WORLD KINDNESS DAY! WORLD KINDNESS WEEK (November 14- 20)

 TODAY IS WORLD KINDNESS DAY! 

                                           

Definition of Kindness

1. the state or quality of being kind: kindness to animals.

2. a kind act; favor: his many kindnesses to me.

3. kind behavior: I will never forget your kindness.

4. friendly feeling; liking.⁴     

Here are ten great Bible verses for World Kindness Day (a day to practice random acts of kindness).

1. “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” (Proverbs 12:25)
2. “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17)
3. This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
4. “[God] has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” (Acts 14:17)
5. “God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.” (Romans 2:4)
6. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
7. “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)
8. “… the incomparable riches of [God's] grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7)
9. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
10. “When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:4-6)

WORLD KINDNESS IDEAS

• Bake up a big batch of cookies and take them into work.
• Pick some fresh flowers, from your yard of course, and deliver them to a lonely person in a retirement home.
• Offer to wash your neighbor’s car.
• Step outside that comfortable comfort zone and do something nice for a perfect stranger today.
• When you are waiting in line to pay for your favorite cup of Joe, surprise the stranger waiting in line behind you and pay for his or hers!
• Let someone “cut” in front of you while you are waiting in line at the checkout counter.
• If you see a grocery cart in the parking lot, push it back into the corral. Remember, a real live person has to go out and gather up all those carts.
• Don't forget our four-legged friends on World Kindness Day.  Adopt a pet or volunteer at your local animal shelter!
• Free Kindness Day Electronic Greetings – Send a free e-card to a friend or loved one from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.
• Join the World Kindness Bloggers Unite Movement

 

 

 

FOR THE KIDS!

November 14 not only begins NATIONAL KINDNESS WEEK but also is National Teddy Bear Day. (There are two each year-Sept. 9 and Nov. 14) Have some Teddy bear fun with your children...KA's 'Bear Category is just too good NOT to check out! http://www.kidactivities.net/post/Teddy-Bear-Theme.aspx

 

Kid Activities | Teddy Bears and Other Bears Too

 

www.kidactivities.net

 

Teddy Bear Ideas for Kids! Arts, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Songs, Poems and more. Good for Pre-K thru school age.

 

KID ACTIVITIES FOR KINDNESS

http://www.kidactivities.net/category/Random-Acts-of-Kindness.aspx

LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES FOR PARENTS AND EDUCATORS

http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/Educators/Lesson-Plans/

SCHOOL ACTIVITY IDEAS

http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/Educators/School-Activity-Ideas/

  

 

 

QUOTES

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. --Unknown No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. --Aesop quotes (Ancient Greek Fabulist and Author of a collection of Greek fables. 620 BC-560 BC) Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate. --Albert Schweitzer quotes (German medical Missionary, Theologian, Musician and Philosopher. 1952 Nobel Peace Prize, 1875-1965) It is the characteristic of the magnanimous man to ask no favor but to be ready to do kindness to others. --Aristotle quotes (Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scientist and Physician, 384 BC-322 BC) Forget injuries; never forget kindness. --Confucius quotes (China's most famous teacher, philosopher, and political theorist, 551-479 BC) What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness? --Jean-Jacques Rousseau quotes (French philosopher and writer whose novels inspired the leaders of the French Revolution, 1712-1778) Kindness is loving people more than they deserve. --Joseph Joubert quotes (French Essayist and moralist, 1754-1824) To cultivate kindness is a valuable part of the business of life. --Samuel Johnson quotes (English Poet, Critic and Writer. 1709-1784) I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness. --Mother Teresa of Calcutta quotes (Albanian born Indian Missionary and Founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity. Nobel Prize for Peace in 1979. 1910-1997)

 

 

Bible Quotes   And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. (Ruth 1:8) And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. (Ruth 2:4) And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left. And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. (Ruth 2:14-16) And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. (Ruth 2:20) And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. (Ruth 3:10) Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city. (Ruth 3:15) And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. (Esther 2:7) He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives. (Psalm 106:46) A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. (Psalm 112:5) In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. (Isaiah 54:8) But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (Luke 6:35) Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. (Acts 9:36) Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." (Acts 14:17)  22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22,23) And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. (Ephesians 6:9) Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12) 5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8)

