A Valentine's Breakthrough

Aslan is on the move.

You see, I have been single for 28 out of the 29 Valentine’s Days in my life. And each of the 27 single Valentine’s prior to this year has held a varying level of heartache. Even my “Jesus dates” in the past with candles, dinner, and the whole shebang would usually include some pity party time.

But this year was different.

 “Singles Awareness Day” was the farthest thought from my mind. My heart was filled, content, and energized.

While prayerfully searching for the difference this year, the Holy Spirit revealed the following:

• I recently broke through some bondages working back through Steps to Freedom in Christ. The bitterness and perfectionism I was hanging onto before were standing in the way of the full abundance of God. Those barriers have since been destroyed.

• For the first time, I wasn’t focused on what I was or wasn’t doing on Valentine’s. This year, Little Man’s mom and I planned a day full of activities for him. I was pouring my energy, giftings and thoughts into someone else. 

The day included lunch out, a trip to Whole Foods, baking, cooking, and making homemade organic finger paints. All things I love, but more importantly, all with and for people I love.

My job is unique in that I get to do these things most days, but making them special for Valentine’s was an extra treat.

I made myself dinner that night—Sea Bass with roasted garlic Brussels and carrots (a wonderful gift from my boss)—and dined with Jesus. Nothing fancy, just eating in each other’s company. 

I felt cherished; I felt loved, and I felt something else that I couldn’t place my finger on…until reading my friend Ivette’s new post, “Chosen” that is. Yes, chosen is the exact word. I felt chosen.

And still do.

I might even dare say it’s the first time I’ve tangibly felt that way in the course of everyday life. Don't get me wrong, I've known it intellectually for a long time and have felt Papa's love in so many ways, but tangibly feeling chosen is something different.

It’s different than contentedness; it’s even different than abundant joy. It’s a reality I still have trouble wrapping my mind around, yet know, without a doubt, in my heart is more real than my very being. 

Yes, this year held an actual Happy Valentine's Day.

I credit much of it to the amazing community of providential relationships in my life. Friends that provided me with prayer cover, friends that encouraged me and walked with me breaking bondages, and friends who shared in the day itself.

If you are a part of my life in these ways, you have no idea how thankful I am for you! You bless me more than you could ever know! Thank you!

So Long Home Internet

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I'm disconnecting my home internet at the end of January.

I never thought I'd actually be excited to say those words, but excited you find me.


Why?

Well, honestly, I'm looking forward to some breathing room.

Breathing room in my finances and in my time.

It started first as a financial decision. Chronic Lyme Disease is one expensive treatment process, especially when your insurance doesn't cover a penny.

I'm a Dave Ramsey fanatic, so I've been searching for ways to create margin in my budget without sacrificing quality of care.

When one of my best friends suggested I look into cutting Internet, I'll admit, I balked at first. I gave her reason after reason why I NEEDed it. But later that day, Papa began reminding me what needs actually look like. And home Internet is hardly one.

Then I began thinking...free Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere now.

If I make a trip somewhere to utilize a connection, I will have to be more intentional about the time I'm there.

This will result in fewer late nights online, which will probably also lead to more sleep--an added health bonus.

With no TV (a decision I made years ago) AND no Internet, there will be little mindless noise left in my apartment. Instead, there will be more quiet and more time to hear the still, small voice of God.

More time to hear God?! More time to know God. Yes, please!

Now, before you get all wound up, I don't think for minute that everyone needs to get rid of her Internet to make more time for God.

But I do challenge you to take a minute to evaluate if there's anything stealing time away from your Bridegroom.

For me, it's excessive time online. For others, it may be something else entirely.

I'm not willing to continue putting anything else in front of Him.


This year, I've set my heart to know Him on an even deeper level. Won't you join me?

Top 5 Posts of 2012

I love this time of year! I'm a big goal-setting nerd, and though I set and evaluate goals all year long, for some reason the fresh start of a new year is extra motivating to me.

