Five Minute Friday: Trust

Today, I went to a mom’s group in my area. We are studying the Psalms this year, all about praying under pressure. Just wanted to share a little bit of what I learned today!

 “But I have trusted in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” 

Psalm 13:5-6

It’s easy to trust God when things are going well, and life is flowing smoothly, and you are getting along with all the people in your life, but do you still trust Him when life gets a little uncomfortable?

It has been well documented that David’s prayers tell it like it is. He does not hold back on his feelings when he talks to God about life’s situations. He comes boldly before the throne of God and petitions Him regularly.

However, it is important to remember that he doesn’t stop there. The Psalms of David always come back to the truth that God is good and He can be trusted.

When your friend turns against you.

When your enemy is working hard to trip you up and cause you to fall.

When you lose your job.

When your kid gets sick.

When the money runs out before the month does.

When it seems like your hopes and dreams will never come to pass.

God is still good. God is still trustworthy. You can choose to trust Him and rejoice in His rescue plan, even when you don’t know what it is. This is possible because we know God’s track record. He has dealt bountifully with His people in the past and He will continue to do so in the future.

God can be trusted.

David gives us a model of prayer when we just want to complain.  

1. Get it off your chest—You can complain, tell God exactly how you feel.

2. Ask for your request—Ask Him to hear you, tell Him what you want.

3. Choose to give thanks—Make a choice to rejoice anyway. Take confidence in His lovingkindness.

Trust God with your cares and worries.

Joining in with the ladies of Five Minute Friday today with the prompt: Trust

Join me as I remember what it means to be a writer again. Writing for 31 days in an attempt to find where nature and art collide in the work of writing. Click the graphic to find all my #write31days posts.

Patience --Should we pray for it?

Believe me, I have tried my hardest NOT to pray for patience...I have been warned what God does when you pray for patience... He sends trials. And me, I don't like trials. I like easy, I like comfortable, I like smooth.

Problem is, it's not about what I want or what I like. And it's not a choice we get, to pray for patience. It's a command, it's the fruit of the Spirit, its an attribute of love, it's a must as a believer!

Some people may not understand this and some people may think I'm sinning in saying this, but my trial... It was having four kids in four and a half years while living in a two bedroom trailer! Uncomfortable to say the least.  I've worked through a lot of it (had some counseling) and some of life has gotten easier... hello, no diapers, no midnight feedings, no cribs, no packing half the house just to run to the store. But it has also gotten harder... talking back, whining, always hungry, the bickering amongst themselves, the constant questions, the constant noise! I get headaches a lot!!

But my kids also teach me a lot ... about patience! Especially when I am trying to teach them a little bit more about being patient with each other!  Funny thing, how kids are always so good in teaching me, they can be such a reflection of me (and not always a pretty one).

Patience comes from trials and tribulations; we know that even if we don't like it.  It's found in Romans 5 (knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience...)
and James 1  (Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.)

It's a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering...

It's an attribute of love (I Corinthians 13) love is patient, bears all things

It's also something that Paul prays for the saints in his epistles (Colossians 1:9-12) We pray for you... that you might be... Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

JOY is often mentioned in correlation with patience. And while I haven't figured it all out yet, I realize that I'm going to have trials whether I pray for patience or not. And me living out patience is the Will of God... so I just keep working on it and keep praying because it's only through the power of the Holy Spirit that I will be able to express patience. (<-- Tweet that!)

For Community:

Do you pray for patience? For yourself, or others?

What's one trial you've experienced that produced patience in your life?

Sunday Scripture

Philemon 1:4-6

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 


Just wanted to share some Scripture from the #SheReadsTruth prayer plan.

Paul has many great prayers in his epistles that are examples for us to follow as we pray for others. These verses were a great reminder to me that I need to be praying for others in the body of Christ. Those close to me and those far away. Friends and Family. Those I know well and those I have heard about.

It also reminds me that focusing on the positive makes it harder to see the negative... I want to be acknowledging the good things in the saints... things that are a result of their relationship with Christ Jesus. And I want others to see and hear of my love and faith toward Jesus and all saints.

How can I pray for you today?

Go check out the Community, it is such a blessing to see what Scriptures God has placed on the hearts of those around the web and it encourages my heart to read them.

handwriting ... a lost art

I didn't start blogging because I am a writer. I've never had any interest in writing or publishing a book. I've never been very good at articulating my thoughts out onto paper. I've never been a diary writer or a journaler (although I've attempted it a couple of times).

