Friday, May 29, 2015

Bind My Wandering heart To Thee


Bind My Wandering Heart To Thee

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
-Proverbs 4:25

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Sunday, May 24, 2015

One Year Bible - Life and Death

One Year Bible - Life and Death
Carri Pratt

Several interesting facts regarding life and death were brought to light in last week's reading, specifically from May 20th. 

Firstly, Saul visits a medium and speaks directly to Samuel, who is at that time deceased. (1 Samuel 28:7-15) This reveals to us that there is a life after death.

Secondly, Samuel informs Saul that he "will be with me"       1 Samuel 28:19, the next day, predicting the death of Saul as well as his sons. This reveals that God is in total control of the number of days each person enjoys on the earth.

Thirdly, Lazurus is brought back from the dead after he has "been (dead) four days." John 11:39. This reveals that yes, miracles can happen!

Fourthly, the High Priest Caiaphas is preparing his people to take the life of Jesus, "so from that day on they plotted to take His life." John 11:53. This reveals a behind the scenes reason for the people rising up against Christ.

Lastly, Jesus states, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die." John 11:25-26. This reveals the one hope for mankind, to put one's faith in Jesus Christ and live for Him.  Although we may die spiritually, we will live on for eternity!

The topics of life and death are discussed throughout the Bible. This helps to remind us that every living creature who is born into the world will live and then someday leave the world. The question is, where will we go then? It is a choice every person must make.

You can choose to live your life in a manner that gives glory to God and prepare yourself and your loved ones by believing in Jesus Christ and placing Him at the center of your life as Lord and King.This choice leads to glory, with eternity in heaven lived in the presence of God.

Would you like to know Jesus as Lord? - Click Here
 

Friday, May 22, 2015

Stuck In The Past


Stuck In The Past

Picture this: There is a large, ugly, and deep-rooted weed. It has slowly grown over time. It was not welcomed, but it has made a home where it was never wanted. People tend to just walk around it, step over it, and basically just ignore it. The weed’s presence takes away from everything that’s good.

Bitterness, resentfulness, anger, and hurt are the off shoots of this nasty weed. The weed is UNFORGIVENESS.

The more anger you hold towards the past in your heart, the less capable you are of loving in the present.

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another." Colossians 3:13

www.titus2women.org

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Family Matters

Family Matters - Protecting Our Children from Sex Trafficking
Carri Pratt


Over the past weekend I was informed of the tragic rise in sex trafficking and abductions in the United States and my heart not only broke but began to become seized with fear. I even had my children watch the movie Taken to watch for themselves how easy it is to allow our good nature and belief in the goodness of others to overcome good judgment. (It is an excellent movie by the way)

Luckily, a friend of mine reminded me,  
"For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, 
but one of power, love, and sound judgment." 
2 Timothy 1:7   

That is the key, power, love and sound judgment.

I found an excellent article I invite you to read on Georgia Family Magazine website - click here to read - and it ends with some very useful tips every parent should know, discuss with your children and take seriously:

TIPS TO PROTECT
YOUR CHILD FROM SEX TRAFFICKING


  •  Make sure your children are with you, or with a trusted adult at all times.
  •  Strictly monitor computer use. Sex traffickers can toy with children over the Internet at their leisure, until they have them emotionally entrapped. (carefully consider not allowing them into chat rooms)
  • Educate your children going off to college or travel about the deception used by sex traffickers. If someone seemingly needy asks for assistance, girls should get a policeman or a security guard to help.
  • Teach kids never to lose themselves in alcohol or drugs.
  • Warn young people to avoid stairwells, elevators, clubs, bars, and deserted streets where they can be whisked out of sight.
  • Teach youngsters to beware of offers of modeling and dancing careers that seem too good to be true. Millions of girls have lost their lives believing they were going to be famous, or have better opportunities.

 Tips to Protect your child from Georgia Family Magazine online.

States with the most trafficking cases:
1. California
2. Texas
3. Florida
4. New York
5. Ohio

Excellent Online Resource:


Sunday, May 17, 2015

One Year Bible

One Year Bible - Living Water
Carri Pratt

We have had a great deal of rain this spring. We praise God for the abundance and pray for those who have experienced tragedies because of the storms.

