Been There, Done That, Let Me Help

Posted on March 16, 2019March 15, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The other day we were going somewhere new. The address did not sound familiar and the GPS often is unreliable. “Turn left” it tells me when there is no stree! My parents had been to our destination and offered for us to ride with them or follow behind. It was so much easier going with someone who had already been there.

Having made the trip before us, my parents knew what to look for and what might go wrong. They also knew where to turn to make the journey easier. Traveling together allowed quality time to chat and catch up. The drive which I was dreading turned out to be lovely and extremely enjoyable.

The journey of life is exactly like that. People who have travelled the same path can help us. By giving us direction, tips from their journey or just going with us, others can chase anxiety away. They can take our hand and walk beside us to let us know we have a traveling companion, a seasoned on. Not only are they assisting us, but they are serving God. Scripture says in Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”

Do you ever look to someone for counsel? Someone who has gone through a tough situation and made it through with flying colors? We need people to encourage us. My sweet grandson Isaac is special needs and my daughter Vanessa is always offering support to other parents of special needs children. Isaac is now seven so it is routine now, but she will never forget the trying first months.

Sometimes I forget that I am serving God by helping others. Do you? We need to make it such second nature that we just do helpful things. Chatting with someone on the phone recently we were able to offer encouragement to each other. Taking a meal to a new set of parents brought tears to their eyes. Offering to pray with someone immediately stunned them speechless, but they were very appreciative.

We have all “been there, done that” so let’s take those experiences to serve Abba and someone here in need. It makes a great Lenten project for however often you decide. Even if it isn’t for Lent, don’t ever give up doing good for others.

I Love to Tell the Story Book Tour and Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on March 13, 2019March 13, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to the “I Love to Tell the Story” book tour and give away. Celebrate Lit is providing this to give readers an opportunity to learn about this wonderful book and author, Susan Barnett Braun. The author has a giveaway for not only her delightful book but also a $20 Amazon gift card.

My thoughts

Author Susan Barnett Braun has written a delightful memoir about growing up in an Indiana small town Baptist Church. Her conservative upbringing brought back many happy memories of my own, and I found myself nodding often as I read. I smiled while reading this book and often got her introductory hymn for a chapter stuck in my head.

Songs such as “Deep and Wide” or “I’m in the Lord’s Army” has me reliving my times singing at church using correlating hand motions. The closing chapter, “Amazing Grace” is extremely good. For this Christian woman the book was a trip down memory lane and made me ecstatic.

We had a lot in common as her hometown, Seymour, Indiana, is just a half hour up from me. That knowledge made me even more eager to read her book. Being a baby-boomer, too, was another commonality we shared. Don’t think you need to be either one to enjoy this feel good, inspirational book. It is for everyone.

Author Braun has a smooth style of writing. The book was well organized and read like a conversation with a friend over coffee. The author is totally transparent and writes with heartfelt honesty. Humor is sprinkled in just the right amount. There are memories of nostalgic television shows, crafts, and things adults will find take them back a few decades. I had forgotten about latch hook kits myself but never About I Love Lucy.

There is no negativeness associated with the church which I appreciated more that I can express. Bravo author Braun! We need more honest, Christian autobiographies and memoirs to tell that side. A lot of people, me included, have mostly or only happy memories of church.

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This book is a jewel. I absolutely loved it. My heart warmed at the stored treasures it found just reading this book. It would be a nice book for anyone to read and enjoy. Children today have been robbed of the upbringing we had. Teens should read this and hopefully glean a little insight for Christian growth.

For me it was a very quick read. “I Love to Tell the Story” left me feeling refreshed, renewed, and like I had a new friend. I highly recommend it. It would be a great book club read or for a small group. There is a lot of discussion material within those pages. It gets a 5 star rating from me.

A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest opinions.

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About the Book

Book: I Love to Tell the Story
Author: Susan Barnett Braun
Genre: Memoir

Is it possible to emerge unscathed from an evangelical upbringing? Yes, as surely as David slew Goliath!

I Love to Tell the Story is Susan Barnett Braun’s account of growing up Baptist in a small midwestern town, touching on many cultural icons common to those who came of age in the 1970s. Braun recounts childhood obstacles, which loom as large as the walls of Jericho in her eyes. She encounters a trio of Sunday school mean girls who make King Herod look tame. She worries about being “ugly as sin” due to her chubbiness, glasses, and braces. She’s so consumed with the idea of Jesus’ imminent return that she wonders whether it’s even worthwhile to brush her teeth at night.

