A Quiet Strength

It's Finally Here!

2011-07-22T03:00:00.002-04:00

You know how I mentioned changes were coming? Well, my new site, The Feminine Intellect is now live! I am so so so excited and cannot wait to share this dream with you.

Like I said before, when I started this blog, I had no idea what I was doing. I posted a recipe one week, and a thought provoking article the next, and was confusing myself, not to mention my handful of readers. Now, I am pursuing a more strategic direction and hope you will join me on this journey!

Here is what you can expect:

75% of the content found here, will be transferred over to The Feminine Intellect. However, I am narrowing the broadness of my categories and honing in on a few select topics. The main idea of this site will focus on helping you become:

Biblically Grounded
Culturally Connected and
Politically Savvy

I have a passion to help women influence their church and culture, and I sincerely pray The Feminine Intellect will assist you!

That being said, I am discontinuing my date idea series for the rest of the summer. It was a lot of fun, but feel I need to shift my focus if I am going to stay on track and not stray away from the purpose of the new website.

Feel free to look around, familiarize yourself with the layout, and maybe read some posts you have never read before. You will have to resubscribe if you want to receive new posts, either by RSS feed burner or by email. I also have a new Facebook page, so you can get free updates of articles I find interesting, current news events, and other thoughts relating to The Feminine Intellect. You can read the site's full About page here.

We may still have some kinks to work out, and not every post has been transferred, so please be patient on that end.

I look forward to connecting with you!

Pray For Every Nation: Central African Republic and Chad

2011-07-20T03:00:00.007-04:00

(Photo Source)

These two countries are located on the continent of Africa. Here are a few of their most important needs:

Peace - in their villages and in their hearts.
A stabilized economy so their citizens can live a better life.
Healing- from AIDS and malnourishment.
Clean drinking water, and the true Living Water.

Please keep the Central African Republic and Chad in your prayers today.

8 Lies the Media Wants You to Believe About Your Marriage

2011-07-18T03:00:00.000-04:00

Image by lisahumes

Romantic comedies play out on screen, portraying a love/hate relationship with a ton of laughs and major "awww....." moments at the end. Dramatic love triangles have you rooting for the sexy bad guy, who also happens to be a vampire. And while I love to read fiction, there is often an attitude of discontentment when the male protagonist seems more romantic than our own husbands.

Media really screws up our views on dating and marriage.

Here are 8 different lies they want you to believe will bring you a lifetime of love and romance, but instead, you end up disappointed, bitter, and doling out a big ol' green dose of envy.

1. Romance dies after you say "I do".
Not true. You just have to work harder for it. Write post-its to put in your husband's lunch, schedule date nights, and talk about your dreams for the future. Sincerely place your husband's needs before you own, and you will benefit too!

2. You have to look like a supermodel for your husband to be physically attracted to you.
The T.V. screams size 0 and exotic looks, but do we really want to succumb to that kind of pressure? Your husband married you for you - your looks, your personality, your heart. Don't compare yourself to the Photoshopped images in the Victoria's Secret catalog. (This is the one I struggle with the most!)

3. Your husband should sport a ripped six-pack for you to be physically attracted to him.
Action heroes might have you wondering whether or not they actually own a shirt, but the reality is they trained months for that role. In the average household, we don't always have the time to visit the gym or the money to hire a personal trainer. Help your family eat healthy, exercise in moderation, and love your husband for who he really is.

4. Sarcasm works.
In reality, when a girl continually slams a guy, it doesn't entice him to fall in love with her. In fact, he's probably going to run the opposite direction. It might have worked in Sweet Home Alabama, but it won't succeed in this household.

5. The guy always chases after you when you drive off in a fit of tears and rage.
Nope. He will let you have your tantrum and wait for you to return so you can then proceed with an adult discussion.

6. Sex is a home run every single time.
I debated whether or not to post this one, but I think there are times when, as women, we really need to be vulnerable and honest with each other. If you enter into marriage thinking sex will unfold like a passionate movie scene, you will be sorely disappointed when it's not. Sex is different for every couple and you can't compare your experience to a scripted performance.

7. Affairs are glamorous.
Your soul mate is the one you married, so don't go looking for another one.

8. Divorce is an easy option.
According to Hollywood, divorce is as easy as returning a pair of Louboutins, but it's an even bigger deal to God. Your marriage may warrant a divorce, especially if there is cheating or abuse, but it's still not that simple. It's not meant to be, because God created marriage to be permanent.

Your Turn:
Which lie do you have the hardest time negating?

This post is linked to Media Mondays at Women Living Well.

Links for Your Weekend

2011-07-15T03:00:00.002-04:00

I have come across a few articles this week too good not to share. Browse through the posts at your leisure and enjoy some new reading material for your weekend!

1. Why We Don't Use Natural Family Planning by Her.meneutics

- A balanced approach on the use of contraceptives.

2. Why Did God Create Mosquitoes? by Think Christian

- Were mosquitoes part of the fall of man?

3. Staying Up in a Down Economy by The Frugal Girl

- To read or not to read the news.......that is the question.

4. iPad, iPod, iPhone, or the Great I AM? by Women Living Well

- Is it time to readjust your media usage?

An update on The Feminine Intellect:
We were really hoping to go live by today, but technology doesn't always cooperate. So, even though we are a little behind schedule, we are planning a new launch date on Friday, July 22nd! Can't wait!

Pray for Every Nation: Cape Verde and the Cayman Islands

2011-07-13T03:00:00.000-04:00

(Photo Source)

Cape Verde consists of fifteen separate islands off the coast of west Africa. Poverty runs rampant due to a poorly developed economy and government. Most of the population are Catholic, but many are still influenced by various superstitions and tribal magic.

Although the official language is Portuguese, the majority of islanders speak Creole, which is a difficult language to find in Christian literature.

Here are a few prayers requests for Cape Verde:

Relief will come to the impoverished islanders, whether through outside sources or internal Christians.
Ministers of the gospel will break the people of their superstitious tribalism and give them the only source of truth.
Literature would be translated into a language they can understand.


(Photo Source)

Three islands, south of Cuba, make up what is called the Cayman Islands, or Caymans. Instead of extreme poverty, the Cayman culture is materialistic, due to tourism and many off-shore bank accounts opened on the islands.

But amid this influence on society, many evangelical churches are still rising in popularity. The country's flag even boasts part of Psalm 24, recognizing the strong Christian heritage of the Caymans.

Praise the Lord for a continued interest in the gospel!

The Secret to Sucessful Media Invasion

2011-07-11T03:00:00.002-04:00

Image by Sean MacEntee

Guilt floods my mind as I click the little "x" in the top-right corner of Facebook. I sheepishly slip my smart phone back into my pocket after checking it for the thirtieth time that day - Nope, no new emails. My head aches as the television finally goes dark after a two hour reality binge.

I often feel regret for spending so much of my time involved in front of a brightly lit screen, but media does not always have to affect us so negatively. If we play it smart, media has the power to improve our daily living, bring us closer to family and friends, and challenge our walk with God.

I want to discuss the positives to three specific media outlets you encounter on a daily basis. I will also mention a few negatives, but that is not my main focus for this post. Today, I want you to view media as a potential tool to utilize in a God-honoring manner, not necessarily as a total time waster.

1. Movies and Television

Reality TV, sitcoms, and fictional on-screen romances have the ability to confuse Christians with what is considered the "societal norm". Living together as an unmarried couple seems okay when two people really love each other and gays are widely accepted as the popular girl's best friend. Media's powerful influence either forces you to disregard God's commandments on sexual immorality and various other sins, or it strengthens your beliefs and can fuel excellent discussions.

The Adjustment Bureau became great dinner conversation when the movie tackled a perspective of predestination. It even inspired my husband to write a post on this blog!
A recent commercial mocking marriage reminded us how society views our commitment and encouraged us to reverse the status quo.
The Casey Anthony trial finally forced me to develop my own view on the death penalty.

2. Internet/Social Media

I have a hard time remembering life before the internet age. It has connected me with family in ways beyond the typical holiday gathering and opened the communication lines with friends from high school and college. But most of all, the World Wide Web has given you and I immediate access to powerful sources of information.

Instead of a trip to the library, we can download a book in the matter of seconds.
Instead of traveling to a conference across the country, we can watch speakers through live web-casts or download Mark Driscoll's latest sermon on our ipods.
We can uplift and encourage fellow Christians through facebook comments or blog discussions.
We can "follow" and interact with pastoral role models and favorite authors on Twitter.

Although temptations to abuse this technology are numerous, we still have a unique ability to spiritually influence each other.

3. Reading Material

Book, Magazines, Blogs, and Newspapers - they transport you to far away places, enhance your relationship with God, and engage your mind. It's no secret, I love to read, sometimes even a little too much. But when books take away your need for the Bible, it's time to reevaluate what role the most important Book plays in your life. As long as you understand no author can ever replace the Author, you have a vast amount of resources available to you for reference.

Whether you enjoy Al Mohler, John MacArthur, Elizabeth George, or Beth Moore, each perspective will vary from one to the other. This widens the information pool immensely and benefits you, the reader! .

You can explore the character of Christ in a new way.
You can learn how to develop Godly virtues.
You can read and be encouraged from the unwavering faith of another Christian.
You can understand how your faith connects to the world around you.

The written word abounds on any topic imaginable, so don't be afraid to check out what your preferred author, or even a new one, has discovered!

In reality, all you need to strengthen your Christian walk is a Bible, maybe a notebook and pen, and a willing heart. All of the above mentioned media outlets have the capability to either help you accomplish this goal, or destroy it. Let's limit the negative effects media has on us, avoid abusing technology, and work on utilizing these resources to enhance our faith!

Your Turn:

I deliberately left out the topic of music, because I want you to respond! How can music positively affect your walk with God?

This post is linked up to Media Mondays at Women Living Well

Death Penalty Revealed: The Truth About Law and Grace {Part 2}

2011-07-08T03:00:00.008-04:00

The recent Casey Anthony trial has me wrestling with too many questions, and this is my feeble attempt to find some answers! If you haven't already, please check out Part 1 to learn a little bit about Biblical examples of the death penalty and the shift from Old Testament law to a New Testament form of government. Then, come back here and read Part 2!

Image by StuSeeger

The Reason for Death

Way back in Genesis 4:10, when Cain initiated the very first murder against his brother, the Lord heard Abel's blood "crying out from the ground". Even though this verse slightly creeps me out, it still holds extensive truth. Cain essentially destroyed the image of God, and his brother's soul screams for justice.

When God created man, His likeness, or image, was stamped upon both males and females (Genesis 1:26-27). God reiterates this idea by ordering death upon anyone who sheds the blood of another, "...for God made man in his own image."

We can obviously conclude human life has great significance in God's eyes. Our living, breathing bodies house one of the most important parts of our Spiritual character, our soul. The entirety of eternity rests on who we give permission over our being. No wonder God takes murder so seriously.

I think John Piper said it best when he explained how the death penalty is the only true way to uphold human dignity. Yet we are not to take the situation into our own hands. God carefully instructs us to never use vigilante justice. The decision to bring consequences upon His people will always be His to make, even though He now appoints governing authorities to carry out that decision.

What Happened to Grace?

In one sense, the Bible seems to send out contradictory signals concerning OT law and NT grace. Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead because they lied, and Saul, who participated in the gruesome stoning of Stephen, was allowed to walk free and became Paul, one of the greatest New Testament characters who ever lived. The adulteress, in the book of John, was brought straight to the feet of Jesus for punishment, yet was saved from death and told to "go and sin no more".

The only theory I can propose involves a God who knows all when it comes to our heart. Although we are not told about the adulteress, I at least know Saul repented of his sins and was extended God's glorious grace. Was that the reason why their lives were spared? I do not have a concrete answer, but what I do know is God can be both merciful and just. We need to trust Him to uphold the delicate balance between the two characteristics.

A Final Thought

By no means have I extensively covered this issue.....I did not plan on it. But little Caylee Anthony's sweet face continues to haunt me, and I had to know for sure that the death penalty was the right course of action. At first glance I felt like I was betraying my conscience, but I also know the Holy Spirit's guidance was upon me. I am now convinced, more than ever, this is the way justice needs to be served for any and every voice wrongfully taken away.

Would love to hear more of your thoughts in the comment section!

Further Reading:
I Have a Problem With Grace... by Daniel Comings at Divine Satisfaction
- Answers the question: What happens when God's people abuse grace?
God, Moral Judgment, and the Death Penalty by Al Mohler

- An interesting article on the relationship between religion and the death penalty.

If you enjoyed the thoughts and discussion in this two-part series, would you consider passing along the post to your Twitter and Facebook followers? Thanks!

Pray for Every Nation: Canada

2011-07-06T03:00:00.001-04:00

Canada is the world's second largest country
Population: 33.8 million
Official languages are English and French
Diverse landscape - including grasslands, forests, and arctic tundra

(Photo Source)

As evangelizing Christians, we tend to focus more on reaching third-world countries and cultures foreign to us than we do our own neighborhoods and communities. Canada may not seem like a desperate mission field according to our "standards", but just because Canadians speak English, eat similar food, and have become our role model for socialized health care, does not mean evangelism and discipleship are unnecessary!

Both my husband and my sister have been involved in various ministries in Quebec, and they would tell you there is a great need for the gospel. Depravity is not limited to poverty stricken nations. In fact, sometimes it is more prevalent in what we label "advanced" cultures.

Here are some specific ways you can pray for the country of Canada:

1. Pray for God's current ministers of the gospel to continue with perseverance and strength.
2. Pray God will mobilize Christians around the world to reach this country for Him.
3. Pray that this nation will not be forgotten.

Summer Series: Date Idea #3

2011-07-04T03:00:00.002-04:00

Click here to read the intro post titled, "The Summer of the Intentional Marriage".

Date Idea #3: The Best Local Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest

Joseph and I both love chocolate chip cookies, but with every local bakery touting that their confection is the absolute best, we had to find out for ourselves.

We went to five different locations - three bakeries, one grocery store, and even a fast food restaurant - and rated every cookie on a 1-5 scale, accounting for taste, texture, and aesthetics.

We put each cookie on a paper plate and had the business name written on the bottom. We didn't want to be swayed by what we thought would be a good tasting cookie.

Mmmm....this is making want a cookie right now!

We weren't truly blown away by any one cookie (I think my homemade are still the best!), but we had so much fun driving around, and were able to experience some of our local bakeries for the first time. Between gas and the price of our cookies, we spent only around $10.00 for this date - AMAZING!

Later that day, we decided to rip apart our shed. Not exactly date material, but it was still fun!

Use the comment section to tell me all about your latest date night and have a very happy July 4th celebration!

Death Penalty Revealed: The Truth About Law and Grace {Part 1}

2011-07-01T03:00:00.002-04:00

Image by StuSeeger

The words death penalty waft through an Orlando courtroom, the tension as thick as Florida's humidity. Casey Anthony continues to solemnly observe the frenzy of activity from her seat, as defense lawyers and prosecution grill countless witnesses testifying either for or against her.

High profile cases like these have us contemplating the significance of a life lost, and a life that must pay, and has me wrestling with the following questions:

Should the state really be given power to choose who deserves to live and die?

Who decides which Old Testament laws are relevant and which ones are not?

And most of all,

What happened to the New Testament age of grace?

I desperately wanted to find the answers, and in doing so, I actually refuted my original thoughts. If you never previously formed an opinion about the death penalty, or have an opinion, but are unsure how to support your thoughts, take some time to prayerfully contemplate the ideas and passages of Scripture mentioned here. I have done my best to present clear, unadulterated truth, but I also know my limitations and encourage you to "get in tune" with your inner Berean as you follow along.

Old Testament Beginnings

Capital punishment in the Old Testament emerged when treason was committed against God and specific Jewish laws. OT law was taken very seriously, as the rules set God's chosen people apart from their surrounding cultures. Death by stoning, burning, or sword were the three main methods of execution commonly practiced when particular laws were broken.

Exodus 32:27 - God's people were punished by sword for worshiping the golden calf.
Leviticus 20:14 - The consequence for sexual immorality was burning to death.
Deuteronomy 13:6-11 - God's people were stoned for serving other gods.
Joshua 7:25 - Achan and his family were burned and stoned for disobeying God and taking spoils from Jericho.

These passages are only a handful of the extensive regulations found in the Old Testament. Oh, how I would have hated to live during this time period!

An Authority Shift

In the New Testament, government, rather than OT law, decided who was punishable by death. Romans 13:4 affirms this by bestowing the title of God's servant on governing authorities and allowing them to "bear the sword".

Matthew 14:10-11 - Herod beheaded John the Baptist because of a seductress' request.
Luke 23:32 - Two robbers were put to death by crucifixion, alongside Jesus, whom Pilate thought did not deserve the death penalty. (Luke 23:22)
John 8:3-11 - The Pharisees wanted to stone an adulterous woman.
Acts 7:54-60 - Stephen was stoned on accounts of blasphemy.

There is only one New Testament passage that comes to mind where God Himself induced the death penalty. Acts 5:1-11 recounts the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied to the apostle Peter about the sale price of their property and died immediately after their fabricated story.

In one of his sermons, John MacArthur had this to say about the government's role in initiating the death penalty,

This institution of government, this ruler, this one who wields the authority of the government is the minister of God and he is avenging by bringing wrath on the one who practices evil. Capital punishment is the will of God and the executioner is the servant of God.

