Living a Life of Prayer

Yesterday at MOPS Gwen Kennedy spoke. It was so powerful. I just have to share and elaborate with you. Here are my notes (Type-A personalities- sorry for the one empty blank ;)

Do you pray? If you are married and/or have kids, do you pray with your spouse and children?

Do you spend more time talking in prayer or listening? 

Where did you learn how to pray? Who taught you, or what kind of model do you use?

What questions do you have about prayer?

I can honestly say I have a lot of road blocks in my prayer life. One of them is that I definitely get easily distracted. I talk to God, but many times it is quick and lacking passion and belief. 

I know of and have personally seen the awesome power of prayer displayed in many lives. So I hate that I don't always utilize the full capacity of this incredible gift we have to communicate with the Maker of our Universe.  Why do I do this? I realized after examining my heart as Gwen spoke, that I must not actually believe in the power of my prayers like I thought I did.

I know now that I have created this seemingly safe, cozy little space for prayer, but have in turn, boxed God in. 

I have been trying to micromanage the God of the Universe! Wow, now that is stupid!

So, I prayed, and am still praying. I haven't been on my knees in a sanctuary. Actually, I have been busy and really tired. Let me give you a glimpse of the last day and a half in my life: I went to bed late two nights ago, got up early the next morning, cooked for MOPS, went to MOPS, got home and had just enough time to eat lunch and sort through some paperwork/bills stuff, dropped my girls off at my mom's, went to work for 12 hours, got home around 4am, went to sleep, woke at about 8:30am, took my girls to a make-up tumbling class, came home, ate lunch, and am now sitting here :) 

Before the discussion at MOPS yesterday, I would have used my busy schedule and sleep deprived body as an excuse as to why I don't have time for prayer right now. I use to frequently give a nonchalant apology to God, excusing my behavior because I was legitimately busy, and I knew that God knew that. 

Again, I had a wow moment, stunned by my stupidity. But I am also joyfully wowing at God! God is so amazingly patient. Our Heavenly Father gives us freedom and lets us figure things out on our own if we choose. But, He is always right there when we decide to turn to Him. 

This reminds me of the child who hears about the danger of a hot stove, and the child who figures out the seriousness of that on there own because they got burned. The child who learned the hard way really knows what "hot" means. I am constantly learning what "hot" means in my own life. Thankfully, Jesus is always there to redirect my path and He comforts me when I am afflicted with the pains of this world.

John 16:33 (New Living Translation)

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

So, as you make your journey through life, what/who is directing you? 

With what are you filling your spiritual stomach?

I feel like I am continually seeking to live a fuller and more meaningful life. Nothing wrong with that, as long as I am allowing God to be the one molding me. We should not be seeking Oprah or self-help books more than God :)  We must live with eternity in mind. No amount of self-improvement, healthy living, etc will keep us from inevitably dying and facing God someday. Although taking care of the bodies God has given us is important and may ward off disease, it won't prevent a natural disaster or a fatal accident. So be ready. You never know when you'll take your last breath. 

Having a birds-eye-view of this world and being involved with multiple "good" ministries is just like seeing and smelling a bunch of yummy food on your plate. Your hunger will never be completely satisfied only seeing it and smelling it. You must eat it! 

Same goes for the activities we fill our lives with to convince us we are getting closer to God. Yes, these may be good things, but these things alone, apart from an intimate relationship with God, will never ultimately fill the void in our spirits. When we seek Him first, the good deeds will follow. Don't try to reverse that order. God is a passionate lover of our souls, He wants us to seek His Heart- to know Him so intimately. The second rate alternatives won't give you the satisfaction that comes from God alone. There are no exceptions. 

James 2:18-19 (New International Version, ©2011)

 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

   Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

So, I have realized the key to unlocking the fruits of His Spirit in our lives isn't doing more. It isn't being involved in as many church ministries as we can. It isn't enough to live outward "Christian" lives. God is not nearly as concerned with that as He is with our hearts. When we make Him our first priority, everything else will fall into alignment. The fruits of His Spirit will flow from us. 

Galatians 5:22-23 (New Living Translation)

 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

So, coming back full circle here, we must come to know Him deeper through prayer. We must be bold and passionate to know Christ. We need to be in relationship with Him in order to impact this world for Him to the extent that only He can do. We can only be as powerful as we let ourselves be humble to God. Make prayer an everyday part of your life! 