Humorous, poignant, and ultimately triumphant, I Love to Tell the Story will stay with readers long after the last Vacation Bible School craft stick cross has fallen apart.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Susan Barnett Braun earned a BS in retail management from Indiana University and an MA in education from the University of Alabama. She taught for eight years in northeast Indiana, earning a Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Study Scholarship.

Susan has had work published in Parents, Children’s Ministry, and The Secret Place. She also writes online for Fort Wayne Visitor’s Bureau and blogs at Girls in White Dresses.

She is married with three wonderful young adult daughters. Susan enjoys reading, playing piano and organ, and spending her time with her family and pets (currently three rabbits and a chinchilla).

Guest Post from Susan

One of the reasons I began blogging, ten years ago now, was to document my childhood memories for my kids. Why? When I was a teacher, before I had kids, I used to tell my students stories from my youth. They loved them and begged for more. Same thing when I had my own kids. I wanted to document these tales, but the problem always came in finding the time and the motivation to actually get around to writing them down.

Childhood Memories Friday posts on my blog helped get me moving in the right direction. Eventually, I began thinking I’d like to compile a bunch of the memories into book form. Since many of my most vivid memories revolved around church, I decided that that was the perfect theme. And “I Love to Tell the Story” was born. Each chapter is titled with a hymn that reflects its theme. As I delved into the writing, I had a lot of fun reliving the decidedly memorable life I had led as a youth :). I realized, too, that many aspects of my conservative midwestern upbringing don’t exist anymore in the 21st century. I became nostalgic thinking about the many cultural markers of the 1970s — Lawrence Welk, the Flintstones, — even macrame and latch-hook!

Another goal in writing this book was to put out a positive Christian memoir. So many that I read started out fine, but then dissolved into abuse, disillusionment, or even worse. I began to wonder if anyone had grown up in the church and actually enjoyed the experience … surely I wasn’t alone, was I?

Treat yourself to a stroll down memory lane. It’s my hope that you’ll enjoy yourself.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 7

The Power of Words, March 8

Artistic Nobody, March 8 (Spotlight)

Spoken from the Heart, March 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 10

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, March 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 13

Texas Book-aholic, March 14

janicesbookreviews, March 15

A Reader’s Brain, March 16

Inklings and notions, March 17

The Becca Files, March 18

Real World Bible Study, March 19

Just the Write Escape, March 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away a grand prize of a copy of the book and a $20 Barnes and Noble gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/dcda/i-love-to-tell-the-story

Mothers and Daughters

Posted on March 7, 2019March 7, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

There is a special bond linking mothers and daughters. At this stage in my life I am a mother and daughter so I know first hand how amazing the relationship is. Both my mother and daughter are true blessings from Abba. The three of us share many things, our love of God being the most important.

Yesterday Vanessa, my daughter, came by to help me with some things. She just sensed things were unusually stressful for me. When her pretty face popped in it was followed by some beautiful purple flowers and red roses. A pick me up in my favorite colors and flowers given out of love brought warmth to my heart and tears to my eyes.

Often during conversations she can finish my sentences or nod before I even start talking. Does she read my mind? Maybe because she knows seems to know what I’m thinking. Same thing happens between me and Mom, too. Perhaps it is because we have spent so much quality time together.

Vanessa is a jewel and I am proud of the Christian woman she is. Of all the things I wished for her to be, a woman of faith was first on the list. Mission accomplished. Mom taught me about Jesus, and I taught my daughter.

Mothers and daughters start out as just that and will always be, but as they age they become close confidants and best friends. I delight in chatting with each of mine daily. Mom is a fountain of knowledge. Her voice is something I yearn to hear. I crave her wisdom. Vanessa is level headed and loving. I miss having her under my roof but delight in her family. She is a good wife and mother.

I love these women of faith, my women. They are my support system. It thrills me that we will spend eternity together. Oh the things we will do! It is mind boggling yet comforting at the same time. I cannot imagine it.

Thank you Vanessa and Mom for your love and support. Life would be so much harder without you two. You both are loved, appreciated, and treasured. My life is happy because of you.

Readers, who do you need to thank today? Reach out and tell someone how important they are. Are you certain you are spending eternity together. If not, have a chat with them. Make it a Thankful Thursday.

