Praying Continually...

Prayer

When I was a little, I remember every night before I went to bed my Mom and I would say my prayers. “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take”. Mostly I would say it out of repetition, because 1) I was small and 2) I had yet to have that relationship with Christ, though still small I began to understand this concept.

What is Prayer?

According to Webster, Prayer is all of the following:  {1}: an address (as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought {2}: a set order of words used in praying b: an earnest request or wish {3}: the act or practice of praying to God or a god.

"The word "Prayer" is frequently used among believers and non-believers, but what exactly does it mean? Most of us have a concept of prayer that is limited to supplication for our needs with the expectation that a Higher Power will intervene in our lives and do for us what we are unable to do for ourselves. Yes, this is one way of understanding prayer, but it is not all that prayer is. Like many other values, our understanding of prayer is filtered and shaped by our experiences." {Source: Hunffington Post}

Little did I know that when I was small, saying my prayers; I was developing a relationship with Christ.  If I never spoke to L or listened to anything he told me or said our marriage would very quickly dissipate. This is the same concept with Christ. If we never speak to him with Prayer our relationshp will disapear and be non-existence.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" {1 Thessalonians 5:16-18}.

Prayer Requests:

1.       My long time friend MK. She was diagnosed with breast cancer last week, and after her PET Scan they found a tumor in her reproductive area. I’m not sure of her faith.

2.        My Mom G. She is doing quite well after she had surgery on Monday. A Full recovery is in store.

3.       Some high school friends T and J Ledbetter, he lost his dad last night due to a heart attack.

4.       Lucy Krull {read her mom’s blog here}

5.       Sarah Fries {read her blog here}

"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" {Romans 8:26}

WOW! I have Spirit that intercedes for me. Who helps me in all my weaknesses, and who knows already whats going on in my life and what I am going to be praying for. All in order to bring Glory and Honor to God!
.

Lucy

What do you Fear?

Today, I’m not feeling the creativeness nor engaging in writing about the happenings in the political realm that I usually write about... It’s rainy and cold outside, and honestly I would love to me at home cuddled up with L and Cotton {our Kitten} with a movie and some Chick-Fil-A! J

I will drink my tea and push on though because today I feel a need to discuss my fears. We all know how obsessed I am with Politics and World Affairs, and after reading Drudge Report today. Man this world is becoming a DISASTER! So today’s topic: What do you fear?  Let's first begin with the worst...

1.      Snakes:

I don’t just Hate, I loathe SNAKES. I fear going to Zoo’s because I know they are always represented. I fear mowing the lawn, because one might cross my path. I fear swimming in the Lake because…well that’s where they live! I have not had a real close encounter with one, though I do not EVER want to. They are gross, weird, sneaky, quiet, and mean creatures and they remind me of the devil. J (After all he was represented by a Serpent)

2.      Failing:

Yes you read that right FAILING. To fail is a fear of mine. I think this is why God did not make me a competitive sports enthusiast, because if I partook in any sport at a competitive level, and lost at what I knew I did best… I would never engage in any sport again. Even though I know they say “Failure is the best Medicine”.

3.      Fearing the Unknown : The End Times/Eternity:

Now, I know you’re probably thinking. What? Though if you really think about it, can our human minds rap our head around “ETERNITY”? I mean I start to think about it, then I get lost in thoughts like “Who made God”, “How did he have an idea to make earth” “I just want children, what happens if the rapture happens before then”? These are deep questions that I could go on and on about but really just need a 1-800-call-heaven. HA! Though I hold these verses close to my heart! I think majority of this comes from a perspective of fearing the unknown, and me wanting to KNOW everything!

1.      I will FEAR no Evil: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

2.      I will HELP you: For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

3.      Be STRONG and Courageous: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

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

5.      Of Whom Shall I be AFRAID?: The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

I could continue with a multitude of irrational thoughts on fears, though I think I’ll stop here. It is becoming more and more of a reality that I have nothing to fear, even though I have everything to Life FOR. This life is short and we are not promised tomorrow. So quit FEARING and LIVE!

