Mammaw’s Forgotten Easter Cookies

Posted on April 13, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Easter is rapidly approaching. We are at the ending stages of Lent. It is the time to turn our hearts and minds to Jesus and His journey to the Cross. Being raised in a Christian family Easter was much more than egg hunts and baskets for me. It was Resurrection Sunday.

I remember my maternal grandmother teaching me the Easter story over a cookie recipe one year. The cookies are good, but the story has stuck with me for decades. Memories made in the kitchen are priceless and stay with people.

You might want to do an activity like this for yourself, children, grandchildren, or kids’ group. The message might just plant a seed that will grow into a bountiful harvest. Sometimes a visual makes the Easter story a little more memorable, too. Years down the road they might be recalling time spent with you and lessons from your kitchen.

Mammaw’s Forgotten Easter Cookies

2 egg whites

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

2/3 c. sugar

1 c. nuts

pinch of salt

1 tsp. white vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place pecans in resealable plastic baggie. Crush pecans into small pieces with a rolling pin. Read John 19:1-3

“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged Him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe, And said, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and they smote Him with their hands.”

Sprinkle salt into egg whites. Read Luke 23:27, 33

“And there followed Him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented Him.”

“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals—one on His right, the other on His left.”

Put vanilla into a bowl. Read John 19:28-30. “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, ‘I thirst.’ Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, ‘It is finished’ and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.”

Right now this mixture doesn’t look yummy. Add sugar slowly. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16. “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Beat with mixer until frothy and add cream of tartar. Then beat on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Add in vanilla close to the end. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with Him.’ Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto parchment paper lined baking sheet. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

“When the night was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and departed.”

Place cookies in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

“Pilate said unto them, ‘Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.’ So they went, and made the tomb sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

Go to bed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.”

“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”

In the morning open the oven and take out the cookies.

Read Matthew 28:1-9.

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the tomb. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, ‘Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you.’ And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘All hail. And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him.”

When you bite into the cookies notice they are hollow inside, empty, just like Jesus’ tomb.

Vivir el Dream Book Tour & Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on March 24, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on the book tour for Vivir el Dream. Be sure to check out all sections of today’s blog. There is a giveaway at the end that you will want to enter.

Author Allison Garcia has written a contemporary Christian Latino novel that is packed full of emotion and relevance. It is the first of her pieces that I have read. This author writes with emotion and grit. She doesn’t offer candy-coated fluff. Garcia gives readers real life scenarios even if they are harsh.

In this book, issues of immigration, violence, deportation, and even language are discussed. With our country discussing a “wall” that made this book even more timely. Difficult topics were openly and honestly portrayed. At times I felt my toes being stepped on and other times my feelings were hurt. This is a real to life book.

The writing was candid and made me emotional. Characters were vividly described. I became invested in their stories and got emotional with them. It was easy to imagine things as they played out in this hard hitting book. I was so taken with the characters and their trial that by the end of the book my emotions were raw.

The Christian Faith element was woven throughout this book. There was no doubt this was a Christian book. I was able to pick up some bits of knowledge by reading this. Life lessons are packed into this novel. After reading this I have a better understanding of immigrants.

Definitely I would recommend this book. Contemporary fiction readers will enjoy and those liking Latino Fiction. It is very impactful and stayed with me long after I finished it. I was disappointed there are no discussion questions. This would make a great book group read.

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

About the Book

Book: Vivir el Dream

Author: Allison K Garcia

Genre: Christian Latino Fiction

Release Date: May 19, 2017

The fates of an undocumented college student and her mother intertwine with a suicidal businessman’s. As circumstances worsen, will their faith carry them through or will their fears drag them down?

Linda Palacios crossed the border at age three with her mother, Juanita, to escape their traumatic life in Mexico and to pursue the American dream. Years later, Linda nears college graduation. With little hope for the future as an undocumented immigrant, Linda wonders where her life is going.

Tim Draker, a long-unemployed businessman, has wondered the same thing. Overcome with despair, he decides to take his own life. Before he can carry out his plan, he changes course when he finds a job as a mechanic. Embarrassed about working at a garage in the barrio, he lies to his wife in hopes of finding something better.