Divine justice unfolds on earth through God-appointed governing authorities. To rebel against them, is essentially the same as rebellion towards God. He instituted government because He is a God of decency and order. Lets be honest, if there were no set local, state, and federal rules of decorum, our story might eerily imitate Golding's, Lord of the Flies.

This does not mean the government IS God and every decision handed out by a government official is the "Word of God." As Proverbs says "The heart of a ruler is in the hand of the Lord". However, we still live in a fallen world where evil constantly fights for the upper hand.

Next Friday, we are going to examine why God chose death to be the punishment of choice, and finally answer that nagging question about grace!

Your Turn:

How do we compensate for a corrupt government and legal system?

Source: Coleman, William. Today's Handbook of Bible Times and Customs. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1984.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

Pray for Every Nation: Cameroon

2011-06-29T03:00:00.069-04:00

This series is based on the Radical Experiment by David Platt. You can find more information about my decision to join here. If you would like to participate, please let me know with a comment or email and feel free to grab the button on my sidebar. I hope this journey will enrich your prayer life as much as it does mine!

The country of Cameroon is found between the northern and southern areas of Africa and consists of French and English speaking peoples. Corruption in Cameroon is widespread, especially in government, and the country is deeply divided between native languages, political aspirations, and contrasting religious views. We need to pray for unity and peace in this country!

I would also ask you to consider praying for a missionary my church supports over in Cameroon, Jane Schmitz. As a single missionary woman, we are always concerned about her safety. But lately, God has chosen her to be the recipient of various faith testing opportunities. Stolen property and days without running water may seem trite in the larger context of Christianity, but can you imagine going days without using water to cook, clean, or even take a shower?

In spite of everything, Jane has maintained a positive outlook on life - her facebook statuses are always God honoring and we enjoy hearing from her even though internet connections are sketchy at best. As you pray for the people of Cameroon, please remember Jane and her continued service to Him. May she continue to be a shining light in this dark country.

Are Wives Helpless Against Infidelity?

2011-06-27T03:00:00.021-04:00

The Casey Anthony trial may have us glued to our TV's in jaw-dropping shock, but what has us thoroughly disgusted is the nationwide coverage of now resigned Anthony Weiner's twitter scandal. Sending lewd photographs to women other than his wife are definitely going to decrease his #twitterpoints, although Arnold Schwarzenegger probably isn’t disappointed to hand over that media spotlight.

“Men”, such as these, have us often feeling sorry for the damsel trapped in the middle. We wonder, will she stand by her husband or leave the marriage? If she chooses the latter, is she prepared to fend for herself – physically, emotionally, and financially?

(Photo Source)

Perhaps the real question is: Should she be?

God intended marriage to be a permanent institution, but things do happen. There are husbands who cheat, walk out on their families, and refuse to support the ones they leave behind. This can leave a woman in a vulnerable and precarious position – how does she take over the husband’s role to provide when she may not have the means or resources to do so?

On the contrary, any woman could eliminate this utter helpless feeling were she to prepare herself financially through prenuptial agreements or separate bank accounts with little or no accountability. She could also develop a “what if” plan, including detailed lists of “who-gets-what”, right down to mortgage and childcare responsibilities. Organizationally, this makes sense, but the real issue is whether or not it’s actually Biblical.

Warnings to Consider

There are three main warnings to heed as you think through this issue.

You automatically plant a seed of doubt in your mind and the mind of your husband.

The more you think about your husband possibly cheating or walking away, the more likely you are to voice your concerns, and the more likely you are to take action and bring to fruition the very thing you want to eliminate. Satan can nurture and grow even the tiniest of seeds; we certainly do not need to give him that kind of power!

You may not fully trust your spouse.

On your wedding day, you made a vow to stay together, in sickness and in health, through good times and bad, until death do you part. But if you are worried your husband might cheat on you, are you truly giving him the benefit of the doubt or are you taking the situation into your own hands? You’re right, he might leave, but he might not. Nevertheless, a marriage commitment still stands........shouldn't you trust him until proven otherwise?

One of the characteristics that drew me to my husband was his loyalty. He didn’t have a slew of girlfriends on his track record; he treated his parents with respect; and put incredible effort into his job, even when it wasn’t something he truly enjoyed. I knew he was, and still is, a man of integrity, and he would commit fully to his wife. (I just prayed it would be me!) Do I still have fears? Yes, but I try my hardest to push my doubts aside and trust him to never leave.

You may not fully trust God.

God has complete control over our marriages, so you and I need to stop trying to wrestle the steering wheel away from Him. He has promised to provide, no matter what happens. Remember Abraham? He was promised some pretty big ticket items, and in his humanity, he doubted God. Revel in the fact that Christ is the one man who will never forget you, never leave or forsake you, and will never ever let you down. I call that some pretty amazing love.

I have seen marriages survive affairs, and I have seen many more that have not. Although the women are not always incapacitated on their own, would the situations have been easier had the wife prepared herself for possible infidelity beforehand? Are there any other reasons why we need to be careful when mulling over this issue? I want to know your thoughts!

Related Posts

Routine Maintenance Is Not Just For Your Car

This post is linked to Marriage Mondays at Come Have a Peace.

A Lesson In Flexibility {From an Anti-Flexible Personality}

2011-06-24T03:00:00.042-04:00

I mentioned in this post how my husband and I would soon be traveling to a medical conference to receive eye training for our upcoming Haiti trip in November. The conference was a couple weeks ago, yet it has taken me until now to finally collect my thoughts. Why? Because we arrived that weekend super excited to learn, and left feeling completely discouraged, defeated, and deflated. Let me share with you what happened.....

My husband and I had finally finished our first day of training. Six straight hours of intense education concerning various eye anatomy, eye pathology, and examination procedures, and we were still psyched. We found out who the leader was for our trip and invited him to sit with us for dinner. We had so many questions to ask, so many ideas to discuss, and so much excitement to offer.

Image by Dominique Godbout

However, this gentleman's personality was, shall we say, a bit unexpected for an individual involved in missions. He wasn't sure he wanted a vision clinic. His idea of assisting third world countries' vision problems was passing out reading glasses with no real way to find the best prescription or help those with nearsightedness. It was frustrating, especially when we were already assured by the short-term missions organizer (who is not going on the trip) that we would utilize our training.

We came away from the conference feeling very unsure why God had excited us about this vision opportunity if we were not going to use it for Haiti. It took a lot of praying for us to accept that "our plan" was not necessarily God's plan and we could very well use the training we received for other mission trips if He so allows.

At this point in time, we do not know exactly what we will be doing in Haiti. If we end up assisting with vision, I feel it necessary to know so we can collect glasses and have the proper supplies beforehand. My least favorite scenario is to arrive in Haiti assuming I am assisting the medical team in other ways, and find out we are actually going to perform a vision clinic. My frustration at not being prepared would be paramount.

This is where flexibility in ministry is key, and I should know better - especially after working at camp for four summers straight! Programs, activities, and detailed schedules are worth nothing, if we have failed to communicate the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The purpose is for you and I to serve. It doesn't matter how, or where, or in what capacity.

Paul's unfortunate detours into prison were most likely unpredicted and even more undesirable. But his time there allowed him to pen some amazing books found in your New Testament today - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Paul had no choice but to be flexible, and God turned a far from idyllic situation into one that glorified Him.

For now, I am humbled to know God chose me to serve Him in one of the poorest nations in the world. I don't have to know the exact details of the trip, because essentially, my responsibilities consist of going and making disciples. The rest is in God's hands.....and I'm beginning to have a wonderful peace about that.

Your Thoughts, Your Views

When was the last time God gave you a lesson in flexibility?

Pray for Every Nation: Cambodia

2011-06-22T03:00:00.000-04:00

(Photo Source)

Today, I would like to share a video with you......I think it covers a variety of reasons to keep this nation in your prayers. Feel free to pray along as the Holy Spirit so leads.

Summer Series: Date Idea #2

2011-06-20T03:00:00.001-04:00

Click here to read the intro post titled, "The Summer of the Intentional Marriage".

Date Idea #2: Recreate A Date

When Joseph and I first started dating, we went to a local park to cook some hamburgers and eat s'mores. Joseph worked so hard on all the planning, packed everything for us, and made sure we were prepared.

But.......he still forgot a few things.

Like, a spatula to flip the burgers.

So, we used a wire coat hanger we found in his car and bent it into a spatula shape!

2005 - We look like babies!

He also forgot graham crackers, so we ate our s'mores with a marshmallow between two chocolate pieces. Yum! (I don't have a picture of that one though.) :(

We decided we wanted to re-create that date, but with the proper essentials. So, we drove to a nearby state park for Memorial Day and had a picnic with our new-to-us portable grill. Cooked our hamburgers perfectly!

We decided to take Twix along with us to join in the fun.

And we had s'mores with graham crackers.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day, and so much fun to be outside spending time together!

What did you do for your latest date?

"Branded: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture" By Tim Sinclair

2011-06-17T03:00:00.005-04:00

Pithy t-shirt sayings, bumper stickers, and theological re-tweets sadly define much of Christianity today, but what would happen if we forced ourselves to share Jesus instead of hiding behind our useless self-expression and symbols? These shallow reservoirs of faith not only repel secular society, they also water down our message.

Why are Christians so inept at attracting others to our faith?

We are lazy. If our facebook status says we are Christian, we don't have to work so hard to prove it.
We create unfavorable perceptions of Jesus (a.k.a. hypocrisy).
We are known more for what we are against rather than Who or what we are for (think abortion clinic protests, etc).

Jesus could certainly use a better marketing team. Maybe if we displayed a little bit of vulnerability and shared our hearts with our fellow friends, co-workers, and neighbors, we would radically change the current perception of Christianity.

Branded was a quick, easy read, and I really enjoyed Tim Sinclair's insight into the world of "Christian marketing". The author doesn't cover every angle of the issues he presents, but I think the book does a great job at pointing out specific problems, giving a few solutions, and prodding further study and thought if one so desires.

There were a few things I didn't like, and they are perhaps more of a personal preference than doctrinally wrong. I felt uncomfortable defining Christianity and Jesus in purely marketing terms. Technically speaking, Jesus becomes the product we sell and promote to the world. Semantics? Maybe. But I really detest thinking of Jesus as our product.

Disclosure: Although I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity, the opinions are completely my own. Also, product links are affiliate links.

Pray for Every Nation: Bulgaria

2011-06-15T03:00:00.000-04:00

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Bulgarian girls can receive abortions as young as age 13 and view the "procedure" as a form of birth control rather than the destruction of human life.

Granted, fewer abortions occur annually in Bulgaria compared to the million or so performed in the United States, but we need to open our eyes to these alarming statistics in other countries, rather than focus solely on America.

Heartbeat International already has an affiliate on the ground in Bulgaria, educating women and encouraging abstinence before marriage. She has even opened a pregnancy center to provide support and counseling to those facing an abortion or the aftereffects of one.

Keep Bulgaria in your prayers this week, especially the young women who are considering abortion. Pray that God will bring older women alongside these girls to guide them through their decisions.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes......

2011-06-13T03:00:00.015-04:00

A plethora of exciting things are happening behind the scenes at A Quiet Strength. My husband and I have been working on a "new" site and will hopefully launch early to mid July!

A Quiet Strength has been a wonderful starter blog for me. It has helped me improve and hone my writing skills and has allowed me the opportunity to participate in the wonderful blogging community. But I want to take it further, and I believe a re-branding of A Quiet Strength, combined with a move to Wordpress, will assist me in doing so.

I have really put a lot of thought into this blog, what I am most passionate in writing about, etc, and my true excitement lies within a connection between our faith and culture. This new site will give you the tools to dig deeper into Scripture and discover God's principles concerning various cultural, societal, and political "norms". (And hopefully foster some really great discussions!)

Want to know what is really cool?

This site will be geared specifically toward women.

So, I hope you will consider joining me in this next chapter! Many of the articles I have written here will be transferred over to the new blog, so you won't see a huge difference in content - they will just be more focused.

Oh, and did I forget to mention the name? How silly of me.

I shall call it, The Feminine Intellect. (And no, that is not an oxymoron.)

Be on the lookout for future updates with more information!

Why I Don't Feel Guilty Reading Fiction

2011-06-10T03:00:00.009-04:00

Years ago, I had a love/hate relationship with fiction. Every time I picked up the latest Christian fiction novel, a little voice in my head would inevitably chime in saying,

“Don’t you have anything better to do with your time? You should be reading something more intellectually stimulating or spiritually challenging, not some silly unrealistic romance.”

The thing was, deep thought provoking books often took me months to read, as opposed to the day or two I spent devouring the stories of a young Amish woman or prairie wife. I simply did not want to commit that much time or brain power to a “textbook” I would never pick up again.

I have finally learned how to balance the fiction/non-fiction scale and now enjoy reading both genres, but the real breakthrough occurred when I decided to release the guilt building up inside me about my bookcase full of fiction novels.

1. I realized fiction was my mini getaway from life; a time for me to sit back and not worry about the dishes, the laundry, etc. There were times when I needed that break from the mundane, not only to keep my sanity, but also so I would not burn out too quickly. Reading a few chapters during an afternoon lull was enough to keep me physically and emotionally charged so I could tackle the rest of my routine.

2. A unique way to learn history can be through a fiction novel. Arrays of fairly accurate historical stories have been published throughout the years, which provide a realistic view of life during various time periods. That makes this history buff very happy. :)

I need to point out though that there are just as many inaccurate versions as there are true. Nevertheless, you can turn these stories into a stepping stone for personal research and still discover some rich history for yourself.

3. Fiction can be life-changing. Authors, such as Karen Kingsbury, write novels that are inspiring, heart-wrenching, and end up bringing you closer to God through the entire story. They are not your happily ever after type of fiction, rather, they are often stories sparked by real people who have real problems and need to rely on their faith to pull them through. She covers issues of adoption, autism, 9/11 tragedies, and broken marriages; I dare you to read one of her book and not be moved!

Even though I have given three good reasons why I think you and I can read fiction and not feel guilty, I still believe a steady diet of Christian fiction will consequently turn your brain to mush. Take a balanced approach, vary your genres, and always be reading with a Biblical filter, no matter which book you choose.

Disclosure: All product links are affiliate links.

For further reading, check out the article Why Romance Novels Aren't Emotional Porn by Her.meneutics.

Pray for Every Nation: Brunei, Burkina, and Burundi

2011-06-08T03:00:00.001-04:00

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The Sultan has complete control over the people of Brunei, especially since he is one of the richest men in the world due to the oil industry. He provides his subjects with an array of perks, including free health care, which makes it harder for those to oppose him and his religion. Evangelism and conversion from Muslim to Christianity are strictly forbidden and some have even been arrested for sharing their faith.

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Burkina Faso is a little country located in northern Africa. Although half of the 16 million citizens are Muslim, poverty still remains as Burkina's number one issue. The country desperately needs aid and stable economic development that will create a self-sustaining nation, not a dependent one.

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Burundi, also located in Africa, currently has a professing born-again Christian as it's president. Hopefully, this answer to prayer will continue to influence current leadership decisions for the country. But decade-old conflicts still exist between various people groups, and violence throughout Burundi is quite common.

Please remember each of these countries in your prayer time this week. May God's work be seen throughout the nations of Brunei, Burkina Faso, and Burundi.

Summer Series: Date Idea #1

2011-06-06T03:00:00.004-04:00

Click here to read the intro post titled, "The Summer of the Intentional Marriage".

Date Idea #1: Dinner and a Movie.......Take-Out Style

Since when do you have to "go out" for a date night? You can create a very special night at home for the two of you, and you can do it under $20!

Here are the details...

1. We dressed up.

Most of us women dress up only to go out for dinner or a special event. But there are times when I know I am only doing so for the benefit of others, not necessarily for my husband. Since we were not going anywhere, we decided to take time to look especially nice for one another. It actually made the night more fun!

2. We ordered take-out.

I could have made dinner - it would have been a lot cheaper, but it also would have been a lot more hassle. This way, I could sit back and enjoy our meal without working in the kitchen or staring at a huge stack of dirty dishes.

3. We had our own dessert.

We had a coupon to make our take-out less expensive, so we wanted to splurge and add a dessert. But the cheesecake we ordered was, shall we say, quite unpleasant. So we dug into our stockpile of ice cream. :)

4. We ordered a Red-Box movie.

Seriously, you can't go wrong for a $1.08 movie.

We both had a really enjoyable evening and it was nice to actually focus on each other, instead of the never-ending pile of things to do in our house!

Other Variations/Ideas:
- If you find yourself lacking in conversation, come up with some topics before hand. You can do this by creating "conversation cards" and whenever you find yourself hitting a lull, pull one out to discuss. You may find out something about your spouse you never knew before!

"My Foolish Heart" by Susan May Warren

2011-06-04T03:00:00.001-04:00

I don't usually post on Saturdays, but today I am participating in a blog tour! Thank you Litfuse Publicity!

According to Deep Haven's residents, Isadora Presley is a woman who refuses to venture far from her home and seems scared of her own shadow. But not everyone knows the tragic accident that left Isadora without her mother also haunts her mind in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder.

