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 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will but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.

Snowday

It dumped on us again here today. The children I babysit and I went out and played in it. I tried to shovel the driveway but they begged and begged me to come play with them, so made a snow cave with them instead. Now they have something to retreat to when outside playing. Just looking at it makes me feel little again.

Bible study was canceled for the night because of the snow, I need a hot cup of cocoa and a fire to go with this winter night.

Fall Back

Its time for fall back, don't forget to change your clocks tonight.

Anything but "slumber" party

I haven't felt this kind of hangover in years. I went to a ladies retreat last night and had a ball. I just had no idea I would have so much fun. We listened to a handful of speakers, sang songs, did crafts, and I got a facial. The theme was about transformation; changing your life to be as Christ like as you can. Really the ladies had many great points that I'll try my best to keep with me. I retired to my bunk at around 1:30 just dying to go to sleep only to be kept up by chit chat and giggling for a few more hours. Then when the chit chat finally subsided I found how truly uncomfortable my bed was. There was a mattress under me but I could have swore it was concrete by the next morning. Ha ha, oh well, I had a great time and learned that the church ladies can really git down. It's hard to believe anyone (including myself at one time) thinks partying is better. And now, I'm off to fall over dead from exhaustion.

Un-Answered Prayers?

Grrr

Last night I drove into town to check the mail and get groceries. The blazer started right up before I left home and leaving the post office but failed miserably after I had purchased a ton of groceries. I prayed and prayed and prayed for God to make it start but it just wouldn't. Since it was so late (and I was completely fed up with vehicles problems), I just called a cab to take Boss, the groceries, and I home. I spoke with M and he was almost positive the fuel pump went out and the best thing to do would be to tow it home. Today after church I was to meet the tow truck driver at the Blazer; while I was sitting there waiting my rescue man from the other night shows up. He asked me to pop the hood and starts fidgeting with stuff; he took the aircleaner off, messed with the injectors and tells me to try and start it. And of course with the tow truck pulling in it starts right up. He says that the fuel pump is working great and the injectors were stuck, but all is fine now. Testing his theory I turn it off and start it over and over with out him doing anything, but on the third start while he and the tow truck drive are sitting there watching a big flame shot out. Yikes! I turned the truck right off; nothing caught but the attention of the three of us and some passerby's. My buddy said it probably just shot a flame because the aircleaner was off and it "should" be fine to drive now. haha I don't think so. M will have a project when he gets home. I'm thinking though, a moral to this story ? Maybe a few un-answered prayers. If I had drove home would something have happened or was this all just so I could meet the cab driver who may have some cheap old retro metal cabinets for sale soon? Whatever the reason..

Thursday Night Ride

Last night I went into town to hang with dad. We had dinner and then went to the Thursday night fights. I've never been into boxing but I must say it was super fun aside from the chick they pay to carry the round number and shake her thing wearing nothing but a bikini. We sat "ringside", right at one of the corners where the boxers climb in and out. Despite my fears we weren't sprayed with blood although at one point we almost had one boxer fall into our laps while he was getting the snot beat out of him against the ropes. I ran into one of my real-estate agents and an old friend I used to work with in Anchorage. My dad sat to my right and the Great Alaska Shootout's announcer just happened to be sitting on my left, between those two I was completely filled in on just about everything you need to know about boxing. What a show. I would still never watch it on TV but I found it kinda fun watching it in person. I had so much fun and look forward to the next time we go.

So the fight was finished at 10:30pm. I drove dad home and checked my gas gauge on the way, it said I had just under 3/4's tank. It was a little strange because an earlier check had said I had a little less gas but I just figured maybe I checked it after a hill and the reader was probably still "floating". Since I burn a quarter tank when I'm racing between Anchorage and the Valley, I knew I was fine and didn't need to get gas. I drove back home and didn't speed because its pitch black and I can't see cops ahead at night - so I should have burned even less than a quarter tank. I was a little over 6 miles from home when I ran out of gas. It was midnight when I stopped rolling. I was alone on a dark night, on a back road with my scared little non-protecting dog. I called a friend who had to work at 5am because I had nobody else to call out here, he came and rescued me. I'm so thankful to him and so glad he actually answered the phone. When the truck rolled to a stop it said the tank was just about empty, but I was on a hill so that probably played into it reading higher than it should. The whole way home to get a gas jug, the whole way to the gas station and the whole way back I was in disbelief that I actually ran out of gas also feeling awful for getting this guy out of bed in the middle of the night over my carelessness. I am the kind of person who always keeps at least a half tank in case something ever happens, I don't know how I could have ran out of gas. I just couldn't stop thinking "WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!" My brain was on instant replay I was bugging so much. When we got back to the truck we put the 4 gallons into the truck and she fired right up. Since it was 1am at this point I was way to tired to go back into town to fill up so I headed home. On the way home I looked down at my gas gauge and low and behold it says I have 3/4 of a tank with only 4 gallons in its belly! It read this level the whole 5 miles home. I'm so relieved that the gauge reader is broken and not my stinkin brain. M is calling the dealer today and it shall be fixed soon. Things could have gone a lot worse, I'm so thankful God helped me through it.

