Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Relax With A Great Book
If you want to read a good book, pick up One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. The book is powerful and life-changing, and written eloquently! It really makes me think of everything that I need to be thankful for. I have even started a journal where I write a few things down every once and a while of everything that I am grateful for.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Effective Prayers
I read the below yesterday, and it really made me think about why some people's--including my own--prayers may not be answered. If we are not treating others with the respect, love and kindness that we are supposed to, our prayers will be hindered.
But do not get me wrong... Even though we may be treating others with respect, love and kindness does not always mean that every single prayer we pray will be answered--this is because our prayers might not always be in alignment with God's will for our lives. However, if we are treating others as we should, we can expect that our prayers will be unhindered.
"Unhindered Prayers
“...Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered”(1 Peter 3:7, NLT)
Did you know that the way you treat people has an impact on the effectiveness of your prayers? The Bible says that the prayer of the righteous person is powerful, but if we aren’t treating others with honor, kindness and respect, then we aren’t allowing His righteousness to operate in us. When we don’t treat others the way we should, it closes the door to God’s power and hinders our prayers.
This is especially true in a marriage relationship. Marriage isn’t just an agreement between two people to live life together. Marriage is a God-ordained institution that helps us understand love and unity. When two people are married, they become one physically, spiritually and emotionally. This particular passage is directed toward husbands, but it applies to all believers as well. We should always treat others “with understanding,” which means considering their needs above our own. We should always aim to treat others with kindness, dignity, and respect and quickly choose forgiveness.
Today, choose love. Choose to treat others with respect. Let righteousness flow through you and open the door for His power in every area of your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for another day to worship You and become more like You. I submit my heart, mind, will and emotions to You. I choose to treat others with love and respect which shows that I honor You. Have Your way in me and teach me to prayer effectively for Your glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen."
But do not get me wrong... Even though we may be treating others with respect, love and kindness does not always mean that every single prayer we pray will be answered--this is because our prayers might not always be in alignment with God's will for our lives. However, if we are treating others as we should, we can expect that our prayers will be unhindered.
"Unhindered Prayers
“...Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered”(1 Peter 3:7, NLT)
Did you know that the way you treat people has an impact on the effectiveness of your prayers? The Bible says that the prayer of the righteous person is powerful, but if we aren’t treating others with honor, kindness and respect, then we aren’t allowing His righteousness to operate in us. When we don’t treat others the way we should, it closes the door to God’s power and hinders our prayers.
This is especially true in a marriage relationship. Marriage isn’t just an agreement between two people to live life together. Marriage is a God-ordained institution that helps us understand love and unity. When two people are married, they become one physically, spiritually and emotionally. This particular passage is directed toward husbands, but it applies to all believers as well. We should always treat others “with understanding,” which means considering their needs above our own. We should always aim to treat others with kindness, dignity, and respect and quickly choose forgiveness.
Today, choose love. Choose to treat others with respect. Let righteousness flow through you and open the door for His power in every area of your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for another day to worship You and become more like You. I submit my heart, mind, will and emotions to You. I choose to treat others with love and respect which shows that I honor You. Have Your way in me and teach me to prayer effectively for Your glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen."
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
What Parents Need To Know About Texting Lingo
Please take a few minutes to click on the below link and read the article by Jim Daly at Focus on the Family. It is extremely important information on what to know about the texting lingo that teenagers and older children use! Even though I do not have any teenagers, it is still good to know what is going on, and to remember for years to come.
http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2011/09/07/texting-lingo-every-parent-needs-to-know
http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2011/09/07/texting-lingo-every-parent-needs-to-know
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Powerful Motivational Message
This is a powerful message that this woman says in almost 2 minutes!
Need I say more? She summed it up in a nutshell!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
BPA Exposure
I receive some interesting emails everyday, and the ones I deem important are the ones I post about.
Before our daughter was born a few years ago, I knew nothing about BPA, and the health issues it can cause. I did not even know what BPA was. I inquired on what it meant to be BPA-free when I heard on television how the number "7" on the bottom of plastic containers is unsafe, and a friend of mine told me how she wanted to buy BPA-free bottles and such for their daughter.
