Supersize Your Prayer Life...Have it Your Way!

Prayer can be a wonderful time with God if we "supersize" it. It can be accomplished by anyone, including you, my friend. Here is some suggestions that Pastor Rob Koke of Shoreline Christian Center explained recently:

1. Pray with Faith-----Please refer to Mark 9:23. Everybody on the planet has faith, even Hollywood. They live the glamous life style and are fooled by a few wierdos out there. Some Athestics have more faith. Why is that? We all have a choice of who we put our faith in. Is it God, Mankind or Hollywood? It says in the Word of God that we should put our faith in God. Our Lord took us out of bondage (Israel) and put us into the Promised Land. We, as Christians, need to connect the dots. Jesus is the best way to live. Jesus said "I am the Way." Our Faith needs to explode. Jesus is God and this means that God has power and we need to make prayer the wise thing to do. We need to reconnect the dots.

2. Pray with the Spirit-----The Book of Acts is a miracle working book of the Bible. There are miracles on every page. Let me give you an example. Paul goes to prison and has a chance to be let free. He decides to preach to another prisoner instead of leaving prison. This is in Acts 1.

3. Pray with the Word of God-----It says in Psalm 22 that when Jesus was dying on the cross and He kept saying "It is finished." We should also cry out to God and our attitude will be calm, quiet, and confident in Our God. It also says in the Word of God that "My God shall supply all my needs"--not some of my needs but all of them. In the Bible, it says in Ephesieans 1, "I am praying for you"---lets enjoy God 24/7.

Lord, I pray right now that you show me how to pray the right way. Please give me knowledge and power so that I can pray the only way, supersize my prayer life so that I can enjoy Your Presence 24/7. I thank you for the many Blessings in my life. In Your Son's Name. Amen.

If this message has been helpful please leave me a comment or write to me at barbarabodling@yahoo.com --I am here for you if you need help with your prayer life. Please write me.

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Barbara

A Good Site to Look at...

http://www.secretofprosperity.com

**ATTENTION READERS OF "PRETTY IN PINK" WOMAN'S MINISTRY**

I am writing issues of a e-book that will be on the Internet soon. As soon as it is available, I will be providing a link. So, keep reading my blog and I will keep writing for you all. Thank you so much for reading my blog. I look forward to getting to know all of you. Please leave a message in the comment section or write me at my email address which is barbarabodling@yahoo.com

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Barbara

Family Emergencies...Are You Prepared For One?

Would you know what to do if a family emergency happened? I had to learn real quick because two on the job accidents put Robert in a coma. I was not a happy camper at all. The first one happened in Dallas, Texas and the second one happened in Round Rock, Texas.

The first accident happened when I was a stay home Mom and my kids were small. I was also going to the University of Texas at Dallas and trying to get a degree in Business Administration (I graduated from the university in May 1993 and it was not easy at all). I was home with the kids and Robert's boss called and told me that Robert had a on the job accident and he was in a coma at Parkland Hospital. I was an emotional wreck. I could not do much of anything. His boss came and got the kids and I and we went to the hospital. I saw him in a coma...this is all I needed...to be a single Mom with 2 kids. Well, now for the ending of the story, Robert is fine now. Praise the Lord!

The second accident happened on December 7, 2001. I was working this time and had the early shift. I was working as a Customer Service Representative at JCPenney Catalog. I worked the early shift of 7 am to 3:30 pm and then I went home. The unexpected call came and it was Robert's boss. He told me that Robert had a on the job accident, the scaffold tipped over and went thru a van window and my husband landed 40 feet on his head onto a concrete parking lot. I went into a panic mode. I could not believe this---a second on the job accident...satan was out to destroy my family. My family and I had no family members in Austin except my church family so this accident was very hard on my children and I. I also depended on the Lord for Robert's complete healing . Robert's boss sent a taxi for me since I was an emotional wreck again. The kids and I went to Brackeridge Hospital in Austin, Texas. I immediately went to ICU and saw my husband on a life support machine and his head was wrapped up in a bandage. I almost fell apart but through the Grace of God, I am still here. Robert made a full recovery. He had to have brain surgery since he had swelling of the brain. Some friends (more like family members but really church members) let the kids and I stay at their place for the weekend...this was a Blessing from God since I was an emotional wreck. They took care of us for the whole weekend. They fed us, gave us a place to stay and took us back and force to the hospital. Robert basically had to learn everything all over again from reading to walking. This is when I totally relied on the Lord for everything in my life. My husband was released in January 2002 from Brackeridge Hospital but had to have physical therapy for awhile. He then had to have knee surgery a year after his accident at Seton Hospital. Robert made a full recovery and is working as a Journeyman Electrician at the same employer. People have told me that I am lucky he survived...the doctors even told me this. They told me in the hospital to prepare for a funeral when the accident happened.