Let me tell you that despite my busy schedule and and the fatigue, or however hurt my body may feel, I am now praying, and I will continue to pray. I commit to making my conversation with God unending!

We can pray for the people in our families as we fold their laundry and pick up after them (instead of grumbling that the kids didn't do what we told them to do for the millionth time).

 Gwen described praying as she works out at her gym- she painted a picture in my mind of doing "flys" and praying ,"Lord, wrap your strong arms around me. Protect me. Protect my family, etc..." 

Just Pray!

Pray as you do routine, mundane tasks. Pray for family, friends, enemies, strangers too. It is not just a coincidence- it is God! Be open to feeling nudges from the Lord. Read Beth Moore's Lesson with a Hairbrush for an example of how God really does speak to us in today's world!

Prayer walk! Pray a targeted prayer for where you are! Take a stroll through your neighborhood, and pray for your the cars that drive down your street, neighbors, etc. 

Pray wherever you are for whoever is there!

Post scripture on notecards placed throughout your home. 

Give yourself permission to pray differently! God enjoys all forms of communication to you- any form of communication is better than none! Cry, Sing, Write, etc...

When you pray- expect God to show up and He will!!!

P.U.S.H.

Pray

Until

Something

Happens

 I am praying for YOU!

Ephesians 6:10-18 (New Living Translation)

The Whole Armor of God

 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[b] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.[d]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (King James Version)

 16Rejoice evermore.

 17Pray without ceasing.

The Story of Easter

Easter is this month, and what a glorious holiday it is!  I was at my MOPS group this morning and we did a craft project to help explain the Easter story to our children. Resurrection Eggs are very easy to prepare, and fun way to talk about the true meaning of Easter! Thanks Amanda T :)

  CLICK HERE for more visual instructions.

A great website to go to with visuals as you walk through the Easter story with the Resurrection Eggs is http://wordofloveforyou.com/easter1.htm. I just did this with my girls and they were completely engaged and loved it! 

Hazelnut Chewies

Check out The Church Cook, she has tons of yummy recipes with picture directions. I love Nutella, so I can't wait to try this one!

Hazelnut Chewies

I have really enjoyed the great dessert ideas from America's Test Kitchen, Holiday Cookies 2010 Edition. These cookies were featured on the cover of the magazine, and instantly caught my eye. On top of that, when I saw they were made with Nutella and hazelnuts, I was convinced that my church family love would them!

To toast hazelnuts, spread the nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Baked in 350-degree oven for 7-10 minutes until fragrant. This extra step intensifies the wonderful nuttiness in hazelnuts.

Then to remove the skin, rub cooled nuts between two clean kitchen towels.

Amazon.com grocery has the best price on Nutella spread. If you have Amazon Prime (the best thing since sliced bread) it ships for free.

Dough is chilled and shaped into balls. Roll dough balls in chopped hazelnuts first, then in powder sugar. Baking a few different sizes of cookies, I felt that a little larger dough balls, the size of golf balls, looked prettier when baked.

With a nutty hazelnut taste and texture inside and out, these soft, chewy cookies will become a crowd pleaser.

Print This Recipe

Hazelnut Chewies

Adapted from America's Test Kitchen

Holiday Cookies 2010

Makes about 3 dozens

3 cups (15 oz) of all-purpose, unbleached flour

2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups (10 oz) Nutella spread

4 Tablespoon (2 oz) unsalted butter, softened

1 1/3 cups (9.3 oz) granulated sugar

2 eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon instant espresso powder or instant coffee

1/3 cup milk

2 cups hazelnuts, toasted, skins removed, and chopped fine, divided

1 cup (4 oz) confectioners' sugar

1.Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in bowl. Set aside.

2. In a medium size bowl using a hand mixer, mix softened butter, Nutella, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, espresso and mix until well incorporated. Reduce speed to low and alternate additions of flour mixture and milk. Mix until just combined, not over beat the dough. The dough will be thick. Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped hazelnuts. Cover and refrigerate dough for about 2 hours, up to 24 hours.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Adjust oven rack to middle positions. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place remaining chopped nuts and confectioners' sugar in two separate bowls. working with chilled dough, roll into 1-1/2 inch balls (size of golf balls), roll in hazelnuts, then in confectioner's sugar.