Unsolicited Advice

Posted on January 17, 2019January 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Since my husband has retired we spend almost all of our time together. Good thing we still love each other very much! Honestly, it is what I have been anticipating for many years, our time.

He never was one to do anything in the kitchen except lick the spoons or steal some cookie door off of the sheet right before I popped it into the oven. It made me ponder how my friends had gotten so lucky to have husbands that cooked. Not mine. He is a self proclaimed “eater”. Without eaters the world would not need cooks is his logic. (lol)

Last week I was preparing dinner. A simple beef roast with vegetables in my Rockcrok, a slow cooker. All of a sudden I had a supervisor. “Those potatoes need to be cut in quarters instead of halves.” my husband gingerly stated. Having gotten away with that a minute later he stopped me and said “Whoa, you have enough carrots in there.” Now I was getting a bit irritated. The final straw was when he asked “Do you always use that many herbs and keep the celery leaves on? Maybe that’s too much.”

I don’t tell him how to run things in the yard or take care of the vehicles, because I have no experience. He knows so much more than I do in those areas. Just like I know so much more about cooking than he does.

As soon as that comparison came to my mind, so did something else. How many times have I done the same thing with God? Ouch! Have I really tried to give advice or tell the Creator of the Universe what to do? Well, yes, I guess I have.

There have been times I have taken things to Him in prayer, and instead of asking that His will be done or for His help, I have listed what needed to be done. Have you ever done that? I would pray asking Him to do specific things so that the end result would be what I thought I needed. How ridiculous is that? The child giving instructions to the all knowing Father? Unsolicited advice being given to the One that directs us?

Scripture tells us in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Abba doesn’t need a work order from me. His way is perfect. He already knows what needs done and what will happen. All I need to do is lift my request to Him. God knows exactly what needs to be done. He is not waiting for my suggestions on how to solve a crisis.

My prayers now take a different tone. I know God knows and does what is best. When I pray I take my concerns to Him, thank Him for being bigger than any issue I have, and leave it with Him. Believe me, it isn’t always easy. Sure I would love to include my suggestions but that would be silly. Jehovah is our powerful God. He isn’t our God that needs help.

Think about this the next time you pray for something. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Ask Him for help not if He needs any.

Atoning for Ashes by Author Kaitlin Covel

Posted on January 15, 2019January 15, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Don’t you love finding a new author that has penned a book that is so captivating it grabs your attention within the first few pages? Me, too! Even better, how about if that novel pulls you so deeply inside that you just have to finish it in one sitting? Now you know it is a fantastic book, a page turner. That’s right. That’s what we are discussing today. Let the hubby fend for himself and the dishes pile up, I am reading author Kaitlin Covel’s “Atoning for Ashes” Christian historical romance and cannot be bothered. 60889CEE-D8F5-41D3-9181-9A24CAF92CBF

Author Covel is a delightful find for me. She is an exquisitely talented wordsmith that weaves a mesmerizing tale. Her characters are well rounded, flaws and all, and relatable. We became fast friends. Emotions were transferred from her characters to me through the author’s extraordinary writing ability. At times I was a nervous wreck and others giving advice to fictional characters or rejoicing with them.

Everything in her book was well researched, well organized, and extremely well written. I loved how she surprised me sometimes with various twists and turns. The author’s style of writing is nothing short of poetic. Even the conversations flowed smoothly. Covel writes English Regency romance as if she has experienced it first hand and passes the experience along to readers. This is a book to get lost in, but then some dark things happen. It is grabbed my attention early and held it all the way through until the end.

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Even though it is a God glorifying book, it tackles some adult issues. Expect fornication, attempted rape, alcoholism, pregnancy outside of marriage, murder, abuse, and struggles of self worth among the more difficult subjects in Atoning for Ashes. On the other side, look for redemption, forgiveness, grace, restoration, hope, love, trust, and family to shine brightly.

There are too many favorite quotes to list. I adore Christian books that do not shy away from discussing God and His mercy. It is especially refreshing reading about grace and redemption. If it is a Christian novel, please don’t make me hunt for the lesson and inspiration. This one did not make me search.

Now for something that did not sit well with me. First let me say that I am a grandmother so age may play into this, but I did not like the use of the word hell. If you are talking about the place where Satan inhabits, then it is fine, but if you are frustrated, don’t use it in a Christian novel. This seemed out of place in Christian fiction to me. Just my opinion. It might not bother you.