As Isadora learns to cope with her anxiety, she finds satisfaction working from home as the host of her very own radio show, Miss Foolish Heart. Giving love advice to her callers has it's perks, but she never imagined she would start having feelings for one of them.

When her new neighbor starts showing interest, Isadora finds herself slowly opening up to him. Should she trust him with her heart, or would that be too foolish?

You can read an excerpt from the book here.

My Foolish Heart was such a fun book to read. My interest was piqued on every page and I simply could not put it down. The various sub-plots give depth and variety to the story and the author's character descriptions demonstrated her superb writing.The residents of Deep Haven are just as charming as they were in Susan's first books and I enjoyed "getting to know them" all over again.

I also appreciated the care in which the author handled PTSD. Susan opened my eyes to this very serious medical issue and the hardships of those who experience the anxiety of past trauma.

I would recommend My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren, as well as any other book in the Deep Haven Series!

Disclosure: Although I received this book for free from Litefuse Publicity, all opinions are completely my own. All product links are affiliate links.
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Now, are you ready for some fun?

To celebrate this charming novel about a dating expert who's never had a date, Susan has put together a romantic night on the town for one lucky couple. One grand prize winner will receive a Miss Foolish Heart prize package worth over $200!

The winner of the Romantic Night on the Town Prize Pack will receive:

* A $100 Visa Gift Card (For Dinner)

* A $100 Gift Certificate to a Hyatt/Marriott Hotel

* The entire Deep Haven series

To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 16th. The winner will be announced that evening during Susan’s Miss Foolish Heart Party on Facebook! Susan will be chatting with guests, hosting a book club chat about My Foolish Heart, testing your Deep Haven trivia skills, and giving away tons of great stuff! (Gift certificates, books, donuts, and more!) Don't miss the fun and BRING YOUR FRIENDS!

Are We Pawns or Players? A Biblical Look at "The Adjustment Bureau" (Guest Post)

2011-06-03T03:00:00.067-04:00

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The Internet Movie Database describes The Adjustment Bureau with the following opening statements:

"Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us?

Matt Damon stars in the thriller The Adjustment Bureau as a man who glimpses the future Fate has planned for him and realizes he wants something else."

For me, it is definitely interesting to watch secular entertainment media as it tries to grapple with an issue that even we as Christians struggle with. In case you haven't seen the movie (Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexuality [no nudity] and a violent image) let me bring you up to speed without spoiling it for you should you decide to watch it.

(Photo Source)

David Norris (played by Matt Damon) is an aspiring politician with the world seemingly at his fingertips. Suddenly, due to public relations problems, he loses an election. For a brief moment, he feels like his life is out of his control. In this time of personal tragedy he is inspired by a chance (or was it?) encounter with a young woman named Elise (played by Emily Blunt). Elise is just what Mr. Norris needed to motivate him to get back in the game. However, at this point, David also finds himself hopelessly in love with this elusive Elise, but finds himself blocked at every turn by a mysterious group of CIA-ish men, whenever he tries to find her. Eventually he is faced with a basic choice - give up his dreams, or give up her.

Though my description of the plot may make the movie sound a bit shallow - trust me when I tell you that it's not. Various questions are posed throughout the movie. Are his dreams something he wants or are they his destiny? Is he free to choose who he loves or has it been chosen for him? And probably the biggest underlying questions throughout the whole movie: Are we in control of our own fate and can we change it? Or are there greater powers at work that are positioning us like pawns on a chess board?

(Photo Source)

Some references to consider:

Ephesians 1:5 says those who have accepted Christ....were already predestined to be a child of God.

Proverbs 21:1 says the king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will.

Psalm 139 speaks of how God forms you in the womb and knows about you before you even existed. He knows your every movement.

That is just scratching the surface of predestination in the Bible. However, as I study His Word, I don't see a God who is using us as game pieces, moving us across a large game board for his own entertainment. God is involved in His creation, and I do understand from Scripture that he uses people to impact others for His glory. If we had no choice (or free will) in the matters of life, then there would be no responsibility or accountability on our part.

As an avid board gamer - my game pieces are not responsible for me winning or losing a game. I move them across the board, at my will, and then I am responsible for whether or not I win or lose. In life, the Bible is very clear that we, although predestined, are still responsible for our own actions.

There are many Biblical examples of this but I will just use one:

2 Corinthians 5:10 says Christians will stand before the judgement seat of Christ to receive what is due him for what he has done in the body of Christ, for good or for evil.

I don't think there is any stronger push for personal responsibility than that. Some day, we will stand before God Himself, and give an account for our actions here on earth. Somehow I doubt the phrase, "But you made me do it" will be on our tongues.

So my answer to the big question,

Am I personally responsible for my actions or is there a higher power who is in control?

The answer is.....yes.

The Bible is clear that God is involved in His creation. The Bible is also clear that God will not cause me to sin, so that means I still have choice. And since I will one day face God and answer to Him for all my actions here on earth, I am also personally responsible for my decisions.

While I would never suggest that someone should glean their theology from a movie, I do believe that the arts have the ability to help us take a different look at an issue, IF we engage our mind while watching.

Joseph Comings works as an operations technician for a regional news station and actively participates in his church's Adult Bible Fellowships and AVL (Audio, Video, Lights) ministry. In addition to discussions on politics and spiritual matters, he enjoys his hobby of European board games and eating Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream.

The Adjustment Bureau is scheduled to release on DVD later this month.

Disclosure: All product links are affiliate links.

Pray for Every Nation: Brazil

2011-06-01T03:00:00.005-04:00

My brother-in-law, Andrew Comings, has agreed to post about today's country from his unique perspective. He and his family are missionaries to Brazil, so I know for sure he has more authority on this topic than I do! Enjoy!

Brazil: Mis-Understood Giant

“Ever been on the Amazon?”
“They have a great soccer team!”
“I hear there are a lot of beautiful women down there,”
“Do you speak Spanish?”

The preceding quotes represent the most common responses I received after informing random Americans that I live and work in Brazil. Before we go further, my responses were as follows:

“No.”
“Yes, they do.”
“Indeed, I married one.”
“No, because in Brazil we speak Portuguese. Weren’t you paying attention in school?”

The questions, however, reveal the common misconception of Brazil on the part of Americans. To many of my compatriots, Brazil is indeed a vast jungle inhabited by phenomenal soccer players and nubile women--all of them hablando espanol and participating in a sort of perpetual carnaval.

The truth is surprising to many. Brazil is a vast country (larger than continental United States) with a surprisingly diverse population. Besides the dominant mix of indigenous, African, and Portuguese stock, there are large communities of German, Italian, Arab, and Oriental peoples. The largest Japanese community outside of Japan lives in Brazil.

Far from a primitive nation, Brazil has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Petrobras is one of the planet’s largest oil concerns, the Vale company has become an international mining giant, and chances are you have flown on an Embraer jet--made in Brazil.

And Brazilians play other sports than soccer. Indeed, they dominate world volleyball (beach and traditional), have produced NBA players, and top-seeded tennis competitors. And in the world of racing, names like Ayerton Senna, Emerson Fitipaldi, and Helio Castroneves are almost as sacred to Brazilians as that of Pelé.

While the above-mentioned misconceptions about Brazil are annoying, to say the least, there is another mis-conception, prevalent in American churches, that is nothing short of tragic: the false idea that Brazil is already evangelized.

While it is true that much progress has been made for the Gospel in Brazil over the last five decades, the unmistakable truth is that there is still much to do. Consider the following statistics:

Seventy-four percent of Brazilians still consider themselves Roman Catholics.

That comes out to roughly 160,600,000 people who are still bound to a system of works which is completely foreign to the Gospel of Grace.

Syncretistic Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda represent the fastest-growing belief systems in Brazil. These mixtures of African tribalism with Catholicism are nothing other than demon worship. Popular Brazilian media is doing all it can to promote this cancer on society.

Over seven million of the roughly fifteen percent of Brazilians who consider themselves “evangelical” are members of churches that do not preach the Gospel. These range from semi-cults like the Seventh-day Adventists to “health-and-wealth” churches like the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. The latter are particularly dangerous, replacing the Gospel with a “get-rich-quick-by-giving-us-money” scheme.

In light of the above facts, and because of the love God has put in our heart for the Brazilian people, my wife Itacyara and I have dedicated our lives to bringing the true Gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ to this amazing land. We live and work in the city of São Luís, which is the capital of the state of Maranhão. Our ministry includes, evangelism, children’s work and community outreach--all with the purpose of planting a strong, reproducing church in the city.

So the next time you find yourself on an Embraer jet, or watching the Brazilian soccer team work their magic on the field, please remember to pray for the work God has given us in that country. Here are some prayer requests to start you off:

* Pray that religious liberty in Brazil would continue.
* Pray that Brazil’s government and economy would remain stable.
* Pray that Brazil’s believers would use their newfound prosperity for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
* Pray for the strength and multiplication of Gospel-preaching churches in Brazil.
* Pray of the city of São Luís.
* Pray for the safety (physical and spiritual) of the Comings family.
* Finally, pray that God would raise up a multitude of workers to reach that great, beautiful, misunderstood giant called Brazil.

Andrew Comings is a Baptist Mid-Missions missionary in Maranhão, Brazil. He and his wife, Itacyara (aka The Brazilian Bombshell), have two sons: Michael and Nathanael. In his spare time Andrew blogs in English at www.comingstobrazil.com and in Portuguese at cadernoteologico.wordpress.com. Despite his field of service, Andrew does not drink coffee in any of its manifold forms.

We Are Going To Haiti...

2011-05-30T10:10:00.001-04:00

Remember when I hinted in another post how my husband and I might have an opportunity to participate in short-term missions this year? Well, the pieces are quickly falling into place for us to travel to the poverty stricken nation of Haiti. Although we are extremely excited to see how God will use us in this foreign country, we are both humbled and have a healthy nervousness about what we may encounter.

In late November, we will be traveling with an ABWE medical team and stay on site at the Baptist Haiti Mission outside Port-au-Prince. Many of you may be thinking, "What will you do? You have no medical experience at all!" You're right. But we are not going to be performing massive surgeries or stitching up open wounds. (I promise!) We will be performing simple eye exams and fitting the Haitians with proper eye glass prescriptions. We are actually attending a vision training seminar within the next couple weeks and will be officially certified to be eye examiners - only in third world countries, of course. :)

This past weekend, we had our first official "fundraiser" to offset some of our mission costs - a yard/bake sale. So many of my friends and family jumped on board to participate, either by donating items or baking yummy cookies to sell. We had a wonderful turnout and have already made significant progress toward our financial goal. Thank you so very much to everyone who was involved. I am truly blessed.

I promise to keep everyone updated about our trip. Joseph and I would very much appreciate your prayers in the coming months. We are hoping God will give us the opportunity to see the little girl we sponsor and possibly be able to help her family, financially or in some other way. We have so much, while they live on close to nothing. We don't want to leave without matching a personality to the face we have prayed for and loved.

Most of all, our greatest desire is for God to open our eyes and give us compassion for His people in Haiti, to be affected by their culture and their need for Christ. God forbid we return to America the same as which we left.

Bloom Book Club: The Fitting Room

2011-05-27T03:00:00.002-04:00

I really enjoyed participating in the One Thousand Gifts book club a few months ago, so I am at it yet again! I believe book clubs can be very beneficial to those who are involved, and the videos and discussions take you deeper into the author's purpose.
This time, Kelly Minter's book, The Fitting Room, has been chosen for the next Bloom Book Club. If you don't know Kelly, you can go here and be "formally" introduced!

Here is the description of her book:

How does 'clothing' yourself in Christian virtues like forgiveness, joy, patience, and compassion work in real life? Can you really 'dress up' in the character of Christ? Author, Kelly Minter, says the answer is 'yes' - if the Master Designer is allowed to do the fitting. Stitched together with dry humor and down-to-earth honesty, this book offers women an irresistible invitation to enjoy a spiritual makeover, personally tailored by the One who knows and loves them best.

The Fitting Room is only $10.00 at Dayspring for a limited time, so get your copy now if you would like to join. You can find more details and the schedule here.

We start June 5th!

Disclosure: All product links are affiliate links.

"The Principle of the Path" by Andy Stanley

2011-05-27T03:00:00.000-04:00

The principle of the path is this: Direction, not intention, determines the path you pursue. We can intend on traveling down a particular road, whether it be relational, vocational, or financial, and find ourselves completely off course because we did not hold a proper view of the direction our choices were taking us.

Andy Stanley points out two different types of people in this world:

1. Those who live today like it has no connection whatsoever to tomorrow and
2. Those who live today as if it is connected to the future.

If you view today as having little to no impact on what is yet to come, you will find yourself traveling a very different path then the one you intended. Whether you believe it or not, every decision has an impact down the road.

That big purchase you cannot afford right now may show up later when you are drowning in credit card debt. The lack of exercise and constant junk food binges may give you health problems as you advance in age. Maybe you think you think you are the exception to the rule, but Andy makes one thing very clear - there are no exceptions. Remember, direction, not intention, determines the path you pursue.

So how do we pursue the right path? This book will show you:

Divine direction first begins with unconditional submission, (Prov. 3:5,6)
Tips for seeking advice from those who have traveled the path before you, and
How to avoid distractions on the road.

This book also includes a study guide.

I truly enjoyed reading through "The Principle of the Path", especially since I am still "defining" my own direction and goals for my life. Andy's writing was very easy to follow and I liked his non-condescending, yet still convicting view. I often came across statements that had me thinking, "I wish I someone had told me that when I was a teenager!" Would I have listened? Probably not, but it's nice to think so. :)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are completely my own. Product link is an affiliate link.

Pray for Every Nation: Botswana and British Virgin Islands

2011-05-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

(Photo Source)

Continue to pray for those who are still lost in this African country, that they may hear of Christ and be receptive to Him.

(Photo Source)

The British Virgin Islands consist of about 60 islands, of which only 15 of them are inhabited. Population numbers are quite low, coming in at 23,000 island residents. Most of the people claim to be Christians, but evidence of their faith has yet to be displayed.

Pray for these Christians, that they may do more than just "talk the talk".

Finding Beauty in Your Own Backyard

2011-05-23T03:00:00.002-04:00

My love for travel has granted me multiple opportunities to explore truly awe-some sights and wonders.....

.......but I don't have to travel the country to find evidence of God's handiwork.

I can discover it in my own backyard.

Step outside today and drink in your surroundings with new perspective. Then thank God for His magnificent creation.

The Summer of the Intentional Marriage

2011-05-20T03:00:00.003-04:00

Are you happily coasting along in your marriage, or would you like to take it up a notch?

If you want your marriage to thrive, consider joining me in a summer series called, "The Summer of the Intentional Marriage". This series is going to focus on the one thing we did as dating and engaged couples, but often refuse to make time for during the married years.

Date Nights.

When was the last time you had one? My husband and I don't have kids and we still struggle to make time for just the two of us. We work during the day, eat dinner, I work on my blog and writing while Joseph putters around the house, and maybe we watch a TV show together before bed. Then we wake up the next morning and do it all over again. Doesn't that sound exciting? :)

In the midst of our busy lives, children, family functions, and work, couples rarely take time out for our marriages. But dates can provide a breather from both the mundane and the fast-paced. They allow us to really focus on that number one individual in your life and put back together the pieces of our marriage that may have fallen out of place. They give us a realistic look at where we are as a couple. Not to mention, it's super fun and it doesn't have to cost a whole lot!

This series will run from June through August and will provide you with one unique date idea on the first and third Mondays of every month - by the end of the series you will have six different options to try! I will also provide link-ups on those days for those of you who have a blog and want to post pictures and a description of your date.

In the end, it really doesn't matter whether or not you follow my ideas, I simply want you and your husbands to intentionally set aside time for each other.

My blog friend, Becky, over at The Word of God and a Cup of Joe is also planning what she calls a Significant Summer. She has set goals not only for herself, but also for her kids. Feel free to visit her for more ideas!

I hope you consider following along! We start June 6th!'

Related Posts:
Routine Maintenance Is Not Just For Your Car

(In)courage Giveaway Results!

2011-05-20T02:00:00.044-04:00

Thank you to all who entered the giveaway for a $20 gift certificate to use at DaySpring. I really enjoyed seeing what you girls would have picked out! A huge thank you also goes out to (in)courage for providing this awesome opportunity for my readers!

Now, lets choose a winner.

(I used Random.org to randomly generate the giveaway winner. Each number corresponds to the order in which a comment was placed.)

Diane S., you have won! I will be contacting you, by email, with your $20 gift certificate!

For the rest of my readers, DaySpring is offering a 20% coupon code to use on all purchases during the month of May. Just use promo code MAY20.

Enjoy shopping!

Disclosure: All company links are affiliate links.

Pray for Every Nation: Bolivia

2011-05-18T03:00:00.002-04:00

Today, I want to share an article with you from Samaritan's Purse about Bolivia:

In Villa Chocorosi, there were no bathrooms; no showers; no sinks or faucets. Most of the water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning came from the river, which was also used as a toilet, or dirty unfiltered wells.

The lack of clean water and hygiene led to the spread of deadly water-borne illnesses in the region, contributing to chronic malnutrition in infants. In addition, trips to the nearest water sources are hazardous. Parents typically send their children to fetch water from the wells, and sometimes the children are hurt while trying to pull up the water.

