The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.
Song of Solomon 1:16a You are so handsome, my love, pleasing beyond words! Today it is time to think about the characteristics, whether physical or other, that first attracted you to your husband. Share those with your husband!
Remember to pray for your husband today and every day, asking him what you can specifically pray for each day. Also, consider fasting and praying for him one day this week.
Today's Home Economics tip: Clear Away the Clutter: Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up children's books and toys, papers, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too.
I have been trying to do this lately, also incorporating the kids. There's no reason why this couldn't be a great opportunity to teach them to respect their father by taking a few minutes before he arrives to make sure their personal belongings are put away and things are tidy for his daily home-coming.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Copyright
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
1950's Housewife Challenge Day 9
The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.
James 1:19b Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. The challenge from Nancy Leigh DeMoss today is this: "See if you can listen to your husband for one whole day, only speaking when asked a question. If your husband notices the difference, explain that you are learning to listen more-not only to God, but also to him." Now, this is not the same as when you are angry with him and only speak when asked a question and this is not the old-fashioned way of thinking, "only speak when spoke to." This is being quick to listen and slow to speak. Think of it as a way of taking a few steps back in order to take a few steps forward, a way of reconditioning yourself from speaking more to listening more.
We are continuing to remember our wedding day and vows as well as praying for our husband every day. How are you doing?
Here's the next tip from the Home Economics textbook: "Prepare Yourself: Take fifteen minutes to rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift. Greet him with a smile." Now, you may think this contradicts with the last entry. How can you have dinner ready when he walks in the door and rest for 15 minutes at the same time? I guess the easy solution is to have dinner ready 15 minutes before he is due home, then rest, but you'll have to make sure dinner isn't over-cooking or drying out in the process. And, as you'll see with some of the additional tips coming, there's more to be done during those last few minutes before your husband arrives. The point here is that you need to look like a "sight for sore eyes" when he walks in the door. I've even heard some say to freshen your make-up, comb your hair and freshen your perfume. Make the effort and it will make a difference.
Let me know how you do it!
ChristinaLynn }i{
James 1:19b Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. The challenge from Nancy Leigh DeMoss today is this: "See if you can listen to your husband for one whole day, only speaking when asked a question. If your husband notices the difference, explain that you are learning to listen more-not only to God, but also to him." Now, this is not the same as when you are angry with him and only speak when asked a question and this is not the old-fashioned way of thinking, "only speak when spoke to." This is being quick to listen and slow to speak. Think of it as a way of taking a few steps back in order to take a few steps forward, a way of reconditioning yourself from speaking more to listening more.
We are continuing to remember our wedding day and vows as well as praying for our husband every day. How are you doing?
Here's the next tip from the Home Economics textbook: "Prepare Yourself: Take fifteen minutes to rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift. Greet him with a smile." Now, you may think this contradicts with the last entry. How can you have dinner ready when he walks in the door and rest for 15 minutes at the same time? I guess the easy solution is to have dinner ready 15 minutes before he is due home, then rest, but you'll have to make sure dinner isn't over-cooking or drying out in the process. And, as you'll see with some of the additional tips coming, there's more to be done during those last few minutes before your husband arrives. The point here is that you need to look like a "sight for sore eyes" when he walks in the door. I've even heard some say to freshen your make-up, comb your hair and freshen your perfume. Make the effort and it will make a difference.
Let me know how you do it!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Friday, July 9, 2010
1950's Housewife Challenge Day 8
The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.
Proverbs 20:6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find? Find ways to give encouraging praise to your husband for his faithfulness to you and to God. By finding ways to get rid of negativity and use more encouraging words, you will be amazed at how your marriage will change.
Continue to remember your wedding vows and the specialness of your wedding day. Also, remember to ask your husband how you can pray for him each day and consider fasting and praying one day this week.
Here's a tip from a 1950's Home Economics textbook: "Have Dinner Ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal - on time. This is a way to let him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned with his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home, and having a good meal ready is part of the warm welcome that is needed." There are many options out there today for meal planning and many that even tie into the great deals you'll find on your grocery shopping also. Here are a few to get you started:
Proverbs 20:6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find? Find ways to give encouraging praise to your husband for his faithfulness to you and to God. By finding ways to get rid of negativity and use more encouraging words, you will be amazed at how your marriage will change.
