Devotions: Ahoy Captain!

Wow, how I have missed these daily devotions and time with you ladies. Vacation was, well a blessing and of course trying with two little ones. My husband says that with the kids vacation can be more like a trip... and so it was until Mimi and Papa showed up to help out a bit more so mommy and daddy could also have some time for sleep and fun get-a ways.

Speaking of get-a ways; we took our oldest to the lake for a special day and she just couldn't get enough of this green paddle boat. Usually timid, we thought surely she would change her mind once we got her close to entering the boat, but no way, her mind was set and so the green boat it was. She was our captain and she wanted to go way out in the deep waters of the lake, which kind of surprised us. She kept singing ahoy captain... (From her favorite Little Bear show) while smiling; it was so adorable. So of course we joined in the fun and sang along with her. She just loved it and even sat in the back at one point all by herself, enjoying the scenery and telling us where to go next. The only thing is that our boat wouldn't seem to go the right direction while turning or steering, so hubby kind of ran into a few things on our journey. If we were planning on going left, it would kind of go right, or stay straight and take us to the unknown... Even still, we really enjoyed the adventure and the new fun memories we were creating.

Reflection: Anyhow, the steering problem got my hubby and I thinking about how life just throws us twists, turns and flops sometimes and how just when we think we're in for a real flop, God brings us something beautiful on the other side, literally. So, I thought I would share to encourage us all to hang on when the going gets tough and when things don't seem as they ought. When we trust in a God bigger than all and ourselves, we can truly get through anything. When we can accept His grace for our so called failures and stumbles, enough to let go and leave things at the so called "altar" of life if you will; we can be truly free to live and yep even fail again. I mean, if our boat didn't have such steering issues, we wouldn't have been all over that lake like we were enjoying every part of it. Thankfully God knows our full lake's view (our story) and has a way to get us to where we need to go even if we may not know just where that is yet or how to get there. As my husband would say, God sees the end of our story, not just the beginning and He's there rooting us on to get through another page and chapter, all be it tough at times... He's there to get us to the place of His rest and glory, as we just hold on to Him. Oh, and thank God He never fails.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." Be encouraged that His grace is sufficient. 2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."

Prayer: Thank you Lord that you are unfailing and constant; that you are our hope, grace, love and future. Allow us to see your perspective in the midst of our unknowing times and struggles, help us to rely upon and accept your grace and hope, setting us free from our own baggage of life. Let us call you the captain of our lives and rely on you for our every need. I thank you for giving us safe travels and healing our baby. You alone are worthy to be praised.

Daily Devotions: Family Vacation Part II

Welcome back! I am still on vacation. That is why I posted the Bible Scripture Reading for this week of August 10-14th. Inspired by Stormie Omartian's book, Praying God's Will for Your Life; she gives "Fifteen reasons to read the Bible daily." Be encouraged and let me know what the Lord puts on your heart this week as you take the time to seek Him. :) I will be posting daily devotions again when I get back and I am praying a blessing over you ladies. See you again Monday am the 17th of August. :)

Day 1: (Psalm 119:11) To correctly shape your life and yourself

Day 2: (Psalm 119:130) To clearly be able to see

Day 3: (Hebrews 4:12) To know your heart and what's really in it

Day 4: (Romans 10:17) "To build faith"

Day 5: (Psalm 16:11) "To have joy"

Prayer: Dear Lord, please speak to my heart and give me a deeper desire to read your word daily. Please bless me and each woman who is taking the time to spend with you right now and give her a new song in her heart, a joy, increase of faith, a pure heart, eyes to clearly see you, and a life shaped for you alone.

Daily Devotions: Family Vacation-Weekly Bible Reading

I've posted a weekly Bible reading for this week's devotions since me and the fam-fam (Family) will be on vacation. Next week's will also be posted later too. I am looking forward to connecting and hearing about what the Lord has been doing with all of you while I've been away. Any insight into the Scriptures or comments, please feel free to share your thoughts. I will be posting daily devotions again when I get back and I am praying a blessing over you ladies. See you again Monday am the 17th of August. :)

My babies have been fighting the tummy flu this entire week and it has been full of stinky you know what's and much vomit unfortunately; fevers too. Clingy babies and toddlers and no time to pack it seems, so Friday is our out a here day we hope. Thank God for Mimi Cheryl is all I can say, or I would not be getting this done or anything else right now for that matter. I am so blessed to be so close to my mother-in-law (mom), and to have my children even closer to her... is such a gift. I pray that you ladies will enjoy the Scriptures and that God reveals some wonderful truths just for you as you read and seek His face.

Bible Reading Schedule for the week of August 3-7. This was inspired by Stormie Omartian's book, Praying God's Will for Your Life; where she gives "Fifteen reasons to read the Bible daily."

July 31, Friday- Extra: (Psalm 119:28, 50, 114) "To have strength, comfort and hope"

August 3rd, Monday-Day 1: (Psalm 119:165) To have peace and get rid of your anxiety.