Samaritan's Purse staff in Bolivia became aware of the needs in Villa Chocorosi and began implementing clean water projects in the village last fall.

They drilled a deep-water well and installed a motor pump so that hundreds of people could have clean water and sanitation facilities in their own homes and at the local school. Now they can easily drink a glass of safe, clean water, shower, and use bathrooms.

Samaritan's Purse health workers continue to teach proper hand washing and hygiene practices in the community, and the lessons have been integrated into the school's curriculum. In turn, the children are bringing this lifesaving information home to their families.

The number of water-borne illnesses in Villa Chocorosi has dramatically decreased. But the rewards go beyond just health. The project has also allowed Samaritan's Purse to earn the villager's trust, enabling their staff to share the Gospel.

Currently, 20 people participate in a discipleship group led by the Samaritan's Purse team. Eight of them have come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

By meeting the physical need for clean water, doors are now open for future projects and opportunities to meet the spiritual needs that only Jesus can satisfy.

~From March/April 2011 print edition of Prayer Point

Prayer Requests:

The village will continue to have improved health as they drink clean water and practice safe hygiene.
For the staff of Samaritan's Purse, as they educate, evangelize, and disciple in Villa Chocorosi.
That the people of Bolivia will run to the living water of Jesus for their hope and satisfaction.

Be (In)spired with Your Decor (Plus a Free Giveaway!)

2011-05-16T03:00:00.019-04:00

....................GIVEAWAY CLOSED................

"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

I have never been one to decorate my house with Christian themes or decor, mainly because most of the products seem tacky, rather than tasteful. When I first browsed through the DaySpring company website, I was actually surprised to find many items that met my specific standards. Modern, chic, and stylish were finally the words coming to my mind!

I absolutely love this picture frame Dayspring sent to me. The verse from Song of Solomon is exactly the verse we integrated into our wedding ceremony and programs. Joseph and I are the best of friends and we wanted to showcase that important part of our relationship to all our friends and family.

I can't wait to put the frame in our bedroom, after we remodel it, of course. Which will probably have to be after we've finished ripping apart the attic and redoing the living room. (sigh) This home owning thing is possibly overrated. :)

Dayspring has generously offered one of my readers a $20.00 gift certificate to use on their website. You can choose from a variety of cards, books, decor, and even jewelry - you just have to pay for the shipping.

Here are the rules:

1. You must go to their website and let me know what item you would love to buy with your gift certificate.

2. You can earn additional entries by tweeting this giveaway on Twitter or posting it to Facebook. (Let me know by commenting here.)

3. Make sure you comment separately for each entry.

4. The giveaway will end at 11:00pm on Thursday, May 19th, and the winner will be announced on Friday the 20th.

Good luck! I hope you win!

Disclosure: Dayspring send me this free product for review, but all opinions are completely my own. All product links are also affiliate links.

You CAN Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

2011-05-14T09:40:00.000-04:00

I apologize for this post coming on Saturday instead of Friday. Blogger went down on Thursday and still has yet to retrieve my post, so I had to re-create it. Consider this a pre-announcement for my move to Wordpress!

When I heard about Mandi's new ebook from Life...Your Way, I was so excited and honored by the chance to review it! The theme of "How to Have Your Cake and Eat It Too" clearly resonates with one of my hearts greatest desires: to fully pursue my passion, to find my "element", and to find satisfaction and intentionality in the work I accomplish.

Though primarily geared toward work-at-home moms, there are plenty of takeaways relevant to all women who want to develop themselves outside of their role as wife and mother, without giving up time with their number one priority......family. This ebook will not only give you a realistic vision of juggling a career with homemaking, but will also provide you with many practical tips so you can pursue your dream with confidence.

I loved Mandi's honesty and transparency, especially through her own journey to discovering her passion. She has tried at least five or six different business ideas before she found the one that clicked. Yet she doesn't see her discarded attempts as time wasted or epic failures.

"Each opportunity I tried taught me something about my personality and my passions, and even though I realized fairly quickly with each that it wasn't a great fit, I don't regret the time I invested trying."

"Embrace the journey and the process of learning, and you will be better prepared when you do hit upon the business idea that's right for you."

From "How to Have Your Cake and Eat It Too"

In the past (and sometimes still!), I have labeled my now defunct cake business a failure. That experience has scared me into avoiding other opportunities. But my entrepreneurial side refuses to die and Mandi's encouragement came at the perfect time.

If you are interested in reading "How to Have Your Cake and Eat It Too", you can go to Mandi's site and find a coupon code to bring the price of the ebook down from $12.00 to only $9.00. You can also get a $5.00 off coupon when you subscribe to Life.....Your Way. Click here to view more details

I really hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

Disclosure: All product links are affiliate links, but the opinions are completely my own.

Pray for Every Nation: Bhutan and Bosnia

2011-05-11T03:00:00.000-04:00

(Photo Source)

Bhutan ranks as one of the least evangelized nations in the world, partly because the Buddhist monarchy holds significant power over the people.

Pray for softened hearts toward the Bhutanese and that many would be called to reach this nation with the gospel.

Bosnia:

Population: 3.7 million
Religious Affiliation: Approximately half are Muslims

(Photo Source)

Bosnia suffers severely in poverty, mainly from the post-war economic situation. Many young people want to leave the country and have little desire to improve their nation's stability.

Pray that God would raise up a people for Him, to show care and concern for the people of Bosnia and to meet not only their material needs, but also their spiritual ones.

China Giveaway Results and "That Decision"

2011-05-09T03:00:00.000-04:00

I am at a loss of what to write. I could pretend I'm not bummed only one person joined my giveaway, but then I would be lying to myself and to those of you who take time to read the thoughts I post here. I do not want to appear ungrateful, because I am ecstatic that someone even responded to my request to help my sister reach the people of Asia. Guess that made the giveaway part easy, right? :)

I am always looking for ways to improve and I genuinely want your honest thoughts about the giveaway. Was it the way I approached the topic? Was it because you don't know my sister? I truly dislike asking for money, but I had to do something; I wanted to do something. This forum became my opportunity, my way to involve myself in her ministry.

I would love for you to send me an email rather than use the comment section for this discussion. I want to get this right, and I want you all to feel free to be transparent with me. I accept your suggestions humbly, and with grace.

Now, onto a different topic..........

You know "that decision" I mentioned briefly on my post about our Lancaster trip? Well, I am finally going to explain.

Sundays at our house are officially media-free.

We have implemented this "policy" for about a month now and it has really changed how we spend our day of rest. Boredom often results in turning on the tube, surfing through facebook, or reading way more blogs than I should. I have begun to loath my unhealthy attachment to my smart phone - I rely too much on the internet, facebook, and twitter access readily available to me.

(Photo Source)

While we were in Lancaster, we barely even looked at our phones. Our hotel had free wi-fi, yet was rarely utilized. Why? Because we were having so much fun exploring options outside of the media zone. It was refreshing, and it was liberating.

That trip caused us to re-evaluate how much we watch TV, surf the web, or update our statuses. I didn't want to become addicted, but was so afraid we already were. I have to admit, it's hard not to check my email when I see a message pop up on my phone. It's difficult not to flop down on the couch in front of a TV show or movie. However, since making our media-free decision, we have gone outside for more walks, read more books, and truly relaxed without any of that extra "noise" surrounding us.

Do you find yourself inundated with media, social or otherwise? What are some ways you approach this issue?

Reaching A Domestically Challenged Generation

2011-05-06T03:00:00.002-04:00

There was a time when motherhood involved nurturing one's children, particularly daughters, into domestic adulthood. Adequate attention to life skills and proper education in the finer arts ensured a young woman would be prepared for her role as wife and mother. But somewhere between my parent's generation and my own, a deviation from this model occurred. Essential skills once taught to young girls are now ridiculed. Submission to husbands and staying home to take care of the children are often classified as unworthy professions.

(Photo Source)

Consequently, many daughters have suffered from this change in attitude, especially those who desire to follow a Biblical model of womanhood. They find themselves entering into a marriage with no clue how to cook, clean, or even set up a simple management system for the home. As I examine the deterioration of these traditional roles, I can't help but wonder, what are the dynamics fostering this environment?

1. A Feminist Agenda.
When the feminist philosophy rose in popularity, so did the amount of women who pursued careers outside the home. I have no qualms with women who choose this avenue of work, so long as they are not neglecting their husbands, children, and their home. Wives and mothers have a God-given obligation to their family, and should actively be attentive to their needs. (Proverbs 31) I do believe though, that God has given us liberty in this area, and every woman should judge for themselves what they can and cannot handle when considering an additional career.

2. Skills not taught by their own mothers.
Homemaking blogs have exploded across the internet for two possible reasons. One, because there are many women who love and embrace the art of homemaking and have a passion to share their insights with others. Two, because wives and mothers, especially those who lack proper domestic training, eagerly absorb the information from those with more experience. The need for teaching these skills are numerous, and I fear women are not as well-equipped with the right tools to succeed as they should be.

I am not suggesting all girls require an expert education in the area of domestic abilities. Not everyone enjoys sewing new things, experimenting in the kitchen, or decorating the interior of the home. I simply want to convey the importance of learning the basic essentials so we are prepared to properly care for our families and can then discontinue the current generational trend. Sites, like Raising Homemakers, are completely dedicated to promoting this.

3. The unfortunate occurrence of single-parent homes.
Those who are single mothers and fathers usually have no choice but to work outside the home in order to provide. This often places time constraints on the parent who must now take on the role of both genders. Adequate training of daughters can still be accomplished, though it may be more difficult than one who has a spouse to share that responsibility.

What about those who have no children, gave birth to only boys, or find themselves an empty-nester? You still have an obligation! Titus 2:4-5 does not say, "women train their daughters...", rather, "older women need to train the younger.....". There are no relational requirements involved. Can you imagine the wonderful mentoring opportunity that awaits you? You now have a reason to pass on your skills and wisdom to a girl who may not have had a proper role model.

This Mother's Day, take the time to say thank you to your mom, or to a woman who willingly mentored you in the preparation of marriage, motherhood, and the art of homemaking. Accordingly, be the same example to your own children, training them in the necessary skills to efficiently manage their own future family. Your daughter may someday become a wife and mother and God has given you the responsibility to help her succeed in this capacity. May the world be influenced by our commitment to please the Lord and raise up a generation for Him.

Pray for Every Nation: Bermuda

2011-05-04T03:00:00.002-04:00

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Often mistaken for being part of the Caribbean, Bermuda is actually located 650 miles East of North Carolina. Approximately 65,000 people reside on the country's 181 islands and the majority practice Catholicism or participate in the Anglican church.

A former pastor of my mother's felt it was his calling a few years ago to pastor a church in Bermuda. Today, Pastor Richard Christen and his wife Sherri reside in the country permanently and have devoted their entire lives to this ministry. Although, I do see them occasionally throughout the year when they come to the states to visit family and take care of some banking!

I would really like to take some time today to think of the Christens and pray for their continued perseverance in serving the Lord. Pray that God would use their willing hearts to reach the people of Bermuda for Him. Pray that many Bermudian believers would participate in local church ministry and further it's impact.

Meaningless thought to ponder: Is the mystery behind the Bermuda Triangle fact or fiction?

Maybe we should ask Big Foot.......

Opportunity to Reach Asia + Giveaway

2011-05-02T03:00:00.023-04:00

.........................GIVEAWAY CLOSED......................

My younger sister, Karyn, currently attends Liberty University and is studying to be a teacher through their English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Ever since high school, Karyn's heart throbbed for Asia - their culture, their people, and their need for Christ. I have enjoyed watching her fulfill the Father's plan as she pursues a life devoted to Him..To me, that is intentional living in fullest form.

I come to you, my dear readers, because my sister has an opportunity to teach in China this summer during the month of July. She will be traveling with a group of students, who are also involved in ESL studies across the nation, to teach English to the Chinese and to share their hearts.

Pretty sure you can figure who my sister is, since she is the only one I have. :)

The English Language Institute of China (ELIC) organizes this opportunity for students, but they are a non-profit organization and require all teachers to raise money for their trip. Karyn's total need is $3,180. (She has almost half of that now, thanks to all the friends and family who have been so generous!)

If you feel the Father leading your heart to help out my sister, please read the following three steps. (There may be a little something in it for you too!)

1. You can use the donate button at the bottom of this post to give any monetary amount you would like. Don't forget to use your donation record sheet!

2. For every $5.00 you donate, you will be entered to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

Ex. $5.00 = One entry, $10.00 = Two entries

3. Come back next Monday, May 9th, to see the results and a winner declared! The giveaway will end at 11:00pm Sunday night.

I know economic times are tough, so I completely understand if you are not able to join with my sister monetarily. I do hope though that you will keep her in your prayers as she prepares for this trip and support her spiritually!

Here are some much needed prayer requests:

- That the ELIC team would be used in extraordinary ways this summer in Asia.

- The final round of finances would come together for Karyn's trip to Asia.

- That whatever happens this summer will be used to further the Father's will.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

If you have any other questions, please contact me or send my sister an email at kharding@liberty.edu.

If you still want to give, but would rather not participate in the giveaway, you can go here and use teacher code H618 and the last name, Harding, to send in your donation.

Going Gaga Over 'Judas' Controversy

2011-04-29T03:00:00.032-04:00

(Photo Source)

Lady Gaga, best known for her eccentric outfits, has recently released a new hit single, Judas. Rush-released on April 15, the song not only continues to top iTunes charts, but also finds itself in the middle of quite a controversy. (Especially since she chose to release Judas so close to Easter.)

You can view the entire lyrics here, but for this post, I only want to point out a couple of key verses:

Part of Verse 1

When he comes to me, I am ready

I'll wash his feet with my hair if he needs

Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain

Most likely she refers to Mary Magdalene - it is said she will "play" this character in her music video, which releases in early May.

Part of Chorus

I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel

But I'm still in love with Judas, baby

I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel

But I'm still in love with Judas, baby

She sings of loving Judas even though she knows she should stay away.

Part of Bridge

In the most Biblical sense,

I am beyond repentance

Fame hooker, prostitute wench, vomits her mind

I wanna love you,

But something's pulling me away from you

Jesus is my virtue,

Judas is the demon I cling to

I cling to

She seems to feel unworthy of forgiveness. Although she wants to hang on to Jesus, Judas is who she ultimately chooses.

In addition to her outspoken advocate of gay rights, (most recently in the song, Born This Way), Lady Gaga now appears to be weaving political and religious statements throughout her lyrics. Those who enjoyed her catchy pop tunes on the radio are now seeing the real Gaga come out, and it's offending many.

Most furious with the song are Catholics, who believe Lady Gaga disrespects the church through her choice to release the song during Holy Week.

Jeff Field, communications director of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, commented, “It’s not a coincidence. If this were to come out at any other time, it might not even raise a flag with us.” (Source)

Gaga also offended Catholics in June of last year, when she played a nun who swallowed a rosary in her music video, Alejandro.

In her interviews about Judas, Lady Gaga responded to critics saying, "I feel like honestly that God sent me those lyrics and that melody. When you feel a message to give the world and people are shooting arrows through it.....there's no way for something that pure to be wrong." (Source)

Easter morning, Lady Gaga released a statement on Twitter, "Happy Easter Twitterland. JUDAS is about forgiveness+perseverance through struggle. Persevere today!....."

What do you think about the song? Is Gaga trying to get a rise out of religious affiliations or do we brush off these lyrics as artistic expression and "let it go"?

I fear for our youth, who may be sucked in by addicting tunes, unaware of the songs' intended statements. I guarantee you Lady Gaga will use Judas as a stepping stone for even stronger declarations and by then, she will have an even bigger audience to listen.

Pray for Every Nation: Belize and Benin

2011-04-27T03:00:00.000-04:00

While I complain about my college degree not being put to good use, the people of Belize can only receive an equivalent of a fourth-grade education.

While churches argue over how much their pastor should be paid, many of the pastors in Belize are forced to work two jobs to make ends meet.

(Photo Source)

While I complain about what I'm going to look like at 80 years old, the people of Benin will mostly likely only make it to their 50's.

While I roll my eyes at the state of our nation's economy, Benin remains one of the least developed nations in the world.

(Photo Source)

Lord, open my eyes and refuse to let me take what I enjoy in America for granted. I have a good education, made possible by loving parents. I have a pastor who is equipped to solely focus on the ministry at hand, and doesn't have to stretch his duties between two jobs. If God so allows, I have the gift of a long life. I also live within an economy that provides opportunities for growth and development. Please help me to appreciate all your wonderful gifts!

Do you have a similar prayer today?

Routine Maintenance Is Not Just For Your Car

2011-04-25T03:00:00.020-04:00

I remember quite vividly the day Joseph and I decided the common pitfalls of marriage would not affect us. While we were dating, communication was top notch, consideration came easy, and we never ran out of topics to discuss. We thought we had enough of a foundation to keep us relatively immune to Satan's snares.

The naivety of our thoughts became quite apparent as we entered into our second year of marriage. Long gone was the wide-eyed excitement of setting up a home. Daily routines of work and school began to take their toll, and we soon found we were even too busy to participate in social activities with friends. Frustrations over "habits" that had once been endearing were now emotionally grating, and those butterfly feelings began fluttering their way out the back door.

