tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8596338817221381602024-02-20T13:06:19.194-08:00Prayerfully Living...and counting our blessingsPrayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-54998322410241605102013-01-01T18:41:00.000-08:002013-01-01T18:41:07.540-08:00A New year, a new babyWhy do we surrender when we get to the end of our rope instead of at the beginning? You would think God would get tired of us not trusting him...thank God he does not. This last year has been full of ups and downs and testing. I know I failed some of those tests but one thing is for sure, I passed a few also and God is still faithful. After 16 months of trying to conceive, (and me finally surrendering to God on this subject)...he blessed us with the best gift I could have asked for...another baby!!! We are now expecting our 2nd child and we are thrilled. <br />
<br />
Sometimes I think God tests us to see if we will still be faithful even if he does not give us what we ask for right away. I had been praying for another baby for about 2 years and I had prayed about whether it was even God's will for us to have more than one child since I suffer with fertility issues. God reminded me that in spite of me being diagnosed with PCOS and in spite of the doctor telling me that I would never conceive without the help of hormones and fertility, He is faithful and can do whatever He chooses, He works miracles, heals the sick, makes the barren fruitful and is a mighty God. <br />
<br />
The conversation went a bit like this<em>...God, I know what you are capable of, I believe that you can bless us with another baby so I will not take hormones or fertility but I will trust you instead and if you don't want us to have more children then I will pour everything I have into the beautiful healthy little girl you have already blessed us with and I will be perfectly happy.</em> <br />
<br />
Mind you...I cried, I prayed...you name it before I surrendered, but, let me tell you, once I finally did, I felt like a million pounds had been lifted from my shoulders. I stopped crying about it and smiled instead when I saw my daughter playing and growing and thriving and I realized that what I had already been blessed with was more than I could ever hope for, she was a miracle to us. <br />
<br />
God kept me busy for the next few months and used our daughter to help shape our souls in the meantime and then he used her to deliver the wonderful message to us too. One day, we were sitting, cuddling on the couch and she looked up at me and said "Mommy, you have a baby in your belly". I laughed and said sweetly to her, "no baby, I don't". I shrugged it off and went about my day. Little did I know that she was right. We would find out 2 weeks later that I was indeed pregnant and I was speechless!!!<br />
<br />
I am now 22 weeks and can not believe that my pregnancy is already halfway over. I love being pregnant and I love that God trusts me enough to help him bring another life into this world even though I did not trust him enough to believe he would bless us again. I am so glad that God is merciful and does not always give us what we deserve...aren't you?? So for us, this new year will bring a new baby and lots of wonderful memories and new experiences. We can't wait to meet this new little person God is sending to us. <br />
<br />
May you all have a blessed 2013.Prayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-45715735935026008092012-09-06T20:10:00.003-07:002012-09-06T20:10:57.616-07:00Faith, Family and decorating adventures...When my husband and I first got married, like a lot of young couples we wanted everything new and now. We felt as though we deserved new and the best of what the world had to offer. That was many years ago and I am so glad that we have grown in the Lord and matured a lot since then. We learned the hard way that we don't really deserve anything...we are sinners that are saved by the blood of Christ and not by our own works. Whatever we are given in this life is a blessing from God, yes, we are hard workers but we don't work to have more material thing, its ultimately up to God what he chooses to give us. We want to be good stewards of whatever we are given and appreciate it and be content with what we have, never desiring the possessions of others. Is this easy? Not always. Are we perfect at achieving this? Not everyday, but we try our best and we aim to please our Creator and when we fail, we ask His forgiveness and start new again tomorrow. Humility is a virtue that we work at daily. We have also realized that having what the world sees as important, does not make you happy.<br />
<br />
The season of life that we are in right now is much more Christ centered and we are now child bearing and child raising. So, just a little bit on our beliefs and thoughts...We love home decorating/remodeling/projects, BUT, at this stage in our lives we choose to spend more time at home as a family rather than working more at work to have extra money to spend on these projects so our budget is very limited. We enjoy the projects that we are able to do, BUT, we are grateful for the years that God gives us to raise children and have their laughter and presence in our home and we feel that this is our first priority along side with our relationship with God...So, the projects we choose to do, we perform it to meet a need and we do the work ourselves to save money and experience the fullfillment of hard work in the process...which is what we want our children to learn. Do we want to have nice things, of course but not at the expense of our child, our salvation or our family time