So, if you have no idea what BPA is all about, please take a few minutes to read the article I copied and pasted below.
"Do Your Part: Reduce Exposure to BPA
Terri Bennett
Mclatchy-Tribune News Service.
08-23-11
What are the chances that you are buying and bringing BPA right into your own home? Probably pretty good, and there is reason to be concerned.
BPA - or bisphenol-A - shows up in a lot of the products we use each and every day and it is linked to developmental problems, cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and infertility. For those want to reduce their exposure to this controversial chemical, here are my top five ways to do just that.
1) Be Particular About Your Plastic
BPA can be found in plastic food containers and water bottles. It's best to drink water from a stainless steel or a "BPA-free" labeled bottle. If you are using plastic food containers or buy food in a plastic container, check the bottom. BPA is used in polycarbonate (PC) containers that are often marked No. 7. Plastics with the recycling numbers No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 are safer choices.
2) Make Better Choices for Your Baby
BPA can actually leach into liquid formula sold in metal cans. Powdered baby formula has been shown to be BPA-free so it's the best choice. Most manufacturers now offer baby bottles made without BPA but as a general rule, hard, clear plastic often contains BPA while soft, cloudy plastic usually does not. Avoid baby bottles marked "PC" or No. 7 on the bottom.
3) Cut Down on Canned Foods
BPA is also found in the lining of many canned food and juices. The chemical can actually leach from the liner into the food itself. Seek out cans labeled "BPA-free" and choose food items packaged in glass or tetrapak pouches to reduce BPA exposure. Experts also recommend rinsing canned fruit and vegetables with water before eating to reduce exposure.
4) Careful How You Handle Those Receipts
Several studies have found BPA in thermal paper including cash register receipts. If you don't need the receipt, leave it or ask the cashier not to print one. If you need it, be sure to wash your hands after handling.
Certainly, never let your children handle store receipts. You can tell if the receipt is printed on thermal paper if it makes a mark when you scratch it.
5) Glass Is Good
There is evidence that BPA can leach into food when it is heated in plastic containers in a microwave, even those that labeled as "microwave safe." To reduce potential exposure, heat your food in a glass or ceramic container.
The bottom line? Reducing BPA exposure is an important way to create a healthier home for you and your family. Do Your Part when buying and using products to make sure they won't contaminate your food, your body, or our planet."
One thing that I learned from this article that I did not know about BPA is that it is on thermal paper, including cash register receipts. I will now watch how I handle cash register receipts.
In closing, always remember that the number "7" is unsafe when it comes to BPA!
Before our daughter was born a few years ago, I knew nothing about BPA, and the health issues it can cause. I did not even know what BPA was. I inquired on what it meant to be BPA-free when I heard on television how the number "7" on the bottom of plastic containers is unsafe, and a friend of mine told me how she wanted to buy BPA-free bottles and such for their daughter.
So, if you have no idea what BPA is all about, please take a few minutes to read the article I copied and pasted below.
"Do Your Part: Reduce Exposure to BPA
Terri Bennett
Mclatchy-Tribune News Service.
08-23-11
What are the chances that you are buying and bringing BPA right into your own home? Probably pretty good, and there is reason to be concerned.
BPA - or bisphenol-A - shows up in a lot of the products we use each and every day and it is linked to developmental problems, cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and infertility. For those want to reduce their exposure to this controversial chemical, here are my top five ways to do just that.
1) Be Particular About Your Plastic
BPA can be found in plastic food containers and water bottles. It's best to drink water from a stainless steel or a "BPA-free" labeled bottle. If you are using plastic food containers or buy food in a plastic container, check the bottom. BPA is used in polycarbonate (PC) containers that are often marked No. 7. Plastics with the recycling numbers No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 are safer choices.
2) Make Better Choices for Your Baby
BPA can actually leach into liquid formula sold in metal cans. Powdered baby formula has been shown to be BPA-free so it's the best choice. Most manufacturers now offer baby bottles made without BPA but as a general rule, hard, clear plastic often contains BPA while soft, cloudy plastic usually does not. Avoid baby bottles marked "PC" or No. 7 on the bottom.