There are certain things you need when a emergency happens in your family. You need to prepare now for such an event. You need to have the following:

1. Living Will and Will---Do you have a Living Will and a Will? Hospitals are asking these days if you have one before they do surgery on you. Round Rock Hospital asked me if I had one after I dislocated my ankle about 8 months ago. Who are you going to leave your things to if you die? Who is going to take care of your children? A good attorney or a perpaid legal service will take care of this need. This is something to think about, ladies.

2. 10 Year Term Life Insurance---I use to be a Life Insurance Agent for Primerica and went to life insurance school for this training. I sold it for a living. If you do not have term life insurance, I would suggest you buy some today. Please do not buy permanent life insurance, this is the way the insurance agents make their money by pushing this kind of insurance on the customer. They do it for larger commissions. Permanent Insurance is more expensive than 10 year term insurance.

3. Home Owner's Insurance---Are you prepared if your house burns down? It happened to my Sister In Law. Her house burned down and her and her new husband had to build it again by hand since money was a issue in their family and they could not afford to hire a contractor. Another thing to think about is this concept.

4. Car Insurance---Do you have car insurance? You should in case you have an accident on the freeway with a crazy driver. If you have a older car, I recommend mininum coverage required by your state. If your car is newer and you are making payments, I recommend that you have full coverage. Do not buy car insurance and think the insurance company is going to pay you as a customer for a new car if you drive a beat up car now. It does not work that way...insurance companies are out to make a profit.

5. Savings Account---Most people do not have a savings account at the credit union or bank. Let me ask you a question...what happens if you are in a bind and need the money. You will not have the money and you will suddenly add stress to your life. Most couples end up getting a divorce because of money. I heard that you need at least 3-6 months of living expense to survive if the unthinkable happens.

6. Individual Retirement Account---You need a Individual Retirement Account for the self employed and a 401(k) if you work for a employer. What are you going to retire on? Nothing? Medicare and Social Security are not going to be around forever so it is time to save now. It is well known on the television and radio that this is a true concept.

7. Home Warranty Plans on the House---What happens if the dishwasher breaks...will you be prepared? You are probably thinking that the dishwasher will not break. Ours did and the waterheater also broke. Lucky, we had a home warranty plan for the house. I would look in my local phone book or surf the internet for one. I would ask three different companies how much they would charge for their plans for a year and what does it cover. Does it cover bugs? Bugs love to live in your home during the summer months.

I hope you ladies get your financial agenda in order. A good person to discuss other financial things is Dave Ramsey and his website is http://www.daveramsey.com Dave has a radio station that you can tune into in your area. Dave went from being rich to being broke in the real estate market. I highly recommend him...my husband and I took a course through him at his Financial Peace University and it was free of charge. It was given by Shoreline Christian Center in Austin Texas.

If this has been helpful, please leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you so please leave a comment or write to me at barbarabodling@yahoo.com

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Barbara

Heart to Heart with God

One should love God with all of their heart and one should also love your neighbor as yourself. You should have a love affair with the Lord 24/7. Aren't you glad you are a Daughter of the Most High God? I am...what about you? Please refer to Matthew 22:36-40 and 11 Choricles 16:9.

Am I loving the Lord with all of my heart or am I letting the distractions of life get in the way? You should guard your heart. Who do you love most? God? You? Neighbor? Money? The question then should be whether you passionately love Him with all of your heart. Are you hot or cold or somewhere in the middle? You should have a heart for God. You should be a "God Chaser"---a person after God's Heart...A Servant for the Kingdom.

When life gets in the way, like a divorce, who do we call on? Do you call on God or Dr. Phil or Oprah? You decide...you only have one life to live. We might as well live this life for Him and His Kingdom. The devil is out to "kill, steal and destroy" like a "thief in the night." Do not let satan have a strong hold in your life. Do not give him the time of day. God is here to heal the broken hearted if we, as women, let Him...do it today so you can leave your "baggage" at the trash can for the Garbage Man to take away on Trash Day. Sometimes, we let alcohol, drugs, etc., be our substitution for God. Please do not let it.

You might be asking how do I make my way back to the Lord. Here are my suggestions as explained to me by Pastor Melvin Lee from Shoreline Christian Center:

1. Look up...God never leaves us. In the Bible, we have a story about a Prodigal Son that comes back to his father. Our help comes when we look up to Heaven.

2. Look in...We put blame on everyone else but ourselves. We should look within ourselves. Sometimes, this is a hard lesson that we face but we can do it...we just need to have Faith in Our God.

3. Cry out...pray for one another. Ask the Lord to create within us a clean heart.

4. Go to our prayer closets so we can seek God. You should read God's Word daily. Start with Proverbs or Psalms. You might be thinking that you do not have time...make time by getting up early or going to bed late. You need to reconnect to God. You will be glad you did.


Lord, I ask you today to help me have a clean heart and mend my broken heart so that I can do the work of the Kingdom. I am sorry that I have been trying to figure life on my own when I should have been relying on You. Please help me Lord and I cry out for You right now. Give me wisdom and knowledge. I thank you for my many Blessings in my life. In Your Son's Name...Amen.