together. So we have to ask ourselves if those things will be strained while performing a project. We love making the most of what God gives us and making our home and the things we do have nice, clean and presentable. We take care of what is intrusted to us so it will last longer and will cost us less in the long run. When myself or my husband feel the need to do a household project we (No. 1) make sure it is in the budget, (No. 2) make sure that it won't take up so much of our time that it will take our focus away from what matters most and (No. 3) make sure that it will improve the peace, functionality and simplicity in our home and not complicate it. We never choose to do a project or buy something simply because someone else or everyone else around us has it or is doing the same thing. We don't fit into a mold, we are in this world but not of it and that is ok with us. I can't imagine being any other way.<br />
<br />
My wheels have been turning lately, I want our home to be centered around God, our 3 year old and any other children God chooses to bless us with. I have noticed that the
older I get, the more my style changes into something more simple and casual. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really like a mix of French Country and Shabby
Chic. It’s so inviting, peaceful, relaxing and inexpensive. I have happily
found many items lying around my home that with a coat of paint and some
sanding, have been turned into instant shabby chic pieces. The great part is
that things don't have to match or be new...actually, the older the better. Yard sales, thrift stores and hand-me-downs are
perfect and that is great for us because that is where we get almost everything
from furniture to clothes, linens, dishes, etc…<br />
<br />
I am still working on the pics of our projects and I will post them soon.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy what we share and are inspired to keep your home a welcoming
haven for you and your special loved ones. God bless!!!<br />
<br />
<br />Prayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-84025424235698875962012-09-06T20:01:00.000-07:002012-09-06T20:02:16.630-07:00The Virtuous Wife
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the book of Proverbs, Solomon talks about the character of
a virtuous wife…as I was reading this today, I really felt like God was
speaking to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though this was not
the first time I had read these verses, I was really reminded that these things
are often forgotten in the world in which we live or they are not valued very
highly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a Christian mom and wife I must
be conformed and changed by God’s word and not to the world’s ways of doing
things…these verses are very convicting and as I strive to raise my little girl
in the ways of the Lord, this is also a reminder of the values which I need to
teach her at a young age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was raised
by my mother since my parents divorced when I was 6 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I look at my daughter and my marriage I
desire to be the mom and wife that The Lord made me to be and nothing less than
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I experienced firsthand what a
broken marriage does to a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
wants us to be virtuous, trustworthy, hardworking, God fearing, compassionate
and kind to our husbands, our children and to others around us.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who can find a virtuous wife?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For her worth is far above rubies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
so he will have no lack of gain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
does him good and not evil all the days of her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works
with her hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 30: 10-13</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She also rises while it is till night, and provides food for
her household.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs30: 15</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She extends her hands to the poor, yes, she reaches out her
hands to the needy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 30: 20</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the
law of kindness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She watches over the
ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 30: 26-27</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who
fears the Lord, she shall be praised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Proverbs 30: 30</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lets pray that as we go about our daily responsibilities
today and everyday…taking care of our children, our husbands and our homes,
that we will seek the will of God in everything we do no matter how big or how
small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We serve the Lord when we serve
others.</span></div>
Prayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-76449163531741568302012-07-06T20:52:00.006-07:002012-07-06T21:01:52.652-07:00I am the vine; you are the branches...<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him,
bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5<o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As my 3 year old and I sat down to our usual bedtime routine of bible story
and prayer the other night, God spoke to me through the story we chose to read.