Continue to remember your wedding vows and the specialness of your wedding day. Also, remember to ask your husband how you can pray for him each day and consider fasting and praying one day this week.
Here's a tip from a 1950's Home Economics textbook: "Have Dinner Ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal - on time. This is a way to let him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned with his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home, and having a good meal ready is part of the warm welcome that is needed." There are many options out there today for meal planning and many that even tie into the great deals you'll find on your grocery shopping also. Here are a few to get you started:
- http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/menuplanning.htm
- http://www.menus4moms.com/homeorganization/planner.php
- For working moms: http://www.menus4moms.com/articles/work_week_menus.php
- Once-a-month: http://www.frugalmom.net/blog/2010/05/7-steps-to-once-a-month-cooking/
- Match to weekly sales: http://www.fairhopefoodie.com/search/label/Menu%20Match-ups
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, July 8, 2010
1950's Housewife Challenge Day 7
The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband. (Yes! Every day!)
Proverbs 23:4-5 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. Proverbs 8:20-21 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
Money can be a major source of many arguments in a marriage. Find ways to encourage and help your husband in this area. Ask first if he is open to your help in areas such as organization, stewardship, budgeting, making wise decisions about investing and purchases based on Biblical principles. Make sure that you are following your husband's lead and direction to make decisions that would honor him and God.
In an effort to catch up to Courtney's schedule on Women Living Well, we will add the task this week to ask your husband every morning how you can pray for him that day. For a bonus, fast and pray for him one day this week.
Soon, we will add some daily practical things that were taught in a home economics textbook from the 1950's that taught girls how to prepare for married life. Seriously, not sarcastically. Just because technology has advanced beyond the 1950's doesn't mean that some things in life shouldn't still be simple and appreciated.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Proverbs 23:4-5 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. Proverbs 8:20-21 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
Money can be a major source of many arguments in a marriage. Find ways to encourage and help your husband in this area. Ask first if he is open to your help in areas such as organization, stewardship, budgeting, making wise decisions about investing and purchases based on Biblical principles. Make sure that you are following your husband's lead and direction to make decisions that would honor him and God.
In an effort to catch up to Courtney's schedule on Women Living Well, we will add the task this week to ask your husband every morning how you can pray for him that day. For a bonus, fast and pray for him one day this week.
Soon, we will add some daily practical things that were taught in a home economics textbook from the 1950's that taught girls how to prepare for married life. Seriously, not sarcastically. Just because technology has advanced beyond the 1950's doesn't mean that some things in life shouldn't still be simple and appreciated.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
1950's Housewife Challenge Day 6
The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.
How are you doing with the challenge? Remember, if you have a moment, hour, or even day where you don't live up to the challenge, just pick yourself back up, ask for forgiveness and make the next moment, hour or day better!
A note to the men out there (I know there are some!), would love to hear from you! Is your wife a 1950's Housewife? How wonderful is it? If you wife isn't a 1950's Housewife, how do you think this change would impact your marriage? Let's hear it!
1 Corinthians 10:31b "...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Keep in mind today, and always that what you do is not to be done selfishly, but for God's glory. Take a few moments today to think of your husband's creativity. What gifts or special abilities does he have? Look for ways today to praise your husband for his creativity.
How are you doing remembering your wedding day and your wedding vows? Share them with us!
ChristinaLynn }i{
How are you doing with the challenge? Remember, if you have a moment, hour, or even day where you don't live up to the challenge, just pick yourself back up, ask for forgiveness and make the next moment, hour or day better!
A note to the men out there (I know there are some!), would love to hear from you! Is your wife a 1950's Housewife? How wonderful is it? If you wife isn't a 1950's Housewife, how do you think this change would impact your marriage? Let's hear it!
1 Corinthians 10:31b "...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Keep in mind today, and always that what you do is not to be done selfishly, but for God's glory. Take a few moments today to think of your husband's creativity. What gifts or special abilities does he have? Look for ways today to praise your husband for his creativity.
