Living Proverbs 22:6



Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

Last night at Jr. Church Bible Study, I asked the children to choose one child and "Mummify" them in newspaper.  All month we are learning how to share the "Good News" by explaining our faith to others. 

Natalie was nominated and after lots of giggles {and tape} she was all wrapped up.  We did this right before class started and I asked her to stand mummified during our opening.  She sighed a little bit.  It was hard to move.  The paper kept dropping down over her eyes so she couldn't see.  It was a fun game to play and pretend at first but once that was over it was a bother to be wrapped up.

Since we are talking about sharing the "Good News" with others...I asked them to look at the newspaper articles, what was it full of??  Mostly BAD news right?!

The point:  The newspaper is filled with bad news, and people in our world can feel overwhelmed by bad news in their lives, even mummified by it!  But we have the Good News of Jesus and need to share it so people can be freed from the bad news of this world and made alive in Jesus! {Discipleland Cirriculum}

I asked Natalie to then break free of the "bad news" and live alive in Christ! She ripped that newspaper right off of her.  Freedom!

Even as Christians we can feel "mummified" by bad news, worries, what if's...you can plug anything in here!  It can consume us.  We can feel like we can't move or see past the situation and there is no hope.

But truth is...there is ALWAYS HOPE in Christ!  We need to litterally throw off those feelings.  They are just that -feelings.  Emotions that are like a battlefield within you!

When I get all wrapped up and messy {even before this activity with the kids} I've imagined a piece of paper in my mind...crumbling it into a tight ball {all the junk inside} and throwing it far away from me then I drop to my knees.  I need His strength!  I can't do it.

Just like when Natalie broke through all that paper and it dropped it the ground, we picked it all up and threw it away.  It's THEN we need to replace those lies, worry, and fears with God's truth. 

Who is He?  What does HE say about you or the situation?  What does His word speak to you?!

Such FREEDOM in Christ! 

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

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7


You are loved and there is peace to be found in Christ even during the darkest times!  If you need us to lift you up today in prayer, please leave a comment below or send a private email.

Amigo

The Portuguese and Spanish word for "friend" is Amigo. 

And this Horse named Amigo is becoming such a good friend to Natalie! 

The girl who has dreamed of horses since she was two years old!

The Sunday before last, we were asked if Natalie wanted to ride in a local parade with Catalpa Point Stables which is where she takes riding lessons.  Her face lit up with bright eyes and a HUGE smile as she looked at me for a response!  What good Mama would say no....  =)

They all did a FANTASTIC JOB!  I was able to walk along with them and pass out information flyer's. 

My sister Michelle and three of her kiddo's were cheering us on from the sidelines!

Natalie and I with Amigo

It was a beautiful fall day and Natalie was on cloud nine!!  I am so thankful that though she does not have a horse of her own...she can still build a beautiful bond of friendship with this beautiful horse named Amigo!

...New Life!

"one Lord, one faith, one baptism" 

Ephesians 4:5

Last year as I was standing in the bathroom on a Saturday morning, Lola walked in and told me that God was telling her that she should be baptized.  My heart swells as well as the tears in my eyes.  She had already told me about the evening earlier that year, after a fight with her sister, how she closed her eyes in prayer.  Angry at herself.  Needing forgiveness for much more than just harsh words spoken.  

It was then that she professed her faith to the One who heals and restores.  

Last week when we talked about it she said that she has prayed and asked Him to be her Savior before...but this time...she just knew.  Her name was written.  She didn't need to explain anymore.   Experience speaks for itself.

So as I stood by the sink, my heart bursting right open, I squished her tight! I told her that we would talk to the Pastor about getting Baptized.  She smiled and shook her head yes as she turned to head downstairs. 

The next morning she handed me a card that she made to give Pastor Jim.  On the front a picture of her getting baptized.  On the inside it reads:  "Last Sunday I prayed to God about baptism and God said it's time"

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.  I Corinthians 12:13

I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.  Mark 1:8

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20

-------------------------------
Oh, this sweet girl whom I love with everything in me!  A year had passed since that moment at the sink but her mind and heart stood strong.  October 1, 2011, Lola was baptized! 

I can only praise and give Him ALL GLORY for the wonderful privilege of coming alive in Christ!

NATALIE'S BAPTISM

Marvelous Monday!

The winner of Yay...Free Friday is!

True Random Number Generator
Result: #4 lisa said...
adorable products! Would love to be able to get one.
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Congratulations Lisa! Please email me to receive your voucher number.

Thanks to every single one who entered...we will see what pops up this week!
Any requests??

YAY...FREE FRIDAY!

Every Friday is Freebie Friday
and we give something FREE to one of YOU!

This week we are giving away a $56.00 Gift Certificate!

PLEASE NOTE: That since the carts are closed for the year, you will not be able to use this gift until the carts have reopened January 1st!

TO ENTER: Simply leave a comment below!

I will choose the winner on Monday!

Too Cute...Tuesday!

I took this photo for a friend of mine
and loved her Baby Be Blessed doll!!!!

Sarah Bernauer
Sarah B Photography




~SO PRECIOUS! I {LOVE} it!!

Marvelous Monday!

We have some winners to announce this morning!

The winner of Yay...Free Friday is:

Stefanie from Emerson's Story!

The winner's of our Give a Blessing drawing last month is:

1st place (Baby be Blessed Doll): Danae Hudson
2nd place (FREE shirt from Wild Olive Tees): Kelly Stamps

Congratulations and Thanks so much!
Have a very BLESSED & MARVELOUS MONDAY!!