War Room: What I Appreciated Most... and a Caution

War Room.  Yes, I've been to see it!

Here are a few things I appreciated about the movie...

It Models Praying Scripture

I remember years ago learning the importance of this for myself!  It used to be I would just ramble on and on to God, quickly losing momentum and interest.  Praying Scripture specifically helps me to:

* stay focused in what I'm asking and praying
* be reminded of the promises God has already given
* affirm God's will and heart in what I am praying and what He has already said

It Models Praying for Someone

I remember the moment God clearly convicted me that I needed to stop talking to my husband (more like nagging) and start talking to God for my husband!

Not that my husband was being ungodly, we just couldn't seem to communicate well.  (God also had huge lessons for me in learning to control my attitude that came out via my words.  Can anyone say "ugly spirit"?)

When I am tempted to respond to my husband in a manner that would not be helpful to the conversation in the moment... I try to use that as a cue to instead shut my mouth, say nothing to him directly, and instead pray for him. (and for my own attitude in the moment)  I also pray Scripture specifically for him every day!

This movie did a great job of modeling what that could look like.  (Although I have to say this transition in my heart was not resolved in 2 hours.  ha ha  In fact, this is something I have to work on daily... and sometimes even moment to moment.)

These same principle's and actions can be implemented for other relationships in life as well.


It Models Prayer

* As a first line of defense
* As a battle - the spiritual warfare that it is
* As practical and possible to every day living
* As more than just even a once a day event... but a happening all through the day event

I could go on and on about all the things I so appreciated, but these are just a few.

All 3 of these things I appreciated about the movie are still such areas for growth and change for me... and so the challenge the movie brought to these areas was exciting and inspiring to my own heart and resolve!


A CAUTION

Since the release of the movie there has been quite a "buzz".  And rightly so!!  However, in the midst of all of the conversations and comments, I have become aware of something that is directing how I pray for the impact of this movie.

Although I have not personally talked with anyone with direct connections to the filming, I would dare say they would have a similar message...

War Room is not about the room... but the war!

I have heard people that are concerned that they don't have a room.  A space large enough. A place to designate for just this.

I fear we can miss the point if we're not careful.

My take away was that it is about...

* Having a strategy
* Being intentional
* Being consistent
* Being willing to fight in prayer
* Implementing God's Words (Scripture) and not just my own
* Staying persistent
* Changing my own heart to be more like Jesus regardless of what another does

Let us not lose sight that the power doesn't come from the place, but rather from the One being prayed to.

Is it wrong to create a room in which to do spiritual battle?  NO!  By all means... if you can make it happen... DO IT!!

I love the idea of having a place such as this!

But it doesn't have to be a room... 

STRATEGIC & INTENTIONAL

Right now I am using a journal.  And notecards.  (And I'm re-working both to be even more strategic since having seen the movie.)

But what if it was....

* Post it's on a mirror?
* Or fun paper on a bulletin board?
* Or lists created on a kindle?
* Or other mobile device?
* Or a plain notebook?
* Or steno book?
* Or 3 ring binder with tabs?
* Or......

Friends, the options are endless, which is so super exciting!!

Be strategic.  Intentional.  Consistent.