Psalm 62: 5-8

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

"I will not be shaken" - I like that part. This whole part jumped out at me last night, it just sounded so awesome.

Wasilla's Winter has Begun

Boy fall was short lived, it seems to have lasted 1 week. This is what we all woke up to this morning. I guess I can't ignore the coming of winter anylonger. So now the fun starts, back to fish tailing in the trucks, sliding to a hault at intersections, and hoping the other drivers out there will be extra cautious. When we moved out here last year we found that snowmachining is a way of transportation in this town. There is a freeway next to the highway and all the roads here are accompanied by a trail just for snowmachines. This is also the first place I've seen a row of ski-doo's, polaris's, and yamaha's parked at all the grocery stores; don't aske me where you would fit groceries on a snowmachine, but they do it somehow. I'm looking forward to seeing it all again. We are stocked with hotcocoa, studded tires, and warm clothes so I guess we're ready for it.

Psalm 36:5-7

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Fall is here.

If I were to mark a day for fall, it would be today. Yesterday the lawn was mostly green, today.....
Its beautiful and I keep thinking December is just around the corner, it will be our 1st year anniversary in our cozy little house. I can't wait till Christmas!

Baptized!!

M and I were baptized tonight. We spent the evening at the minister's house for dinner and bible study and decided to just go do it. M has never been baptized; I was baptized when I was a baby. So as adults we've finally made the decision after studying baptism for a few weeks and just did it. I'm pretty jazzed, not to mention humbled, honored, just to name a few. It was sorta strange because I never knew churches had submersion tanks, growing up it was always a splash to the head. I always thought it more a gesture then thinking of it as the bible teaches, puting old ways in the past and being born again into Christ. But we were fully dunked tonight and it wasn't weird at all, in fact I could have hung out in the tank afterwards it was so warm. Anyway, 9-11-04 at around 9:30 pm. I want to remember this and when it happened.

Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Ephesians 4:4-6

There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

This was read to me last night, I thought it sounded beautiful and very worth remembering.

Visitors

As has been expected my mom, step-dad, step-brother, and his girlfriend are staying here. They came up a day early to hang with us before step-bro and his woman fly back home. Yesterday just before we were suppose to go into town for dinner I get a call. The friend who is staying in our driveway paid for a pure bred miniature Doberman pincher (to surprise his wife) but the dog wasn't suppose to be picked up for another week. He is in Anchor Point right now for his only days off visiting his wife and kids before he's back up here for the week. So of course yesterday the call comes from the girl with the puppies... "I'm moving, if he wants the dog I need someone to come pick it up today." Umm ok thanks for the notice lady. So I went and got the puppy who is smaller then my hand. We spent 15 minutes at home before we had to go to Anchorage to meet the family for dinner and a movie so we brought the puppy out of fear of leaving her here for hours and hours by herself for the first time. She's so little and cute. I made sure M played with her the whole way in to keep her from falling asleep, so during dinner she slept in her box in the truck. Dinner was at Humpy's and was Super good. After dinner the family got to meet her. I've never seen a group of people get in a huddle so fast. The "aww's" and "Ohh's" made it even funnier. I smuggled her in to Centry 16 with anyone noticing an arm deformity in my sleeve wriggling and all was well and quiet for the movie.. Except she woke up and started getting antsy the last 5 minutes of the movie. haha she let out a whimper and about 3-4 people turned around looking at me (not seeing the puppy). Anyway, no sleep last night, she is on a 2 hour feeding schedule and took up howling in the middle of the night. Marty and I took shifts. Its made the visit so far with the family really entertaining.

