Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess

Book Review: Big Book of Bible Heroes Devotionals

Posted on December 22, 2017December 21, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you read a devotional? Do your kids and grandkids? It is never too early to start the habit of feeding your spirit and mind with the good nutrition it needs. I love giving (and receiving) devotional for Christmas. With the New Year just a week away, it is the perfect time to begin or continue a practice of reading something everyday that will enrich your life and deepen your Walk. Children need this, too.

“My Big Book of Bible Heroes Devotional” by author Glenn Hascall is a wonderful paperback devotional for children, boys and girls. Published by Barbour, this inspirational 160 page book has a vibrant eyecatching cover with a golden sunburst overlaid with four biblical heroes. Inside are stories printed on thick glossy paper of fifty heroes and heroines from the Bible. Each story is three pages long and written for easy understanding. Readers will find a reference where each story is in the Bible, scripture relating to the story, followed by the story or devotional and a prayer, and finishing up with discussion/study questions to help dig deeper into what was just read.

“My Big Book of Bible Heroes Devotional” includes a multitude of well known heroes and heroines such as David, Mary, Ruth, Daniel, and Samson. There are also some less familiar people included which will teach children their stories, too. This is an educational and encouraging devotional for girls and boys aged 7 to 12. The reading level is 2nd/3rd and the message is not only interesting but thought provoking. This devotional shows kids that heroes are everyday people. God uses and loves us all.

It would make a great devotional for grade school children and even lower middle schoolers. Family devotion time would be a perfect time to read this and discuss the Bible. Each story would make a nice bedtime read, too. Church libraries and classes would benefit from having one. I highly recommend this devotional and have one wrapped up for my eight year old grandson. Start something great for 2018 for someone young. You will be deeply rewarded and filled with joy by the seedsyou are planting today.

What is Your Christmas Tradition?

Posted on December 21, 2017December 21, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Grandmother’s family had a tradition of playing the Christmas Gift game. Does your family do this? I would love to hear your story of it. Only Grandmother did it and the older I get the more I wish we had kept the tradition alive in our family. Growing up I listened in wonderment as my proper Grandmother turned back into a fun loving girl again. In the game of Christmas Gift, the first person to say “Christmas Gift” earned the first gift, an extra gift, for that day. Grandmother would answer her phone “Christmas Gift” instead of the normal “Merry Christmas” as the majority of people do. She loved that game. It reminded her of her childhood and holidays at home. Research on this game revealed that it could be done for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It started as a custom that was broadly practiced by families from the southern parts of the United States. My Grandmother (paternal) grew up near Richmond, Kentucky and was definitely a fine Southern lady.

My daughter-in-law has German heritage and continues a German Christmas tradition. On their Christmas each year is a hidden glass pickle ornament. The lucky person to find the ornament is supposed to receive a finder’s gift and good fortune for the next year. It is said that these ornaments were first sold in the United States in 1880.

I don’t remember any other specific Christmas traditions. Sure we decorate, make cookies and candy, and visit family. Nothing exceptional or out of the ordinary. We used to have a progressive dinner for my mother and her siblings. That could be a blog in itself. Now things are just toned down.

Toned down describes Jesus’ birth. Nothing elaborate and fancy. Born in a stable with shepherds as messengers to spread the news. Jesus had humble beginnings and taught humility. I looked up the meaning of humble: having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance, not haughty, arrogant, assertive, or proud. Wow – if anyone had a reason to feel important or know He was important, it was Jesus, but He acted like a servant to all. Jesus was not proud, conceited, or arrogant. He did not push people around or assert Himself. Jesus resonated love, purity, goodness, and patience. He taught us what things really mattered. Lessons in riches showed us that our treasures are not here on Earth in things but in Heaven with Him and the Father. His family is our family. We should love and care for them as He wants us.

This year just might be the perfect time to start a new Christmas tradition. One that is pleasing to and lead by Jesus. Pray about it, open your heart and mind. Maybe some type of donation or charity would be for your family. Perhaps buying some livestock, chickens or seed for someone makes your heart sing. If you decide on one, I would love to hear about it. “Peace on Earth and goodwill to men.”

What do you think of when someone says Christmas?

Posted on December 20, 2017December 20, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Christmas. One word but very powerful. What do you think about when someone says Christmas? Quick….what was your first thought? Family? Food? Cookie making? Decorations? Santa? Gifts? The Nativity?Baby Jesus? There are so many things associated with Christmas. Right?! It takes days to prepare for it. It is the same date every year, December 25th, but some years it seems to come quicker than others for me. This year is one of them, but it is coming whether I am ready or not.

