Prayer & Plans

The other night I wanted the kids to get into bed at a certain time so they would be able to wake up early the next morning.  Well, they were all wound up just coming from church so it was hard to get them into ‘sleep mode’.  Usually, I pray over them before they drift off to sleep but this night I was upset.  I found myself all worked up because we were past the time I had planned to get them into bed.  So, I asked if anyone else would like to pray.  Our daughter began to pray with her sweet, precious voice, “Lord, we pray that Mommy would be happy again…” 

GULP!  Lord, please listen to her prayer!!  She was right!  The Bible says “to REJOICE and be EXCEEDINGLY GLAD”, to “rejoice always”, “in everything give thanks”, etc. But it also says to “pray without ceasing.” (Matthew 5:12 emphasis mine, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Lord, please listen to our children’s prayers and help us mommies be happy even on those days…  Help us to filled our agendas with the peace of Christ (Your Word) and grace first before the clock.  Help us fight through those times we feel that we can’t pray.  Please help us pray without ceasing.  You are so good, we are so thankful for how You love us.  Please do that good work in us mommas today.

Be a Life-giver

"The instruction of the wise is like a life giving fountain..." Proverbs 13:14

"The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul.  The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, make wise the simple." Psalm 19:7

Sometimes life is tough!  

Sometimes it is really tough!  

Yet, as children of the Lord we are call to stand firm in Him and see His faithful deliverance. We sit at His feet, bask in His presence,  and breathe in His rest... and then sometimes we need help from a friend! 

I have one of those friends.  She faithfully sends scripture when the Lord puts it on her heart. She is in the Eastern time zone and I am in the Pacific time zone, so sometimes after a night of wrestling in prayer, my thirsty soul wakes up to an encouraging, life-giving scripture that is spot on!  The Holy Spirit uses this friend to speak life and hope through His word.  My friend, Kate, is obedient and God gets the glory!  I want to encourage anyone reading this to be one of those friends.  Send a scripture, say a prayer, leave a voicemail... whatever you can.  

We need each other! 

Humbled, Grateful, Challenged!

Christmas is a special time of year!  This season brings out an introspective spirit in me.  I think of the unfathomable fact that the Creator of the universe, holy, righteous and true, saw fit to come out of perfection and dwell on earth. He chose the humble form of a little baby, born into poor conditions on a cold winter night.

He would live within the confines of His human body and work, sweat, love and cry so that I would know that He truly understands my trials.  Then He would suffer horrific torture and death on the cross, and supernaturally raise from the grave so that my sins were erased and that I could live forever free of the power of sin in this life and the next.   I am humbled!!!

In considering Jesus,  I start thinking about my family and the many amazing people He has brought into my life so that I might be a better person from knowing them.  Some have offered truth, wisdom and a listening ear, others a word spoken into my life at just the right moment, and others prayer and encouragement to stay in the race.  Wherever I have lived, the Lord has been faithful to put these kindred spirits in my path.  I am grateful!!!

Finally, I ask myself what kind of impact have I had on others?  Have I been faithful in prayer and eager to listen as others have been for me? Am I bold enough to speak a word of truth when prompted by the Lord?  And do I let others know how precious they are to me?  Now I am challenged!!!

Will you accept the challenge?  Join me in encouraging those around us this season! Let's express how they have blessed us!  When the Lord puts someone on your mind, shoot up a prayer for them and then send them a text or give them a call . . . or even write them a note:)   Let's remind folks that they are important and appreciated and can overcome.  Let's assure them they are not alone.  We are in this together ... let's do it well!

Pray for It

 The Lord directs the steps of the Godly. 

He delights in every detail of their lives. 

- Psalm 37:23

Last night as I laid in bed tucking in my middle son, my oldest meandered in to ask if he could play a quick game on my phone. He had been tucked into bed just minutes earlier and knew it was a slim chance but asked anyway. For some reason my heart felt the nudge to agree and say yes.
Note: Please be sure to have safeguards in place with firewalls, with the internet, in order to shield your children as they play with your smart phones. Many crazy images are on the internet and we need to protect our little ones from looking upon anything that is vile (Psalm 101:3). 