Hangin with Pa

Had to drive moms car in and pick up her other half. I was dropped at dads and spent the night at his house. He was in a Golf tournament yesterday so last night we went to the dinner and auction for all the Golfers that played. Dad apparently has the hook-up and I got a free dinner too, and won a hooded sweatshirt, zip up style. I just knew I was gonna win a shirt of some kind off the door ticket and I did. Odd thinking I saw it coming now. Anyway, Dad and I had a great time. This morning I finished up my Laundry and ironed some clothes. I'm still learning how to do that well. Me and ironing, sort of a joke in fact, but I'm actually learning with help from him. Dad had to sew a fastener on a pair of slacks for me. Dad sewing for me, now that says something. I felt pretty loved for him to be sewing for me. I'll have that picture in my head for a long time, him sitting on the bed struggling to see an eyelet 1/4 the size of a pencil eraser. No complaints, just a look of content with the needle and thread in hand. Before he drove me home by way of the scenic route, we had lunch at the Moose's Tooth. Good hang time with dad. I feel pretty lucky to have such great parents. What a blessing from above.

New Church

After doing a lot of shopping around I've finally found a church that seems to fit perfect. Today was my second day and already I feel like I'm with my family. Even though I don't know anyone well, people go out of their way to make me feel welcome and apart of things. I found its easy to find a church that shares my beliefs but its hard to find one with people who go out of their way to make a stranger welcome. I find myself spending 5 hours there with out even noticing the time gone by. I know that would freak most people out, me too not so long ago yet I'm feeling very content. Wednesday they have a bible study on family, which is just what I've needed so I'm really looking forward to going. I love it when I get that feeling of something being tailor made by him, just for me.

Procrastination

~Found while cleaning out my files, I don't even remember saving it. Instead of sitting in a hidden file, it shall sit here in my face to serve its purpose when needed.

Sometimes there is so much to do that we can't do it all, so we just get overwhelmed and we don't do anything. The secret to conquering your procrastination lies in five little steps I call STING.

S - Select one thing to do.
T - Time yourself for one hour, use a timer if that's what it takes.(Many times the job will only take 30 minutes, or they'll find they're not done with the task when the hour is up but they've made giant headway and can see the light at the end of the tunnel and live with less guilt.)
I - Ignore everything else.(Most procrastinators say, I'm going to get this done but first I'll check my e-mail, then...)
N - No breaks.
G - Give yourself a reward (such as watching TV guilt free).
Author: Procrastination Expert Rita Emmitt: http://www.ritaemmett.com/

~I wonder how a person becomes a procrastination expert?

Words to build on

I found this sometime ago. It would have helped me with so many choices I made growing up. I would have done well to have it nailed to my forehead back in Jr High.

"You want to build your dream home. You interview several contractors. Some were more expensive, some were less; but the one you chose to do the job was the one YOU thought best at the time.

They break ground and start to pour the foundation. You notice a few cracks when they pull off the forms. You question the cracks, and the contractor tells you that it will be fine, he will touch it up. The frame goes up....

You notice some of the boards are warped, and are stamped "B" grade. You question the grade, after all, isn't "A" better?? You're told not to worry, its all the same, its getting covered up anyway.....

Your head starts to tell you things you know are right, but then he is the contractor, he must know what he is doing! Thinking back to the other interviews, you recall some of the other contractors telling you that they would only use grade A lumber, and the other contractor telling you that if the foundation had a crack, they would re pour the forms.

So now, the flake board goes up, but the other contractor was going to use plywood. The windows go in, they only say triple pane, not Andersen triple pane. Then the appliances arrive, and the say Wiking, not Viking. Get the point???'

When we suspect something is wrong, the time to confront it is when our hearts give us the first sign. If we ignore those signs, we wind up with a weak foundation and bad materials to build our lives, friendships, families, or life habits on depending on the area's we've chosen to take the convenient or easiest route."

By Unknown
Author

All sorts

I had to go to Anchorage yesterday to pay for our new insurance policy. Very happy to have that over and done with. When I walked into the office I realized my agent was really familiar. When I said, "I know you!" she said "I know you too!" But neither of us could figure out where we knew each other from. It took me a while before I remembered the daycare's I worked for and thought maybe that was it. Sure enough! I watched her daughter Julie when I was working at Little Red Schoolhouse. Last time I saw Julie she was 1 and a half, she was one of the sweetest kids, not to mention very easy going. Her mother showed me pictures of her and it made my day. Julie is 6 now and will be going into 1st grade this coming year. She was a very cute toddler but she is a beautiful little girl now. I only wish Julie had been there, I would have just ate her up!

