Breathe

Our church is doing a spring devotional called Breathe. We started it yesterday, Ash Wednesday. I have to admit many times I will start a devotional and not finish it. I know, not good. However, as I sat in church on Wednesday, I felt led to buy this book and do the devotionals along with the rest of the church. I am glad that I did. The devotionals are short, a page or less, but the depth is deep. One of the great things is that it challenges you to to focus on Breath Prayers.

Here is the definition taken from http://blogs.asburyseminary.edu/asbury-reader/

"Breath prayers for Reader: A breath prayer follows your breath, in and out, and can be carried with you throughout."

It is a simple prayer that can be carried with you throughout the day. It carries the practice of "praying without ceasing". I am doing my devotional at night, so my prayer for today is "Let my ears hear Your voice." This could not hold more truth for my own life. I strongly desire to hear the voice of the Lord as I walk this journey, and especially this season of my life. I hope that you will be encouraged to really hear the voice of the Lord this week.

Also, my wonderful sister-in-law, Amy, and I have been doing a memory verse challenge for the year through Living Proof Ministries: Beth Moore. We are committed to learning two bible verses each month. By the end of year hopefully we will have memorized 24 bible verses. Isn't that wonderful? I admit some weeks are easier than others, but I have to say that I go back to these verses a lot throughout my day. Each one of them carrying a different meaning for me. I wanted to share my verses so far in hopes that one of them may stick with you.

"May these words of my mouth, and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight Lord, my rock, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

"Hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts." Romans 5:5

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God" Philippians 4:6

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Not that you have anyway of really knowing, but I did type all of those from memory. I hope that I will be able to continue the entire year. One of the hardest parts is knowing where it came from. However, I think that is important.

Just wanted to share a little bit more about my journey of faith. I hope you will be encouraged today, and know that you are loved and forgiven.

Want a Cookie?

Well, actually I would LOVE a cookie. For anyone who really knows me, knows that I have two real weaknesses. Cookies and Potatoes. I know what a combination. I just love these two food groups. Especially cookies.. sugar is my favorite, but I love a warm, chocolate chip cookie any day, along with macadamia nut, and peanut butter just to name a few.. Oh the love of cookies. However, I have chosen to give up cookies for Lent. It NO where near compares to the sacrifice that Jesus made to save our sins, but I hope that every time I want to have a cookie, I will remember that sacrifice. I know that I will be tempted, but I hope my desire to make a sacrifice will out weight my want for a cookie. So, for 40 days I will not eat one cookie!!!! I hope not anyway. I write it on the blog because I know some of you might ask me about it. The more accountability the better. I am thankful for this time of a year. A time that leads to Easter: to celebrate and remember the grace and mercy of our Savior.

In other news, me and the sis have a fun adventure planned for the weekend! I am ready for the weekend to be here! It's been a long week already.

And as always looking forward to the arrival of my first nephew! Can you tell I'm excited!

Stop Hunger Now

Did you know that every 3 SECONDS a child dies from hunger? How incredibly sad. Well on Saturday Patrick and I, along with our church family had the opportunity to help those in need. Our church packed almost 20,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now. How awesome. It was such a humble experience to see everyone in their hairnets and gloves packing meals to feed those who are so thankful for the simple things in life. We take so much for granted, but it was a great time to give back. God has blessed us, and we were thankful to be able to give back this holiday season.

I also wanted to mention that Patrick and I along with my parents shopped for a child off the angel tree. The children on this angel tree has a parent in prison. By buying for these kids their parents are able to give their children a Christmas. Patrick and I have always been blessed at Christmas time and the thought of a child who may not have anything else on Christmas having presents to open warms my heart. It is obviously not their fault that a parent is in jail, and they deserve to know there is hope and love in the world even through difficult situations. I don't say all this to ring our own bells, but to encourage you that anything you can do to help someone out is worth it. I assure you, you will probably be just as blessed if not more so.

I also hope that Patrick and I will continue to choose an angel or some mission to give back to during the holiday season. It really is an incredible blessing.

PS: A BIG BIG BIG thank you to my dad who helped Patrick with his car battery today. Needless to say, it took forever and several trips back to the house to get the battery out. We could not have done it without him. Thank you dad for giving up your Sunday afternoon to help us out. We greatly appreciate it. Also, thank you to Patrick's dad and his Granddaddy Doll for all the suggestions and support. It finally ended up coming out, and a new battery did the trick. Thank you all very much!!!!