As my oldest walked away he whispered, "I guess my prayer worked." I was blessed and humbled all in a single moment. He thought to pray over something that in his mind he knew was near impossible. But he had faith, as small as a mustard seed (Luke 17:6), that there was a very small chance I might say yes and he prayed for it. And God answered him! Strengthening his faith and reminding him that prayer works!

I thought to myself about those little things that seem so insignificant to others, but are huge in my life, that I would like to see God move with. HE cares about those things and wants to commune with me as I share them in prayer. 

Everyday there is a myriad of decisions as a mom we must make. Some seem small in importance, but if I bring even those small things before Him they can have huge changes involved...for the good. For my good. God is a good parent, who loves to see us thriving and seeking Him for answers. Just as my son asked a question that seemed the answer was almost a given "no," he still sought me out with small faith hoping to see big change.

What do you need to bring before God in prayer today?

Jesus loves you and wants the best for your life. 

Being a mom is an amazing gift, with tons of decisions daily being made. Come before Him for wisdom and direction on even those things that seem obvious. HE might just surprise you with an answer you didn't see coming!

I wake with you on my mind...

I Samuel 12: 23

“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord

 by failing to pray for you.”

         I have a list of mommies who need my prayers.  I think of Shona and Madie and Karla as they pack up for a church trip to Israel and leave behind a total of nine children.  Their excitement for a visit to where our Savior was born has been overshadowed by concerns for their children, which will be in others care.

         I have a constant call to be in prayer for Kate as they wait to hear “Jack is ready to go,” meaning they can leave the hospital after a long surgery and recovery.

         I’m praying for Dina as God is in the process of knitting together their fifth little bugaloo.

         I’m praying for Faith to enjoy her last days in Europe while her babes are in the care of their dad and daycare.

         I’m actually praying for you…Parakaleo Moms. You are moms who care about your children, your families and your relationship with Christ.

         As moms we are called to stand in the gap for one another.  It’s easy to get wrapped up and far too focused on our busy and sometimes chaotic lives. 

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      Our challenge today is to pray for each other as moms.  When one of your friends come to mind, pray for them.  Pray for their walks and commitments to the Lord Jesus, their husbands and children.  Pray for wisdom to parent, protection for their children and their ability to enjoy wherever the Lord has them today.  Lets stand in the gap for one another.

All in One Beauty Creme

“All in one Beauty Crème!” that was my call to attention this morning as I walked through my parents kitchen.  Their early morning TV show was being interrupted by the latest advertisement for a product that promises to be a “one stop shop” for beauty.  What full blooded American woman wouldn’t stop and consider this to be the answer to…THEIR PRAYERS?

Here I am again, at every corner being asked to think about...my prayer life.

As I considered not too many posts back, I was looking at the young moms in my life.  I thought the only piece of advice I had then was “Go take a Nap!”  This post reflects what has been my personal admonition for the week…GO PRAY!

From the topic of my small group in South Florida to the college convocation I attended in Virginia – “Just Pray!” is the mantra. Even as I recorded my “prayers’ asking why there are relational struggles the Lord turned my hand to the New Living Translation of James 4: 1 – 3

“What is causing quarrels and fights among you?

Isn’t it the whole army of evil desires at war with you?

You want what you do not have, so you scheme and kill to get it.

You are jealous for what others have and you can’t possess it,

So you fight and quarrel to take it away from them.

And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that

You don’t ask God for it!

And even when you do ask, you don’t get it because

Your whole motive is wrong,

You want only what will give you pleasure.”

Moms, the convocation speaker, author of ten books, pastor from Capitol Hill, Mark Batterson asked the thousands of students of Liberty University to unleash the power of prayer.  He challenged the audience to live in holy anticipation, saying “God can accomplish more in one day than we can in 100 lifetimes.”Pastor Mark encouraged me with the closing comment, “We are one prayer away from a different life!”