How are you doing remembering your wedding day and your wedding vows? Share them with us!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Monday, July 5, 2010
1950's Housewife Challenge Day 5
The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. While edification is a big word, it really just means to build up. Use your words today to build your husband up, which is what the challenge is all about. If you can do this to him, but in front of others, it makes even more of an impact.
Our task this week from Women Living Well with Courtney is to remember our wedding vows and review the sacredness of that day. Even though there may have been some not-so-perfect moments, remember how excited you were to be marrying your husband. Remember the love that brought you both to that point. Feel free to share your memories here and post a picture if you'd like. Here's mine:
ChristinaLynn }i{
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. While edification is a big word, it really just means to build up. Use your words today to build your husband up, which is what the challenge is all about. If you can do this to him, but in front of others, it makes even more of an impact.
Our task this week from Women Living Well with Courtney is to remember our wedding vows and review the sacredness of that day. Even though there may have been some not-so-perfect moments, remember how excited you were to be marrying your husband. Remember the love that brought you both to that point. Feel free to share your memories here and post a picture if you'd like. Here's mine:
Saturday, July 3, 2010
1950's Housewife Challenge Day 4
The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.
Ephesians 4:28 ...let him labor, working with his hands what is good... Thank your husband today for the work he does to support you and your family. Take the time to acknowledge how hard he works to provide and the skills necessary to perform the tasks.
Also, keep in mind that this week you are remembering your dating days. Think about something that you remember from those days that you can incorporate back into regular life.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Ephesians 4:28 ...let him labor, working with his hands what is good... Thank your husband today for the work he does to support you and your family. Take the time to acknowledge how hard he works to provide and the skills necessary to perform the tasks.
Also, keep in mind that this week you are remembering your dating days. Think about something that you remember from those days that you can incorporate back into regular life.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Friday, July 2, 2010
1950's Housewife Challenge Day 3
The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.
I Corinthians 13:4 ...love suffers long, and is kind... Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Thank your husband today for his kindness and consideration. "Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure, loved, etc. Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart." - Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Also, keep in mind that this week you are remembering your dating days. Think about something that you remember from those days that you can incorporate back into regular life.
ChristinaLynn }i{
I Corinthians 13:4 ...love suffers long, and is kind... Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Thank your husband today for his kindness and consideration. "Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure, loved, etc. Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart." - Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Also, keep in mind that this week you are remembering your dating days. Think about something that you remember from those days that you can incorporate back into regular life.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, July 1, 2010
1950's Housewife Challenge Day 2
The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.
If you struggled with the challenge yesterday, start fresh today! It does take some practice, but you will get better at it every day if you are persistent.
Galatians 5:13b ...serve one another in love. Find some way that your husband is serving you or your family and praise him for his strength in serving others. If possible, find some small token that will help him in this service. For my husband, this might be as simple as extra super glue to help glue all of our kids broken toys. He is so much better at this than I am and he enjoys doing it.
Also, keep in mind that this week you are remembering your dating days. Think about something that you remember from those days that you can incorporate back into regular life.
ChristinaLynn }i{
If you struggled with the challenge yesterday, start fresh today! It does take some practice, but you will get better at it every day if you are persistent.
Galatians 5:13b ...serve one another in love. Find some way that your husband is serving you or your family and praise him for his strength in serving others. If possible, find some small token that will help him in this service. For my husband, this might be as simple as extra super glue to help glue all of our kids broken toys. He is so much better at this than I am and he enjoys doing it.
Also, keep in mind that this week you are remembering your dating days. Think about something that you remember from those days that you can incorporate back into regular life.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
A 1950's Housewife
(Uh-hmmm, now that I have your attention!)
A segment from the Rachael Ray Show has inspired me to write the next series on this blog. If you ever read my previous blog, you'll recall the series I did on Proverbs 31 and will see some similarities, but many differences and hopefully a new twist on some not-so-new information.
For some background, the Rachael Ray segment was related to the TV series Mad Men. I have not seen the shows and really don't know anything about them other than the fact that they are set in the 1960's. The couples on the Rachael Ray show claimed to be modern-day 1950's housewives and that it makes their life wonderful. I'm not completely sure how their day-to-day lives differ from most stay-at-home moms, but we will look at one woman's blogs during this series as well as other resources including daily actions you can take to improve your home, marriage and relationships.
