Prayer and 14

OK - so we weren't as cute as this deliver guy...  But we did get some nice help from the folks at HyVee in packaging our gift bags to go out! 

So... today I was blessed by confirmations from God.  We started the day with praying over who to take bags to.  See today was the day we went to deliver some Simply Grace Christmas Grocery bags.  As we were out, we were driving through a part of town and just looking at homes.  I said to Mel, let's take one to that place.  Just felt convicted. 

Well, when she came back, she said that was the home that needed it the most.  Lots of little kids under 6 or so.  Anyway, we went on to a convenience store and then out to find our last assigned address, which was a bit of a struggle.  After getting lost (well, you don't really get lost in Sioux Center, more just not finding what you're looking for), we finally found the right street.  You won't believe it, but it ends up that it was the same place!  Like we couldn't find it, and when we turned the corner we said, no way, it couldn't be the same place.... Sure enough it was.  God was definately asking us to get something to this family. 

So tonight I'm left thinking of his answers to prayer.  His faithful ness.  Even in the midst of my fully realizing how many needy people are in this town alone, how many kids are without the "good" times and things that we get to enjoy everyday, how many struggle for basic provisions, etc., I am rejoicing in His love.  He has a plan and will guide us if we pay attention. 

I am specifically asking for prayers for the family that we'll call 14.  I just feel a burden for them and know that the Lord wants us to lift them up.  I don''t know their name or their circumstances.  However, God does.  May they find a new place with him over this Christmas season.  May his plans for him be good, not to harm you or fail you... to bless you...  Oh how I pray that he blesses them! 

I thank    

The Storm

I can't help but smile today.  We have a blizzard coming, and everyone's plans for Christmas are up in the air.  Talk to anyone and that is the talk.  So - why am I smiling?  Well, I imagine that God has a perfect plan in this.  Isn't it just like him to send a major snow storm to help us slow down?  It's as if he is saying - "excuse me, but LISTEN - slow down and take in the bithday of my son - enough already!" 

AND I imagine that this year, more than others, my family will have quality time together and that we'll focus more on Jesus and the season, instead of the presents and the business. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't imagine that he doesn't want us to do any presents or see family.  If wtih the right heart, I think he rejoices in those things.  I just think that we've allowed ourselves to get things out of perspective a bit.  So, perhaps instead of cursing the storm, we should stop and say "THANK YOU" or "I'm LISTENING"

I am praying for safety during this storm.  I'm praying for the homeless and those without food.  What a terrible time for them.  Be near God, and protect.  But I'm also praying that in the slowness of it, that we can remember who sent the storm, and that we can worship him in wonder. 

He is Here...




This song has been running through my head today amongst the Christmas music that I so love. Listen to it and absorb the words.



As I think about the nearness of Christmas, I'm awed by the birth of Jesus. While we rush to buy presents, wrap them, and attend parties, we are the crux of the celebration of the birth of our Savior. I imagine him lying in a manager and this song echoing in the back ground. He is here, halleuia, he is here, amen.. he is here - here him calling out your name, he is here, you can touch him, you will never be the same.



That's what this is all about. This crazy busy season. HE is here... He came in flesh and blood. He died for our sins, and we will never be the same again. AMEN!!!



On Christmas day, I've decided this year to start a seasonal prayer and fasting from Christmas to Easter. First and foremost, to make me acknowledge the majesty of our God. Second, to uplift the Compel conference and other conferences I will be involved in prior to Easter. HE is here, and I am calling out to him. I want him to know that I worship and adore him. I also want to invite him here... to our conference, where we desire to unite women for Him.



Father God, we thank you for being here, for coming here, and for leaving the spirit to dwell within us. We pray that you will remind us of your presence. we know that where 2 or 3 are gathered in your name you are there. However, we also long for you to be present in a magnificent way. Come like a rushing wind and move each one of us as we attempt to learn how to "Draw Near to you!" We love you God, and we love this season. May we not love it for the presents or the food, but for the gift of your son coming to Earth. He is here, and coming again. AMEN!

I'm Alive, I'm Alive, I'm Alive, I'm Alive

I'm Alive, I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive....

I've been praying for headache healing for quite a while now.  Tonight I was lifting up and asking for prayers as I struggle with one.

I began to have the tune I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive on my lips.  We sing this at Harp & Bowl.  While I showered with Emma we sang and danced to this.  (Sorry for the visual!) 

As Tom gets her settled for bed, I decide to go to one of my favorite prayer room internet sites.  I get it up, and guess what they are singing...

I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive...  WOW!!!

Many may call this coincidence, but I can't help but think that God gave me that song and led me to this site for tonight.  I had been praying for release so that I could live in fullness with my children.  The headache is still there, but my heart is lifted.  He is always there and don't ask me why I am always amazed that He speaks to us and through us.  I'm moved beyond words!  Thank you Jesus for your love and for this hope tonight.  I'm Alive and I'm in love with you!