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Friday, March 20, 2015

When It Feels Like God Isn't Hearing Your Prayers



Courtesy Pinterest


I woke up this morning after a night of tossing and turning. During the night, I was trying to figure out solutions to several problems. I know that I am supposed to give these things to God, but at times, God can seem distant. I know that is only my perception and there is no "correctness" to that statement at all. Our feelings can be very fickle.

 As I was going about my morning, I even said to God, "Do you hear me? I know You are there, but I can't seem to know it. I am really concerned about these things." I didn't hear anything back in response, but a thought came to me suddenly. I started thinking about a Bible story where David sees King Saul and his soldiers lying on the ground sleeping.  David could have easily killed King Saul that night, but he refused to touch God's annointed... even though Saul had made it clear that he wanted to kill David and probably would have had the roles been reversed.  Even after the prompting of David's friend to go ahead and take the opportunity to kill Saul, David refused. There is so much to explore in that story.

But for some reason, in my mind, I was focused on the sleeping soldiers. My prayers suddenly shifted as I thought of young women and men caught in human trafficking. I started praying and declaring that God would send a deep sleep to their captors, that there would be confusion in their ranks, and that there would be opportunities for their escape. Just like that, the whole clouded atmosphere in my mind changed. I definitely felt power in my prayers and knew that God had heard me.

My other concerns? I still have them, but it is obvious to me that God wanted me to pray what was also dear to His heart right then. He knows what concerns me. He isn't indifferent. But this morning, this is what was on God's heart.

If  the atmosphere in your home or in your mind seems troubled, ask God today what is on His heart and begin to speak out in prayer what you want to see happen in those areas. Sometimes I also have to say out loud, "God is kind. God is faithful.  He will never leave me. No matter what I feel like today, He is here watching over me and my family." Don't let your feelings sweep you away. We are all prone to allowing our feelings dictate our lives.

God will answer my prayers and give me direction. But in the meantime, I'm glad that He asks us to pray what is on His heart:)
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A Friday Favorite today is...the first day of Spring! Have a wonderful day!


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Saturday, March 14, 2015

Favorite Things in March




Happy Saturday morning!

We have had beautiful weather this past week. I don't know if it is here to stay yet because after all, I live in Iowa where we had snow in May two years ago! But I'll take it for as long as it is here. Actually, my daughter and I were talking how we will miss the snowed in days with the fire flickering in the fireplace and a good movie. Every season has its good points, I guess.

A few favorites that come to mind for this month are:

1. Reading. I love to read, but have a hard time finding the time! This book came in the mail last week. (You know what's really neat? I think I won it! There is no other explanation since I didn't order it yet.)


If you read Sophie's blog, Boo Mama, then you will love her book. I'm only in about the fourth chapter and it is very good so far. She has a way of writing that speaks to the heart. Here's a little summary:



This nostalgic celebration of home is sure to make even those north of the Mason-Dixon line long to settle in on the front porch with a glass of sweet tea and reflect on all of the people in our lives who—related or not—have come to represent home. Because at the end of the day, it’s not the address on the front door or even the name on the mailbox that says home, but the people who live and laugh and love there, wherever there might happen to be.   - (Amazon)



Melanie Shankle, The Big Mama Blog, also has a new book about to come out. I loved her first two books. I was sitting in our living room all alone when I read her second book, The Antelope in the Living Room, and I burst out laughing several times. It's worth the price of the book to read the chapter about her husband officiating at a wedding service while on painkillers.  Her new book is:


I can't wait!

Another book I have on request at the library is:




Julia Child's life is so intriguing to me. After watching the movie, Julie and Julia, I wanted to know more about her and her life. I remember visiting the Smithsonian in D.C. and looking at her kitchen that they have on display there, but at that time, I didn't know much about her. I don't think I'll ever cook all her recipes from her famous cookbook the way Julie Powell did, but I thought it would be fun to pick five recipes and try them out on the family, or see if my daughter would like to do it to count towards a class credit?

2. I blogged some time back about one of my favorite movies of all time- Slumdog Millionaire. That movie changed me! All I can say is that God can use a movie to speak something profound to your heart.  I need to re-watch it and write about it all over again. But ever since that time, I've loved the actor who played Jamal. So, of course I'd love to see this movie.



The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (Dev Patel)




3.  After finishing this season of Downton Abbey, my daughters and I have been watching the other seasons again. 


We still miss Matthew and Sybil and wish their characters hadn't left the show, but I loved the ending this season with Mrs. Hughes and Carson.

4. This cute Easter banner at Target is only $5!




5.  Finally, speaking of Target, I saw this recently and I could so relate. If you love Target too, then you'll know what I mean.




No matter what may be going on in your life today, know that God is with you. He hears you, He sees you, and He loves you.

Happy Spring to you!!

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