RULES FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING

I have decided that since the weekend posts are going to be hit and miss, there will not be a daily theme. I will just share whatever strikes me for the moment.  Today I found a book on the shelf I have not looked at in quite some time. The name of it is "Lists To Live By" (Compiled by Alice Grey, Steve Stephens, and John Van Diest).  They are truly thought-provoking for every aspect of our lives.  This is my choice to share with you today.

 

RULES FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING

 

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever.......

you can!
- John Wesley

 

I hope this gave you something to reflect on. It is a reminder that there is ALWAYS MORE that we can do.  Our work is never finished, until we are called to meet the Lord.  Have a wonderful weekend, and may you be lifted up tomorrow when you worship, Lord willing.

 

Blessings,

Shannon

ANNA - DEVOTION

Luke 2:37 -   Anna had prayed and fasted night and day.  She showed incredible devotion.  She wanted to be close to the Lord, so she stayed at the temple.  She did not want anything to interfere with her devotion.

Are you like Anna?   Do you let anything, anyplace, or anyone come in-between you and the Lord?   We do not have the same type of physical temple to worship at today, but do you attend worship service like you should?  Do you carry that attitude of worship and praise with you no matter where you go?  Can others see your devotion through your actions?   How would you like to be more like her?

Anna obviously did not spend time with a family or working.  Her whole being was given to praising God.  Our situations today as wives, mothers, or single women, keep us very busy.  Most of us cannot dedicate every hour of every day in prayer and fasting.  We also have to do our duties as Christian women, as wives, and as mothers.  The keeping of the home and family requires A LOT of our time and energy.  However, we can show our constant attitude of praise by doing these things with a cheerful heart, giving thanks for all that we have.  We must take the time during the day to stop and pray often.  Even if it is just a brief moment of thanksgiving, it will strenghten our devotion.

Did you take time to pray today?  If you are like me, sometimes you put your head on the pillow at night and realize that the only time you prayed was at mealtimes with your children and family.  I need to do a lot of improvement with my planning and personal schedule, so I get my prayer and quiet time in the morning. At the close of day, when your mind is tired and your body is weary, let the comfort of prayer help you fall asleep.  Unload your worries and fears to the Lord and count and thank Him for the blessings in your life.  I have noticed that I wake more rested and ready for another day when I went to sleep with the Lord "on my mind".

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,
Shannon

THAT'S NEAT THURSDAY

Here are a few things that caught my eye this week :  (Once again......not including photos on my blog due to copyright)

1.   Using pencil pouches to organize puzzles. I LOVE this site!!!
Check it out..........she has many more ideas.

http://thenavystripe.blogspot.ca/2011/12/organizing-kids-toys.html

2.  Excellent teacher gift idea!!!  The verse could be changed to make this for anyone.

Great blog! -  Click on the link and visit

http://www.somewhatsimple.com/idea-for-teacher-appreciation/

3.   Article on cleaning your washing machine!!!
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/04/how-to-clean-your-top-loader-washing.html

Have a blessed day,
Shannon

ANNA - Day 1

ANNA -  Her name means "Grace"

Scripture:  Luke 2:2-38

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Story : We begin when Anna is 84 years old.  She was married for only 7 years and then became a widow.  She spends her time fasting and praying in the temple night and day.  She was a prophetess and was grateful to be allowed to enter the Women's Court. This made her closer to the Holy Place, where only men were allowed.  She bowed her head and prayed earnestly.

Joseph and Mary had brought baby Jesus to the temple to be presented 40 days after his birth. Simeon had been told that he would not die until he had seen Christ.  He took the child in his arms and said,

"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

Anna heard these words and knew that he was speaking about the new child of God.  She gave thanks to the Lord for allowing her to hear and see this special occasion.

MAIN DISH, TASTY TREAT, AND WORDS OF WISDOM

I have managed to get the women's study posts on here, but have missed the daily ideas.  I am just going to include all of them from so far this week.  If it is my recipe and photograph I have included them.  If it is not, then I have provided the link where you can view them.

MAIN DISH MONDAY-  I made this recipe up myself and all of the family liked it.  We warmed it up for leftovers and they were still soft and juicy!!!

 

SWEET AND TANGY CROCKPOT PORKCHOPS

 

 

You can find the recipe here :  http://www.myrecipemagic.com/recipe/recipedetail/sweet-and-tangy-crockpot-pork-chops

 

I am part of a new website (above) My Recipe Magic............they pay bloggers for submitting recipes, so I have started a food blog and joined the site.  You can find the link for my other blog on that website and I will be adding a link here soon.

 

TASTY TREAT TUESDAY

 

Better Than Anything Brownies

I can't wait to try these..........of course I have to wait for having company over or taking to a dinner or party.  These have to be a splurge.......don't know how I could make them healthier without reducing that rich brownie taste. It is from one of my favorite websites!!!  (www.sixsistersstuff.com)

 

http://www.myrecipemagic.com/recipe/recipedetail/better-than-anything-brownies-recipe

 

WORDS OF WISDOM WEDNESDAY

 

This would have gone nicely with our study of Hannah

 

Source :  http://pinterest.com/pin/565342559443345155/

 

 



HANNAH - Prayer

Hi everyone!  I did not make it on here this weekend for a variety of reasons, but I hope to post M-F each week.

As stated in the previous post, Hannah was a great example of God's promises to us.  Her story also reveals the power of prayer.  This is a huge subject, so I am just going to make a few points.  I could spend weeks, but I would like to move on to another woman of the Bible.  I am sure that prayer will be a common theme among their stories.

Hannah's prayer for a child was answered.  All of us have had many answered prayers, and probably just as many unanswered prayers.  This does not mean that the Lord does not hear us, He just knows what is best for our life and the lives of those around us.  It is a huge blessing to be able to unload our burdens on the Lord's ears and have the assurance and comfort that He is with us always. 

Do you pray only when in need - emotionally or physically?  Do you try to handle everything yourself and use prayer as a last resort?  We sometimes forget that we need His help and guidance so that the right decision can be made.  Ask the Lord for strength that you can trust in Him.

Spend some time each day reflecting on your blessings and give praise and thanksgiving in your prayers!  We need to practice gratitude and show Him our love. 

Have a blessed week.  We are home from school again tomorrow as we are being hit with winter storm #2.  Ha!

Blessings,
Shannon

A few of my favorite verses about prayer :

1 John 5:14-15

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Matthew 6:5-12
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Psalm 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me