I don't want to spend so much time wondering about the method that I lose the moments... to PRAY!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~
What about you?:  Have you seen the movie yet?  What did you most appreciate?  What were your take away's?  What is your strategy and/or strategy ideas?  Where/How do you be intentional in prayer?  And if you've not yet started... what obstacles are you facing to begin?
~~~~~~~~~~

P.S.  If you've not yet seen the movie, plan to!  It is well worth it!!

 

Sheltered Under God's Promises {Giveaway}

As I have recently shared snippets of the personal difficulties of my own days, many of you have contacted me sharing your own stories.  The fact that many of us have been experiencing hard things has been confirmed.

Reading the following book came at what seemed to be the "perfect time".  In fact, here is what the back cover says about this book:

"You know God's promises, but are they for you, are they for now, are they for this? If you look to your circumstances alone, it may seem that God has forgotten you. But He hasn't. He can't. And He wouldn't even if He could. God is the only promise maker who is always a promise keeper. And God's promises will never fail you!"

I appreciated how Sheila used the stories of Bible characters to demonstrate the truth she was addressing.  I also enjoyed the Bible study included in the book.  Although I did not go through this in a group setting, I still referred to and used those questions to deepen the questioning and pondering of my own heart.

The chapters focus on ten foundational promises of God that secure our lives during even the most difficult times.  Things such as God's peace (ch. 3), grace (ch. 6), hope (ch.7), and much more.  And the way Sheila ended it... oh my.

I did not find it to finish with a sense of "happily ever after" sentiment leaving me wondering how I can apply that to the true "nitty gritty" of the mess I sometimes seem to find myself in. 

Instead, she ended it with examining a question that has left my own heart challenged and encouraged even since the covers of this book have been closed.

She takes us to John the Baptist and explores this soul searching question with him... "Will you love and serve a God you do not always understand?" 

As you pick up this book, I would encourage you to grab a highlighter and pen or pencil.  I needed mine all through it!


What to Win:
Five randomly selected winners will each win ONE copy of "The Shelter of God's Promise" by Sheila Walsh.
 
How to Win:
Comment.  Yep.  Simple as that.
(Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you should you be selected as a winner.)

Extra Opportunities to Win:
Become a subscriber and/or follow on Facebook. (see right hand sidebar for options ).  Be sure to come back and leave a separate comment for each (or let me know that you already do).

Giveaway Ends:
This giveaway will end on Friday, Sept. 16.  The winners will be randomly selected and notified .  (You must be willing to let me provide the publisher with your address as they will be sending out the book to the winners.)

Unfortunately, this giveaway is U.S. and Canada eligible only.

Friendship Giveaway

The news this last week of a woman posting to her 1048 "friends" on facebook that she had taken all of her pills, only to be found dead by her mother 17 hours later saddened me.

I cringe to think that we (myself included) could be losing sight of what friendship really is and what it means to have and be a friend. 

"It is so easy to think we are staying in touch with friends this way when, in reality, the touch is often while we are simply brushing by them as we are rushing through our busy lives that are too crowded for meaningful contact."  -- Lisa Welchel (caution regarding Facebook and Twitter)

The Book

"Friendship for Grown-Ups: What I Missed and Learned Along the Way"   By Lisa Welchel

"...Friendship is a challenge.  The vulnerability, trust, balance, grace, and time required to develop and maintain strong friendships do not come easily.... 

One day Lisa found that 'the desire to experience connection was stronger than the desire to be safe.'  She determined right then to finally understand friendship:  how to create one, sustain it, and experience the sheer joy of having it.  But it wasn't easy.  

Lisa writes from her heart and her head, sharing her story and helping women understand how to cope with the strengths and weaknesses of friendship, and basing all her advice on the foundation of our ultimate relationship with the Savior."  -- Excerpts from the back cover

I so appreciated this book.  Lisa shares her own hurts, struggles, and challenges... and then what she learned about defining and finding true friends.  Her words were not sugar coated to make finding and keeping true friendships sound easy and possible without some risk and work.  Instead, she told it like it is, putting herself out there in the process.

I was reminded that needing to need others is part of friendship.  She helped clarify some areas that I need to improve on in being a friend.  She discusses how to find safe friends, how to set healthy boundaries, and challenges the reader to get real... with themselves and with others.

