Sunday at last.

Sunday came.

Just like He predicted. Just like He promised.

He's coming for you, too, friend. Your Sunday is coming.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

The worst day of the week...

I think Saturday had to be even harder than Friday.

Think about it from the disciples point of view, especially. Jesus died. Their king, their best friend, the One they loved more than anything, the One they gave everything up for, was dead. In a tomb. GONE.

Now what?

Everything they thought they knew, everything they thought they believed, everything they had planned, expected, anticipated and hoped for - GONE. Over. Done. The death of not only a friend - personal grief - but the death of the future. They weren't just mourning. They were BROKEN. Hopeless.

They were left with nothing but grief, sorrow, pain, despair, discouragement, and hollow, achy places where hope used to be. They thought they were following the One who would be their ruler. Save them from Rome. (and ultimately, He did. But as God loves to do, not in the way they expected. In a better way!) Not to mention suddenly their own lives were in danger for being connected to Christ. In a nutshell, they were screwed. Their worlds turned upside down in one awful Friday.

Friday was TERRIBLE. Yes. Like a nightmare.

But then they woke up. And it was Saturday.

And nothing was different.

I can't even write that without crying.

Oh friend, we get stuck in our own Saturday, don't we? We wake up from a nightmare to a reality that's worse. Even more discouraging. Even more desolate. Even more hopeless. Every new Saturday that dawns is like someone pushing rewind and replay on the movie Groundhog Day. Stuck unbearably on repeat.

But OH. OH. OH.

Sunday IS coming.

Whatever you're going through, friend, there IS hope. God isn't done with your story yet, just like He wasn't done with His own. Sometimes, Saturday can feel endless. I'm preaching to the choir here, y'all.

But Saturday does not last forever. IT DOES NOT.

Sunday is coming.

In fact, it's almost here.

No fear Friday...

It's not over yet...praise God, it's not over yet...

Sunday is coming...

This weekend is Easter...

and my birthday! March 30th.

And then I have only one more year until I'm 30.

Yikes!

Though I have to admit, because of current circumstances, I might be looking forward to my 30th birthday more than my 29th. I'd almost rather just sort of skip this birthday, but I have the feeling Jesus has other plans for me. We'll see.  :)

Regardless, my personal celebration or lack of pales in comparison to the glorious GLORY of Easter Sunday.

For many of you (and me), Friday has been long. Desolate. Discouraging.

But Sunday IS coming...

Satan hates Easter

So I've realized something the past weeks, as we drew closer and closer to Holy Week and Palm Sunday...

Satan really, really hates Easter.

And I mean, truly, you can't blame him. That's where he finally realized, "I'm beat". He knows, for sure, his end now, and while that end isn't quite yet here, it got started in the tomb and sealed his eventual fate 3 days later. As John Eldredge wrote in his novel "Beautiful Outlaw", Jesus sauntered out of the tomb with the keys to Hades swinging on his belt. AMEN!

Any doubts the devil had about his ultimate end were confirmed with Easter. Beautiful, glorious Easter.

So I think its safe to assume (and my life the past weekish has been proof) that he fights hard against the Beloved (us as believers) at Easter time. (The thief has come to steal, kill and destroy...) He wants to steal our joy in the resurrection, wants to kill our hopes for the future and destroy our desire to praise and worship God at the time of year it's most expected and needed of us to do so. I mean, even people who never come to church tend to show up on Easter! There will be more souls exposed to the gospel in churches around the country this upcoming Sunday than any other week of the year, even Christmas. Because as powerful and needed as Christmas is, (Jesus came for us!) the resurrection is the exclamation point to the Gospel. It's essential.

The enemy knows he's going down, and he's scratching and clawing at everything he can get on his way. Families. Marriages. Health. Ministries. Friendships. Relationships. All those things that matter most, he's against. And against HARD.

So we fight back. With praise to God. With worship songs to Jesus. With continual prayer, with thanksgiving, and gratitude in our hearts to our Redeemer! WHO IS RISEN! He is risen indeed! What joy, what glory. What hope!

And guess what? That same power that rose Jesus from the dead resides in YOU as a believer, as a follower of Christ. And that power is not dead or on hold or inaccessible. It's there, it's real, it's vibrant and pulsing and beating. (But I have come that you might have life abundantly...)