By no means am I implying that the foundation of our marriage is crumbling, but if we choose to ignore even the slightest crack, we will soon find ourselves patching an even larger hole.

I have often wondered when and where this seismic shift from bliss to discontentment occurred. Was it a skewed view of reality, lack of preparation on handling disagreements, or was it a faded interest in what made each other feel loved? Although a combination of all three are likely, I think any marriage related problems can be boiled down to a lack of maintenance and upkeep long after the wedding day.

Your vehicle needs gas to operate, filters to be cleaned and changed, yearly inspections, and occasional repairs. Why wouldn't our marriage need the same sustenance and provision?

(May 2007)

It's not that we deliberately give up on our marriage, rather, settling into familiarity tends to be our biggest pitfall. The mundane can give us a false sense of security while habitual routines can strip down our guard so we are less ready for Satan's attacks.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when you see your marriage entering the complacent stage:

Are there things you enjoyed doing as a dating couple that you haven't done in a while? If so, pick one and do it!
Is there something new you would like to do together? (Ex. train for a 5k, take a ballroom dance class, etc)
How many date nights do you normally have? If the answer is close to none, schedule one for this week!
Do you regularly show love in your spouse's love language? What's something you can do special just for them?

Make sure you keep a close eye on your "Service Engine Soon" light. We don't want to wait until our marriage breaks down before we pay proper attention to it.

This post is linked to Marriage Mondays at Come Have A Peace.

A Very Good Friday, Indeed.

2011-04-22T08:06:00.002-04:00

Guess who's appearing on (In)courage today?

Wow. You guys are good. :)

I am so excited to share with you this opportunity to be featured on another blog, and have been anticipating this day ever since my piece was accepted and scheduled to go live! I pray this post will inspire some of you to think a little bit differently when it comes to reading through common passages of Scripture.

Without further ado......

How many times have you missed pivotal details by skimming through well-known stories in the Bible? This Easter, it’s time to pull the characters away from the flannel graph and imagine these narratives as more than just stories – they were reality. Go back to Jerusalem, and put yourself into the thoughts and emotions of this New Testament woman.

Continue reading this post here.

(Photo Source)

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Pray for Every Nation: Belgium

2011-04-20T03:00:00.005-04:00

(Photo Source)

Putting our talk of chocolates aside, Belgium is a deeply hurt and divided nation. Between cultural and religious differences, this country has yet to find common ground. If worldviews continue to clash, Belgium may split apart permanently. We need to pray for the church leaders as they seek to bring unity not only to Belgium, but also to their own body of believers.

Here are some specific ways you can pray for Belgium:

1. Pray for wisdom as the leaders of this nation fight to unify their country.

2. Pray for the Christian believers, that they may have influence on promoting this unity.

3. Pray for the Belgian non-believers, that they may come into a personal relationship with Christ.

Confirmation Code: GSFBHVX21510489

"Plain Wisdom" by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud

2011-04-18T03:00:00.003-04:00

"Plain Wisdom"captures the hearts of readers with engaging stories from both Amish and non-Amish perspectives. Author Cindy Woodsmall, and her Old Order Amish friend Miriam Flaud, wrote this heart-warming piece, guaranteed to leave you feeling uplifted and encouraged from the moment you read the first story. There are even tempting recipes sprinkled throughout the book for your tasting pleasure!

Each chapter covers a different topic, from friendship to motherhood to simple celebrations, and are all written from the perspective of both Miriam and Cindy. Although the two women are from completely different cultures, many of their stories share similar truths.

I took this book along on my Lancaster trip, looking forward to reading from the perspective of an Amish woman while lodging among a similar setting. While I gained even more insight to the Amish way of life, I also enjoyed "meeting" Cindy. I have never read any of her books, yet her writing style has now whet my appetite. I anxiously await diving into one of her fiction novels!

"Plain Wisdom" was an easy, wonderful read, and I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys insightful stories with a lesson or purpose at the end. Just make sure to grab your cup of coffee or tea and snuggle up with a homemade quilt to enhance the experience. :)

Please enjoy this short excerpt from the book:

In 2001 Miriam and I lived seven hundred miles apart geographically—but a century apart by customs. Miriam is an Old Order Amish woman trying to keep the Old Ways and avoid modernization. I am a typical American woman trying to keep up with the constant changes in technology while meeting the expectations of society, church, parents, and peers. We didn’t know each other, but we had a mutual friend, and because of her, Miriam and I talked on the phone occasionally and shared letters regularly.

When Miriam invited me to visit her in 2002, I had no way of knowing how much we’d have in common. As our friendship grew, we began to realize that we’ve had many of the same life experiences, and we have approached them in faith and with some trepidation. Between us, we’ve given birth to nine babies—five we’ve ushered into adulthood; the others are now older teens or preteens. And both of us are still standing. Our cultural differences are vast; the more time I spend with Miriam, the more I realize just how different. Yet our methods for emotionally and spiritually dealing with life and work are remarkably similar.

You can finish reading the introduction here.

Although I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, the opinions are completely my own.

Lame Excuses: Why Christians Aren't More Hospitable

2011-04-15T03:00:00.068-04:00

Hospitali"tea" - Handmade Tea Towelby

My house is way too small.

I don't have time to cook.

We are a busy family.

No one ever invites us over.

I always feel like my house is on display.

I don't remember how many times I have used one or more of the above excuses to make myself feel better about not inviting others into our home. I tend to shy away from "putting on" social activities and would rather spend my time reading or writing than planning a party.

It would be a pretty fair assessment to say I'm terrified when it comes time to play hostess.

Hospitality is hard, especially for someone with a quiet personality. You have to be willing to shove fears of interaction aside and step beyond your comfort zone - all while remembering to refill snack bowls and pour drinks. As hostess, you often feel responsible for keeping the conversation flowing and the mood relaxed and pleasant. By the end of the night, you've exerted so much energy you fall into a crumpled heap on the bed as soon as your guests have exited the door. Still, your responsibilities have yet to end. The next morning, you begrudgingly conquer those dirty dishes lying in the sink, because you were simply too exhausted to wash them the night before.

For someone like my husband, being around people gives him an abundance of energy, but as my previous description hints, being hospitable sends my energy level right down the drain.

You now know my excuse....... but what about yours?

Are you worried others will judge your decor because it pales in comparison to Country Living's feature home?
Are you frustrated with a small living room or dining room and assume guests will feel cramped inside your living space?
Does your schedule leave little room to enjoy anothers' company?

Define your reasons for not inviting guests into your home and then confront each one of them head on.

My alone time and quiet nights with my hubby may be precious, but life is a vapor, and God does not give us an infinite number of chances to impact the lives of His children. Knowing this will not eliminate all my fears at opening my home to others, but it does give me a greater sense of purpose to unselfishly give more of my time and energy.

The day my grandma bought her house she told the Lord that it was His property, and she would use her home to glorify Him. Since then, she has hosted countless numbers of missionaries on furlough as well as family moving in between housing situations (including Joseph and I). Holidays are never reserved for only family - if someone in church might be spending Christmas or Thanksgiving alone, she invites them over to join our celebration. She is truly a remarkable example of Christian hospitality.

Think of creative ways you can use your home for Jesus....

Could you host a small baby shower for a new mother?
Do you have an extra bedroom to give a missionary a few nights stay?
Is there a couple you would really like to know better, and could perhaps invite them over for a casual game night?

I sure have a long way to go if I am going to be anything like my Grandma, but her attitude encourages me to view my home not only as a roof over my head, but also as a tool for Christ.

I would love to hear your thoughts - Do any of you have ideas on how to be more hospitable?

Pray for Every Nation: Bangladesh, Barbados, and Belarus

2011-04-13T03:00:00.000-04:00

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........home to Widespread Poverty......

(Photo Source)

Barbados........

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.............home to Violence and Crime........

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Belarus........

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............home to a Communist Regime..........

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These countries need prayer.

Will you lift them up today?

Our Lancaster Getaway

2011-04-11T03:00:00.001-04:00

This past weekend, Joseph and I had the opportunity to visit Lancaster, PA - one of my very favorite places to go. Between all the quaint Amish shops, Sight and Sound, and home cooked goodness at Deiner's restaurant, we still managed to find time to relax. It was a rejuvenating trip, and an excuse to "get away" from all the busy humming that often accompanies daily life.

Here are some visuals from the trip:

Our quaint little room at Country Inn of Lancaster.

Since we couldn't take pictures inside the theater, this is the best it's gonna get.

I guess it could get a little better. :)

Gorgeous Amish countryside.

Mini horses from an Amish farm we visited. This baby was born only a week ago!

And last, but not least, my love affair with a goat.

This dude would seriously not leave me alone.

What a relaxing and amazing trip! I loved spending time with my husband and it was so nice to dump all the media distractions that so easily take up our precious time. This mini-vacation was a great conversation starter for making some much needed changes in our lives. A blog post will probably be coming soon with the details of our decision!

Prepare for Next Year's Taxes: Keep a Donation Record

2011-04-08T03:00:00.004-04:00

Every year I am almost positive I have all my paperwork together to complete my tax forms, but I never do. I always miss something - thank goodness Joseph is so willing to run home for it! This year, I truly want to be more organized for my taxes in 2012.

To solve part of this problem, I decided to create a Donation Record Sheet. I always had receipts and slips of paper filed loosely away, but come tax time, I had to sort through the documents just to make sense of it. If you itemize your deductions, this is an easy way to keep track of both tangible and monetary goods.

As you donate, fill out the corresponding line on the record sheet and paperclip your receipt to the back. When tax season arrives, you can easily pull out the file and add up your totals.

Hope this little "invention" makes life a bit easier!

By the way, April 15th is almost here. If you haven't filed your taxes yet, why not think of some intentional ways to use your refund?

Pray for Every Nation: The Bahamas and Bahrain

2011-04-06T03:00:00.064-04:00

(Photo Source)

The Bahamas are a set of islands located in the Caribbean. Described as a materialistic culture, the country's prosperity can be contributed to it's tourism and international banking industry. Yet it's geography also allows the Bahamas to be a major transshipment point for illegal drugs and smuggling illegal migrants into the United States.

1. Pray that this country would loosen their massive grip on materialism and the people would turn their hearts from earthly treasures to heavenly ones.

2. Pray that local Christians and missionaries would have the opportunity to evangelize to the people of the Bahamas and show them a different way of life, free from illegal activities.

(How fitting to be covering the Bahamas in prayer this week as my in-laws are down there enjoying the sun and sand. If you think of it, please pray for the envy forming in my heart at this very moment!) :)

(Photo Source)

Bahrain is also a set of islands, but located in the Middle East. Bahrain is on of the very few Muslim countries to have fairly relaxed religious freedoms - there has been little discrimination based on religious beliefs. However, tension still exists between the Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.

1. Pray that efforts might continue to spread God's word while they have this rare religious opening.

2. Pray tensions between Muslims may decrease and their ears would be open to the message of the gospel.

Please lift up these two countries in your prayer times this week! (Can you believe we finally made it through the "A's"?)

Always Consuming, Rarely Producing

2011-04-04T03:00:00.004-04:00

As a marketing major, the words consumer and consumerism were everyday language to my classmates and I. From creating needs to developing attractive advertising campaigns, we were intent on succeeding in one thing: getting the customer to make a purchase. But consumers are not completely defined as those who choose between an Old Navy sweater and Reebok EasyTones. They are also consumers of information.

(Photo Source)

Think about it for just a few minutes. You wake up in the morning to turn on the news and are immediately inundated with national, state, and local stories. You log in to your email and see five different newsletters pop up from online agencies and websites. You check your twitter, your facebook, turn on the radio, listen to music, and flip through the current month's Women's Health. And when you are finally ready to turn into bed, you pull out the latest novel to help you relax and fall asleep. Can you think of the last time you were surrounded by only silence?

All men's miseries derive from not being able

to sit in a quiet room alone.

- Blaise Pascal

I don't necessarily think all our miseries are a result of constant noise, but Pascal's quote is worth mulling over. I'm in introvert, so I enjoy sitting alone and contemplating about life in general, formulating blog posts in my mind, or simply being quiet, listening to the birds announce the arrival of Spring or the rain pattering outside my window. Yet I still have a tendency to go overboard............the opposite way.

It comes in the form of reading every blog post that I find interesting or surfing the web to find blog/writing tips. I enjoy processing Gospel Coalition articles or perusing the Relevant website. I love information and I love learning. Not only do I have to be careful of becoming a repeater, I also have to be careful about becoming a consumer, rather than a producer.

Solely consuming will generate a lack of creativity and cognitive thinking. In the age of Google, you can find an answer to just about anything, right at the edge of your fingertips. Nothing about that teaches you how to think - it teaches you how to be lazy. There are times when it is essential to find an answer elsewhere; that is not what I am referring to. I am simply wanting to bring awareness to a total reliance on other sources of information.

(Photo Source)

Dig deep inside yourself and come up with your own ideas. Think of personal stories, or mistakes from which you have learned. I guarantee someone will benefit from what you have to say. That is partly why I started my blog - I wanted to communicate some of the things I had rolling around in my brain. It takes time, and it sure takes a lot of effort, but you can feel good about yourself for being an original. And who knows, you may even become an "authority" on a topic or two!

Don't be afraid to get creative either. My mom is always saying how creative she's not. But I don't believe it. She loves to quilt, and has even come up with her own patterns to try. Given enough alone time and thought, anybody can come up with something completely new and innovative.

Japan Donation Results and Thoughts on Spiritual Change

2011-04-01T03:00:00.008-04:00

I am so pleased by the response from my readers to help contribute to Japan. I had 8 individuals comment (7 here on the blog and 1 on Facebook), which resulted in $8.00. I know it's not a huge amount, but who said anything had to be big to make an impact?

Along those same lines, I have been mulling over how different I am from the person I was 5 years ago. In 2006, I was in my first year at college and in addition to my degree, I was working on developing a close relationship with my now husband. Life was exciting back then. I was full of dreams for the future. My focus was not on spiritual things. Even though I was involved in local church ministries, I rarely exposed myself to contexts outside of the church.

Fast forward to 2011. I am quickly approaching the 2 year mark from my college graduation. Dreams have died, job opportunities non-existent, yet I am learning to be content. Instead of being wrapped up in a full-time corporate job, I am learning the true meaning of an intentional life. It makes me happy to see myself grow and develop a radical, life changing faith, but it also makes me regret my lack of interest 5 years ago.

I have often wondered how my life would be different today if I had known what I know now. Would I have gone off to a Christian college to study missions or women's ministries instead of pursing a degree in business? I may never know. But I what I do know is God's plan could never be a mistake. If I can use my business/marketing knowledge to be influential in ministry, then it will be worth it.

As for right now, I am working on changing my focus to further grow my blog ministry, help out in the church where needed (currently with our young marrieds), and be an example to others in my marriage and in my relationship with Christ. I may even have an opportunity to do short-term missions this year!

Spiritually speaking, how different are you today from the person you were 5 years ago?

Pray for Every Nation: Aruba and Australia

2011-03-30T03:00:00.001-04:00

(Photo Source)

As we pray for unity in Aruba, I think we should also send up a prayer for unity in our local church. I have been the member of both a large and small church and the facts are in: No body of believers are immune to Satan's division tactics. But I know I probably don't have to tell you that. :)

(Photo Source)

Australia needs prayer to reverse its speedy entrance into secular culture. Like the United States, Australia was once considered a Christian nation. But carelessness for the sanctity of life, religion, and homosexuality have allowed the government to create laws contrary to Scripture.

As you pray for these two nations today, please remember to think of Japan and the devastation going on in the East. Click here to see how you can help me get involved.

Partnering Up For Japan

2011-03-28T03:00:00.001-04:00

I have been so blessed and encouraged by all the responses given on my last post. I wasn't sure what to expect, but you, my faithful readers, have blown me away!

I am especially excited to announce a partnership for the Japan relief effort. My friend, Kayli, who blogs over at Beauty from Ashes, is also jumping in with both feet and donating $2 per comment on her post. So please visit her blog and join in this double effort! Together, we are hoping to contribute at least a little something to help our brothers and sisters in Japan.

You can still participate on my blog as well. Just go to this post, comment, and make a personal commitment to pray for the Japanese. I will be donating $1 per individual comment until the cutoff this Friday. Let us rejoice in the unique ways God can work!

As Japan Death Toll Rises, So Does Concern for SONY Video Tapes

2011-03-25T03:00:00.006-04:00

My husband came home from work one evening with an interesting contribution to our nightly discussions. This was no ordinary, "How was your day" conversation, rather an enlightenment into the Japanese earthquake/tsunami situation.

"So, I called SONY to order some more tapes for my cameras at work," he started. "The guy on the phone told me they were on back order.........their warehouse is completely flooded out in Japan."

"And they don't have any other warehouses that carry this specific tape?" I retorted.

"Obviously not."

Then it hit me. We were so casually conversing about the topic of unavailable tapes, partially annoyed that a supplier, crucial to my husband's work, was not going to be making product anytime soon.

The death toll in Japan has risen well over 9,000........and we were concerned about video tapes.

As if this is supposed to make me feel better, it's not just us who are habitually driven to this particular line of thought. Many Americans are concerned about the trickle-down effect on our nation's economy.

