Prayer Gifts

Fake Food Meals and a My-One-Word Update

May 13, 2013 in choices, Choose, prayergifts, stress eating, walking, weight loss, weightloss with 1 Comment

How many fake food meals have you eaten?

Every Sunday, my kindergarten Sunday school students feed me a smorgasbord of creative culinary creations from the pretend kitchen.

Usually, they bring me triple-decker steak burgers with a watermelon wedge on the side. With gusto, I admire their offerings and make the loudest chomping sounds I can as I “eat” them.

This morning, my darling Sofia presented me with a plate of plastic green beans and lettuce leaves.

“Why thank you, Sweetie! Do you think I need to eat more veggies?”

She grinned and nodded.

A few minutes later, she brought me a wedge of watermelon on a sesame seed bun.

I guess that was her idea of a compromise.

Sofia didn’t know she’d be my teacher today, but she was.

This year, my theme word is CHOOSE.

A couple of weeks ago, I made a big ol’ whopper of a choice. I resigned from my full-time teaching job in anticipation of a new adventure from God.

Now, it’s time to make another one.

It’s time to get healthy and fit. It’s time to release the 100 extra pounds with which my fearfully and wonderfully made body is burdened.

This is me with my friend Alice who graduated with her masters degree this weekend.

It’s time.

I won’t be buying the latest and greatest weight-loss book. I won’t be paying the big bucks for special foods or a diet program. I won’t be rising at 4:00 a.m. to go to skinny butt boot camp.

I will eat a reasonable diet with a wide variety of foods. I will lace up my walking shoes and resume my prayer walking. I will, with the power of the Holy Spirit living in me, stop attaching food and drink to comfort.

He is my comfort. His arms are my escape. His power is my self-control. (Click to tweet this)

Lord,

I’ve done this weight-loss thing so many times I could write my own book. Yet, here I am bigger than I’ve ever been. I’m not too worried about my limited fashion choices or how close I am to needing a seat belt extender on an airplane. I’m concerned with my lack of energy and my lack of restraint when it comes to food and drink. I’m weary of not letting Holy Spirit power be the boss of my appetite. It’s so much better to do things Your way, Jesus. I say I love you with my words. I want to show you how much I love You with my choices. I choose You. Amen

Biding My Time

May 8, 2013 in callings, change, dreams, hearing God's voice, patience, prayergifts, trusting God, waiting on the Lord with 1 Comment

I’ve never been a fan of surprises. One year, I had a feeling Cliff was going to throw me a surprise party, and I snooped up a storm until I figured out all the details. Not my finest moment. The waiting and wondering just slays me!

In 22 days, my tenure as a teacher at my junior high will end.

My heart feels swirly, shaky, and somewhat scared.

What comes next?

I hear the Spirit whispering, “Wait and see. Trust. Pray. Follow me.”

I hear my deep need for security squawking, “You need a back-up plan, a game plan, some kind of plan.”

I hear my sweetie’s patient but cautious voice saying, “I’m not sure about this.”

And I hear you, my friends. “I’m so excited for you!” “I’ve been waiting for this to happen!” “I can’t wait to see what God will do!” “I’m praying hard!”

Oh, friends, please pray. And after you pray, if you feel the Lord whispering a word of advice in your ear, please share.

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (ladytaz) Text added by Lee Merrill via ipiccy

One thing about being in God’s waiting room—there’s always something good to read.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:33-34 NIV).

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:14 NIV).

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him (Psalm 37:3-7 NIV).

I know what I want, but what I want isn’t always in sync with what God wants. So, I guess the prayer to pray is:

Lord, please either give me the desires of my heart, or change my heart. I get confused easily, Lord, so please make it all clear. Make it clear to me and clear to my sweetie, because we are in this thing together. Have I thanked You for him lately? We’re listening, Lord. We’re waiting, Lord. We trust You, Lord. AMEN

A Prayer Gift for a Teacher

May 7, 2013 in gratitude, prayergifts, teacher, teaching, Uncategorized with 0 Comments

Not that I’m tooting my own horn, but it’s Teacher Appreciation Week!

Not only am I a teacher, I’m the daughter of two retired teachers. Back in the day, my mom and dad would come home with every kind of apple-themed desk accessory known to man.

Today, the gift of choice seems to be Starbucks cards and sweet goodies.

Special education teachers are often overlooked, but the best gift I ever received from a student/parent was a $50 American Express card. I was shocked! I think that mom thought her son was more work than he actually was!

With the economy the way it is, it’s hard to afford gifts, especially if multiple students are involved.

A heart-felt prayergift is free and priceless at the same time. Here’s an example to get some ideas flowing through your mind.

Teachers need prayer, especially in May when everyone is worn out from a long school year. As a teacher, I thank you for being a supportive parent focused on your child’s success.

Here’s a prayer gift I gave to my youngest son’s favorite teacher, his fifth grade teacher, Amy Hoffman. She was a major answer to prayer that year.

Here’s a current pic of Amy…looks like her students still think she’s THE BEST!

Lord,

Thank you! You knew exactly who my Jacob needed as a teacher this year. He needed someone who would appreciate his quirks and encourage him to be his true self. He needed someone to push him to do his very best and to allow him to make mistakes without shame. He needed someone full of patience, humor, and compassion. Jacob got everything he needed in one beautiful person: Amy Hoffman.

As this school year draws to a close, I ask You to fill her with patience, to flood her with creativity, and to free her from burn-out.

Fill her with patience

As summer vacation approaches, squirrely behavior is at its peak. Restless kids are ready to run and romp. Swimming and sleeping in sounds so much better than spelling tests. I pray Amy will be able to handle unruly behavior with extreme patience. Give her the strength “to warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, [and] be patient with everyone” (I Thessalonians 5:14 NIV). As she responds to students, remind her that “a gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire” (Proverbs 15:1 The Message). Clothe Amy with patient endurance, gentle compassion, and unconditional love.

Flood her with creativity

It’s so easy to resort to auto-pilot during the last weeks of school. I pray Amy’s mind will be flooded with all kinds of fun, creative ways to keep her teaching fresh and her students’ learning alive. Give her the motivation to make a careful exploration of the work she has been given, and then sink herself into that. Each of us must take responsibility for doing the creative best we can with our lives (Galatians 6:4-5 The Message).

Free her from burn-out

I know Amy is weary. I know these last weeks of school tend to drag on and on. I ask You to free her from end-of-school burn-out. Give her restful sleep that will leave her feeling refreshed and ready for each day. When her eyes open each morning, may she be inspired with new ways to make learning come alive for her students. Give her divine inspiration on how to handle difficult behaviors or difficult learning challenges. And, Lord, I know this may sound trite, but I ask You to inspire the students with sweet ways to make Mrs. Hoffman feel appreciated. As the students think of all the ways their dear teacher has cared for them this year, motivate them to give her their best on this final stretch of the year.

Again, Lord, I thank you for blessing my son with such a loving teacher. I have no doubt he is ready for sixth grade because of her steady influence. Bless her in amazing ways. In the name of Christ I pray, AMEN

Lord, Help Us: A Prayer for America

May 2, 2013 in God bless America with 0 Comments

If you are visiting from Blog Talk Radio, welcome! On this National Day of Prayer, I’m tickled to be a guest on “My Journey of Faith,” hosted by my dear friend, Cynthia McCutcheon. If you haven’t listened to the episode, pop on over anytime!

Listen to internet radio with CWA Radio on BlogTalkRadio

Anytime I get to talk about prayer gifts, I’m a happy girl. Prayer gifts are my heart song, my favorite way to love on people, and a calling from God I can’t (and don’t want to) ignore.

Today, I write a prayer gift for my country and every heart that pledges allegiance to her. Will you join me in praying this prayer gift for America?

Pelham Memorial Day Parade - Fleet Week 2010

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (nycmarines)

Lord,

When I think of America, I see a wayward daughter—wild and reckless but beautiful and beloved.

We need You, Father. Heal our waywardness and lavishly love Your daughter, America (Hosea 14:4 MSG).

We need boundaries.

We’re spoiled-rotten, rebellious and raucous. With our sin displayed like neon signs, we stray further and further from the safety of Your arms. Then we blame You when we get waylaid by the organic repercussions.

Your patience astounds me, Lord. Our country deserves harsh judgment, yet You extend mercy and grace. You are a God of second chances, but You are also a God of justice (Isaiah 30:18).

[You are] compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love. [You] will not always accuse, nor will [You] harbor [Your] anger forever (Psalm 103:8-9 NIV).

Please, Lord, tell us, “That’s enough!” for our own good. (Click to Tweet This)

We need brokenness.

Comfort our frenzied spirits with the tough love of Your rod and staff (Psalm 23:4). Break our hearts over our sin and all the time we’ve wasted wallowing in it. Break our stubborn wills until all we care to do is obey Your every word. (Click to Tweet This)

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin Psalm 32:3-5 NIV).

