Celebrating Ten Years of Life {Word-less Wednesday}

We drove five hours into the middle of nature so that Nathanael could go horse back riding on the beach. It as a nice break from civilization. 

He looks like such the professional.

Galloping through the water, they even saw wild horses.

I think all boys are cowboys at heart.

I will be taking a blogging and internet break till after June 4 to spend some quality family time.

As Always,

Visiting the Garden Center Word-less Wednesday

The pictures are from my girls day out at the garden center.

Who do you approach in your times of need?

As Always,

How do you review a book that is still motivating change in your life: The Secrets of Intercessory Prayer review

How do you review a book that is still motivating change in your life?

 

I did receive this book for free in exchange for writing this review, but The Secrets of Intercessory Prayer by Jack Hayford is a book that I will keep and read again and again. It was the best-written book on the subject of prayer I have read in a long time.

 

This was the hardest book review for me. I starting reading and finished The Secrets of Intercessory Prayer book in January. The Secrets of Intercessory Prayer was life changing for me. I was so impacted by my need to change the way I prayed, who I prayed for, and what I asked on their behalf that it seemed impossible to express in a book review.  My need to expand my pray life was evident. 

 

The Secrets of Intercessory Prayer was well written, and gives you many spiritual truths to mediate on. Although this book is easy to read and hard to put down, allow your self the time for this book to change your pray life as it was meant too.

 

Great points from Intercessory Prayer

 

You have pointed out a problem with someone choice. Now your primary place is on your knees praying, knowing that God is working.

 

What is my attitude towards the people I am praying for? If I have an attitude of criticism or accusation how am I leaving room for God to work?

 

We have to do what is within our ability but leave time and space for God’s divine workings. Are we giving up too quickly?

  

Jack refers to a rebellious spirits as having a demonic root. One in which your battle needs to be won in prayer for our children. Ever though your children was demon possessed because of something they did that really cause you concern, then turn to God with your concern.

 

Matthew 19:14 “The word “suffer” means “to allow or permit.” Jesus was saying that we are to let them (family, love ones, friends) come to Him naturally, not push them into him. 

 

We have to trust God with our children through prayer.

 

In chapter 11 “Praying for Someone You Don’t Want to Pray For,” I have read many books about praying and I do believe this is the first book with a chapter dedicated to this topic.

 

Who do you not prayer for?

 

1 Samuel 12:23

The concept that not praying for someone is sin was completely new to me. We are obligated to pray for those who come and go through our lives. Even when I disapprove of their life choices, or they for some reason is no longer an active part of my life, I am still obligated to pray for them.

 

The review seems somehow unfinished. I have so much more I can learn from The Secrets of Intercessory Prayer and I guess our pray life is just one place where we are always growing and learning.

 

The Secrets of Intercessory Prayer is a great addition to any quiet time library and a book I know I will be reaching for again and again in the coming years.

 

Thanks to Chosen Book for allowing me the privilege to read such a wonderful book.

As always,

  

Knitting Projects Word-less Wednesday

For some strange reason I decided to knit a table cloth. I though the effort + time would equal keepsake.

Then came the blessing of Nathanael wanting to learn to knit. He either has too much time on his hands or is a lot faster than mom. 

We decided he would knit a blanket for his bed in segments and them join them all together.

Adding a dash of color.

As always,

Did God Really Say, reviewing Finding God in The Dark

I am reviewing a copy of Finding God in The Dark by Ted Kluck & Ronnie Martin for Bethany House Publishers a division of Baker publishing Group as part of their blogging for books program. 

 

Finding God in The Dark is an eight-chapter book with 4 chapters written by Ted Kluck and four written by Ronnie Martin. This book does is not a guide to finding God.  It doesn't give you a process by which you can follow to find God in the dark.

 

I did feel the value in Finding God in The Dark is that it led me to question the depth of my relationship with God.

 

 The book begins with a very important question for any Christian:

"Did God really say?"

 

The first question in the Bible really: "Did God really say?"

 

And quite possible a question most believers should ask themselves on a regular basis.

 

In chapter 2 we find a beautiful analogy from Ronnie Martin when he points out the value of receiving our needs.    

"Ironically, I'll still be wearing those sweaters a year later, but those toys I couldn't live without were long gone, which is why I asked for more."

 

We just don't know what is best and ask for set our hearts on meaningless things. 

 

He continues to talk about Joseph, a story we can all relate too. The truth of the Joseph situation is that many of us would not have taken it so well. I usually think of Paul's time in prison and how well he took it. How do we respond when life hand us lemons instead of the diamonds we believe we deserve.

 

Ronnie comments on page 44, "The problem was that there were barriers in my life that needed to be dismantled and destroyed"

What must god do to destroy those barriers in your life?

In his last chapter Kluck takes us to Gethsemane with Jesus pointing out the 5 things Jesus did. 

1. Took friends

2. Was honest

3. Asked for help

4. Look to the father

5. Rest in sovereignty 

On page 112 he writes, “I am reminded of something that we say a lot but I think really internalize and actually live: the idea that nothing good is possible apart from Christ.”

 

The great thing about Finding God in The Dark is that is begins with the question, "Did God really say?" and reminds us that God is the same today, tomorrow and yesterday. We can trust in His promises and focus on Him even in the dark.

 

Finding God in The Dark was a quick read but I found it to be a very profound book. I will be focusing more on what God said.  Pick up a copy of this book, you will not be sorry.

As Always, 

  

Our Resident Vacuum Cleaner {Word-less Wednesday}

Orange Peel

Pancake

Okay, you are not suppose to give your dog people food, but what do you do when she helps her-self to everything that falls on the floor.

I just hope she is thankful for her bounty.

As Always,

Reviewing The Full Armor of God

I am reviewing a copy of The Full Armor of God by Larry Richards for Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group as part of their blogging for books program.

The Full Armor of God is a quiet time book that discusses the book of Ephesians. The book is broken into seven parts. Each part deals with a different aspect of the armor of God and contains four chapters. Richards uses these chapters to explain the historical context of the armor, what Satan’s end game is, and finally how to use our armor effectively in this battle.

In part one, he paints a vivid picture describing the nature of the physical forces Christians in the book of Ephesians where faces. He also explains how those forces are still present in the world today and why Christians need to understand the full armor of God so that we can fight said forces. 

For those of us who need a visual The Full Armor of God correlates how the armor of the Roman armies was used when Ephesians was written and how we should use that armor today.

Points from this book that made me think:

"God chose you to be you. He shapes you and he intends for you to have a fulfilling and meaningful life." Ps30

Satan's scheme is to block your development by convincing you that you are worthless.

Romans 12:2 the word-translated mind is Novus, which means perspective. We are to be transformed by changing our perspective of God.

"Instead of believing Satan's lies we are to believe truth and to live the truth. We are to put our confidence in the word of God. We are to affirm our identity as God’s dearly loved children, empowered and enabled by God himself to triumph in all of life's challenges.

We should list truths to commit to our hearts for fighting Satan’s lies. Chapter 8 was filled with great advise, I only wished he had used more scripture. Jesus gives us the example of using scripture when Satan tempted him.

After a description of Satan’s flaming arrows the reader is reminded that God is faithful and will extinguish every flaming arrow hurled by the evil one.

In chapter 12 we are told how to take up the shield of faith by focusing on God. This chapter has good direction, including scriptures.

Richards gives us 4 steps for breaking Satan’s hold and steps to take when we put on our new self.

I loved the imagery of this book. The Full Armor of God was informative and reminded me of why this armor is so necessary and important. Well worth the time I took to read it.

As Always,