After Juanita’s coworker gets deported, she takes in her friend’s son, Hector, whom her daughter Linda can’t stand, While Juanita deals with nightmares of her traumatic past, she loses her job and decides to go into business for herself.

Will the three of them allow God to guide them through the challenges to come, or will they let their own desires and goals get in the way of His path?

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Allison K. Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor, but she has wanted to be a writer ever since she could hold a pencil. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Shenandoah Valley Writers, Virginia Writers Club, and is Municipal Liaison for Shenandoah Valley NaNoWriMo.

Allison’s short story, “At Heart,” was published in the Winter 2013 edition of From the Depths literary magazine, along with her flash fiction. Her work, “You Shall Receive,” was published in GrayHaven Comics’s 2014 All Women’s anthology. Winning an honorary mention in the ACFW Virginia 2015 short story contest, “Just Another Navidad” was published in A bit of Christmas. Allison’s book, Vivir el Dream, published May 2017, has won several prestigious awards: 2016 ACFW Genesis Contest Finalist, 2018 Eric J. Hoffer Montaigne Medal Finalist, Honorary Mention in the 2018 Eric. J. Hoffer Awards E-book category, and 2018 IAN Book of the Year Awards Finalist in the Christian/Relgious Fiction category. Her highly-anticipated novel, Finding Amor, was released in September 2018.

Latina at heart, Allison has been featured in local newspapers for her connections in the Latino community in Harrisonburg, Virginia. A member of cultural competency committees for work and a participant in several pro-immigrant rallies and other events in her region, she also sings on the worship team and enjoys get-togethers with the hermanos in her church. With the help of her husband, Julio, and their son, Miguel, she has been able to nurture her love for the Latino people.

More from Allison K. Garcia

Authenticity and Love

When I wrote my debut novel Vivir el Dream in 2012, I never imagined that it was going to win five awards, that I would be invited to churches and universities and NPR to speak about it, or that it would be taught on a college campus. That’s not why I wrote it. Sure, I hoped that people would read it and love it, but I never imagined the impact it would have and the book’s relevance seven years later.

There were two main reasons I wrote Vivir el Dream: authenticity and love.

They go hand-in-hand, but I shall tell you a little about how God sparked the story in my heart.

In 2011, we had three church members deported, and one of them was a dear friend—a good man who loves his family, greeted the congregation at the door, helped take the collection every Sunday and set up the tables and chairs for special programs. To see our friend, and hermano en Cristo, treated in a way that traumatized his children and nearly tore apart up his family, was something that broke my heart. But what broke it worse was seeing how the media spoke about undocumented people and sadder yet, having conversations with other Christians who spoke anger and hatred towards “illegals.”

God spoke to my heart about this. How could my brothers and sisters in Christ be so unkind and uncaring? Hadn’t they read The Good Samaritan? Didn’t they remember about loving our neighbors? It happened again and again, and I realized, with God’s help, that one of the challenges was that people didn’t understand the real story. They were fed a certain stereotype by the media, an image of a tattooed person in a gang or a drug dealer.

They hadn’t actually met anyone undocumented. Or at least they hadn’t realized they had.

In my life and in my job as a counselor, I had met tons of undocumented immigrants, and I had known them the great majority to be kind, hard-working people who wanted the best for their family and were willing to risk it all for the chance at the American dream. I saw love, I saw bravery, I saw strength, I saw faith. And I believe that God showed me those things so that I could reflect that in my novels.

A wonderful thing happens when we’re reading a book. We jump into the shoes of the main character. We understand their plight. Their hopes are our hopes. We feel their story, their dreams, their love, their anguish, their joy. That is one of the great things about reading. We escape our own lives for a while and experience a new adventure, gain a new understanding. We go places and meet people and do things we would never be able to in our own lives.

So that is what God placed on my heart to share with the world: an authentic experience of a mother and daughter who are undocumented Christians.

It’s controversial, but then so was the Gospel. What is more controversial than Jesus’ teachings? To love those who hate us. To turn the other cheek. To give away all possessions to join Him. I mean, what is more controversial than being asked to believe that a man born over 2,000 years was the Son of God and was risen from the dead after three days and that giving one’s heart over to Him will save one’s soul so as to live for all of eternity with God in Heaven?