 

 SONGS ON YOUTUBE ABOUT KINDNESS

Try Some Kindness (The Letter K Song) 

The Kindness of Our God (story behind song) Rebecca St. James

Hear Rebecca talk about the inspiration behind her song, "The Kindness of Our God". Accompaniment tracks for this song are available for instant download at www.praisehymn.com! Pick your key- high, medium or low!

 kindness by chris tomlin with lyrics

kindness by chris tomlin of The Noise We Make CD with pictures of god's amazing creation EARTH!

 

SHARE WITH US!   

Do you have an act of kindness to share?  A song?  A quote?  A personal story?  If you feel comfortable sharing here, please do.  If not, you can send it to me at: carolyncavies@yahoo.com  and I'd be happy to share it with everyone with or without your name!  Thanks!

 

How to give expired coupons to the troops!

I've been sending expired coupons to the troops for a year now!   I try to do this monthly.  It's been a real blessing to be able to give these to the men and women who can use them.   The following is from a blog entries that explain how to do this procedure with easy to follow directions!

MILITARY PROGRAM from Grocery Savings Tips.com   The following is copyrighted so I must only include the LINK from her page as to entire procedure for sending these expired coupons!  This is the LINK (please click on the word "link" or MILITARY PROGRAM from Grocery Savings Tips.com)  Thanks!

PRESS RELEASE about a program for the Troops.   Please click on the this link.  LINK

EXPIRED COUPONS?  Send to the Troops.   Please click on this link.   LINK

Thank you for considering this excellent and inexpensive method of sharing your expired coupons with those who serve our country every day with their lives!

Sharing Smiley360 Mission

Sharing Smiley360 Mission: I've been on Smiley 360 for 5 months now and love it. I highly recommend this application to anyone!

Day 9 of 30 Days of Thanksgiving!

It's Day 9 of the 30 Days of Thanksgiving and I want to share the 9 that I have so far.  I could certainly share more than one a day but since we have these two events, 30 Days of Thanksgiving and 30 Days of Free Samples (Avon) and 30 Days of Thanksgiving, and they are open to anyone for free, I will share the ones that I posted in the groups.  

Day 1! I thank the Lord for salvation!

Day 2! I thank the Lord today (and everyday) I thank God for my wonderful husband, John, and thealmost 18 years that we've been married! He's an incredible man who has been with me through all health, sickness, wealth, poor, and all our our marriage vows! I love more each day!

Day 3!  I thank the Lord for my two step sons who have always been great kids and are now wonderful gentlemen. I'm praying that one of them will come back here (asking the Lord to help them raise thefunds) to see their only living grandparent, while she's still alive. She's on Hospice in a nursing home here in our town.

Day 4!  I'm thankful for the Lord providing for my husband and my daily needs. He's retired and I'm on disability and we make it on the paycheck to paycheck and have food on the table each week thanks to couponing and meal planning. Thankful for Him also meeting the needs of our sons and for providing them with jobs during this hard times. Amen!

Day 5!  Thank you (at age 51) to have my mother (age 78) and father living. My mom lives 3,000 miles away from me but my sister (age 49) is close to her and my father (almost age 83) lives here in California

Day 6!  Thank you God for healing me from 10 weeks in bed (just enough healing) that I can walk and sit for small periods of time!  I am thankful for the back brace that the Dr. sold to me and to be able to receive comfort from that when walking and sitting.   Fibromyalgia and  Rheumatoid Arthritis are really hard to manage during weather changes like the ones we've been having here in Southern California. 

Day 7! Thank you Lord for the ability to worship you and read your Word in a free country to do so.  Thank you for the capacity to understand your Word even though I go through times with fibromyalgia and the "fibro fog" where things are really tough and on those days I find that LISTENING to your Word online helps me so much! Thank you for having the Bible Online so that I can read there and have Bible Study tools there and the men of God who have sermons online and the women of God who have women ministries online. I pray that you always lead them to speak your Word!

