31 Days of Prayer: Day 1

As wives or future wives, we have the humbling opportunity to prayer for our husbands, or future husbands on a regular basis. We are called to do what is best for him.
Proverbs 31: 11-12

The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life. 

 In covering him with protection and love, prayer is a HUGE way of fulfilling this commitment. Many of the ideas and prayer shared in this challenge are taken from fellow bloggers. A few of the ideas are new and straight from my heart and experiences too. Please join me as we as ladies of virtue participate in covering our men and future men in prayer. Allow God to do the work in your own heart as well.

"Day 1

Pray that your husband will develop or keep developing a heart for the Bible and prayer. Pray he’ll long for that time with God on a daily basis. Pray that he grows in the Lord through the meditation and reading he does. Ask God to give him a desire to be held accountable in this. "

Why is this important? Your husband is, or will be, the spiritual leader of your home. If he has no desire for the Bible or for growing in his spiritual life, this could present some difficulties in keeping your home growing in this area too. Pray that God will place a longing to grow in Him through reading the scriptures, praying and finding accountability.  Pin It

Isaac and Rebekah

The story of Isaac and how he came to find Rebekah as his wife is quite amazing (Genesis 24). This is one of the most romantic stories in the Bible. Isaac falls deeply in love with a girl he hasn't even met before. There is so much to take away from this story!

1) God values us enough to provide for us on His time. Do we trust Him enough to let Him work in this way in our lives? Ladies, why do we put whatever on the line for guys? Why do we long to have them in our lives on our time, which is usually as soon as possible? Do we not know how the love of God will provide for us and know what is best for us? When Abraham prays for his son to find a woman who shares in his values and beliefs, he knows that God will provide. His servant asks him "what if I can't find a woman for your son?" Abraham replies convinced that the mission will be successful. This kind of faith is great. He knows that God cares enough for him and his family, that a wife will be found for his son. He has already seen such amazing provision in his family.

2) Waiting for a partner who is not just "good enough". Rebekah was a hard-working, compassionate woman. Abraham's servant saw this right away when she asks him if he's like some water. She shows great hospitality on him. It was quite obvious that this woman was very good for Isaac. Her faith and belief matched up with his, and she served with a happy heart. How can we settle for "good enough" over "great"? Ladies, you are more valuable than that. Don't bring anyone into your life who will tell you and treat you otherwise. If he doesn't respect your beliefs, your time, your body - he is NOT for you.

3) God will show you what is right. When Rebekah saw Isaac for the first time out in the fields, she was immediately in love with him. Isaac loved her deeply. If you find your "Mr. Right", who matched up to your expectations biblically and emotionally, God will show you it's right. Just because you have feelings for a guy who has the looks but an awful personality and beliefs that don't match yours, I can guarantee you that he is not the one God wants you to be with. God's Will is always good and in the best intentions of protecting you and your heart. Make sure you are doing your part in taking care of you too.

Learn from God's Word. Use it. Heed it. Follow it. Love it. It has so much to show you! Pin It

Think About it: We are Plan A

"We are the plan of God, and there is no plan B."

-David Platt, Radical

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Resolutions: Growth

The New Year is just around the corner, and with that usually comes resolutions. One of the things that I was inspired by this morning in church was learning about how Jesus grew. We make a choice on a daily basis on whether or not we'll improve and grow ourselves. Salvation shouldn't only be used as a past tense event that happened in our lives as Christians, but as a decision and process we follow every single day of our lives.
Luke 2:52 says that Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor in the eyes of the Lord. So as we look at this passage, we need to ask ourselves as followers and women of God, how we can grow in these ways.

Wisdom is the ability and capacity of applying what we know. How do we apply the Word of God in our lives? Do you truly believe in His Word? If so, then how are you showing that in your life? One of the prime examples for the purpose of this blog is that of our relationships and dating lives. Are you truly heeding God's advice in this area of your life? Or do you look at it, think "hmm, that's nice," but then continue following what the media and secular society tells you to do? I pray to God you truly try to follow His ways, especially in this. Though it may be the hard way, just remember that God's way is always the best way.
Get Wisdom! (Proverbs 4:5) Need more resources? Don't be afraid to research help on the areas you're struggling in. The book "Lady in Waiting" by Jones and Kendall has worked wonders in my life in the dating and relationship area. Check out your local library or Christian book store for what you need. Don't be too proud. God calls for humility, especially when it is in His work and Name.