<o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It centers on John 15:5. This verse serves as such a great reminder to
me...I'm sure I am not alone when I say that life is distracting. Let me say it
louder. LIFE IS DISTRACTING!!! The TV is blaring, the phone is ringing, the dog
is barking, someone is at the door. My daughter is calling me, my husband needs
my help... and the list goes on. I have the blessing of also being somewhat OCD
so if the dishes are in the sink; they are calling my name, as is the laundry
that needs folding and the dinner that needs cooking.<o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each day and its responsibilities remind me that I can do nothing without
God; nothing without his grace, his forgiveness, his mercy, his peace, his
love, his presence and his sacrifice for me. Sacrifice. Forgiveness. Mercy. Love. This sounds so familiar...Oh yes, those are the same things my family expects of me each day. If I need those things from God...or from others for that matter then why am I overwhelmed or surprised when others or God expects them of ME.<o:p> </o:p>I can do nothing without the
vine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is the vine, I am the
branches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I want to bear fruit in my
household, in my family, in my church, in my workplace, at the grocery…I have
to abide in God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As christians we are
know by our fruit, we forget that
sometimes and go about our tasks very casually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have you ever had a moment when you gave into the temptation to be aggravated
or restless about a life situation and you notice that someone is watching you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s awful and God convicts you instantly. <o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why is it that even though I have tried a million and one times before to do
things in my own strength and in my own time and it never works, I still keep
trying it anyway?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s amazing that even
though being focused on God is where we need and want to be we always get
distracted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no doubt that being
in the presence of God is the sweetest place to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it’s reading my bible, raising my
hands in praise or on my knees in prayer, I am always happiest when I am in
connection with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In this world, we have to remember that in whatever job, responsibility or
task that God has placed before us today, we are to perform that action as and work as though we were working directly for him (we really are).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever situation I find
myself in, this outlook always helps me to get back on track and smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My job as a child of God, a mommy and a wife
is to show God’s love to my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through all the activities I do in a day my most important responsibility
is to the Lord first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned the hard
way that when you put God first, everything else falls into place. I am a
better and more pleasant person to be around and a good example for little eyes
to see or even to ,unbelievers that I am trying to win to God when I am acting like what God says I am…His child.<o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God made the ultimate sacrifice for us and good thing he knows we are not
perfect and that we will fail to meet his expectations this side of heaven, but
he loves us anyway and continues to reminds us that He is the vine and we are
the branches, and without him we can do nothing.</span>Prayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-80755039815099331772012-05-24T05:09:00.000-07:002012-05-24T05:09:45.573-07:00What defines you?Tonight at bible study my pastor asked a question...What defines you?<br />
<br />
I think that is a very interesting question. It really made me think about
what I feel defines me. Sometimes I feel defined by the fact that I am a mother
and a wife, or I feel that I am defined by my dominant traits such as being a
planner and organizer by nature. Maybe I feel defined by my petite frame.
Whatever I may be feeling defined by...somehow I don't think it’s what God
defines me by (or you for that matter).<br />
<br />
Even thought all of those things may be factual in my life they do not
define me. As my pastor so creatively put it “they season and flavor my life”,
but never define me. Neither does our experiences or lack thereof. <br />
<br />
I now know the answer to this question. <br />
<span style="color: #4f6228; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">MY
RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS DEFINES WHO I AM.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
Definitely food for thought…my relationship with Jesus defines who I am, it
really is that simple. <br />
<br />
This leads me to another food for thought...in my relationships with others,
do I allow my relationship with Jesus to shine through me and be the defining
factor in me?<br />
<br />
I am a shy person, I always have been. I am better in small groups than
large crowds. I can be easily intimidated and shy away from too much
interaction with people. So how do I be who I am in Christ in my interaction
with others?<br />
<br />
How did Jesus behave when he was confronted with crowds of people, he
welcomed them and welcomed the opportunity to share with them truth and
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many opportunities does God
give us each day to do the same and we pass them up because of fear?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #943634; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">For
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound
mind. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #943634; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>Timothy 1:7<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
The next time we are faced with a situation or a circumstance when we have
an opportunity to be a blessing to someone or speak truth to someone, let us
have the courage and boldness to remember who we are in Christ and let that be
what defines us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>Prayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-60580387376299651292012-05-08T17:42:00.001-07:002012-05-08T17:42:34.240-07:00A tribute to my Mom, Happy Mothers Day<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Calibri;">A tribute to my Mom…</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With Mothers Day fast approaching, I am preparing to spend
some time with my Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past year, she
and I have shared something really dear to me…a love for the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was a little girl, I always remember my Mother speaking
tenderly to me, being patient with me and having so many wonderful talents that
she shared with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hoped someday to
be a Mommy just as she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She always
had a special way about her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
good at everything she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a
way of making our house so warm and cozy and a place where everyone wanted to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was always such a wonderful cook
and we had more hot meals than we could have ever asked or prayed for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were loved and cherished and when you’re a
child you think that everyone has a house that runs the way yours does. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was amazed as I got older just how very