Day 8!  Thank you Lord for providing my parents the funds to send me to Christian Jr. and Sr. High and then onto Christian College and then for me to pay go to a Christian Grad School here in California.  Thank you for giving me the love for education and that I became a teacher and for  the 17 years that I was able to teach in the Christian and mostly public schools here in Calif.

Thank you for the lives of the special needs students that you blessed me with teaching and learning from them.

Day 9!  Thank you Lord for Social Networks (e.g. FaceBook) and that I joined when I did and was able to reconnect with so many Christian High School alumni and Christian college and grad school alumni. I also want to thank you for the new friends that I have made on FaceBook so far and that you will continue to bless those friendships and that they always be honoring to you!  There are gals on here from college (especially Diane R. and Becky A. and Ginny T.) who are such a blessing to me each day on here.  Thank you for the lives of these friends and that even 30 years later, we are able to reconnect and be a blessing to each other from such long physical distances.  Please continue to bless these friendships each day!  Thank you for their example of being Women after your own Heart!

A Thanksgiving Prayer

For forests tall and oceans deep
For canyons wide and mountains steep
For sunset skies of pink and gold
For every sunrise we behold

For Winter's snow and springtime's thaw
For Summer's warmth and Autumn's awe
For roofs that keep the rain away
For walls that hold it all at bay

For work that puts food on the table
For health and rest to keep us able
For friends and family around us
For years to come, may they surround us

For soldiers fighting for our peace
For days to come when wars may cease
For hope, so burdens won't enslave us
For thy forgiveness which will save us

For feast, and those with whom we share it
For loving hands that did prepare it
For all that makes this life worth living
We take this time on this Thanksgiving

To bow our heads and bend a knee
And pause to look around and see
For all that was, is, and shall be
We have none to thank, Oh Lord, but thee.

Amen.

--Submitted by About.com member, Eddie Mallonen

Week TWO: Day 3 Turning to Thanksgiving

Hi Ladies...   I'm getting the feeling (from the lack of comments that you're just not really into this book, "Woman After God's Own Heart."  And with that I'm making a change...  we're going to stop following the book, and possibly pick the book up again in the New Year and focus instead on November celebrating Thanksgiving, Gratitude, Prayer and whatever the Lord lays on my heart for the day.  Thanks for understanding.   I think what we'll do each month is take it as the Lord leads and not me selecting a book for you to read.  

Last night my husband and I made our first bread in the Breadman bread maker ($90.00 for an online purchase). We made Gingerbread and in the crock pot we made Pumpkin/Apple Butter!  And today it was given rave reviews not only from ourselves but also from my mother in law (in the nursing home) and then we jarred four of them and John gave one to the office staff at the nursing home and then gave one to the activities director and then gave her the other two to give to her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and the other one to the Hospice Music Therapist.   She really enjoys the music that the therapist plays for her on Thursdays!  The staff hasn't tried it yet!  We're hoping that they enjoy it.

You can click on the links to get the to get to the recipes the bread maker that's on sale at Walmart and then the Gingerbread recipe comes in the book you receive with the bread maker and the Pumpkin/Apple Butter recipe comes from another blogger!  She's also living in Southern Calif! 

I'm so thankful that we were able to afford the bread maker at this time!  I'm also grateful for a way now to give thanks to the people at the nursing home from us and my mother-in-law.   They do so much to help her.

Pause and Give Thanks

Wherever you find yourself today,
Whether filled with joy or wrapped in pain,
Remember to pause a moment and give thanks
For no other event in our history and time,
Can change our lives like the birth of Christ – so divine.
His love never failing, and His Presence always near
The greatest wonder in Heaven on Christmas did appear.
God’s gift full of grace that brings life, love, and hope,
Can be unwrapped by us all - changing life’s scope.
For when we invite His life into our hearts,
No love is greater than that He imparts.
So wherever you find yourself today,
Remember to pause and give thanks,
For He is the Truth and the Way!