Moms please don’t give up!  From our vantage point we feel like we have to do more for the Lord. Be more for our husbands and children.  Prayer isn’t a one stop shop for living the Christian Life. However daily, we need to make prayer THE one stop that will lead to a Beautiful Life.

So your challenge today, go make yourself beautiful… PRAY!

Out of Gas

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

Ice cold water: it was the only thing coming out of my tap. It had been one of those days with the kids when I thought to myself, “If I can just make it to bedtime, then I can…(you fill in the blank: clean the house, veg out on the couch, read something just for fun, talk to my husband in complete sentences—completely uninterrupted by children).” Yet it was bedtime, and my husband had just announced that we had no hot water…not even a little bit. So the thought occurred to me, I’ll go old school…I will heat the water on the stove and mix it with the freezing water from the tap, and wholla: warm water. Except, I turned on the stove and the pilot clicked and clicked and clicked, but it produced no flames. 

Well, it quickly dawned on me that our gas tank was empty. Needless to say, bedtime was going to be delayed a bit as we all headed to grandma and papa’s house for hot showers. On top of that, the gas company politely informed me that it would be 5-7 business days before they could come fill our underground gas tank. It appears I was not the only one who had run out of gas.

The truth is I knew better. God had been so gracious to remind me in His still, small voice many times before to go outside and check the gas gauge. But I had politely told God, “Thank you for the reminder. I will be sure to do that as soon as I finish (you fill in the blank again: wiping up this mess, putting away these clothes, feeding my hungry baby, etc.). Well, he had shown me grace time and time again, and we had hot water for many days…until the tank was completely dry.

How often are we like that in our spiritual lives? We run around wearing our many hats (wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, etc.) and we let the busyness of this life drown out our quiet time with the Lord. We have all heard the saying, “Miss a devotional one day and you can tell the difference. Miss your devotional for a few days and everyone else can too.” By all means, this quiet time with the Lord was never meant to be legalistic-- another check on our everlasting to-do list. Rather God beckons us to spend time with him because he loves us ; because he knows we need him. Because he knows that this life without Him is just too hard and we will find ourselves feeling empty. Ever have one of those days when you just feel like you have nothing else to give? I have! When those times come, I hear God’s still, small voice beckoning me to come away with him and be his love. To remember that he is my first love, and without him I will be like the gas tank in my yard…empty.

The remedy is so simple. Let’s commit this day to run away with God daily. Instead of letting busyness consume us, let us intentionally drown out the noise of this life. You see? I needed much more than hot water, I needed living water, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 (NIV)

Dear God, thank you for loving me so much and for desiring to spend time with me. Help me to remember that you are my first love and that you hold all things together in my life. With you I can do all things, but without you, I will continue to be frustrated, overwhelmed, and empty. Please still the voices of distraction that seek to draw me away from you and help me make the time to run away with you each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application:

How often do we think we need other things more than time with Jesus, only to find out that we traded our peace for something temporal? Consider the course of your day. What are some things that tend to distract you from having a quiet time (TV, housework, fifteen more minutes of sleep, Facebook, smart phones, etc.)? How can you trade in those things for a truly relaxing and refreshing quiet time?

Verses to consider:

“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men; for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107: 8-9 (NIV)

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:1-2 (NIV)

This is a repost of my very first blog with Parakaleo. However, as I study the book of Revelation with the youth girls at my church, I feel the Lord beckoning me to spend more time with HIM....to allow him to be my first love...all over again. :)

Follow Me

"Follow Me." Jesus spoke these words as he stood on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and called the brothers Simon (Peter) and Andrew to be his disciples (Mark 1:17). He spoke them to Matthew, sitting at the his tax collector’s booth (Matthew 9:9). Our Lord repeated his invitation often, changing the lives of many forever (Matthew 8:22; Luke 18:22).