Lucy   

Fabulous Favorite Friday: Tom’s Of Maine

Fabulous Favorite Friday: Tom’s Of Maine

So guess what… It’s FRIDAY and that means it’s Favorite Friday! Today I’m spotlighting Tom’s of Maine, another great “Green” product, in which I love.

What is Tom’s of Maine?

1.       Our Reason for Being: It’s a worthwhile challenge to run a responsible business, and our Reason for Being helps keep us focused on what really matters.

2.       Stewardship Model: From choosing ingredients to designing a package, our Stewardship Model sets the standards we strive to uphold with every decision.

3.       No Animal Testing: We believe that both human beings and nature have inherent worth and deserve our respect, that's why we never test on animals.

4.       Committed to Transparency: Since 1981, we've proudly shared our ingredients along with their purpose and source so you'll know the goodness you're getting.

Environmental Practices: Thoughtful citizens of our natural world.

5.       Sourcing: Our ingredients represent our ideals – no animal testing or animal ingredients, with the living planet in mind. It takes a little extra effort, but it's worth it.

6.       Manufacturing: How we manufacture is just as important as what we manufacture. Discover our environmentally sensitive facilities, technologies and recycling efforts.

7.       Packaging: Tom's of Maine products and packaging are designed in accordance with our Stewardship Model and their sustainability and recyclability are actively reviewed in the process.

8.       Laminate Tube: In 2011 Tom's of Maine began packaging its toothpaste in plastic "laminate" tubes rather than

9.       Gimme 5: The Preserve® Gimme 5 program can recycle your Tom’s of Maine deodorant containers into new household products like razors and toothbrushes.

My Favorite Product:

Tom’s of Maine: Anti-Plaque and Whitening Fluoride- Free 

“At Tom's of Maine that means we use authentic natural ingredients. We use zinc citrate sourced from zinc - a naturally occurring mineral and xylitol, a natural ingredient derived from birch trees or corn. Plus, natural flavoring for a taste that will make you look forward to brushing! Fluoride-free formula: Some people do not want fluoride in their toothpaste. We produce this toothpaste without fluoride because we respect our customers' diverse needs and interests.”

I recommend everyone trying out this product. It taste great, smells great, gives you great breath, and is relatively inexpensive and available at Wal-Mart Stores!  I LOVE IT and I'm sure you will too.

Have a Fabulous Friday!

Lucy

I can ONLY imagine!

Today, MY heart is saddened. Today, I realized WE must do more. Today, I realized HE is slowly becoming un-important. Today I realized the importance of being an EXAMPLE. Today is a NEW day. Praise Him!

Why you might ask? I read a study {read it here} that was conducted by the American Physical Society (APS) that finds religion is dying out in nine (9) Countries, which truly saddened my heart.

The findings unveiled at an APS meeting in Dallas show that religion may become extinct in Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Canada, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

The study, {via FoxNews} which was conducted by Richard Wiener of the University of Arizona, and Daniel Abrams and Haley Yaple of Northwestern University, took data stretching back 100 years for those nine countries."In a large number of modern secular democracies, there's been a trend that folks are identifying themselves as non-affiliated with religion; in the Netherlands the number was 40 percent, and the highest number was in the Czech Republic, where the number was 60 percent."The study also found that "Americans without affiliation comprise the only religious group growing in all 50 states.""In 2008 those claiming no religion rose to 15 percent nationwide, with a maximum in Vermont at 34 percent,” The study concludes that religion in these societies might one day disappear.