Not only was this a book to read, it has become much like a handbook for me.  It includes "Questions for Reflection" AND "Practical Steps for Developing and Growing Friendships" that accompany each chapter.  In addition to those tools, it also includes 6 pages of conversation prompts to help you get to know a friend better.

Here's Lisa sharing about her book:




What to Win:
Five winners will each win ONE hardcover copy of Friendship for Grown-Ups by Lisa Welchel.
 

How to Win:
Comment and share your thoughts on the following question:   
(Be sure to attach an e-mail in some way so that I have a way to contact you.)

What do you find to be the biggest obstacle(s) in developing and deepening a friendship?


Extra Opportunities to Win:
Become a subscriber and/or follow on Facebook. (see right hand sidebar for options ).  Be sure to come back and tell me... or let me know that you already do.


Winners Notified:
The winners will be notified on Friday, January 14.


Here's to defining, developing and deepening friendships for all of us!

Let the Giving Begin

Okay, okay.... it's been long enough. I've kept you in suspense for weeks waiting to see what I've been reading and am going to share with you.

Never mind that I thought the illnesses were coming to an end only to have me rushing our little guy into urgent care again 2 days ago with trouble breathing. New diagnosis. New meds. More breathing treatments every 4 hours. etc. etc. etc. You probably know the story around here by now...

Putting all that aside, you have all been waiting so patiently I couldn't stand to make you wait any longer, regardless of the craziness happening here in week 7 of it all. I'm beginning to wonder if this is my new normal?!

So, without any more delay... let's get this first book underway!

Do you know my friend Sandy? I "met" her in 2007 soon after she started blogging and have been a faithful reader of her blog and have exchanged e-mails since. I have not been disappointed.

I was so excited when I learned that Sandy would be writing a book. I was honored to be a small part of some of the process behind the scenes. Imagine my delight when Sandy's book "The Reluctant Entertainer" was released in August of this year.

Today... one of you are going to have the opportunity to be given a copy of her book!


I have learned so much from her and have been challenged in ways I never knew I even needed to be challenged. But then, isn't that what friends are for?

I wasn't necessarily reluctant to have people over, but I was reluctant to have people over if things weren't "perfect". Sandy has encouraged me that it's not the perfection that matters, it's the open door and warm heart that counts.

The first time I remember stepping out of my "perfection" box was inviting a family in for brownies when they dropped my son off from school. It was a last minute offer so my house was very lived in. I distinctly remember that my floors weren't even swept. Somehow, that didn't seem to change the taste of the brownies still warm out of the oven or affect the conversation of friends that seemed to flow.

Sandy has also helped me to see that inviting others over for simple things such as a BBQ, a bonfire or just a warm cup of coffee and time together is also serving up my heart in hospitality.

Her words and example have been an inspiration and increased in me a desire to do these types of things even more.

I was encouraged by the following quote from Sandy as I tend to be more of a spontaneous hostess. Often our invitations to others tend to be last minute.

"I so appreciate casual and last-minute invitations because people are just looking for connection..." (p. 94)

I was also challenged by this from Sandy:

"True hospitality is not always easy, and it's not always pretty- but it is about giving to others even when you're tired and you might not feel like it. I've felt that way many times, but I pushed through it and inspiration came." (p. 111)

I do not always feel like slowing the pace to extend of myself to others, or even feel like I have the time. However, I find that every single time I move forward in action and do... I am blessed!

Were I to want to do a more formal event or host a large event, I have every confidence I could pull it off. Sandy offers her experience on how to do such events. Her tips and advice would be useful, practical and so helpful.

This book will now be one of my first "go to" books for anything related to hospitality, entertaining or just a good read to curl up with over a cup of coffee to relish, relax, plan and dream.

More about the book:

This hardcover book is full of glossy pages and wonderful pictures. Typically with these types of books I tend to just browse through while glancing at the photos. I found myself being drawn into this one and read through it word for word.

I particularly enjoyed reading about engaging the five senses in entertaining. I had never thought about it that way before.

I also really appreciated the suggested pantry list included, the conversation starter ideas and the numerous other ideas and practical suggestions as it relates to entertaining.

