Prayer for today...

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul...”

(Psalm 23:1–3, ESV)

Father, thank You for what you are continuously doing today and the days ahead. Leading me into a place of rest. Today I surrender my brokenness to You and open my heart to receive Your healing so You can restore my soul in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Healing to your heart and restoration to your soul...

He Collects Your Tears

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”

(Psalm 56:8, NLT)

Do you know how important you are to God? He cares so much about every detail of your life. He cares about your thoughts, feelings and emotions. In fact, what you are going through is so important to Him that He records every sorrow and collects the tears you’ve shed.

Why would God record your sorrows and collect your tears? Because everything that affects you matters to Him. He is your Vindicator. He’s keeping an account of every wrong that’s ever been done to you so that He can make up for every single one of them. He wants to restore to you everything that has ever been stolen. He wants to heal every hurt and pain.

Today, know that God cares about the things that concern you. He cares about the things that hurt you. He is close to the brokenhearted, and He wants to bring you peace and comfort. Turn to Him and receive His love. Let Him bring healing to your heart and restoration to your soul.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for loving me and for caring about the things that concern me. I choose to give You every hurt, pain and sorrow, knowing that You will make all things new in Your time in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If God saw these wounds...

Like a Phoenix (Part 1)

December 18th, 2012 Clinton Tedja

“But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

We all grow up carrying some sort of wound from the fall. Wounds…lies that were told, dreams that died, accidents that happened, mistakes made, the hurts from others. Every person carries some sort of wound.

When a baby is taking their first steps, what does the parent usually do? He excitedly gathers the family around, whips out the video camera, and cheers his beloved child on…even though they’re falling over every two steps. “Woohoo! My baby’s walking! My baby’s walking!”

But sometimes, we have this image of God the Father as one who frowns down at us, “Oh, stupid baby. Can’t believe you just fell again. Get out of my house, and don’t come back until you learn how to walk properly.” It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?

The world will tell us to hide our wounds and never reveal them – not even to God. We think, ”If God saw these wounds, He would know I’m imperfect.” But in our weakness, God is made strong. In our wounds, God’s healing is made strong if we’d only let Him heal us.

And God the Father tells us, ”It’s OK that you fell. It’s OK that you’re hurt. Let me tend to your wounds. Woohoo! My baby’s walking.”

Prayer:

Loving Father, I ask that you would show me if there are areas in my heart where I still have wounds from the fall. Help me to no longer dwell on them or bottle them inside. Would you heal me, free me and teach me to rise when I fall? Amen.

Where was God?...Mike Huckabee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR39j1KMOsE

Don’t spend time focusing on where you’ve been; spend time focusing on where you’re going.

Forget the Former Things

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

(Isaiah 43:18, NIV)

Too often, people spend so much time and energy dwelling on the past, dwelling on mistakes, or dwelling on disappointments. They don’t even realize that their focus is keeping them from moving forward in life. But in order to fully experience God’s blessings, you have to let go of those past hurts; you have to forget the former things to make room for the new.

God has a new beginning in store for you, and the way you prepare for it is by getting rid of the old. Don’t spend time focusing on where you’ve been; spend time focusing on where you’re going. When you “forget the former things,” it means you’re not worried about the past anymore. You don’t allow it to dictate your future. You may remember past events, but you don’t feel the pain like you used to. You’ve opened your heart to receive God’s healing. Begin today by declaring that your past is over! Forget the former things and receive the restoration and victory God has in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for the life of blessing and victory You have prepared for me. I choose to forget the past. I choose to forgive. I choose to open my heart to You and receive everything You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Verse of the day...

Psalm 133

A song of ascents. Of David.

¹ How good and pleasant it is
    when God’s people live together in unity!

Advent Week 2: The Candle of Joy

December 9th, 2012  by Gail Rodgers

Keep learning! Take the second lesson in our advent series: Emmanuel, God with us.