One thing that keeps me sane and grounded instead of frenzied is to remember it is Advent. Do you participate in Advent? Advent Season is in the end stages now so I have had twenty days to get my priorities in order. Christians start December 1st preparing their hearts and minds for the true meaning of Christmas. Even if you did not begin December 1st, it is never too late to jump in. Reflecting on God is what I do first. What better place to start than with God for anything? Think about the powerful Maker of everything deeming we needed help here on Earth so He came down as a baby. Living life among us, Jesus changed our lives forever. Literally, He changed our eternity.

Our Father, Creator, God Almighty came to Earth not as a royal prince, waited on hand and foot. Oh no! He came to an everyday couple, lowly not affluent. Everything did not go what we think of as perfect, but it went according to God’s plan. The couple was out of town with no place to stay when Mary’s labor began, and they were allowed to take shelter in a stable or cave along with animals. Mary had her baby away from home, friends, and midwives to give birth amidst animals. That was God’s plan. His plan also included His Son being beaten and crucified later in life. Jesus made a bridge between God and man. We are now able to go straight to our Heavenly Father and ask for forgiveness for our sins. Our debts have been paid by the Lamb of God. No more sacrifices are necessary. Jesus opened Heaven’s doors for us. He set us free and it cost us nothing. We just need to receive His gift, believe He is God’s Son, and repent of our sins.

Take a few minutes out of the hectic, Christmas rush today. Stop wrapping presents and baking cookies. Give shopping a break. Grab a cup of hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Find a quiet place to sit where you won’t be disturbed. Spend some quiet time with your Creator. The One that cared enough about you that He sent His Son to Earth to give you salvation is waiting to hear from you this Advent. Let Him help you prepare your heart. Don’t stress and worry that things are not getting done. You don’t need to spend hours in prayer. Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Even if it is 3 or 5 minutes it will be well worth it. Spending time with God in prayer will reward you in ways you could never imagine.

Mary’s Baby Bring Joy

Posted on December 19, 2017December 18, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Christmas is a time of miracles and for families. As I prepare for it this year my mind continues to gravitate back to that first Christmas. As a mother, grandmother, and aunt it makes me wonder what the women of Mary’s family thought about her and her baby, God’s Son. Did they throw her a shower or babysit Him? Did they offer advice and help? Who was expected to attend Mary at the baby’s delivery?

In our family a baby is a big deal. Phone start buzzing as soon as the couple see the positive on that little stick. Grandparents-to-be are over the moon excited as are aunts and uncles. Siblings and cousins eagerly await the new one, also. Funny, adorable pictures are sent or put on Facebook to let everyone know a new member will be added to the family. There are showers to flood the family with all kinds of things for the baby. Several of my friends have had Grammy showers.

There is not much information on the women in her family or Joseph’s. Some data can be found on the men but not women. Women were not mentioned much in biblical times, mostly just men. Mary was an only child. I remember that from church and readings. It was indicated that she was a devoted daughter and very good. Greek scrolls list Mary’s parents as Anne or Anna and Eli. They do not name grandparents. Joseph had siblings so Jesus had aunts, uncles, and cousins. When studying about His family it is very controversial about if He had siblings. I am not well versed enough to comment or debate this. You will need to study up on it yourself and then please let me know your thoughts.

Confusing and emotional to think that God’s Son had a literal earthly family. Don’t you wonder what they thought? Mary announced she was untouched and having a baby. Joseph backed her up. Wait a minute, she was pregnant and they were just betrothed. Mary claimed she hadn’t been unfaithful nor had Joseph known her. Did his family urge Joseph to stone or divorce her? Did Mary’s family make fun of her and think her mentally ill or promiscuous? What would we do if one of our family members announced something miraculous and could only come from God, had happened to them? Would we believe them? Be envious or skeptical? Maybe happy? Excited? Would we want to hear the tale of this blessing and revelation from God Himself? Maybe we would yearn to know every detail of what Abba said and how His voice sounded. We might believe them. Perhaps or perhaps not. Humans are curious by nature but hard to convince.

Can you imagine how her parents felt when young teenage Mary left on a donkey in the late stages of pregnancy to go with Joseph to Bethlehem for the census? This mama here would have been climbing the walls if my daughter had done something like that. From that first step of the donkey until the first glimpse of her return, Mary’s mother was probably walking the floor. Mary left pregnant and came back a mother. The journey took a while to make, too, with no way to get news to her family. Oh my! Mary had her baby without her mother or other family there. Did she return and announce “here is Jesus, our Savior.” Probably not. Mary most likely had to keep that bit of knowledge to herself. Treasuring that blessing and holding it deep within her. However, I would think Mary’s family gathered around to see her new bouncing baby boy when she and Joseph returned from Bethlehem. Families are universal and a baby unites them. He brings hope and joy. Everyone smiles around a baby. Happiness abounds when an infant is nearby. Women want to hold him. Children want to see his toes. Men turn into a pile of mush and say sing-songy things in a funny voice. Babies bring families together.