Courtney writes the blog I just mentioned, Women Living Well, and although I am starting late, I will begin where she began and incorporate my other resources with it. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
So, let's begin. The first week is to let you all know that I am participating in this challenge.
ChristinaLynn }i{
A segment from the Rachael Ray Show has inspired me to write the next series on this blog. If you ever read my previous blog, you'll recall the series I did on Proverbs 31 and will see some similarities, but many differences and hopefully a new twist on some not-so-new information.
For some background, the Rachael Ray segment was related to the TV series Mad Men. I have not seen the shows and really don't know anything about them other than the fact that they are set in the 1960's. The couples on the Rachael Ray show claimed to be modern-day 1950's housewives and that it makes their life wonderful. I'm not completely sure how their day-to-day lives differ from most stay-at-home moms, but we will look at one woman's blogs during this series as well as other resources including daily actions you can take to improve your home, marriage and relationships.
Courtney writes the blog I just mentioned, Women Living Well, and although I am starting late, I will begin where she began and incorporate my other resources with it. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
So, let's begin. The first week is to let you all know that I am participating in this challenge.
I'm not sure how to put the You Tube video in, but you can visit Courtney's blog to see the video there. If I can figure it out, I'll add it later.
The next thing I am to do is to tell you about my dating days with my husband. When he asked me out, I wasn't sure what to think or how to act. I hadn't been on a date in several years. We started out going to a Saturday night church service at the church he was attending, then had dinner and saw a movie. We started all of our future dates with church, but dinner and a movie got expensive, so sometimes we would rent a movie instead. One of my fondest memories is lying on the couch together watching a movie with the fireplace going (yes, in Florida! Sometimes we would open the doors to let enough cold air in to keep the room from getting too hot!). Nowadays, because of "baby weight" I don't think we would both fit lying on the couch together! Maybe the couch has gotten smaller :)
To make more of this challenge, I am incorporating the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge. For the next 30 days, you can't say anything negative about your husband...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. You must also say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband. Feel free to share!!
Day One: Proverbs 31:11-12 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Is there anything you can do today to instill confidence in your husband? Are you bringing him good today and all the days of your life? The challenge today asks that you thank your husband for choosing you and to start the day: "Give him a 'wake up call' he'll never forget - a big 'I love you' and an 'I'm so glad I'm your wife!'"
ChristinaLynn }i{
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 8
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
This is our opportunity to make bold declarations of faith, to know that God answers our prayers. As it says in Psalm 37:4, we know that God is able and willing to give us the desires of our heart because we have examined ourselves to be in His will and asked for His will to be done and we have delighted ourselves in Him. We can then take a last opportunity to praise Him again for all He has done and all He is doing.
I hope that you all have enjoyed this study of The Lord's Prayer and how we can apply it to our daily prayer lives.
ChristinaLynn }i{
This is our opportunity to make bold declarations of faith, to know that God answers our prayers. As it says in Psalm 37:4, we know that God is able and willing to give us the desires of our heart because we have examined ourselves to be in His will and asked for His will to be done and we have delighted ourselves in Him. We can then take a last opportunity to praise Him again for all He has done and all He is doing.
I hope that you all have enjoyed this study of The Lord's Prayer and how we can apply it to our daily prayer lives.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 7
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil...
This is another segment where we pray for God's help, but we also have to do our part. We need to equip ourselves for the battle that we are going to face. Yes, it's a battle. We are asking God to lead us not into temptation, but also to deliver us from evil when we face temptation. We will face temptations, one way or another and we have to have ourselves equipped to fight that temptation when it arises.
This brings us to Ephesians 6:11-18. Put on the whole armor of God. The Bible says we should gird our loins with TRUTH and this refers to the most sensitive, delicate parts of our body and spirit to be protected with the truth. Then, to put on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is to protect your heart with what is right according to God's standard, not the world's. Next, we are to READY our feet with the Gospel of peace. This is to make sure we are ready to share the peace that God offers. We should then have the shield of FAITH. The stronger your faith, the easier it will be to defeat and protect yourself from the attacks of the enemy. Then comes the helmet of SALVATION and the sword of the spirit, the BIBLE. We must believe in and accept God's gift of salvation and hide His Word in our heart by memorizing Scriptures to be prepared for the battle. Lastly, we learn that we must PRAY in the spirit, which is to pray according to God's will as we discussed in The Lord's Prayer - Part 4.
