Some of what I did this weekend.

Hi ladies,

Thought I would take a little time to tell you that I had very productive weekend, and now it is back to work for another week. I am so grateful for list, or I would never seem to make it. I did get about half of my chores done this weekend that I had on my list. We ( I should say Michael) got the bedroom painted and the ceiling fan hung. All the while I worked on more decorating,I did finally find one of the boxes that was missing. I know there is at least one more, but it isn't a big deal. Mainly the pumpkins which I use to sit around or put on my front porch display. So when I run across them I will finish up.

I also gave the kitchen a good clean last night. Michael in all his sweetness made enchilda's for dinner. Can you say yummy? and leftovers? Anyway, I digress, but after all his hard work in the kitchen I decided to do the clean up. I wiped down all the countertops, unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, cleaned out the fridge and did a wipe down, I also put some homemade vegtable soup I made (earlier in the week) in the freezer to have again at a later date, swept and mop the kitchen and family room floor. So felt like alot was accomplished in the kitchen.

Spent some time working on my holiday and prayer journals this weekend too. Needed to do some update. This is the third or fourth year that I have used the HOLIDAY GRAND PLAN and Christmas Countdown so needed to do some updating in those journals. This year I signed up for another little helper. Cara is hosting Holiday Countdown at The Household Helper. Hey with my schedule and anything that can keep me on task I need. Check it out.

Most of you would die if you knew that I have 429 subscriptions (as of this morning) in my google reader. I have them broke down into certain categories. It keeps me from missing out on anything new that is posted by some great bloggers. The ideas, tips, creativity of some of these women are amazing. I also have several blog helps in my reader, and I am loving it. Only problem is, it makes me want to change and update and move things around. But over the next little bit I want to share some of these wonderful finds with you.

Should close for now, will be back soon.
Hugs!

Did you know?

Creating a Prayer Journal

What am I going to blog about today? Prayer Journals.

I think I have decided that since you all know from reading some of my recent post that I have been spending alot of my time reading devotions and books on prayers plus commenting that I worked on a prayer journal over the weekend. Seems like I can't get enough information on praying. (This is something that I have been in prayer for, for a good while) I feel that God has laid this desire on my heart to learn how to create a better avenue of worship with him. Since I pray everyday, several times actually I want a way to track my prayer request and praises and answered prayers ,for a while many years ago I kept a prayer journal in a pretty journal book, and wrote each request that came my way, but after a while I became bored with it, because it didn't inspire me. Is that bad? Anyway, this time I want something that will inspire me to keep it up and use it daily.

So I went on a hunt for something, wasn't sure what until I found it. I found a site that had some wonderful help in getting started.

The top 5 Reasons to Start a Prayer Journal (http://www.squidoo.com/personalized-prayer-journal)

You Need One More Than You Know!

You'll Develop a More Intimate Relationship With God!


Have you ever written a love letter? It is something about putting your feelings down on paper that makes them more real to you. The same is true in your relationship with God. When you take time out to just sit down and focus on Him, the reality of who He is to you expands.Do this on a regular basis, and you will be amazed at how much deeper your connection to the Lord with run.

It Will Revolutionize Your Faith! When you are going through a trial, it is great to have the Word of God there by your side. You can meditate on the countless times God came through for His people.But, having your own book of answered prayers from the Lord can be even better. Your prayer journal can be a ready reminder of God's faithfulness to you when you need it most.

It Makes God's Word Real! Using a prayer journal is an excellent means of Bible Study. When you journal on the things God reveals to you personally through studying His Word, the letters no longer just sit on the pages. It allows Him to reveal what they mean for you exactly where you are today.

You'll Be More Focused During Your Prayer Time! Have you ever been praying. Next thing you know, you're thinking about today's To Do List or something else totally off topic?Writing your prayers down keeps your brain focused where it needs to be - on spending time with your Heavenly Father.

You'll Create A Legacy of Faith! Over time, your prayer journal will develop into a beautiful love story between you and the Lord. It will hold all of the truths that He reveals to your heart throughout your journey with Him, and His great provision for your family through the years. A legacy of faith - Wouldn't that be something to pass on to future generations!


Short List of Supplies

• A journal. An actual journal is not a requirement. You may like these free printable prayer journal pages. Or even a simple notebook will do.
  
• Sticky Tabs. To separate the various sections of your Prayer Journal.
  
• A Favorite Scripture. To refocus your mind on God each time you open your journal.
  
• A List of Journal Categories for Your Table of Contents. You'll learn more about that next.
  
• An Open Heart to Receive from God. Trust me - He'll show up!

Now For the Fun Part!

Designing A Prayer Journal Just for You

To create your prayer journal, start by taking an honest look at your own relationship with God. What do you need to make it flourish into all that God desires it to be? It may not necessarily be prayer.Do you need more of God's Word? A chance to get to know what He has already said so that you can believe the things He is saying to you today. Then design your journal with an expanded Bible study section. As a jumping off point, you may want to consider using free online Bible study courses and keeping a journal of what God reveals to your heart as you progress through them.Do you need more time alone just sitting in His presence? Then focus your attention on Revelations from God's heart and your own personal Love Letters to Him.Once you have figured out where your journal should focus, pick out a scripture that captures the essence of what your journal will be about. You can either type it up and tape it to the inside or outside of your cover, or write it at the top of the first page of your journal.Then, you will want to create your table of contents page. On your journal's first page (under your scripture if you put it here), list out the sections that you picked for your journal. Put them in the order that you decide the sections with actually go in.Use the sticky tabs to section off the journal into the appropriate number of sections. The size of the sections should vary. They should be a reflection on where you feel your journal should focus spiritually.Write the name of each section at the top of that section's first page. If you want, pick out a scripture related to each of your sections for inspiration whenever you write.Now You Have Your Very Own Personalized Prayer Journal!


If you are planning to create a prayer journal, I hope this article will help you. Check out some of the links that are offered through this article. The free christian journal pages are very nice. I know I will be printing some of them for mine. I also found a Online Bible Study Notebook. This is way KEWL. I wish I had of used this when I was deep in my bible studies over the years. What a wonderful way to keep track of your studies. It is definitely a favorite.

Ok, before I close, I have a prayer request. Could you still remember Michael's mom in your prayers. Michael is flying to Houston in the AM to spend with her and his father. Although this trip is quick and short, I pray that it will be quality time. His mother got her last test results on Monday and they have also found cancer on her lungs. She is going to start chemo tomorrow for the cancer on her lungs and liver, but they have told us they can't do anything for her pancreas. So if you could please remember her, we all would greatly appreciate you lifting her up to our Heavenly Father. Thank you!

Good Night and God Bless!