--© 2007 – Carolyn Lynn Schwartz

_{Carolyn Lynn Schwartz is a singer, songwriter, radio talk show host, poet and author. Her website is www.energizeministries.com.}

Thanksgiving Bible Verses

Psalm 31:19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. (NIV)

Psalm 95:1-6 "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker." (KJV)

Psalm 100 "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (KJV)

Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (NIV)

Psalm 145:7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. (NIV)

1 Chronicles 29:11-13 "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." (KJV)

 _{credit:  http://christianity.about.com/od/thanksgivingverses/a/thanksgivingver.htm}

Dara's Legacy: A Thanksgiving Christian Testimony

Dara shares a testimony of thanksgiving for the godly women in her life. Each one has passed down a legacy of holy living and genuine faith in God. Dara's prayer is to follow in their footsteps and leave a legacy of godliness that will eternally influence the lives of her own children and grandchildren.
Dara's true story is one of many uniquely featured testimonies from you, the members and visitors of this site. Each story reveals a life transformed by Christian faith. If your relationship with God has made a significant difference in your life, we would like to hear about it. Submit your testimony by filling out this Submission Form. To receive weekly messages of hope and encouragement from real-life stories of changed lives, sign up for eTestimonies.

Dara's Legacy - A Testimony of Thanksgiving

A legacy is defined by Webster’s dictionary as “anything handed down as from an ancestor.” At this time of the year when the whole country pauses to be thankful, I felt it was the perfect opportunity for me to share how grateful I am for the godly legacy that my mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother left for me.

“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (NKJV)

God has been revealing to me, mostly through Scripture, how vital it is to leave that lasting godly legacy of genuine faith, for my children and grandchildren also.

My Mother's Legacy

I was raised in a household with an alcoholic father, who is to this day the angriest, most bitter man I know. He was emotionally abusive to my mother, and controlled her every move, until the day of her death. Through all this, she never claimed to be a victim, but remained a godly wife and mother. Her Christian example has inspired me to be the woman I strive to be today.
For a period of several months during my early teen years, my father persisted in accusing my mother of having an extra-marital affair. This unfounded accusation served to further destroy my mother’s spirit and leave her what I call an “emotional wreck.” She became deeply depressed. I do not know how she found the strength to get out of bed, knowing that she would daily be mercilessly bombarded with verbal attacks, except that through it all she hung on desperately to her sincere faith in the Lord.
One of my fondest memories of my mother is seeing her sitting peacefully on the sofa, in the dimly lit living room, early every morning, spending her private time with the Lord. Her Bible was always open on her lap, as she was meditating and praying. She taught me the value of God’s word and that authentic faith and confidence in the Lord is to be lived out every day of my life. Her faith was quiet and gentle, but there was no mistaking the strength, peace and inner joy she found in it. Her dedication to this was evident until the day of her very last breath.
The year I graduated from high school, 1980, my mother attempted suicide. But by the grace of God she was unsuccessful. Even in the final note she left for us, she was asking for everyone’s forgiveness. From that point on, she seemed more determined than ever to live out her genuine faith and not waver from her purpose to be a devoted wife and to leave a godly legacy for her children and grandchildren. She lived by this principle expressed in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 by Paul: “…For how do you know O wife, whether you will save your husband?...” (NKJV)
In 1997, at the age of 58, my mother died of a much accelerated case of Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I will admit that I doubted God for a short period of time and even questioned his methods, wondering how my mom’s death would accomplish the goal of my father’s salvation. But eventually I came to the realization that God was in control, nothing catches him off guard and he alone knows what’s best for each one of his children.

I know now that in part, my mother’s seemingly untimely death, served to open the door for my father to examine his desire for salvation. And even though my dad’s life still does not reflect a love for Christ, my mother’s faithful dedication and servanthood did nothing but encourage him to have a relationship with the Lord.