“For unto us a child is born …and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 & 7)

As I re-juggled my “to do” list of Christmas preparations my thoughts bounced around the changes that have come and how Christmas will be somewhat different this year. Changes…good changes, challenging changes, hard changes…the interesting mosaic of life. It’s different for all of us, yet we all share in that changing landscape of life. Sometimes finding joy in the changes is easy…sometimes very challenging.

As I pondered the changes in my life, and in our world, I thought about Christmas and the birth of Baby Jesus. Sometimes that manger scene seems so irrelevant and so far removed from day to day life. Yet an old verse in the Bible brought freshness to my soul this week as I pondered how the Baby Jesus impacts my life today. It truly gives new cause for joy. Listen…

“For unto us a child is born …and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 & 7)

Any need you have in life and in the changing landscape of your mosaic can be answered by this Jesus. If you need wisdom or strength He will be your Counselor; if you need a mountain moved, He is your Mighty God. If you need comfort, forgiveness and gentle healing, He is your everlasting Father; and if your heart is anxious and troubled He will be Peace to you. Jesus….our rock and our hope! Jesus … our cause for joy!

Let your heart pause with thankfulness as you prepare for Christmas. Look at the manger scene with the fresh wonder of all He is to you. Let joy seep into the changes of your life. No need, no change that you face will not be encompassed by all He is so much more than just a baby! Invite Him into your changes! Let joy fill your soul.

Prayer & reflection

Heavenly Father,

Fill my heart with the fresh wonder of what that first Christmas means for me… today. Thank you that today or in the future, any need I have can be encompassed by You, Jesus. Let joy flood into my soul as I lean on You to be my Wonderful Counselor, my Mighty God, my Everlasting Father and my Prince of Peace! Help me to look with expectation to what You will do in my life… and fill me with Your joy!  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Question: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – which of the names of God do you most relate to today? Which one do you need more of in your life?

Prayer for our US Military

Lord, I ask for a special blessing for our military men and women today and the days to come.  Put your hand of mercy on those about to deploy this month.  Bless them with peace, discernment, courage, wisdom, strength, and send your angels before them.  Hide them behind the cross.  Make it so that the enemy falters and fails in their tactics to pursue our military.  Place a hand of healing and a hedge of protection around each soldier, troops, airmen, military leaders, their vehicles, the bases, living quarters, and each while working during all hours of the day and night to protect the innocent.  Thank you for Lord for the USA and the freedoms we have because of these who are willing to sacrifice themselves for our country.  God bless the USA and those protecting her from the enemy.  Give us all the strength, courage, and wisdom to be salt and light to this dark world.

In Jesus name I do pray, AMEN!

  

Morning Prayer

Father thank you for a new day in you.   A new day of knowing and understanding your word.   Father thank you for you are so good and your grace is all sufficient for our lives.   Lord Jesus today we ask that you flow to us and flow through us.   Let our lives be vessels used by you today.    Use us through our testimonies.   Use us to impart faith.    Use us  to express your goodness, grace, and glory to those around us.    Father use us. 

  

Thank you Lord Jesus for meeting all of our needs today.  Thank you for healing our bodies and increasing our joy.   For we know that your joy Lord Jesus is our strength.   Father thank you for your word being alive in us today.    Let our lives reflect who you are Lord Jesus.   Do what only you can do now.   Our faith, our trust, and our reliance is totally in you Father.   Do what only you can in Jesus name we do pray.   Amen.   

Proud mom of her #1 Airmen.

 

The Journey of Preparation

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, NKJV)

Oftentimes, God will use our experiences in life as stepping stones to prepare us for what He has in store next. Scripture tells us that He’ll even take the things the enemy tries to bring against us and turn them around and use them for our good. He is always leading us on a journey of preparation.

That’s why it’s so important to keep our eyes focused on Him. We have to trust that when we are submitted to Him — even if we don’t understand — He is ordering our steps. If something is not happening on your timetable, remind yourself, “God knows what He is doing. He has my best interest at heart. God is preparing me.” While you’re waiting, don’t make the mistake of trying to figure everything out. If you’re constantly trying to figure things out, that will only frustrate you. Turn it over to God. Declare, “God, my times are in Your hands. I’m not going to worry because I trust that You are leading me on a journey of preparation for all the wonderful blessings You have in store for me.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I trust that You are leading and guiding me. I trust that You are preparing me for all the wonderful blessings You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Why were the Wise Men so Wise?

