Thursday, January 31, 2019

Polar Bear Books and Activities for Kids

Polar Bear Books and Activities for Kids
Image Credit:  Usborne Books and More

I know it's almost February but it is soooo cold outside.  Here in North Georgia, the weather is as unpredictable as it gets.  One day, we're breaking out our warmest winter clothes and the next day, we're pulling out our shorts and t-shirts.  I remember one year way back, we had an ice storm.  The next day, my mother and I were laying out in the sun in swimsuits while we watched the ice melt off the house.  It was late March.  (Please don't lay in the sun.  My skin cancer scar is now a daily reminder to be smarter.)

Anyway, the brutal cold reminds me of some of our Polar Bear books.  Let's take a quick look at those because I know your kids will love them.  Then, scroll on down and find several great polar bear activities to enrich the reading experience for your kids.

Polar Bear Books and Activities

 

That's Not My Polar Bear

Polar Bear Books and Activities for Kids

This delightful series of board books is aimed at the very young child. Bright pictures and touchy-feely patches are designed to develop sensory and language awareness.

Age9 mo and up
Size6 1/2 x 6 1/2
Pages10
SeriesTouchy-Feely Board Books
AuthorWatt, Fiona

Bears 

Polar Bear Books and Activities for Kids

What do bears eat? Where do they live? Can they swim? In this book you’ll find the answers and lots more about the fascinating world of bears.  

Age5-7 years
Size6 1/8 x 8 3/8
Pages32
SeriesBeginners
AuthorEmma Helbrough

Bear Grylls Complete Collection (6)

 

Polar Bear Books and Activities for Kids

These activity books are full of fun facts, quizzes, word searches, mazes, lots of tips from Bear Grylls, and more than 60 stickers!

Age8+
Size8 1/2 x 11
Pages32pp + stickers
SeriesBear Grylls Activity
AuthorBear Grylls

 Bear Grylls Complete Collection (7)

 

Polar Bear Books and Activities for Kids

You’re given a magical compass and suddenly you’re no longer at outdoor camp but in an amazing place in the world – with Bear Grylls as your guide! 

Age7-10 years
Size5 x 7 3/4
Pages128 each
SeriesBear Grylls Adventures
AuthorBear Grylls

 

Polar Bear Activities to Enhance the Reading Experience

 

Build paper bag bear caves.  (Story Time Toys)

Build a Popsicle stick polar bear. (Glued to My Crafts)

Paint polar bears with puffy paint.  (Mrs. Plemons' Kindergarten)

Download an arctic animals fun pack.  (1+1+1=1)

Practice writing skills with this polar bear writing craft.  (Miss Giraffe's Class)

Make arctic slime.  (Little Bins for Little Hands)

Make marshmallow polar bears.  (Mrs. Karle's Sight and Sound Reading)

Polar Bear Facts with Free Printable (Itsy Bitsy Fun)

Make a polar bear with newspaper.  (i heart Crafty things)

Learn why polar bears are white.  (Raising Lifelong Learners)

Enjoy this adorable polar bear paw snack.  (Thrifty Jinxy)

Make a paper plate polar bear. (Simply Today Life)

Make a peek-a-boo polar bear.  (10 Minutes of Quality Time)

Make and enjoy polar bear graham cracker squares. (The Simple Parent)

Learn how polar bears keep warm with this science experiment.  (The Pinay Homeschooler)

Color these free polar bear coloring pages.  (Fun for Little Ones)

Make polar bear story telling crowns.  (Books and Giggles)

Make a moving polar bear cub.  (Kids Craft Room)

Learn how blubber insulates polar bears with this great STEM project. (Preschool Powol Packets)

Have lots of fun with this mixed media polar bear craft.  (Where Imagination Grows)

Follow my Polar Bear Activities for Kids Pinterest board for many more ideas for polar bear activities and crafts.
 