"For though I am free from all men, I made myself a servant to all that I might win the more." 1 Corinthians 9:19 (NKJV)

My mother taught me the true meaning of love, forgiveness, servanthood, and sacrifice. Even though one of my children and all of my grandchildren will never know her, the legacy that she left will live on for generations.

My Grandmother's Legacy

When my maternal grandmother went home to be with the Lord, and we were going through her personal items, the comments made were evidence of her genuine faith also. “She read through this Bible so many times we've lost count,” said one. And even though I only visited her once every other year, I always remember her having her Bible close at hand. That was the legacy passed on to my mother. I so desire to follow suit with my life and testimony, and leave a godly legacy for my children as well.

My Mother-In-Law's Legacy

In 1983 I met my future mother-in-law, only to find out that the Lord had blessed me again with yet another godly woman to be a mentor in my life. She had lived a very difficult life also. Her mother passed away when she was very young. She married only to later divorce her unfaithful husband, after having four children. She raised them to love and serve God, while at times holding down three jobs. She too made it a priority to spend quiet time with the Lord every day and I'll not soon forget the comfort it provided me to see her sitting with her well-worn Bible open on her lap.
The godly influence of sacrifice my mother-in-law exhibited everyday has been etched on my heart forever. Her faith failed to waver even when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She put forth all the energy she could muster to see that every one of her grandchildren, 18 at the time, would have a copy of Charles Sheldon’s classic, In His Steps, with her personal words of encouragement penned inside each cover. Her eyes were always on Jesus and even in the midst of her final painful days she was anxiously looking forward to laying her cross at Jesus’ feet and picking up her crown. She went home to be with the Lord in February, 1999. She made sure everyone she came in contact with knew that a life worth living and remembering has God as the center.

Elsie's Legacy

I’m so grateful currently that the Lord has placed another godly woman in my life as a mentor. Even though Elsie too has led a trying life, she makes it a priority to encourage and speak God’s wisdom to the younger women that the Lord places in her life. I am so thankful that the Lord joined our spirits and saw fit to have our paths cross. Nothing takes the Lord by surprise. He knew what I needed and even though she lives hundreds of miles away, He has generously blessed me with Elsie.

My Legacy - My Prayer

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1Timothy 4:16 (NIV)

Isn't that our primary goal here on this earth, to draw others to Christ? I desire to leave a godly legacy like my mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother did. Not one of wealth and notoriety, but one of sincere, genuine faith that is evident to all I come in contact with. At this time of Thanksgiving let us all focus on the legacy that has been left for us and seek to leave a godly one of genuine faith for those following after us. It could be the difference between eternal life and death.

From Dara Bennett

WEEK TWO: A HEART FOR PASSION IN PRAYER

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills... from whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord." 

Psalm 121:1-2   

This week we will be studying about a heart committed to prayer.   There are blessings that we can know as we work more toward a heart of prayer.   These are not the only blessings but these are some to name a few.

1.  A Deeper Relationship with God  When we communicate to God in prayer, we grow spiritually in a many ways.  

•    Prayer increases faith!   It's been suggested to me and I started this today...  to keep a prayer list.  I had a composition book on hand that was given to me from a friend.  It's decorated with lace, a ribbon and a piece of scrap booking paper with lovely women on it.  You don't need anything like that.  Find something that you can use that is comfortable for you.   
•   Prayer provides a place to unload burdens.  Wow!  I need to be reminded that I can take my burdens to God.   He mentions this in one particular verse, I Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
•   Prayer teaches us that God is always near.  Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  

•   Prayer trains us not to panic.  Not to worry.  That's easier said than done, isn't it?  There are so many things that may worry about.  Have you ever considered the birds in the winter?  I do.  I like to feed them in the winter months because I know that they have a difficult place finding food but they never seem to worry about their food.  They get up early in the morning here and start going from one bird feeder to another one.  I like to feed the ones in the street.  My husband bought a bag of bird food for me to feed the pigeons, the doves and the all the other small birds!  God's word speaks about this in Matthew 6: 25-27, "  ²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[a]?"
•   Prayer changes us! Let's accept this challenge to pray more often and see how prayer changes us!

