), otherwise I'd forget so much.
#9 will be going home in December!
#10 my rockin' hubs!

Friday, June 5, 2009

TGoF .8



Precious Lord, This day I thank you for/that...
#1 Jason and I are able to do a Bible study together.
#2 the gorgeous weather.
#3 the blessing of starting my day with You, quietly and in peace.
#4 John 3:16. The sacrifice and the book by Nancy Moser.
#5 our healthy, energetic, loving boys.
#6 caffeine, mainly in cappuccino form.
#7 amazing Christian friends.
#8 family that loves us and thinks about us even though we are 10,000 miles away.
#9 Jason.
#10 You.
~AMEN!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Will you?

I'm not going to rant but I wanted to share this and ask for prayers. Today I caught a bit of news (I normally try to ignore it) about horrible things going on in the US. The girls that made a video about how to kill one of their classmates, the eleven year old boy that committed suicide because he was being bullied and picked on, the mentally disabled adults that were made to fight by the staff trusted to care for them. This is sickening to me. I don't know what I can do, other than pray. So, pray I will. Will you?

-Proverbs 3:5-6-
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Friday, May 22, 2009

TGoF .6


Lord God, You are an awesome and loving God, today I thank you and praise you for/that
#1 Jason has the next week off from work, we are in need of some rejuvenation and he deserves a break.
#2 I got a check from CafePress today!
#3 opening my eyes to a new way of eating. (Please Lord, help me to maintain it and treat my body as a gift from you!)
#4 this is our last (blazing hot) summer in Sicily.
#5 friends. Near and far, old and new.
#6 Bible studies, for helping me "get it".
#7 you are my rock and comforter.
#8 my husband is so patient and attentive to my needs.
#9 our healthy, smart and loving boys.
#10 our little chapel here in Mineo. Mineo Rocks!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Food Tracking and Living A Healthier Lifestyle

Much like balancingeverything I very much dislike food journaling. The thought of writing down everything I put in my mouth makes me nauseous. I know that it works and is a great way to reflect on my poor eating habits but it is just another chore for me to do. So balancingeverything recently started her weight loss blog and shared this tip. I love it and have made my own!

This is for an 1800 calorie day, which is the amount recommended to me by a Registered Dietitian for healthy weightloss of 1-2 pounds per week. You can also go to MyPyramid and find out your serving allowances for each day. This is a great article about making smart choices for weight loss.

The American Heart Association is a wonderful resource for learning about heart attack, stroke and the benefits on daily exercise. You can also learn about your BMI and ways to live a healthy lifestyle.

I'm also reading Gwen Shamblin's book entitled The Weight Down Diet. It is a Bible based approach to weight loss but more importantly overcoming overeating and turning to God to fill us up. Believe it or not it all comes full circle; eating, contentment, peace, joy.

-1 Corinthians 3:16
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

-1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

-Romans 13:14
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

-1 Kings 19:7-8
The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." So he got up and ate and drank.

Friday, May 15, 2009

TGoF .5











Amazing Lord, I am so thankful for/that...
#1 it is Friday.
#2 tomorrow is stamp club (GIRL TIME)!
#3 Elimy took my boys for TWO hours this morning, so I could get the floors mopped (I even moved furniture)!
#4 we are done with the doctor visits, other than my dentist appointment.
#5 a husband that listens and genuinely cares about what I have to say.
#6 other bloggers that share their knowledge with little ol' me and the world.
#7 my healthy, energetic, intelligent boys.
#8 cameras.
#9 those that minister to me, sharing and living God's word and grace.
#10 Jesus Christ, The Lord and Savior!

TWO FULL HOURS!

My friends are the bestest! Rather than wasting valuable time today, I swept and mopped, even under the furniture! I am still getting caught up on laundry from our gas being out over the weekend and Monday and Tuesday. I unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher. I went through the toys that are downstairs. And I wrote a note to a friend (yes, on real stationery)! God answers prayers, I swear He does!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Back to Proverbs


It always comes back to the way it ought to be...