We need believing hearts.

But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? (Romans 10:14-15 MSG)

May every member of the Body of Christ be like Jeremiah when he said:

So the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long. But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot (Jeremiah 20:8-9 NIV).

May we herald truth swaddled in love and compassion. Open every American heart so Your Spirit wind can hurricane away all the lies disguised as truth. May Your truth be the foundation of this country once again—not just on paper but on souls.

Father God, do whatever You must do to save Your wayward daughter, America. (Click to Tweet This)

In the name of Jesus who died in our place, I pray, AMEN

King of All Days and Shepherd of our Darkest Night

April 29, 2013 in darkness, God's faithfulness with 0 Comments

The Spirit of God rested heavy and sure on the Heart of Mesa today.

From the Sunday school hour with the kinders to the 11:00 worship service to the prayer meeting at suppertime.

In Sunday school, our lesson was on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came just as Christ promised He would. Have you ever tried to explain the Holy Spirit to four and five-year-olds? Ms. Robin said the Holy Spirit is like the wind…we can’t see it but we can feel it and see it at work. As we ate Teddy Grahams around the snack table, I talked to the cuties about how the Holy Spirit whispers to our hearts guiding us to do what’s right and telling us important messages.

I walked around the table and whispered a special message in each child’s ear.

To one, I whispered, “I love you.” To another, I whispered, “I’m proud of you for being a helper during circle time.” To another, I whispered, “Your mommy needs an extra tight hug today.”

Later, as I stood together with my church family during prayer time, Ms. Robin was standing behind me. She stepped up and whispered in my ear, “This is the Holy Spirit talking…I love you!”

I needed to hear that, Ms. Robin!

And I needed to hear Pastor Gary’s sermon, too. Rather than pound out the sermon notes I scrawled in my prayer journal, I think I’ll just pray about it. Are you experiencing a season of darkness? Do you feel alone, friend? Are you afraid the sun will never shine on you again? If so, this prayer gift is for you.

Lord,

This world gets darker by the day. The news bears one tragedy after another and our personal lives aren’t much better. Sometimes, life is just plain hard.

During daylight hours, we distract ourselves with overflowing to-do lists and frazzling schedules. But when the sun sleeps and the silence seeps, the weight of our problems settle stifling on our worn-out souls.

Hope hides at night, and the enemy tries to convince us that You hide, too.

But You don’t.

You meet us right there in the blackness and build a campfire of hope in our souls.

The Apostle Paul knew darkness. In the name of Christ, he suffered brutal abuse and constant hardship. Sometimes, the darkness got the best of him, and that’s when You came to him just when he needed You most.

“Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent, for I am with you” (Acts 18:9-10 NIV).

It’s hard to keep speaking up when the world shoots us down. By the power of Your Spirit, Lord, help us to speak the Word of God boldly, no matter the opposition.

The Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11 NIV).

Stand near to us, Lord Jesus. Hold out cheerful courage for us to take for our own. Courage to testify about You to a world who doesn’t have a clue how desperate and destitute it is. Courage to speak truth to a world content with ugly lies. Courage to love the haters no matter how much they despise us.

Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you. So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me (Acts 27:23-25 NIV).

When You breathe courage into us, we get to share it with others. May generosity and grace mark our actions toward the Body of Christ and the hurting world. We have such a gift to share, Lord. We have You!

Oh, Lord, be the king of our days and the shepherd of our darkest nights. You are all we need.

Amen

Kenny Rogers Wisdom (and a Big Announcement)

April 27, 2013 in appointed by God, callings, change, choices, Choose, Christian life, Christians in the workplace, dreams, hearing God's voice, plans, prayer, teacher, teaching, trusting God, womens ministry, writing with 10 Comments

Has your life ever played out like a country song?

As I drove to work yesterday morning, an old ballad by Kenny Rogers settled on my mind.

You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em,

Know when to fold ‘em,

Know when to walk away

and know when to run.

~from The Gambler

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (jessiehart)

Yesterday, I made a decision I’ve needed to make for a long time.

I resigned from my teaching job.

For eight years, I poured my heart into the lives of junior high students with learning differences. I taught them how to think and how to believe in themselves. I cheered them on every day and chewed them out when they needed it. I wore the letters off my computer keyboard writing education plans and sending reminder emails to parents.

Some of my colleagues feel like family. We supported each other through work stresses and personal losses. We laughed in the teacher’s lounge over way too many Lean Cuisines and leftovers. We butted heads and bonded hearts.

It was hard to slide that letter of resignation across my principal’s desk.

But it’s time. It’s way past time to leave the safety of the known and to walk by faith into the unknown.

I can’t pursue my ministry calling and work full-time as a teacher. Believe me, I’ve tried. Both take a huge heart investment, and even a big ol’ southern girl heart like mine isn’t big enough for that.

I told my principal I feel like I’ve been torn between two lovers for a while now. I adore my students and find deep satisfaction in helping them thrive, but my passion to serve the Body of Christ grows stronger by the day.

I want to spend the rest of my life writing and speaking words of truth to everyone I can.

Could it be I’ll still be helping students thrive by helping their mommas thrive?

Pray for Cliff and me as we take the next couple months to prayerfully decide the next steps for our family. Surely, my income will be missed, but I’m dreaming big, friends. I believe God will provide me a way to work from home part-time while I develop my writing and speaking ministry.

I believe God is up to something, and I can’t wait to see what it is!

Lord,

You know my heart. I’m scared to death right now, but at the same time, I’m beyond excited! What are you up to, Lord? Please give my sweetie and me wisdom as we seek Your perfect plan for me and for our family. You promise to give wisdom to anyone who asks in firm faith (James 1:5-6). Again…You know my heart. My faith is firm because You prove Your faithfulness again and again. Empower me to finish this school year strong and joyful. Thank you for every life You’ve allowed me to touch at Payne Junior High because every, single one of them touched mine. Trusting You completely for my present and my future, AMEN

When Murphy’s Law Seems Way Too True

April 23, 2013 in Uncategorized with 0 Comments

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (wonderferret)

If you’re visiting from Encouragement Cafe, welcome! If not, pop on over there and read the devotion I have running there. It’s good for both a laugh and some perspective, and it goes perfectly with this prayer gift.

Does it feel as if your life is crumbling around you? I’m so sorry, my sister. I’ve been there…in fact, I’m there right now. I know what it feels like to fall asleep defeated and wake up crushed.

It’s so easy to get bogged down with all the wrong and completely overlook the right. If you are struggling with holding onto your hope, this prayergift is for you. Love, Bird

Lord,

My sister is having one of those days when everything that could go wrong is. On days like this, the agony of the soul cries out, “Why does everything have to be so hard??” Frustrations pile up until everything tumbles into a jumbled up mess. Today, my sister needs you to settle her soul, smooth her pot-holed perspective, and sanctify her with truth.

Settle her soul

This world is a pretty shaky place, Lord. I know you didn’t create it to be that way. You had plans for sweet communion in the cool of the day, not the heartbreak of rejection. You had plans for Your children to walk in confidence, not cower in shame. But sin ruined that. We get hurt, and we hurt others. We get lost, and we lead others astray. In the midst of all of the wrong, settle my sister’s heart on what’s right. Keep her eyes always on You, for with You at her right hand, she will never be shaken (Psalm 16:8). When the earth and all its people quake, it is You who holds its pillars firm (Psalm 75:3). Give my sister the wisdom to encourage her own soul by saying, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5).

Smooth her pot-holed perspective

Why is it so much easier be downcast than uplifted? The enemy of our soul loves to magnify every pot-hole to make it seem as if the path You’ve laid for us is nothing short of treacherous. May my sister see the road of Your will for exactly what it is: sure, safe, and so-o-o-o-o worth the journey! Whisper in her ear: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic” (Isaiah 28:16). When the evil one tries to make mountains out of mole hills with tricks and lies, give my sister the strength to say, “In the name of Jesus, leave me alone. My God has plans for me! Plans for prosperity and not for harm. Plans to give me a future full of hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Sanctify her with truth

Open my sister’s eyes to the lies that mar her vision. Sanctify her with truth; Your word is truth (John 17:17). I know, without a doubt, it is Your will for us to be sanctified…set apart… by Your truth because those words in John 17 are straight from Your mouth. You desire for every one of us to be so full of truth that there’s no room for lies to sneak in. Flood my sister’s mind and heart with what is ‘true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. [May she] put into practice what [she] learned from [you], what [she] heard and saw and realized. [May she] do that, [so You], who make everything work together, will work [her] into [Your] most excellent harmonies” (Philippians 4:8 MSG). Lift her downcast eyes to see the beauty that will come from these ashes (Isaiah 61:3). Open her distracted ears to hear the masterpiece bursting from the dissonance. Overwhelm her with Your beautiful, masterful truth: she is Yours and is always in the palm of Your hand (Isaiah 43:1; Psalm 18:35).