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I would highly recommend this jewel of a Christian romance fiction that has mystery, intrigue, inspiration, and action. Because of the adult content I would say an older teen (18) or young adult should be the youngest age to read this. A mature women’s group would certainly find a lot to discuss using this. Even with the one thing that I did not like, it earned a 5 out of 5 stars from me. I expect we will be hearing a lot about author Kaitlin Covel in the months to come. Watch for her. Mark your calendars for when this sure to be best seller comes out next month. You will be glad to have read the debut from this budding new author. I absolutely was.

i received an advanced reader copy but was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own, honest ones.

My Rating:

About the Book:

Josie Chadwick dreams of marrying for love in Cornwall, England, but with her father’s debt threatening to destroy all she holds dear, her romantic options are dwindling. When her elder sister Delia is disowned, Josie finds herself heiress of Chadwick Park, torn between dreams and duty. After sacrificing her heart to atone for Delia’s sin, Josie clings to the hope she will learn to love a distant husband, whom she fears is incapable of requiting her affection.

Charles Radcliffe’s heart has been scarred and hardened by rejection. He fears hurting his new bride, but his fears of betrayal and rejection are stronger, making it impossible for him to trust her love―let alone the love of her God.

As Josie and Charles face their new life together, ominous events warn of dark family secrets that could shatter them both. More than a loveless marriage is at stake if they cannot stand as one. Will they learn to trust God and each other before it’s too late?

Preorder your copy today! Releasing on February 14th.

Purchase Link:https://www.amazon.com/Atoning-Ashes-Novel-Kaitlin-Covel/dp/1632694840/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kaitlin Covel has a thirst for adventure much like the heroines of her stories and resides in her beloved state of Maine. She is an old-fashioned romantic, and if she could time travel to any historical period, it would be the Regency Era. Kaitlin is a certified Nutritional Therapist Technician, but writing is her passion. Her debut novel, Atoning for Ashes, releases on February 14th, 2019 from Deep River Books.

Visit her official website at http://www.kaitlincovel.com.

The Devoted Life, a Creative Journal by Marjorie Jackson

Posted on January 7, 2019January 4, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Nutrition is about what is in something that we put in our body. Like green beans or cookies. Everyone is aware of food nutrition, but are we aware of our spiritual needs? What are we feeding our soul? What do we give our young women to put into their hearts, minds, and spirits? I have just the thing.

The Devoted Life, a Creative Journal by Marjorie Jackson is delightful. It is marketed and labeled as being for teen girls, but any woman could use it. There are 31 devotions so this is a month of inspiration and encouragement.

The book itself is rather small and slender. It would easily slip inside a purse or tote. The cover is a sleek stylish imitation leather and doesn’t look like a young girl. There is an attached pink ribbon bookmark to keep reader’s place marked.

At the beginning of each section is the title along with small illustrations to color. The daily devotion consists of scripture followed by one-page commentary and three additional scriptures for in-depth study. There is room to journal any thoughts from the lesson or prayers.

This would make a wonderful small group study for older teens or young adult ladies. Actually any ladies’ group would enjoy it. Topics are relevant and timely. Friendship, family, relationships, God, trust, and prayer are just a sampling of the subjects tackled. Lessons are short enough to get finished in a little amount of time but long enough to teach readers. It has plenty of free “create your own” spaces.

The coloring and journaling devotional are becoming very popular. After looking at some others, I can honestly say this is one of the better ones. Don’t be misled when you thumb through it. It will look pale and drab. It is just a plain coloring journal. Wait until your creative ideas take over and colors bloom on the pages. It will be a masterpiece to treasure for years to come.

I highly recommend this lovely, God glorifying Journal. I have twin granddaughters and look forward to buying each of them a copy when they are a bit older. In fact, I plan on doing it with them. It would be a wonderful group project, gift, or something to buy yourself. I give this a 5 out of 5 stars and hope there are more to come.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, honest ones.

Thrive in Retirement by Eric Thurman

Posted on January 5, 2019January 4, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Thrive in Retirement, Simple Secrets for Being Happy for the Rest of Your Life, by author Eric Thurman took me a while to read. I am more accustomed to Christian fiction with stories that take me away to another time and place. This 240 page non-fiction book kept me right here but was packed full of great information for everyone. I am very glad I continued reading it.

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The author has put together information to help anyone going into retirement. A lot of the information is common knowledge, but a lot of it was also new to me. The author’s writing style was a bit of a mixture. He included charts, quizzes, and lists along with his thoughts and some personal experiences. Some chapters felt like a textbook while others were less strict and felt like he was talking one on one.