Recipes can also be found throughout the book with an index at the back for easy searching later.

How can you get a copy?

You can purchase a personalized, signed copy directly from Sandy here.

It is even offered in a kindle version from Amazon here.

AND...

I am giving away a copy of Sandy's book. Leave a comment and tell me "Are you a planner or more spontaneous when it comes to having people over?"

The winner will be drawn Monday, Sept. 27. Be sure to leave a way I can contact you should you be randomly selected as the winner.

Finally, if you aren't already following Sandy at her blog, I recommend heading on over. First, you may want to grab your beverage of choice and be ready to settle in. You just may find yourself spending some time there.

Thank you to Sandy and Bethany House Publishers for providing this offer.

Family Worship

I am so excited that you have stopped by to join me today! I have something to not only share with you, but to offer you.

Between soccer, track and end of the year school events, the last couple of months found me spending more time in my car. I didn't mind it so much. I had three of my very favorite things to join me.

Music, Children and God's Word

When they contacted me and offered to send me their music, I was thrilled. I thoroughly enjoy music to begin with. However, when that music is the Word of God set to a tune, there is no music that can beat that. To hear the voices of children singing out the truth is an added blessing. And that is exactly what Seeds Family Worship offers.

Seriously, these songs are not just about God. They are not about Bible stories. They are verses taken straight from Scripture.

I put those CD's in my car, and as we drove all around town we listened to not just fun music, we were filling our minds and mouths with the Word of God.

Our little guy already has his favorites in which he is joining along. Even when he is not joining along verbally, he is moving to the beat of the music, and all the while I know that the words he is hearing and learning are hiding God's Word in his heart.

There was even one morning that I was alone in my car. I was feeling discouraged and depleted. I thought, "Wow. I could sure use an extra dose of truth from God to my heart this morning." I glanced down and there were the CD's.

I put one in and found my own heart lifted as I was reminded of His precious promises. Even though the words were being sung by children, my heart was encouraged and lightened in the process as I knew every word in each song was directly from Scripture.

To learn more about their music head to Seeds Family Worship: whose mission is: Planting the seeds of God's Word in the hearts of families.

They have a link for kids that includes free verse memory cards that accompany each of the CD's. They also have a verse memorization checklist.

Their families link gives family worship ideas as well as an abundance of additional resource links. You can even sign up for their newsletter which will have these types of things e-mailed to your inbox directly.

There are also pages for worship leaders and children's pastors (leaders).

Your Turn

Seeds Family Worship has sent me 5 CD's to give to one of you! The CD titles I have to give are:

Seeds of Courage
Seeds of Faith
Seeds of Praise
Seeds of Purpose
Seeds of Encouragement

Here's how to win:

Comment: I absolutely love the Word of God. Please share with me a favorite Bible verse, Bible story or book of the Bible. (Be sure to include an e-mail address so I can contact you should you win.) You do NOT need to be a blogger to enter.

Extra Entries:

Receive one extra entry for each of the following. Leave a separate comment for each.

* Facebook, Tweet, and/or Blog this giveaway. (Let me know you did.)
* Become a subscriber and/or follower. See sidebar to the right. (or tell me you already are)
* Become a facebook fan. (or remind me that you already are)

This giveaway will end Wed., June 30 at noon (PDT). The randomly selected winner will be announced on Friday, July 2.

Another Opportunity

Seeds Family Worship has been extra generous in their offer. Even if you are not the randomly selected winner for the 5 CD package, you can still be a winner with the additional opportunity they are extending to you, my readers.

Beginning today, receive an additional 20% off your purchase of cd's (not including Clearance cd's) from their web store (www.seedsmusicstore.com). Just use the coupon code: MYQUIETCORNER at checkout to receive your discount. This offer will expire October 14, 2010 so don't delay. It's not too early to start your Christmas shopping!

Double Your Money

Get 2 CD's for the price of 1! The new packaging for Seeds Family Worship is unique. Each package contains two identical CD's. That means with any CD purchase you make, you will receive not just 1 CD for that price... but 2! One to keep and one to give away.

Okay, enough of my talking.

Comment and share a favorite verse for your chance to win.

Shop at Seeds Family Worship for your chance to save 20% (don't forget to use the coupon code: MYQUIETCORNER) and get 2 CD's for the price of 1!