That same power that rose Jesus from the dead can heal your broken heart. Can restore your marriage. Can eliminate cancer. Can replenish your bank account. Can provide. Renew. Redeem. Protect. Can breathe life into dry bones.

So have hope today, dear friends. Not in circumstances, not in faith itself, but in faith in JESUS. Because He IS alive. And He has good for you. He will never leave you or forsake you.

He DIED for you. And He ROSE for you.

Hold on to that.

Everything always changes...sometimes..

It seems like everything is always changing...yet sometimes, it can feel like everything is exactly the same.

I"m in a weird place somewhere in between those two ideas, I think.

At any rate, I've started a new job, and am trying to find my footing schedule wise, so my blog consistency might be a little sketchy until I get my new routine down. Prayers appreciated :)

How can I pray for you?

But I CAN'T make lemonade!!

I posted yesterday at Girls, God and the Good Life - "But I CAN'T Make Lemonade!"
I'd love to hear your thoughts! Hopefully you will find encouragement in the lesson I've learned from a few hives...

www.girlsgodgoodlife.blogspot.com

Amen.

Amen.

Whatever makes you happy...

That's a pretty dangerous saying  - "whatever makes you happy" because, well, if we actually do whatever makes us happy all the time, we'd really screw up our lives. Because happiness is fleeting - it's totally different than JOY (which is what we're supposed to have as believers/followers of Christ) - and because it's fleeting, it's usually misguided at best, and flat out WRONG a lot of the time.

It might make us happy in the moment to eat that fifth donut, but really, is that best? No. Its misguided. It does more harm later than good. (this example was hard to write because I LOVE donuts ::wink::) Seriously though. Think about what makes you happy, and how successful your life or how deep your walk with God would be if you indulged in those fleeting happy moments all the time...

Comfort food.
Excessive sleep.
More alcohol.
Another cigarette.
One night stand.
Medication to zone out.
Yelling at a loved one who disappointed us.
Gossiping because they deserve it.
Plotting revenge because they have it coming.
Withholding love because it hurts to give it.
Bashing a friend verbally to another because they wronged you.

All of the above feels good, makes us happy, for a moment in time. A passing, fleeting, flesh-centered moment in time. And then what happens? What are the results?

Weight gain.
Guilt.
Missed opportunities.
Cancer or sickness or disease.
Divorce.
Rehab.
Struggle.
Pain.
Heartache.
Loneliness.
Broken relationships.
Severed friendships.
Resentment.
Bitterness.


Yuck. It's not worth it, is it? It never is. Whatever feels good to the flesh in the moment in these circumstances usually just brings death to the spirit immediately after. Sort of like that whole "Adam and Eve in the garden" thing ;)   That was legit, folks. That wheel hasn't stopped spinning, and we're caught right in the middle. Let's learn from our ancestors, and break the destructive cycle.

Instead of gratifying the flesh and doing what makes us happy, why not think about what would make God happy? What would build up our spirit and more importantly, the spirit of the other person, instead? The WWJD bracelet fad from a few years ago wasn't really all that far off. What Would Jesus Do?

He'd love. He'd forgive. He'd console. He'd comfort. He'd heal. He'd restore. He'd redeem. He'd turn the other cheek. He'd speak in love and not judgment.

Though its harder to respond in that positive, Jesus-like way in the moment, it's always worth it. How many times have you ever kicked yourself in the booty after responding in a Christ like manner to someone who hurt you? How many times have you taken a verbal blow from a loved one, responded in love, and walked away berating yourself for not cussing them out? How many times have you whispered secrets about a friend to another friend, and was super glad afterward that you had? How many times have you lied to your spouse and felt really, really good about it for the following weeks ahead?

Probably never :)

There's something to that. So go with it.

Now, there is a small disclaimer.

Ready for this??

**You can't over indulge with Snoopy.**

Yep! Impossible. So, because Snoopy makes me happy, enjoy  :)

The answer is yes....

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE SONG (above)

THE VIDEO (below)

"Can anybody hear me?"

The answer is YES.

Faith like a child? Or like a stodgy ol' grandpa?

Sometimes, when the world around me and the circumstances of my life threaten to drown me in darkness, when the whispered lies of "you can't" or "you won't" or "it'll never happen" or "that's impossible" or " it's too late" or "that will never change" seem louder than even the country-night crickets outside my window...I remember how Jesus told us to have faith like little children. 

