Cookbook

This past week, I was able to get a copy of both of our churches cookbooks.  I’ve heard about these things since we moved here.  If we go over to someone’s house for dinner, usually what they cook has come from these amazing cookbooks!  As I began devouring the cookbooks, looking for some recipes to cook, I noticed two amazing pages.  They have absolutely nothing to do with cooking, but with prayer.  The first page is how to pray for your spouse.  The second page is how to pray for your children.  It’s so simple and practical that I thought I would type them out and put them here on my blog.  I realize that not everyone is married with children, but you could pray for your future spouse and children.

How to Pray for your Spouse

Day 1: Relationship to God

a. Time with the Lord

b. Prayer Life

c. Filling of the Holy Spirit

d. Sciptural growth and maturity

e. Victory over the “world”, and flesh and the adversary

Colossians 1:9-12; Ephesians 1:11-23, 3:13-21; Philippians 1:9-11

Day 2: Physical and Emotional Health

a. For bodily health

b. Safety

c. Deliverance from worry, discouragement, etc.

Day 3: Relationship to Immediate Family

a. Responsibilities of parenthood

b. Wisdom in decisions

c. Uninterrupted time with spouse

d. Devotional times with family

Day 4:   a. Write down one reason you love your spouse and tell him/her

b. Thank God every day for your spouse

Day 5: Your ministry together

a. Witnessing to others

b. Ministry in church/neighborhood

c. If your spouse is not a Christian, pray for others to witness to him/her

Day 6: Contacts and Relationships

a. Friends, other family members

b. Employer, employees, coworkers

Day 7: c. Ask God to make you a better spouse (be willing to change when God says change)

d. Ask your spouse how you can specifically pray for him/her today.

How to Pray for your Children

1. That they will know Christ as Savior early in life. (Psalm 63:11, 11Tim. 3:15)

2. That they will have a hatred for sin. (Psalm 97:10)

3. That they will be caught when guilty. (Psalm 119:71)

4. That they will be protected from the evil one in each area of their lives: spiritual, emotional, physical.  (John 17:15)

5. That they will have a responsible attitude in all their interpersonal relationships. (Daniel 6:3)

6. That they will respect those in authority over them. (Romans 13:1)

7. That they will desire the right kinds of friends and be protected from the wrong friends. (Proverbs 1:10-11)

8. That they will be kept from the wrong mate and saved for the right one. (11 Cor. 6:14-17)

9. That they, as well as those they marry, will be kept pure until marriage. (1 Cor. 6:18-20)

10. That they will learn to totally submit to God and actively resist Satan in all circumstances. (James 4:7)

11. That they will be single-hearted, willing to be sold out to Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:1-2)

12. That they will be hedged in so that cannot find their way to wrong people or wrong places and that the wrong people cannot find their way to them.  (Hosea 2:6)

Beautiful February Day

The weather reached the 50’s today, so Shay, Bora, and I spent some time outside.

Shay loves playing peek a boo through the windows in his outdoors house.

Shay loves playing with balls. He also loves playing with Bora, who by nature also loves playing with balls. They have been having the best time playing together for the past few weeks. Shay loves to play keep away from Bora. Bora is such a good sport.

I love days like this. Free, simple, and enjoyable!

Hard at Work

For the last few months (years), everyone at our church has been working extremely hard to make sure that we are ready to move in our new building. Through hard work, prayers, dedication, and GOD, we are moving into our new building on Sunday. The place looks amazing! Although Pat and I haven’t been there long, it’s easy to see what an awesome work God has done. It is our prayer that this new building will be a tool to bring about life change in the lives of people in our surrounding area.
Praise God that this Sunday we will be worshipping Him in our new building!!!

Where is your…

This morning after Shay had finished breakfast, we played a quick game of, “Where is your…”. Here are some pics.

Where is your nose?

Where are your eyes?

Where is your mouth?

Where is your tongue?

Where are your ears?

He was definitely pleased with himself.

Christmas at home

We had a great Christmas with the Gillens this year.

Shay loved walking around wearing the Santa hat!

Pat and Teddy definitely got some good Wii time in.

Gran Jan and Shay got plenty of bonding time.
Our Christmas MC
Shay is becoming more of a daddy’s boy every day!

Big Dog read the Christmas story to Shay.

Christmas flew by this year.  We celebrated Jesus, and had fun with family.

All about Shay

This morning I am struck with the fact of how much joy Shay brings to my life (I’m glad I have come to this realization after his behavior at a restaurant last night ) Shay woke up around 7:45 this morning. I never get him out of his crib until 8, so I was able to listen to him talk to himself for 15 minutes. I really think he was having conversations with the pig and the monkey in his room. Once 8:00 came, I started to walk down the hall. He heard Bora and I coming. I heard shouts of excitement coming from Shay. He was shouting, “mommy” and “good girl” (Bora’s name around here). Once I walked into the room, he started jumping up and down in the crib with the most adorable smile on his face. He gave me a huge hug and we started our morning. The next 30 minutes before we actually headed downstairs to get breakfast were full of things it seemed Shay had been thinking about all night. He had two books he just had to read…he picked out just the shoes that he wanted to wear, and wanted me to name all the animals in his room. Seriously…I love my little boy. He is a hand full at times, but he brings me so much joy and laughter. He is a gift from God.

I always know it’s time

I always know it’s time to get my hair cut when I find myself wearing it in a ponytail everyday. I finally got my hair cut today. It’s amazing what a simple hair cut will do to make me feel so better. I went to a place in town called Barber and Salon. They were all so wonderful. I’ll definitely be going there again.

How Many Kings

What a great song! We serve an awesome God!

Fun with BB

Shay loves playing o my iPhone.  We have several apps that are for toddlers to play with.  Toddler Teasers is his favorite.  We took this video during Thanksgiving while BB and Shay played together.  Priceless.

Take 2

I’m finally updating my blog to say that we are expecting our 2nd child!! Although the beginning was a little rocky and we weren’t sure our little one would make it, everything looks great. My current due date is July 21st. That makes me not even 8 weeks pregnant
So far in this pregnancy, I can tell this little one is doing fine. I am constantly queasy which they say is a good sign. I’ve also required some extra sleep.
Shay has been pretty sensitive to my needs. He hasn’t bounced on my tummy, or demanded me to be right beside him every step of the day. That has helped out tremendously.
Pat and I can only hope for a 2nd child that is as sweet, caring, and fun as Shay. We are loving watching him grow up. It’s fascinating to watch him figure out how life works.
We are hoping that by the time the 2nd one arrives, Shay will be sleeping in a big boy bed, and well on his way to being potty trained.
The Lord has been good to us. We feel blessed and honored as a family.