December 3rd, 2012 Rev. Daniel Forster

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” (Matthew 2:1-2, ESV)

If you ask folks why the wise men were so wise, you’ll be in for quite a surprise at the various answers you receive. One thing we know for sure is they were astrologers. (Matthew 2:1, AMP) I find this quite interesting because they were not what we would call “religious men” yet they left their comfortable lives and traveled a long and dangerous distance in search of the king whose star they saw (vs. 2).

They were also wise enough to know be familiar with the Old Testament and know that the star meant Jesus was titled the king of the Jews in scripture. (Numbers 24:7; Jeremiah 23:5) After hearing from God in their dreams these wise men were wise enough not to return to Herod for he was not to be trusted (vs. 12).

“After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:9-11, NLT)

The wise men were wealthy enough to make the journey and bring expensive gifts and were connected enough to speak to King Herod. However, when they saw Jesus they did not even hesitate to bow down and worship and present their gifts.

These men did not doubt that they had followed the star wrong (vs. 11). They had faith in God’s Spirit to lead them to the right place. These men were not distracted by these worldly circumstances because they had their eyes on Jesus! Now that is wise.

Lord, this Christmas help me to be more like the wise men. I pray that I wouldn’t focus on my worldly circumstances but that I focus on You. I want to seek You with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Amen.

Promotion Comes from the Lord

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For not from the east nor from the west nor from the south come promotion and lifting up. But God is the Judge! He puts down one and lifts up another.”

(Psalm 75:6–7, AMP)

Have you ever noticed that people tend to act differently around those they think can do something for them — people who appear to have status, wealth or influence in life? I believe that the way we treat people is a test. At times, God will bring people across your path that may seem insignificant. They may not appear to be able to do anything for you, but in reality, they are divinely linked to your destiny. They hold the key to your promotion and increase. Will you treat them with respect and honor even if you think they can’t do anything for you?

The truth is that the people we’re playing up to or trying to win their favor may be the ones that open a door for us, but they don’t hold the key to our destiny. Promotion doesn’t come from them. Promotion comes from God. And, God will use the most unlikely people to open doors of opportunity for you — a hotel bellman, a maid, an intern, or an unpopular kid at school. Let’s pass the test and treat everyone like Jesus put them in our path because He probably did. Remember, God is watching and promotion comes from Him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for promotion. Thank You for ordering my steps and leading me on the right path. Today I choose to honor and respect everyone, and in turn, I choose to honor You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Source: imperfectlypolished.com via Terri on Pinterest

I love Junk Gypsies!!!

JuNK GyPSY

http://gypsyville.com/

Who do you work for???

November 30th, 2012

Rev. Daniel Forster

“Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:22-24, ESV)

Why do you work? Do you work hard at your job? I know, it’s too early for that many questions, but it is a very serious subject. In our society, it is proper to work hard for your boss, or to work hard for your family. These are good things as long as you are doing them by working hard for the Lord. Not sure what that means? Let’s see what Paul says:

Ignore the bondservant (slaves) word. In the King James Version it uses the word servant, which would be more proper. Slaves were a cultural thing, not a biblical thing. Notice Paul says, “obey your earthly masters as one who fears the Lord. . . not as a people pleaser”. When you work hard for your boss or your family are you doing it to be a people pleaser, or are you doing it with sincerity of your heart, as one who fears the Lord? What’s the difference you might ask?

If you work hard in all things for the Lord, you are in His will, just as Jesus did all things as the Father asked Him to do. When God said go, He went, when God said stay, He stayed. We need to have the same approach to our work. Man will manipulate and deceive you. Family will manipulate and deceive you, but God will not. In all things we need to pray and seek His wisdom so we are working hard for Him. There is a huge difference!