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Christ in Every Place (Christ in Every Place Series)

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This morning, our pastor shared his vision for our church community.  His new sermon series is titled Christ Place in Every Place.  We will be talking about the places where Jesus went.  Our church is about following the example of Christ.  My pastor's message applies to all Jesus-followers.  As born again believers, we should all be in the mindset of sharing Jesus with others.  Jesus lives in us so wherever we go as believers, He goes with us.

Christ in Every Place
Image Credit:  Hugues de Buyer Mimeure - Public Domain Image via Freely Photos

 Christ in Every Place


You are invited to watch and listen to my pastor's entire sermon here.

Our focal passage for today is Luke:14-20.

Luke was a doctor.  He cared about people and wanted to meet their needs.  Our church is a caring place.  We care about our community.  As Jesus-followers, we should care about our communities.  Jesus stepped into people's lives.  

The Public Ministry of Jesus

And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district. 15 And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all.
16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. 17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed,
19 To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

20 And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.
Notice verse 20.  All eyes were fixed on Jesus.  It is important for us to keep our eyes on Jesus.

Jesus read from the book of Isaiah.  He read from Isaiah 61:2.  This verse would have been very familiar to the people of Jesus' day so they would have recognized immediately the phrase that Jesus left off . . . "and the day of vengeance of our God."  Remember, this was the day Jesus chose to proclaim his ministry and Jesus was filled with grace.  He wasn't indicating that He didn't believe the whole of the Old Testament Scriptures.  He was telling the people that He came to save, redeem, and rescue.  He came to love and heal.  Jesus was filled with grace and truth.  He knew how to balance the two.  We are to live by His example.

Look at verses 18 and 19 above.  Jesus came for:

the poor in Spirit
the blind
the bound
the broken-hearted
the oppressed

Do you see yourself in verses 18 and 19?  I know that I see myself in those verses.  Jesus came for me and Jesus came for you.

Look at those verses again.  Do you feel what Jesus felt?  Once you have received grace, do you want to give it to others?  Do you want other people to experience the grace that you have experienced?

Are you about what Jesus was about?

Jesus ministered to others in every place He went.  He fulfilled His mission, but He invited His disciples to join Him in His mission. 
Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. - Luke 10:1
Jesus sent other ahead of Him.  He sent disciples ahead to all the places He planned to visit.

If we are disciples of Jesus, then we are to take Jesus into all the places we go - the places we work, learn, and play.

We are also to love others the way Jesus loves them and listen to them the way Jesus listened to them.
What if, for one day, Jesus were to become you?  What if, for 24 hours, Jesus wakes up in your bed, walks in your shoes, lives in your house, and assumes your schedule?  Your boss becomes His boss.  Your friends become His friends.  Your pains become His pains with one exception - nothing about your life changes.  Your health doesn't change.  Your circumstances don't change.  Your schedule isn't altered.  Your problems are not solved.  Only one change occurs - Jesus lives your life with His heart.  Your heart gets the day off and your heart is led by the heart of Christ.  His priorities govern your actions.  His passions drive your decisions.  His love directs your behavior.  Would others around you notice a change?  - Max Lucado
If we take Jesus into every place we go, the world will notice big changes.  We need to pray for God to extend our borders of ministry as Jabez did.
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.” 10 Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested. - 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Christ in Every Place
This item is available here.

Jesus said we are to do things as He did.
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. - John 14:12
 God can keep on doing what He has done.
Anything God has ever done, He can do now.   Anything God has done anywhere, He can do here.  Anything God has done in and through anyone, He can do through you. - A.W. Tozer
6 out of 10 people in my community do not know Jesus.  Perhaps the statistics in your community are similar . . . or worse.  We are to take life into lifeless places.  We must carry the love of Jesus where there is no love.  No place should be off limits.  There are no boundaries because Jesus is not bound.

We need to reach out to others with the contagious joy that we know in Christ Jesus.

Are you wondering how you can receive into your heart this Jesus we so eagerly share?  Please allow me to share more with you here.