In the steady, sure name of Jesus I pray, AMEN

This prayer gift was for me this week…how ’bout you?

When the Unthinkable Happens

April 9, 2013 in prayergifts with 0 Comments

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (fallingwater123)

The tragic death of Rick and Kay Warren’s son is all over my Facebook and Twitter feeds. Oh, how my heart aches over their suffering. The thought of losing one of my boys slays me.

But losing one to suicide? My heart won’t let my mind go there.

I’m reminded of a conversation I had with one of my sons after one of his friends attempted suicide. (Unsuccessfully, praise God. Please pray for “A.”)

“Momma, I’ve gotten down before, but I can’t imagine the level of pain someone has to be in to consider suicide. It’s just so sad, Mom.”

Yes.

Rick and Kay Warren aren’t the first parents to lose a child to suicide, and they won’t be the last. More than 100 people take their lives every, single day, and 22 of those are white males.

What do we do when the unthinkable happens? Do we try to make sense of senseless death? No. Do we offer unsolicited advice? No. Do we speculate over what could have been? Heck, no!

I’ll tell you what we do. We love them with tight hugs and tender tears. We cook meals and make sure the house is well-stocked with tissues and toilet paper. We mow the grass and walk the dog. We sit there in silence and just grieve with them and over them.

And most of all, we pray.

Lord,

I don’t know what to say.

I can try to understand what they are going through, but, really, I can’t, and I hope I never do.

But You, Lord. You understand. Your Spirit is right there in the middle of their pain. Like a sweet momma blowing on her child’s skinned knee, Your Spirit breathes deep comfort where no human consolation can reach.

Father of mercies and God of all comfort, their affliction is immense, but Your grace is greater.

Your grace is greater than their searing grief. Your grace is greater than the wounds they suffer at the words of insensitive friends and hateful enemies. Your grace is greater than every excruciating step they must take until the first hint of healing appears.

You are “close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18 NIV).

Hold them so close they can hear Your heart beating in perfect rhythm to their broken hearts.

Save every sliver of their crushed spirits, sweet Lord. Gently, tenderly put them back together again.

In the hope-filled name of Christ I pray, AMEN

Friend or Fan

April 5, 2013 in friends, loving people, people pleasing, prayergifts with 2 Comments

Sometimes, I long for what was.

Before I dipped my timid toe into the Christian blogging/writing/ministry pond, I had two sets of friends: my locals and my lifers.

I do life with my locals. We serve Jesus side-by-side. We are second moms to each other’s children. We hug necks and wipe tears and laugh loud.

My lifers still love me after all these years. When I go home to Louisiana, we resume a sweet song of friendship as if we just sang it yesterday. We reminisce and catch up. We soak up each other’s presence because who knows when we’ll see each other next.

Life was much simpler back in the day of locals and lifers.

Now, I have Facebook and Twitter friends I adore but have never met. It’s difficult to know who’s the real deal. If we were neighbors, would they be one of my locals?

I have writers conference comrades with whom I’ve bonded over common ground and common graces. Some of them feel like lifers even though I’ve only laid eyes on them a time or two. But many feel more like our relationship is more about marketing our ministries. Review my book and I’ll guest post on your blog. You retweet my stuff and I’ll retweet yours.

Then there’s the “famous” ones. The conference speakers and popular bloggers and book authors. Because they are in Christian ministry, they “have” to be gracious and everyone’s sisterly friend. That can get pretty confusing for a one-part encourager and two-parts people pleaser like me. When I get to know people, I just want to love on them. Whether they are next-door neighbors or best-selling authors, they are people who need love, and I have lots of it.

But I’m also a people pleaser, hungry for approval. So when I reach out in friendship and get handed platitudes, it hurts me.

I am not a Christian groupie girl trying to gather up a passel of well-knowns to throw into my friendship pack. I’m not a marketing mastermind trying to ease my way into the good graces of influential people.

I am a friend who prays and cares. I am a sister who listens and loves. I am an equal opportunity encourager who just wants to make life a little bit better for folks.

I know the famous ones get lots of messages from fans and foes alike. The strain of keeping a sense of balance must be brutal. I get it.

What I don’t get is how to love liberally without getting my feelings hurt when I get treated like a fawning fan instead of a faithful friend.

Am I the only one have a little trouble picking my way through the friendship maze?

Lord, relationships are tricky. Help me navigate the friendship maze and get to the other side. And show me how to love each friend I meet along the way.

Digging In

March 24, 2013 in prayergifts with 0 Comments

I’m worn slap out.

It always happens after any kind of Christian women’s event.

This weekend, I joined five of my friends (and close to 5000 sisters-in-Christ) at Living Proof Live with Beth Moore.

Beth was fired up over the word God gave her for Phoenix. But let’s face it…Beth is fired up over the transformative power of God’s Word all the time.

As Beth gushed over all God revealed to her during her word study of the word “marked,” I thought to myself:

Why have I never done a word study?

What is the point of having so many Bible study tools if I’m not going to use them?

When will I quit depending on folks like Beth and my pastor to feed truth to me when I have my own fork and knife collecting dust on my bedside table?

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (striatic)

Tomorrow, I’ll share my reflection on Beth’s message, but tonight, my belly churns with a challenge from my Lord and my God in Psalm 119.

How can [I keep my way] pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word (Psalm 119:9-16 ESV).

May this be my testimony, Lord. A woman hungry to study Your Word, to understand Your Word, to live out Your Word, and to teach Your Word. For Your glory and the good of the Body of Christ, AMEN

Hold My Hand

March 19, 2013 in prayergifts with 0 Comments

If you’re visiting from Encouragement Cafe, welcome to Prayer Gifts! I hope you’ll take a few minutes to search around and see what I’m all about.

My devotional post at Encouragement Cafe is about prayer walking, an activity I enjoy but can’t seem to turn into a regular habit. The prayer part is no problem…it’s the walking part that trips me up (terrible pun intended).

I’ll keep working on the exercise thing, but, today, I want to focus on the most important thing—my walk with Christ.

If you, too, want a sweeter walk with Jesus, perhaps you’d like to join me in praying this prayer gift.

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (gilesrcook)

Lord,

I’m a clumsy one. I’ve been known to trip over my own two feet. My spirit’s clumsy, too. I need You, Jesus. Take my hand and lead me down the path of purpose prepared just for me.

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV). I love You, Lord, and I don’t want to miss a thing.

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly (Psalm 5:3).

Help me, Lord, to wake up with a sense of urgency to begin my day with You. “Satisfy [me] in the morning with your unfailing love, that [I] may sing for joy and be glad all [my] days” (Psalm 90:14). ”Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life” (Psalm 143:8).

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it (Luke 9:23-24).

I know, Lord, if I begin my day by emptying myself of me, Your Spirit will have plenty of room to work in me, through me, and in spite of me. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

“Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain” (Psalm 119:36). “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11)

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:5).

“Whether [I] turn to the right or to the left, [may my] ears hear a voice behind [me], saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21).

Help me, Lord to keep Your wisdom and understanding always in sight. May sound judgment and discretion grace my life like priceless jewels. “Then [I] will go on [my] way in safety, and [my] foot will not stumble. When [I] lie down, [I] will not be afraid; when [I] lie down, [my] sleep will be sweet. [I'll] have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for [You] will be at [my] side and will keep [my] foot from being snared” (Proverbs 3:21-26).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22 NASB)

May the fruit of the spirit influence everything I do, say, and think. As I love You and receive Your love, the overflow can pour out on everyone I encounter—from my family and friends to the rude customer behind me in the grocery line. Your joy and peace will keep my soul content regardless what challenges come. When difficult people or situations try my patience, I’ll remember how patient You are with me and respond with kindness and goodness. This will snuff out both my short fuse and, more than likely, the frayed fuses of others. I will be known as a woman of my word—faithful to my commitments to both God and man. I will follow Your lead with a spirit of gentleness—submissive, settled, and certain. Self-control will compel me to say no to the temporary and yes to the eternal.

“I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me” (Psalm 16:7).

As I lay my head on the pillow at night, help me to process my day—confessing the stumbles and rejoicing over the small steps in the right direction. “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing” (Psalm 16:2). “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

And since Your mercies are new every morning, I will wake up and do it all again, with Your hand in mine (Lamentations 3:21-23).

All for Your glory, Lord, Amen

Prayer Gifts is Moving Forward

March 17, 2013 in prayergifts with 0 Comments

Blog Girl, after Norman Rockwell (detail)

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (notionscapital)

I’ve done a lot of thinking lately. Why do I blog?

What’s my motive? What’s my mission? What’s my message?

Well, here it is.

Motive: I love God, and I love people. Prayer Gifts is a place where I can do both.

Mission: My mission is three-fold: 1. To honor God and to make Him known. 2. To encourage the body of Christ and seekers through my posts. 3. To inspire and to challenge readers to incorporate written prayers into their personal walks with God and to turn them into gifts by giving them to others.