4. Place balls 2-inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake until just set, 8-12 minutes, depending on the oven. Do not over bake. Cool 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make ahead tips: When baking these in large quantities, measure out dry and wet ingredients separately, label and store in refrigerator or dry storage until ready to bake; this will save you time and conversion errors.

Bag 1: Flour, baking powder, salt combined

Bag 2 : Butter & Nutella

Bag 3 : Granulated Sugar

Bag 4: Prepared hazelnuts

etc.

Be His Hands and Feet

We can love the unlovable through Jesus... having His heart for them. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus. My young girls both love listening and dancing around the house to Britt Nicole. Here is a song that energizes my faith, and hopefully will do the same for you too! 

Set the World on Fire by Britt Nicole

I wanna set the world on fire,

Until it's burning bright for You.

It's everything that I desire,

Can I be the one You use?

I, I am small but,

You, You are big enough,

I, I am weak but,

You, You are strong enough to,

Take my dreams,

Come and give them wings,

Lord with You, there's nothing I cannot do,

Nothing I cannot do.

I wanna feed the hungry children,

And reach across the farthest land,

And tell the broken there is healing,

And mercy in the Father's hands.

I, I am small but,

You, You are big enough,

I, I am weak but,

You, You are strong enough to,

Take my dreams,

Come and give them wings,

Lord with You, there's nothing I cannot do.

Take my dreams,

Come and give them wings,

Lord with You, there's nothing I cannot do.

My hands, my feet, my everything,

My life, my love, Lord, use me.

I wanna set the world on fire,

I wanna set the world on fire, yeah..eh.

Take my dreams,

Come and give them wings,

Lord with You, there's nothing I cannot do.

Take my dreams,

Come and give them wings,

Lord with You, there's nothing I can't do,

Nothing I can't do.

I'm gonna set the world on fire,

Set the world on fire.

A To-Don’t List

Feeling Overwhelmed? Too much to do?  Create A To-Don’t List! Thanks www.orangeparents.org!

Chances are you have a TO DO list that is longer than today…maybe even this week or this month. The pressure that can put on you is huge.

Parenting only makes it more complicated. Every parent wants their child to succeed and do well in life, and it seems the opportunities for them to gain an edge come earlier and earlier in life. From swimming lessons to flash cards, from T-ball to football and dance to music lessons, families have an array of options in front of them that stretch calendars, bank accounts and physical limits. The pace of our lives is exhausting.

So here’s an idea for all of us who feel overwhelmed. Sit down today and start creating a list of things you are going to stop doing and things you simply decide you won’t do. Call it a ‘To-Don’t’ list.

Here are some ways to begin:

Cut an activity your child is currently engaged in. You can decide to do this however you want, but we decided that our kids would do music and one sport at a time. And that was about all they did. Even with just two kids, that’s a lot of activity.

Cut something from your personal calendar. It’s not just what your kids are up to, it’s what you’re juggling as well. The more complicated your life is, the more complicated your family life is.

Decide ahead of time what you won’t do.This will take some thought and reflection, but a lot of times we agree to something because it came up in the moment and we were caught off guard.

Think about it. Requests come in almost every day. More and more, my wife and I ask for time to think about something and talk it through before saying ‘yes.’

Creating a ‘To-Don’t’ list will help:

Give more meaning to what you do.

Give you more energy for what you do.

Give you more joy in what you do.

Give more focus to what you do.

Finally, it will help create margin to enjoy some of the great moments that come from simply being together.

What’s your experience with this? Do you have a ‘To-Don’t’ list? What might happen if you created one?

Jesus is the Only Way

I read yesterday's Our Daily Bread after I got home from work last night. This unlocks the key to eternity: Jesus is the only way to Heaven. If you want to know more about how to make Jesus your personal savior, CLICK HERE.

Valid Entry

March 31, 2011 — by Bill Crowder

Read: John 14:1-10

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” —John 14:6

Bible in a year:
Judges 11-12; Luke 6:1-26

On a teaching trip outside the US, my wife and I were denied entry into our country of destination because of visa problems. Although we were under the assumption our visas had been correctly issued by the country we planned to visit, they were deemed invalid. Despite the efforts of several government officials, nothing could be done. We weren’t allowed in. We were placed on the next flight back to the States. No amount of intervention could change the fact that we did not have the proper validation for entrance.

