In the Storm

30 Days of Thankful | 20

Prayers for my husband from his head to his feet | 28

For his marriage

Lord, You have said, 'Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil;' (Ecclesiastics 4:9) may we work together to make our marriage a good work - and a good reward. Let us together pursue what makes for peace in our home and for mutually building each other up rather than tearing down (Romans 14:19). I pray we can find a place of prayer together. I believe a couple who prays together can not help but remain close and stay together. May we confess our faults one to another, and pray for one another, that we may be healed physically, emotionally, spiritually for the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). 

Jesus gave us the example of how to love so let us love one another like Jesus loved; for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7). I pray my husband will love me with affection and sympathy and is not harsh or bitter or resentful toward me (Colossians 3:19). And I pray my husband loves me as Christ loves his Church and gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25) and that he live - and love - joyfully with me all the days of the life He has given him under the sun (Ecclesiastes 9:9). May my husband's love endure in our marriage for love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13:7-8). May You, O Lord, make our love increase and overflow for each other (1 Thessalonians 3:12). May my husband love me as himself, and may I see to it that I respect my husband (Ephesians 5:33).

I pray we submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, counting each other more highly than ourselves and look to the interests of each other rather than ourselves (Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:3-4). Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting one another...but encouraging each other (Hebrews 10:24-25). May there be peace within the walls of our home (Psalms 122:7). I pray when we open our mouths there is wisdom and kindness is on our lips (Proverbs 31:26). We live to follow your example of service and be a house that serves the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Before we can be of good service to others I pray we do not neglect each other in our own home.

Above all, I pray we guard our hearts for everything we will do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23). In Jesus' Name.

30 Days of Thankful | 19

Prayers for my husband from his head to his feet | Day 27

Prayers for his kindness

The Lord has told you, my husband, what is good; and what the Lord requires of you: but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). Spirit lead my husband into loving kindness and mercy. And as Christ is all, and in all may he put on then, as  one chosen by God, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if he has a complaint against another, may he forgive them, he must forgive them as the Lord has forgiven my husband (Colossians 3:11-13).

Let him not be one who withholds kindness from a friend or his brothers so that he may not forsake You, the Lord Almighty (Job 6:14). May he not run away from the poor, or needy, or the brokenhearted but with a heart for You Lord show them kindness where they often find none (Psalm 109:16). May he lead with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and may he became to others and especially to his family as one who eases the yoke of their burden bending down to meet them - and us - in our need (Hosea 11:4).

I pray my husband pursues righteousness and kindness for it is here he will find life. It is here he will find righteousness. It is here he will find honor (Proverbs 21:21). When he opens his mouth may his words be wise and may kindness be on his tongue (Proverbs 31:26).

And Lord, may my husband not be an obstacle in anyone's way to finding You or living for you, and that no fault will be found in him; but as a servant of God may he be commended with purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, and genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for his right hand and for his left (2 Corinthians 6:3-7). In Jesus' Name 

30 Days of Thankful | 18

We had a good time gathering things into our cart for one boy and one girl. We filled the boxes until there was no room left in the box.

30 Days of Thankful | 17

So I thought I was helping Jeff out by going and picking up the smokers for this weekends Boston butt smoke out with the Boy Scouts. The smoker didn't get hooked up correctly and when I hit a train track the smoker came off my hitch and by the time I was able to pull over and get stopped the smoker had dragged along the pavement then sneaked under my bumper and tore it up. Thankfully it was chained and didn't swing out and hit a car or cause an accident. Very emotional situation.

146 seconds with God | grace.

Photo Source

God's grace.

Cháris is the Greek word for grace.

Grace is

Particularly that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, favor, acceptance, for a kindness granted or desired, a benefit, thanks, gratitude. A favor done without expectation of return; the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God to men finding its only motive in the bounty and benevolence of the Giver; unearned and unmerited favor. Cháris stands in direct antithesis to érga, works, the two being mutually exclusive. God's grace affects man's sinfulness and not only forgives the repentant sinner, but brings joy and thankfulness to him. It changes the individual to a new creature without destroying his individuality (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8-9; The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, 1469) ...not only this.

But this...therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel..(2 Timothy 1:8-10).

Grace given [to me] [and you]...in Christ Jesus...before the ages began.

Before the ages began.

Before 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth' (Genesis 1:1).

Before time began.

There was grace.

That gives me such joy, such pleasure...I am grateful and thankful...for His grace.

 

 

Friday, with a cup of coffee | 14

Photo Source

A pastry chef who plays with his food - delightful photos.

My sons need these for their bikes: tires that will never go flat.

A wonderful place to shop for Christmas gifts: buy a gift and show compassion at the same time - a two-fold blessing!

I cannot get enough of this. By Home Free.

Simply beautiful. For when you feel hemmed in...

The power of words...and truth.

For your viewing pleasure (because I derive pleasure from them) my Bedroom Pin Board, my Funny Pin Board (for a little laughter) (or a lot of laughter), and because I can't resist, my Want Pin Board.

Stories 2016 | the one with Tucker and Silas

I'm trying to plow through a bunch of photos of Tucker and Silas. I want to catch up before Maggie has delivers her next twins. Then I need to decide how, if, I'm going to continue making pages. Most likely I will. But, I'm not sure what my scrapbooking plans are for 2017.

For this page, like most of these pages, because they are a smaller size - 8 x 8 - I'm keeping things fairly simple, clean, with limited embellishments and concentration on these too cute boys.

I had to hunt down a small Halloween kit because it isn't something I've ever needed. But, my kids (and grandkids) do the Halloween thing so I'm ready to record memories.

And of course, I used One Little Bird and Paislee Press digital products also, two of my go to designers of all things digital. Simply love the beautiful minimalist designs. And, come on, there's Tucker, too. He's a doll!

30 Days of Thankful | 16

My favorite color. It seriously makes me happy. I can be grouchy and solemn and when I consider the turquoise in my home I find comfort and joy and emotional stability. It may sound mystical or strange but I adore turquoise. I love pure turquoise stones all rustic and native and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean ocean, purses, and decor. Thank you Lord for Your creative nature and offering turquoise for me to enjoy.