Message: I want as many folks as possible to understand prayer gifts are a double blessing: they touch the heart of God and encourage the hearts of people. Their reach is untrackable; once shared the first time, they can be passed on and on to countless others who will also be encouraged.

In keeping with my motive, mission, and message, I’m adding a new facet to my prayer gifts ministry: a monthly newsletter.

Each newsletter will include a brand-new prayer gift, prayer tips, and a personal story that goes along with whatever the theme is for the month.

The first newsletter will go out to subscribers on Monday, March 25. The theme: Resurrection Hope.

If you find this blog site beneficial, I urge you to sign up for the newsletter and to share it with others.

You can sign up by clicking HERE. There’s also a sign up tab on the home page and on my Prayer Gifts Facebook page.

Spread the word! Prayer Gifts is moving forward!

Lord, I believe this newsletter idea was inspired by You. Please use it to build up the Body of Christ. I can think of no greater blessing than to be used by You. I’m a broken but willing vessel. Use me, Lord. Amen

Deflated but Determined

March 6, 2013 in prayergifts with 2 Comments

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (crdot)

Well, foot. (That’s what my momma says when she gets disappointed)

After months of waiting, I got a rejection email from an editor who showed some strong interest in my Prayer Gifts book proposal.

Truly, I trust God to open the doors He wants me to walk through, but boy, the rejection feels like a punch in the gut.

Doesn’t help matters when I keep seeing snapshots of publishing contracts on writer friends’ Facebook pages. I’m thrilled for them; I really am, but I struggle with those nagging questions.

Why not me?

A while back, I sent a birthday prayer gift to a friend in ministry.

This was her response:

Lee,

This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much.

I really felt impressed to tell you that although I know it’s your desire to get published, there is rich value in what you are doing to invest in others by sending these prayergifts. Who knows? If you got a book deal you might be too busy to send personal ones anymore. And that would be a tragedy because they bless.

Hope you are well. Thank you, again.

I feel confused and frustrated, and both of those emotions rob me of my contentment.

I could sit here and rant about it all, but I think my time would be better spent talking to God about it. I post my heart here to encourage you, fellow frustrated dreamer.

Lord,

I thought this time was it. The editor seemed genuinely interested…even invested. But the review team passed on Prayer Gifts. My soul rests in the truth of Your perfect plan, but my heart and mind are deflated like a worn-out pool float.

Is that ok? Is it ok to need a little time to get over a “no” I was so hoping was a “yes”?

I want to be content with what I have right now, Lord. You use my prayer gifts to encourage and bless people. You use the process of writing them to draw me close to Your heart.

Is my publishing dream a pride thing? Show me, Lord. Show me.

I want to want what You want for me and nothing more.

Trusting You for wisdom and wind for my flopping sails,

AMEN

The Strength in Surrender

March 4, 2013 in prayergifts with 1 Comment

My February 25 birthday sort of sprawled through a whole week! All that love and attention can go to a girl’s head.

Maybe that’s why the Lord bombarded my heart with the same message all weekend long.

Deny yourself. Take up your cross, daily, and follow Me (Matthew 16:24).

I am more concerned with your character than your comfort (Oswald Chambers).

Serve others. Serve Jesus (stamp on my right hand from kinder Sunday school class).

God does this kind of thing all the time. He knows I’m a stubborn one and need lots of repetition before the truth sinks in.

I had to grin when Pastor Gary introduced his sermon about “the surrendered saint.”

Same story from the preacher man. It’s not about me! It’s about Christ in me!

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (evamay)

“I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me” (Colossians 1:24-29 NLT).

Lord,

Somehow, I’ve grown to believe life should be as easy as possible, but I know that’s a bunch of malarkey.

As Bible teacher Lysa TerKeurst said, “Easy isn’t the new good. Just because the world waves a big banner that we ‘deserve’ easy… do what feels easy… why stress yourself when there’s an easier way… doesn’t mean it’s good. Keep your eyes on the Lord for that instruction, not the world.”

The Christian life is not easy. You said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). I don’t want easy. I want You.

“And what does the LORD require of [us]? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with [our] God” (Micah 6:8).

You expect us to behave ourselves (act justly), but You know we’ll mess up, and so will everyone else (love mercy). The only way to lead a good life is to keep in step with You (walk humbly with our God).

Oh, Lord, how You suffered, how You served, and how You struggled to redeem us.

Lord, like Paul, may I suffer with joy, knowing that I’m sharing in Your suffering. Suffering because of my faith is a tell-tale sign that I’m walking the path You prepared for me. Give me the courage to stand firm in my faith, even if it gets me in trouble with the “P.C.” crowd. I’d rather be right in Your eyes, Lord.

Give me the heart and hands of a servant, Lord, willing to do everything I can to serve You and the Body of Christ.

Make me like a table waiter, ever on-the-ready to meet big and small needs around me. Help me to notice when others have empty emotional water glasses, so I can pour in Your living water from the abundance of what You’ve given me. Help me to treat even the most “difficult customers” with grace and unconditional love. Help me to know the menu of truth so well that I always have the perfect recommendation when asked.

Oh, Lord, may my heart revere You as the Lord of my life and the motive behind my service. May I always “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks [me] to give the reason for the hope that [I] have.” But help me to “do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against [my] good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:14-16 NIV).

Lord, Your years on this earth and Your time on the cross epitomized struggle. When Satan tempted You in the desert, he spoke the truth when he said You could call for angels to protect You from harm (Matthew 4:6). You could have silenced the conniving religious leaders. You could have halted the physical blows from the whip and the emotional blows from the taunts. You could have avoided the cross and let us get what we deserve.

But You didn’t. You struggled to save me; the least I can do is struggle to live a life that represents You well.

I can struggle through the discomfort of saying a determined “no” to my will and an emphatic “yes” to Yours.

I can struggle through the frustration of pointing people to You even when their souls seem to be covering their ears and saying, “Blah, blah, blah.”

I can struggle to love, to forgive, and to serve without condition or ulterior motives.

When I am faced with the temptation to take the easy way, give me the strength to embrace the struggle. May I hear James’ earnest plea:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4 NIV).

I want to be mature and complete, not lacking anything, Lord. And I want to help others get there, too.

Change me and use me, Lord! Give me the courage to live for You full throttle. Help me to find the strength in surrender…a life relinquished to You.

Amen and amen.

A Prayer Gift to Me

February 25, 2013 in prayergifts with 1 Comment

As my phone pings and rings with Happy Birthday wishes, my love tank is filling up to the point of bursting. It was already plumb full from the love I received all weekend from my family.

Saturday, my mom took me out to lunch; Garrett and Logan tagged along for charm factor.

I got my birthday present early from my Sweetie. Last weekend, he sent me to a comfy hotel for three nights of “me time.” And every day, he blesses me with “he time.” I love my man; he lives up to his pet name.

My firstborn came home from college for the weekend, just for me. His Gare Bear hugs flat out make me happy.

My baby boy was mighty generous with his hugs and “I love you s,” also. AND…he cleaned the kitchen and living room without the normal required nagging!

My middle son and his sweetpea girlfriend went all out for me last night by giving the kitchen some extra shining up and by baking me a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and a little blue birdie on top. They spared my lungs by not putting 43 candles on it. They just spelled out “43″ in royal blue candles. Royal blue balloons decorated my chair. I felt so loved I thought those balloons might lift me up and carry me straight to the moon. (Royal blue’s my favorite color, in case you didn’t figure that one out.)

Logan got me writing pens, and Sabrina got me a jar of babyfood to poke fun about me getting older. I love that she feels comfortable enough to pick at me! Some girlfriends are scared to death of “the mother.”

And now, before I head to work, I want to pause and pray to the Giver of all gifts. Taking the time to quiet my soul is a gift I give to myself.

Lord,

I am one blessed woman.

Thank you for everything. For the people who love me and who I get to love right back. For a healthy body and a happy home. For a job that enables me to use my gifts to truly make a difference. For a church where I can worship, serve, and learn. For the daily opportunities to shine for you.

Yes, Lord, thank you for everything.

The enemy of my soul is working hard to shift my focus from thanksgiving to shame. He’s been reminding me of all the lifelong struggles I still contend with. Just last night, I scarfed down more than 1/2 a large pizza. The emotional overeating battle still rages in me. Today, the birthday wishes on Facebook will likely mean a little too much. The desire for approval battle still wars for top spot in my heart. My laundry pile is looming, and the staircase needs vacuuming something fierce. Laziness and lack of time management are an up-and-down battle, still.

But rather than throw myself an “I stink” themed birthday party, I choose to see the blessing in my struggles. Thank you, Lord, for the daily challenges that keep me desperate for You. I need You, Lord! Today and always.

You’ve kept me here to celebrate another birthday. So, here I am, Your messy but loveable LeeBird, asking for more than I deserve.