Toyota's are one of the best selling cars in the United States. Production plants affected by the disaster in Japan are going to obviously be decreasing their supply. If demand stays the same, simple economics tells me these models are going to be a bit pricey in the near future.

The publisher of Final Fantasy video games has also reported a delay in the release of new games and temporarily suspended it's PlayOnline versions due to power supply concerns. (Shame, isn't it?)

What am I trying to say through all this is we need to take the focus off of ourselves and pray for the needs of the people in Japan. Lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed, and Americans are upset that the newest video game release date has been postponed?

(photo source)

Honestly, I feel so helpless sitting here in a nice, warm home, food in my pantry, and a reliable vehicle to cart me around town, while the Japanese are suffering. I am somewhat jealous of our missionaries in Japan who have the most amazing opportunity to impact lives for Christ.

What can I do?

Here's my plan.......

For every one of you who comments on this post, I will donate $1 of my personal money to the relief effort in Japan.

This is actually a hard sacrifice for me, because both Joseph and I have a small amount of money set aside from each check for our personal allowance. That money can be used for whatever we want and no one has to report purchases to the other because it is totally separate. I have been wanting to save up for some really nice things on my wish list, but I am drawn back to what is truly important. This is what God is calling me to do right now.

This is a defining moment.

Please comment away - spare no expense on my part. :) Next Friday, I will count all the individuals who replied and send in my donation. All I ask of you, in addition to your comment, is a commitment to pray for this country.

Pray for the efforts of Christian organizations who are already on the ground.
Pray for a softening of hearts in the Japanese so they may be receptive to the gospel.
Pray that Christians all over the world would get involved in some way, somehow to bring relief to God's people.

Pray for Every Nation: Armenia, Austria, and Azerbaijan

2011-03-23T03:00:00.000-04:00

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Most of the population worships through the Armenian Church; less than 5% are Evangelical Christians.
Armenia's constitution allows for religious freedom, but some restrictions are placed on the religious minorities.

Prayer: Evangelical Christians may be permitted more religious freedom.

Austria

(photo source)

66% of the population is Roman Catholic, 4.2% are Muslims, 3.9% are Protestants, 2.2% Eastern Orthodox, and others less than 1%.
The government generally respects religious freedom, but rates of suicide, abortion, and alcoholism are continually increasing.

Prayer: Christian believers may have an impact on those suffering through despair.

Azerbaijan

(photo source)

96% of the population is Muslim.
Must be registered to practice religion, but authorities often deny registration to religious minorities, including Baptists and several non-denominational Protestant groups.
Those groups not registered face accusations of worshiping illegally and are arrested.

Prayer: Christians may have a hedge of safety around them as they proclaim the gospel and worship together.

Our Sponsorship Papers Arrived!

2011-03-21T03:00:00.003-04:00

I was so excited to find this information in the mail this week:

I mentioned before how we were planning on using some of our tax refund money to sponsor a child. I am so glad we did! I have already posted our "girl's" picture on the fridge as a reminder to pray for her. I am encouraged that our contributions will offset some of her much needed educational and medical expenses and I'm already looking forward to sending a little something for her birthday and Christmas this year!

If you are interested in sponsoring a child, please begin researching different organizations to find which one you would be comfortable supporting. We chose Baptist Haiti Mission because a woman in our church travels on missions trips with them and their doctrine is sound. Our money is not used for administrative expenses like some other programs. Instead, they cover the child's education, school supplies, and medical necessities. All of the children attend a Christian school put on by the mission - it is comforting to know they are being taught God's word.

I love that we, as Christians, have the opportunities to put our beliefs into tangible reality!

"One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp

2011-03-18T03:00:00.001-04:00

"One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are"by Ann Voskamp, teaches you how to trade in a life of complacency and replace it with an intentional view of the world. Ann's journey from depression to enjoyment began when a friend dared her to come up with 1,000 gifts. She started a gratitude journal and deliberately searched for God's blessings. A unique aspect of this "gift searching" is an appreciation of time. You can slow down your life by giving thanks!

"It's giving thanks to God for this moment that multiplies the moments,
time made enough." (pg.72)

Besides revealing Thanksgiving as the ultimate source of joy, she dives deeper into the discussion of the word eucharisteo (thanksgiving), which is really servant hood in fullest form. Becoming eucharisteo, means you ultimately become the blessing. A blessing, which can and should be given away to others.

"God extravagantly pays back everything we give away and exactly in the currency that is not of this world but the one we yearn for: Joy in Him. (pg. 197)

I truly have mixed emotions about this book. I loved the concept of the one thousand gift dare. I already started my own gratitude journal.and it has really changed my perspective on life! But Ann's writing was a stumbling block to me. Not bad, just different. It took me quite a few chapters to become accustomed in her way with words. I am sure some readers will love her flowery language, but I enjoy authors who "get straight to the point".

Her last chapter, titled "The Joy of Intimacy" also caught me off guard. Her discussion of becoming "one" with God was likened to a physical marriage relationship. The concept is completely fine, but her descriptions and word usage, such as "discovering how to make love with God" (pg. 201), made me a bit squeamish. I probably missed the whole point of the chapter because I was too embarrassed at the analogy. :)

That being said, "One Thousand Gifts" was overall an excellent read and I really enjoyed participating with (in)courage's book club. The video interviews with Ann gave me a wonderful insight into her thoughts behind each chapter and also demonstrated her humility. It is encouraging to know the author is still working on many of the issues presented in her own book!

If you would like to read more about Ann, you can find her blogging at A Holy Experience.

Pray for Every Nation: Argentina

2011-03-16T03:00:00.000-04:00

(Photo Source)

Argentina.....home of the tango.....and home to 40.6 million people, many whom still need the Lord. I would like to introduce you to a unique place found in La Plata called Unit 25 - the country's only Christian prison. The work being done there can only be described as truly miraculous.

Here is an excerpt from one of the convicts,

"The Lord rescued me because I was a bad person--a very bad person," Sanchez said. "Actually. I did things I wasn't suppose to do outside of the prison. Maybe I thought nobody was watching me or that nobody saw what I was doing. But now I know the truth that Christ the Lord watches over the things I did that have been terrible in the eyes of God and men."

"Sometimes I think that if He has rescued me and gave me this opportunity to be here in this prison, it is because he has a purpose for my life," he said.

You can read the whole article here.

What an amazing testimony, especially after reading "what he did" to land himself in prison in the first place. God's love is nonrestrictive - praise the Lord!

Spend a little time interceding on this prison's behalf today. Pray their work will continue to be fruitful and may their testimonies be an example to other prisoners!

2011 NIV Version Defies the Authority of God

2011-03-14T03:00:00.020-04:00

"For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach- and that for the sake of dishonest gain. - Titus 1:10-11 (NIV)

Do you remember when Today's New International Version (TNIV) appeared on market shelves, causing controversy throughout churches by redefining gender-specific texts with more neutral ones? The new version was said to replace "he" and "him" with "they" or "them", thus "allowing" women to be deacons and pastors and "assume authority" over men. It completely changed the meaning of the text, and was not received well by the evangelical community. I remember this vividly because I actually did a speech about it in high school!

Unfortunately for Zondervan, the lack of support actually restricted the TNIV from flourishing. Rather than take a hint, the company decided to sneak in their changes through a back door - update the real NIV and stop printing the original.

Although the printed version will be releasing in stores sometime later this month, you can find an online version at Bible Gateway. I decided to check it out for myself to see if the inconsistencies were actually true. The scary thing is, the changes are even more subtle than they were in the TNIV.

Let's take a look at 1 Timothy 3:

The new 2011 NIV speaks of the pastor's role,

v. 2 "Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach....."

This change is not a gender issue, but a subtle way around divorce and remarriage.

The original NIV (the 1984 version from now on), states,

"Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach...."

Do you see the difference? Do you agree with it?

How about another one - this time, describing the deacon:

The 2011 NIV states,

v.8 "In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain."

v.11 "In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything."

The 1984 NIV states,

v.8 "Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain."

v.11 "In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything."

This one is a gender-neutral issue. The deacons are not specified as men in verse 8 in the updated version, and by taking out "their wives" in verse 11 and replacing it with "the women", Zondervan has again subtly stated that women are allowed to be deacons.

This blows my mind. What happened to the true authority of the Scriptures?

Douglas Moo, chairman of the Committee on Bible Translation has this to say about the new NIV:

In the video, he says, "95% of the original NIV is preserved in this update." That makes me feel real confident.

More than ever, we need to be vigilant and alert of the deceivers slowly working their way into our midst. If we lower our defenses, even slightly, we will find ourselves caught up in an evangelical mess of apostasy.

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil's schemes." - Ephesians 6:11

Other Resources:

- FAQ About the NIV Revision (Zondervan)

- Major group says it cannot endorse NIV 2011 Bible (Baptist Press)

- TNIV Going Off the Market, New Version of the NIV Coming in 2011 (Gospel Coalition)

This I Promise You...

2011-03-11T03:00:00.107-05:00

"A promise made is a debt unpaid." ~ Robert Service

During my quiet times, I have chosen to study my way through Genesis - the book of beginnings. The differences between participating in a guided study and exploring the book on my own differ completely! I am having fun traveling through the book at my own pace and searching topics that catch my eye, rather than relying on one author. While I love going through those types of studies, nothing can compare to the excitement of self-discovery! Right now, I am currently following our patriarch, Abraham. What an amazing man of faith and humanity!

Rather than bore you with details you already know, I want to shift your focus to the covenant between God and Abram. God told him to leave everything he had ever known (at age 75!) and travel to a foreign land, promised, to him and his long line of descendants (Gen.12:2-3,7). This is the first mention of a covenant, an oath or promise, if you will, between God and Abram. If you continue on through the book, God reminds Abram two more times of His promise in Genesis 13:14-17 and Genesis 15:5,18. I don't know about you, but I certainly need to be reminded of God's promises every once in a while, if not daily!

At this point, we are given three separate accounts of God's covenant, but many years have passed and God's word has yet to be fulfilled. How can promises about Abram's descendants being "as many as the stars in the sky" ever come true if Abram and Sarai never conceived a child? I assume you know the story - Abram took matters into his own hands and slept with his wife's maidservant, who bore him a son. But this was not the promised child. As only a loving Father can, God reminds Abram of the covenant again, (Gen. 17.)

(photo source)

How many times would God have to say to Abram, "This is my covenant with you..." and remind him of His promise? Abram was carnal, as are we, and when we do not receive the benefits immediately, it is hard to believe the promise will ever make an appearance.

Let's take a look at some promises in the Bible God directed toward believers...

1. He will return.
Remember the first time He made this promise? In Acts 1, Jesus told them His disciples He would come back. That was almost 2,000 years ago! Do you still believe He will keep His word?

2. He will forgive us.
We are all sinners by nature, and will continue to sin as long as we live in this world, but our salvation keeps us from being controlled by our sin. 1 John 1:9 reminds us that if we confess our sins to Him, He will forgive us. Do you truly believe in that freedom?

3. He will never leave us or forsake us.
There are times when we all feel abandoned, and it is hard to imagine God still being there. But He is. We have His promise (Heb. 13:5). Do you trust He has never left your side?

(photo source)

Perhaps we do not truly believe in these promises because we have often been the recipient of broken ones. By friends, family, and even in the most sacred of earthly covenants - our marriage. It is hard to trust God will never forsake you when your husband or best friend does. But it is impossible for Him to go back on His word. He has always fulfilled what He has promised, the Old Testament proves that time and time again.

I would love to fill up this comment section with His promises to us, His children. There's nothing more sweet than to be reminded of these promises, as we are apt to become like Abraham and forget during difficult circumstances. What promises have carried you through the dark valleys?

Pray for Every Nation: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda

2011-03-09T03:00:00.004-05:00

Angulla

I mean, who wouldn't? Seriously?

Antigua

Honey, are you sure we haven't been called?

Barbuda

All joking aside, we really do need to pray for these tiny countries in the Caribbean. Although the majority of the population claims Christianity as their primary religion (you can be sure to find at least one church per square mile of Anguilla), they are not necessarily believers in Christ. In addition to their tourism industry, the islands are filled with money laundering, drug dealing, and gambling. There is a sense of complacency among these Christians - we need to pray for their spiritual wake up call.

6 Essential Time-Traps: Guaranteed to Waste Your Life

2011-03-07T03:00:00.001-05:00

Last Monday, I explained one of the most effective tools I use to manage my time. Today, I want to cover six time-traps that are not necessarily evil, but may not end up being the best use of your time. Especially if the majority of your day is spent participating in them. As I cover each one of these, please remember I struggle with the same issues! I do not want you to think I am in any way the perfect example of a wise time-manager, because I am certainly not. I only mention the following because I often find myself being lured into their traps as well.

1. The Internet (Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, and "Research" - aka web surfing)
This is a huge one for me. I will get home from work, sit in front of the computer, and sometimes find myself lost for the next two or three hours! It's amazing how fast the time seems to fly (or be wasted) as I catch up on all the "goings on" in the virtual universe.

I follow quite a few blogs, so reading all the latest posts usually takes up most of my time. Then there's Facebook and Twitter, where I regularly check my feeds and updates on my mobile. Last in line is my web surfing research, where I catch up on the latest news and topics, within or outside my blog niche. I want to be well informed when I sit down to write my own articles and blog posts, so I find it necessary to closely follow current events and trends.

I can honestly say the majority of my time is spent on the internet, and though I still need to write blog posts and communicate with readers and the blogging community, I can still find some way to whittle down the time I actually waste on the computer.

You do not need to read every new blog post that comes around (except mine of course - just kidding.) :) Pick and choose the topics that interest you.
You do not have to check your Facebook or Twitter 20+ times a day. Do you really have to find out what's going on? I guarantee you probably won't miss much of anything important! Try setting a limit on how many times you will sign in to your computer or smart phone to do this.
Next time you are blindly surfing the web, ask yourself if you are accomplishing anything productive. I understand that we sometimes need an "out" of the daily routine, so if you want to spend your free-time doing this, then that is completely ok. Just set a time limit for yourself.

Everyone hate me now?

2. Reading books that are boooorrring.
Maybe you don't have this problem, but if I start a book, I really really really want to finish it. And not just because I enjoy it! I often feel like I am leaving the book hanging and incomplete. Weird, I know, but my personality likes everything to be in a tidy little box and life is not normally like that.

With that being said, I have finally given myself the freedom to not finish a book if I am still bored to tears after the fifth chapter. What a relief and time-saver!

3. Doing things twice.
Whether it be through cleaning, picking up, or redoing a project, I know that if I would just do it right the first time, I wouldn't have to do it again. I think I'm saving time by throwing my clothes on the bed to be sorted through later, but in reality, later makes way for something else more important and the clothes begin piling up. That's just one example. I am sure you can come up with some others in your own homes.

4. Not being prepared.
A little preparation can go a long way. Think meal planning. How often have you wondered "What am I going to feed my family for dinner tonight?" By creating a meal plan, you are not only shaving off most of the guesswork, you already have the right ingredients on hand from your last shopping trip. No last minute grocery runs and no scrambling around for a frozen dinner. (Which are sometimes necessary, by the way. Life does happen, even when you plan!)

Another idea is to walk around your home and do a quick sweep before bed. Are there blankets out that need folding? Clothes to be put away? Dishes to wash from dinner? If we are always prepping ourselves for the next day, you are less likely to have a huge mess to to clean up by the end of the week. Trust me, this does save time!

5. The tube.
Don't worry, I am not going to give up my "Good Wife" or "Lie to Me" episodes, and I'm not going to encourage you to either. Just limit your television viewing to the shows that are most interesting to you. It's ok to "vedge" every once in a while, but be careful not to waste the rest of your life watching reruns.

One of the reasons I love my DVR is because I don't have to worry about catching my shows at a specific time. I can record them and watch them later. This not only cuts out commercial time (because I can fast-forward), it also gives me the control over when I watch TV.

6. Multitasking.
A lot of people, including me, would call themselves "efficient multitaskers". But I am going to break some bad news to you: Most of the time, multitasking will actually prolong your to-do list because you are trying to focus on too many things at once. The result: you often end up getting nothing accomplished. Get Rich Slowly has an article/book review about this myth. Although I have not read the book yet, the concept is intriguing to me.

On the flip side, I personally think multitasking can work, if done in certain situations. Take a book with you to the doctor's office and read while you sit in the waiting room. Memorize your verses while standing in the checkout lane at your local store. What a great way to use some of that "waiting" time!

The last thought I want to leave you with....
"It is not a sin to spend your time surfing the internet, watching TV at night, etc."

I do all of these things at one time or another. You sometimes have "those days" where all you want and need is to hang out on the couch and let your brain relax. What I want to accomplish with this post is to make you more aware of each of these activities. If you are not careful, they will start whittling away at your valuable time.

Be Intentional With.......Your Tax Refund

2011-03-04T03:00:00.001-05:00

Unless you are one of those individuals who end up owing the government during tax time (probably because you've made too much money), you most likely have some type of refund coming back into your account. I have cashed refund checks for all sorts of large amounts at the bank. $10,000 sound good to anyone?

