A.C.T.S.

Do you ever need a kick in the pants to get your prayer life reactivated again? I sometimes do. This season in our care group we are studying prayer. Last night, Steve (my hubby, and the group leader!!) reminded us of the little acronym A.C.T.S. I've heard this numerous times before, but the reminder was great...

A = Adoration

C = Confession

T = Thanksgiving

S = Supplication.

Notice something? Notice that the supplication (the "asking for stuff" or "wish list" part of our prayers) comes at the END of the prayer... not the beginning!!

The other thing we talked about was journaling your prayers. Do you ever have distractions while you are praying? Things that came up were: falling asleep, kids interrupting, the phone ringing, your favourite show coming on, and not leaving enough time to finish your devotions. By Journaling your prayers - simply writing them down! you are doing 3 things that will help keep your focus... you are thinking the prayer, writing the prayer and then seeing the prayer. Studies tell us that when we do something 3 times we have a better chance of remembering it.

So, the next time you tell someone you are "praying for them"... do it, and try writing it down!!

Rich or Poor?

Author Unknown

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"

It was great, Dad." Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked. Oh yeah," said the son.

So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered:

"I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.

We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

Fireproof your marriage...

Have you heard the rage on the new movie "Fireproof?" It is an excellent film. Quality content and quality acting. The lead role is played by Kirk Cameron, and he did an amazing job. Seeing as the movie was about marriages, and faithfulness to your spouse, loving each other, etc. it thrilled me to read this comment from Kirk Cameron, "the woman I kissed in the movie wasn’t Erin Bethea, but instead was my real wife who was specially flown for the scene. That was our way of honoring marriage both on and off the screen." Isn't that awesome?!

To see more about Fireproof, and to watch the captivating trailer, click on the picture below. Also, I stumbled across a Fireproof BLOG. Check that out HERE.

Let us Pray

Where does the time go? It's already October!!

I am really enjoying our Ladies Bible Study this Fall, led by Esthie at our church. If you are able to come, it is from 9:30 - 11 every Tuesday morning at the church. We are studying the topic of Prayer. So I wanted to post a scripture and a song...

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

Let us Pray (Steven Curtis Chapman)

I hear you say your heart is aching
You've got trouble in the making
And you ask if I'll be praying for you please
And in keeping with conviction
I'll say yes with good intentions
To pray later making mention of your needs
But since we have this moment here at heaven's door
We should start knocking now, what are we waiting for?

CHORUS:
Let us pray, let us pray, everywhere in every way
Every moment of the day, it is the right time
For the Father above, He is listening with love
And He wants to answer us, so let us pray

So when we feel the Spirit moving
Prompting, prodding and behooving
There is no time to be losing, let us pray
Let the Father hear us saying
What we need to be conveying
Even while this song is playing, let us pray
And just because we say the word, "Amen"
It doesn't mean this conversation needs to end

Let us pray, let us pray, everywhere in every way
Every moment of the day, it is the right time
Let us pray without end and when we finish start again
Like breathing out and breathing in, let us pray

Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence
As our prayers draw us near
To the One who knows our needs
Before we even call His name

Let us pray everywhere in every way
Every moment of the day, it is the right time
Let us pray without end and when we finish start again
Like breathing out and breathing in, let us pray

BSF

BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) is a great place to dig deep into your Bible and grow in the knowledge of God's word... and really learn to love reading the Bible. I went all last year, and unfortunately my son's kindergarten schedule doesn't allow me to go this year, but I will be back as soon as I can.

Anyway, I still want to tell you about it, and let you know it is starting tomorrow morning, Thursday, September 11th.... at 9:10am at Grace Church in Abbotsford, on McMillan Road (off Marshall).

There is a time of singing, discussion, and a wonderful Lecture, then you have questions that you can complete in your devotional time at home. You will love it... the one at this location and time is for women, but there is a men's class that meets on Monday nights at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford as well. I hope you will consider joining if you are able! It is well worth the time you put in.

Kids' BSF... Last year I was able to take my boys along with me to BSF and they learned so much. They are the reason I joined, because I had heard such wonderful things about the kids' program - and I was not let down... songs, stories, gym time and music... all in a safe place with loving and caring teachers. Your kids will love it too! I hope you'll check it out. (Kids must be at least 2 years old to join the kids program).

Favourite Verse(s)

Do you have a favourite verse? I do... but it's not the same favourite that I had 5 years ago, and different again from what it was 10 years ago. There seems to always be a perfect verse for where you are at in your life at the time.

Currently, my favourite verse is Philippians 4:13...

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

But, as I was reading through the whole chapter this morning, along with the notes at the bottom (my new Life Application Study Bible... I totally recommend it!) I decided that I don't have a favourite verse anymore - I have a favourite CHAPTER!!!!

Look at the verses that are in this chapter... they are powerhouse!!

verse 4 REJOICE in the Lord always, and gain I say, REJOICE!

verse 6 Be careful (or anxious) for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

verse 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

verse 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

verse 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

verse 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

verse 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever Amen.

Then just when you think he is done, Paul sends a final greeting to his friends - and remember... Paul is in PRISON when he writes this. He is rejoicing in Jesus from behind bars. Wow!

verse 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

What is YOUR favourite verse? Please feel free to leave a comment and a bit about why it's your favourite.

Have a great day!

Peacemakers....

Ephesians 4:3-6

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

While there are 2 sides to every story, situation and relationship... the Bible clearly states that we are blessed when we choose peace. Hmm.... that's not always fun, and almost never easy. But in the long run there are benefits. It's easier to get along with people, you aren't seen as a troublemaker, and you don't have to worry as much about high blood pressure.

But what about the times when you KNOW you are right? What about the times when you KNOW it should be the other person to bend? Whether this is in your marriage, your church or some other relationship, there is only one good choice... pray. Pray that the eyes and hearts of the other person are softened, and pray that you would be gracious if you are found to be right. And if you are NOT right (gasp, that's not possible... is it??) then you need to accept that, too, and make every effort to keep the peace. And where there is no peace, then find a way to restore it, be a peaceMAKER.

Here are a few more verses on peace... from the NIV version of the Bible...

Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. Psalm 37:37

There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. Prov. 12:20

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints. 1 Cor. 14:33

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23