The same happened with Mary’s baby. God came to Earth as an infant, part man and God, as Jesus. He experienced things as we do. The advice and counsel we get is really from an “I’ve been there myself” viewpoint. Jesus understands. He gets it. He was scorned, beaten, harassed, bullied, and crucified. You name it and it was probably done to our Redeemer. True to scripture Jesus fulfilled prophecy proving He is God’s son. He unites all mankind and invites us to join His family, God’s family. He offers peace, hope, and happiness. He offers love and forgiveness. He offers joy. Joy to the world.

Read a Book Monday: #GOSPEL

Posted on December 18, 2017December 14, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Are you a Bible reader? Have the stories in the Bible ever seemed not relevant to life today? I found a book that takes scripture and applies it to everyday modern life. It was written to give life, hope, and truth to Generation Now. A generation that is seeking God and desperately needs to find Him.

#GOSPEL: Life, Hope, and Truth for Generation Now by author Daniel Rice was a refreshing look at Scripture and the Gospels. It has a revolutionary, contemporary new insight to catch attention fast. Just like in today’s fast faced world with television, video games, and going from one thing to another, author Rice is ready to grab attention and not let go. This young adult ministry and evangelism book from Barbour Publishing will draw in young adults and older ones, too. The large hashtag on the front cover is filled with trendy hashtags such as #Craycray. Just the cover will draw teens and twenty somethings to the book.

“Five to ten seconds. After that, the filter kicks in.”

There are chapters filled with stories that really explain things in the language of today for the generation of today. The author explains that in our world today we have a short few seconds to make an impression on someone and win them over to listen to our story. “Five to ten seconds. After that, the filter kicks in.” Most of the time we are tuned out, shut out. Author Rice has taken the gospel and put it in everyday language and situations so that the Now Generation will better understand it. He has made it contemporary and new. Taking the stories from Paul in Romans this author uses everyday examples and tales to make the Bible relevant and alive TODAY.

This is the first book I have read by author Rice. I really enjoyed it. He has a very smooth, easy writing style. The book was nice to read and hard to put down. It was interesting, gave me ideas, and made sense. I would give this to a wide variety of people. People seeking God, those with questions about their new found faith, teenagers and young adults, people working with youth, are just some of the ones that would benefit from this book. For me this is a five star read. It truly is a great book and I plan on giving a few copies this Christmas. You should, too.

Book Review: Prayers for a Heart-Shaped Life by Karen Moore

Posted on December 17, 2017December 16, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

What shape is your life? I had never thought about it before until I read this book on prayer. That’s right, prayer. The title is “Prayers For a Heart Shaped Life…..inspiring prayers for living life heart first.” Interesting. What does that mean? Living heart first. I was hooked. Let me read more please, a lot more.

With its whimsical hardcover “Prayers For a Heart-Shaped Life” by author Karen Moore will catch your attention if the title doesn’t first. Hot pink heart hot air balloons and flowers along with blue balloons and puffy clouds just make this cover happy. I want to smile every time I look at it. The small but mighty book is brimming full with 200 prayers that are “inspiring for living life heart first.” I was intrigued by the title and won over by the cover. Then I started reading……oh my! I was so hooked. It is 224 pages and I wanted more.

Author Moore has written a book to help us get closer to God. It is a God glorifying book meant to strengthen or even establish a relationship with our loving Father. The 200 prayers are set up as daily devotions. Each page has a title, scripture, and prayer. The prayer cuts to the chase. On the day “Doing the Right Thing” the scripture is James 4:17 (Remember it is sin to know what to do and then not do it.) and the prayer begins “Dear Lord, I have sinned against You…”. Wow, total honesty. Our God already know that anyway, but He just wants us to admit it to Him and ourselves. All of the prayers are like this, meant to draw us closer to God.

This beautifully inspiring book opens with a note to readers from author Moore. She starts it with “Dear Friends” and through her heartfelt writing becomes one. She seems to know with what readers are struggling. Topics are relevant and meaningful. The prayers are encouraging and lead to waiting more time with our Heavenly Father. It concludes with a prayer from Martin Luther and then has a scripture index.