If this message has been helpful or you have a praise report/prayer request, please leave me a comment or write to me at barbarabodling@yahoo.com --- thanks. I am here 24/7 for you ladies.

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Barbara

Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, You said that once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesometimes in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me." The Lord replied, "My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was when that I carried you."

Author Unknown

A New Bride's Cooking Diary

Monday: It's fun to cook for Bob. Today I made angel food cake. The recipe said beat 12 eggs separately. The neighbors were nice enough to loan me some extrabowls.

Tuesday: Bob wanted fruit salad for supper. The recipe said serve withoutdressing. So I didn't dress. What a surprise when Bob brought a friend home for supper.

Wednesday: A good day for rice. The recipe said wash thoroughly before steamingthe rice. It seemed kinda silly but I took a bath. I can't say it improved the rice any.

Thursday: Today Bob asked for salad again. I tried a new recipe. It said prepare ingredients, then toss on a bed of lettuce an hour before serving. Which is what led up to Bob asking me why I was rolling around in the garden.

Friday: I found an easy recipe for cookies. It said put all the ingredients in a bowl and beat it. There must have been something wrong with this recipe. When I got back, everything was the same as when I left.

Saturday: Bob did the shopping today and brought home a chicken. He asked me to dress it for Sunday (oh boy). For some reason Bob keeps counting to ten.

Sunday: Bob's folks came to dinner. I wanted to serve roast. All I could find was hamburger. Suddenly I had a flash of genius. I put hamburger in the oven and set the controls to roast. It still came out hamburger, much to mydisappointment.

Good Night Dear Diary: This has been a very exciting week. I am eager for tomorrow to come so I can tryout a new recipe on Bob. If we could just get a bigger oven, I would like to surprise him with Chocolate Moose.

Author Unknown

*SOME MOM SITES TO ENJOY*

www.EmphasisOnMoms.com/
http://EmphasisOnMoms.blogspot.com
www.momoutlet.com/

*A MOM MINUTE*

6 Quick Pick-Me-Ups For Frazzled Moms ~ By Hope Wilbanks

I braced myself as Elijah screamed for the fifth time that day. It was an ear-piercing, I’m-mad-at-you scream; a fit that persisted for over an hour. (Why didn’t someone warn me that the Terrible Two’s for boys is much worse than girls?)My heart drummed a rhythm all its own in my ears. My breathing quickened and my palms started sweating. I thought I might faint. Oh great, an anxiety attack in the making.According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect around 19 million American adults, impacting larger numbers of women than men. As moms, we are nurturers, the life-givers to our children and family. So what happens when we can’t find anything within us left over to give?It is imperative that we take time for ourselves daily. Once a month, or twice a year simply isn’t enough. In order for us to be better moms, we have to learn to give back to ourselves—refill ourselves. Here are six simple ways to restore and replenish energy:

EAT WELL According to Dr. Denise Lamothe, author of The Taming of the Chew, protein is essential. Lots of fruits and veggies (organic, if possible) should be included in a mom’s daily diet. Instead of falling into the trap of this diet-minded society, moms should focus on themselves and make their health top priority. Avoid foods like sugar, white flour products, and caffeine. Dr. Lamothe also suggests drinking plenty of clear water, as dehydration and thirst often mask themselves as emotional hunger.

AVOID EMOTIONAL BINGING Loneliness plays a key role in emotional eating more often than not. “Eating well, getting ample rest, and taking time alone and time to be with friends is vital,” says Dr. Lamothe. “To avoid emotional eating, a mom needs to learn other ways to deal with her emotions -- to soothe herself without turning to chocolates and cookies or pasta.”Identify the source of your feelings. Why do you feel sad? What makes you feel lonely? When are you most likely to overeat or binge on junk food? Asking yourself questions like these will help you recognize and pinpoint your weak spots.

LAUGH “Women should laugh as often as possible to release the healing hormones endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers,” says Dr. Kathleen Hall, founder of The Stress Institute. “Laughter lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones and boosts our immune function.”So how do we work that self-healing laughter into our day? Rent a funny movie or, if you don’t have time to watch a movie, set aside time in the evening for your favorite thirty-minute sitcom after the kids are in bed. Buy a funny card to send to a friend, read a joke, make a silly face at yourself in the mirror.

PRACTICE S.E.L.F. CARE(S=Serenity, E=Exercise, L=Love, F=Food) “Research tells us these four roots are the foundation of self care and health and moms and women must set a goal to do each of these if for only a few minutes each day,” says Dr. Hall. Serenity: Center yourself a few minutes during the day. Stop what you’re doing, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. As you are “quieting” yourself, speak positive affirmations to yourself (I am loved; I am at peace with myself and the world; I accept myself).Exercise: Park closer to the end of the parking lot at the grocery story and walk those few extra steps to boost your heart rate. Join a thirty-minute workout group or purchase home exercise videos. Invite friends to join you in a three-day per week exercise routine. Love: “Research tells us that isolation kills and community heals,” says Dr. Hall. Surround yourself with loving friends and family. Thwart stress by avoiding people who thrive on drama. Other ways to practice self-love: buy yourself a bouquet of flowers, treat yourself to a cappuccino, let Daddy baby-sit while you enjoy a Pamper Me day at the spa with your girlfriends.Food: Dr. Hall says, “Research tells us that B6 produces serotonin and helps depression. Omega 3’s help depression and reduce the risk of heart disease.” Consult your doctor to find out what foods and/or vitamins you should take to enhance your new, healthy lifestyle.