I blog for community.

That being said, a blogger really should know a little bit about writing... and should really practice writing. With all the technology available these days it is very rare to see people actually writing with a pen and paper, putting thoughts down on paper, preserving a piece of themselves with handwriting.

Even handwritten notes and cards are an endangered species... but I'm working to bring that back with my handmade stationery.

Just the other day, I hand wrote a letter. It wasn't an easy letter to write. I had to apologize for something I had done, and I also had to make them aware of how I had been hurt by their actions.

But the writing of it, the actually using a pen-on-paper part, was very therapeutic.

When I sit down at the computer screen with a new post open in front of me, my mind goes blank. I think the Publish button intimidates me. But when I open my notebook and pick up a pen (which I've only done a handful of times), the words just start flowing because the chances of anyone seeing it is slim.

To tie into this, I want to share that I am a part of the She Reads Truth community... we just started a new reading plan on prayer last week... It's not too late to join in. and I determined that I was going to get something out of it this time. I joined in with the last reading plan, but that's all I did...just read it.

I saw others in the community sharing pictures of their journal, adding their thoughts to the Scripture read and the commentary in the reading plan, or just writing out a verse that really meant something to them. I determined that I was going to get in on that, so I went out and bought myself some fun colored pens.

And I started writing... just the Scripture this time, no commentary...

And as I wrote out the Scripture after I read it, it was amazing to me how my thoughts all came together, questions that I had on some of the verses I wrote, insight that came to me just by writing, even ideas for future blog posts!! Reading it AND Writing it really helps it sink into your mind!

I am so excited about what I'm going to learn just through the writing of Scripture!
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and because blogging is about community, I am linking up to these great blog parties...

When is the last time you hand-wrote a note or letter to someone?

Do you journal? With pen and ink or on the computer?

Are you part of the #SheReadsTruth community?

What is you favorite verse on prayer?

The Lord's Prayer

joining the Sunday Community and sharing some verses from the current She Reads Truth reading plan on prayer ...



Luke 11:1-13

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, 

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. 
Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. 
And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;  For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?  And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

What I Learned

Fasting as defined by Wikipedia is ... primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time.

On June 1, I embarked on something new for me... a partial fast, and a blogging fast... You can read about my intentions here.

Here is how I did...

• I do know that I will be taking a bloggy break for the 21 days. (promise me you will come back after this?!)

  I took a bloggy break (did you miss me?)... I thought that I would take some time to do some writing, journaling, etc and even planned to take part in Jeff Goins' 15 Habits of Great Writers series, but I hardly did any writing at all, which was a little discouraging to me.)

• I do know that I have 2 things specifically that I will be praying about, for God to show me what the next step is...

  I discovered I really don't know much about prayer (more on that later) and I still feel a little lost in the 2 areas in which I am looking for a breakthrough...

• I do know that I will be doing a partial fast... I read and like the idea of the hours of 6AM to 3PM for a partial fast. (not from all food, but definitely something)

  I did a partial fast from 6AM to 3PM and I chose the Daniel Fast... Fruits and Veggies and Water. I missed my morning coffee immensely... but that did lead to some morning prayer. Some days are harder than others... like SUNDAY when the big meal is before 3PM. It did show me a lot about my eating habits. So often I was tempted to snack while meal prepping for my kids, or finishing their uneaten plates, etc. Licking my fingers, munching here and there, sneaking candy or whatever! Mostly, I did well on this part. Occasionally I choose to break the fast, but I felt grace in those moments (does that defeat the purpose?)

• I do know that I'm a little scared... and afraid of failing!

  What exactly does failing look like?  
  

The last 3 weeks have been like every other day in my life in that there were successes and there were failures; there were accidental breaking of the fast and intentional breaking of the fast; there were strong moments and weak moments. I learned much... but not enough!

I also know that fasting is supposed to be a private thing, but I also want to share some of what God is teaching me.

A friend on Facebook posted this on her page last week... and it hit me right between the eyes!!

You can pray without fasting, and fast without prayer. It is when these two activities are combined and dedicated to God’s glory that they reach their full effectiveness. Having a dedicated time of prayer and fasting is not a way of manipulating God into doing what you desire. Rather, it is simply forcing yourself to focus and rely on God for the strength, provision, and wisdom you need.