And all that depressing logic and reasoning and odds just. Go. Away. 

Mark 10:13-16 ESV 

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Jesus was talking about the faith it takes to have eternal life. If we're to trust something THAT big to Him in faith like children, how much more so the every day of this temporary world? Our daily trials and temptations and desires?

We're too believe like little kids - that pure, innocent, deep trust that is so beautiful to watc. I see it on the face of my preschooler every day, and every day it reminds me to have faith in my Heavenly Daddy that same way. In my Abba Father, who is, was, and is to come, Who is constant and never changes no matter how much else around me changes. 

Are you believing with faith like a child today? Or are you believing more like a stodgy ol' grandpa, who has his knickers in a twist and his suspenders too tight and is stuck believing the lies from the enemy and complaining over the sticky fingers of those little children who believe in the ways he only wishes he could?

Hmmm....

It's never too late to change your mind - or your faith. 

Let's be kids today. Here, have a sticky lollipop ;)

He is the Great I AM, and I am NOT.

Love this! May it minister to your heart today.

He IS the Great I Am. Always, forever, unchanging. ALL POWERFUL. There is nothing too hard for God in your life or in your heart. He is able, constant, sovereign, and guess what? He LOVES you. Deeply. Passionately. No matter what.

Delilah drama

More of my thoughts from this past episode of The Bible on the History channel! I didn't enjoy this segment as much as the first, though it was really great seeing David. (I still think he should have been played by Viggo Mortensen ::grin::)

I watched some of it in fast forward, since this episode had considerably more violence and war scenes, and it was late and I was sleepy. I DID really enjoy the beginning, where it showed Rahab being spared. Loved that. Such a crucial part of Jesus' lineage! So glad they got that right.

I think the segment with Samson and Delilah fell a little flat, however. Probably, for me, because it wasn't as accurate according to the real Bible as other portions of this show have been. Again, things were cut for the sake of time, but in this instance, I felt those eliminations had substitutions that weren't necessarily true.

For example - in the Bible, where this story is told in Judges 16, Delilah asked Samson three times for the secret of his power. He told her wrong every time until she became more upset and pouty. Samson was aware, clearly, of her pending betrayal at least to some degree, because for each lie he told her about the secret to his strength, she attempted to take it out. So it wasn't nearly the betrayal and shock that it was portrayed on the show.

Look:

⁶ So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.”
⁷ Samson answered her, “If anyone ties me with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I’ll become as weak as any other man.”
⁸ Then the rulers of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him with them. ⁹ With men hidden in the room, she called to him, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” But he snapped the bowstrings as easily as a piece of string snaps when it comes close to a flame. So the secret of his strength was not discovered.
¹⁰ Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have made a fool of me; you lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied.”
¹¹ He said, “If anyone ties me securely with new ropes that have never been used, I’ll become as weak as any other man.”
¹² So Delilah took new ropes and tied him with them. Then, with men hidden in the room, she called to him, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” But he snapped the ropes off his arms as if they were threads.
¹³ Delilah then said to Samson, “All this time you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied.”

It goes on from there. But you see my point? Very different from what was portrayed in the film.
Another huge difference was about Samson's wife (not Delilah, the first woman whom he actually married). In the movie, it was portrayed as they killed her to get to Samson. Not true. In the real Bible, the story is very different and a little more complicated. You can read it here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+13-16&version=NIV
Anyway - I'm still so very glad they made this movie and that it's so popular. People are being exposed to Bible stories and the Gospel (coming up) that wouldn't have been otherwise. That's amazing and so powerful. God can use anything for His glory!

If you really want to read something cool, check this out:  http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/03/06/mark-burnett-bible-set/   SWEET :)

Coming back to life...

There's been a storm in my life for a long time now, that recently got significantly worse. My prayer for months has been "God...it's been a LONG winter." You've seen my posts on that subject before. God always responded with His promise  -"Spring is coming."

It was hard, but it was enough. The hope was enough. Because He always keeps His word.

But I think it's finally safe to say that Spring is here.

And like a lot of things, it doesn't come as we expected. But it always, always, always brings life.

The seasonal Spring on earth might vary in date, temperature and color. It might bud forth on one tree and not another. It might leap forth from the earth in green grass and lazy wildflowers, or it might arrive with a dusting of snow. It always looks a bit different.

