Mark Cahill - WHAT A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE!

Two books - must read for EVERY CHRISTIAN - One will help you witness and the other will help the non-believer! You can go on his website and get more information. www.markcahill.org


Help you witness "or conversations" as he calls it:
This one will help you answer those tough questions that non-believers ask:

www.markcahill.org

A few of us from Valley View went to hear him speak at New Covenant last night. I am telling you he caught our attention. I had bought his books though before I heard him speak and I really learned a lot then, but after hearing him talk - refreshing my mind - all of ours actually - we are getting equipped to get out there and have "divine appointments"!!! Every Christian is here because of that reason - to help save the LOST - remember you can only go to HEAVEN OR HELL - do we really want anyone to go to HELL?! NO! Didn't Jesus Christ die for us all? So, we must be out there - plant seeds, God will do the rest! I am so thankful for all those who planted seeds for me!

NIGHT OF PRAYER....

Last night Jerry and I attended the SPECIAL PRAYER SESSION on Seeking God for our nations. It was AWESOME!!! Brother Charles had the chairs in groups that looked like the shape of countries and we were able to go to "each country" and pray for that country. Of course some of them combined but if you look at our guide, "SEEK GOD FOR THE CITY 2010" you would see why he did it that way. There were only about 30 of us there - but WOW what 30 that were there! God's presence was the most important there - how wonderful it is to have opportunities like this to pray. What an honor it is to pray for the different countries in the world - including ours. It is an experience I shall never forget - I praise the LORD for ALL PRAYER WARRIORS!!!

The "SEEK THE GOD FOR THE CITY 2010" is almost over, only tomorrow actually. I have so learned so much about PRAYER this past month - yes, LEARNED ABOUT PRAYER! It is so powerful, so uplifting, so encouraging, so spiritual, so rewarding, so peaceful, so fulfilling, so exciting, so SPECIAL - oh yeah! I know there is still so much more to learn about PRAYER also - and I AM so glad God has me on this journey in this season of my life. There are so many people that need our prayers...yet, the Holy Spirit guides us to pray what is on our hearts - so, that is amazing that HE can "sit me down", pray for those that are in my heart at that "moment/moments/hours/whatever...

Yes, I am seeking God on BEHALF OF......................................

Five Finger Prayer (I know we know it, but...)

Sweet Reminder for us all....

BUT BEFORE YOU START THIS 5 FINGER PRAYER, MAKE SURE YOU PRAISE GOD AND THANK HIM FIRST!!!

Five Finger Prayer

It is surely worth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders.. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger.. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.

By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Don't tell God how big your storm is, Tell the storm how big your God is!!!

Our new stove...

Check out our new stove! It is sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet. I am not sure all it does yet. ha ha. I made this applesauce meatloaf tonight - trust me it tastes a lot better than it looks. :)

Now I am going to have to find recipes that are quick, easy, low calorie, etc. I have recipes that I have cut out - I just have to decide to get the stuff and make it actually. I really want to do is bake cookies - I won't be able to do that but once a month. If I do it more often I would surely gain 10 or more pounds!

Well, that is what I wanted to share for today. I tell you, I was so happy it turned out because everything at work today was "a mess" - but I "got er done". That is our motto at work - you had to be there. :)

BE STILL AND KNOW I AM GOD

Some of you know for my birthday I went to a "Come Rest" Ministry Retreat called "Be Still and Know I Am God" -- I TELL YOU THAT WAS THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!! The leader is Richard Speight, Jr. and yes I bought his book! I have already read a couple of chapters had to force myself to put it down, it is really good!

Anyway, the "retreat" was just what I needed to get RECHARGED AND FIRED UP FOR GOD! We had two ways which we were "shown" how to "Be Still". I left my notes home or I would share them with you, but then again, some of you may already know. What I did want to share though was that I was Still and I was able to get to know God a little bit better. Mainly though too, I really did learn just how much God loves me. There are so many times I just forget that. You know, the times when you don't feel like you "deserve love", or "you feel so lonely". After yesterday, I know I am loved and I know I am NEVER EVER ALONE!!! I have JESUS right there with me, I have the Holy Spirit in me and know in my heart God and I will meet in heaven! What a birthday present/reminder!!! I really did need it - no coincidence there for sure.

It was such a nice day yesterday. If you ever get a chance to go to one of the "Come Rest Ministries Retreats go!!! You can go on their website and check it out www.ComeRest.org
Some of you may not know that Richard F. Speight, Jr. lives right here in Cedar Rapids - he retired as a pastor of 27 years to do this with his wife. He also is very involved at River of Life and Serve the City!!! Him and his wife are a very godly couple and you know they walk the walk and talk the talk. They have these kind of retreats every month, and some other fun things for the summer. I am hopefully going to more. I am so thankful for my husband bringing home that poster from "His Hands" that night and telling me he wanted me to go to it for my birthday - what a guy! I LOVE THAT MAN!

Also last night at W;nk (the children's program at our church), all the kids gave me a big hug for my birthday and sang. It does the heart so good to have that! I am one of the blessed people I know. ha ha. GOD IS SO GOOD ALL THE TIME!

JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO!!!

I pray that all of the ones reading this will take some time and be alone with God -make a divine appointment every day - HE IS WAITING!!!

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." -- Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Time Stealers - by Tanya James - had to post!

The Time Stealers by Tanya James (I highlighted the points that stuck out for me).