2.  This blessing is Greater Purity.  I'm looking forward to this chapter this week as I know I need this in my life.  

3.  Confidence in Making Decisions.   Maybe in our prayer book we can also be writing about the decisions we need to make.  I'm going to be doing this in my prayer book.    Let's be praying for each other in the decisions that we need to make daily.   I want to make it my motto to "Make no decision without prayer."

Susan Wesley has a prayer for direction.  "Forbid that I should venture on any business without first begging Thy direction and assistance."

4.  This blessing is Improved Relationships.    I found this today in one of my groups on FaceBook called Our Daily Bread.   

5.  Another blessing is Contentment.  We'll be studying what it means to be content, how to be content and a number of verses and examples of people in the Bible who learned contentment.

6.  Blessing of God-confidence!  God-confidence comes as the Holy Spirit works in us.  

7.  The Blessing of  The Ministry of Prayer.  I'm looking forward to this and all of the days we spend together this week in God's Word.  

Well that is our overview for the week ahead!  Please pray for me that I will be more like Him, that I will always share the words of God and be God-centered.    And let's pray that we will learn from His Word and that we will find time each day for PRAYER!   Thank you for your time ladies.  
 

WEEK ONE: Day 7..... Day of Worship and Praise!

Hi Ladies!    Sunday's are the Day of Worship and Praise!   I'm a shut in (meaning I can't get out of the house to go to my regular church right now) so what I do on this day is listen to some online messages from pastors that I know from college who are online and give sermons in the written word or an online message.   So I'm going to share some with you and then give you a general link where you can find so many messages that might suit what you are looking for on this day.   I hope this is helpful to you!

Messages Online that I would recommend:

1.  Weekly Sermons by Pastor Rudy... many selections for you!  Please click HERE. This is audio.

2.  Text sermons by Dr. Lehman Strauss...  please click HERE.

3.  Wide selection of messages by Dr. Lehman Strauss....  please click HERE.  This is audio.

4.  Wide selection of  audio messages by various speakers (I do not know all of these speakers so this is a general selection of many.)  Please click HERE 

Free Christian Sermons...  please click here (I do not know the content of these messages) But I do recommend this listening to Elizabeth George on here.  This is her FaceBook link. She's the author of the book we are studying right now in our Women's Bible Study:  A Woman After God's Own Heart!   This is the direct link to her ministry on the radio.

WEEK ONE: Day 6..... Variety Day!

Hi Ladies,
Saturday is going to be a Variety Day.   I'm going to share various items I have read on my own time during the week that have inspired me in some way and share them with you.   I hope that you'll use the COMMENT area to share your inspirations, prayer requests, question, ideas, praise, poems, anything that's on your heart.

I start today with a RECIPE!  If you read my blog, you'll notice a number of recipes.   I love to cook, I love to get recipes and share recipes.  Maybe you want to share a recipe!

RECIPE FOR A MIRACLE

1 cup Tension

2 cups Stress

1 teaspoon of Guilt

2 heaping cups of Limited Time

3/4 tablespoon of Urgency

A dash of "No Other Choice"

3 heaping cups of Faith

Fold ingredients gently into a bowl. Mix vigorously and add a few tears. You'll sweat a little as you knead the dough.

Pack it firmly between your hopes and dreams and form into a perfect little ball.

Sprinkle it with a little faith (I recommend Hebrews 11), rolling the ball in the flour until fully covered.

Place it under a veil of belief and allow it to rise.

Put it in an oven that has been pre-set at the perfect temperature for the heat of trials and tribulations.

Allow it to brown under the warmth of God's love. Remove after due season and allow to cool in the confidence of His promise.

Garnish with your praises. Arrange neatly on a platter of thankfulness and serve to friends, families and, oh yes, strangers . . . invite them too!

Pass on the recipe to all who request it and let them know that with this recipe, they have the makings of a miracle!

 

 This was shared with me through a group on Facebook called Positive Inspirational Quotes (PIQ) and you can click on the next picture to get to their page.  

