Friday, September 30, 2016

The Opposite of What You Think


The Opposite of What You Think 

God's way is opposite of your flesh and/or what the world tells you.

The world says to guard yourself, keep safe distance.
God says to be vulnerable and transparent.

The world says to defend yourself.
God says, I'll be your defender.

The world says to hide your sin and pain.
God says to confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

The world says hold onto grudges and past hurts.
God says to forgive and hold no record of wrongs.

"...you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors." 1 Peter 1:18

"Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Ephesians 4:23-24

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Friday, September 23, 2016

Because JOY


To Have JOY

Life does not always go as planned or in our favor. Being happy is only temporal and based usually on superficial things--things of this world that have no lasting or eternal value.  

Rise above those things now and trust that, God, the maker of heaven and earth, knows what he is doing. God will work all things together for good for those who love him. He cares for you and your future. You having joy in the midst of questionable circumstances builds your faith and it's a huge witness to others.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my hearts trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." Psalm 28:7 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

www.titus2women.org
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Monday, September 19, 2016

T2W Mentor Mom's Soul Spa Retreat




T2W Mentor Mom's Soul Spa Retreat


Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, take a quick moment to pause and meditate on this verse:


"He says, 'Be still and know that I Am God.'" Psalm 46:10

Sweet Sister, Be Still! Even if you are driving and the kids are screaming in the back seat, you can Be Still and Know that HE is God. You are in the presence of the KING of KINGS! 

Take a moment to acknowledge that He is ALWAYS with you. Imagine He is sitting right next to you. Can you feel His presence?

We can't see Him, and sadly many times don't even think about Him; but He is there and He will never forsake you and never leave you.

The first step in teaching our children about Him is for us moms to have a thriving relationship with God our Father, Jesus our Savior and the Holy Spirit who dwells within every believer. Take those precious moments with Him.

If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and want to know more please talk with your pastor or a trusted sister in Christ.

Enjoy your intimate retreat with Him,
In His Name,
Carri Pratt 


Sunday, September 18, 2016

Why Our Children Desperately Need Spiritual Training



Why Our Children Desperately Need Spiritual Training 

Carri Pratt 

 

In her book "The Spiritual Child" Lisa Miller, PhD. has found that spiritual development:

  • Is Crucial for Reducing the Risk of Suicide, Depression & Substance Abuse 
  • Is Critical for Overall Health 
  • Prepares our Children for Identity Development 
  • Provides Emotional Resilience 
  • Gives our Children an Inner Compass 
  • Allows them to Understand Their Unique Purpose and Connection in this life
She states, "The absence of support for children's spiritual growth has contributed to alarming rates of childhood and adolescent emotional suffering and behaviors that put them at risk." 


Society is discovering what God has planned and shared in His Scripture:


"The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9


My prayer is that as Moms we would open our eyes, hearts and minds to the amazing impact we can have on the lives of our children and then dedicate our time and talents to doing so, In Jesus Name, Amen.


Watch for this month's posts on How to Have Simple Family Worship

Friday, September 16, 2016

Strength And Weaknesses


Strength And Weaknesses

Taking the Strength Finders test taught me lots about myself, also it confirmed things I already knew. For instance, I am very high "includer". So this means that I am very intentional that everyone feels welcomed, honored and valued, no one is to be left out.  

Ok, so... not everyone has this strength. Well then, it's hard not to judge someone when they do not exhibit this strength and you or much worse, your children are not a priority and get left out.  

I was also getting really bad at judging people for littering and spitting their gum out on the side walk. Now, this still bugs me really bad, but one day I felt the Lord remind me that it was wrong of me to be so annoyed with all this... it is clearly a strength of mine to NOT litter and to pick up after ourselves. Just because we are very sensitive in this area doesn't mean others will or should be. 

This is not a matter of what they should be doing, but a matter of my heart. The Lord whispers these corrections to me for my own good. I must allow God to deal with others and just be responsible for the condition of my own heart. 

God is so good at helping us live a life free of all the trappings that can easily make one crazy or really miserable. Listen carefully and give consideration to His promptings that keep you walking in pure love, His love.

Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. 
And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."
Matthew 22:37

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Friday, September 9, 2016

If Mama Ain't Happy....


If Mama Ain't Happy....

Ladies, Could you be walking around bitter and offended because you feel you have little or no influence? 

Do you feel as if your husband or his family get to call all the shots? That you have to jump when they say so? And maybe you're feeling like you have no control, and basically no life? 

Is this true?

Well, let me ask you something? Isn't it mostly a women's choice if the couple has children, or if she has an epidural in a hospital or an all natural home birth?
Her choice if the child is vaccinated or not, her choice to breastfeed or bottle feed? Private school, homeschool or public school? It's basically up to the wife how often the family see the in-laws, goes to his parents for the holidays or even at all.  

Yes, maybe in most circumstances your hubby has some say so, but let's be honest--your opinion is the most influential. 

Hubby may be making most of the major financial and work-related decisions and such, but you have plenty of influence... I promise you. 

Having no contentment and holding grudges may be a large cause for big problems in your home. Feeling less than can be as simple as believing a lie that you and your opinion do not matter. 

Don't squander your inheritance.

The Father of Lies is the enemy of your soul and the one who steals, kills and destroys. 

Please PLEASE listen to this very powerful and life-changing message. Open your heart, click on the link below and possibly change your thinking. 



"Be careful what you think, because your thought run your life." Proverbs 4:23

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Friday, September 2, 2016

Fullness Of Joy


Fullness Of Joy

Imagine your marriage to be a garden, the more you lovingly tend to the garden you will reap all the fruitful rewards. 

When little weeds pop up, take care of them while they are small. Be alert and ready with your gloves on to remove each sprout that doesn't belong.  Getting a weed all the way to the root is also very important.

I actually love pulling weeds. It's so therapeutic! I will even start pulling weeds in someone else's flower bed while waiting for them to answer the door. 

I believe that battling weeds is a necessary part of the beauty of gardening. You simply must have some skin in the game to make it worthwhile. If it were too easy, everyone would have gorgeous gardens. If everyone had beautiful gardens, we would certainly take them for granted.  

Warning: When you start to believe that your spouse is the lucky one, your marriage is already in trouble. 

Keep a grateful heart and stay on top of those weeds, dear sister! 
A lush garden is your reward.

"You make known to me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forever more." 
Psalm 16:11

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Rather, it should be of that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's eyes." 1 Peter 3:3-4

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