LISTEN TO MUSIC According to Dr. Hall, listening to music increases serotonin and if you sing along you get an immune boost of 240%. Tune in to your favorite radio station and belt out those favorite tunes while you do housework. Purchase an inexpensive CD player and a few favorite CDs to listen to while you exercise. Treat yourself to tickets to an upcoming concert.

GET CREATIVE Bring out the artist inside you. Finger paint with your children (which they, of course, will love!), visit a nature park or zoo and bring your camera to take pictures, color in a coloring book, put a puzzle together, create a mini rock garden in your front yard, join a scrapbook class, learn to knit, take a cake-decorating class.

~ Hope Wilbanks is a mom-writer and -preneur. You can find her at HopeWilbanks.com.

*HEARTSTRINGS* More Over, Hollywood

Red-hot monogamy – is such a thing possible? You betcha! Hollywood tabloids and other popular magazines brag about knowing the secrets to sizzling sex, but the truth is far different than the headlines would have us believe. In reality, the heat’s hottest between married couples, specifically those who are passionate about their relationship with God. So move over, Hollywood, and make room for the real thing.
In their new book, Red-Hot Monogamy: Making Your Marriage Sizzle, Bill and Pam Farrel tell the truth about fantastic married sex. They discuss the results of several studies conducted on this subject:
* Couples who attend church regularly or who pray together daily give their sex lives a five-star rating.
* Couples that are in long-term monogamous marriages enjoy greater sexual satisfaction than single peers.
* Couples surrounded by a circle of friends who are in committed marriages are also likely to enjoy long-term sexual satisfaction in their relationship.
The results make sense. When couples truly love God and each other, their attitudes and actions reflect marriage the way He designed it. And they reap the blessings He promises for living life according to His direction.
Still, every bonfire burns low without attention. Maintaining the heat requires effort. Realizing the need for fanning the flames, the Farrells (married more than 25 years) compiled page after page of fire-starters. Here are a few practical ideas.
* Participate in regular physical activity. This produces endorphins that will make you feel happier and more interested in sex. Enjoy physically active dates – a bike ride or a brisk walk, for instance.
* Remove the television from the master bedroom. Focus on each other rather than the nightly news.
* Find a romantic viewpoint from which to watch the sun set.
* Write love notes and place them in your partner’s briefcase, pocket, or dresser drawer.
* Plan a surprise overnight getaway. Ask friends to keep the kids (offer to return the favor). Cook a favorite meal. Eat by candlelight. Relax in the tub together…soft music and candlelight are a definite plus.
* Make a trail of rose petals from the door to your bedroom. Do this when the kids aren’t around or be willing to answer a few baffled expressions.
The Farrel’s list goes on and on – there’s something for everyone and for every budget. And according to the authors, the suggestions are tried and true.
“We all long for the kind of red-hot monogamy that sets off fireworks, but that kind of intimate life does not happen by accident,” say the authors. They’re right. It happens when husbands and wives make God the primary source of their affection and when they love each other selflessly.
Some folks might think sizzling married sex is impossible. Don’t be fooled! Red-hot monogamy is attainable. Unlike its counterfeits, it’s the real thing!


Red-Hot Monogamy is available at bookstores nationwide. Harvest House Publishers. ISBN # 0-7369-1608-3.
~ Grace Fox is a popular retreat and conference speaker living in British Columbia, Canada. She’s the author of 10-Minute Time Outs for Moms and 10-Minute Time Outs for Busy Women (Harvest House Publishers). Contact her through her website: www.gracefox.com

Funny Rerun

This poem was forwarded to my inbox from Aunt Peg in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Thanks, Aunt Peg.

A WOMAN IS LIKE A TEA BAG...

YOU DON'T KNOW HOW STRONG

SHE IS UNTIL YOU PUT HER

IN HOT WATER

I HAVE YET TO HEAR A MAN

ASK FOR ADVICE ON HOW

TO COMBINE MARRIAGE

AND A CAREER

COFFEE, CHOCOLATE, MEN.

SOME THINGS ARE JUST

BETTER RICH

I'M OUT OF ESTROGEN

And I HAVE A GUN

WARNING: I HAVE AN ATTITUDE

AND I KNOW HOW TO USE IT

OF COURSE I DON'T LOOK BUSY...

I DID IT RIGHT

THE FIRST TIME

DO NOT START WITH ME.

YOU WILL NOT WIN

ALL STRESSED OUT

AND NO ONE TO CHOKE

And last but not least:

IF YOU WANT BREAKFAST IN BED,

SLEEP IN THE KITCHEN

Author Unknown

The Little Grass Hut

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for GOD to rescue him and everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames with smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened! Everything was lost! He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. "GOD, how could you do this to me?" he cried.

Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you knowI was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

Moral of the story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because GOD is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain, and suffering. Remember that, the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of GOD.

Author Unknown

Life Lessons From a Cup of Coffee

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive, and some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:
"If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, its just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cupsand then began eyeing each other's cups.
Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."
God brews the coffee, not the cups . . . enjoy your coffee.

Author Unknown

Another Heavenly Site For The Day

http://www.JoelOsteen.com

Getting Real With God

Here is some practical suggestions on getting real with God. I hope that you all put these suggestions into practice. This message is from Pastor Koke at Shoreline Christian Center in Austin, Texas. Here are his suggestions:

1. We need to have the Spirit of God alive in us and not on a bookshelf waiting to be dusted off. It is important that we spent time with the Lord on a daily basis, not when we feel like it or when it is convenient. It has to be daily, every hour of the day.

2. Do not make your prayer life boring, that is praying the same repetious prayers, pray in specifics.

3. If you having some struggles in your life, you need to ask an expert about the situation, a church member or prayer partner. For further information, please go to Matthew 6:5-13.

4. Pray regularly, you are too busy not to pray. Invest some time, the Lord will thank you for it. Pray daily.

5. Pray privately and away from the distractions of life, a good place to pray is in your prayer closet.

6. Pray sincerely---think what you are saying.

7. Pray specifically.

8. The following things are needed to get real with God: Devotional Book, Prayer Journal, I-Pod, Reading Glasses if you need them, and personal worship music, you might also need earplugs.

If this message has been helpful or you are struggling to get real with God, please leave me a comment, thanks. I would love to hear from you and help you anyway I can.

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Barbara

God Is In The Midst Of Your Trials

God is in the midst of your trials. I bet you ladies did not know that...I had a confusing day today and God was there right along with me. My day started the usual way and then trials came. I ended up going to the Williamson County Courthouse for a problem that my husband was involved in with a creditor. I got in my 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva and started to head toward the courthouse, I was driving along and did not even notice my gas tank, it was running on empty and I have been known to run out of gas. I was driving down the highway and took the wrong exit, I was totally lost and was praying to God that I would fine a gas station soon or I was going to run out of gas and my autoclub was not going to rescue me. I finally found a gas station and filled up with gas and went into the store to pay for it and the credit card was declined, I had no check book that the store would accept, I was praying for help, what was I going to do now, I wondered. Oh, I know, I will cash my unemployment check and I did for a large fee of $18.00, I was a happy camper now.

I asked, "Where in the world was I," I was clueless.

The man told me, "That I was in Georgetown," Good, that is where I wanted to be.

I asked the man, "Where is the Williamson County Courthouse?"

He said, "To go back on the freeway south and take exit 262."

I got in the car and headed that way but went the wrong way, so I turned around and headed toward Williamson County Courthouse. I forgot the old courthouse was being replaced by a new courthouse. I ended up at the new courthouse which is suppose to be opened in a year. Oh, great, just what I needed.

I asked a construction worker for directions to the old courthouse and of course, he was from out of town. I looked at a map for directions and finally found the old courthouse. I had a terrible time finding the courthouse and ended up going through 4 lanes of traffic honking the horn. Can you imagine this scene---just like something out of a movie?

I went to the old courthouse with my paperwork and dropped my paperwork off to the County Clerk Office. I got in my car again and went to lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken---they had a buffet so I needed to check it out. I got my meal and sat down. I was listening to the music over the PA System and the circular radio station was playing "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "We Are Family"----I certainly could identify with those songs. I met an elderly lady at the restaurant and she was an author and we started talking about her book.

I asked her, "Where is she from?"

Lois told me that, "She was from California."

I told her, "That I was from California too, and I wanted to know what part of California she was from."

Lois told me that, "She was from Los Gatos."

I told her, "That I was from the San Jose area"-----San Jose and Los Gatos are in the same area.

I asked her, "Where does she live now."

She said that, "She lived in Georgetown."

She began to tell me that she was an author and she belonged to a writing club at La Fronteria Mall at Barnes and Noble----La Fronteria Mall and Barnes and Noble is right by my house. I am considering joining her club because I would like to write a book on my life for hurting men and women. We exchanged contact information. I sat at Kentucky Fried Chicken for 2 hours.

I went home and did the family thing, and had nothing to worry about.

God takes care of everything in the midst of your trials. If we just believe and receive this today.

Father God, thank you that I was able to get the situation with the creditor straighten out. You have told me so many times that I had nothing to worry about and I doubted you and I am sorry. Thank you for showing me some SonShine today in the midst of my trials. In Your Son's Name, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Amen.

If this life story has been helpful or you just need to pray with someone, please leave me a comment and I will get back with you. I am here for you ladies if you need a shoulder to cry on.

Enjoy some SonShine today,

Barbara

A "Over the Top" Heavenly Site

http://www.ryze.com

(By invitation only by another Ryze member which I am and this membership is free of charge or you can just go to the web site and sign up for this great service).