Proverbs 31

1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him:

2 "O my son, O son of my womb,
O son of my vows,


3 do not spend your strength on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings.

4 "It is not for kings, O Lemuel—
not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,

5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

6 Give beer to those who are perishing,
wine to those who are in anguish;

7 let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.

8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.

9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

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.

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

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her
:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

TGoF .4



Lord God, I am so thankful for/that
#1 you, Lord are in control of it all.
#2 Heather accepted you into her heart as Lord and Savior!
#3 you have unconditional love for me, us, even though we are sinners and rebel against your ways.
#4 my giving, dedicated and patient husband.
#5 I am blessed to be able to stay home with my boys.
#6 A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George.
#7 modern conveniences; like cappuccino makers and microwaves and cell-phones.
#8 travel guides and the ability to visit the places in them.
#9 mothers, especially mine. (And my mother-in-law, too, she did such a good job!)
#10 children, they teach us more than any other experience ever could.

Share yours, too or link to your blogpost to share!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Only Seven Minutes

I wanted to share this article with you. I have been trying (setting my alarm, at least) to get up and start my day with God. On the days when I am able (and willing) to do this my day is smoother, more joyful and less chaotic. Jolanthe is a great blogger and seems to lead where I need to follow, if that makes sense.
Enjoy.

Friday, May 1, 2009

TGoF .3


Another week has passed... So many things to be thankful for...

Father God, I am so thankful for/that
#1 my beautiful, healthy boys.
#2 my funny, hard-working, devoted husband.
#3 the amazing opportunity to live and travel in Europe.
#4 the Bible, aka The Owner's Manual.
#5 the motivation I've had to get things done around here.
#6 the ability to stay at home with my boys.
#7 You share your knowledge and wisdom with us.
#8 my many blessed Christian friends.
#9 technology.
#10 my husband's job security.

Do you need help or tips for prayer? Prayercentral is a great resource!

"Christ must be in me, before I can be in heaven."
~ Paraphrase of the Entire New Testament Gospel

Thursday, April 23, 2009

TGoF .2


I can't believe how fast Friday comes every week. It makes a difference when I'm actually getting things done around here. My schedule is going pretty well. Laundry is great! Workboxes kind of took a break, it was a hectic week. Joshua is only three, it is ok if we miss a few days. OHHH! Do you like my logo for TGoF? I do! Don't forget to share what you are thankful for this week or link to your blog with your thankfuls there. Have a blessed weekend!

Lord God, I am thankful for/that
#1 you love me, no matter what I do or say, unconditionally.
#2 I have an amazing, hard-working, giving, funny husband.
#3 our health.
#4 our beautiful boys.
#5 the ability to live and travel in an amazing place, touched by your apostles.
#6 books!
#7 my wonderful friends, near and far.
#8 Jason is finally getting back to normal.
#9 laundry is getting easier.
#10 I can fully rely on you for all that I need.
AMEN!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Avoidance


It may be easy to avoid but physical balance and health are a very important piece to the life puzzle. I have struggled with my weight for quite a while now. Not my whole life but it started in high school. I can't even blame this weight on my boys. I weigh less now than I did before they came along. It is a huge commitment, so much time and energy, struggles with food, addiction, emotions and hormones. But my doctor, the one who prescribed my high blood pressure medicine, really thinks I need to lose some weight. Don't you think that would motivate me? If only... I highly dislike being told what to do and how to do it. This makes weight loss a bigger challenge. My husband has lost about 45 pounds in the last two years or so and that makes him an expert. I love him so much but he needs to take a class in how to talk to his wife about weight loss. I keep hoping that one day I will wake up and magically want to go to the gym! Or even more importantly, that I'll want to eat nutritious, satisfying foods. I just read this article about having a hungry soul and it really hit home. I wish that I could turn it all over to God but the control freak in me has a tough time with letting go. I guess I need to figure out WHY I eat. Maybe I need therapy. That wouldn't surprise me. Maybe I need to go to the gym. Hmm.
How do you keep physically in balance? What are your challenges? I can't be all alone in this battle, can I? Oh, the picture is me in 1993.