For years, before I gave my life truly to Christ, I worked for myself. If I held a second job it was for me to have more money, or for others to have more. I worked for material things, and for selfish reasons. My heart was not on God, it was on me. I made a lot of money in those days, yet the funny part is that I had nothing to show for it except brokenness and heartache.

My son barely saw me, and when he did, I was angry, exhausted, and had no patience. This wasn’t just because I was working so hard, it was because I was doing it on my own, and for me. I felt I was entitled to be short on patience and angry. I had no fruit of the Spirit in me. Now, I work just about as hard as I did then, and for a lot less money but my life has a much different look. When I am at work, I no longer grumble and complain, I do all things to serve Christ. Now I work hard for God, and not for man. I am blessed, I am happy, and my heart is at peace.

Just a side note: Working hard for God will not earn you salvation. You cannot earn your salvation, nor can you earn His Love. It is a gift.

Father, We pray today, that in all we do, we do it for You. Lord let us humbly and fearfully work for You and not for man. Transform our hearts Lord God. Let us not be lazy, nor selfish. Let us have our eyes and minds on You, being led by Your Holy Spirit. We praise You Lord, for every blessing You provide for us and our families. Let us not use these blessings for ourselves in selfish ways, yet use them in how You see fit for us. Be our captain, and steer our lives Lord, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Run Your Race

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...” (Hebrews 12:1–2, NKJV)

It’s easy to be tempted to go through life competing with everyone around us. When we see someone who’s more talented, better looking or has more gifts, instead of running our race and being comfortable with who we are, oftentimes we feel inferior and think, “I’ve got to catch up to them.” The problem with this unhealthy competition is that it’s a never-ending cycle.

There will always be someone ahead of us. But, it’s a very freeing thing when you realize, “I’m not competing with you. I don’t have to have as big a house as my neighbor to feel good about myself. I don’t have to keep up with my co-worker. I don’t have to be a certain size. No, I understand that I’m not in competition with my friend, my neighbor or my co-worker. Instead, I’m going to be the best me that I can possibly be.” Friend, that’s an attitude God can work with. When you focus on being who God made you to be, that’s when you’ll rise up higher and position yourself for every spiritual blessing He has in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I humbly come to You giving You all that I am. I choose to keep my eyes on You and allow You to work in my heart and mind. I declare that I am free from competition today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pay them no mind...1 Sam 10:27

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“But some scoundrels said, ‘How can this fellow save us?’ They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.” (1 Samuel 10:27, NIV)

In scripture, King Saul had some people come against him. They were making fun of him. He could have easily become distracted and lost his focus. He could have defended himself saying, “I’m a good leader. I have what it takes.” But what did he do? He kept silent. One translation says, “He paid them no mind.”

Friend, sometimes that’s what you have to do when people are coming against you. You have to realize that some people are just jealous. Not everyone is going to have your best interest at heart. But don’t let them control your destiny. Don’t let them distract you from God’s best. Instead of playing up to people or trying to win over all your critics, keep your eyes focused on what God has for you. Spend time with people who see what God is doing in you. Focus on those who will celebrate you. Ignore the critics so you can be all that God has called you to be.

PRAYER FOR TODAY  

Father, today I keep my heart and mind focused on You. I choose to ignore the naysayers. I choose to turn away from critical voices. I declare by faith that I will accomplish the plan You have for me as I daily put You first in everything that I do in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Trusting God’s Timing...

“My times are in your hands...”

(Psalm 31:15, NIV)

In life, oftentimes we are waiting for something; waiting for a dream to come to pass, waiting to meet the right person, waiting for a problem to turn around. When things aren’t happening as fast as we would like, it’s easy to get frustrated. But you have to realize that the moment you prayed, God established a set time to bring the promise to pass.

God has a set time for your opportunity. There is a set time for that problem to turn around, a set time for your healing, your promotion, your breakthrough. It may be tomorrow, or next week, or five years from now. But when you understand the time has already been set, it takes all the pressure off. You won’t live worried, wondering when this is ever going to happen. You’ll relax and enjoy your life knowing that the promise has already been scheduled and your answer is on the way!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I choose to trust in Your timing. I trust that You have my best in mind. I believe that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. Thank You for ordering my steps and leading me in the life of blessing You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

How you can pray for deployed military personnel?