And yet, that is the very heart of the Gospel.

To love God and to love others.

So, in the spirit of loving God and listening to Him, I wrote Vivir el Dream and published it even when the world pushed against it and continues to do so, perhaps more now than in 2012. All the more reason to love our neighbor more and to hold tighter onto God and His teachings.

I hope you enjoy my book. I hope it takes you on a new, heartwrenching adventure that carries you from the anguish in crossing a desert with your three-year-old daughter on your hip to the freedom in cooking tamales in the kitchen while swaying to cumbia, from the stabbing fear of living in a country that doesn’t want you to experiencing the joy of first love, and from the desperation of staring down an empty barrel to the understanding of truth for your fellow man.

God bless. And happy reading.

Blog Stops

Multifarious, March 16

100 pages per hour, March 17

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, March 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 20

Texas Book-aholic, March 21

janicesbookreviews, March 22

A Reader’s Brain, March 23

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 24

Inklings and notions, March 25

The Becca Files, March 26

Real World Bible Study, March 27

Power of Words, March 28

Just the Write Escape, March 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Allison is giving away a grand prize of a gift basket that includes 4 Christian novels, secret recipes for some of the Mexican cuisine described in Vivir el Dream, and authentic arts and crafts from Guadalajara, Mexico or by preference, a $40 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dd7f/viver-el-dream-celebration-tour-giveaway

Listen to What I Mean and Not What I Say

Posted on March 22, 2019March 21, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Mammaw used to tell us often, “you need to listen to what I mean and not what I say.” To a kid that sounded ridiculously funny. As an adult, I get it. How many times have I lost a word when speaking or switched one for another? Anyone else ever do that?

My husband laughed at me as I asked him recently to put something in the dishwasher in the garage. At the time I was doing dishes and needed something put in the outside refrigerator. My daughter would have chuckled and complied. Not my comedian of a hubby. “Want me to put in dishwasher soap, too, honey?” he asked trying to maintain a straight face. Then I realized what I had actually said. (Watch for him in a comedy club near you – hahaha!)

Words are meant as a means of communications. Sometimes they work smoothly and others they just don’t. We share them with others. Sometimes when life gets tough and trials come, words fail me. They want to stay bottled up inside. Friends are always ready to lend a shoulder and ear, but it isn’t always that easy.

Abba hears us and knows exactly what we mean even before He hears the words. His Word assures us of that. Isaiah 65:24 says “…before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Our God is so powerful He know our prayers before we pray them. He always listens to what we mean.

Sometimes my soul is weary or hurts and words leave it. I want to pray but I can’t seem to form the words. Tears fall with no problem. Things in my life or the world seem insurmountable. There is a lot going on that should not be. In Romans 8:26 scripture tells me that “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.” So God hears me even when I cannot form the words. The Holy Spirit knows.

I hope you take comfort as I do in knowing that our prayers are always heard even when we are so down hearted we can only “be silent” with God in prayer and let the Holy Spirit intercede for us. If you misspeak, like I often do, God hears what you mean. He sees us through the eyes of a Loving Father.

St. Patrick’s Day Musings and Recipe

Posted on March 17, 2019March 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Well, top of the mornin’ to ya and Happy St. Patty’s Day! ‘‘Tis the day everyone claims to be at least a wee bit Irish, What about you? Are you really of Irish decent or just Irish today?

A sea of green will be flowing everywhere today because most everyone wears green clothes, Irish or not, on this day. It is the day many foods turn green on purpose. Even the river in Chicago turns green. This is also the one day of the year that we all put a “Mc” or “O” in front of our surname and become Irish. Yes, it’s St. Patrick’s Day!

St. Patrick was a soul saver. A soldier for the Lord. That is what we are really celebrating. He used a three leaf clover to teach people about the trinity. St. Patrick turned thousands of hearts, minds, and souls to the one true God. Now, doesn’t that sound like cause to celebrate! I think so, too.

It isn’t about having things green and being Irish. No fictional little leprechauns with rainbows and pots of gold were there. This is about celebrating the vast number of Druids, pagans that were saved and became Christians.