Stature is our physical growth. This one may be more tangible for you to grasp. What girl doesn't want to be healthy? Sometimes though, we abuse ourselves in our own false sense of "health". It's one thing to work out and do it for you, but to work out because you think only guys go for skinny, "hot" girls is a misconception that should never be taken into consideration when you're getting healthy. If a guy likes you because your skinny and won't take the time of day to truly get to know  you no matter how you look, then I'm sorry, but he is not worth your time or even you glance.
Staying healthy is indeed a biblical concept. It is important to keep the temple of God healthy and going. God created us and we are made in His image. We are to take care of His creation. Don't abuse yourself when you're trying to get healthy. If you are following the role models of our society and not the biblical example of health, trouble may await you. Be smart when you're "getting healthy".

Favor in the Lord and man. Jesus grew in favor in the eyes of the Lord and in those around Him. Even Jesus, Who is God Himself made great efforts to please His Father in heaven. We are to be living examples of Christ, especially if we walk around and call ourselves Christians. One of the things that really irked me was shortly after the shooting earlier this month in Newtown, CT. A group from the "Westboro Baptist Church" (who only call themselves baptists, and aren't actually officially affiliated with the baptist church), claimed that they were going to speak out at the funerals of those involved in this horrific tragedy. This is a sickening and shallow way to make yourself known and it is NOT the message or definition of Christianity. Love is no where to be found in this group's purpose, even though Love is a bottom line to Christianity. These people do not set a great example of being Christ-followers. In fact, they drag it through the mud. And they definitely didn't gain any favor from those who knew of them.
Are you representing your relationship with Christ in the right ways? When you say you're a Christian, are you also walking your talk? Don't be someone who proclaims the love of Christ in your word, but turns around and talks bad about a peer. We all screw up, but it's a different matter when you claim it daily, but display a completely different lifestyle an hour later. Be women of virtue and examples to be proud of.

So, as you reflect on 2012 and look ahead to 2013, ask yourself what will be different. I know I personally will be working on the above three growing areas.

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Why I Attend Church

I don't go to church for the music or rhythms
I don't go for the messages or even for the refreshment
No, I won't attend with a heart of consumerism or gain,
But for a love that defeats all understanding
Grace that surpasses all my debt
And hope that seeks more than just gratification
I attend to give back what I can never return
Because I owe it to my God to meet with Him
Regardless of
the music
the Pastor
the programs
the coffee
the chairs
the people
the decorations
the building
the service
I refuse to be picky with my meeting with God
Because if He were picky with meeting with me
I wouldn't have the hope of salvation.
"He gave His life for me;
I will live mine for Him"
without the standards of the "American Dream" Pin It

Tasty Tuesdays: Peppermint Crunch

 

It's that time of year again! Tasty treats abound and baking is in full-swing! One recipe I discovered this year that was quite a hit was Peppermint Crunch. Think Puppy Chow, but with white chocolate and crushed candy canes. 

Shopping List:

(makes 5 cups)

• 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 10 ounces melting white chocolate OR vanilla flavored Almond Bark
• 1 cup crushed candy canes
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Pour 5 cups of Chex Cereal into a large bowl.  Melt white chocolate/almond bark according to the package directions.  Pour melted chocolate over cereal, stirring and folding until the cereal is completely covered. Fold in the crushed candy canes

In a large zipped top bag or covered container, add the powdered sugar. Pour the chocolate covered cereal/candy canes into the large bag or container.  Seal the bag or container and shake until all the cereal is coated with the powdered mixture.

Discard excess powder and enjoy!
Store at room temperature up to 2 weeks, if it lasts that long!

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Your Boaz, No Other...Az...

So I had some thoughts on sharing this, then held back a little, but this was just too good and too true NOT to share!

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