Moore’s prayers will lead you into a special time with the Heavenly father and gently remind you to come to Him when you need an extra dose of encouragement. The prayers are titled so you can find a particular prayer to fit a particular need if you desire. I love the simpleness of the prayers as well as the encouragement and inspiration they contain.

There is a silky green ribbon attached to mark your place. The prayers are not complicated or overthought, but they are sincere and moving. The issues are real. Some days I read prayers over and over again. I read them to help me or to a friend that needed encouragement. The intent of this prayer book is to lead us to God each day and live our lives with our hearts. We should give our hearts to God and watch where He takes us. Talk about inspiring and encouraging. This is it! I loved it. It is definitely a 5 star recommendation from me. I will be giving some for Christmas gifts as well as keeping one for myself. You should check it out.

Is it Better to Give, Receive or Both?

Posted on December 15, 2017December 14, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you finished your gift shopping? Christmas is right around the corner. For me it seems like one day the leaves were just beginning to turn and then poof….it’s time to wrap Christmas presents. Let’s talk about presents. What is your view on gift-giving? Are you more of a giver or receiver? Which gives you more satisfaction and joy? Perhaps you like both. I do. Giving gifts is a privilege, and getting them is a real treat. I love how it makes me feel to know someone cared enough to spend time on me. I feel loved.

It gives me great delight to choose and buy the perfect gift for people I love. I have a chance to reflect upon that person, his/her life, and our relationship while I peruse a variety of things. A lot of thought and time goes into each purchase. Many times prayer does, also. I strive to make the person receiving my gift surprised and happy, but most of all loved and special. I want them to know that I pay attention to their lives, that they are important.

“I’m not a fan of gift cards…”

That is why I am not a fan of gift cards. Why do people just trade money with each other? In essence, it isn’t a gift exchange. To me it is basically saying “you aren’t adequate to choose something for me.” Gift cards are the most impersonal gifts next to slipping money in an envelope. Harsh words I agree, but it has been heavy on my heart and mind for a long time. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place for both money and gift cards. However, each and every holiday is a bit too much.

Unfortunately for some, gift giving has evolved into a chore and not an act of love. Not me, I thrive in showing my love through gifts and not gift cards. My spirit is crushed when I hear “let’s draw names to cut down on expense”. Money shouldn’t be a problem in gift giving. There are many gifts that can be made. It really is the thought that counts. One year my son made every gift he gave. That was over twenty years ago and we are still talking about it. Gifts should come from the heart, wrapped in love. They should relate to others that we thought about them during this Season of Miracles and Love. They should let others know how important they are to us, as important as a teacher or mailman. They should build memories, happy ones.

Gifts should not make Christmas stressful. Gifts should make it happier for both giver and receiver. Think about the very first Christmas. “Joy to the World.” Jesus was the gift to us. A miracle gift of love. Sent from God to all of us. He wasn’t sent to make our lives harder or stressful. No, not at all. He was sent as our Savior to set us free! Jesus taught and spread love. He paid our debt and gave us the best gift of all. Eternal life. Yes, I love to give and receive gifts. His gift just happens to be my favorite one. How about you? Have you accepted His gift?

Read a Book Monday: “Convicted” a true story and must read

Posted on October 2, 2017October 1, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Some books are good diversions from everyday life. Others grab me by my heart and won’t let go even after I finish them. This one still has me in its grasp. “Convicted: A Crooked Cop, an Innocent Man, and an Unlikely Journey of Forgiveness and Friendship” is a page turning, engulfing true story by authors Jameel Zookie McGee, Andrew Collins, and Mark Tabb. This is the story of two men and how Jesus worked in their lives to provide healing and forgiveness. Set in Benton Harbor, Michigan and St. Joseph across the river, this story tells of the different lifestyles the two places provide. It is a story of black and white, right and wrong, grace and mercy, forgiveness and redemption, and God’s healing love.

Convicted is an excellent well researched, written, and organized story. The writing is done in a nice manner. It flowed smoothly and the story definitely held my attention from page one until I finished the book. I ran the gamut of emotions while reading the story, too. Rage, disbelief, love, heartbreak, forgiveness, grace, and everything in between. I cried (and cried) while reading this touching story.

This true story is the tale of two men, a white policeman and a black man shopping for food. Their lives intersect at a store in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The shopper, Jameel McGee, was arrested but did not commit the crime. Andrew Collins, the policeman, falsely arrested him for possession of drugs with the intention to hdistribute. Jameel is obviously angry and disturbed about the unlawful arrest. To be sure that another drug dealer is in jail and off the streets, Officer Collins falsifies his report and lies to the court about Jameel. This sends Jameel to prison for three years. As time goes on, Jameel hears from God and learns to forgive and let go. Andrew on the other hand has continued his bad ways and ends up in prison himself.