What do you think? Do you think Christianity is becoming extinct? I’m not sure if this article was directly referencing Christianity, because I know there are many different religions out there, though Christianity is THE religion, so I included it.  Since it’s my blog and I can push my own agendaJ, This IS Sad, what’s even worse is that the International Mission Board {IBM} has had some financial difficulty which has led to many missionaries being pulled from the field. FRIENDS, we must do something, not tomorrow, not next month, or even next year… BUT NOW! Don’t you want to help people experience God’s Greatness? I can only imagine what it will be like…

I can only imagine what it will be like• When I walk by your side• 

•I can only imagine what my eyes will see • When your face is before me • Surrounded by your glory• what will my heart feel?• Will I dance for you Jesus, • or in awe of you be still? • Will I stand in your presence, • or to my knees will I fall? •Will I sing Halelluja, •Will I be able to speak at all? •I can only imagine•

I can only imagine when that day comes• and I find myself standing in the Son•

• I can only imagine when all I will do• is forever, forever worship you• I can only imagine•
• I can only imagine- Mercy Me

 “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”
C. S. Lewis

Lucy

Vaction that I don't get to go on?

I often refer to Life as a Game that I am lucky enough to “Play” in. Why a Game? A Game because according to Webster a game is classified as “an activity engaged in for diversion or amusement: (2) a procedure or strategy for gaining, or (3) a physical or mental competition conducted. A game = all of the above. If you ask any of my DC roommates, they will begin to tell you many stories in which I referenced “Playing Politics” or “Playing Tourist”. Life is short, Play and make the most of it.




President Barack Obama waves to the people gathered on the street outside the Ciudad de Deus (City of God) favela Community Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, March 20, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

 

So in light of “Playing President”, According to Yahoo news (read it here) “President Barack Obama “played grand tourist” to Rio de Janeiro's vivid extremes on Sunday, motorcading from brilliant beaches to a notorious slum even as he monitored U.S. military strikes in faraway Libya.” Wait… Really?  So President Obama is with his entire family in Latin America for Vacation, when Japan is in ruins and Guddafi is about to kill all his people off, and as of November 2010, the Air Force said it costs a staggering $181,757 PER HOUR (read it here) to operate Air Force One and that’s before Crude Oil Increased? Also did you know that Obama has visited more than 26 countries (some more than once) in his first two years in office?

Another point I would love to make is that he was in Brazil speaking on expanding business ties and creating more jobs… Last time I checked the unemployment rate in the US was 9.5% in February 2011 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).  Why are we trying to promote jobs in Brazil when we need Jobs in the US?

If I am ever President of the United States, someone please never let me take advantage of the tax payers dollars!

Lucy

Fabulous Friday: Korres!

What is Korres?

“Established in 1996, out of Greece's oldest homeopathic pharmacy, KORRES today offers advanced natural formulations that deliver maximum results. The active natural extracts used in the formulas ensure enhanced product performance, bringing you clinically proven, advanced skincare benefits, while also avoiding harmful synthetic compounds, to ensure maximum skin compatibility and environmentally- conscious products. Korres offers a full range of natural skincare formulations that deliver maximum results -from our complete regimen kits designed to treat specific skin types and concerns to highly innovative products like our best selling yogurt cream for oily and dehydrated skin made from real, edible yogurt. Try our wild rose family, enriched with antioxidant Wild Rose oil, our skincare favorite Evening Primrose eye cream, the multitasking antioxidant and multivitamin sugar crystal treatment for all skin types; all of our products are packed with active natural ingredients that offer maximum skin compatibility and targeted skincare benefits!”

Their Values (which I love)

1.       Naturally deriver, top quality active ingredients.

2.       Clinically tested effectiveness with no inflated promises.

3.       Pleasing to the senses.

4.       Reasonably priced to enable everyday use.

What is MY favorite product?..............

Well it’s really hard to answer that though I really love the WILD ROSE 24- Hour Moisturizer for normal to dry skin and it also has a SPF 6. You can find this on Korres.com or Sephora.com. The benefits are as follows:

•Wild Rose 24-hour moisturizer that quickly and effectively heals and lightens hyper- pigmentation Wild Rose oil, a potent, natural source of vitamin C, significantly diminishes fine lines, hyper- pigmentation and resurfaces skin, revealing a soft and radiant complexion
• Imperata cylindrica a desert plant extract, ensures 24-hour long-lasting hydration by continually regulating the cellular water equilibrium
• Pure vitamin C inhibits free radical damage and brightens the skin
• Phytic Acid, a natural skin lightener, helps illuminating sun damage and acne scarring

•Grape seed extract, rich in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, helps promote a healthy and youthful complexion.
•Olive oil, almost identical in chemical structure to our skin lipids, provides ideal hydration, while allowing the skin to breathe.

