Prayer

I'm really not one for New Year's Resolutions but I am one who loves setting goals and trying my best to accomplish them. Sometimes it just so happens that these goals come when one year is ending and a new one is starting so call it what you want. I love a good challenge and doing things that are going to stretch me and grow me, especially when it comes to spiritual growth. Towards the end of 2012, I felt as if God was calling me to be more intentional about prayer. I've always loved prayer, I've seen firsthand the power of prayer, I believe with all my heart and soul that God answers prayer, I even get excited about prayer. But lately I've been lacking in the praying faithfully and praying intentionally part of prayer. I feel like my prayers have been lacking in depth and I end up saying the same phrase day in and day out without much thought behind my words, especially in the good night prayers I say with the kids. I was getting bored with prayer and I know that's not what God intended prayer to be like. So this year I've made the decision to become a student of prayer and become more intentional about the prayers that I pray. So here is what I'm doing to spice up my prayer life.

The first thing I decided to do is study prayers throughout the old and new testament by learning how others prayed. I've already studied two prayers, the prayer of Moses in Exodus 15 and Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2. I'm looking forward to studying many more prayers this year and learning what God wants to show me through each one. I'm keeping a journal to record my thoughts as I read the prayers. Writing out my thoughts has always helped me to process things better. 

The next thing I'm doing comes out of a conversation I had with my oldest child. We were talking about how in the Bible we are urged to pray for those in government, for those in authority over us. I have to admit that praying for our president is not something I've done on a regular basis if even at all. So with the inspiration of my son, we have decided to pray for our president and those in our government each night. (Some of the verses we are using to pray for this topic are 1 Timothy 2:1-3, Psalms 122:6, Mark 3:25, Proverbs 2:11, and 1 John 5:14-15). I pulled a prayer offline titled A Prayer for Our Government put out by Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Praying for our president is certainly stretching me!

Something else I feel like God is calling me to do is to pray faithfully and intentionally for my husband. I pulled out my Power of a Praying Wife book by Stormie Omartian to assist me with this. If you're not familiar with this book it reads more like a chapter book with a prayer at the end of each chapter while focusing on a specific area of your husband's life like his work, his finances, his mind, his fears, his purpose, etc... Instead of reading the book over the course of a month (which I've done in the past), I decided to slow it down and spend about a week on each chapter praying daily for what that chapter is about. 

In addition to praying for my husband, I really wanted to find some Bible verses that were relevant to each of our three children and spend the year praying those scriptures over each child. I asked God to lead me to specific verses for each child and I'm so excited about the verses he lead me to.  I have the verses written out on note cards and each night when I have my quiet time I pray the scripture with that child in mind. At some point during the year, as God leads, I plan to share with each child what I'm doing and share with them the verses that God lead me to. I've already had the opportunity to do this with one of our kids and it was a pretty cool moment. Kids are very receptive to their parent's prayers and it makes them feel pretty special knowing that they are being prayed for daily. 

I'm also utilizing a few books I have on hand to aide me in my prayers. My sister had gotten me a book called Praying God's Will for My Daughter by Lee Roberts. It's simply a book divided up by themes with Bible verses that match the theme. I find a character trait that I feel needs some work in my daughter's life and spend the week praying those specific verses for that trait. I love how the book is laid out and it's very user friendly. 

The last resource I have is a book called Praying The Bible For Your Children by David and Heather Kopp. It is very similar to the one I just mentioned and includes 122 prayers on various topics. Each prayer includes Bible verses and is written out in a way where I can just read the prayer while inserting the names of our children.

So this is what I'm working on in 2013, it will be challenging for sure but very rewarding.

I leave you with a funny photo of each of the above mentioned people that I'm praying for. I just downloaded my iPhone photos and these ones made me giggle.

Self portrait from child #2. I always enjoy finding these surprise photos when I download my iPhone photos.

Child #1 during a night game of 007 we played with two other families (adults and kids, it was so fun!), he is standing in the back of a truck with the night air whipping through his hair.

This would be my husband. Eating dinnner while wearing son #2's helmet. This was right after he set the smoke alarm off while making his dinner. Safety first people!

And here is child #3, our sweet daughter teaching herself how to skateboard on a Sunday morning before church. This sums up her personality quite nicely.

I'm so blessed to be praying for these four special people in my life!

Operation Newtown

CLICK HERE FOR "OPERATION NEWTOWN" DONATION

The tragic event that took place in Newtown, CT on December 14th has caused so much heartache all over the world, but especially for those in Newtown, CT. We are feeling led to do something to help those who are hurting. Our prayers have been many but we keep coming back to praying for the police officers, fire fighters, dispatchers, and ambulance workers who work in Newtown. As a wife of a retired police officer, we know how an event like this can be devastating and traumatic not only for those who worked the scene but also to those who are part of this brotherhood/sisterhood and are supporting their fellow co-workers. We have created a facebook page and we have a goal. Our goal is to put a gift in the hand of each of these workers and bless them with some encouragement. Please see the link below and read what we would specifically like to accomplish. You will see a paypal link to your right, this is where you can click to donate a $20 gift to provide one of these hard working men or women with a gift. Thank you so much!