Friday, April 17, 2009

TGoF .1


WOW! Is it Friday already? My week went by really fast. Spring has sprung (and will hopefully be here to stay) here in Sicily. It is a gorgeous day and we had some great playtime with friends this morning.

I am going to continue my weekly post "Thank God on Friday". You can post yours in the comment section or on your blog and then put your address in the comments to share.

Lord God, I am so thankful for/that
#1 YOU! Your grace, love and the joy that you bring into my life!
#2 my wonderful, supportive, handsome husband!
#3 my family's health.
#4 my boys are thriving, loving and potty training.
#5 awesome Christian friends that are supportive, giving and "local" family.
#6 the internet, seriously! For connecting with family and friends, as well as learning resources.
#7 the Bible, I really need a hands on guide to life.
#8 we have freedom to worship you.
#9 we don't have to be scared on a daily basis for our safety (just watched Slumdog Millionaire).
#10 while our country is in a recession we are still amazingly rich and spoiled by worldly standards.
AMEN!

We are starting "My ABC Bible Verses" by Susan Hunt;
A soft answer turns away wrath. Proverbs 15:1
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Colossians 3:20

Have a wonderful weekend! Looking forward to reading what you are thankful for!

Friday, April 10, 2009

TGoF!


I'm thinking this will be my regular Friday post. TGoF! Thank God on Friday! I also challenge any readers to this with me. List ten things that you are thankful for, other than the obvious. Really think about your list. Here is mine...

I am thankful for/that
#1 God was holding my husband in His hands on Sunday when he crashed his motorcycle.
#2 we live in a country (even outside the US) in which we are able to worship our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, not in fear but with joy.
#3 my boys are healthy, happy and thriving.
#4 my husband has a secure job.
#5 the internet. Honestly, it is a necessity living here.
#6 my patience is getting better.
#7 Joshua is finally figuring out the potty thing.
#8 I have amazing friends.
#9 a great family (even my in-laws!).
#10 God puts up with me and all the junk I do and still loves me for me!

Some verses to think about...

Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 35:18
I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.
Luke 22:19
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I love BibleGateway.com! Search all the versions of the Bible by keyword, chapter or verse.

Have a blessed day! Enjoy your Easter holiday!

P.S. Thanks to the Company Girls for stopping by and saying hi!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Marathon Cleaning

I think everyone is finally feeling better in our house. Nikolas has molars coming in but I think his stomach bug is gone. Motrin keeps that under control. It seems like since we moved here in December, 2006 that we have been sick more than ever before. I do have to take into account that I have kids now an they love to share germs with other kids. But living in a small military community doesn't help. We had to reschedule Joshua's birthday party and the other kids invited either had just gotten over the bug or were in the middle of it.

Believe it or not I actually had some quiet time during all this bodily function mess. It was nice to spend some time with God. And also just read or sleep. I'm so lucky to have my husband home. I don't know what I'd do if he were deployed. He is such a blessing.

So with all my "rest" comes a messy, disaster of a house. There are cracker crumbs everywhere because that was the food of choice most of the weekend. I could see the germs lingering about. I wish it was warmer outside today so I could open everything and get some fresh air in here. I have been disinfecting, bathing, sweeping, dusting, washing and laundering since the sun rose this morning. The kids were more than happy with peanut butter toast for breakfast, good! Minimal mess. Just needed a quick blog break.

Back to life... Thanks for the prayers!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

A New Design


I am really excited about my newest design on CafePress and I have to share it. I have been playing with some new paintbrushes and colors in Photoshop CS4. Let me know what you think! If you look around in my store, you'll see how far I've come. I love creating and sharing. I also made my new header! What a productive day even with the sickies!

Sickies

One thing that throws everything out of balance is when any of us gets sick. Both boys needed bedding changes and baths last night, of course at different times. My husband has a cold and he is miserable, too. He stayed home from work today to rest and help with the kids. At least I'm getting ALL of the bedding washed.