Give me strength to put down the pizza box and to put on my prayer walking shoes. I want to honor You with my body, Lord.

Lord, give me an undivided heart all about loving You and loving people with “no-strings” love. Rid my soul of the striving for approval from people. Your grace-filled embrace is all I need.

Give me the discipline to set appointments for soul care, self care, family care, and home care and keep them.

Give me the grace to forgive myself when I mess up and the gumption to lovingly kick myself in the tail when I need it.

I give this day to You, Lord. I give this 43rd year to You. What kind of adventures will we have together? I can’t wait to find out!

I love You, and I’m so grateful for Your never-ending love.

In the name of the greatest gift of all, Jesus, I pray, AMEN and AMEN

Made Me Think of You

February 21, 2013 in pray without ceasing, prayer with 2 Comments

The weather here is downright nutty!

It snowed in Phoenix!

I never thought I’d throw a snowball in Phoenix, but I did it last night!

My Texas friend, Amy, left me this message on Facebook.

“I saw on the news that y’all were getting snow. It made me think of you.”

Don’t you just love being thought of? There’s something all warm and fuzzy about knowing someone had me on her mind—even if wonky weather inspired it.

How many times a day do folks pop into your mind?

Happens to me at least a dozen times a day.

State Farm commercials always remind me of my best high school pal, Kristy, who works for State Farm as a fraud investigator. (Funny…the song, “Bad Boys” on COPS makes me think of her, too.)

Circle K signs make me think of my buddy, Terri, who is such a Circle K coffee fan that her husband got her a Circle K gift card for Valentine’s Day.

Coming home from work, I always pass Oxford Street where the Trujillo family lives. I can’t seem to stop myself from glancing toward the two-story home that holds a family I dearly love.

Songs on the radio, cars in traffic, favorite restaurants—all kinds of things remind me of people. What about you?

Now, here’s a crazy thought.

What if I turned those seemingly random reminders into prayers?

When I hear that timeless jingle, “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there,” rather than just letting Kristy’s grinning face skid through my mind, I could pause and pray, “Lord, thank you for lifelong friends like Kristy. Encourage and inspire her as she leads her ladies Bible study group this weekend and wrangles her precious kids all week long.”

When I pull into Circle K for my carbonated caffeine in a styrofoam cup and sweet Terri’s image appears on the shine of the coffee pot, I could pray, “Lord, Thanks so much for giving me the same lunch break as Terri this year. Spending time with her encourages me so much. Please give her wisdom as she tries to figure out how to help that struggling student she was telling me about.”

When my neck gets a mind of its own and points my eyes toward the Trujillo family’s house, I could pray, “Lord, thank you for my ‘brown family.’ Please give Elia a day free of heart episodes, and help Tom as he works to keep our church’s books balanced. Please give Michelle strength to get through a marathon of meetings this week. And, Lord, please help Mariah to start sleeping better.”

I wonder if that’s what Paul meant by “pray without ceasing?” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Lord, when folks I love float through my mind, help me to make the most of those moments. Fond thoughts are nice, but fervent prayer is powerful, purposeful, and a priceless gift. Help me to pray without ceasing.

Do certain places or things make you think of someone special? What do you think about turning those quick thoughts into thoughtful prayers?

A Prayer for the Time Wasters

February 19, 2013 in prayergifts with 2 Comments

I just returned from my first weekend writer’s retreat. You know…just me, my laptop, and Jesus.

Well, the good news is I got some writing done, and I spent some time digging through the 2013 Christian Writer’s Market Guide and Mary DeMuth’s book, The 11 Secrets of Getting Published.

But I wasted so much time. Between the Wide World Web and social media, I do believe I have the attention span of a gnat.

I see it at home and at work. I can’t seem to keep my mind focused on one task for more than 10 minutes.

I keep asking God to broaden my ministry opportunities. I want my writing to reach more people, and I want to start speaking.

This weekend, as I waffled back and forth between editing a friend’s poems, writing prayer gifts, and playing Candy Crush Saga, I heard the Lord say, “Have you ever noticed you have some time management issues?”

Can anyone say, “Understatement?”

I need to make some changes, but I haven’t had much luck in the change department. I get all gung-ho about losing weight or keeping the house clean or, in this case, managing my time better. Then, when I slip up, I chew myself out and give up.

Or maybe I just let myself off the hook too easy? I don’t know…but I do know this.

I can’t change without God’s help. Maybe you have some time management issues, too? Let’s pray about this together. Prayer is always, always the right first step.

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (anycolouryoulike)

Lord,

Every morning, when my eyes strain against the heaviness of sleep, I receive a gift–another day to live, to love, and to let my light shine for You. Please, forgive me for all those diamond moments I let slip away. I can’t go back and redeem those wasted , but I can start again right now.

Meet me in the morning.

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3 NIV).

“I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble [and my constant companion, no matter the circumstances]. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely” (Psalm 59:16-17 NIV).

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you” (Psalm 143:8-9 NIV). The enemy of my soul wants me distracted, discouraged, and defeated. I’m tired of giving him his way, Lord.

Guide me through my day.

Guide me along the right path for the glory of Your name (Psalm 23:3).

Lord, I love this line from the song of Moses and Miriam. “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling” (Exodus 15:13 NIV). Just as You led the Israelites from captivity to freedom, I know You are there to lead me. And I know I’ll behave just like the Israelites did: I’ll whine, I’ll rebel, and I’ll obey. Help me to follow Your lead a little better each day.

“I will sing of your love and justice; to you, Lord, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. I will not look with approval on anything that is vile” (Psalm 101:1-3 NIV).

Sing me to sleep each night.

I want to be able to lay my head on the pillow at night with a satisfied sigh, knowing I was an effective steward of the day. I want to see the results of time well spent. I want to do better, Lord. Help, please?

“Let the light of your face shine on [me]. Fill my heart with joy when [my] grain and new wine abound. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:6-8 NIV).

Thank you, Lord, that Your mercy is new every morning…and every moment (Lamentations 3:22-23).

AMEN

Are you a former time waster? Feel free to share your time management tips.

Because You Have Prayed: Guest Post by Shelly Hollis

February 18, 2013 in prayergifts with 0 Comments

I’m tickled to death to have my She Speaks sister, Shelly Hollis, on Prayer Gifts today. Shelly is the heart behind Shine Ministries where she studies the glorious truth of God’s word, puts it into practice in her own life, and teaches others how they, too, can have a vibrant friendship with Jesus Christ.

In addition to being a passionate teacher, Shelly is a loving wife, a proud momma, and a giddy grandma.

Go check out her blog where she shares all kinds of exciting truth from God’s Word, including some in-depth study of the book of Hebrews!

Do you ever wonder if your prayers make a difference?

Consider this story from the life of Hezekiah…

King Hezekiah had a problem, and his name was King Sennacherib. Sennacherib was an Assyrian king who had been on the war path with Israel and Judah for some time. The Northern Kingdom (Israel) at this point had already been conquered by Assyria because they would not listen to God (2 Kings 18:11-12). Now Sennacherib was ready to take on the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

The Bible describes Hezekiah like this: he clung to the LORD, he removed the idols from Judah, and he did right in the sight of the LORD. These are important things to remember as we look at the transaction between these two kings.

In chapter 18, Sennacherib asked Hezekiah a question: What is this confidence that you have in your God? The Assyrians were calling into question the ability of God to protect Judah and His very character. They named off a whole list of nations they had captured as an example of their military might and asked, “Where were their gods?”

Friends – don’t believe the lies of the enemy when he calls into question the faithfulness of Jehovah. The very name – Jehovah – is a reminder that He is a covenant-keeping God.

Immediately upon hearing the threats, Hezekiah sent messengers to Isaiah the prophet with a prayer request! Listen to what the messengers told Isaiah in 2 Kings 19:3. “This day is a day of distress, rebuke, and rejection.” They begged Isaiah to offer a prayer for the remnant in Judah.

Listen to those words…a day of distress, rebuke, and rejection. Have you ever had a day that you could describe that way? Have you ever received news so mind-blowing that it drove you to your knees?

Child, run to your God, just like Hezekiah did in difficult circumstances. Hezekiah knew that if anything could change the outcome of this terrible situation, his LORD God could!

King Sennacherib subsequently sent a threatening letter to Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:14). This time, Hezekiah cut out the middle man and went straight to God in prayer for himself. I love what he did – he went to the house of the LORD, spread out that letter, and prayed all over it!

Wow – what a lesson! When that bad health report comes, when you get that bill that you can’t pay, or when you get a letter announcing bad news – spread it out before God and just pray all over it! God knows we have days of distress, rebuke, and rejection. Let God take care of you through the situation.

I just have to put the prayer from 2 Kings 19 in this post because it is so beautiful:
Hezekiah prayed before the LORD and said, “O LORD, the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God… Now, O LORD our God, I pray, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God.”

2 Kings 19:20 tells us that Isaiah sent word back to Hezekiah: “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you.’”(2 Kings 19:35-37).