So the specifics change, but the message remains timeless.

LIFE.

Spring is here. For earth, for me, and for you, if you're ready to allow new growth.

Here's the thing - my circumstances haven't changed (that I can see) Not yet.

But I have.

Spring didn't come in the form that I'd originally hoped, in the tangible, situational form from God of "I've fixed this now" or "I've taken this away" or "I've provided this now"...no, it came a lot deeper than that. It came with life. IN ME. Jesus in me. Everlasting life IN ME.

Spring in me.

So yes, Spring has arrived in all its glorious splendor. And while I know that just like there's always the potential for one last freeze in early Spring, there will still be occasional clouds that invoke shivers instead of sunlight in my spirit. There will still be moments where winter's chill creeps back in and threatens to take over my heart. But that victory is already won. Moments are temporary and Jesus is fighting those for me in advance. He's so much bigger!! And He's not afraid of any season. He's there with you, and me, in them all.

And I have a pretty good feeling that Spring is far from over :)

Home again...

Home is sort of a funny word, when you think about it. Can mean so much.

It can mean your house, as in "I'm going home" (i.e.) "I'm going to the house".

Home can also mean your location. "I'm finally home." Which might refer to your house, or might refer to your city where you live. (Shreveport is my home)

Home can also simply mean where you feel safe. Have you ever traveled somewhere, to a brand new location, but felt instantly "at home"? Met a stranger, but felt connected to them and felt safe, "at home"?

I just returned from the Stasi Eldredge "Captivating" Event (4 day women's retreat) in the mountains of Colorado, and now that I'm "home", I'm very glad to be here.

But I miss that "home" too.

Because it truly was, for 4 days, HOME. Because of what I experienced there through the people I met, the scenery that touched me, and the presence of the Lord that stole my heart, that snowy lodge in the mountains will forever hold that special title in my heart. 

HOME.

Whatever "homes" we find on earth here, however special and treausred they are, we have the deep assurance that our final home will be the best yet. Heaven. It's what we long and ache for, really, that unmet, unfulfilled desire that screams truth in the silence "YOU ARE A STRANGER HERE." God blesses many of us with good homes here on earth.

But one day, He'll sweep His arm back and invite those of us who became Christ Followers to take up residence in our eternal home. Where we ALL belong. Where we ALL feel safe. Where we ALL can finally, truly, forever, feel "at home".

(1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and trust to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.)

(John 14:2 - In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.)

Inspiring, encouraging novel by Lisa Wingate

Book Info

About Firefly Island:    Sometimes love takes you on an adventure completely off the map. Mallory Hale's life quickly veers off course when she falls hopelessly in love. After a whirlwind romance, Mallory finds herself leaving the bustle and action of Capitol Hill for the remote town of Moses Lake, Texas-with husband, stepson, and a U-Haul in tow. A sweet, mishap-filled journey into marriage, motherhood, and ranch living ensues, and Mallory is filled with both the wonderment of love and the insecurities of change. But what she can't shake is the unease she feels around her husband's new boss, Jack West. Jack's presence-and his mysterious past-set her on edge, and when hints of a scandal emerge, Mallory finds herself seeking answers . . . and comes to realize that the middle-of-nowhere home she wasn't sure she wanted is the very place she'll risk everything to save.  Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/hVNrv          Meet Lisa:      Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Talk of the Town, Blue Moon Bay, and Larkspur Cove, which won the 2011 Carol Award for Women's Fiction. Lisa and her family live in central Texas.    Visit www.lisawingate.com