We hear people say, "Pray for our Troops!" But what do we pray for? What, specifically, are their needs?

Here are insights provided by Army Chaplain (MAJ) Scott Koeman in how to pray:

• Pray that he would have the peace of Christ with him—especially if he travels outside of his Forward Operating Base (FOB).

• Pray that he will depend on the love of God to keep him from bitterness at others (who needlessly make life difficult on their subordinates especially when they aren’t the most competent leader).

• Pray for his spiritual and emotional resiliency so that regardless of what he faces, he will be able to be effective in his military role and responsibility.

• Pray for protection. “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore” (Psalm I25:2).

• Pray that he will be vigilant if he is called upon to fire upon the enemy. “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle” (Psalm 144:1).

• Pray that the enemy will be turned back. “May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion: may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace” (Psalm 40:14).

• Pray that he will be fulfilled in his job. Without purpose, time in the combat zone is extremely long and difficult.

• Pray that he will resist lowering himself to lower levels of conversations and instead seek to be an example of goodness and righteousness.

• Pray that he finds “good and solid” Christian brothers to have fellowship.

• Pray that if he struggles or is discouraged, he will seek out his chaplain for wisdom and encouragement.

• Pray for the leadership in Platoons, Companies, Battalions, Brigades . . . depending on what level the soldier works. Leadership can make or break a man.

www.operationwearehere.com/​CaringInsightsMilitary

Do you know what a goad is?

Grab Hold of It

Jason Fevig - Senior Pastor - Harvest Miami, Florida

Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. -Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 We’ve been learning about the book of Ecclesiastes and how Solomon penned it after living a life far from the Lord. At the end of his life, Solomon finally gets what God wanted him to know all along; namely that in a well-lived life, one will, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of man” (v.13). Some people live their entire life, get to the end of it, and never learn their lessons. Do you know anyone like this? Could someone say this about you? They have many, many experiences both good and bad, but they never derive any benefit from them. No progress. No advancement. No forward movement. Some of you reading this today have made some colossal mistakes. Divorce, addictions, bankruptcy, financial setbacks, wayward children, sickness, injury, being arrested, or convicted of a crime; the list could go on forever. The point is this: Did you learn anything? Do you know what a goad is? It’s a long, pointed stick used for prodding and guiding oxen while plowing. When an animal gets off track, it gets a little WHACK to get it back on track. So the question becomes: Do you take life’s shortcuts by learning from the hard lessons of others? Or does your life look more like this: “I want to figure things out for myself.” WHACK!  “I don’t want to learn from others.” WHACK! I don’t need some ancient book to tell me how to live.” DOUBLE WHACK! Do you see what I mean? What can make us useful and wise is when we learn from our mistakes and pass those lessons on to those around us so they don’t have to suffer painful consequences like we did. We can stop blaming everybody else for the bad decisions we made and get on the path of fearing God and keeping His commandments. Instead of being embarrassed by our mistakes, let God redeem them! Why did God send His precious Son to die on a cross for us anyway? So we would stay on an endless spinning wheel of making the same mistakes over and over again? No! So that we can be forgiven and our mistakes be redeemed! The choice is yours. You can relent and repent or you can stiffen your neck and harden your heart. But watch out for the goads!

Turkey Day Tips

Celebrate a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Making a huge meal and serving it to a hungry crowd with high expectations can be easy—and fun. Really!

 

Thanksgiving should be a joyful day when family and friends gather for good company and good food. But if you’re dashing from oven to table, shuffling plates, refilling drinks and trying to keep kids from uttering the dreaded “we’re bored,” that special day can turn into a real slog. So how do you keep guests well fed and entertained without an army of elves? 