“Follow Me.” Jesus speaks those same words to all his disciples still today, including each of us. We all lead busy lives, lives filled with family responsibilities, career obligations, and the tasks the come with being good friends, neighbors, and citizens. We also volunteer—often a lot—at church. In it all, Jesus’ words change our lives.

“Follow me,” Jesus says to us. We need to hear his invitation when our to-do list is a mile long and it seems nothing is getting accomplished. We need to hear that invitation when we experience anxiety at home, uncertainty at work, or conflict at church. We need to remember it when there are interruptions without end and when we feel all alone. We need to hear it especially when we’re bone tired and ready to give up, give out, give in.

Follow also means to imitate. Jesus carved out time for prayer (Luke 6:12) and rest (Mark 6:31). We should we note our own needs for these same things.

Challenge: Worship the Lord and rest in Him today. Even if it's just 5 minutes. A worship song and  a prayer. 

Bling It!

Today I encountered a mom who was exhausted, a mom in fear, and another filled with anxiety. Exhaustion, fear and anxiety over those God has chosen to place in our homes.  How am I to respond to these Moms?  

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I can relate to exhaustion.  How many hours of sleepless nights have I experienced under the titles of Mom, nurse or teacher? 

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I can relate to fear. Fearing the unknown.  Would I choose the right foods, would they choose the right friends, what kind of experiences would they encounter out of my presence?

I can relate to anxiety.  I’ve known anxiety for our children about developmental issues, financial limitations, and even future relational turmoil.

My friends weren’t looking for me to relate necessarily.  I don’t have the right solutions and often not even the right suggestions.  Truth is, I can’t even fully relate to their situations, because the variables compare to Mount Everest.

The best I could do for them is to “Bling It!” “Bling it” you ask?  Well yeah!  God’s Word is a treasure trove.  If I asked your children what is in a treasure chest they would say it was filled with beautiful shiny things.  Things of value like gold and silver, objects like jewelry and silver serving pieces. 

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My friends need the balm of God’s Word to help them sort through the days events.  I didn’t do a Google search as we spoke; I simply shared the most recent “bling” I had received through my personal study. The verses (or “blings”) didn’t need to be perfectly quoted or explained with a three-point outline.  They only needed to hear it.  His Spirit in them could reveal anything that might encourage, correct, comfort or direct their thinking or possible reactions.

Some of those “Blings” included:

Philippians 4: 8  "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.”

I Thessalonians 5: 23 – 24 “…He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it!”

Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 “Trust in the Lord…lean not on your own understanding…”

 Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you."

I encourage you to share your “Bling!”  You don’t have to be bashful or ashamed. As God encourages you, just “Bling It!” to others.

I challenge you to care for your family and friends enough to “Bling It!” 

(Another definition of "Bling It!")

May I suggest another way to care for others is through prayer?   I heard Lenea Heitzig say this week about praying for our friends, “Who knows that my prayers might be the ‘game changer’ for another!”

I Voted For...

President Obama? Mitt Romney? A third party? I am…. A Democrat? A Republican? An Independent?

Oh, don’t you wish I would tell you my political persuasions! There is so much heated debated on both sides of the spectrum, but there are two things you can be sure of: (1) God is in control. (2) We need to pray for our leaders.

Each day we should glorify the Lord in our actions. Christianity, as you already know, is so much more than a Sunday thing. So as we celebrate this President’s Day, let us all take the time as a family to pray for the President and the authorities of our country. Trust me, it will make an impact on your kids. They may not remember who you voted for and why, but they will remember praying for our leaders if you make it a regular practice in your home.

“Also, seek the peace and the prosperity of the city to which I have carried you to exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you will too.” Jeremiah 29:7

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.” Titus 3:1

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you that you are good and in you there is no darkness at all. We lift up our lives to you, and we pray that our rulers and authorities will submit to you. We pray that you would take hold of their hearts and their minds so that they will be willing to do every good work that you have planned for them. Help them to shun what is evil and to love what is good. Give them wisdom to choose what is right and true according to your Word. May we be a nation that draws close to you. Help us to set a model of prayer in our families that our children will in turn continue with their families.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

I read this devotion a couple of weeks ago and I just could't get it out of my heart so I wanted to share it with you ladies to continue to pray for these families. Yesterday marked 3 weeks since these families lost some of their most precious possessions

Psalm 34:18 God is near to the broken hearted, He saves those who are broken in spirit
. 