You can read more about another post on my previous blog about the armor of God here.
ChristinaLynn }i{
This is another segment where we pray for God's help, but we also have to do our part. We need to equip ourselves for the battle that we are going to face. Yes, it's a battle. We are asking God to lead us not into temptation, but also to deliver us from evil when we face temptation. We will face temptations, one way or another and we have to have ourselves equipped to fight that temptation when it arises.
This brings us to Ephesians 6:11-18. Put on the whole armor of God. The Bible says we should gird our loins with TRUTH and this refers to the most sensitive, delicate parts of our body and spirit to be protected with the truth. Then, to put on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is to protect your heart with what is right according to God's standard, not the world's. Next, we are to READY our feet with the Gospel of peace. This is to make sure we are ready to share the peace that God offers. We should then have the shield of FAITH. The stronger your faith, the easier it will be to defeat and protect yourself from the attacks of the enemy. Then comes the helmet of SALVATION and the sword of the spirit, the BIBLE. We must believe in and accept God's gift of salvation and hide His Word in our heart by memorizing Scriptures to be prepared for the battle. Lastly, we learn that we must PRAY in the spirit, which is to pray according to God's will as we discussed in The Lord's Prayer - Part 4.
You can read more about another post on my previous blog about the armor of God here.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 6
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors...
Now is the time to ask God for forgiveness and to forgive others. After you have praised God for who He is, where He is and what He has done and is doing in your life, now is the time to ask for forgiveness. Not only for yourself but also for others who have hurt and wronged you.
When we ask for forgiveness, God says our sins are as far from us as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). That is such a refreshing thought! That we are no longer a part of the sin we created and the sin is no longer a part of us. When these sins are brought back to our minds, and the temptations are right in front of us to sin again, we have to remind ourselves that it is not God who is bringing them to mind, it is the enemy (who I will not honor with a name). In our next segment, we will talk about how to defeat him.
We also have to be willing to forgive others. This can sometimes be hard, but you will find a new kind of love and peace when you find the ability to forgive others. Remembering that those times when the hurt and agony may be brought by God to help you learn to forgive, but it may be from the enemy to help you feel defeated and angry all over again. Take this opportunity to release others for the hurt they have caused you and ask God to help you remember it no more.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Now is the time to ask God for forgiveness and to forgive others. After you have praised God for who He is, where He is and what He has done and is doing in your life, now is the time to ask for forgiveness. Not only for yourself but also for others who have hurt and wronged you.
When we ask for forgiveness, God says our sins are as far from us as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). That is such a refreshing thought! That we are no longer a part of the sin we created and the sin is no longer a part of us. When these sins are brought back to our minds, and the temptations are right in front of us to sin again, we have to remind ourselves that it is not God who is bringing them to mind, it is the enemy (who I will not honor with a name). In our next segment, we will talk about how to defeat him.
We also have to be willing to forgive others. This can sometimes be hard, but you will find a new kind of love and peace when you find the ability to forgive others. Remembering that those times when the hurt and agony may be brought by God to help you learn to forgive, but it may be from the enemy to help you feel defeated and angry all over again. Take this opportunity to release others for the hurt they have caused you and ask God to help you remember it no more.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 5
Give us this day our daily bread...
This one is near and dear to my heart because it correlates to the verse this blog is based on and is talking about God's provision for a prosperous life for us. It also speaks back to the provision God made for the Israelites with His daily manna from heaven.
God wants us to prosper, He wants to shower us with blessings. We have to do our part by making sure we are in His will in our prayer lives, our church, habits, tithing and any other parts of our lives He would have us surrender to Him.
Pray for God to give you your daily bread, to provide for you today, to teach you to more fully trust in Him, and to show you areas of your life that you need to walk more with Him.
ChristinaLynn }i{
This one is near and dear to my heart because it correlates to the verse this blog is based on and is talking about God's provision for a prosperous life for us. It also speaks back to the provision God made for the Israelites with His daily manna from heaven.