The intended recipients are usually couples or single parents who have their share of children and often take advantage of our wonderful welfare system. Many are so giddy they can hardly contain themselves when I count out their $100 and $50 bills - mouths salivating and eyes wide with excitement. Yet their plans for spending said cash never seems to be the most wise or economical way. In fact, most cannot wait to tell me how they are going to go blow it on a trip to Disneyland or win big at the local casino. For others, it is a new 60" HDTV or some added bling-bling to soup up their indebted BMW.

Many "underprivileged" Americans do not seem to understand the concept of saving money or buying needed items rather than unnecessary ones. They use their funds irresponsibly instead of relieving the stress on their daily budget. Honestly, instant gratification isn't all it's cracked up to be. Especially if you are still living in a trailer park.

I say all this, not to offend, but to motivate. No matter where you find yourself financially, start thinking about where you are going to put your refund this year.

To the apartment renters........will you put it toward a down payment on house?

To the ones deep in debt........will you put it toward paying down a credit card, car, or mortgage?

To the ones with much needed house repairs........will you put it toward new windows or insulation?

To the ones who do not need much of anything........will you put it toward missions, or your church's building project?

There are times when Joseph and I get really depressed about where we put our tax refund. We would love to blow it on a Caribbean cruise or trip to Europe. But we want to be intentional with our money and use it to the glory of God. (By the way, I'm not saying you can't use your refund on a vacation. You just need to think of your current financial situation and determine if that is the best use of your money.)

In the past, we have put it towards our down payment, paid off a big chunk of our car, and started an emergency fund. And the years we haven't had a clue what to put it towards, God would make our decision for us - usually in the form of a repair for a suddenly misbehaving vehicle. :)

This year, we have decided to.....

Sponsor a child.
Pay for some more vehicle repairs.
Put some towards a down payment on another investment property.
Increase our emergency fund.
Start renovating the living room.

Do you have plans for your tax refund this year?

Pray for Every Nation: Albania, Algeria, and Andorra

2011-03-02T03:00:00.003-05:00

Praise - The country has slowly opened up to the ministry of the gospel.

Prayer - Pray that believers would have an effect on a government ridden with corruption.

Algeria: Majority of the 35.4 million people are Muslim.

Praise - There has been much growth through the Algerian church.

Prayer - In December, four Christians received prison sentences for opening a church without a license. Pray that these believers will be encouraged as they finish out their time.

Andorra: Majority of the 86,000 people are affiliated with the Catholic church.

Prayer - Andorra is a very materialistic culture, as it attracts many financially well-off tourists. Pray that they may find satisfaction in the Truth.

The Most Effective Time-Management Tool (For Me)

2011-02-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

Any personal development expert can tout they have the secret to managing your time. But all suggestions are not created equal - i.e. they may not fit with everyone's personality. And that is what they are anyway......just suggestions. If you try to implement every piece of information you hear or read, you will go crazy! (Prime personality right here.) Pick and choose what works for you, and remember, simple is better.

As I try to make the most of my 24 hours, I have found a daily schedule to be the most successful tool for my personality and current life situation. Because I can visually see how many hours I have to work with during a day, I can realistically plan my to-do list and other hobbies around my work schedule, exercise routine, and daily devotions. It also makes me realize how little time I have to goof around when I have such a small amount of hours to work with!

At the beginning of each week, I print out a weekly calendar that has each day separated by hourly time periods. With blank calendar in hand, I start by marking down my work schedule because those are set hours. I then fill in all my appointments and set aside time each day for my workout and quiet time. What I am left with can be scheduled with "to-do list time" or free time. I always have a progressive list of things to do, so instead of overwhelming myself, I work on whittling it away one at a time during my designated block on the schedule. Marking down free time may sound a little weird, but if I didn't, I would either refuse to give myself the permission to relax, or I would end up doing absolutely nothing. During this time, I can take a nap, read, watch TV, bake, or scrapbook. It's me time. And I love that.

Because I only work part-time, scheduling out my time is really effective - I have more hours I can fill. Of course, this schedule would look completely different if I worked full-time (I would have to utilize my evenings more). But giving myself a schedule places me inside a structure for the days I do not work and helps me accomplish more. It is an overall better use of my time.

I want to add a disclaimer here - you still have to be flexible! Appointments, plans, and to-do lists can change, and you cannot stress yourself out if something does not get completed. You do not have to be so rigid with your schedule that you fill every hour with a specific task. Use it as a guideline.

If you do not do this already, I encourage you to try it out and see if this is a tool you can utilize in your own life. If it doesn't work, that's OK too! You can check out Money Saving Mom's new e-book titled, Time Management 101. Not only does it have many different options for you to try, it is completely free!

I sincerely hope you are able to start using your time more effectively, no matter what tool you use. The results are worth it - You will be more productive and more intentional in your life.

Politics, Cell Phone Towers, and Christianity

2011-02-25T03:00:00.000-05:00

The following is a guest post from my husband, Joseph. I hope you enjoy reading his thoughts as well as having a break from my own! :)

I'm not a political junkie, however, I do like to think that I'm at least politically informed. I watch presidential speeches; listen to political commentary (from all sides); watch local, state, and national news; and often get into political discussions with friends and coworkers. But when it comes to politics, I really enjoy engaging my mind. In other words - when I watch the news, listen to a speech, or take part in political discussions, I start picking apart the pieces to see if what is being said makes sense in the real world. I also check to see whether or not it fits with my worldview. I like my thoughts to be.. just that, my thoughts. Sometimes political commentators even agree with me!

One of the things that irritates me most in politics is the "party line repeaters." You know who I'm talking about. "Repeaters" are the people who spew the party line, no matter what side they are on. They think they know exactly where they stand, when in reality, they just repeat what they heard on the radio or saw on TV. Repeaters often have 1 or 2 heroes and you know who they are because they often drop their name into conversation frequently. When pressed, repeaters cannot explain why they are for or against a certain proposition. I liken these people to cell phone towers. Cell phone towers don't say anything, they don't create information, they don't process the information that comes through them, they just transmit (or repeat if you will) the information from one tower to another until it reaches its destination

What bothers me even more is when this "repeater" mindset sneaks into our Christian walks. We can easily become dittoheads of our favorite Christian preacher, author, or professor. Don't get me wrong, just as Rush Limbaugh is useful to the conservative right, these Christian leaders are very useful in growing our personal walk with Christ. But instead of molding our life after Christ, we mold our lives after great Christians. Think this is a new problem? Think again. The first several verses of 1 Corinthians 3 speak to this very issue of people identifying themselves by their spiritual leaders.

Again - I do want to stress that Pastors, Authors, and other spiritual leaders play a wonderful role in challenging us in our walk with Christ as well as promoting growth. However, beware of becoming a "repeater." We should strive to be like the Bereans, to whom Paul the apostle preached. After he had finished preaching, the Bereans examined the scriptures for themselves to see that what he said was actually true.

A personal relationship with Christ is built on the foundation of first person communication with Him. Being a repeater is not enough - we need to engage ourselves with our Savior through prayer and self study of His word.

Joseph Comings works as an operations technician for YNN and actively participates in his church's Adult Bible Fellowships and AVL (Audio, Video, Lights) ministry. In addition to discussions on politics and spiritual matters, he enjoys his hobby of European board games and eating Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream.

Pray for Every Nation: Afghanistan

2011-02-23T03:00:00.015-05:00

Comparable to the size of Texas, Afghanistan is located among the war-ridden region of the Middle East. This country ends up in the news fairly often, especially since Obama has many of our troops serving to stabilize the country after the overthrow of the Taliban. But the government will never be considered truly successful until they target the root of the problem - the hearts of the 29,117,489 people residing there.

Here are some startling statistics regarding the religious affiliations of the country: (source)
Muslim - 99.85%
Christian - .05%

I knew that Afghanistan was predominantly Muslim, but I did not realize how small our Christian population existed over there. I see a need......don't you?

Because persecution runs rampant, I am led to believe there may be a lack of public proclamation of Christianity for fear of their very lives. Leaving the religion of Islam is punishable by death, and quite sadly, the murders are done more by family than the government. In fact, this brother in Christ will be hung in only a few days if he does not turn back to his Islamic faith.

2/28/11 Update: He has been moved to a safe prison and Afghan authorities are feeling pressure to release him.

Here are some practical ways we can pray for the country of Afghanistan:

1. Pray for the strength of the Muslims who have turned to Christianity. Pray for their discernment in sharing their faith, not denouncement.

2. Pray for the mission agencies that may be present in the country. Afghanistan is considered a Restricted Access country, which means we really do not know which mission organizations have workers over there. Pray for the safety of these missionaries who are trying to reach the Muslim population.

3. Pray that the Taliban will not gain back their control and the "freedoms" which are now given to the people will allow for a greater opening of Christianity into their lives.

Take a few minutes today and pray for these 3 prayer requests. God has the power to turn this country around - we just have to make sure we are doing our part.

Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award

2011-02-21T03:00:00.001-05:00

A big thank you to Sharon who gave me this reward! At her site, you can explore insights and reviews concerning her love of books! Something I'm pretty crazy about too. :)

Rules for this award are to list 5 of my guilty pleasures. (Don't know if I can limit it to 5, but I'll try!)

1. Giffords Peanut Butter Ice Cream.
2. Stretchy sweat pants with my big warm hoodie and purple fuzzy socks.
3. Black tops. (Seems I have to buy that color in every style!)
4. Surfing Amazon and adding books to my wish list.
5. Reading other blogs when I am supposed to focus on writing my own.

Five bloggers I believe are worth visiting:

Tiffany at A Moment Cherished - A beautiful adoption story.
Annie at Annie's Eats - Amazing recipes.
Andrea at Simple Organized Living - Organizational tips for your life and home.
Kristen at The Frugal Girl - Cheerfully living on less.
Courtney at Women Living Well - Encouragement for your Spiritual walk.

Please check out these "Irresistibly Sweet" women!

Savoring the Sip of Simple Moments

2011-02-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

It’s the comfort of slipping my feet into purple fuzzy socks.

It’s a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie pleasantly teasing my taste buds.

It’s the excitement of God working through the low murmuring of prayers at our ladies fellowship.

Do you remember the last time you stopped and quietly celebrated the little moments? Or does life always seem to throw you a curve-ball and you end up passing them by with little thought? That’s how it always happens with me anyway. My heart beats at a constant rate of heightened anxiety because I am constantly rushing from one thing to another. I have to get “one more thing done” before I go to work. I just have to “finish up this project” before I go to bed. The housework never ends, the to-do list continues to grow, and my mind never stops analyzing!

You know when the day-to-day events plunge you through life faster than an amusement park ride, something has to change. It must. Or you and I will never learn to slow down enough to enjoy the journey.

So how do we “make time” to enjoy our little blip on eternity’s radar screen?

Take a few moments in the morning for yourself. I am a classic snooze-button-hitter. I am not a morning person, and the only words I can manage to mumble at 7am are “5 more minutes?” Then I end up rushing around trying to get ready for work, and the morning becomes hectic and stressful. But if I make myself get out of bed when I set my alarm, I have enough time to eat a leisurely breakfast, catch up on my morning Fox & Friends, and spend a few minutes in prayer.

Limit your To-Do list to a maximum of 2 or 3 items per day. I always have a mile-long to-do list. But to keep myself from feeling overwhelmed, I pick two things I want to accomplish for that day and I get them done! Then when my husband wants to go on a date, or we end up spending an evening over at our family’s house, I am not constantly thinking of the “never-ending list”. I am savoring the time I have with the people I love the most.

Start a “Thankfulness Journal”. The author of “One Thousand Gifts” was dared to think of one thousand things she was thankful for and it became her lifeline. I know when I personally start writing down even ten things for which I’m thankful, my attitude cannot help but change. Big moments or small, you will find a smile working its way into your face as you begin thanking God for His various gifts.

It is through the simplest moments where we find the greatest and most enjoyable treasures. We just have to slow down enough to find them.

The Radical Experiment: Pray for Every Nation

2011-02-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

One of the many things I loved about the book “Radical”, was the practical applications in the last chapter. The spiritual benefits are so much greater when we can put what we have learned into practice – it makes our faith real and genuine.

David Platt outlines 5 specific ways to radically change your faith:

Pray for the entire world.
Read through the entire Word.
Commit your life to a multiplying community. (Ex. Church membership, small groups, etc.)
Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose.
Spend your time in another context. (Ex. Volunteering in your community, missions trips, etc.)

I eventually want to participate in all of these, but I decided to begin with the very first one…….Praying for the entire world – Every country, every nation.

“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Matthew 9:37-38

This verse is not merely a suggestion, it is a command. Prayer changes things. If we are truly concerned about the lost peoples in nations around the world, then we need to pray for them!

Pray for the redemption of individuals who are the leaders of the country.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of the unsaved.
Pray for the missionaries – that they will reach the lost with the gospel.
Pray for perseverance for the persecuted Christians.
Pray for the planting and growth of new churches.

I need accountability for this, thus the reason to share the experiment with you and participate publicly. I want you to join me too! Every week, starting next Wednesday, I will highlight a particular country (or two, or three!), give you some relevant statistics, and share some ideas on how to pray specifically for that country. This is going to be a long trek – it will probably take the whole year. But for me, it is needed. I will switch up the type of posts every week so we can keep this experiment fresh and interesting.

If you would like to join, (and I pray that you do!), please leave a comment here on my site or shoot me an email. You can also grab my button to put on your own blog if you would like.

I will be praying for every one of you who takes the plunge alongside me!

Valentine's Dessert Gone Wrong

2011-02-14T07:00:00.005-05:00

I had elaborate plans to make this awesome looking cake for Valentine's Day today.

It was a new chocolate cake recipe.

I thought the picture was so pretty and romantic.

The pans were greased and floured as always, they baked the proper amount of time, and cooled for ten minutes outside of the oven.

Everything was going smoothly.........until I pulled them out of the pans.

The cake decided that half of it was staying put.

Stubborn little cake.

Well, at least we have these delectable sweets to munch on........

Maybe it won't be such a bad Valentine's Day after all. :)

My Blog, My Accountability Partner

2011-02-11T09:53:00.000-05:00

Day after day of checking my own stats, comments, and page views can, at times, be disappointing as well as discouraging. I really enjoy writing, so I am definitely not planning on quitting, but in order to keep my thoughts on a positive note, I think it might be beneficial to explain why I write. What urges me to put pen to paper and scribble out my incredibly exciting thoughts? :)

Writing encourages me to apply what I have learned. It keeps me engaged in current issues by dissecting and analyzing (sometimes too much!) the information I read, hear, and see everyday. It helps me process the depths of Scripture so I can properly act on what I have studied. Writing helps me formulate my own opinions and gives me a voice.

Writing on A Quiet Strength forces me to, well, write! When I personally subscribe to a blog, I expect certain things:

1. I expect the information to be compatible with the niche, or main genre of the blog.

2. I expect the topics to be applicable to my life and helpful in some way.

3. I expect new content to be written consistently.

Because I want to give those same things to my readers, I try to schedule specific times to write at least twice a week. I give myself deadlines. And for the most part, I am able to publish new posts every Monday and Friday.

Maintaining a blog allows me to look back on my life’s journey. It’s fun to see how you grow as a person through the ups and downs of life. Watching my writing change and adjust throughout the years is also a source of encouragement! Even when I pore through my own personal journals, I can see improvement in many areas of my life, as well as others still begging for change. :)

Writing and blogging connects me to people. I am by no means a social butterfly, but I enjoy seeing the benefits of expanding my circles – whether it be with a reader or another blogger. The blog community gives you a chance to explore links, recipes, book clubs, and more!

Writing may give me a chance to help someone else. Maybe someday I can impact others on larger scale, but for now, I try to focus on the previous four reasons and hope that sometime, or somewhere, maybe something I wrote lifted at least one person’s spirits and encouraged them to walk closer to Christ.

So there you have it - my mission statement for why I feel the need to write. I won’t lie…..it can be quite tedious, very demanding, and sometimes frustrating. But I find it oh so rewarding in the end.

Do you have a “mission statement” for doing something you enjoy?

Lazy Day Sunday

2011-02-07T17:18:00.000-05:00

It has been a high impact week for the Comings family. Every night was filled with a mess of plans, meetings, and get-togethers. Seriously, how is one supposed to cross anything off a list when my notepad fills up just as fast as I empty it? Not to mention the frustrations of the job hunt, feeling trapped in the situations I am involved in, and never feeling quite "caught up" after each day passes me by.

But Sunday became my reprieve. Church was canceled due to icy road conditions and I could just relax. Does that sound bad of me? I hope not. Because, as a Christian, your "day of rest" is not always a true day of rest. So often, there is the stress of the morning routine - trying to look your best and get out the door in time for services. Smiling and initiating conversation when all you feel like is hibernating for a whole week. Even the responsibilities of ministry on Sundays can be exhausting. Please do not misunderstand me - worshiping in a church setting, making connections with fellow believers, and ministering to others is very rewarding! But I was on the verge of burning out. And the icy roads allowed me to re-evaluate why I was doing those things as well as time to catch up on some much needed rest. And you know what? Next week, I will be so ready to dive back in!

So how did my hubby and I spend our leisurely Sunday? We slept in (of course!) and made these incredible cherry danishes in the morning. You have to try these - they are A-MAZ-ING! So much better than the store bought plastic-y ones. It must have been the day for new recipes, because we also tried our hand at these yummy pretzel bites as a Super Bowl snack later on. We then watched the game with my parents while I worked on a cross-stitch project I had been putting off for months.