Blog Tour Schedule
http://litfusegroup.com/author/lwingate

<em><strong><a href="http://lisawingate.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Wingate</a> is celebrating the release of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Firefly-Island-Lisa-Wingate/dp/0764208233/ref=sprightly-20" target="_blank">Firefly Island</a> with an iPad Mini giveaway and a fun Facebook Author Chat Party (March 19th).</strong></em>
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<img alt="Firefly-Isalnd-giveaway300" class="size-full wp-image-4454 aligncenter" height="250" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Firefly-Isalnd-giveaway3001.png" width="300" /></div>
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<strong>One fortunate winner will receive:</strong>
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<ul>
<li>An iPad Mini</li>
<li>The Moses Lake series (<em>Firefly Island, Blue Moon Bay and Larkspur Cove</em>)</li>
</ul>
<strong>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 18th.</strong> Winner will be announced at the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/352828914833196/" target="_blank"><strong>"Firefly Island Author Chat Party on March 19th</strong></a>.&nbsp;Connect with Lisa, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!
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<em><strong>So grab your copy of Firefly Island and join Lisa on the evening of the March 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)</strong></em></div>
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Don't miss a moment of the fun,&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/352828914833196/" target="_blank">RSVP</a> today.&nbsp;</strong>Tell your friends via&nbsp;<a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/316089/invites/new" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/316089" target="_blank">TWITTER</a>&nbsp;and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!</h3>

MIA

I'm MIA from blogger world for the rest of this weekend, but check my FB and twitter for pics. Because I'm leaving the humid south for....

COLORADO!  :)

I'm attending the Stasi Eldredge "Captivating" women's retreat this weekend and absolutely can not wait. And not just because it's supposed to snow. :)

I'm excited for what I know God is going to do in my heart while there. He's not just meeting me there, though, He's going WITH me. And He's coming back with me. How awesome is that? He does that for you too by the way. Just ask. Seek His presence. He hears you. He sees you. He CARES.

I pray your heart is renewed this weekend in the way God chooses to use. Thank Him in advance for His marvelous works. It means all the difference.  :)

Also, prayers for my plane travel is appreciated. I don't...ahem...fly well. If you hear a ruckus, well, it's me, from the sky. There will be lots of chanting of Psalms....

Women...getting it wrong from Day 1

This might be a touchy post, but I hope you'll hear my heart in this.

Something that really hit me while watching the Bible series on History channel Sunday night was the influence of women throughout history.

And how we've been screwing it up since the dawn of time for the SAME REASONS.

Come on girls. Let's learn this lesson and move forward! Quit repeating history! (I'm preaching to myself most of all)

Think about it. This is huge...

Eve, in the garden. Believed a lie and was convinced God was holding out on her. She took matters into her own hands (literally, by picking the fruit) and mankind was never the same.)

(I'm not excusing Adam here by any means. I used to joke, "well hey, at least it took the devil himself to trick us into death. It only took an outstretched hand and a piece of fruit to convince man to sin")

Lot's wife. The Bible show portrayed her to very mouthy, very opinionated, very strong willed and very effective in getting what she wanted. I'd have to go back and read for myself her portions in Genesis to see how much of that might be exaggerated or if it might just be dead on. Either way, we know for sure she was influential (negatively) in Lot's life by demanding her own way. She also disobeyed the command of God and looked back on her sin. The analogy there is staggering. How horrible it is to turn back to sin once we've repented and been offered grace. She wanted to be the leader, the decider of the decisions for her people instead of submitting to her husband as the Bible instructs clearly is the proper order.

Sarai (Sarah) Believed Abraham's message from God about the descendants being as numerous as the stars. Brown points there. She stood by her man and let him lead even when others probably thought he sounded a little crazy. BUT - she grew impatient. She rushed God's timing. She suggested they solve this problem themselves and let Abraham start his starry heritage by sleeping with their maid. Sounds absurd to us in this culture, by it's not so far out there. We've all grown impatient and doubted God to the point of making a bad decision. Sarah's decision, however, was literally to the detriment of the entire world. Countries are still fighting and warring TODAY over that birthright. Patience matters.

So look at these common issues in women's hearts from the dawn of time:

1. Believed God was holding out on her.
2. Wanted her own way.
3. Insisted in leading instead of following.
4. Didn't trust God to keep His promises.
5. Rushed God's timing.

Sound familiar? It's ringing bells here. Lots of them.

Ouch.

We should learn, girls. We should learn.

1. God desires to give us His best.
2. God's ways are better and higher than ours, and are for our GOOD.
3. Following God, and following God's orders and laws and suggested way of doing things is always the better choice in every situation, especially regarding marriage and family.
4. God can NOT and will NOT break His word. Ever. He is faithful, trustworthy and consistent. He alone.
5. God's timing is perfect. Ours is wrong. Patience MATTERS. Perseverance COUNTS.

Let's stop repeating history.

Bodies, bones, incest, and miracles - to name a few

I watched the first 2 hour episode of the History's channel "The Bible" last night, and WOW!

