Prayer Verses

One of my present weaknesses is prayer. I almost always remember to pray before I go to bed but sometimes (more times than I'd like to admit) I fall asleep in the middle of it. I next to never remember when I wake up and occasionally remember to pray sometime in the middle of the day - unless I'm at church or a church function. I really needed some inspiration and reminder; these are the verses that I really liked out of all I could find.  My favorite so far is Matthew 6:5-8

1 Samuel 12:23 (NIV)
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.

Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV)
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you . And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Luke 22:40-43 (NKJ)
When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will but Yours, be done. Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.

Romans 2:26 (NIV)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Saints: Holy ones - set apart (Romans 1:7; 1 Samuel 2:9). All true Christians are saints in the biblical sense of the word (Ephesians 1:12-14; 1 Peter 2:5;9). Not perfect people but those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior (Philippians 1:1; 4:21).

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV)
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Be Joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 4:7-8 (NIV)
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

As I was looking all this up and typing it out, I have sounded like a broken record singing a favorite church song. I don't remember what comes before or after but I've sang over and over "...I need thee every hour, as I kneel in prayer I hope to meet you there, blessed Jesus hold my hand". - This tune in my head was only picked up because we sang it today, I'm sure its not by coincidence.

Caroling

We spent the evening last night out caroling with the church group. Sorta odd because I used to hide from carolers when I was little. But I really enjoyed it. There was a really large group of singers, and a lot of the folks we went to sing for were not able to leave their home so they all seem to really enjoy it. There were just as many adults and kids caroling but you would have thought it was mostly kids with all the snowballs flying. One of our buddies had a snowball war going with one of the other guys, it seem to end after our friend left a 15 pound snowball from a plow on the other guys front seat.

After the caroling was finished we all went over to one of the church members house for cider, cocoa, & chili which was super good. Before long somebody hollers that the cops were outside, sure enough they were with their lights flashing. Apparently the teens decided the snowball war wasn't over and took it outside to finish it at 11 at night, screaming an hollering. Neighbors didn't appreciate it. Although there was no alcohol it was strange; I haven't been to a party where cops showed since high school.

The stranger

There was a man at Christmas time who looked so out of place, As people rushed about him at a hurried sort of pace. He stared at all the Christmas lights, the tinsel everywhere. The shopping center Santa Claus' with children gathered near.

The music from a stereo was playing loud and clear, Of Santa Claus' and snowmen and a funny-nosed reindeer. He heard the people talk about the good times on the way, Of parties, fun, and food galore and gifts exchanged that day.

"I'd like to know what's going on," the man was heard to say, "There seems to be some sort of celebration on the way. And would you tell me who this is all dressed in red and white? And why are children asking him about a special night?"

The answer came in disbelief, "I can't believe my ears! I can't believe you do not know that Christmas time is here! The time when Santa comes around with gifts for girls and boys. When they're asleep on Christmas eve, he brings them books and toys!"

"The man you see in red and white is Santa Claus so sly. The children love his joyful laugh and the twinkle in his eye. They learn to love this jolly man while they are still quite small. When Christmas comes, he is the most important one of all!"

The stranger hung His head in shame, he looked at nail-pierced hands. His body shook in disbelief, 'twas not as He had planned. A shadow crossed His stricken face, His voice was low but clear. "After all these years they still don't know." And Jesus shed a tear.

Author Unknown

Happy Holidays

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Wonder if everyone else out there is as slightly panicked as I am. Still have a pile of cards to write and presents to buy and presents to wrap. Gulp. I feel so unorganized, I hate that feeling. I can't wait till this part is done so I can just enjoy.

Cartoons

Its super funny when the dog watches TV with you and gets all excited about seeing other animals. Its really odd when he does the same thing for a cartoon. Since I've been watching kids lately I found Boss Loves the animals in Cinderella and is fascinated with Bambi. Cartoons are not real, apparently children aren't the only ones who can't understand this.

Munching

Each day is a struggle. Even now in the busiest month for me all year long I can't get away from it. I can go 12 hours and forget to pee (all the time!) but can't go 2 hours with out craving food. I crave and think, sweet food, buttery food, rich food, even now I think oh yum. I've never had this struggle before. It has been since march since I quit smoking and this food craving has been like a storm brewing inside me only getting stronger ever since. My clothes are bigger then they've ever been and want for exercise in the cold of this winter is non existent. If someone could have shown me this when I started smoking way back when, I would have never started. I have stocked my fridge with fruits and veggies and emptied it of most of the bad stuff, next I need some exercise routines that don't drag. I'm thinking of ordering pilates, M thinks a treadmill would be good. At least this time of year they have those yummy mini oranges that peel easy. Those are my most favorite fruit ever, a few years ago they were called tangelo's, last year they were called clemetines, this year they have yet a new name I can't think of. Yum, I'm gonna go eat one right now.