I gleaned a lot from this book. It was interesting to read the author’s insights and ideas on retirement and what one should do. Not only is retirement discussed but what the author calls “the third season of life” which include retirement, aging, and death. He has tips and suggestions as well as forms to help readers and their loved ones transition into this. Everything he has written is to help readers be prepared. It is easy to forget something important so author Thurman has placed all of the information needed in his book. Now readers have a retirement guide at their fingertips!

I would recommend this book to anyone. People that have retired or are preparing to retire, young adults with family retiring, people needing a retirement gift, and so many more would all benefit from this book. It comes out February 26, 2019. Get a copy and read it with a group so you can share your thoughts. I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from WaterbrookMultnomah but was not required to write a review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

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About the book:

Never before in human history have so many people lived for decades beyond their working years. 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day, and their average life expectancy is another 20 years–and many will live longer. But will they just live or have a meaningful life? The truth is that many–if not most–people approaching the latter years do not have a plan, much less a strategy to thrive instead of just survive. Packed with information based on research as well as common-sense wisdom, here are some examples of what readers will discover:
* How retiring at the wrong time increases the likelihood of dying 89%.
* What can delay Alzheimer’s onset an average of 9 years.
* How everything that makes you happy comes in just 3 forms.
* Which partner is most likely to initiate divorce after decades of marriage and why.

About the Author:

After a career that took him to half of the countries in the world, Eric Thurman found retirement to be a much bigger adjustment than he expected. His freer schedule was great but trying to pretend life was little more than an endless vacation quickly grew stale. He set out to understand how to make the most of life if he had another 20 or 30 years still ahead. He drew on his early background as a journalist to uncover the latest research on aging and then he applied his leadership skills as a CEO to organize his discoveries into a practical plan. What he found that energized his personal life became the principles he outlines in his latest books and courses.

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Eric Thurman has a history of blazing trails. As International President of a large nonprofit organization, he created a program that now serves orphans and other hurting children in more than 30 countries. Previously, he was CEO of two leading microfinance organizations that enable families in dozens of developing countries to expand tiny businesses and work their way out of poverty. In addition to his writing and speaking on happiness in retirement, he continues to advise international nonprofits and major donors on how to be most effective in helping people thrive.

Hope for 2019

Posted on December 28, 2018December 30, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Here we are at the end of another year. They certainly seem to roll around fast, don’t they? As you reflect on 2018 I hope you keep the happy memories and discard the unpleasant ones. There isn’t any need to take bad things into a brand new year. Let’s hope only good things for 2019.

With the New Year comes hope. Hope that it will be better than the last one. More importantly, hope that I will be better than I was. Are you like me and often think “if I could do that over” or “if I could just say that again” things would be much better. Unfortunately we aren’t able to go back, we can only learn from our mistakes and go forward and hope we do better.

What things did 2018 teach you? It taught me a multitude of eye-opening, heart warming things. Perhaps age has much to do with that. With age comes wisdom, right? To begin with, when I ask God to forgive me I need to accept His forgiveness and also forgive myself. No need to ask again. It is done. No dwelling on it. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

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God places friends in our lives. He might put them in our childhood neighborhood or school because we will need prayer partners later in life. Maybe he will gather them in groups or at work. He knows who we need long before the need arises. This year I have prayed for and been prayed over by many friends, old and new. Trust the people God places in your life to help you.

I have learned that I am not too old to try new things and succeed. Trying something new is a bit scary, but with support from friends and family it was a lot easier. God blessed the venture and is so good.

I also learned there can be joy through tears. My precious daughter suffered a miscarriage this Autumn. My world was devastated. I mourned the loss of that grandchild fiercely and oftentimes still do. During my prayers one night I realized that while I won’t see that child here on Earth, she will be waiting in Heaven for us.

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Each year God has been giving me and my prayer partner words for the upcoming year. One individual and one for us. Our word is victory. What a strong, triumphant word. I cannot even think of it without singing the hymn “Victory in Jesus”. Yes, He sought me and bought me. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

My word is hope. Ahhhhhhhh, hope. How calming and reassuring. My mind goes straight to the scripture Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Now friends, that is hope.

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What is your hope for 2019? Peace, health, prosperity, family unity? Oh, I have so many, but I will be satisfied letting God be in control and directing me.