*Note:  The day after attending this sermon, I started attending a new ladies' Bible study.  We are studying Jonah:  Navigating a Life Interrupted by Priscilla Shirer.  God had a vision for Nineveh just like we have a vision for our community and hopefully you have a vision for your community.  I am so encouraged by the parallelism of these two messages.  You'll find my first post bout this Bible study here.

God invited Jonah to participate in His plan and purpose for Nineveh which would impact eternity.  God is inviting me to participate in His plan and purpose for my community.  Is God inviting you to participate in His plan and purpose for your community?  What a privilege to be invited into God's plan and purpose!

How will you respond?  How will you take Jesus into every place in your community?

I'd love to hear your stories!  Please come back and use the comment section below to share with us all that God is doing in your places.

You'll find all my posts in this Bible study series here.
 

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

A God Glorifying Moment


Someone once said, "You won't do ministry that matters until you define what matters."

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  Our pastor speaks about our unity as a church family.  He outlines some of our church themes from recent years, comparing us as a team who wears common colors.

 A God Glorifying Moment


The scripture passage is Romans 15:1-6.
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 15:1-6
You are invited to watch and listen to the entire sermon here.  My notes follow the video.


Some of our common themes as a church family include:

Stronger Together
Joy of Authentic Community
Gather in Worship
The Blessing of Generous Living
The Expectation of Ministry Excellence
Living Out God's Truth
Force Multiplier
World Changer  
Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world. - C.S. Lewis
 Pain helps us refocus and even repurpose our lives.  Concerning our church family in the recent 8 days after unexpectedly losing one of our associate pastors, our pastor teaches:

1.  Our focus has been redirected to Christ.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. - John 11:25
Pain causes us to focus on what is important.  What would you do if you knew you only had 24 hours to live?

In Romans 15:3, we learn what Jesus did.
For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” - Romans 15:3
In his last day, Jesus was praying, encouraging, and discipling.  He never made it about Himself. 
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,  but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.- Philippians 2:5-8
In Romans 15:3 (above), Paul focused back on the power of God's Word.  Don't remove the Old Testament from your "spiritual diet."

When you are grieving, focus on Psalms and Lamentations.  God is always faithful and we have no greater help than God's Word.

Christ-likeness comes through suffering. 
How many times have we asked God for Christ-likeness, then beg Him to take away the things that make us like Christ? - Randy Alcorn
 2.  Our focus has been removed from ourselves. 

In suffering, nitty gritty pettiness often goes away as a suffering group leans to lean on each other in their common suffering.

When we are wrapped up in ourselves, we won't focus on the needs of others. 
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3-4
I am obligated to others.

I am to be an everyday edifier.

I am to lighten loads, not pile on unnecessary stuff.

Before speaking, we should ask ourselves these questions:

Is it kind?

Is it necessary?

Is it true?

3.  Our focus is re-energized around our mission - like an entire symphony of musical instruments, not just many of the same instrument.

God is most glorified when we are unified.

When there is brokenness, there is openness and walls come down.
 

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

When There Are No Words

 
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When There Are No Words
Image Credit:  Riccardo Mion - Public Domain Image via Freely Photos
The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

This sermon was preached the day after we unexpectedly lost one of our associate pastors.  Our pastor titled the sermon "When There Are No Words."

When There Are No Words


You are invited to watch and listen to the entire sermon here.


The scripture passage is Luke 4:16-38. 
And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,
 
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed,
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.  And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they were saying, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” And He said to them, “No doubt you will quote this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we heard was done at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’”  And He said, “Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown. But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land;  and yet Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.  And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”  And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things; and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, He went His way.

And He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and He was teaching them on the Sabbath; and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority. In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Let us alone! What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst of the people, he came out of him without doing him any harm.  And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, “What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.” And the report about Him was spreading into every locality in the surrounding district.

Then He got up and left the synagogue, and entered Simon’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Him to help her.
When we have no words of our own, we have the words of Jesus.  

When there are no explanations, we have God's promises.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
 
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.  Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,

"For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:28-29
When There Are No Words
This item is available here.

 Nothing can separate us from God's love. 
Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world. - C.S. Lewis
  Trauma has a way of softening our hearts.  Pain helps us listen more.