Chef Erika Davis, pastry chef and former Top Chef contestant, has cooked for some very demanding diners (including celebrity judges) and knows a thing or two about entertaining under pressure. One of her favorite tips, which she learned from her mother, is to set the table the night before. “It’s an easy way to give yourself extra time the day of the big meal,” she explains. And since she’s a chocolatier, it’s only natural that Davis feels that “a day is never good without chocolate,” so she always sends her dinner guests home with a handmade chocolate treat.

If you’d like to create your own surprise for guests—and cut your T-Day workload—bake up a Pumpkin-Sweet Potato Pie and stash it in the fridge. Then, at the end of the day, present your guests with a slice they can enjoy later while remembering what a special time they had.

Interested in more ways to take the stress out of Thanksgiving? Adopt this two-pronged approach and discover how much fun big-deal entertaining can be.

Part One: Try these Smart Food Moves

• Plan your menu well in advance. Make it a mixture of familiar family classics and a few new twists that everyone will love, like this Roasted Turkey with Bourbon-Butter Glaze. Always include one standout item that can share oven space with the turkey and mac and cheese, like this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping. For the freshest flavor, include recipes that incorporate seasonal produce to ensure that your dishes taste their best.

• Make Monday or Tuesday your shopping day. The stores may not be as crowded, and you’ll have Wednesday to pick up anything you may have forgotten.

• Make Wednesday your prep day. Identify items like stuffing, soup, compote and desserts that can be made in advance. Vegetables can be prepared early and reheated when ready to serve. For more on what can be ready before the big day, read 5 Tips to Cook Sunday Dinner Faster. This is also the time to let others know their duties for the next day, from bringing the food to the table to overseeing cleanup.

• Don’t let Thursday morning make you cry—live by your list. Create a timeline that charts the day dish-by-dish.

•  Think beyond the table. Press every piece of furniture into service, maybe even turning windowsills and chests of drawers into serving stations. This works particularly well for appetizers and will encourage guests to move and mingle as they make their way from the cheese plate in the dining room to the nuts and dried fruit on the living room coffee table.
• Serve the food family style, buffet style or a combination of both. For instance, sit everyone down to a plated first course and then have people serve themselves for the sides and main courses. 

Part Two: Keep Everyone Busy

The food is delicious, but Thanksgiving is also special for family time together. Here are a few ways to celebrate each other.

• Hold a turkey trot or other athletic activity. Even if not everyone is up for a run, find an outdoor exercise where people can work up an appetite.

• Transform the table into a tribute of thanks. Using fabric markers and paint, embellish tablecloths, runners and napkins with handwritten words or quotations about thanks. Use books or online references or make up your own. Complement the table with a centerpiece that celebrates your family history. Ask guests to bring a family photo and arrange them in the center of the table. Then take turns discussing each photo, reminiscing and telling stories that can be shared from one generation to the next.

• Do a round of thanks. Before dinner, have each person say what he or she is thankful for. After all, that’s the reason for the season, and it also reminds us that every day has cause to be grateful.

• Organize indoor activities before and after the meal. Set up different stations like a card table, an area for board games and since Thanksgiving is “game day,” designate a TV room for sports fans.

• Make the kidstable a crafts table. Think outside the “turkey hand” drawing and give little ones art supplies like butcher paper, stencils and paints to make their own tablescape and encourage a theme of thankfulness. 

Friends: The family we choose for ourselves.

Who celebrates the good times and helps you through the bad times in your life? Who listens when you just need to talk to someone? Who sees the 'real you' and likes you anyway?

The answer to those questions can be summed up in one word: Friend.

Things change in life. Jobs and addresses may come and go but, if we're lucky, our friends stay with us throughout our lives, making each day better.

GOAL!

You're such a good influence on me.

You're like my coach,
my cheerleader,
my marching band
all rolled into one person.

Your confidence in me
gives me confidence in me.

I can never fail
with you in my corner.
I go for the goal
'cause you've got my back.
I give it all I've got
because you would expect nothing less.

Having you as my friend makes me a winner.

May today be all you need it to be...This is my prayer for you:

May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears.

May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced before.

May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered.