It was low-key.

And it was wonderful.

What did you do this weekend?

Pray Without Ceasing: 5 Practical Tips

2011-02-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

“Pray without ceasing” – What does 1 Thessalonians 5:17 really mean? Do we literally need to drop everything in order to ramp up our prayer lives?

Obviously, God intended us to live, and that would be nearly impossible if we were fasting and praying every single minute. But there are some practical ways we can apply this tiny verse and still end up with major results.

1. Keep the communication lines open.

For me personally, I really dislike the word “Amen”. It sounds so…….final. I want my conversations with God to be continual throughout my day. He feels more like a friend and companion when I can tell Him what’s going on at any time, whether I am in the car, break room, or produce aisle!

2. Use post-it notes.

I am seriously a post-it note junkie; a new batch of unopened post-its is simply the best gift ever. So, I love that I am able to incorporate these little squares of paper into my daily routine. Do you have any prayer requests from your church, Bible study group, or family members? Write them on post-it notes and stick them in places where you will see them every day. A reminder like this will stimulate you to pray for whatever you wrote on that note!

3. Memorize Scripture.

A while ago, I wrote about the Memory Verse Pit, and how important it is to continually memorize the Words of God. The verses I have memorized bring me such comfort in a time of trial. Speaking the words is also a form of our worship to Him.

“Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!” ~ Psalm 119:12

4. Utilize symbols.

When I glance down at my ring, I remember to pray for my marriage and for my husband. When I scrape the dirty dishes, I remember to thank God for the food He provided to nourish us. When I see my Bible laying on the nightstand, I try to thank Him for the wonderful preservation of His Word. Look for “symbols” around your home and use them as reminders to pray.

5. Sing to the Lord.

There are many wonderful songs out there that praise our God. Worshipping in this way brings much pleasure to Him and to me. The lyrics always lift my mood and remind me how wonderful He truly is!

Prayer does not always have to be about our needs, or someone else’s needs. In fact, it really shouldn’t be that way all the time. Strike a balance between your petitions and your praise. Thank Him regularly for the prayers He has answered, and one’s He has yet to answer. I guarantee you will see a big change in your prayer life!

Radical Christian? Yes, Please.

2011-01-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

I have had the book, "Radical" by David Platt, on my wish list for a few months now. So you can imagine my excitement when I was able to review this book for free!

I want to make one thing clear - The Bible is the source of truth. It is the only book that will effectively change lives. But there are also books, like "Radical", that can challenge you to bring about Biblical change. They pry deep inside your ego to expose one's flaws and rip apart societal norms until you are forced to look back at the real Truth. "Radical" happens to be such a book.

I have heard someone review this book as causing one to bounce between two words, "ouch" and "amen". It's so true. David Platt forces you to look at the core and heart of gospel and then look at yourself to see if the two align.

He asks tough questions, such as:

"Who is Jesus to you?"
"Is Jesus someone worth losing everything for?"
"How much faith do you really put in your possessions?"

And my personal favorite......
"Are you relegating commands of Scripture to only a select few? God commands us to all go and make disciples. How many of us can actually say we are actively participating in this? (And no, I don't just mean give more money to the missionaries.) :)

I wish I could adequately sum up this book, but it's impossible. You just have to read it. And unfortunately, you cannot simply reflect on Platt's exposed truths, you have to act upon it. You have to live it.

The first chapter is available here.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Intentional Living

2011-01-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

It is so easy to become entangled in the hum-drum of life, steady plodding along through work, church, and extra curricular activities without any real thought to what we, as human beings, are really doing here.

The world's philosophy tantalizes us to make more and more money by playing into our greed. It tempts us to accumulate treasures on earth by stirring up envy in our hearts. It seduces us into only looking out for ourselves. A Christian worldview exposes the flaws of this worldly perspective. Instead of living to bring pleasure to ourselves, we exist only to bring pleasure to our King.

It's pretty tough being told life is not all about you. I think the first time I truly realized there was more to life than (gulp) me, was the first summer I started worked at camp. Scrubbing toilets and picking up dirty dinner plates does absolutely nothing to boost your ego. But I learned something big that year. I found my greatest pleasure in ministering to other people. Cleaning the bathroom at home still occupies the top of my "most hated chores" list, but every time I do it, I remember that first summer when I realized serving God's children was way more satisfying than bringing attention to myself.

Intentional living is not exclusive to a sense of ambition or productivity as you operate from day to day. It involves productivity with a purpose. A higher purpose. One that obeys and accepts the desire of our Savior.

The will of God is for you and me to give our lives urgently and recklessly to making the gospel and the glory of God known among the peoples, particularly those who have never even heard of Jesus.

~ David Platt

It is not about me, it's about Him. It's about winning lost souls for Him. It's about denying myself, leaving the comfort and security in my possessions behind, and taking on the rewarding task of reflecting Christ and making disciples.

Living intentionally means waking up every morning with a renewed sense of hope because He created you with awe-inspiring intent. Living intentionally means opening up your heart to receive what He has to teach you and then passing on that encouragement to others. Living intentionally means diving into ministry wherever you are - in your community, in your church, and in your home.

When you refuse to align your will with God's, you will undoubtedly find yourself without peace. I have experienced it, I have fought it, and I have surrendered.

Leave the American dream behind.

You will not miss it, I promise.

Bloom Book Club: One Thousand Gifts

2011-01-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am very excited to announce that I will be part of the Bloom Book Club, reading "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" by Ann Voskamp along with hundreds of other women. Ann's blog, A Holy Experience, is always uplifting and encouraging and her way with words is absolutely incredible. I am thrilled with this opportunity to follow along with her unique perspective and discussions on her book.

Rather, than rehash out the details here, I will provide you with links where you can find more information about the book and discussion.

Book Trailer
Short Interview with Ann
Book Discussion Details

We start in 2 weeks - I really encourage you to join!

Declutter Your Filing Cabinent!

2011-01-17T13:32:00.001-05:00

"Let everything be done decently and in order." (1 Cor. 14:40)

Tax season is right around the corner, and if you are anything like me, you have a forest worth of flattened trees neatly tucked away in your filing cabinet. But do we really have to save ALL that stuff? If you want to be prepared for an audit, you certainly need to save a good amount of your tax info, but here are a few sites detailing the exact time-frame you need to keep those other "not-so-important" documents.

Bankrate
Good Housekeeping
Clark Howard

You will find that different websites will promote varying time-frames as to when you can shred your bills, insurance paperwork, etc. Pick the ones you are most comfortable with - I tend to save my files for the longest time period that is suggested, just to be safe.

Make sure you print or write out the length of dates you decide to keep your financial records, and tape it to your filing cabinet. Come next year, or any other time you just cannot resist the declutter bug, you won't have to go searching for those lists again. :)

January is a great time to dive into your cabinets and shred those documents that are past their needed dates. It makes your files a lot smaller and neater, and gives you more room to use for the next couple years!

Have fun shredding!

Perfect the Environment, Perfect Man

2011-01-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Could stricter gun laws have prevented last week's shooting rampage in Arizona? What about intensive background checks or heightened security around political officials? We all know increased regulations directly correlate with increased safety of the American people, right? At least that is what the government feeds us whenever an attack like this happens on our soil.

Arizona has some of the most lenient gun laws in the United States. You are not required to have a permit, and you can carry your concealed weapon just about anywhere - even into government buildings. But these permissive "regulations" also allowed citizen Joseph Zamudio the chance to use his weapon against the shooter, if needed.

It would take much more than one post to thoroughly debate the controversial topic of gun control, but my main point is drawing your attention towards the operator of the weapon, rather than the weapon itself. Every human being is born in total depravity - we are by no means "basically good". On the other side, atheists believe man is born perfect and becomes corrupted as a result of the environment. Thus, the need to control one's environment, particularly in the way of gun control. Because man is inherently evil, no amount of control will limit his actions. Adam and Eve were born into a perfect environment and they still sinned against God. (S. Michael Fort)

The Bible does not restrict the use of weapons, whether they be stones (1 Sam. 17:48-49), spears, swords, or bows (Neh. 4:13-18). He does strictly forbid murder (Ex. 20:13), although he also allows for self-defense if you are absolutely certain of the perpetrator's intent (Ex. 22:2).

Pro-gun or not, Americans throw around as many facts and figures concerning crime rate percentages as they can, but it still does not resolve either side of the issue. I think that if we turn our focus to evangelizing and reaching the lost with the word of God, we can be much more successful at gun control than the government.

Other Political Points:
The Biggest Ponzi Scheme in America: Social Security
What are the motives behind Sarah Palin's new TV show?
Out of Control Taxes

HE Knows My Future

2011-01-10T07:00:00.005-05:00

“Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living.” - Jim Elliot

Not a day goes by when I am wondering where exactly God is leading me during this time of waiting. I had so many dreams for the future when I graduated from college. I was going to land an awesome job, work my way up the ladder, and be extremely successful in business. Instead, I sit here loathing the two part-time jobs I do have, knowing full well neither one of them is going to take me anywhere exciting.

One of my current reads happens to be Elizabeth George’s "Loving God with All Your Mind". I am only part-way through the book, but I keep going back to this one chapter - the one challenging me to think on what is true about my future. The world spits lies at us about our beauty, our self-worth, and about God’s plan (or perceived lack of) for our lives. I am at the front of the line when it comes to believing them. The brain is an extremely powerful organ, aiding and abetting my destruction if I give it permission.

What if I am stuck working in an industry that is uninteresting and unfulfilling?

What if I went to college for nothing?

What if my life is completely defined by unsuccessfulness?

What if I never make a difference?

What if......what if..........what if?

Then God.

The truth is - God has a plan far greater than my mind can imagine or dream of.

The truth is – God knows what He is doing when He says no to some jobs and wait for other opportunities.

The truth is – Psalm 139:16.

“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

I do not want my longing for something that is either temporarily or permanently out of reach to define how I live my life right now. Yes, my life often feels like a 1,000 little puzzle pieces scattered about the table – some are put together while many of them lie alone. I do not even have the image on the box to help me. But my God knows the whole picture.

And that’s good enough for me.

Happy Birthday, Beloved!

2011-01-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today is a very, very special day.

28 years ago, my soul mate was born.

Happy Birthday, Joseph. I love you. :)

Did the holidays break your budget?

2011-01-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

All the expenses of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's combined are enough to make me pass out if I was not properly prepared. The food and gifts alone can consume an outrageous portion of my budget, not to mention all the Black Friday and after-Christmas sales that somehow convince me to part with my hard-earned cash. Of course, the banking industry also takes advantage of this season by pushing Holiday loans at attractively low interest rates. Even in hard economic times, consumers still want to spend around Christmas and these loans allow them access to hundreds and even thousands of dollars to do so.

I personally believe that you should never go into debt for the Holidays. It just doesn't make any fiscal sense. If you find yourself having to financially recover throughout the next six months because of the amount you spent on gifts, decorations, food, etc., then you really need to rethink the amounts you have allocated for each category. Determine the comfortable price range you can afford when choosing gifts for friends and family. Retailers will try to convince us we need to buy the latest and greatest toys and gadgets, but a homemade gift can go over just as well. And it was made from the heart, not some lead-induced factory in China.

Let's avoid spending ourselves into oblivion by preparing for the holidays right now. Yes, I said right now. Determine how much you spent on gifts and other items during the 2010 Christmas season. I am sure you saved all your receipts, right? :) Divide that amount by 45 or so weeks and the remaining number will be the exact amount you need to save every week from now until the beginning of the Christmas season.

You can do this one of two ways......

I personally set aside my specified amount as a separate column in my Savings Account Excel Spreadsheet. (Call me obsessively organized, I don't care...:) ) When the time comes to start buying gifts and food, I can either pull the cash out of my account or transfer the money over to my checking.

I also know some people really like and prefer the cash/envelope system. Physically setting aside cash every week in an envelope is a tangible way to see your stash grow, and helps keep you from spending it on other items.

Either way, when all the hub-bub and Christmas busyness begins and money starts becoming tight, you can just relax. Your cash will already be accessible and available. As Americans, we constantly make the holidays the most stressful time of year, instead of the most wonderful. But early preparation can help you focus on the things that matter most - your family, and the true meaning of the season.

Goals for the New Year

2010-12-31T17:32:00.002-05:00

In the last post I mentioned how I avoid the after-Christmas letdown by creating and achieving goals for the next year. This week, I have thought through what goals I would like to accomplish as a person and as a family with my husband. Here are the results!

1. Maintain physical shape. Working out and staying healthy is very important to me. I try not to restrict myself from "forbidden foods", but I also know that when I do, I have to work that much harder to keep it off!

2. Train for and run a 5K. This is a completely new venture for me. I am not a runner by nature, but a couple of summers ago, I participated in a workout program that gradually turned my walk into a run. I loved the serotonin burst running gives me and I cannot wait to get back into a workout routine that incorporates that activity. Joseph is very excited to participate in this goal as well! Hopefully we will both be ready come July 9th's Parlor City Race downtown!

3. Renovate our living room. I know you have seen pictures of our ghastly walls in the room we spend most of our time in. Well, that is going to change in 2011!

4. Study a book of the Bible together. I think it is really important for a family to have some sort of spiritual time of study and discussion with each other. This is something Joseph and I are looking forward to working through this year. I would love to have a study guide to go with it though - any specific good ones out there you can recommend?

5. Finish wedding scrapbook. This was on my list of last years goals and sadly, was not completed. I am hoping to try again this year. Time gets away from me so fast!

6. Increase Emergency Fund by $500. We do have a portion of our budget set aside in case of an emergency, but it is not nearly the amount we would be able to survive on were Joseph to lose his job, etc. We are hoping that by setting a small goal like this, we can slowly increase that fund.

7. Make at least 2 principle payments on the house. 2010 was an awesome year for us considering all the financial goals we managed to accomplish. One of them was paying off our five year car loan in a year and a half! God is so good! Now that we have a car payment out of the way, we are really looking towards putting more principle on our house so we own more than just a doorknob. :)

8. Save for a cruise in 2012. Joseph and I really want to go on a Caribbean cruise! But since we refuse to go in debt for our vacations (which is greatly encouraged, by the way!) we have to save up for them. We are hoping to have enough for plane tickets and a nice cruise by 2012!

I hope you thought about some of your 2011 goals as well. Feel free to link up below with your own blog post about goals you are making for yourself, but if you do not have a blog, please share in the comment section. I would love to read them!

*Edit 1/1/11*
I almost forgot one!

9. Participate in the Siesta Scripture Memory Team with Beth Moore. I have wanted to do this for a while and this year I am actually taking part! Lord willing, by the end of the new year, I will have 24 verses memorized!

Avoiding the After-Christmas Letdown

2010-12-27T18:40:00.000-05:00

Let me first begin with the fact that I had an amazing Christmas week. The days were full of delicious cookies and tender family moments. I enjoyed opening my wonderfully thoughtful gifts and watching through the eyes of others as they unwrapped mine. But now, Christmas is over. Folks that were exchanging pleasantries on Saturday are now forcibly shoving their way through the Christmas clearance section of Target. The blustery snow is not too magical anymore - instead, it is a reminder that we New Yorkers have three more months of this sunless, frigid weather to go. Soon, depression and lethargy can set in and we end up in a slump all the way until Spring.

That's the way it happens to me, anyway. :)

At this point, I find it extremely beneficial to insulate myself for a few hours and focus on my goals for the upcoming year. Looking ahead always encourages my spirit because I can develop a practical, step-by-step plan for getting where I want to be in the next 12 months. How am I going to tackle this upcoming year? What have my priorities been in the previous year, and should I rearrange them for the next? How can I deepen my relationship with Christ? How can I be a more gracious wife? What financial goals do we hope to accomplish as a family?

It may appear to be a daunting task, but it really puts your whole life into perspective. Thinking about your priorities in this way can guide you in the right direction. It is so incredibly easy to get lost - believe me, I know! And looking at your future objectives plainly written down on a sheet of paper is the first step. It can give you the energy you need to start and the excitement of crossing them off will encourage you to complete them. (The latter is my favorite part!)

If you do not think even one hour of quietness in your home is possible for you to do this, or you are easily distracted by all the cleaning and organizing there is to do after the Holidays, make an afternoon date with yourself and visit your local Starbucks or quaint cafe. Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders for your mind and will stimulate a multitude of different ideas.

I am planning to work on my goals this week and will share them on Friday! I also encourage you to do the same - I will be providing an opportunity that day for you to link up with your own goals for 2011.

And just remember, these are goals that you want to be able to complete. Take your personality and objectives into account and make sure they communicate with each other. You do not want to purpose to wake up at 5:30am every morning to do your devotions if you are not a morning person. Make sure you have attainable goals and the practical steps to complete them. No one likes getting discouraged in March when you realize you cannot possibly complete what you wrote down.

I really dislike New Year resolution platitudes such as, "I'm going to lose weight this year, or I'm going to become more organized......" How are you going to do those things? Be specific. Is 10lbs an achievable goal for you to reach and maintain throughout the year? Is a Home Management Binder a way for you to start organizing your home? Make sure you always have a plan so you can follow through with your intentions - it makes it so much easier and less disappointing!