blessed and loved I was.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My parents divorced when I was 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brother was a year old and my Mom was left
to raise us on her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God gave her the
strength and faith she needed to provide for us not only the basic needs to
live, but the upbringing she knew she wanted for us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She taught us responsibility, manners, how to
respect others, work hard and earn what you have but also to know and recognize
that everything is a blessing from God. She instilled in us that who you are on
the inside means much more than who you are on the outside. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became saved at the age of 11 and simply had
no idea what the next decade would bring.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My teenage years were hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pushed away from my mom and from God. Being the amazing woman that she is, my Mom
stuck by me and never left my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
gave me space when I thought I needed it but was waiting with open arms when I
realized that space was not what I needed at all (just as God is compassionate
to us).</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I hit my 20’s, I became engaged and got married, she
helped me as I entered womanhood and prepared to be a wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She became my best friend and walked me down
the aisle as she handed me over to my husband and into the hands of God to lead
me through starting my life as an adult.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few years later my husband and I were blessed with our
daughter Brileigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God showed me right
away that even though I had given my life to him many years back, it was time
for me to renew that commitment and to bring more of him into my life, my
marriage, my home and my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes
were suddenly opened to the reality of what my Mom had given to me and given up
for me over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also noticed
how much I had grown to be just like her in so many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parenthood has a way of waking you up and
helping you see the light…but a lot of that was also the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized why my Mom raised us the way she
did and did everything possible to protect us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and I began a journey together re-committing
our lives to Christ. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the process my husband
and mother-in-law became saved as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What an amazing God we serve!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
is faithful even when we are not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Mom and I spend so much time together sharing life and
wonderful memories and stories of my childhood, our love for Brileigh, Scrabble, gardening, thrift store shoping, being moms and spending time in the sun, napping, cooking and spending time at home with family...but the one
thing that is more important than anything else is that we share a love for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It is one of the most amazing opportunities
in this life to be a Mother and even more so to be a Christian mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the ability and opportunity each day
to show the love of Christ to my child just the way my Mom showed it to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To have Brileigh raise a godly
family would be the best gift she could ever give to me and to future generations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As for me and my house,
we will serve the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joshua 24:15. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The world we live in separates us from God if we allow the influences
of this world to determine who we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christian moms who love the Lord and desire to raise their children for
the Lord are one of the most important disciples for Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you Mom for loving me unconditionally,
you have supported me, and have had faith in me and in God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for forgiving me when I was less
than perfect but most of…thank you for showing me what the love of Christ is
like. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not matter how old I am…I
still want to be like you, because you showed me that what we do each day as earthly
parents (out of love for our children) is what our heavenly Father does each
day for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love you Mom, Happy Mother’s Day</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> </v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype></span></div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful moms!!!</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype></span></div>Prayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-36196325385257864312012-05-04T16:44:00.000-07:002012-05-04T16:44:51.977-07:00Yummy Asian Salad Dressing Recipe<strong><span style="color: purple;">Asian Salad Dressing</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">1 cup oil </span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">2/3 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">1/2 cup vinegar</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">1 tablespoon soy sauce</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Mix all ingredients together well, preferably in a container that can it can be shaken and poured out (old salad dressing bottles or old water bottles work well). The dressing will need to be shaken well before each use. It will keep in the fridge for weeks. The recipe can be cut in half or doubled.</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">It is so yummy, so simple and really inexpensive to make.</span> <span style="color: orange;">Enjoy!</span>Prayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-47404994250087401452012-04-29T07:20:00.000-07:002012-04-30T18:32:42.014-07:00Time for God...the challenge with little onesTime for God...I always used to wonder how moms of many have the time for God. I have (1) little and I used to find it such a challenge. I would realize that days would go by and I had not taken the time to sit with my bible and meditate on the scripture. When I would look back on those days, not surprisingly, they were stressful days that I had little peace and burdens that were either weighing heavy on my mind or on my soul. My family and I had spent very little quality time together during those few days and I had worked myself to hard doing non-necessary projects (such as rearranging the furniture) or other non-priorities. Satan is deceptive in a way that is so subtle sometimes that we don't notice till we have fallen for his tricks. It's sad that we can be so easily distracted at times. We have to always remember that Satan knows what our weaknesses are.<br />
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1 Peter 5:8</h3>
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New Living Translation (NLT)</div>