Check out all Korres has to offer. Its truly a great company that offers and delivers great products!

YAY for great products!

Check them out at www.korresusa.com!

Lucy

a pot of gold!

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, and since it’s considered a “Holiday” today is all about the GREEN.  St. Patrick’s Day is supposed to be a religious holiday, which believe it or not is celebrated all over the globe. The name St. Patrick… was a saint in 387-461 AD, who was the recognized as the patron saint in Ireland. Representing a celebration of the Catholic Church and especially the Church of Ireland, it originated as a “Feast Day” in the early 17^th century, though now is mostly celebrated as “Irish Culture”!

A little about Saint Patrick:

Saint Patrick was born into a wealthy Romano-British Family. He was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave. He was believed to have been held somewhere on the west coast of Ireland, possibly around Mayo. He was told by God in a dream to flee from captivity to the coast, where he would board a ship and return to Britain.  When he returned he joined the Church in Auxerre in Gaul and studied to become a priest. In 432, he again said that he was called back to Ireland, though as a bishop, to Christianise the Irish from their native polytheism. Irish folklore tells that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish people. After nearly thirty years of evangelism, he died on 17 March 461, and according to tradition, was buried at Downpatrick. Although there were other more successful missions to Ireland from Rome, Patrick endured as the principal champion of Irish Christianity and is held in esteem in the Irish Church.


The White House @ St. Patrick's Day



So why do we celebrate with Green?

Originally, the color associated with Saint Patrick was blue. Over the years the color green and its association with Saint Patrick's day has grown Green. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century. He is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day. In the 1798 rebellion, in hopes of making a political statement, Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms on 17 March in hopes of catching public attention. The phrase "the wearing of the green", meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing, derives from a song of the same name.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!


Chicago's River Died Green


Happy St. Patricks Day!
Lucy

Operation Blitz... wait Doubt?

When I go on international mission trips, I always TRY to tell God that I don’t want to go, I don’t have time, I make random excuses, I don’t have the funds, and even sometimes that I don’t want to go to a Communist/Socialist country because there is so much risk involved. If there was a 1-800-Call-Heaven, I’m pretty sure I would be laughed at, because if we look back at that statement, each International Mission trip has been to a Communist/ Socialistic Country... HA!

We always take a plethora of bibles into whichever country we are headed. I get really nervous, depending on the country of course, though it’s still an uneasy feeling.  I’ll tell you this story that will send “chills” down your spine…

On this mission of “Operation Blitz” we bought 300 bibles to distribute. We split them up between suit cases. If you’ve ever been international you know that you must go through International Customs before entering that country. They go through your bags, check your passport, stamp it and then do a quick interview. If you pass you’re free to enter, if not you might be questioned. Now with 300 Bibles being “Smuggled” anything over 1 could be subjected to questioning, you could be followed, or even detained. Fastforward to : I get off the plane, proceed to International Customs, and realize they aren’t going through the bags. I start to pray because I’m like NO WAY this can’t be true.. No bag checks today? God is GREAT! Instead my excitement turns to disappointment, as I see x-ray machines. I panic. “X-Ray machines are you kidding” Theses bibles are also in the native language so they are very much aware of what it reads. The team decides to split up and go separately, though we were looking pretty dominate in this country, it might be better if we are separate incase we do get questioned. I continue, Praying Profusely, and thinking this is not going good and I’m the 3^rd next in line.   If you know me, you know I stay very calm in situations like this, because the last thing you want to do it tip the authorities off, or make them suspicious of you. I soon realize I’m next in line, I’m praying like I’ve never prayed before. God has gotten me this far why would he turn his back now? Did I mention I had the majority of the Bibles because I had the largest suit case...? AWESOME! Even BETTER!!! My mind is going in circles... “Trust in the Lord, for he will not forsake you, nor leave you”. All of the sudden there is complete CHAOS! I start to question the entire situation. Customs officials are conversing in their native language, the chaos is continuing and I’m not moving forward. The gentleman looks at me and motions me to proceed. I’ve never been that tense in my whole life. I take a breath and proceed. I place my bags on the machine. They quickly yell at me and tell me the X-RAY machine has just broken and currently NOT WORKING! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?! I almost started to cry. I told my self "keep walking" whatever you do don't stop! The Custom authorites said "Have a great visit"! I'm so puzzeled, thankful, and slightly amazed.