Irish are supposed to be lucky among a lot of other things. You’ve heard of the “luck of the Irish,” right? Hmm, I am not sure about that. Well, I guess you could say the ones that met St. Patrick were lucky, or could you? Was it luck that drew them to St. Patrick or something else? Perhaps the Holy Spirit.

Do you believe in luck? Do you think there is gold at the end of the rainbow? Personally, I don’t really believe much in luck or leprechauns. Maybe if I keep losing when playing a game I say I have bad luck, but outside of that I don’t put belief in luck. My faith and trust are in Jesus. He is the one that guides and directs me just like He did St. Patrick.

When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, He was the Way or rainbow to my riches. I followed Him. My gold happens to be where Jesus prepared a place for me at the end of my earthly life – in Heaven. That is where my heart is, too. In Heaven the Bible says there will be beautiful streets of gold.

My saved loved ones will be there. There will be no more sickness, no more death, no more tears. My Savior, Jesus, is there. Our Almighty God, my Maker, is there. Talk about hitting the jackpot or pot of gold! That is everything I could ever want. Wow, no riches can compare to that. None. So what about you? Where is your pot of gold?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:19-21.

Traditional Irish St. Patrick’s Day Dish

Irish Colcannon, an Irish Treasured Dish

1 lb. potatoes peeled white or unpeeled red potatoes
½ lb. bacon (cut into small 1-inch squares)
1 T. Kosher salt
6 cups thinly sliced cabbage (approximately a head)
6 T. butter (four for the cabbage and two for the potatoes)
½ cup whipping cream (or milk)
Fresh parsley chopped finely-a few sprigs will do
A large onion, chopped
5 or 6 scallions or a clump (handful) of chives
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Wash potatoes and peel if you’re using thick skinned.
Cut the potatoes in quarters and place in a large pot of boiling water.
Add the Kosher salt. Boil for approximately 25 minutes.
Stick one of the potatoes with a fork to see if they’re cooked. They should be tender and easy to penetrate with the prongs.

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
When they’re finished cooking, add 4 T. butter.
Add the cabbage and onions.
Sauté the cabbage mixture until almost done, with the onions translucent and cabbage a bit crispy. Some people prefer to cook the mixture until everything is soft. It just depends on whether you like a bit of crunch or not. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and add the butter and cream or milk, mashing it to silky smoothness—unless you left the skins on, then almost silky smoothness.

Add the onion, cabbage mixture and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot. Enjoy this Irish classic dish.

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.

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.

Happy Birthday Mom, Our Own Proverbs 31 Woman

Posted on January 14, 2019January 14, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today is the birthday of a very special lady. It is my sweet, dear Mother’s birthday.

She has been one of the best gifts God has ever given to me. I have loved her every day of my life since it began. Yes, it was love at first sight for us. Hearing her voice is like a soothing balm to my soul. In fact, I would venture to guess that melodious voice calmed me while she was carrying me safely inside of her over sixty years ago.

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Everyday we talk. We begin our days with a check-in call. Throughout the day I can’t count the number of calls. I depend on her for so many thing. “Mom, how do I…..” or “what was the name of that ….” or even “do you remember what recipe Mammaw used for…” are some of the normal lead-ins. Let’s not forget the ever popular “Mom, I need to know what you would do….” To be honest, sometimes I just want to hear her voice. Before we go to bed each evening, we call to say “good night, I love you” and sincerely mean it.

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This beloved, exceptional woman gives sage advice to whomever asks. It is never unsolicitated. Mom waits until she is sought. Her counsel is biblically based and comes from experience.

She is very loving. Whether via gifts, words, hugs, or kisses, Mom makes certain we know that she loves us all, and equally. There are no favorites with her. af019dec-b67e-4e33-a91a-e2f2a758f2a2 Through her guidance I was lead to the Lord at an early age and taught to follow and obey Him. I love that we still talk about Him – what He does for our family, how He answers our prayers, what we need to take before Him, and how we should serve Him by serving others. A big smile overtakes my face as I remember her holding my hand for bedtime prayers. We would go through the family asking our Heavenly Father to bless each one as we named them.