December 19, 2012 How Do I Pray for the Families of Sandy Hook? By Lysa TerKeurst

"Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off." Proverbs 24:14

There are things mommies aren't ever supposed to find.

They aren't supposed to find themselves in a firehouse frantically looking for their child.

They aren't supposed to find their child's name on a list of those who won't be coming home. They aren't supposed to find a dress to wear to their child's funeral.

They aren't supposed to turn their calendar and find a date circled for the birthday party they were supposed to be planning next month. The one that won't be.

Or walk to the mailbox and find their child's dentist appointment reminder card. The receptionist forgot to pull that one out.

Or find a book they know their child would love. Only half way to the checkout counter they remember, their child is gone.

They aren't supposed to find these things.

They aren't supposed to find that grieving for a child is like navigating a path with chasms so wide their continued steps seem impossible. Terrifying. Hopeless.

I know these chasms. I watched my mom stare at them. I saw her wish she could fall in them and never have to take another painful step. I wept over everything she found reminding her my sister was gone.

That's how I know what God would have me pray right now. For the families of the loved ones that lost so much last Friday. But especially for the mommies.

The mommies that even right now are finding things no mommy should have to find.

I want my prayers to slip into those chasms and somehow fill them. I am asking God to show me. Make me aware of the specific things those mommies might find in the months to come.

When the black dresses are hanging in the closets. The media has packed up and gone home. The cards stop coming. The neighbors' lives go back to normal.

And in the quietness of her own grief that mommy finds something. Something that breaks her heart all over again. And in that space of pure grief, she feels horrifically alone.

Please Lord, let my prayers go there. Prick my heart to fill that chasm with layers of prayers from my mommy heart. Let me take the deep grief of that moment so she doesn't have to be so alone.

Though she won't see me or hear my prayers, may she feel an unexplainable sense of Your presence. And know. You.

That's what I pray she does find. You. With her. Comfort. Peace. Healing. Hope.

Oh God, show us how to pray.

Dear Lord, thank You that Your Son and Holy Spirit pray for us when we don't have words. Please fill in the gaps of my prayers, but also help me respond when You prompt me to pray for the hurting. It's only by Your sufficient grace we can do this. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Reflect and Respond:
Let's be a people of prayer. Please leave a prayer on Lysa's blog for the family and friends, teachers and first responders, churches and community organizations, of Sandy Hook, Connecticut.

Power Verses:
Ephesians 6:8, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." (NIV)

Romans 8:26, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." (NIV)

*courtesy of Proverbs 31 writer Lysa TerKeurst

To the Mother

This prayer was written by Julie (www.happyhomefairy.com) in dedication to the moms in Newtown, Conneticutt who lost their beloved children. When words fail us, when we can't understand "why", when answers elude us, let us PRAY.



To the Mother who packed her child’s lunch yesterday, not knowing he might not eat it.

To the Mother who fixed her child’s hair, not knowing those strands of hair would be the last to grace the brush.

To the Mother who dropped her child off at school, not knowing the horror that awaited.

To the Mother who has presents stored in secret that will not be opened this Christmas.

To the Mother who had to drive to the school wondering if her child might not be there.

To the Mother who has to wrestle with cameras and news people while grieving.

To the Mother whose world has forever been changed by this tragedy.

I pray that in the coming days you will have someone to hold your hand.

I pray that you will have someone to weep with.

Someone who will read Psalm 23 or Psalm 121 to you.

Someone who will remind you of the Truth – when your mind wants to go places it shouldn’t.

I pray that you will sense His presence with you every second of every awful minute.

I pray that you will be overwhelmed by an outpouring of kindness and support from the Church.

And because this happened at the time it did, I pray that Christmas will not be ruined for you.