More Heavenly Sites To Enjoy

http://www.intouch.org
http://www.theriver1023.com
http://www.tesh.com

That's a Mouthful!

DON'T look now, Lord!

I don't want You

to see me

standing here with

my big foot

crammed in the mouth.

Don't worry, child.

If I didn't love you

just as much with your

foot in your mouth,

I'd hardly ever get a

chance to love you.

Mothers are often force to utter things other people wouldn't even think. One day I actually heard myself yelling in my hands-on-hip tone of voice, "All right! Who put the fire truck in the toilet?"

A lot of motherly queries seem to be preceded by the weary work, "Who put the...," and end with a scramble of objects so strange they could be a mad Parker Brothers' game of chance.

Over the years, anyone who happened to be in the wrong place at the right could have heard me asking who put: the cereal behind the couch? (the ants found it first); the pine codes in my purse (I discovered them during church); the lemon pudding mix in the wading pool? (it was gelling in the corners); the toothpaste on the wall? (it looked like a fluoridated Picasso); the toy dish in the oven? (the flames were leaping out the vent).

Actually, parents should be taught not to ask questions, because either no one did it, or the other guy did it. And if you ever do manage to pin the culpit, you tend to ask why. "Why did you put the rock in the refrigerator?" And then you get an answer: "Because I wanted a cold rock."

It's obvious that parenthood requires carloads of patience. And I could feel reasonably righteous about boisterously losing that patience when the going gets rough, if it weren't for the fact that God has to lavish so much of it on me.

Occasionally, after I've lost my temper at the children, I've heard my heavenly Father patiently asking, "Who put the foot in the mouth?"

By Susan L. Lenzkes

"Pretty in Pink" Woman's Ministry

Welcomes Carrie Underwood

Jesus, Take The Wheel
By Carrie Underwood
Powerlinetours.com

True Repentance

True Repentance is a gift from God, you need to confess your sins with sincerity, not half hearted. You must do a 180 degrees in your life, completely give your life to Christ and serve others in need. You must go to your prayer closet, away from the distractions of life. Confess your sins with your month to the Lord, thy God, for sincere repentance. You will have a cleansing from the Holy Spirit, like never before. You will be a member of God's Winning Team and not satan's losing team or mankind. Praise the Lord, thank you Jesus.

If this message has helped you today, you have a praise report or you need help with True Repentance From God, please feel free to leave a comment.
Have a glorious day in the Lord...

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Barbara

Give...The Caring Thing To Do

http://www.givethecaringthingtodo.com/

From My Business Partner...Some Godly Wisdom

This is from my business partner and prayer partner, she is from Hutto , Texas. She is a dear, dear friend, calls me like a Christian sister when I am down in the dumps. Thanks Barbara H, I needed to hear this so bad, thank you so much. Here she is:

Dear Barbara and all those who are hurting,

I will add you to my prayer list. And pass your name on to those who have asked to be added to receive prayer request.

I have a few words to share about depression and sleeplessness:

Sleeplessness, restlessness, and anxiety are all related to and the result of our desire to control our lives and unconsciously not allow God to be in control. When we truly submit our problems to God, and trust that he will provide and protect us, then we can feel at ease. Sometimes we must endure challenges so that he can prove to us that everything will be all right and that we will have what we need if we trust in him. Our trails and tribulations are opportunities for us to show God we know he is there and that he will help us through, that we do not have to worry.

I too have had many sleepless nights. When I start feeling desperate, or anxious, and can’t sleep, I realize that I am not trusting God. I have programmed myself to recognize this and now when I can’t sleep I just start praying for God to help me strengthen my faith in him. That he will forgive me for doubting that he is strong enough and powerful enough to handle my problems. I praise him for all my blessings and begin to count them one by one and I pray for my enemies and for those whose problems are far worse than my own. Before I know it I am sleeping soundly.

Depression is also an emotion that we allow to consume us. It is not of God. God wants us to be happy, even when we experience trials. It is our way of showing him that we trust him. When we allow ourselves to be overcome by depression, we are allowing the enemy to control us. When I realized this, I actually feel guilty for allowing myself to have ever felt depressed.

The enemy loves to see us down. Depression is a decision, we have the ability to decide whether we will be controlled or be happy! It’s really that simple. It’s okay to mourn the loss of a loved one or to feel sadness due to an event. But it is not okay to allow depression to consume us. It is up to us to break free of the chains that keep us bound and that negatively affect the lives of those around us. When you look at depression as a decided inflection that abuses others, you will never allow yourself to go there again. We are all enrolled in the course of learning to be happy, that’s really what life is all about. It takes awareness and practice to reach the ultimate place of contentment. It’s all in how you look at things and what you
compare to. I like to follow the models of happy people who have found happiness through the mind not material worldly possessions or status; Jesus, Gandhi, Mother Theresa. I find that trying to live up to their standards, is far more rewarding
than comparing myself to the conventional standards of society.