I was really pleased with the accuracy of it, and the apparent thought that went into it...as well as the quality of the effects. Just as awesome as any blockbuster in Tinesltown in my opinion :) 

Of course there were a ton of details that were left out, details that matter to me and are important to me as a believer, but I understand they can't include everything or the show would essentially be 95840584590454 hours long...details especially about Moses, and how they left out how hesistant he was to accept God's call. How he felt unqualified. His speech impediment. ALL that wasn't a factor and that's a huge part of the story to me. How God equips the "unable" to become able. How God uses the underdog (often!)

The series also has brought up a lot of questions for me, making me ponder things I'd never really considered but seeing it on film made the possibilities more real.

1. The opening, where Noah was in the ark with his family, really struck me. For some reason, I ALWAYS pictured the flood as rain. Just endless rain. Not a storm, not terrifying waves. Just a boring, "will it ever stop" rain. I never once considered how scared Noah and his family must have been inside the boat, trusting God to keep them safe but wondering if they might end up perishing somehow after all. Wow! So much truth there about trusting God in the storm, and how even the most faithful sometimes have to ride out the punishment of the evil. So deep....

2. What happened to all the bodies? (sealife feast? did they eventually just rot away? THE SMELL???? Where are all the bones of those people...maybe still discoverable today??)

3. Did Noah's kids have to mate to populate the earth? (pretty clearly, yes.) How many did he have? How did they decide who went with who? That part is really hard to stomach, but it's unavoidable truth. Yet I'm sure God made allowances then to avoid the mutations that come nowadays from incest.

4. Never thought about Pharaoh's son being involved in the plagues, and how the Israelites were so fearful of the passover. How they had to endure that season of wondering if death WAS coming for them too. My goodness.

5. The closing of the Red Sea was just as much a miracle and necessary as it's parting. Wow! Double miracle.

6. The sacrifice Abraham was willing to make for God...that was hard to watch. I watched through my fingers and pretty much yelled the whole way through, though of course I knew how it ended. Kept yelling "Okay, God - stop him now. Stop him...now. STOP HIM. OKAY REALLY STOP HIM". ha. It was intense. And I always (and still do especially now) wonder how Isaac was able to get past that. Talk about needing therapy. Did God just take care of that in him? Did he have a bad relationship with his dad after that for awhile? I mean, so much unanswered there. I'm going to be conducting interviews in Heaven, fyi.  (and wasn't the provisional sacrifice in Genesis a ram, not a lamb? I need to look that up. They might have gotten that one wrong in the movie)

7. And by the way, the scenes where the angels took over in Sodom was just freakin' awesome  :)

Did you see it? What'd you think? :)

I'm continuing my thoughts on this series tomorrow! Another lesson learned that is important to me and hopefully will open your eyes as well. Check back!

World Day of Prayer USA

http://www.wdp-usa.org/

From their website:

A Worldwide Movement of Christian Women

The World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year, and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service.
• It is a movement initiated and carried out by women in more than 170 countries and regions.
• It is a movement symbolized by an annual day of celebration – the first Friday of March – to which all people are welcome.
• It is a movement which brings together women of various races, cultures and traditions in closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.
Through World Day of Prayer, women affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence in the world. The motto of the World Day of Prayer is “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action”.

Betsy again - I never thought much about days like this or their significance, because while I always believed in the power of prayer, I never really acted on it. I prayed. Of course. But something was missing. Disconnected. Now that I've gone through and am still going through my biggest personal storm ever, it means a lot more.

Just stop and think for a minute. You know how good it feels when you pray with someone else, especially out loud? Or how even better it feels when you pray in a small group of 3 or 4? You feel connected to God. Jesus interceding for you. The Holy Spirit leading you. God's promises at work and living proof (where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them)

Multiple that by a world full of women. Think about the power of women praying together - ACROSS THE WORLD. Wow.

We might not be praying specifically for the same things. Every woman has their own struggle, their own heartache, their own needs and desires and dreams. Every woman has their own request and hope and pain.

But aren't the themes the same? As women, we pray for love. For protection. For safety. For provision. For our husbands, families and kids. As women we pray for security and hope and faith and freedom. As women we pray for redemption, healing, restoration. For miracles.

Join me and a world full of women seeking God's heart today in prayer.