 Jesus is anointed.  Jesus came for the poor (the morally and spiritually poor)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. - Luke 4:18
 Jesus came for the brokenhearted.  Only Jesus can heal a broken heart.   
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18
 Anytime we choose to love, we choose to suffer.

No one can avoid a broken heart.  Only Jesus can heal it.

Jesus came for the captive and the bound - the spiritually imprisoned - those in bondage to addiction and sin.

Jesus came for the blind.  He came for the spiritually blind.

Jesus opened peoples eye to see their need.

Jesus came for the oppressed and the overwhelmed.
And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. - Luke 4:20
All eyes need to be fixed on Jesus.

Jesus spoke with gracious words.  We need to do the same.
And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they were saying, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”  - Luke 4:22
When there are not words, we can always say:

"I need you, Jesus."

"I turn to you, Jesus"
 

Monday, January 21, 2019

Encouraging Your Deployed Family Member Using Waterproof Journals

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Encouraging Your Deployed Family Member Using Waterproof Journals
Image Credit:  Abundant-Family-Living


Several months ago, I began a series I called "Living Through Deployment." I didn't realize that it would be so long before I continued this series.  Thankfully, we were able to spend some time with our military men and women through the Thanksgiving and Christmas season before they left us for this long stretch of time.  We are grateful for that time.  Now - more about living through deployment.

God wants you to do more that just survive a deployment.  He wants you to do more than just live through it.  He wants you to thrive through it. 

You were chosen for this.  
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28
 If you love God . . . if you are called according to His purpose (if you are a saved believer, then you are) . . . then He intends this season for your good.

You are God's gift to your spouse.  If your spouse is deployed, then deployment is God's plan for you at this time.  God's intentions for you are for your good and for the good of your deployed spouse.

If you are a military parent, your child is God's gift to you.  If your "child" is deployed, then deployment is God's plan for you and your family at this time.  His intentions for your family is for your good.

Whether you are a spouse or a parent - or any relationship to a deployed military member - this is a good time for you to learn more about the Lord and grow closer to Him through this season of separation and waiting.

As I typed that last sentence, the song "Worship While I'm Waiting" by John Waller came to mind.  If you have a few minutes, you might like to listen to the song with features scenes from the Fireproof movie here.


In my first post, I told you about 20 encouraging scripture cards that I had printed out and had planned to send them with my son.  That is still a great idea, but shortly after that post, I leaned about a better way to send those verses.  

My husband sent two important things with our son.  My husband, who was once in the Marine Corps, gave him a camouflaged New Testament Bible.  Instead of sending the individual cards, I chose to buy one of these waterproof field notebooks.  The brand I purchased is called "Rite in the Rain."  I didn't know these awesome books existed until another military wife from my son's company told me about them.  You can write in them in both dry and wet weather but the ink won't smudge off.  I'm told that the ink won't smudge even if the book is dropped into water such as a lake or in the mud.  They sell the pens too but I was told that you can write in them with any ink pen and the ink still won't smudge.

Waterproof Journals and Waterproof Ink


There are several versions to choose from.  I chose this journal version.

Encouraging Your Deployed Family Member Using Waterproof Journals
This item is available here.
I was told to use any ink pen, but I bought this one just to be on the safe side.

Encouraging Your Deployed Family Member Using Waterproof Journals
This item is available here.

I ordered one book and one pen.  Inside the first pages of the book, I wrote an encouraging message for my son.  Then, in the pages that followed, I wrote out a series of Scripture verses that I thought might help him through various circumstances during his long deployment away from home, the ones I previously wrote about.  I wrote the verse and then a short paragraph about the verse in my handwriting.  Recently, I was given the gift of a bracelet with words written in my grandmother's handwriting and it is now one of  my prize possessions.  With technology being so convenient now, handwriting is becoming sort of a lost art.  Anyway, I wanted this to be something written in my own handwriting, something that might mean a lot to my son, and maybe something he will always keep.  I took up the first 40 pages of the book.  The rest of the book was for him to write his own thoughts or notes while he is away.  Years from now, his own son or daughter might take comfort in a book written for his or her daddy during his time in deployment history that includes both his or her daddy's and grandmother's handwriting.  This might not be for you but I'm a little sentimental like that.  :)

I wasn't exactly sure which verses to include so I prayed for God's guidance.  Then, I just started writing.  If you thing this is something you would like to do for your deployed military family member or friend, you can buy the Write in the Rain book and pen above (if you want the pen.).  If your loved one is already deployed, you can still ship it to him or her.