The lessons learned in this book are relevant in today’s society. First off, we need to be honest. God has given us laws to live by and we need to obey them, We need to show grace and forgive others. We can and should, no must, turn to God and ask for His forgiveness first. Healing comes from Him. Redemption comes from God.

I would recommend this to everyone. Men and women alike will enjoy this book. Teens, too. It stays with you long after you have finished it. Really a thought provoking book. This would be a fantastic book club read because it needs to be discussed. I wouldn’t be surprised if this isn’t made into a movie someday. Definitely a 5 star rating.

Read a Book Monday: “Journey into Grace: 150 Devotions for Women”

Posted on September 11, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you read a devotional or devotional everyday? Some people ready many thriving on the inspiration and encouragement they glean from them. Others are not as fortunate to have much or any free time to read. It is important to nourish and feed your soul just like it is your body. I have found a great devotional for both groups. If you need a quick three or four minute lesson to read alone or add to your arsenal, try this one.

Journey into Grace by Darlene Sala, Bonnie Sala and Luisa Reyes-Ampil is a 336 page paperback filled with inspirational devotions and published by Barbour. Each devotion only takes a few minutes so it is perfect for the person wanting a quick morning devotion before starting the day or maybe one before ending it at night. I found them encouraging and thought provoking.

This devotional book is extremely well written. It is organized and planned out nicely. Each daily devotional is comprised of a scripture, short devotional message, some reflection questions and a conversation with God prayer. The authors selected topics that are relatable and relevant to women today. Subjects include: discernment, love, priorities, time, things out of our control, surrendering to God, and so many more. Often the devotional was like a mini Sunday School lesson, teaching me.

Did I enjoy this devotional? Absolutely. It encouraged and guided me. Gave me strength and comfort. I received inspiration and deepened my daily time spent with the Father. It spoke to me. I would recommend it to any woman. Having three authors provides the variety that is needed to give different perspectives. All are heart warming and definitely gave me thing to reflect upon throughout the day.

This would make a wonderful Christmas or Birthday gift. When buying it, don’t forget to pick up a copy for yourself. You deserve it! It gets a 5 star rating from me.

Read a Book Monday: “Deeper Waters, Immensed in the Life Changing Truth of God’s Word” by Denise Hughes

Posted on August 28, 2017August 28, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you ever read a book that touched your heart and mind? It felt like the book was written just to help you and transform your life? Me, too! That was what happened when I read “Deeper Waters – Immersed in the Life-Changing Truth of God’s Word” written by Denise Hughes. This phenomenal paperback published by Harvest House hits the streets September 1st. It is 242 pages of wealth on digging deeper into God’s Word and Voice. Pre-purchase it and receive a free book along with it.

Divided into four parts and followed with an Epilogue, author Hughes starts her book with “The Voice We Hear” and I am immediately hooked. Who wouldn’t be? Not only a Christian Living book, this turned out to be a Bible Study and partial Memoir. The author is transparent in her book and shares with readers the personal and heart-stirring story of what brought her to God’s Word. She reveals her struggles, trials and triumphs making her relatable. By the end of the book I felt like I had a new friend and (much younger) mentor. She helped me when I didn’t realized I needed help.

I enjoyed her writing style and insights very much. It was easy to read and understand while being thought provoking at the same time. This book is well organized, well thought, and well written. Most of all it is God glorifying and helps each reader with her Christian Walk and reading God’s precious Word. The author’s love and joy for God is contagious just by reading her powerful words. She has a passion for God and wants to share it.

“Deeper Waters” is a Book for those wanting to dig deeper and not just skim the surface of God’s Word. Her suggestion for anyone and everyone, whether a seasoned bible reader or novice just beginning, is to read, write, and pray God’s Word. No typing. Write it with your hand on paper so that it stays with you. She has a variety of things to share to enlighten and encourage. There is much more packed into this impactful jewel.

I definitely recommend this wonderful book. It will make you delve deeper into the Bible and strengthen your relationship with God. You will find yourself looking deep into yourself, also. “Where do you feel most comfortable? Where is your place to read your Bible and connect with God? Do you really, really know you can bring everything to God?” This is a great readers group or bible study book. It has so much to think on and discuss. Buy a copy for yourself and a friend. You will want to discuss it and how it impacts your life. It gets a 5 star recommendation.