I have a confession - several of them actually.
... I don't study my Word as much as I should

... I don't always pray without ceasing

...Sometimes I worry about things instead of walking in faith.

...Sometimes I get road rage and have to catch myself from dropping a 4 letter word.

...Sometimes I hold a grudge and allow anger and bitterness to build up inside.

... Sometimes I can be judgmental.

... Sometimes I don't take care of my temple (my body) the way I should by eating right and exercising.

... Sometimes I procrastinate, make excuses or I just allow the spirit of laziness to take over.

... Sometimes I try to ignore the nudging of the Holy Spirit and continue doing what I want to do.

I'm sure I could continue but I think you get the point. I'm not perfect - far from it. But what I've come to realize is the more time I spend with God, quality time with God, the more I desire to be more like Him. And when that desire is strong, I'm less likely to do and say things that contradict His likeness.

The more time I spend studying God's Word, the stronger I get to turn away from sinful ways (actions). The more time I spend in prayer, the more my faith increases.
And like many, I have been quick to say there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. And that excuse has caused me to often neglect my quality time with God.
Yet, I can always find time to watch my favorite television show. I can always find time to flip through my favorite magazine. I can always find time to check my face book and twitter accounts. I can always find time to carry on text message conversations.
Guess what that says to me? "You make time for what's important to you"
So if I review my day, what seems to be most important? Is it finding out what my friend's latest status update is? Or is finding out what instructions God has for me?
I know what should be my priority and I also know what I have to do about it.
... I may have to get up earlier in the morning

....I may have to take that twitter and facebook app off my cell phone and replace it with a Bible app.

....I may have to turn the computer and the television off.

.... I may even have to turn the ringer off my blackberry sometimes.

Whatever it takes, I will make God my priority. I will spend quality alone time with Him daily.

Prayer, studying the Word and spending time with God must be a part of our lifestyle or else we will continue to try to "re-introduce" ourselves to God every time a crisis arises.

I encourage you to look at your daily schedule and figure out what is keeping you from interacting with God each day. What sacrifices must you make to assure you keep a healthy relationship with God? Whatever it is, I guarantee it won't take long to realize it's worth giving up. Try it! You will be amazed at how much more you get done when your priorities are in order!

Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://app.bronto.com/public/?q=ulink&fn=Link&ssid=10664&id=ey0abjdn4ibiewhz3xz6ne7oapa2k&id2=8bf8kvly0a48ilq2xb0iwbaszwg3z&subscriber_id=afpqxrcoilbvnhbbpvfcxnsgatvmbpd&delivery_id=bojwavxptebpixigwecqmrdozsejbkl

A thought for the day....

James 1:23-24, "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was." James 1:23-24 (NASB)

May we never forget what kind of person we were; I know I won't.

As for being a doer, sometimes I am really - but those other times oh my! I am so thankful we have a FORGIVING FATHER! One who says, "Okay, you blew it this time-try again until you get it right!" Well, He says that to me anyway.

I have also discovered one of my "doings" that says in the Bible to do - PRAISING GOD, giving HIM worship, and thanking HIM often!!! I am so grateful to HIM, there are moments like I am having now, that I can just sit here, remembering who I was and what I am becoming, knowing He is not "through with me yet"! If that doesn't want me to JUMP FOR JOY AND PRAISE HIM no matter what I am going through, then I am taking Him for granted and I pray that NEVER EVER happens!

Have a great day - what is Your Thought for Today?

Random thoughts for a Monday....

I am sitting here thinking of how many days we have left until Spring - I don't mean the day, I mean weather wise. Being in the "fog" today was not that much fun, but the snow is melting! So, I thought I would cheer myself up by looking at baby pictures on the web, came across this one, so adorable. Aren't babies wonderful? I think of how many V.V. has "had" lately, we are so blessed. I loved hearing "Sir William" holler out at "Fellowship Dinner". I can't get over how fast he is growing. Earlier right before church Bridget and Isaac were sitting next to each other and Bridget told me, "Isaac and I are getting married." I asked her, "When?" she said, "Tomorrow". That just cracked me up. It would be very cool if they did grow up and marry each other. I know, I am a romantic.

Check this baby out? This sure made me smile! I also wonder if I have had that look on days when I am "stressed out" - which have been some of my days lately. Well, I tell you what my dear "blogger friends" - I feel "happier" now just looking at all those baby pictures. I really am glad though that I don't have to change diapers. Then again, if I had a grand baby I could do it.

Well, if anyone else had a "blue Monday" - I pray when you look at these babies you know there is always a smile - around the corner maybe. Hang in there and like I had to do was replace those yucky thoughts and replace them with good thoughts, etc.

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;

he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the LORD. -- Psalm 40:1-3

A WALK OUTSIDE!!!

This picture has nothing to do with my walk outside - but I liked it, so I posted it. It was so good to walk outside today,

What a good chance to walk and pray.

The sun shining, the sky so blue.

I was so excited, I sang a little bit too.

There were a few icy spots on the road

Didn't hinder me though, it was not cold.

A long winter is about to be over yes indeed,

Soon we will be planting garden seed.

Now until then I want to say

The other kind of seed I pray

The one that we plant on each other

God's seeds for our sister and brother.

Did you stop and pray today?

Did you remember that certain one at bay?

Did you smile at a stranger just because?

Did you remember who it was?

My dear ones so close to me,

Remember OUR GOD loves us so much

Sing that song "Jesus loves me"

Then you will feel His ever so soft touch.

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more. -- Psalm 71:14 NIV