That from now on this season will not be one marked by pain and suffering.

But instead I pray that God will use this season to remind you of His presence among us.

Comfort that our Savior is HERE.

He came.

He came to conquer evil. To overcome death. To destroy the enemy.

This tiny baby… This child… He came at Christmas to bring peace, love, and hope…

Hope that one day we will be celebrating His second coming in eternity.

With no weeping, no hurting, no suffering, no violence, and no pain.

To the Mother in Newtown, Connecticut, I pray these things.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” Isaiah 9:2,6-7

Renewal By Waiting

Hi Ladies!  My name is Dawn and I’m so excited to be a part of Parakaleo.  Two weeks ago, my friend, Patrice, told me about an opportunity to write a monthly devotional to share with other moms.  I’m very thankful the Lord has opened this door and I look forward to getting to know you all better.  For the past week and a half, I’ve enjoyed reading the posts that have been coming to my inbox.  

Before I go any further, I’d like to take a minute or two to tell you a little bit about myself.  I’m a mom to three amazing kids; Hailey, 16, Chase, 12 and Jillian, 11.  In a few months, my husband, Brian, and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage.  Six years ago, we relocated from Ft. Lauderdale to the mountains of North Carolina to plant a church.  I’m a native Virginian, so North Carolina was a little like going home for me, although, I’ve never lived a such a small, rural area before.  I would describe my life as organized chaos, between homeschooling, spending time with my family, working, and helping my husband in the church.  I’m very thankful for this opportunity to share my heart with you and I pray, that through this blog, the Lord will continue to be glorified and we’ll continue to be edified.

I don’t know about you, but I have a very difficult time waiting.  Whether it’s waiting on my chocolate chip cookies to finish baking (Mmm. I can smell them now), waiting for the Lord to reveal fruit in my ministry, and I’m embarrassed to admit, waiting for the cashier in Walmart; waiting is not my strong suit.  And we all know, as moms, we spend A LOT of time waiting, especially on our kids.  When they’re little, we wait for them to sleep through the night, to learn how to talk, and to learn how to walk.  When they’re older, we wait for them to come home at night, to get their driver’s license, and to receive acceptance letters from colleges.  Waiting plays a big part in our lives.  And sometimes, all that waiting can leave us feeling drained.  Sigh.  

But check out what Isaiah 40:31 says:

“But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.”  (NKJV)

Now, that’s certainly good news to me!  With all of the waiting I do in life, the most effective time I spend waiting is when I wait on the Lord.  When I choose to begin my day reading my Bible or a devotional or maybe praying in the shower, it makes all the difference in the world.  Inviting Christ to be the head of my life, each day, helps me put all of the other waiting in proper perspective.  Not to mention, waiting on the Lord, has a wonderful promise attached; our strength will be renewed and we won’t suffer from complete exhaustion and burnout.  I find, the majority of times I’m worn out from “mommying,” is when I’m trying to do it in my own strength; relying on me to get it all done.  And while that’s a bad pattern we all fall into from time to time, I want to encourage you to purpose in your heart to spend time waiting on the Lord every day.  I know this may not seem doable, especially if your children are very young, but I can assure you, that if you carve out that time, be it, five minutes or fifty five minutes, not only will you benefit, but so will they.  When my kids were in the baby and toddler stages, I spent countless hours in the car, either worshiping to praise CDs or listening to Bible teaching on the radio.  At that time in my life, my spirit was refreshed every time I turned my car into my prayer closet.  

Spending time in the presence of God transforms our hearts to be more like His and our homes to be a refuge for our families.  Raising godly children is a mountain sized task  which requires strength that only comes from the Lord.  And by His design, the only way we can tap into that strength is when we wait on Him.       

By the way, the cookies were worth the wait.  Although, they can’t begin to compare with the strength we get from waiting on the Lord!

1.  What hinders you from spending time with God each day?

2.  How do you define “waiting on the Lord”?

3.  Think of some creative ways you and your children can wait on the Lord together.