To be honest, I don't think I truly understand the power of prayer. I do a lot of sentence prayers, talking to God in the moment, knowing that He hears me, but not truly getting on my knees and begging Him for answers. While I did improve my focus on prayer during this 21 Day Allume fast, thanks to The Valley of Vision (a book of Puritan Prayers), I by no means touched the surface of what the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man really is. 

I could use my kids as an excuse, but to be honest, more often than not it was just me getting distracted. Thinking about the next thing that needed to be done, my wants, my cravings. Not really praying, believing! And in that, I'm discouraged, but not despaired.

I would love to try this again sometime (probably more privately). But before I do, I want to learn more about prayer, so I'm asking you.  
Do you understand prayer? 
Do you know how to pray? 
Is there any book you would recommend on the subject of prayer?

I've missed blogging and the community that comes with blogging... so I'd love it if you would take a moment to share your thoughts/experiences on prayer (and/or fasting)!

And yes, it is one day short of 21 days, but I wanted to join in with the lovely ladies over at Write it, Girl for their surprise summer link up!! 

Five Minute Friday --Together

It's Friday again... (and it's still Friday) and I'm going to get my Five Minute Friday post in before Friday is over! :)

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking
2. Link back with Lisa-Jo and invite others to join in.
3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments.

OK, are you ready? Give me your best five minutes on:

TOGETHER


For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. 
Matthew 18:20

There is something about praying together that encourages and strengthens. Something about hearing someone else pray for you, with you that strengthens your faith.  Prayer is powerful, prayer together is unstoppable.

We met in a room at church, just four of us this time, but God was in the midst of us. Beginning with praise we communed with God. Giving thanks to God... for WHO HE IS, not just what He does.

Continuing in prayer for our spiritual growth, prayer for our husbands, prayer for our church and community.  Following the leading of the Holy Spirit we brought our requests before the Lord.

Coming boldly before the throne of God, praying believing, shedding some tears, begging God for revival... let it begin with me.

We aren't meant to do this spiritual journey alone, we are meant to do it together. And when we gather in His name, He is there together with us!!




Can you share your 5 minutes on Together?

Is my home a haven?

Oh, I so want it to be. I want my kids to WANT to be at home, to enjoy the time we spend there, to have good memories of their growing up years!!  So with the helpful challenge of Courtney at Women Living Well, I am joining up with her fall challenge!  Please take the time to read her post this week about being engaged in your home... I fail this EVERY DAY!!!  but I will not stop trying!

So this week's challenge is to buy a large candle and light it every day.  Then when you see it flickering remember to pray for the peace of your home.  I was unable to light a candle on Monday... I was in and out all day long and I have a tendency to forget to blow it out. So I did NOT light a candle in order to promote peace so my husband wouldn't be mad if he found it lit and me not home (That has happened before).
I did light one yesterday and today... I do love candles so much!  Here is today's lovely flickering flame... pray for the peace of your home!

In the Valley

On top of struggling to get back into blogging, I also fell behind on my regular reading of The Valley of Vision. I missed a day or two, and got busy with stuff, and then just didn't know how to get back into the schedule.  Well, last Monday, I read the following Puritan prayer and wanted to share it with you. I should probably read/pray it every day!!

A Disciple's Renewal (p. 184)

O my Saviour, help me.
I am so slow to learn, so prone to forget, so weak to climb;
I am in the foothills when I should be on the heights;
I am pained by my graceless heart,
      my prayerless days,
      my poverty of love,
      my sloth in the heavenly race,
      my sullied conscience,
      my wasted hours,
      my unspent opportunities.
I am blink while light shines around me;
   take the scales from my eyes,,
   grind to dust the evil heart of unbelief.

Make it my chiefest joy to study thee,
     meditate on thee,
     gaze on thee,
     sit like Mary at they feet,
     lean like John on they breast,
     count like Paul all things dung.

Give me increase and porgress in grace so that there may be
      more decision in my character,
      more vigour in my purposes,
      more elelvation in my life,
      more fervour in my devoiton,
      more constancy in my zeal.

As I have a position in the world,
   keep me from making the world my position;
May I never seek in the creature
   what can be found only in the creator;
Let not faith cease from seeking thee unitl it vanishes into sight.
Ride forth in me, thou king of kings and lord of lords,
    that I may live victoriously, and in victory attain my end.