It is a good idea to pray for God's guidance concerning which verses to include, but if you would like suggestions, you can access the ones I used in my previous post here.

Another idea is for you to print out for yourself all the verses you send with your loved one.  Both of you can meditate and memorize the same verses during this deployment season.


If you have something special that you sent with your loved one during a deployment or something you did for him or her, I'd love to hear about it.  Feel free to tell us about it in the comments below. 
Read other posts about living through deployment here.

Friday, January 18, 2019

Babies Come from Airports by Erin Dealey

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Babies Come from Airports by Erin Dealey

Babies Come From Airports


Here's a little bit about the book titled Babies Come from Airports by Erin Dealey.


Babies Come from Airports by Erin Dealey is a book about adoption.  It is written from the point of view of a little boy who is home with his dad and older brother.  His mommy has gone to pick up their newly adopted baby sister.  The story begins when the older brother tells his younger brother that babies come from airports.  He knows this because he remembers when his mommy brought his little brother home from the airport.  Dad tells him not to listen to his brother.  He explains that babies come from labor and that he should wait and ask his mother about that.  The story goes on as the little boy tells us about some of the things they do while they wait on their mother to come home.  Finally, they head to the airport to pick up Mom.  They meet Security.  He’s the man that let Mommy through the first time.  Eventually, they meet up with Mommy and their newly adopted baby sister.  It’s “Gotcha Day!”  Eventually they determine that the important thing to remember is that babies come from love.

This is one of my favorite newer books from Usborne Books and More.  Adoption is a special and personal topic in my family.  I remember when my aunt and uncle went to the airport to pick up my new little cousin.  We have loved her for almost 30 years now and we have loved our role as her “forever family.”

Babies Come from Airports makes a perfect gift book for a family who has adopted or plans to adopt a child.  The fact that it playfully introduces an aspect of adoption – bringing children from other countries via airports – makes it perfect for ANY child.  This is a great book for instilling in children the value of adoption in society today.  So many children are waiting for “forever families.”  Babies Come from Airports is a perfect tool for explaining adoption to children.

Click here to get your copy of Babies Come from Airports by Erin Dealey.

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Wedding Gift Ideas for the Special Couple

It's only January but the summer bridal season will be here before we know it.  Between now and then, there is bridal shower season.  You'll need that perfect gift for the special couple.  Dayspring Cards and Gifts has a great selection for you.  Here are my favorites.

Read more posts about celebrations and gift giving here.

Wedding Gift Ideas

Wedding Gift Ideas

Wedding Gift Ideas
Mr. and Mrs. - Mugs and Framed Canvas Wall Art Gift Set

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Mr. and Mrs. - Inspirational Mug Gift Set

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Mr. & Mrs. Classic Mug Gift Set

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Mr and Mrs - Stainless Steel Tumblers Gift Set

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Life & Joy - Invitation Photo Frame

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Happily Ever After - Window Cling

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Happily Ever After - Wooden Greeting Card Keeper

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Mr & Mrs - Carved Wooden Block

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
I Have Found the One My Soul Loves - Wooden Photo Frame

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
I Have Found the One - Framed Wall Board

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Mr. and Mrs. - Wooden Picture Frame

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Mr. & Mrs. - Wooden Keepsake Shadow Box

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Beautiful the Marriage - Framed Fabric Board

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Love - Wood Framed Wall Art

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
Faith Hope and Love - Wooden Tray

from: DaySpring Cards Inc Wedding Gift Ideas
God Gave Me You - Pewter Pendant Necklace

from: DaySpring Cards Inc

These were some of my favorites.  Check out many more wedding gift ideas including cards, gift bags, and gift sets that include the gift bags here


Saturday, January 12, 2019

Experience a Breakthrough

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Experience a Breakthrough
Image Credit:  Joshua Earle - Public Domain Image via Pixabay
The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Experience a Breakthrough."