My tradition each New Years Eve is to reflect on the past year: what worked, what didn't, blessings received, lessons learned, and how to improve the following year.  

Then, I start setting my new years goals.

I've chosen not to call them resolutions since setting New Years resolutions has become almost a mindless tradition in our country. Little thought is given to them. And though often intentions are good, most people never even write them down, so achieving benchmarks and evaluating progress becomes impossible. 

As part of this year's reflection, in true year-end style, I give you my top 5 most visited posts from 2012.

1. He Works ALL Things for the Good

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

2. The Tension of Contentment in Singleness 

3. 5 Baby Steps towards a Beyond Organic Diet

4. Ex-ing the Marathon 

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

5. A Lie from the Pit of Hell

Prayers for Your Prince, Part 8

Note: This is the final post of our 8 part series praying the Scriptures for our future husbands. Part 1 gives the introduction, and Part 2 is our first prayer. Please feel free to join on whatever post you enter. Reading the introduction  will help give you context. In your personal prayer times, tweak the wording to what is most comfortable for you. The Scriptures serve as the frame of each prayer-- the other words can all be adjusted to your personal preferences. The goal is to build our prayer muscles from His word, not mine...

A Conclusion

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

~Psalm 27:14

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It is my sincere hope and prayer this series has inspired you to form a solid foundation of  praying God's Word for your prince.


The most important step is to start the discipline of praying for your husband now. It helps build your intercession muscle that will follow you into marriage, preparing you to be the ultimate encourager and prayer warrior for your husband.

I encourage you not to stop here.

As you read through Scripture and feel the Spirit pressing a verse or additional prayer need on your heart, write it down. And then pray the words.

My closing prayer for you, is found taken from the book of Hebrews:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Heb 12:1-3).

Take heart and remain faithful, Sister. This time is not wasted.

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Prayers for Your Prince: Praying the Scriptures for Your Future Husband
Part 1: An Introduction
Part 2: A Prayer for Purity
Part 3: A Prayer for the Armor of God  

Part 4: A Prayer for Wisdom 

Part 5: A Prayer for Joy

Part 6: A Prayer for Self-Control

Part 7: A Prayer for an Undivided Heart 

Prayers for Your Prince, Part 7

Note: In this current 8 part series, we are praying the Scriptures for our future husbands. Part 1 gives the introduction, and Part 2 is our first prayer. Please feel free to join on whatever post you enter. Reading the introduction  will help give you context. In your personal prayer times, tweak the wording to what is most comfortable for you. The Scriptures serve as the frame of each prayer-- the other words can all be adjusted to your personal preferences. The goal is to build our prayer muscles from His word, not mine...

A Prayer for an Undivided Heart

"Husbands love your wives,

 just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her..."

~Ephesians 5:25

Image courtesy of photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

God's beautiful design of headship, submission, and sacrificial love in a marriage never ceases to amaze me. However, I am under no delusion that we can ever do these things in our own efforts. 

Just as Biblical submission does not come naturally to a woman's heart, this kind of sacrificial, Agape love requires intentionality for men.

Since we are born into sin, our hearts are innately selfish. It is only through Grace and in Sanctification from prayer and God's word that we can fulfill these roles. 

I believe having an undivided heart, ready and willing to follow the Lord wherever He may lead, is what gives us the strength and wisdom to do so.

Papa,

I bring before you today my prince, whom you are preparing for me. It is my heart's true desire that he be fully devoted in His walk with you. Teach him your way, Lord, so he will walk in your Truth; give him an undivided heart, that he may fear your name (Ps 86:11). Teach him also, Lord, to follow your decrees, then he will keep them to the end. Give him understanding, so he will keep your law and obey it with all his heart. Direct him in the path of your commands, for there he finds delight. Turn his heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn his eyes away from worthless things; preserve his life according to your word (Ps 119:33-37).