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My Mother provides the best living example for a Proverbs 31 woman. She worked full time, kept a spotless house that was a loving home, and made delicious meals. If a friend needed help or school needed a sponsor, she volunteered. Besides all of that, she was and still is a member of a community organization, has been on others, helps those in need, is an active member of our church, is a shrewd businesswoman, and is the best wife, Mother, Grammy, family member, and friend you will encounter. Yes, maintains a sparkling clean home and is a fabulous cook still today. I have never seen her drink any alcohol, smoke a cigarette, or heard a curse pass her sweet lips. Absolutely, she is a true jewel and Proverbs 31 woman, not to mention a role model for many.

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Her life has touched a multitude. People have told me stories of how she helped them in various ways. When I was a young girl I remember going with her to take meals to shut-ins. We did not just drop the food off. We visited, tidied up, and read the Bible.

I know how to take care of my husband and children because of her. A lot of the fun things we did were activities she did with us. Those trickled down and I see my children doing them with their children now. She makes everything fun, exciting and memorable. Our family still quotes things she said years ago and mimics things she has done. She is the Queen of our family and glue that keeps us together.

By example she showed me how sisters love each other, how mothers treat their children, and how to maintain lifelong friendships as she has two that are older than I am. Those ladies are like family now. Family is important to Mom, second only to God.

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Happy Birthday to you, Mama. I wish you many more happy ones. Thank you for everything you have given me, given up for me, taught me, and for being the beautiful Christian lady you are. You are adored and cherished. I am blessed beyond measure that I was given the honor of being your daughter. There are not enough worlds to express my love and gratitude to you.

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Sometimes I wonder where or what I would be if you had not been chosen as my Mother, but that thought is quickly dismissed. You were chosen, and I was abundantly blessed. You are absolutely perfect for me and our entire family, but God already knew that. Lord, we are so thankful for her and the choice You made when you gave us our own Proverbs 31 woman.

If I Won the Lottery, I Would . . .

Posted on November 25, 2018November 24, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Many people buy lottery tickets. Are you one of them? It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and frenzy when its numbers get high. My friends and I play what my hubby calls the “What if” game. What if we won the lottery? What would we each do?

To begin with we would first need to buy a ticket. Just like their add says, you can’t win if you don’t play. As much fun as winning would be I don’t think donating my money would make me happy. So for our game, I need to pretend I would buy a ticket.

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We all decided a lot of the money would be put to good use. We would help family and friends in need. I see you nodding. You would do the same. Charities and churches would get donations, too. We weren’t all selfless. We would keep some for ourselves.

Some wanted to travel the world and others wanted nice homes. One friend wanted a mountain home, beach home, and another near family. We all wanted different things but decided we wanted the luxury of not working and having enough money to do whatever we wanted. Notice I said whatever we wanted and not what we needed.

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What would winning the lottery do to our spiritual life? Would we continue to attend church each weekend or would we be too busy traveling? If things were always going our way, would we talk to our Heavenly Father as much as we do now? Our daily prayer time might not be as important if we had most all of the things we thought we wanted. Would we still want more? With all of our extra time where would God fit in?

Money used correctly does help a lot of people. Wanting and obsessing over money tears marriages and families apart. It can destroy a person. Scripture tells us in Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

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It is cliche but true. Money cannot buy everything. Think about all the true blessings in your life. They are priceless. You didn’t purchase them and they most likely cannot be replaced with money.

Be aware of what you have that cannot be bought. Take inventory of your own personal lottery winnings. Are you kind? Would people say you have integrity and morals? Do people trust you? Are you loved? You, my friend have won!

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Other life lottery blessings would be a loving, supporting family. Friends that are always there for you and a circle of prayer warriors to intercede on your behalf are irreplaceable. Money cannot buy any of these.

I agree the “What if I won the Lottery” game is fun, but is it really something Abba wants for our life? We are His children and parents know from experience it is not always good to allow children to receive everything they want. For instance what happens when kids have too much candy, too little sleep, or play unattended?

Our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us and what would happen if we won the lottery. What do you think would happen? Would we still be the same people and be as close to Him? If not, I say keep the money and just give me Jesus.