There is, however, one kind of water that is always beneficial for us, that being the Living Water (Jesus) spoken of in John (May 13th NT reading).

"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37-38  

May God Bless you as you continue in your reading of the One Year Bible!

Friday, May 15, 2015

You Can Catch More Flies With Honey Than With Vinegar


 You Can Catch More Flies With Honey Than With Vinegar

I strongly believe the key to any relationships is positive, thoughtful, intentional, loving communication. When we allow anger and/or heightened emotions or volume take over us we forfeit the game. No points.

Let’s take parenting for example: reacting to an issue with a toddler only teaches them to be angry or frustrated. Whereas, softly and respectfully explaining the correct way to the child trains them for appropriate behavior.

If we don’t teach them, how will they know?? How on earth would a 2,3,4, or 5 year old know the correct way to behave without a proper example and intentional instruction?

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6



Friday, May 8, 2015

The Difference A Mineral Can Make


The Difference A Mineral Can Make

Magnesium: There are so many people walking around severely deficient in this helpful mineral.
Our doctor calls it “Natures Valium.” It’s a natural mood enhancer!!

Magnesium is for muscle pain and cramps, headaches (even migraines), calms you and promotes sleep, improved cell function and immune system, stress and hyperactivity, Eczema and Psoriasis too.

There are many options from taking the shots or supplement form, a concentrated oil, lotion, and bath flakes.

Epsom Salts are an option and they are sold in large bags in the beauty sections that have a lavender or eucalyptus scent….so relaxing after a workout or before bed….and what mommy doesn’t need a little relaxing time to herself???

Check out www.ancient-minerals.com to read the testimonies or to order, also sold at your local health food store. Have your doctor check your magnesium levels with a simple blood test.

“Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water.” Revelation 14:7

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Teaching Children to Pray


Teaching children to pray is a vital part of introducing them to Jesus and reinforcing their relationship with God. Our Lord gave us prayer so we could communicate with him directly, and getting children comfortable with prayer helps them to understand that God is always close and accessible.

Read More @ Christianity.About.com

National Day of Prayer


Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Family Matters

Family Matters ... Do Moms have Value?
Carri Pratt

"But Mom,  you don't have any value." This is what my twelve year old son told me this morning and it pierced my spirit like a sharp sword.

What exactly do you say to that except, "WHAT??? Are you kidding me???" 

Of course my sweet husband gallantly stood up for me and immediately required him to write an essay on The Value Of My Mom, to be due before any t.v. or video games could ever be enjoyed again. (sweet!) 

So, lets take a look at this from the mom's perspective. I know hundreds of articles have been written on this subject, but honestly, they don't hit home like when your own child speaks these words over you.  I mean yes, I expect push-back from the world for opting out of the working world while my children are young, but not from my beloved family!

Here is the problem, he was looking at value like it should have a price-tag upon it. He sees that I do not bring home a paycheck and that means I don't add value. So, I had him look up the word value and it said:


VALUE - Noun
1.  Relative worth, merit, or importance:

the value of a college education; the value of a queen in chess.
2.  Monetary or material worth, as in commerce or trade:

This piece of land has greatly increased in value.
3.  The worth of something in terms of the amount of other things for which it can be exchanged or in terms of  
some medium of exchange.

I then asked him what the value of his salvation was to him. This did not come to him at a monetary cost but it was more valuable than any amount of money. It did come at a high cost to Jesus, but it cost Him his life, not his bank account. 
It is so important that we teach our children that value does not always mean money. What is the value of a mom? She is PRICELESS!!!
"The Lord values those who fear Him, 
those who put their hope in His faithful love."  
Psalm 147:11
    

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Praying God's Word for May

Praying God's Word ... Proverbs 31:28
Carri Pratt

 Heavenly Father God,

Thank You Lord for placing children into our lives. Whether they be our own, or precious boys and girls within our sphere of influence, thank you.

Help us, Father, to be women who teach every child we know about Your goodness and mercy. May we be models of grace and love that radiates Your presence.

Teach us Lord to be the type of women and mothers who are sweetly called Blessed.

We love You!
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Friday, May 1, 2015

The Power of One


The Power of One 

There's usually a person or two in everyone's life that is difficult to love. That somebody is most likely dealing with a deep hurt or possibly feels of little value.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel." ~Maya Angelou


"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."John 15:11-12