PIQ

 

 

Avon Products by Carolyn: FB Page Owner's Christmas Explosion! USA only, Dec. 1st

Hi!  I'm giving you the opportunity to help me and yourself by joining this Avon Products by Carolyn:  FaceBook Page Owner's Christmas Explosion!   There will be Avon Gifts to be won by your fan winners with 2 Grand Prize gifts to be won by the page owner who wins my Random.org drawing!

Each entry fee is anything you wish, from $5.00 and up (you choose your gift or gifts from my brochures) and that pays for an Avon or Mark product to be won by a one of your fans!  For each entry you will secure a Random.org drawing spot.

This will be a Rafflecopter giveaway and the first entry fee pays for your FB fan page.  Each paid entry after that will earn you an additional Avon product by Carolyn and a spot for a link to any of the following:  your Blog, Twitter and/or GFC.  The products to be won are what you choose from my brochures to give away to the fans!   There will be 2 Grand Prize gifts to be won by the page owner  from my own Rafflecopter giveaway and that is worth $80.00!  Here are the two prizes that you can win:

 TYLER THE SNOWMAN GREETER (value: $40.00)

Avon exclusive. Motion activated greeter. Welcome guests with 4 different sayings:
- "Family and friends make the holiday special"
- "Hey, come out of the cold, it’s warm in here"
- "Now that you’re here, we can all be together"
- "Season’s greetings, so happy you could join us"

Uses 3 AAA batteries (not included). 27 1/2" H. Fabric, plastic. Imported.

 

Winter Wonderland Centerpiece (Value: $40.00)

Avon exclusive. A classic holiday scene with cascading colored lights and moving parts. Santa's tree rotates, skaters skate and train goes through the tunnel! LED and fiber-optic lights change from red, to yellow, to blue. Plays "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". 3-way switch controls lights, music and moving parts. Uses 3 AA batteries (not included). Includes built-in DC power jack, plug-in adapter sold separately. 11" L x 8" W x 7" H. Plastic, polyresin. 

AND...  

I will be giving away an envelope of 60 fragrance samples to the FaceBook Fan Page owner who wins the Random.org drawing by me.  Value $12.00 You will be able to give these away as prizes for the games that you play or just to give to one of your fans for any reason! 

 The way to order your prizes is to go through my Avon Website and order from the brochures.  You need to either order in the Campaign 23 (by Wed. Nov. 2nd) or Campaign 24 (comes out on Sat. Nov. 5 and runs til Thurs. Nov. 17th.)  Nov. 17th is the final day to order your products.

 You may begin shopping now at my store.  Just click on the words SHOP MY eBROCHURE and that will take you to the Avon and Mark and value brochures.
The FIRST $40.00 ORDER (you get free shipping) entry will win a SPA KIT from me! This includes the following:

 

SPARKLING FOOT TUB

Soak away holiday stress with a pedicure pick-me-up. Comes with detachable nylon loofah to scrub feet. PVC. Inflated, 11" L x 11" W x 8" H.   (value $8.00)

PLUSH PINK BATH PILLOW WITH COVER

(picture not available)  (value $5.00)

LAVENDAR FOOT WORKS GIFT SET (value $22.00)

Soothe weary soles. 4-piece gift set includes:

Comfort Foot Soak
3.4 fl. oz.

Clay Mask
3.4 fl. oz.

Overnight Treatment Cream
3.4 fl. oz

Cozy Socks
Lavender striped with slide-free grips. One size fits most. Polyester/spandex. Imported.

Comes in a decorative gift box.

Foot Works All-in-1 Pedicure Tool  (Value $10.00)

Easy to use, sleek, compact design. Cleanse, exfoliate, file & soften. Removes dry skin. Metal file exfoliates rough calluses. Fine grain smooths dry, flaky skin. Nail brush cleans & softens. Plastic. 3 1/8" L x 1 3/4" W x 1 1/2" H. 

and a man's gift

Patrick Dempsey UNSCRIPTED After Shave Conditioner (value $9.50)

Only at AVON. A fresh infusion of spices, surrounded by warm, sensual hints of vetiver and musk.