CLICK HERE FOR "OPERATION NEWTOWN" DONATION

You can click on the link titled "Operation Newtown" and you can simply "like" the page and you will then receive updates on our progress. Operation Newtown is being created to honor the first responders, fire fighters, police officers, dispatchers, and ambulance workers of Newtown, CT. It is our goal that each of these individuals in Newtown will receive a gift of encouragement to show our support for their involvement in the tragic event that took place on December 14th killing 26 innocent teachers and students. There are 200 employees of Newtown's police and fire departments who can use our support during this difficult time. The gift would include the following: A copy of Sarah Young's Jesus Calling devotional book, a $10 Starbucks gift card, and a hand written note of encouragement. Each gift will cost approximately $20. Our goal is to gather donations so we can purchase the 200 books and include a $10 Starbucks gift card with each book and then place this gift in the hands of each of these brave men and women. If we get the word out to 200 of our friends and family members and ask each person to donate just one gift of $20, we could bless these people who need some encouragement. Please consider joining this group and donating to this cause.

CLICK HERE FOR "OPERATION NEWTOWN" DONATION

January 1st family hike

We spent our New Years day hiking in our beautiful state of Arizona. We headed up near Lost Dutchman and enjoyed a wonderful hike. Here are the pictures from our time there. Oh, and I was there but forgot to hand my camera off to Michael to include me in a few pics. Must remember to do that next time.

So long 2012, Hello 2013!

This is my wrap up post for 2012 so I can include this post in our 2012 book that will go to print very soon! Let's begin with Christmas...
My sister and her family came to AZ for the holidays. We had such a great time!

 Me and my sister.

 Me and my man.

 Christmas Eve family photo.

 Early on Christmas morning.

 Seeing if the reindeer ate the food left for them on the lawn.

 Jadon playing with his new boomerang.

 Camden with his gifts.

 Anna on her new roller skates.

 A week later we celebrated NYE. Fireworks with neighbors.

 They are no old enough to light the fireworks for us.

 It was a very chilly NYE, the lows got down into the 30's.

And that's a wrap!!!!! Hello 2013!

Silent Night....

Silent Night, Holy night, all is calm, all is bright.... Since Friday's deadly shootings in Connecticut I'm hearing the same Christmas songs I've heard all month but they have taken on a whole new meaning. I hear songs like Silent Night, I'll be home for Christmas, Joy to the World, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, All I Want For Christmas is You, and so on.

Before Friday's shootings these songs brought much excitement, anticipation, and joy when I heard them but now as I listen to these songs through the ears of those who are grieving the loss of a loved one due to this horrible tragedy, it brings on a whole new meaning. A once silent night is now most likely filled with sobs and wailing. The once assuring words of I'll be home for Christmas won't come true. Where is the joy in this world after such a tragedy? It doesn't seem to be a word that describes Newtown right now. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year, I don't think merry and happy will be terms that these families will find over the next couple of weeks as Christmas comes and goes and a new year approaches. I'm sure their hearts are yearning for their loved one and the words of All I Want for Christmas Is You strike a whole new chord this year.

How does one go on and find another silent, calm night in the midst of their chaos and grieving? Will joy be found again in Newtown and in the homes of those who lost a loved one? Will merriment and happiness describe future Christmases and New Years these families will face?

I don't feel like I even have the wisdom or insight to even begin to answer these questions, it's not my place to even try. In times of deep trial and grief I know my Savior, Jesus Christ, speaks comforting and reassuring words that are filled with love and hope and that is where I want to dwell during this time. I think this is the perfect time to be reminded of some of the promises that scripture holds. Maybe these words will bring a little peace, joy, and hope during this extremely difficult time for so many.

The lyrics of Silent Night go like this:

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

I'm sure sleep is a difficult thing to come by when grieving the loss of a dear one, and when sleep is found I'm sure it's not described as peaceful. Here is what God's Word says about peace that allows us to find this rest. 

Proverbs 3:24 

When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
 when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Proverbs 6:20-21

My son, keep your father’s command
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
²¹ Bind them always on your heart;
    fasten them around your neck.
²² When you walk, they will guide you;
    when you sleep, they will watch over you.
  

Jeremiah 31:25-26

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.
At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me.

Psalm 4:8

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 3:4-6

I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

 I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
 I will not fear though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.

The lyrics of Joy to the World read like this.