I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged.

I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God.

And Last, I pray that our country will turn back to God, and to the foundation upon which it was created.

Many blessings,

Karla

To all of my USAF Moms

Keep Asking...Wanted to share what spoke to me this morning

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”  (Matthew 7:7, NLT)

Sometimes, people get discouraged in life because things didn’t turn out the way they hoped on the first try. Maybe they put energy into a relationship but it didn’t work out. They tried that new business venture, but they are still struggling with their finances. Now they think it’s never going to happen. But, one thing we have to learn is that God honors perseverance. On the way to your “yes” you may encounter some “no’s.” You may encounter some closed doors, but that doesn’t mean it’s the final answer. It just means “keep going.”

Remember, if God promised it, He’s going to bring it to pass. Scripture tells us that through faith and patience we inherit God’s promises. This is where patience comes in; this is where perseverance comes in. This is where trust comes in. Just because you don’t see things happen right away doesn’t mean you should quit. No, instead, rise up and press forward. Keep believing, keep hoping, keep enduring and keep asking because our God is always faithful to His word!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I choose today to believe Your Word. I choose to trust Your promises. I choose to keep standing, keep believing and keep asking because I will receive in Jesus’ name! Amen!

To all of my USAF Moms

Belle Decor (aka Southern Belle)

Southern-Inspired Thanksgiving Table

By M.K. QuinlanNovember 8, 2012

It's the two-week countdown folks—just enough time to throw together something different for this year's Thanksgiving tabletop. We suggest following the lead of G&G Senior Editor Jessica Mischner by combining the old and new for an effortless, and uniquely Southern setting. Check out her guest blog on Etsy for tips and products that will help you get that high and low look this holiday.

Catfish Cakes

http://gardenandgun.com/article/recipe-catfish-cakes-come-back-sauce

A recipe from my favorite magazine - Trout, mmm!

http://gardenandgun.com/article/smoked-trout-hash-recipe

"Sacramental Service"

 My Utmost For His Highest for 11/09/2012

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ... . — Colossians 1:2

The Christian worker has to be a sacramental "go-between," to be so identified with his Lord and the reality of His Redemption that He can continually bring His creating life through him. It is not the strength of one man's personality being superimposed on another, but the real presence of Christ coming through the elements of the worker's life. When we preach the historic facts of the life and death of Our Lord as they are conveyed in the New Testament, our words are made sacramental, God uses them on the ground of His Redemption to create in those who listen that which is not created otherwise. If we preach the effects of Redemption in human life instead of the revelation regarding Jesus, the result in those who listen is not new birth, but refined spiritual culture, and the Spirit of God cannot witness to it because such preaching is in another domain. We have to see that we are in such living sympathy with God that as we proclaim His truth He can create in souls the things which He alone can do.

What a wonderful personality! What a fascinating man! Such marvellous insight! What chance has the Gospel of God through all that? It cannot get through, because the line of attraction is always the line of appeal. If a man attracts by his personality, his appeal is along that line; if he is identified with his Lord's personality, then the appeal is along the line of what Jesus Christ can do. The danger is to glory in men; Jesus says we are to lift Him up.

Why Women Don’t Like "Women’s" Ministry

Why Women Don’t Like "Women’s" Ministry: What could the future of women's ministry in the church look like?

Still in Control - A Daily Life Perspective from God's Word

Please view the link below.  I felt it necessary to share this will all of you.
Bible Verse: James 1:19
http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/devo

"The Unrivalled Power Of Prayer"

My Utmost For His Highest for 11/08/2012

We know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. — Romans 8:26

We realize that we are energized by the Holy Spirit for prayer; we know what it is to pray in the Spirit; but we do not so often realize that the Holy Spirit Himself prays in us prayers which we cannot utter. When we are born again of God and are indwelt by the Spirit of God, He expresses for us the unutterable.

"He," the Spirit in you, "maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God," and God searches your heart not to know what your conscious prayers are, but to find out what is the prayer of the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of God needs the nature of the believer as a shrine in which to offer His intercession. "Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost." When Jesus Christ cleansed the temple, He "would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple." The Spirit of God will not allow you to use your body for your own convenience. Jesus ruthlessly cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and said - "My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."