Hope this helps you take control and strengthen you faith. Peace be with you, happiness is yours forever, just claim it, love, Barbara


If this has been helpful or you would just like to leave a comment about anything, please do. I am here for you whenever you need a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Barbara

The Man in the Oval Office

For those of us who sometimes find ourselves having doubts about our
President, here is an excellent piece--- worth every minute it takes to
read it. This is from a man, Bruce Vincent, from Montana who received an
award from the President. He writes:

I've written the following narrative to chronicle the day of the award
ceremony in DC. I'm still working on a press release but the White House
press corps has yet to provide a photo to go with it. When the photo
comes I'll ship it out. When you get done reading this you'll understand
the dilemma I face in telling this story beyond my circle of close
friends.

Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the
President and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk.
When the President was told that we were from Libby, Montana, I reminded
him that Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his
warm thoughts about Governor Racicot. I have to tell you, I was blown
away by two things upon entering the office.

First, the Oval Office sense of 'place' is unreal. The President later
shared a story of Russian President Putin entering the room prepared to
tackle the President in a tough negotiation and upon entering, the
atheist muttered his first words to the President and they were "Oh, my
God."

I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second, the man that
inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a look that can
only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged,
disarmingly penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the
man. I think all of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in
our country is worthy of the responsibility and authority that we bestow
upon them through our vote.

I admit that part of me was afraid that I would be let down by the
moment- that the person and the place could not meet the lofty expectations
of
my fantasy world. This says nothing about my esteem for President Bush
but just my practical realization that reality may not match my 'dream.'

Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business and,
standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time
while posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission
accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a
lengthy, informal conversation about a number of things with our entire
small group.

He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the
office. It is traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a statement
about
the President, and Mrs. Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern
to reflect 'hope.' President Bush talked about the absolute need to
believe that with hard work and faith in God there is every reason to
start each day in the Oval Office with hope. He and the First Lady were
asked about the impact of the Presidency on their marriage and, with an
arm casually wrapped around Laura, he said that he thought the place may
be hard on weak marriages but that it had the ability to make strong
marriages even stronger and that he was blessed with a strong one.

After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all
relaxed and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a
friend. The President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of
awardees,
shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my
hand I said, "thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your
family." He was already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped
abruptly turned fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the
vigor of his handshake and said, "Thank you - and God bless you and yours as
well."

On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the
west side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook
his hand one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc
hello and give him your regards."

I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him, "Mr.
President, I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know
you to
be a man of strong faith and have a favor to ask you."

As he shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it."
I told him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in
Kalispell, Montana, having a tumor removed from her skull and it would
mean a great deal to me if he would consider adding her to his prayers
that day. He grabbed me by the arm and took me back toward his desk as he
said,
"So that's it. I could tell that something is weighing heavy on your
heart today. I could see it in your eyes. This explains it."

From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note card with
hiss seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?" He then jotted a
note to her while discussing the importance of family and the strength
of prayer. When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the
prognosis. I told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an
earlier cancer and that if it is they can get it all with this surgery.

He said, "If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right
now. Would you pray with me?" I told him yes and he turned to the staff
that
remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step back or
leave. He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer."

As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was
prepared to do a traditional prayer stance - standing with each other
with heads bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his right hand
and pulling gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. With his
left arm on my mid back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful embrace.

He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for
Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more. My
body shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by
asking God's blessing on Loretta and the family during the coming
months. I stepped away from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the
tears I'd left on his shoulder, and looked into the eyes of our
president. I thanked him as best I could and told him that me and my
family would continue praying for he and his.

As I write this account down and reflect upon what it means, I have to
tell you that all I really know is that his simple act left me humbled and
believing. I so hoped that the man I thought him to be was the man that
he is. I know that our nation needs a man such as this in the Oval
Office. George W. Bush is the real deal. I've read Internet stories about
the
President praying with troops in hospitals and other such uplifting
accounts. Each time I read them I hope them to be true and not an
Internet perpetuated myth. This one, I know to be true. I was there. He
is real. He has a pile of incredible stuff on his plate each day - and yet
he is
tuned in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed' something heavy on
my heart.

He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to seek God's
blessing for my family in a simple man-to-man, father-to-father,
son-to-son, husband-to-husband, Christian-to-Christian prayerful
embrace. He's not what I had hoped he would be. He is, in fact, so
very, very much more.

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Christian Womens Resources for the Home and Family.

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Together We Walk The Stepping Stones

Come, take my hand, the road is long.

We must travel by stepping stones.

No, you're not alone. I've been there.

Don't fear the darkness. I'll be with you.

We must take one step at a time.

But remember, we may have to stop awhile.

It's a long way to the other side

And there are many obstacles.

We have many stones to cross.

Some are bigger than others.

Shock, denial, and anger to start.

Then comes guilt, despair, and loneliness.

It's a hard road to travel, but it must be done,

the only way to reach the other side.

Come, slip your hand in mind.

What? Oh, yes, it's strong.

I've held so many hands like yours.