Joy to the World, the Lord has come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

The first four words of this song say Joy to the world. I can't imagine uttering those words especially after loosing a child in such an awful way, an evil way, at the hands of a very dark dark person who radiates evil. But then I read the next four words, the Lord has come. Joy is not found in this world, Joy is found in Christ and in Him alone. We live in a fallen world, we are surrounded by evil influences that are of this world, but we have the promise that a Savior has come to save us from this world. Let us be reminded of that and soak in these promises:

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 14:16-18

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans;I will come to you.

John 14:26

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 16:20

Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

1 John 3:1-3

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

1 John 4:9

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Titus 2: 13-14
While we wait for the blessed hope- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 


The song titled All I Want For Christmas is You has also taken on a whole new meaning. Towards the very end of the song it says this:

Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas 
This is all I'm asking for 
I just want to see my baby 
Standing right outside my door 
Oh I just want you for my own 
More than you could ever know 
Make my wish come true 
Baby all I want for Christmas is... 
You 

I imagine these words are at the heart and soul of each grieving person this Christmas. I'm sure that is all they want for Christmas, their loved one to be standing right outside their door. Sadly, that won't be the case but there is another who stands outside the door. His name is Jesus and He is ready, waiting, and always available.

Revelation 3:19-21

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Psalm 70:4-5

But may all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
    “The Lord is great!”

 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
    come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
    Lord, do not delay.

John 14:23

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Saying the words "Merry Christmas" or "Happy New Year" to a person whose heart is deeply grieving is probably not received as a happy greeting as it would have been just last week. These terms are normally spoken with an excitement and hope of what is to come. This Christmas most likely will not be merry for many families in Connecticut nor will happiness be a word to describe this new year but for those whose hope is in the Lord, they can rest in these promises. 

Psalm 62:4-6

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
⁶ Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

Isaiah 40:30-31

Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

So let me ask these questions again. How does one go on and find another silent, calm night in the midst of their chaos and grieving? Will joy be found again in Newtown and in the homes of those who lost a loved one? Will merriment and happiness describe future Christmases and New Years these families will face?

I believe the answers can be found in God's Word. God's Word is meant for each and every person. God is meant for each and every person. It is my prayer that those who are troubled, distraught, deep in grief, hopeless, deeply saddened, scared, and tired will look to the Lord who will walk with them through this time and bring them to a place where they can once again enjoy a silent night, find joy in the Lord, come to Him, and even enjoy a merry Christmas in the years to come and that happiness will once again be found in the years ahead.

So next time you listen to one of these familiar songs, remember the promises that God's word brings and pray. Pray for those who are hurting. Pray these scriptures over the people of Newtown. 

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Elf on the Shelf fun

We've never been big on Santa, our kids have known from a pretty young age that there is no Santa. They have never liked the thought of a big fat man watching them while they sleep and coming down our chimney on Christmas Eve. So we've been honest with them when they asked if Santa was real and told them (more like assured them) that mom and dad are the ones who buy them the gifts and put them under the tree on Christmas Eve. However we can pretend and have fun with the idea for the sake of those who do believe in Santa but in our home we really don't make a big deal about it. I've got a few Santa decorations that are special to me and have been passed down from both sides of the family so they are on display during the month of December and they do bring back happy memories for both of us. But don't worry, our kids still have a total blast during the month of December. We have many other fun traditions so we don't feel like they are missing out or scarred in any way because we don't make Christmas about Santa. We have many other fun family traditions that make December meaningful, fun and exciting while keeping our focus on the main reason for celebrating Christmas- Jesus. I learned about a fun tradition last year called Elf on the Shelf and started seeing it pop up again this year on the day after Thanksgving. I was a bit intrigued by the whole thing and thought it might be a fun to incorporate it into our family for the month of December. However, I adapted it since our kids are older and they don't believe in Santa and would never buy into the whole elf reporting to Santa business. So we simply have an elf named Bill who does funny things each night after they go to bed and then when they wake up they find him and we all share a laugh. Here are some of the highlights of what Bill the elf has been up to over the past couple of weeks.
The first night Bill went bungie jumping into Pepper's water bowl.

 Another morning he was waiting by Pepper's food bowl with a treat and Pepper's ball. Pepper and Bill have a love/hate relationship. Pepper thinks Bill is a fun toy and quite often Bill gets tossed across the room and picked up again in Pepper's mouth. And since Bill never stops smiling he seems to enjoy the whole thing. LOL

 Bill made a another friend.

 He went camping under the Christmas tree, even my oldest child complimented me on this arrangement. Maybe he is "slightly" into elf on the shelf but just won't admit it.

 Bill played in the snow.

 He challenged a wooden Santa figurine (made by my mother in laws boyfriend) to a game of Battleship.

 He got stuck in rush hour traffic.

 And my most creative one yet, went poopoo in the potty

 mini marshmallows is what our elf poops.

I'm not sure I can get much more creative than that so I'll be trying to come up with a few more good ones the next few nights.