That experience with my visa was inconvenient, but it can’t begin to compare with the ultimate entry rejection. I’m speaking of those who will stand before God without valid entry into heaven. What if they were to present the record of their religious efforts and good deeds? That would not be enough. What if they were to call character references? That wouldn’t work. Only one thing can give anyone entry into heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

Christ alone, through His death and resurrection, paid the price for our sins. And only He can give us valid entry into the presence of the Father. Have you put your faith in Jesus? Make sure you have a valid entry into heaven.

There aren’t many ways into heaven;
The Bible says there’s only one;
Good works won’t gain anyone entrance;
It’s only through faith in God’s Son. —Sper

Only through Christ can we enter the Father’s presence.

GOD is speaking to YOU!

**YOU are a beautiful person! God doesn’t make junk. You have been fearfully and wonderfully made!

Psalm 139:1-24

 1 You have searched me, LORD,
   and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
   you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
   you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
   you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
   and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
   too lofty for me to attain.

 7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
   Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
   if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
   if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
   your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
   and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
   the night will shine like the day,
   for darkness is as light to you.

 13 For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
   How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
   they would outnumber the grains of sand—
   when I awake, I am still with you.

 19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
   Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
   your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
   and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
   I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
   test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
   and lead me in the way everlasting.

**If you follow God’s plan for your life, you will be amazed at the INCREDIBLE things He has planned! 

Psalm 119:9-16

 9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
   By living according to Your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
   do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
   that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, LORD;
   teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
   all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
   as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
   and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
   I will not neglect your word.

**Sin comes in many forms and sneaks in the little crevices in our lives. It takes hold of the areas of our hearts where we aren’t letting God in (like that bitterness towards that someone... or, that secret sin...etc). 

Sin is like a weed, if you don’t kill it when it is small it will grow out of control. 

Don't be a “Sunday only” or “lukewarm Christian”! If you are, you will miss out on the awesome things God has planned for your life! Seek God with your entire heart!

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 

John 14:23–24

23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.

Psalm 1:1-3

 1 Oh, the joys of those who do not

      follow the advice of the wicked,

      or stand around with sinners,

      or join in with mockers.

 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,

      meditating on it day and night.

 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

      bearing fruit each season.

   Their leaves never wither,

      and they prosper in all they do

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

19You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you and is a gift from God. You are no longer your own. 20God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God.

**Spend time in God’s Word, seek Him passionately, and let Him in EVERY area of your life (He knows much better than we do what is best for us). 

All relationships take effort. Our relationship with God is not any different. 

No love can come close to the love that our Heavenly Father has for each one of us! Every human relationship lets us down, at some point in our lives. However, the love of Jesus is everlasting and perfect. The only way our relationship with Him won’t flourish is because of us. HE is always seeking our hearts. He promises He will never leave us, nor forsake us. We can’t put our faith in people, but we can in Jesus! 

God didn't promise days without pain

Laughter without sorrow or sun without rain

But God did promise strength for the day, 

Comfort for the tears and a light for the way.

And for all those who believe in His kingdom above, 

He answers their faith with everlasting love.

You can find joy in this life through Him!

Psalm 16:8-11

 8 I know the Lord is always with me.
      I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

 9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
      My body rests in safety.
 10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead
      or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
 11 You will show me the way of life,
      granting me the joy of your presence
      and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Psalm 28:7

 7 The Lord is my strength and shield.
      I trust him with all my heart.
   He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
      I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Deuteronomy 31:6

6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Hebrews 13:5

 5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

James 4:7-10

 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Proverbs 4:23-27
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
   for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
   keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
   fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
   and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
   keep your foot from evil.

1 John 2:3-6

 3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

1 John 2:15-17

 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

James 1:12-15

 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Matthew 13:16-23

   16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

Psalm 37:4 “Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire.”

Psalm 37:23-24 

 23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Matthew 7:13-14 

 13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”

Hebrews 12:1  “Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us.”

**Live a changed life, passionate for Christ! 

My heart breaks to think of anyone missing out on God’s plan for their life! That is the only way anyone will ever truly feel joy and peace.  Remember: His JOY is different from the temporary feeling of happiness... HIS JOY provides a deep sense of peace and contentment that is only found when we truly trust in HIM. The peace He provides passes all human understanding.  

Romans 3:22-25a

22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.

John 10:10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Matthew 28:20 “...Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

**Don’t give up! No sin is too big, no one is too far gone! His love endures forever! Let God’s plans and promises for an abundant life ring true in your own life!