After I went to dads house and did some laundry. Since dad got a new Mini Cooper its even easier to get him out of the house then it was already. We went out and had lunch together and after a worry-some few days I found out my dad is not having strokes. But unfortunately they still can't say what is happening. He is almost to the point of not caring what's wrong because he's put out so much money on several very expensive tests. I hate that, I just want to know what's wrong. But we had a great talk which made lunch the best. After lunch we went back to the house, I switched out my laundry and we took my brother to the zoo! Getting hang time with my brother and dad was best, we all haven't spent time together like that since my brother and I were in school. Tuli the camel came right over to the fence when we got to her spot, she stretched her neck through the fence and dad and I got to pet her nose. The polar bear was up and playing in the pool with his new toys, we could have watched that bear all day. Then right across from the polar bear they had 2 orphaned cubs. That was the funniest thing to watch, they took turns charging and tackling each other and testing their water pool out. My dog is twice the size of them with the exception of their little pot bellies. Makes ya just want to go snuggle with them. I took lots of pictures to remember it.

After the zoo we stopped in and saw the new water-park in town. We didn't have swim suits but just wanted to see what it was like in there. Right off the three of us were ready to go get our suits and come right back.... Till we found out its $20 a head. $60 for the three of us to hang wasn't justifiable in these broke times so we went home. I know parents who've had birthday parties for their kids at that place and yesterday I wondered what kind of loan they had to take out to do something like that! The time me and the boyz got to spend together was so nice though. I love doing family hang outs like that. Sitting at home with them just isn't the same. Its important to mix fun with family so we can all appreciate each other and want hang out again.

Unexpected Gift from God

Since we are insurance again shopping we're gonna have to pay a hefty down payment to start with a new insurance company. Read my last post to find out why we suddenly have to change companies due to our current companies huge mistake, lol. So with the washer breaking down and me needing to get some new office clothes that fit, ug. All that added to visitors and all the events of this summer, money is tight. In order to afford the down payment for the insurance switch Marty got a $500 advance on his paycheck yesterday. Really though, this is not such an ideal plan, it will cut into his next check and we can't afford to be short $500. We just don't have room to budge right now.

We were both really worried, we haven't been this tight in years. Marty said something along the lines of "I'm not sure how we're gonna make things work" referring to the bills and a shortage of $500 in the coming paycheck. He was really worried. As the stress overwhelmingly welled up in my chest a flash of thought struck me, I said "Well, there is nothing we could possibly do about getting extra money now, I don't think we can do anything but pray." I told him if God had in mind for us to go through some hard times, we'll just have to trust him. We prayed over it and both decided to not worry another moment about it, it was in Gods hands and he'd always be there to take care of us. When we got off the phone Marty went on to start his work on the night shift and I had taken all my worry, trust, and faith and laid it in Gods hands. I think it was somewhere around 11:30 and Midnight.

This morning I received an email from Marty...

"So it took a while to figure out how to come up with $500. You wouldn’t believe what happened to me when I got to work. The company has a drawing once a quarter and every one in the company that hasn’t had any vehicle accidents or any first aid’s is eligible. My name was drawn and I won $500!! It was just a shock because I didn’t even know anything about this drawing before today"

So now there is something to cover the advance. What an unexpected gift! I don’t believe in coincidences and I really feel God's hand at our back, working it all out. God is AMAZING!

-----------------------------------------------------
Edited to Add:
12-23-10

I just read this post today and had to come back (over 7 years later) and add a bit that makes this story even more Amazing.

In my excitement I forgot to add that Marty later found out this was in fact the FIRST of many drawings the company had planned to start in an effort to fuel excitement for safety. As mentioned the plan was there was to be a new drawing each quarter. What I had no way of knowing all those years ago is that there would NEVER be another drawing again.

It's now over 7 years later and Marty still works in the same building doing the same work - well he's a supervisor now but he's overseeing the same job he was working all those 7 years ago. The company was taken over by a new company a few years after this post, and again a few years ago but there has never been another drawing held by any of the 3 companies

I always knew God had moved a mountain for us that day.

This is one of those moments I love to remember.