Go read the rest of the story for yourself to see how God delivered Hezekiah and the Kingdom of Judah! Prayer changes things…no telling what might happen in your life because you have prayed.

Be Her Valentine

February 14, 2013 in prayergifts with 4 Comments

Is Valentine’s Day a day you dread? Does all the romance in the air choke your spirit and leave you in a pile of Hershey Kiss wrappers?

Don’t let it get you down, Sister! You have a valentine whose love never fails!

Receive this prayer gift from my heart, sweet sisters! Full of love and calorie-free.

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (rkramer62)

Lord,

On this day that’s all about love and romance, I’m overwhelmed by Your unfailing love. I come to You today to pray for Your precious one who has no earthly valentine.

Convince her of Your love.

You chose her out of all the people on the earth to be Your treasured possession. (Deuteronomy 7:6)

Before the beginning of time, You lovingly predestined for her to be Yours. (Ephesians 1:3-5)

Out of Your great love and rich mercy, You made her alive when she was dead in her transgressions. (Ephesians 2:4-5)

Your love for her reaches to the heavens; Your faithfulness to the skies. (Psalm 36:5)

For [You] so greatly loved and dearly prized [her] that [You] [even] gave up [Your] only begotten (unique) Son, so [if she] believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) [You] shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (John 3:16 AMP)

Assure her that You will not take Your love from her, nor will You ever betray Your faithfulness. (Psalm 89:33)

May she thoroughly believe that “though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet [Your] unfailing love for [her] will not be shaken nor [Your] covenant of peace be removed.” (Isaiah 54:10)

LORD God, may she sense You in her midst, mighty to save; rejoicing over her with gladness; quieting her by Your love; rejoicing over her with joyful serenades. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Show her that nothing can separate her from Your love. Not trouble or sorrow or mistakes or sickness or human rejection. No, in all these things she is more than a conqueror through You who love her. May she be fully convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate her from Your love. (Romans 8:35-39)

Capture her heart with Your perfect love.

Let Your face shine on your servant; save [her] in your unfailing love. (Psalm 31:16)

May she sing of Your strength, in the morning a song of Your love on her sleepy lips; for You are her fortress, her refuge in times of trouble. (Psalm 59:16)

Because Your love is better than life, may her lips glorify you. (Psalm 63:3)

Satisfy her in the morning with Your unfailing love, that she may sing for joy and be glad all her days. (Psalm 90:14)

Help her to take Your hand and allow You to lead her to Your banquet table where Your banner over her is love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)

May she hear Your voice whisper to her spirit, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”(Jeremiah 31:3)

In love and compassion, make her Your bride; plant her for Yourself in a fertile land. (Hosea 2:19,23)

Comfort her with Your sweet words of love.

Let Your beloved rest secure in You, for You shield her all day long, and the one You love rests between Your shoulders. (Deuteronomy 33:12)

Surely Your goodness and love will follow her all the days of her life, and she will dwell in Your house forever. (Psalm 23:6)

Surround her with Your unfailing love as she puts her trust in You. (Psalm 32:10)

By day, direct Your love to shine on her; at night may Your sweet song sing her to sleep. (Psalm 42:8)

Comfort her heart with the glorious truth that You never reject her prayers or withhold Your love. (Psalm 66:20)

Though [You] bring grief, [You] will show compassion, so great is [Your] unfailing love. For [You do] not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone. (Lamentations 3:32-33)

Cultivate her heart to receive Your healing love.

May she trust in your unfailing love; her heart rejoicing over Your salvation. (Psalm 13:5)

May she be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You see her affliction and know the anguish of her soul. (Psalm 31:7) May her heart be like an olive tree flourishing in Your house; may she trust in Your unfailing love. (Psalm 52:8)

May Your unfailing love keep her feet from slipping; be her constant source of support. (Psalm 94:18) Redeem her life from the pit and crown her with love and compassion. (Psalm 103:4)

Because of the [Your]great love [she will never be] consumed, for [Your] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Help Your precious one to abide, to remain, to make herself at home in the safety of Your love. (John 15:9)

I pray that out of [Your] glorious riches [You] may strengthen [her] with power through [Your] Spirit in [her] inner being, so that Christ may dwell in [her heart] through faith. And I pray that [she], being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the [Your] holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that [she] may be filled to the measure of all [Your] fullness.

Now to [You] who are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to [Your] power that is at work within us, to [You] be glory in the church and in [Your beloved both now and forevermore]. (Ephesians 3:16-21)

In the name of the most beautiful man who ever walked this earth,

AMEN

Shining Behind the Scenes: A Guest Post by Dianne W. Bailey

February 13, 2013 in prayergifts with 2 Comments

I love prayer.

I love doing it, I love writing about it, and I love hearing from other’s about it!

Meet my She Speaks friend, Dianne W. Bailey. I love her take on how prayer is a way to shine for Christ behind the scenes.

Diane W. Bailey is the author of String of Pears – Tears to Treasure. She is the mother of two adult children and the stepmother of two college children. She and Doc are the proud grandparents of three, and call them, the Reward, for not quitting when parenting was difficult. Doc and Diane live in the Deep South with their black lab, Charcoal, and their cat, lil girl. You can find her at www.dianewbailey.net , twitter @dewbailey , and Facebook Diane W. Bailey.

William Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women, merely players”.

I love the theater! We go every time we get the chance.

This week we have been at our son’s college play, and I have been observing all that it takes to put on a play. So many lines to memorize, and be able to say with great expression and conviction before an audience; and, so many songs to be mastered, with all of the harmony and timing worked out perfectly.

I get so excited when I hear the director call out to the cast of many, “Okay, Lights – Camera – Action!” Well, those may not be his exact words…but something like that!

Tonight, for the first time, I noticed all it takes to make the play run well for the actors. All of the stage construction, light coordination, and people working the props are called the “People in Black.”

People in Black, are the behind the scenes, wearing black, and making it happen. The mighty force behind the play that no one ever sees.

That is how it is with prayer, the mighty force behind the scenes – the ones you never see, on their hands and knees; the ones who are in their prayer closets pouring out before the Lord for others. Pouring out for the ones in the spot light.

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for this friends” (John 15:13 NAS).

Isn’t that what we do when we pray for others? We stop our lives, we lay down our agendas, and we pray for others. At that point we are like the People in Black, behind the scenes, going before the play and praying a path, laying a foundation, and praying for safety and success.

Through prayer, an amazing thing begins to happen. As we pour out our heart and release our fears for family and friends, we inadvertently begin to change. A light in us begins to appear to the people around us. The light in us begins to grow. A light that no one can put their finger on at first, but “something” draws their eyes toward you.

This is when God places you in the spotlight, still dressed in your backstage black. You are the main character in the story, giving an explanation of the light that they are seeing and a testimony of Christ Jesus.

I am one of the People in Black in the life of my family and friends, ever-ready for when God says, “Lights – Camera – Action!”

Stirring in Hope

February 11, 2013 in God's faithfulness, God's promises for his children, God's word, truth with 0 Comments

Since I’m a Southern girl (and a Southern Baptist), my inner Paula Deen comes out anytime one of my local pals gets sick, has a baby, or just needs a little pick-me-up.

Chicken and dumplings is my specialty.

What better comfort food than chicken and dumplings? Chicken soup with Southern charm.

When the giant stock pot comes out to give a roasting hen a slow, simmering soak, one of my sons usually quips, “Who’s sick?”

Dumplins aren’t hard to make; they just take a lot of time and attention, neither of which I have much.

The hen has to simmer for several hours until the chicken is tender and the broth is rich. I usually let the broth cool on the stove to let the chicken leave as much goodness behind as possible.

My little dogs stand begging at my feet as I remove the chicken from the bone. They get a bite or two, but most of the chicken makes it back into the broth that is slowly returning to a rolling boil.

Once the broth is bubbling, it’s time to add my super-simple dumplings: flour tortillas, torn into decent sized pieces.

And here’s where things can go terribly wrong if I’m not on my A game.

If I don’t stir the chicken and dumplings almost constantly during the last few minutes of cooking, the chicken settles to the bottom of the pot where it sticks and burns within minutes. If that happens, the entire pot of dumplings has a charred taste.

Charred chicken and dumplings is not comfort food.

I thought of those wasted pots of chicken and dumplins when my friend Gretchen made an insightful comment at Bible study last night.

In our study of Karen Ehman’s Let. It. Go. How to Stop Running the Show and to Start Walking in Faith, we’re learning to practice the art of soul control. When circumstances get hairy, we must make a deliberate choice to focus on the truth of God’s word and character.

Gretchen said, “When we speak God’s truth into our circumstances, it’s like stirring in hope.”

Stirring in hope.

I love that!

I suppose, if you think about it, life is like a pot of dumplins.

When life heats up, we have two choices.

We can get stuck at rock-bottom and let our circumstances ruin us or we can constantly stir in the hope of God.