Aloe-enriched formula soothes skin and protects against dryness. 3.4 fl. oz.

"At the heart of Unscripted is the idea of living your life on your own terms, and not by a written script. It's about loving what you do, and doing it in your own unique way, rather than being defined by rules." —PATRICK DEMPSEY Award-winning actor

Total Value: $49.50

There is a FaceBook Group for any FB page owner who is interested in this giveaway.  Here is the link to the FB group for this event to be added.  Thank you for your interest!  AVON PRODUCTS BY CAROLYN. Just click on the words there.  

WEEK ONE: Day 5..... Praying Continually

Welcome Ladies!  Thank you for coming back another day.  It's great to have you here. 

Hearing From God

1.  Today we begin our study in I Thessalonians 5:17, "pray continually,"  That is one of the shortest verses in the Bible.  Please now read the I Thessalonians 5 in it's entirety and then please write down how it is possible that a person is able to pray continually.  What do you think the message is?  

2.  The following verses will teach us how we can make prayer most important in our lives.  You'll notice that some of the verses are from the previous lessons.  Please read them again and then write out a reminder of the truth you see in each scripture.

 

Psalm 5:3

New International Version (NIV)

 ³ In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
   in the morning I lay my requests before you
   and wait expectantly.

Psalm 55:17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ Evening, morning and noon
   I cry out in distress,
   and he hears my voice.

Psalm 119:164

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise you
   for your righteous laws.

Mark 1:35

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place

 ³⁵ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 

3.  You may think it's very difficult to pray daily in the morning.  Maybe you're not a morning person like me!  What are the benefits of praying without ceasing in the morning  hours in relationship to the rest of your day?

4.  Paul prayed continually for his friends in Thessalonica.  Please read 2 Thessalonians 1.  What did Paul believe would result from praying continually for his friends? 

5.  Did you know that God wants to bring out every good purpose in your life?  By praying continually you will begin to realize and achieve God's purpose in your life.  At this point in your life with Christ, what do you believe God's purpose is for you?

RESPONDING TO GOD:  "Yes, but how?"

6.  When we speak about continual prayer, we're not saying that you'll be praying meaningless repetitions, and you won't be praying without a break.  Praying continually means praying in any circumstance.  Anytime during the day, you can pray to the Lord...  just talk aloud to Him (or silently) as you are driving, or through showing your thanks to God in a hymn or a song of praise.  You can even make up the tune!   I come up with all kinds of tunes as I'm walking with my husband and dog on the beach every morning for 2 miles.   Most of the time I sing to myself!  Please list issues that are of deep concern to you and then list some blessings you have received from God.

  a.  My deepest concerns

  b.  My blessings and praises



7.  You probably don't need the list to pray to God.  Please try to go throughout your day and we do let's pray to God about the concerns.  Give them over to Him.  Don't hold onto them any longer!  And then please thank Him and praise Him for the blessings in your life.

8.   Whatever the result may be, please don't be discouraged.  I often receive the answer as a no from God.  And often I receive the answer as a yes from God.  It takes time to establish a new habit.  You'll go through the ups and downs, the breakthroughs and setbacks.  See a goal, and we will give ourselves totally to the Lord, and He will help us find and keep our daily prayer time with Him.

Psalm 59:16-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ But I will sing of your strength,
   in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
   my refuge in times of trouble.
 ¹⁷ You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
   you, God, are my fortress,
   my God on whom I can rely.

WORSHIP SONG (with lyrics!)  What the Lord has done in me

We learn that God's Word challenges us to pray without ceasing, pray continually..  We are able to pray in any circumstance of our lives throughout the day.   A day of prayer means that you have a heart for God and believe that He hears us when we pray.

CHALLENGE:    Let's spend tomorrow in prayer throughout our day!  You and me!  Tomorrow is not Bible Study, but rather prayers that we may pray and songs of worship to God.   Sounds exciting!   Thank you for being here today and let's meet together again tomorrow, Lord willing.