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Praying for the Kids

Posted on October 28, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

As you can tell from this blog, I am a Prayer Warrior. Praying for my family, friends, and myself is extremely important to me. I firmly believe in prayer. Time spent with my Maker in prayer is a necessary part of my life. Once a day is never enough to go to God because things or prayer requests continue throughout the day. Do you pray often, too?

I was taught the Acts Method of praying when I was young and it has stuck with me. There is no right or wrong way to talk to our Heavenly Father. Jesus outlined the perfect way in Matthew with the Lord’s Prayer.

ACTS Method of Christian Prayer

Adoration: Give God praise and honor for who He is as Lord God.
Confession: Honestly confess the sin in your life.
Thanksgiving: Say what you’re grateful for in your life and in the world around you.
Supplication: Pray for the needs of others and yourself.

How do you pray? Are there certain things you pray about each day? I certainly do. The main thing is the children in our family. That encompasses the generations under mine. Ever since my children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews (which include my cousins’ children – we are a close family) were born or little, I have prayed for them. With a family our size I use a prayer journal to keep me on track. It also allows me to write praises when the prayers are answered.

What would I pray? First I asked for health, safety, and protection. I want them to be safe from harm and health issues. Then I prayed that they would grow to know God, be saved, and baptized. It is my prayer that they will recognize the purpose God has for them, why He created each one. I prayed for their future spouses that Abba was preparing them for their future lives together. Marriage needs more than two people to survive. It needs God in it, too. I pray that their spouses will be Christian and that a God will bless their union. Finally I pray that they would do their best in life and be happy.

Even though many are grown with children of their own, I continue to pray for them all. We are never too old for prayers. My prayer might provide the extra protection needed one day. Intercessory prayer is important.

How long should we pray about something? In Thessalonians the Bible says to pray without ceasing. Prayer has no time limit. Keep praying or P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens).

The next generation of children are included in my prayers now. Protection and safety is a concern in this world. Happiness is what every Mama, Gram, and Auntie desires for her little chicks. Don’t you agree?

After years of praying I was recently rewarded as God’s Army gained another Warrior. Yes, a family member was baptized and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. I rejoiced as I know Heaven did. There have been many more victories and each one is recorded without surprise. I delight in knowing that we will be together in Heaven one day.

Don’t stop with your family. There are many friends that need prayer, too. Let’s not forget society. The shootings and violence. Our leaders need prayers to make the right decisions. Our military need pray for protection. Our nation needs prayer for so many reasons.

If you are praying for something or someone, don’t lose hope. It may take decades for your answer, but everything happens in God’s perfect time. If you haven’t started praying for your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, I would urge you to begin today. The reward is priceless.

Must Read Monday: Daily Question for You & Your Child

Posted on August 27, 2018August 24, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Daily Question for You and Your Child by Waterbrook is a delightful daily journal for parent and child. This hardcover book has a place on its cute cover for a picture. The cover is designed so that both girls and boys may use it. While older kids will enjoy the questions, the cover will be a bit juvenile for them.

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Waterbrook has given customers a three year journal to mark the growth of children. Each date has a specific question along with places for three answers. One for each of three years. Parents with three children can adjust to include all three children in one book with replacing names for years.

It is a great interactive book. Questions include “What is your favorite thing God has created?” “What is your favorite shirt and why?” These are simple questions that would receive different answers as children grow and mature. It would make a nice keepsake for when the child has grown with a family of their own.

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Journals become a chore after a few weeks, but this one certainly has potential to stay the course. Questions could be asked before nightly prayers or at the dinner table. Even parents could get in on the discussion to aid in kids opening up more.

This book would make a great gift. As I stated earlier, it would make a treasured keepsake, too. Pick up two so that you could present a completed one and blank one to a mother or father-to-be. Grandparents would benefit from quality time discussing these questions, too. Parents would, too. Don’t all children need to spend time with their parents and grandparents talking about God?

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I highly recommend this for anyone with kiddos. The age is so widespread and depends on the person answering. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars because I love sentimental, nostalgic things. Completed it would be a treasured book in this Gram’s library.

I received a complimentary copy from WaterbrookMultnomah. Opinions are my own, honest ones.

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