When we feel mistreated or threatened, we can stir in:

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe (Proverbs 29:25 NIV).

When we’re struggling with doing the right thing, we can stir in:

Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name (Psalm 86:11 NIV).

When we’re worried about the future, we can stir in:

But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands (Psalm 31:14-15 NIV).

I don’t want to ruin another moment feeling stuck and charred by my circumstances.

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve allowed myself to get stuck. Please help me to stir in the hope of Your Word so that even the hardest circumstances nourish my soul.

What about you?

Do you stir God’s hope into your circumstances? Leave a comment and share your favorite “ingredients.”

*Congratulations to Rebecca Evans for winning my “Perks of Being a Prayer Blogger” giveaway!

The Perks of Being a Prayer Blogger (and a Giveaway!)

February 6, 2013 in prayergifts with 4 Comments

I don’t know why God saw fit to give me a heart for prayer, but I sure am glad He did.

don't pray in the rain if you don't pray when the sun shines... Satchel Paige

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (angel_ina)

I love everything about it.

Prayer is a portable passion.

Whether I’m in the church pew or soaking in the tub, God hears me. We have the best chats when I’m driving to work and when I’m folding clothes. When I shake my head over the news headlines, he hears my heart sigh. When I’m ready to pull up stakes and run away from my troubles, He walks with me down the block until I come to my senses and head back home. No special equipment is required…just a heart for God and a heart for people.

Prayer is purposeful and packed with power.

The time I spend in prayer is never wasted. It helps me keep my soul in tune with my Savior’s heart. When I pray for others, I know God will meet them in the center of their need. And because many of my prayers are written out, the folks I pray for get a hefty dose of encouragement to boot. That’s why I call my written prayers “prayer gifts.”

Prayer is appreciated.

Even folks who don’t have a friendship with Christ appreciate prayer. In my almost 30 years of faith, I’ve only met two people who refused my prayers: Dustin and Lloyd, my two atheist friends who recently visited my Prayer Gifts page on Facebook. When I told them their visit to my page earned them a spot on my make-up mirror prayer list, they weren’t too happy. (Shhh…don’t tell them, but I’m praying for them whether they like it or not).

You know what’s extra fun about having a prayer-themed blog and Facebook page? Ninety-five percent of my feedback is in the form of one glorious word: AMEN!

Do you know what AMEN means? It means “so be it,” “truly, truly,” “fixed and sure,” and “YESSSSSSSS!”

Pretty sweet feedback, huh?

If you’ve never visited my Prayer Gifts page on Facebook, come on over and join me. Daily, I post encouraging prayers that prompt a sweeter communion with God. More than 3700 friends from all over the globe lend hearty AMENS, and some even share their own prayer gifts.

I’m so excited about you joining the Prayer Gifts community that I’m hosting a giveaway! Want to win a $20 Amazon gift card? See ways to enter below!

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Bossy

February 4, 2013 in prayergifts with 0 Comments

My heart is pretty gullible sometimes.

Some days, it falls for every lie the enemy spews.

You’re destined for fatness.

Your husband doesn’t love you enough to stick around for the long haul.

Every struggle your sons face is your fault.

Your writer dreams are nothing but a pipe dream.

Sheesh! It’s time for my heart to get bossy.

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (kevinshorter)

David had his share of struggles.

When he did the right things, people wanted him dead.

And when he did the wrong things, innocent people ended up dead.

But there’s one thing David got right lots of times.

He got bossy with his soul.

When life circumstances became a little too much, David bossed his soul right back to hope, rest, and peace.

See if his words inspire you.

When discouragement is an anvil around your neck, speak hope to your soul.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God (Psalm 42:5 NIV).

When fear shakes your heart down to your toes, demand it to return to a steady rhythm.

My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples (Psalm 57:7-9 NIV).

When the trials of life cause your soul to huff and puff from exhaustion, snuggle it up in a safe nook with God.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken (Psalm 62:5-6 NIV).

When your health is iffy and your sin knocked your halo crooked, remind yourself just Who God is.

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:1-5 NIV).

When the deceiver tries to convince you God is nowhere to be found, tell your soul to chill out.

Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you (Psalm 116:7 NIV).

Here’s the deal, friends.

Our souls are fickle. They fall for lies as quickly as my shopaholic momma says, “Shoe sale!”

As long as we’re breathing, Christians will battle accusations and bold-face lies from the enemy.

He wants us powerless and purposeless. Hapless and hopeless. Downcast and derailed.

But we don’t have to listen. We can be like David…a flawed man but a man after God’s heart.

Lord, I can’t trust my heart or my soul. They tend to fall for the evil one’s lies. Remind me to boss them around by reminding them of Who You are and what You have done in my life thus far. You are faithful even when my heart won’t believe it. You are faithful.

AMEN

The Dark Side of Super Bowl Sunday: A Prayer Against Human Trafficking

February 3, 2013 in prayergifts with 0 Comments

Super Bowl Sunday and other huge sporting events are not just about the sports. Such events are big-business for sex traffickers.

The thought of young women forced into prostitution to satisfy the ugly greed of their pimps and the putrid lust of their paying customers makes me sick. And furious. And, for just a minute, I felt helpless.

But no Believer is helpless against evil. We can pray.

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (imagenevangelicas)

Lord,

When You look at the condition of this world, I wonder if it reminds You of the days of Noah.

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled (Genesis 6:5-6 NIV).

We need help, Lord.

Daily, young people sink into a dark world of captivity where their innocence is destroyed and their dignity is stripped.

Set the captives free.

Open the eyes of citizens everywhere, including me. Give us the compassion and courage we need to take action. To ask questions. To reach out. To pay attention.

Set the captives free.

Speak truth and hope into the minds and hearts of these broken, exploited human beings. No matter what kind of lies their captors spew, assure them they are worthy of love and freedom. Assure them they didn’t do anything to deserve their exploitation. Assure them that someone is searching for them and praying for their safe return.

Set the captives free.

Statistics say that runaways and foster children are especially vulnerable to falling into the clutches of human trafficking. Please, Lord, rescue them in advance. Bring loving people into their lives to help them see past their current pain so compounded pain can be avoided. May Your angels patrol the night, Lord, sending innocents to safety before evil can snatch them up.

Set the captives free.

The victims of human trafficking are not the only ones enslaved. The captors are shackled by sin. Many of them are so embroiled in the industry of evil that even if they wanted to get out, they wouldn’t know how. As long as they have breath in their lungs, there is hope for redemption. Open their eyes to see the ugliness of their thoughts, words, and actions. Whisper, “Come to me,” to their blackened, hardened souls. Just as the Apostle Paul went from murderer to missionary on dusty Damascus Road, these doers of evil can change (Acts 9). Pull them from their spiritual prison cells not just for their sakes but for the sakes of every exploited, enslaved person in the world. Transformed traffickers can be powerful soldiers in the battle against human enslavement.

Lord, please…by Your powerful hand…bring human trafficking to an end.

In the name of Jesus, who died to set our souls free,

AMEN

My Love Affair with Mr. Sandman

January 30, 2013 in Uncategorized with 5 Comments

Relentless. Irresistible. Mesmerizing.

I can’t seem to refuse his wooing.

Each morning, as the alarm clock attempts to lure me from my slumber, I hear the Holy Spirit call my name.

“Come to me, My child. I know you are weary, but I want to give you true rest. Spend time with me.”

But someone else competes with the Spirit’s gentle wooing.

“You need your rest, my love, soothes Mr. Sandman. The covers are warm and your puppies are all snuggled up against you. Come back to bed….just 10 more minutes.”

Mr. Sandman seems to be the victor in this sunrise love triangle. What does that say about me?

I love sleep more than I love Jesus. I could sugar coat it, and I could justify it, but it would be an ugly lie.

One Sunday, Pastor Gary made a bold and spiritual-toe-stomping statement.

“When Christians spend hours each week watching TV and state they can’t find the time to spend time with God, they don’t have a time management problem; they have an idolatry problem.”

Ouch!! See what I mean about the spiritual toes being stomped??? No wonder my feet hurt when I got home!

I can add Facebook to my list of late night distractions. I stay up way too late, which makes getting up early even more difficult.

My bed is my favorite place on earth.

Alley and Riff keeping my spot warm.

I crave the coolness of the sheets and the warmth of my shihtzus snuggled up against my leg.

I have a pillow my boys labeled, “Momma’s special pillow.” It rests on my chest as I drift off to sleep. When it gets warm, I flip it over to the cool side and bury my face in it.

I have my alarm set to play Mandisa’s song, “Good Morning.” The back up alarm plays Avalon’s “It’s a New Day.”

Despite the cheery songs, I still tend to push the snooze button to steal a few more moments of slumber.

Steal is a perfect word to use; I am stealing time from God each time I press that snooze button.