God wants us to prosper, He wants to shower us with blessings. We have to do our part by making sure we are in His will in our prayer lives, our church, habits, tithing and any other parts of our lives He would have us surrender to Him.
Pray for God to give you your daily bread, to provide for you today, to teach you to more fully trust in Him, and to show you areas of your life that you need to walk more with Him.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 4
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done...
Take this opportunity to pray for God's will to be done in your life; in the lives of your family and friends; your church leaders and members, future members and the unsaved your church is trying to reach; your local, state and national government, its political and spiritual leaders; and for the peace that will come to Jerusalem.
Remember that you should be looking for God's will to be done, not your own. Many, many times, I have found that I did not get what I prayed for only to find out that what God had planned was far better than I could have ever imagined. Likewise, there have been times I have gotten what I prayed for and realized God was telling me the whole time that it would never work out well.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Take this opportunity to pray for God's will to be done in your life; in the lives of your family and friends; your church leaders and members, future members and the unsaved your church is trying to reach; your local, state and national government, its political and spiritual leaders; and for the peace that will come to Jerusalem.
Remember that you should be looking for God's will to be done, not your own. Many, many times, I have found that I did not get what I prayed for only to find out that what God had planned was far better than I could have ever imagined. Likewise, there have been times I have gotten what I prayed for and realized God was telling me the whole time that it would never work out well.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 3
Hallowed be thy name...
Think on and use the names of Jesus and the names of God.
Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, The Lamb of God, The Good Shepherd, The Messiah, The Anointed One, The Bright and Morning Star, Immanuel, The Word, The Lily of the Valley, The Ancient of Days, Jehovah, My Rock and My Fortress, The Rose of Sharon, Excellent, Rock of Ages, Redeemer, The Potter, The Great Physician, Master, Provider, King of the Jews...
There are so many more. Just think of the name(s) of God that you need to call upon at that time. Meditate on the meaning of that name and what it represents to you. Praise God for who He is. Praise Him for what He has done for you, your salvation, your health, wealth, well-being and any blessing He has given you. Praise His name above all names.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Think on and use the names of Jesus and the names of God.
Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, The Lamb of God, The Good Shepherd, The Messiah, The Anointed One, The Bright and Morning Star, Immanuel, The Word, The Lily of the Valley, The Ancient of Days, Jehovah, My Rock and My Fortress, The Rose of Sharon, Excellent, Rock of Ages, Redeemer, The Potter, The Great Physician, Master, Provider, King of the Jews...
There are so many more. Just think of the name(s) of God that you need to call upon at that time. Meditate on the meaning of that name and what it represents to you. Praise God for who He is. Praise Him for what He has done for you, your salvation, your health, wealth, well-being and any blessing He has given you. Praise His name above all names.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 2
Our Father who art in Heaven...
Just picture it, the 12 gates made of pearl, 12 layers of foundational stones inlaid with gems of sapphire, emerald, topaz, amethyst and many more. A golden city with a river as clear as crystal, the Tree of Life bearing crops, no need for sun or moon, because our glorious Lord and Savior gives us the light. And His face will be in our minds and His name on our foreheads.
Get this mental picture every time you pray. Picture what Heaven will be like. Picture our Lord in all of His glory, as best as you can with our mortal eyes. Know who you are talking to. Make it personal, a real relationship with Him!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Just picture it, the 12 gates made of pearl, 12 layers of foundational stones inlaid with gems of sapphire, emerald, topaz, amethyst and many more. A golden city with a river as clear as crystal, the Tree of Life bearing crops, no need for sun or moon, because our glorious Lord and Savior gives us the light. And His face will be in our minds and His name on our foreheads.
Get this mental picture every time you pray. Picture what Heaven will be like. Picture our Lord in all of His glory, as best as you can with our mortal eyes. Know who you are talking to. Make it personal, a real relationship with Him!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Lord's Prayer
Many of us have heard The Lord's Prayer and may even have it memorized (Matthew 6:9-13). Have you ever really studied the words contained in the prayer? What about the verses right before the prayer? I'm going to take the next few posts to talk about the specifics and I welcome your comments!
Adapted from the outline of Dr. Larry Lea, the teachings of Marcel Murray and personal study.