Happy New Year to you and yours! I hope it brings you closer to God.

Be God’s Vessel

Posted on December 23, 2018December 21, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

On a rare trip to the inside of the grocery, I noticed most people hurrying past the Salvation Army bellringer. No eye contact, and especially no hello or Merry Christmas to her was offered. I supposed people were afraid it would cost them a donation. My attitude was taking a turn for the worse so I checked it at the door.

Inside was a flurry of activity. School is out for Christmas break, and kids were excited just to be at the grocery store. “Mom, could we get this? Mom, I really want some of these. Mom, Mom, Mom!” Poor mothers were trying to finish shopping while kids were requesting items not on the list or in the budget. I spied one young mother longingly check the price of a turkey and then ham. Reluctantly she put both back and went to the reduced section where she picked up some marked down ground meat. The four kiddos danced around the packaged lunches down a ways that all kids love but were good when she shook her head no. For a family of six, her cart was surprisingly scant. I crossed paths with them again as I went down the toy aisle checking for stocking stuffers for my four grands. The kids were eager to offer opinions even though they were much younger than my grands are.

I was delayed at the pharmacy for a short bit but ended up in line next to the delightful family. After flagging down a worker, I asked him to hurry and get a ham, turkey, dozen lunchables, and some toys the kids had ogled. I was ready to check out and the mother was next in line next door so I needed him to hustle. He did. With the help of “Ryan” I was able to get these bought and later loaded into her van without her knowing. He even contributed some items he knew she needed since she shops there often.

At her checkout time the mama did not have enough food stamps to pay so she started to put things back. The person in back of her asked “for the privilege of paying for your order” and even added some items from his cart and the candy display. I heard the woman say through tears she had prayed for a miracle and thanked the man for allowing God to use him.

That day God used me, Ryan, and another man to provide groceries and toys for a faithful, praying woman. I tell you this not for any glory for myself at all, but for God. He is Jehovah Jirah, our God that provides. Answering prayers is just in a His nature. He will use you if you just make yourself available and ask.

Friends, I am abundantly blessed and that could have easily been me or one of my children except for the Grace of God. If you are nudged this season by Abba, please follow through with it. Let Him use you as the vessel to answer someone’s prayer. You will end up being blessed.

Christmas Joy not Stress

Posted on December 22, 2018December 20, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Are you enjoying the Advent Season? Is your life filled with joy or stress? This time before Christmas should be a time to reflect and prepare our hearts for the great gift that our Heavenly Father sent to us…..His Son, Jesus, our Savior, God with us. Sometimes it is hard to do amidst the hustle and bustle of buying presents, sending cards, making cookies, decorating and all of the other preparations we think we need to do.

One good thing that comes with age is wisdom. I have realized that Christmas comes whether I have cookies baked and cards sent or not. Plus, the world goes on. This time of year isn’t about being stressed out and tired. No, not at all. It is about love. God’s great, everlasting, unimaginable love for us.

I would think He would want us to be joyful and happy, spreading His love and light to others instead of grumbling and be anxious that we are too busy and do not have enough time to get everything done. My friend, perhaps you are trying to do too much. Relax. Enjoy this season for what it is. Let peace overtake you.

What things might make this season easier for you this year? Perhaps using gift bags instead of wrapping would free up time. If you don’t have time for decorating like you usually do, that is okay. As the saying goes “the prettiest Christmas decorations are my children’s faces” at home. Dinner is another pressure point. Go with paper plates. Make it a pitch-in. Order some of the food instead of cooking. Take some things off of your shoulders so that you can be happy. Your family will appreciate a happy you more than a fully decorate house.

Let’s examine the other side where you have everything under control. Wonderful! You are able to enjoy Christmas music and doing things with family. Have you considered helping someone that is stressing? Maybe offering to bake cookies or dessert would take a load off of their shoulders. What about helping with errands or sending dinner one night to free up some of their time? Your giving to them before Christmas could make a vast difference.

Offer to babysit or wrap a neighbor’s gifts for their children. That is a difficult task and would be most welcomed. What things can you add to this list?

Christmastime should be a special season. One to anticipate each year with joy. Not one to dread. It is a season of good will and peace. Let those reign with love and joy.

We are celebrating the birth of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Read the story of His birth again. Think about His humble beginnings. Ponder the true meaning of Christmas. Concentrate on Him and not the things of this world. He will make your days merry and bright.