3) Cut Down on Canned Foods
BPA is also found in the lining of many canned food and juices. The chemical can actually leach from the liner into the food itself. Seek out cans labeled "BPA-free" and choose food items packaged in glass or tetrapak pouches to reduce BPA exposure. Experts also recommend rinsing canned fruit and vegetables with water before eating to reduce exposure.
4) Careful How You Handle Those Receipts
Several studies have found BPA in thermal paper including cash register receipts. If you don't need the receipt, leave it or ask the cashier not to print one. If you need it, be sure to wash your hands after handling.
Certainly, never let your children handle store receipts. You can tell if the receipt is printed on thermal paper if it makes a mark when you scratch it.
5) Glass Is Good
There is evidence that BPA can leach into food when it is heated in plastic containers in a microwave, even those that labeled as "microwave safe." To reduce potential exposure, heat your food in a glass or ceramic container.
The bottom line? Reducing BPA exposure is an important way to create a healthier home for you and your family. Do Your Part when buying and using products to make sure they won't contaminate your food, your body, or our planet."
One thing that I learned from this article that I did not know about BPA is that it is on thermal paper, including cash register receipts. I will now watch how I handle cash register receipts.
In closing, always remember that the number "7" is unsafe when it comes to BPA!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
"How Great Thou Art" Song
Talk about a beautiful/angelic, touching song... If you have not already heard Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill's version of the song, "How Great Thou Art," please take the time to listen to it. It is tear-jerking, and gave me goosebumps!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Dealing With Adversities
We all experience different degrees of adversities in our lives. How we deal with our adversities is the real test of our faith in God.
I used to go through life thinking everything should be like the pages in a storybook--typical mindset of a young child of God--until reality hit me. If I remember correctly, I realized that life is not going to be struggle-free after I finished college and got married, which is when I came to the realization that trials draw us closer to God--ongoing health issues have been why I have a more intimate relationship with Him. So, in an attempt to find out what He wanted me to do with my life, I started to study His Word more and more. Through listening to our Pastor's sermons and reading His Word and Godly books, I gained a passion to be like Him, and learned that life is not going to be stress-free.
I read our devotional a couple of weeks ago, and am posting on it now. I want to share it, because it brings light to how we need to deal with our adversities.
"The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different. "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . . ." (Psalm 91:1, 10)--the place where you are at one with God.
If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." He is saying, "There is nothing for you to fear." The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.
God does not give us overcoming life--He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment--"To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . ." (Revelation 2:7)."
The part of the whole reading that spoke to me was where it said, "God does not give us overcoming life--He gives us life as we overcome." That sentence needs to resonate within us, and remind us how He loves us so much, and wants us to draw closer to Him when adversities come knocking at our door. Why not hand everything over to God, because it is only then that you will find complete peace.
I used to go through life thinking everything should be like the pages in a storybook--typical mindset of a young child of God--until reality hit me. If I remember correctly, I realized that life is not going to be struggle-free after I finished college and got married, which is when I came to the realization that trials draw us closer to God--ongoing health issues have been why I have a more intimate relationship with Him. So, in an attempt to find out what He wanted me to do with my life, I started to study His Word more and more. Through listening to our Pastor's sermons and reading His Word and Godly books, I gained a passion to be like Him, and learned that life is not going to be stress-free.
I read our devotional a couple of weeks ago, and am posting on it now. I want to share it, because it brings light to how we need to deal with our adversities.
"The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different. "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . . ." (Psalm 91:1, 10)--the place where you are at one with God.
If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." He is saying, "There is nothing for you to fear." The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.
God does not give us overcoming life--He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment--"To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . ." (Revelation 2:7)."
The part of the whole reading that spoke to me was where it said, "God does not give us overcoming life--He gives us life as we overcome." That sentence needs to resonate within us, and remind us how He loves us so much, and wants us to draw closer to Him when adversities come knocking at our door. Why not hand everything over to God, because it is only then that you will find complete peace.
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