Have we recognized that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost? If so, we must be careful to keep it undefiled for Him. We have to remember that our conscious life, though it is only a tiny bit of our personality, is to be regarded by us as a shrine of the Holy Ghost. He will look atter the unconscious part that we know nothing of; but we must see that we guard the conscious part for which we are responsible.

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"My Utmost for His Highest" was written by Oswald Chambers.

Ballet Inspired Lookbook from Ruche`

http://shopruche.com/en-pointe-winter-2012-lookbook.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en_pointe_winter_lookbook&utm_campaign=email_2012_11_06

Women's Ministry - * What Women Don't Like *

http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/163607-bianca-olthoff-women-like-womens-ministry.html?p=1

Worth Repeating...

Don’t Go There

Rob Willey - Senior Pastor - Harvest Davenport, Iowa

Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

-1 Corinthians 10:6-12

To some, this is a frightening passage that comes with significant conviction and fear if the one reading it is indulging in sin. And rightfully so. It basically is saying God’s patience has limits. The infinite God has finite patience. This is truly scary thought! But it’s not intended to leave you there frightened and wondering; the intent is for sin to be recognized, confessed to the Lord, repented from, and then doing whatever is necessary to prevent from falling into that particular sin again.

This finite patience is what Paul is referring to in verse nine, “We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents.” The verse is a reference to Numbers 21 where the Israelites became impatient with God and spoke out against Him and Moses saying, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness . . .” God responded to the sin of grumbling and complaining by sending fiery serpents that bit the people and many thousands died.

What’s the point of that? Well, you can’t keep sinning and expect God to just look the other way. He won’t and really, He can’t. His holiness demands perfection and justice requires a payment. If that weren’t true, Jesus wouldn’t be coming again to judge those who haven’t repented. But the Bible says He will, so there is a limit to His patience in waiting for justice to be served.

If you think just because you prayed a prayer once upon a time, you’re just fine to pursue the things of this world, (like grumbling and complaining) or try God’s patience; think again. Because at best, He’s going to discipline you (and that hurts), or He’s going to punish you because you’re not really saved.

One of the most obvious ways humans sin is grumbling and complaining. The above passage shows what God thinks of that. Further, 1 John 3:6 says, “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.”  How many times do we knowingly grumble or complain knowing it’s wrong. What does that say about my faith? Yes, it’s pretty convicting, isn’t it?

So, whether it’s about the weather, the food, your boss, your pastor, your job, or your husband, it’s sin. And God won’t ignore it. So if you’re prone to complaining, don’t. Don’t go there. If you are there already, just stop.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the sins I allow in my life, especially grumbling and complaining. I realize when I grumble that I say what You allow in my life me isn’t right. But I know that all You allow is for my eventual good and Your eternal glory. Thank You for Your patience with me when I am careless and complacent. Help me to rest in the promises of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faith...

As I write this blog tonight, I am looking at a beautiful and thoughtful painting that my oldest daughter painted for me last Christmas.  Its a great reminder of what we can do with very little that makes a big impact.  It displays the word "Faith" that depicts what we all need more of these days.  I am grateful everyday for this gentle reminder in my house, especially when I get home and I am in my comfort zone.  I just want to be still and be quiet at the end of the day. I know that He is always in control.

I heard this statement on TV this morning and wanted to share it with you all, "When you are praying and ask for God's help in any situation, don't make a promise you know you won't able to keep, He knows you all too well to begin with.  When you ask Him to give you a sign, think twice.  He already showed you how much He loves you, what more of a sign could you ask for?  Have Faith.  He is in control.

My Blog begins here: Stored Up Blessings

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!” (Psalm 31:19, NKJV)

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for storing up blessings for me. I choose to honor You and bless You with the messages from this Blog. I put my faith and hope in You knowing that You will amaze me with Your goodness in Jesus’ name. Amen.