August 4th, Tuesday-Day 2: (Psalm 19:7-8) To "set things right" when chaos takes over

August 5th, Wednesday-Day 3: (Psalm 119:105) To know the will of God- have direction

August 6th, Thursday-Day 4: (Psalm 107:20) To experience deliverance and healing

August 7th, Friday-Day 5: (1 Peter 2:2) To grow in Christ

Next week's daily devotions Bible reading schedule for August 10-14th will be posted on the 10th. Have a wonderful week.

Fun Summer Slushy Drinks-Non-Alcoholic

Summer is here and refreshing is indeed enjoyed and needed. So, get your blenders ready! Get some ice, sparkling flavored water; cherry, lime, raspberry or any other you like. Then, pour in a bit of sprite or ginger ale and top it off with some lemon sorbet or lemon lush (lemon juice frozen and thawed a bit and smashed up or blended for effect :))

Garnish: Sprig of spearmint or lemon wedge, strawberry or any other fruit you like. Another option for a nice slush-drink topper is cranberry lush (frozen cranberry juice-smashed up or blended into a fun frozen treat)

Let's Review... pour over ice, sparkling flavored water (or juice if you like it sweet) and sprite and then add you choice of lush. Grape is really good too and adds a different rich and sweet flavor to the other fruity madness. If you want, you can blend the juice, fruit and ice up along with your lush and enjoy a fully blended smoothie type drink too. Aww... Drink Up and Enjoy!!! Have Fun!

Devotional: My Friend

"You are my friends if you do what I command," Jesus said in John 15:14. So, how is your friendship with Him these days? He is here to open His arms if you've been far off and are seeking to draw near again; and He's even closer as you are living in obedience as a friend.

There is never an age too young or old to know God's presence. Nor is there a person too tall, thin, short or fat to get to heaven. Isn't that refreshing? The list goes on here... We don't have to worry about how we fit in with Jesus by the standards of this world and our outward appearances, things and material possessions. He is more interested in our hearts and our intentions, amen.

Reflection: Thankfully God is a merciful, loving and forgiving God who wants to bless us. Think about your life and what the Lord has done for you. Take a moment to thank Him for never giving up on you; for drawing near and for being a friend... for not judging you on the outer parts, but the inner most precious-your heart.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for your friendship and for your help in our times of need. Thank you for your standard and for giving us hope and protection always as we look to you.

Side Note: Notice the above baby ring sling? It is my absolute favorite and my daughters too. I just love the versatile fabric options that are offered as well. Let me know what you think.

Devotion: His Presence

Numbers 6:24-26 " ' "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' This is my prayer for all of you ladies, for my kids and family too. Who doesn't need peace, grace and blessing? It seems much needed these days for me...

Reflection: When we focus on being in the presence of God, these things will be added to us; peace, grace and blessing. How wonderful our God is. In His presence there is fullness of joy; At His right hand are pleasures forever. As we draw near to God He will draw near to us (James 4:8). And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Exodus 33:14). Graciously, our "LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth" (Psalms 145:18).

Prayer: Dear Lord, I need your blessing today, especially with my babies health. Let her be well and healed. Help her to keep fluids down and not get dehydrated Oh God. Stop her vomiting Father God. Help her sister to also be well...and give us your peace. We love you and give you all the glory.

Side Note: Keeping baby safe in the sun is important this time of year and always. You can be sure to pack all your protective layers and gear in the faithfuldiaper bag. Don't forget a good cover up, baby blanket, bath robe and sunscreen too.

Devotions-Be Blessed

Numbers 6:24 "The Lord bless you and keep you." This word bless means "to confer well-being or prosperity" but in this Scripture we don't get many details. This bestowed blessing seems to be very broad as if to imply; those being blessed are in for a blessing that completely covers their entire hopes and needs. How great is that? To know that God is in control and covers us providing for our every need. He is so wonderful and wants to bless His children.

Philippians 4:19 says "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Isn't God rich enough in Christ to fulfill His promises, to provide for our needs? Isn't He also generous enough to show His love to His daughters and to tend to our every need with great kindness and care?

Reflection: God often said "Be blessed!" to his ancient people and their needs and difficulties parted. Let us also believe, hope and pray for this for us today. That we would know God's blessing and love and the power that it holds even for us in this very moment. He is mighty to save, our protector and strong tower ladies, sisters... Let's trust in Him to provide for us the need we may have even in this instant. Let's think about some of the ways God has been generous to us; ways He's met our needs, and let's give Him all the glory and praise!

Prayer: Dear Father God, you are holy and righteous, loving and kind. Thank you for blessing us and being the provider of our every need and salvation. Lord, help us to draw near to you and pray seeking you will and trusting in your blessings for us, your love and care. Help us to also love ourselves as we ought to teaching us our worth in you as women of God.