Yes, mine was once small and weak like yours.

Once, you see, I had to take someone's hand

In order to take the first step.

Ooop! You've stumbled.

Go ahead and cry.

Don't be ashamed.

I understand.

Let's wait here awhile so that you can get your breath.

When you're stronger, we'll go on, one step at a time.

There's no need to hurry.

Say, it's nice to hear you laugh.

Yes, I agree, the memories you shared are good.

Look, we're halfway there now.

I can see the other side.

It looks so warm and sunny.

On, have you noticed?

We're nearing the last stone and you're standing alone.

And look, your hand, you've let go of mine.

We've reached the other side.

But wait, look back, someone is standing there

They are alone and want to cross the stepping stones.

I'd better go. They need my help.

What? Are you sure?

Why, yes, go ahead. I'll wait.

You know the way.

You've been there.

Yes, I agree. It's your turn my friend...

To help someone else cross the stepping stones.

Author Unknown

Got Prayer Requests?

Do you have a prayer request? I would love to hear from you either by email or by leaving a comment? I am here for you all so please leave me a prayer request and I will be glad to pray for you.

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Barbara

A.C.T.S.

A.C.T.S.

Do you know what A.C.T.S. is? Well, let me tell you what this means:

a=a

c=connection

t=to

s=Sonshine (God)

This is pretty neat stuff when you are living the Christian life in the right way--when you make priority your Prayer Life and your Spiritual Life---digging into The Word of God, a good place to start reading is in Proverbs and then move onto Psalms. You must also have a outstanding Prayer Life to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You must have that 24/7 connection to Our Savior. You also need to bless someone with a random act of kindness. The way you can do this is to send someone a card in the mail or email. I do this frequently, makes a person feel good. One should also find a excellent home church---one that you can be "planted" in, you will not have to worry about going from church to church if you are "planted" in the right church, one that you are fed out, not a meal, by the Holy Spirit.

If this message has been helpful or you would like to leave a comment, please do so or write me at barbarabodling@yahoo.com. I am also taking requests on what you would like me to blog about so please write me at my email address.

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Barbara

When Things Start To Fall Apart

This poem was sent to me by my Aunt Peg from Minnetonka, Minnesota. Thank you, Aunt Peg.

Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing.

We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don't really get solved.

They come together and they fall apart.

Then they come together again and fall apart again.

It's just like that.

The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.

When we think that something is going to bring us pleasure, we don't know what's really going to happen.

When we think something is going to give us misery, we don't really know if it will.

Letting there be room for not knowing is the most important thing of all.

We try to do what we think is going to help.

But we don't know that it will.

We never know if we're going to fall flat or sit up tall.

When there's a big disappointment, we don't know if that is the end of the story.

It may be just the beginning of a great adventure.

St Joan of Arc Pastor

My Life's Journey

http://myblog2002.blogspot.com/

Wanda's Country Home

http://www.wandascountryhome.com/forsale/

My Hubby's Links

http://godswindow.net
http://www.frappr.com/robertbodling
http://gods-window.blogspot.com
http://rapture-international.blogspot.com

Shoreline Writers' Network

http://www.texlex.typepad.com/swn/

Happy 4th of July!!!

Hello,

Wishing you all a safe and happy 4th of July. I found a webpage that you all might enjoy and the link is http://www.interviewwithgod.com/patriotic/highband.htm ---enjoy.

Love, Hugs, and Blessings,

Barbara

I Said A Prayer For You

I Said A Prayer For You



I said a prayer for you today,

and knew God must have heard,

I felt the answer in my heart,

although He spoke no words.



I didn't ask for wealth or fame

I knew you wouldn't mind.

I asked Him to send treasures

of a far more lasting kind.



I asked that He'd be near you

in all things great and small

but it was for His loving care

I prayed for most of all.



Author Unknown

The Mommy Thing

The Mommy Thing

Do you know about "the mommy thing"? You are probably wondering what she is blogging about now. Well, let me tell you what this is, it is a time when, you, my friend, can be alone. "Well, how do you do that" you ask. You just get away from it all. You go to your favorite place without your husband or kids. I had the experience of doing this twice already and let me tell you about it. My first "mommy thing" was a few days ago at Shoreline Christian Center where I went to a Writers' Network Meeting because I would like to write a book for hurting Christians--Men or Women. My second "mommy thing" was yesterday when I walked to a Chinese Restaurant in my neighborhood. It was great fun to be along without my kids. My hubby was at work. I would suggest that every Christian Woman do this once, it is total relaxation. You will never regret it.

Lord, I thank you that we as Christian Women can come before Your Thone just to rest and enjoy Your Presence, I thank you for Your Peace, the peace "that passes all understanding." I thank you for hearing my prayer this day. I thank you for the Wonderful Blessings in my life. In Jesus' Name, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords Amen.

If this blog has been helpful or you just would like to leave me a comment, please email me at barbarabodling@yahoo.com. I am here for you and looking forward to your emails.

Love, Hugs and Blessings,

Barbara