First, let's look at the verses right before The Lord's Prayer. Jesus had only recently recruited some fishermen to follow Him, to make them fishers of men. He was already being followed by multitudes of people because of his teaching, preaching and healing. He went up into a mountain with His disciples to escape the crowds and spend some quality teaching time with His disciples. We understand from Luke 11:1, that at some point during His praying, His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. Then Jesus said to them in the very beginning of Matthew 6:9, "After this manner therefore pray ye:" (KJV). The Living Bible says, "Pray along these lines:." When we review these two statements, we can see that Jesus intention was not for us to recite the prayer exactly as He has said it, but instead, to use this prayer as a guide for how to pray. Think about that as you read the prayer.
"Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
Next, we will take the first portion of the prayer and talk specifically about how we can use it as a guide in our own prayer life.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Adapted from the outline of Dr. Larry Lea, the teachings of Marcel Murray and personal study.
First, let's look at the verses right before The Lord's Prayer. Jesus had only recently recruited some fishermen to follow Him, to make them fishers of men. He was already being followed by multitudes of people because of his teaching, preaching and healing. He went up into a mountain with His disciples to escape the crowds and spend some quality teaching time with His disciples. We understand from Luke 11:1, that at some point during His praying, His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. Then Jesus said to them in the very beginning of Matthew 6:9, "After this manner therefore pray ye:" (KJV). The Living Bible says, "Pray along these lines:." When we review these two statements, we can see that Jesus intention was not for us to recite the prayer exactly as He has said it, but instead, to use this prayer as a guide for how to pray. Think about that as you read the prayer.
"Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
Next, we will take the first portion of the prayer and talk specifically about how we can use it as a guide in our own prayer life.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Something to Think About
Estimated cost of raising a child born this year: over $300,000
Average lifetime income with a 2-year degree: over $2,000,000
Average cost of retirement: over $1,000,000
Eternal life in Heaven with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior:
ChristinaLynn }i{
Average lifetime income with a 2-year degree: over $2,000,000
Average cost of retirement: over $1,000,000
Eternal life in Heaven with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior:
PRICELESS!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Honest Scrap
My first ever blog award - The Honest Scrap Award! Wow, I am completely humbled and really not sure what to say! The good thing is, this award comes with instructions on how to proceed! I'm not sure how I missed this when it came around back in April, but a wonderful woman with a great blog of her own granted this award to me and I will be passing it along. Read here to see Mrs. Claus' original blog post.
Ok, 10 honest things about myself. This may not be easy...
- I am a wife and mother (soon to be 5 children!). I LOVE my kids so much even though they sometimes drive me NUTS!
- They call me a "Stay-at-home mom" but I am rarely ever home and never stay in one place! I prefer the title: Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations. (You just have to read this one!)
- My favorite color is purple - almost any shade of purple.
- I have lived within 40 miles of my birth home my entire life. However, someday, I hope to live in the mountains.
- I once won a beauty pageant in my city by default. I was the only one registered in my age group! I went on to the state competition where there were 11 women and 10 winners - I was not one of them. Although, I did win a trophy for Best Personality.
- I am trying desperately to live debt-free in Jesus name!
- I am a coupon fanatic! I found out at the beginning of this year that I could get more groceries with less money by shopping at my local Publix rather than the big warehouse stores. It just takes some planning to cut your grocery bill in half!
- One day, I hope to publish a book. Right now, I am working on a cook book. Feel free to send me your submissions!
- I am super thrilled at every new Facebook friend and every new follower on my blog! It is so exciting to know that people are out there listening to what God puts on my heart to share. There are many, many times where the words are not mine and only His and I can only pray that they touch someone, somewhere.
- I was blessed to have music as a huge part of my life growing up and I am saddened that my children are not exposed to as much musical enrichment as I was. I really believe that God uses music to speak to us and to teach us things in ways we may not otherwise be able to learn.
- Life At 7000 Feet
- 3 Strand Romances
- Frugal Fun and Fortune
- Simple Saving Secrets
- Want What You Have
- My Cup Runneth Over
- A Day in the Life
- Carpool Queen
- Kim's Space
- The Fairhope Foodie
ChristinaLynn }i{
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)