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<span class="text 1Pet-5-8" id="en-NLT-30434"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Pet-5-8">In those times, this verse comes to mind because by my failure to stay alert, I have allowed the enemy to devour me and my family (even if it is only for a minute, an hour or a day, that is too long). Since I am being honest here...I also during these times feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit telling me that I need to sit and read my bible, spend time with God, spend time with my family...read the word out loud to them, just bring God's presence into my home, plead the blood of Jesus over them. If we are all honest with ourselves I thin you would agree that you have heard that voice too...do you listen to it like you should??</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Pet-5-8">God's presence is so incredible. I am so thankful that in those times when I am distracted (as people tend to get at times) God has pulled me out, waken me up and put me right back on track. He always reminds me in some wonderful way that he is faithful and forgiving and that he loves me. Only God can fill that void in our hearts and only he can give everlasting peace, joy, comfort, fulfillment...</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Pet-5-8">My new routine now includes getting up at 6:30 each day to spend 45 minutes to an hour in prayer, meditating in the word of God, listing to God and his instructions and writing in my prayer journal (more on this later). I do this so that before anyone else in my house gets up, I am alert and on the top of my game and ready to share the love of God with my family and ready to teach them by Godly example. Granted, I have a bad day every now and then just like the rest of us but by staying in tune with God and his plan for my life I am able to nip those bad days in the bud. This has been so wonderful and brings much needed peace to my days. It gives me the direction that I need, comfort in God's promises and the strength to face whatever comes my way, but most importantly it gives me a Godly focus and direction to lead my family to live for God. God first, family second and everything else last. When we put God first, everything else falls into place.</span></div>Prayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-72390409174733828002012-04-27T18:58:00.001-07:002012-04-27T18:58:29.665-07:00Simply Sprout: Mommy & Me Mondays: Keeping little hands busy with...<a href="http://www.simplysprouteducate.com/2012/04/mommy-me-mondays-keeping-little-hands.html?spref=bl">Simply Sprout: Mommy & Me Mondays: Keeping little hands busy with...</a>: Like most women I wear many hats. Probably too many at times! The hat that fits the best and is comfy and cozy is the one o...<br />
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What a neat idea, I found this from Simply Sprout. What toddler doesn't love water and bubbles with shiny sparkly things inside. Fun summer project. Cheap to make too...with whatever you have around the house in your craft bin. That's my kind of project. FREE. Will post pics when we try this one.Prayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-71576788618419909912012-04-16T17:32:00.000-07:002012-04-16T17:32:07.558-07:00Child Training Bible: Make a Child Training Bible<a href="http://www.childtrainingbible.com/2011/03/child-training-bible-is-here.html?spref=bl">Child Training Bible: Make a Child Training Bible</a>: This site will help you with everything you need to make your own Child Training Bible. Make the truths of God’s Word foremost in your pare...<br />
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I am such an organizer and I think this is a wonderful idea. My daughter would love to have one like this. I have decided to make this one of our next projects. This site is wonderful...check it out.Prayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-30776650396834638182012-04-16T16:43:00.000-07:002012-04-16T16:51:21.863-07:00What parenting means...and how we can show our children we love them<br />
Recently I had an experience with my daughter that has made me prayerfully
consider what parenting is all about. God showed me that it’s all about growing
in my relationship with the Lord as I teach my child to do the same. This
pretty much sums it up...<br />
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We want to use discipline situations as opportunities to teach our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every misbehavior (sin) is an opportunity to
teach them God's Word.<br />
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We are responsible to build relationships. God has commanded us to disciple
our children (Deuteronomy 6:5-7). In order to do this, we have to have healthy,
strong relationships with them. <br />
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God say's that our relationship with Him is demonstrated in our relationship
with others (our children being one of them). (1 John 4:21) <br />
(Mark 12:30-31)<br />
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We are to lay down our lives for our children; it is a privilege that we
have children. We need to spend time with them, love them, teach them God's
Word and discipline them in love.<br />
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We want our children to welcome and value our instruction. In order for them
to do this, we must invest time and energy building a relationship of trust and
love. (1 John 3:18)<br />
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Children are not a burden but a blessing from the Lord.<br />
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Thank God for your children and pray for them daily.Prayerful Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832964812466164278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859633881722138160.post-58323132059974583562012-03-31T15:23:00.000-07:002012-03-31T15:23:16.060-07:00Welcome<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Welcome to Prayerfully Living...</span><br />
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Recently I have been so inspired by blogs written by Christian homemakers
and moms of many, I decided to start my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is so uplifting to read about Godly women raising families who respect and love
the Lord. In today’s world, there are not enough of those families. Even though
I am not a mom of many, I look up to those women that are, and I respect their
decision to let God decide how many children they are to be blessed with. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a mom of a beautiful 3 year old daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit that in the
years when my husband and I were first married, we did not turn that area of our
lives over to the Lord. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel that God has convicted me on that and I have asked the Lord's forgiveness in this matter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not easy to
conceive our daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would love to have
more children, but we are again having trouble conceiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the process of going through testing, I
was diagnosed with PCOS. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back on
all the years that I thought I was in control, I was being deceived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is always in control and his plans are
perfect and so is his timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since my husband
and I realize this now, we are prayerfully living and praying for God to bless
us with more children (if it is his will).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I feel that I went through a bit of a grieving period trying to except that we may only have one child, but in the process God showed me that right now my focus needs to be on</span> learning His will for our
family and bringing up our daughter in the training and admonition of the Lord. So that is what we are concentrating on and that's where we are right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there anyone out there going through the
same or a similar experience?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to
hear about it, please reply to this post.<br />
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