Experience a Breakthrough


You are invited to watch and listen to the entire sermon here.

Passages in Matthew 6 from the Sermon on the Mount
So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. - Matthew 6:2-4

When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. - Matthew 6:5-6

Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. - Matthew 6:16-18
 What is a breakthrough?  A breakthrough is a sudden and significant advance.

What is the opposite of a breakthrough?  The opposite of a breakthrough is a sudden setback.

Don't be like everyone else.  Do the opposite of what the world, culture, and sometimes social media says to do.

Do what Jesus says to do:

when you give as in Matthew 6:2-4 above.

when you pray as in Matthew 6:5-6 above.

when you fast as in Matthew 6:16-18 above.  

We cannot be lazy disciples.  We must be disciplined.  Some areas of discipline include giving, praying, and fasting.

If you want God to do something new, you can't keep doing the same things you are doing now.

1.  Get serious about prayer. (Matthew 6:5-6 above)

Prayer is about drawing near to God:  Listening, talking, and drawing close to Him - like a conversation with your best friend.  


Prayer is the answer to every problem.
For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? - 1 Corinthians 14:8

Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. - 1 Chronicles 14:9
David asked God what he should do.

So they came up to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there; and David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like the breakthrough of waters.” Therefore they named that place Baal-perazim.- 1 Chronicles 14:11
David named the place "The Lord Broke Through."
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord;
In the night my hand was stretched out without weariness;
My soul refused to be comforted. - Psalm 77:2
Here is a good way to enhance your prayer life using your hands as you pray.  Each of your fingers represents a different area of prayer.

For example:

Your left hand represents WHO to pray for.

Your thumb is the closest to your heart when your hands are in a prayer position.  Your thumb will remind you to pray for your family and friends.
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously. - Colossians 1:9-11
Your index or pointer finger will remind you to pray for your leaders and teachers.

Your tallest finger will remind you to pray for your influencers (the "tall" and prominent in your life).

Your ring finger (your weakest finger) will remind you to pray for the weak - the elderly, sick, special needs, children, etc.)

Your smallest finger will remind you to pray for yourself.

Start your prayer focus on others.

Now, for the right hand.  Your right hand will remind you of WHAT to pray for. 

Your thumb will remind you to pray for your heart.  Pray for a right and clean heart.  Pray for your heart and the hearts of others.

Your index finger will remind you to pray about your priorities.  

Your tallest finger will remind you to pray for your own influences in the lives of others.  Pray about the example you are to others.  Someone is always watching.

Your ring finger will remind you to pray for your relationships with others.

Your smallest finger will remind you to pray for material blessings.

There are a few ways to enhance and improve your prayer life.  One way is the The 7 UP:  Spend the first 7 minutes of your day in prayer - every day.

 2.  Fasting shows God we are serious.  (Matthew 6:15-16 above)

Fasting is not as much about skipping meals as it is about seeking God.  Fast with the right motive.

Fasting is not about a public show.

Fasting has nothing to do with losing weight.  If your fasting is about your "bod" and not about "God," it is not right.

Every Bible character used by God made fasting a practice.

It is not comfortable to fast, but fasting allows us more time to pray.

There are several way or methods of fasting.

A Full Fast = only water for an extended period of time, sometimes 40 days.

The Daniel Fast = a 21 Day Fast

A Partial Fast = skipping one or two meals.

Soul Fast = no social media, etc., for example.

Fasting results in a breakthrough. Our focus changes.

Get ready to fight.  The devil will come against you.  The first sin had something to do with eating the wrong thing.  (Wow, I never thought about that until now.)

 
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