When I succeed in fighting off Mr. Sandman, my time with Him is precious and rejuvenating. I love sipping coffee with my Bible and journal in my lap. God never fails to speak to my deepest heart need.

So why can’t I consistently heed the Lord’s gentle call?

Self. Self rules supreme. I know it makes Satan so happy when his disguise as Mr. Sandman does the trick!

I desperately want to break off this illicit rendezvous. I want my heart to be true to the lover of my soul.

Please pray for me to resist the temptation to return to bed after my alarm sounds.

Pray for me to stay true to my first love.

Are you having your own love affair with Mr. Sandman?

Lord Jesus, I truly want you to be LORD of my heart, LORD of my time, and LORD of my life! Please, help me, Lord. Sing me to sleep at a decent hour, and wake me up with an expectant heart. I want You to be my number one love.

No More Counting the Cost

January 28, 2013 in prayergifts with 1 Comment

What a Sunday!

My time at the Heart of Mesa started a little earlier than usual. I went to the early service “to sing a special,” but I got the special blessing. I loved spending time in prayer and worship with my early bird church family. I should join them more often. They are a sweet, sweet bunch.

In Sunday school, Ms. Robin and I reenacted the Red Sea experience for our five-year-old Bible students. The Red Sea rose by God’s mighty power (a.k.a. Ms. Lee and Ms. Robin’s long arms), and the Israelites crossed on dry ground. Then the Egyptians tried their hand at crossing, only to be drowned by a deluge of sea returning to its place (a.k.a. Ms. Lee and Ms. Robin let the sheet we were using fall and cover a bunch of giggling Egyptians).

I’m not sure how much the kids learned, but we sure had fun! And when they left the classroom, they knew God would take care of them, just like God took care of the Israelites. I think they left knowing that Ms. Lee and Ms. Robin love them a bunch, too.

The 11:00 service began with a beautiful baptism and just kept on with the beauty all the way through.

The Silent Hope worship team led the music. I can learn a lot from those incredible believers who happen to be deaf.

They worshiped with their whole bodies, and their adoration of their Savior radiated from their faces.

They chose to focus on the reality of God rather than the reality of their challenges.

They led us to the heart of God, so we could love on Him together.

Pastor Gary took us on a camp-out in the Garden of Gethsemane.

I’ll be honest–I’ve never lingered long in that garden because it just plain hurts to think of Jesus in such agony.

But if Jesus loved us enough to go through it, the least we can do is spend some time reflecting on it.

I think I’ll reflect in the form of a prayer. Feel free to join me.

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (toolmantim)

Lord,

It has been a while since I said thank you.

Thank you for clothing your Divinity with humanity. Thank you for living a life we can model. Thank you for the redemptive sacrifice that didn’t start on the cross.

It started in the garden.

They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” (Mark 14:32-42 NIV).

When You walked into that garden, You knew the bitter cup You were about to drink. Within the hour, You’d be betrayed by a friend and arrested by soldiers. Within eight hours, You’d be abandoned by Your closest friends, beaten to the edge of death, and nailed to a cross between two thieves. By 3 p.m., You’d be utterly alone tasting Your first moments estranged from Your Father.

Yes, the sacrifice began in that garden.

The terror of what was to come assaulted Your body, Your mind, and Your spirit.

Though You were best known for praying on Your feet with eyes lifted toward heaven, Your legs could not hold You as You poured out Your anguish to Your Abba Father. The stress was so intense that You sweat drops of blood. Your tears poured and Your heart broke as You asked Your Father, “Is there any other way?” (Luke 22:44).

More than Your personal comfort, You wanted God’s will. You didn’t count the cost because no cost was too high when it came to Your Father (and to us).

Your Father didn’t deliver You from that cup.

But He brought You to the other side. Yes, You suffered the worst kind of mental, spiritual, and physical pain.

But God was there to receive You when it was finished.

What can I take from spending time with You in the garden?

I can take Your dogged determination to do the will of God and make it my own, for Your Spirit lives in me.

I can take drink every cup You give me, even the bitter ones, for I know You will be there on the other side.

I can stop counting the cost and start counting the blessings because there is no life more priceless than a life spent for You.

All for You,

Amen

Choosing to See the Gift in Disguise

January 24, 2013 in prayergifts with 2 Comments

This year, I have the biggest caseload I’ve ever had as a special education teacher.

Overseeing the education of such a diverse group of learners keeps me hopping all day long.

Therefore, I wasn’t exactly thrilled when my supervisor informed me that I’d be getting another student to support…a student on a different team of teachers with different rules, different lesson plans, and different everything.

I grumbled to my co-teacher. I grumbled to my sweetie. I grumbled to God.

I’m already overloaded! Why couldn’t they give the job to someone else? Whyyyyyyyy?

And then I made a momentous choice. I chose to listen to God’s answer to my whiny why.

Lee, you should know me well enough to know I don’t put anything on your plate that isn’t on my master menu. I didn’t let this happen to stress you out; I let it happen to help you with one of your most important callings…the effective parenting of your own seventh grade son, Jacob. Don’t you like my gift?

You see…my son Jacob just transferred to my school so I can keep a better eye on him. Just like many of the students on my caseload, Jacob struggles with organization and timely work completion. He’s easily distracted and not too motivated.

And guess what? He’s on the same team of teachers as the new kid on my caseload! In my efforts to keep that student on-track, I’ll get the information I need to keep my Jacob on-track.

What I thought was an unfair inconvenience was really a gift from God. I’m glad God helped me unwrap it.

What’s going on in your life that has you grumbling and whining?

Will you choose to see the gift in disguise?

Unhindered

January 22, 2013 in forgive, grace, grow together, healing, hearing God's voice, letting go, live free with 0 Comments

I have the blessing of leading a women’s bible study on Sunday nights. Oh, how I love my ladies!

We are so different, yet we are all handmade by the same Creator.

Our backgrounds are diverse, yet God’s presence hovers over each of us.

Myriad circumstances wound our hearts, yet the One, True God works tirelessly to heal us.

Currently, we are working through Karen Ehman’s wonderful study, Let. It. Go. How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith.

One of the questions we pondered together was a doozy. Wanna hear it?

How do you hope your children or others in your life will remember you when it comes to your relationship with God?

As the women shared their hopes, they spoke of faith and faithfulness, authenticity, and a lifestyle of prayer.

Then came the next question.

What is standing in the way of you living out that kind of relationship with God?

The answers to that question are the inspiration for this prayer gift.

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons (ryanjagar)

Lord,

Your girls want to make You proud.

We want to live lives marked by faith, authenticity, and prayer, but it feels like giant stones block our path.

Fortunately, You have experience at moving stones.

Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away (Mark 16:2-4 NIV).

With You, we can live unhindered.

Roll away the ruins of past hurts.

Lift the yoke of oppression off our weary necks. Grasp our pointing fingers cramped from placing blame, and lift them heavenward to receive Your healing grace.

Turn our attention away from our hurts and toward the hungry and oppressed among us, for then our “light will rise in the darkness and [our] night will become like the noonday. [You] will guide [us] always; [You] will satisfy [our] needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen [our frames]. [We] will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (Isaiah 58:9-12 NIV).

Open our hearts to forgive those who hurt us, for we can’t move forward until we let go of the past. Help us to understand that holding on to the sins of others only doubles our burden, since we, too, are sinners. We, too, need forgiveness for so many reasons (Mark 11:25).

Roll away the confusion of false religion.

Lord, some of us grew up in homes, communities, and churches that fed us three squares a day of spiritual junk food. Deceived and conditioned, we gobbled it up and even tried to feed it to others.

Give us fresh vision to distinguish between truth and lies. Unblock our ears to hear the glorious sound Your freedom words drowning out the words of condemnation we’re so used to hearing. Release our tied-up tongues to speak the truth we do know, for when Truth shows up, the Deceiver must flee (James 4:7).

Luke 11:52 proves You are the defender of the truth seekers: “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering” (NIV).

Roll away the sins that trip us up.

Your precepts are pure radiance, Lord and more precious than gold.

“By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can discern their own errors? Forgive [our] hidden faults. Keep [us] also from willful sins; may they not rule over [us]. Then [we] will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of [our mouths] and this meditation our [our hearts] be pleasing in your sight, Lord, [our] Rock and [our] Redeemer” (Psalm 19:7-14 NIV).

Hanging on to our sin saps our strength and leaves us stuck (Psalm 32:3-5), but with repentance comes relief and a lifting to solid ground. “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you” (Psalm 130:3-4 NIV).

With the faith of little children, we seek You, Lord, and we know You receive us. “Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’” (Luke 18:16 NIV).

We know Your wish is for us to live free and unhindered so we can truly live out the faith we claim and can leave a legacy for those in our influence. Help us, Lord. Roll away those stones.

In the name of Jesus we pray, AMEN

Now the questions are yours:

How do you hope your children or others in your life will remember you when it comes to your relationship with God?

What is standing in the way of you living out that kind of relationship with God?

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