Reading

I have been so behind! So much to read and so little time! :) So I just read chapter six. But it was so good! And I can't wait to read more! I loved the part at the end of the chapter where she had the list of names of well-known people and the time they devoted to prayer. Very challenging.

Verse Six 2011

Sarah, Mt.Vernon, TX-"Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land." Proverb 31:23 KJV


Hannah, Royce City, TX-"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide  
thee with my eye." Psalm 32:8 KJV


Ashley, Texarkana, TX-"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:3-5 KJV


Anna, Mt. Vernon, TX- "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Ephesians 3:19 KJV


Katie, Mt. Vernon, TX-"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" Matthew 28:19 KJV

Memorization

I have loved doing the memorization together! That is something I have always struggled with, as most of you know :) But doing it together at a constant pace has been really good for me. I love knowing Scripture from memory! It has already helped me so much! So keep it up guys!
Love, Anna Belle

An Unexpected Result

"As I began to simply focus on Him, amazingly, I felt that much more loved of Him. We have an example of this transfer of affection~from following Him as Lord, to loving Him as Savior~in Hosea 2:16 "...in that day," says the Lord...you will call Me 'My Husband,' And no longer call me 'My Master.'" Prayer suddenly became a natural desire. I did not feel I had to struggle to be heard~ I knew He was right there~as if His arms were tight around me. Of course, He loved me no more than before, I just began to realize His love in  brand new way. Certainly years earlier, in response to that love, I had come to love Him too, yet realized only a small part of the joy He intended. It was like an endless supply of sugar cubes which were there all along, but whose sweetness was yet to be tasted."~Jennifer Lamp

Verse Five 2011

Sarah, Mt. Vernon, TX-"She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple."  Proverb 31:22 KJV


Ashley, Texarkana, TX- "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1,2 KJV


Hannah, Royse City, TX-"I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good." Psalm 54:6 KJV


Anna, Mt. Vernon, TX- "My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." Psalm 73:26 KJV
(I actually memorized the verse right before this a while ago, but then Dad read these two verses at church Wed. night and I decided I wanted to know both of them! :)


Alicia, Sulphur Springs, TX-"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:32 nkjv


LeAnne, Mt. Pleasant, TX-"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:" Colossians 2:10 KJV


Katie, Mt. Vernon, TX-"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Matthew 28:18 KJV

Why Pray?

I am a woman of lists, especially lately!
Why do I need to exercise?
Why do I need to eat healthy?
Why do I need to make lists? Okay, maybe that is a little over the top!
However, I believe that if we clearly outline why we do what we do, it keeps us focused and motivated to make the sacrifices required.
So, why pray?

Here is my list in no particular order. I would love to hear yours!

1. It's the Christian's highest calling.
2. It's my privilege as a child of the King.
3. It's the most worthwhile use of my time.
4. It's rewards are promised.
5. It impacts people and places I will never see.
6. It renews my strength.
7. It sharpens my focus.
8. It gives me a higher perspective.
9. It keeps my soul warm in a cold world.
10. It teaches me to listen.
11. It creates intimacy with my Father.

Do You Desire To Pray?

"I can know I need to pray, and learn the skills involved in praying. Yet if I never desire to pray, my knowledge and skills mean nothing. Praying will never become a habit or a discipline because the one main ingredient is missing."-Elizabeth George

What we desire, or crave, plays an important role in what we participate in, or consume. After considering this point, I asked myself these questions...

1. Do I desire to pray?
2. Should my desire be greater?
3. What things or people should I pray for?
4. What will help me desire the "right" things?
5. How does my culture influence my prayer life for good or bad?