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Prayers for Your Prince: Praying the Scriptures for Your Future Husband
Part 1: An Introduction
Part 2: A Prayer for Purity
Part 3: A Prayer for the Armor of God  

Part 4: A Prayer for Wisdom 

Part 5: A Prayer for Joy

Part 6: A Prayer for Self-Control 

Prayers for Your Prince, Part 6

Note: In this current 8 part series, we are praying the Scriptures for our future husbands. Part 1 gives the introduction, and Part 2 is our first prayer. Please feel free to join on whatever post you enter. Reading the introduction  will help give you context. In your personal prayer times, tweak the wording to what is most comfortable for you. The Scriptures serve as the frame of each prayer-- the other words can all be adjusted to your personal preferences. The goal is to build our prayer muscles from His word, not mine...
 

A Prayer for Self-Control

"Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control." 

~Proverbs 25:28

City walls were built as a defense. They protected cities from attack and provided security.

When a city wall broke, the city was left vulnerable. The enemy could strike with ease.

The same happens when we lack self-control. We are more open than ever to Satan's ploys.

So let us pray the Spirit's gift of self-control would build a strong city wall around our men and give them a buffer from the attacks of the Enemy.

Papa,

I rejoice that your grace teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:12). I pray, Lord, that my prince finds this grace in abundance and is sensitive to these teachings.

I ask that you provide a godly mentor in his life to help guide him in this grace, and in his continued growth as a man after your own heart. Give his mentor wisdom as he teaches him to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

Convict and call my prince to action to make every effort to add to his faith goodness, to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For you promise that if we possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8). Papa, you are so faithful and you keep every promise; please honor this one in great measure.

I boldly ask that you provide a hedge of protection around him as he begins to grow deeper in self-control. Do not allow the enemy anywhere close to distract his focus. Hold you son, instead, secure in your embrace.

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Prayers for Your Prince: Praying the Scriptures for Your Future Husband
Part 1: An Introduction
Part 2: A Prayer for Purity
Part 3: A Prayer for the Armor of God  

Part 4: A Prayer for Wisdom 

Part 5: A Prayer for Joy

Prayers for Your Prince, Part 5

Note: In this current 8 part series, we are praying the Scriptures for our future husbands. Part 1 gives the introduction, and Part 2 is our first prayer. Please feel free to join on whatever post you enter. Reading the introduction  will help give you context. In your personal prayer times, tweak the wording to what is most comfortable for you. The Scriptures serve as the frame of each prayer-- the other words can all be adjusted to your personal preferences. The goal is to build our prayer muscles from His word, not mine...

A Prayer for Joy

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!"

~Philippians 4:4

John Locke wrote that "Joy is a delight of the mind, from the consideration of the present or assured approaching possession of a good." We can delight in the present possession of the Lord's sweet grace. When we make this our true delight, joy is not a feeling that ebbs and flows like happiness, but is a state of mind, always full and satisfied. One that rests fully in our Savior's arms.

It is much easier to follow and submit to a leader whose heart overflows with joy than to trust one without. Let us pray then for our princes to find it in abundance.

Papa,

I boldly ask for the fruits of your Spirit to overflow out of the heart of my prince. You tell us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22). These are the fruits that grow from your strong seed within us. 

Lord, I pray that my prince will eat your words--that they may be his joy and his heart's delight (Jer 15:16) forming that fertile seed within him.

During seasons of trial, let him take refuge in you and be glad; let him ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over him, that he who loves your name may rejoice in you (Ps 5:11). Remind him that he need not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is his strength (Neh 8:10).

Help him to obey your commands and remain in your love, Lord Jesus, so that your joy may be in him and that his joy may be complete (Jn 15:10-11).

And may you, the God of hope, fill him with all joy and peace as he trusts in you, so that he may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13)

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Prayers for Your Prince: Praying the Scriptures for Your Future Husband
Part 1: An Introduction
Part 2: A Prayer for Purity
Part 3: A Prayer for the Armor of God  

Part 4: A Prayer for Wisdom