Day of Prayer

I chose today as a day of prayer. It was much needed as I felt quite fuzzy lately. Too much happening with too little direction and time to seek God in it all. It was a good day as well since I did not have to work, as it was a professional development day for teachers.

I was surprised by how quickly it went by, and came away refreshed and my cup was filled up some more again. I went to our church and spent 4 hours in the fireside room. It was fairly peaceful despite the cleaning staff all around, who did their best to leave me be. A desk would have been nice, but with my Bible, computer to play the software that guided me through the day, a journal, a book to read, and some music for reflection and praise, as well as some snacks, I was equipped for a great day.

One fear I had was that I might fall asleep during prayer or meditation as I have been struggling to get enough sleep lately. I didn't even yawn. It was amazing. I was able to concentrate and feel that the Holy Spirit really helped me to think clearly and communicate well.

 I would like to do it again without a set program that guided me through activities, prayers, readings from TEAM, our mission organization. They were helpful, but I would like to go without any agenda or product that is finished by the end, simply quiet time with God. If you are feeling too busy, far from God, or simply would like to make it a priority to spend time with God, give it a try to go on a prayer retreat, just you and the Creator.

I came away with several goals; one was to learn Spanish better, another to take a course or read a book about the formation of the church, and to lead my family spiritually in a new passionate way.

Feeling Insignificant?

If you feel like you are insignificant, or not really needed or haven't got the 'right' talents to make a worthwhile contribution to the Body of Christ, read this devotional and think again! YOU are needed!!!!!! Step out and get invovled! God's designed YOU with specific gifts that the Body of Christ needs YOU to use!

Daily Devotional

Jacob's Story

As many of you know, my heart's passion is to rescue children and women who are enslaved, sexually exploited and trafficked. I have joined the fight to end modern day slavery by recording a CD of songs I wrote. All of the proceeds from the sale of the CD are going to International Justice Mission, to help them in the fight against human trafficking. I was just sent the link to the video below and upon watching it, have realized that this story needs to be shared! You've got to watch this video! Not only does it shed light on the awful reality of human trafficking but it also shares one man's story and gives us proof that God is the God of the impossible! He is able to change hearts!

Also to men out there who struggle with a pornography addiction. Please get some help! Stop fueling the industry through your consumption of pornography. Turn to Christ, let Him change your heart and give you victory! Become part of the solution to ending human trafficking and sexual exploitation instead of one of the causes! It is possible to be free from addictions! You can do all things through Christ who gives you the strength! If you don't know Jesus as your personal Saviour, surrender your life to Him, let Him take control and let Him change you from the inside out! If you already know Him as your Saviour, then let Him also be the Lord of your life by surrendering your addictions to Him and asking Him to free you from them! "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With human beings this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27 



Jacob's Story from Unearthed on Vimeo.

Hitting Home

I came across this post on another person's blog. I found it because I had checked out a link posted on facebook by one of my friends. I'm still getting used to this whole interconnectedness of the internet and social media..........Anyways, I was amazed with the word picture this idea paints of the damage done by bullying. I plan on doing this activity with my children and especially highlight that this is what happens when they are mean to each other and not treating one another with respect and honor. At the same time, I was challenged to think about the damage I do with the words I use. Yes we can say sorry and yes we can be forgiven but the scars are still there. I also need to talk and treat others with respect and honor. If I'm not modeling it for my children, then how can I expect them to learn to do this too? We all have a choice as to what we say, how we act and how we treat others. We can't blame our reactions on the scars we still hold or the people who might have put them there. I know we are human and will mistakes but, by the grace of God, I want to live each day filled and led by the Holy Spirit so that I'm not creating scars in my children or those around me. Let's do our best, with God's help, to treat the 'precious papers' in our lives with the utmost of care, love, honor and respect.  

A teacher in New York was teaching her class about bullying and gave them the following exercise to perform. She had the children take a piece of paper and told them to crumple it up, stamp on it and really mess it up but do not rip it. Then she had them unfold the paper, smooth it out and look at how scarred and dirty is was. She then told them to tell it they’re sorry. Now even though they said they were sorry and tried to fix the paper, she pointed out all the scars they left behind. And that those scars will never go away no matter how hard they tried to fix it. That is what happens when a child bully’s another child, they may say they’re sorry but the scars are there forever. The looks on the faces of the children in the classroom told her the message hit home. Pass it on or better yet, if you're a parent or a teacher, do it with your child/children.

Repinned from Good Ideas by Sara Bailey

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