Why do we ever doubt God?  1 In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.  2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.  3 And one called out to another and said," Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The WHOLE earth is full of HIS glory."4And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.  5 Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined!   Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts."  6Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs.  7He touched my mouth with it and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven."  Isaiah 6

Praise Him for He is Holy! Next time you doubt God, remember he is the LORD!

Lucy

Fat Tuesday?

Happy Fat Tuesday! So today is the famous Marti Gras, and today I wanted to talk about it, not just for you to read, but also for me to learn something… HA!

Marti Gras Beads
 (Purple- Royalty (King), Gold- Power and Green- Wealth)

So what is Marti Gras and Fat Tuesday? Well “Marti Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday”. It commemorates the celebration of eating fatty foods or a feast in order to prepare for lent which begins on Ash Wednesday (Tomorrow) which occurs 46 days before Easter (40 days not counting Sundays)  . Growing up we never celebrated these, partly because we were not Catholic, though I have read that many Christians give something up in order to prepare for Easter. So I don’t think just because you aren’t catholic you can’t participate. Though the Pope might disagree I’m not sure.. HA! (I doubt he reads this) J  

Though I don’t believe massive partying was intended by the ancient church and priests, I do believe they had a big feast, but today’s Marti Gars I believe is taken way out of context from its original meaning.



King Cake eaten for Fat Tuesday

This year I have decided that I would partake in lent, though I'm praying that God would revel it to me, that he wants me to give up hopefully by tomorrow. J  I challenge you to join me.

Lucy

Happy Happy Birthday to my MIL DEBBIE!

Happy Birthday to my MIL!!

SPOTLIGHT: Debbie C. (Check her blog out here) I am a day late in wishing my MIL Debbie a Happy Birthday, but I was always taught its better late than Never. J Though yesterday was her birthday, we did celebrate with her all day yesterday, so I did not have a chance to blog so today is the day, because she “Profiled Me” on my Birthday, it is her turn to feel “SPECIAL”!

Lynn and Debbie at L and I's wedding in October.

Please allow me to introduce her to you: AMAZING Wife to L, Loving Mother to B, A, L, A, and H, Daughter the King of Kings, and over all a role model to me. She is so passionate about being “All Natural” and I LOVE that in her!

As I prayed for my husband, that he would be a spiritual leader, love and respect me as well as push be to be everything God intended; as I look at L I see these qualities in HIM, I see these were instilled in him through his parents. I thank God for that.

As I see my MIL in a motherly role to her children, I see a loving, patience, kind, and would GIVE you anything she had if you were in need, kind of mother. I thank God for that.

If I am able to be half the mother she was and continues to be. I would call that a HUGE success. I pray to God for that.

As I watch her, I see that her HEART is so deep and wrapped in Christ that In order for L (her husband) to find it, he must seek Christ first. I pray to God for that.

I see a woman who puts every one before herself, no matter what the circumstance. I pray to God for that.

I see a woman who continues to strive for excellence, to EXEMPLIFY Christ in everything she does, who sets an example of what a Godly women, wife, and mother should look like. Who would NEVER complain about anything, and is always SELFLESS!  I thank God for that EXAMPLE and I pray that I can one day exemplify all these qualities too.

The 7.. all the Family!

Happy Birthday Debbie!

Lucy