Empty

"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus." Luke 24: 1-3 (NIV)

When my oldest granddaughter was three, we began our "Resurrection Rolls" tradition. First we read a children's book of the Easter story. Then we assembled the ingredients: crescent roll dough, big marshmallows, melted butter, and a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Dipping the marshmallow in butter and then rolling it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, I explained Jesus' body was anointed with oil and spices before being laid in the tomb. We wrapped the marshmallow in the bread dough, carefully sealing the seams. I reminded her that a large stone was placed over the tomb's entrance.

After baking the resurrection rolls for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F, and allowing them to cool, it was time for the big reveal!

"Empty," she said, peeking inside the two halves I held in my hand. And, the beautiful thing...she expected it.

"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see..." (Matthew 28:6) Chew on that truth for a while. Savor it. And let it resurrect your hope.

What activities do you do with your children or grandchildren to help them understand the real meaning of Easter?



Choose Life

"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live..." Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)

A grandmother in another nation, requests we pray for her country where there is a group lobbying for abortion law reform. In the U.S., one political party is in the process of choosing a presidential candidate. The issue of abortion divides the nation. Let God's will be done!

Pray for:

• Motivation of citizens to vote according to Biblical values. ( Deut. 1: 13; Rom. 13: 1)
• Wisdom for judges and legislators to rule and make laws that protect life. ( Exod. 18: 21-26; Prov. 31:9)
• Awakening of the media industry to see and report truth about abortion and sexual immorality. (Prov. 14:25)
• Those who work in the abortion industry. (Prov. 14:27)

For the Helpless

"Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves.

Protect the rights of all who are helpless."
Proverbs 31: 8 (GNT)

 

Almighty God, have mercy on us!  When we fail to speak up for life and truth, we sin against You. Forgive our guilt, and cleanse us.

Give Your people courage to stand and boldly declare the truth in love. May we stand firm and defend those who are defenseless, afflicted, and needy. Please give us wisdom to speak words of hope and healing - words that are loving, kind, and considerate. May our words bring You glory. Give each of us a gentle, humble spirit.

Give our grandchildren the strength to resist sexual temptation. Protect them from the evil one. Bless them with wisdom, and pure hearts and minds. In the Name of Jesus, the Hope of the world...amen.

During "40 Days for Life",  please continue to pray for:

• Families of pregnant teens to lean on God for help, strength, and wisdom. ( Ps. 18: 2 ).
• Courage, peace, and assurance of God's love and protection for pregnant women who have decided against abortion ( Ps. 20: 1- 2; Ps. 119: 76 ).
• Provision of God's strength, help, and resources for families who want to adopt ( Esther 2:7; Ps. 20: 4; Ps. 54:4 ). 
  
  

40 Days for Life

"Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy."

Proverbs 31: 9 (NAS)

"40 Days for Life" is a pro-life campaign that began in Texas in 2004. Its purpose is to bring the body of Christ together for 40 days of prayer and fasting, and peaceful vigil outside abortion clinics. Campaigns are held in the spring and fall across the United States and in many nations. The 2012 spring campaign began February 22 and continues through April 1.

It was during the 2009 fall campaign, that Abby Johnson left her position as Planned Parenthood clinic director to join "Coalition for Life." She is now a pro-life advocate, speaker, and author of Unplanned. Her story is a powerful testimony of the amazing love, grace, forgiveness, and healing that Jesus Christ extends to all. Her story reconfirmed to me that our God does indeed have a plan and purpose for every individual, and that He hears the prayers of His children. We must stand firm and trust Him until every single cry of our heart is answered!

Below is a prayer that we prayed corporately at "The Response"  meeting in Houston, TX (August 2011).

"Jesus, I plead your blood over my sins
and the sins of my nation.

God end abortion, and send revival to America."

And we, as praying grandmothers,  add..."Send revival to every nation."

During these 40 days, join us as we pray for:

• Provision of workers and resources for crisis pregnancy centers and other pro-life ministries (Lk. 10:2, Phil. 4:19 ; and for workers to demonstrate God's love in all they do (1 Cor. 13: 1- 8). 
• Those tempted by abortion to be drawn to crisis pregnancy centers. (Ps. 1: 1- 3; Ps. 121: 1-2 ).
• Post-abortive men and women who suffer physical and emotional consequences, and to find love, peace, healing, and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Ps. 34:18; Ps. 147: 3; Mt. 5:4; 1 Jn. 1:9).
• National revival; awakening to all believers to the truth about abortion. (2 Chr. 7:14; Prov. 14:34).

Thanks for praying with us! We know our God in heaven hears!

Lori

Leaving a Spiritual Legacy

"...We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. " Psalm 78:4b

Surrounded by stained glass and maternal family members, I sat in the sanctuary of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the church of my grandparents, Anna and Louis. It was the place where they dedicated their babies to the Lord, and then years later, were confirmed. The old black and white confirmation class photos hanging on wall proved it. Historically, it is a Norwegian Lutheran congregation. That particular morning was the tenth anniversary of 9-11. I was glad to be in a house of worship.

Over and over, I reflected that this was my grandmother's church. This is my mother's home church. And then, the Holy Spirit's reminder..."This is where your spiritual walk began". With that realization, and the horrific memories of September 11, 2001, the choir began to sing "Jesus Loves Me", a familiar childhood Sunday school song. I was nearly undone with emotion.

How sweet the Lord to orchestrate my days and take me back to my spiritual roots on that day of remembrance. I quickly jotted down my memories of this spiritually significant morning. I did not want to forget.

Recording our faith stories help us to remember  ways God has worked in our lives. We can use our stories to teach and share our faith. We can record stories of significant events and people who influenced us. Journaling our prayers and God's answers help remind us of His faithfulness.

Archival safe scrapbook-type albums, journals, notebooks, video technology, digital books, and even blogs are available to preserve our faith stories.

For faithbooking ideas and inspiration, I use Creative Memories.

I encourage you to begin recording your faith stories to share with your children and grandchildren. Tell them of the Lord's presence, power, protection, and provision in your life. Tell of His goodness and unfailing love. Tell them how He sustained you in challenging times.

Begin by asking the Lord for His direction. If you struggle with fear and procrastination to begin your faithbooking project, ask for His help. Ask for His wisdom, and to help you overcome the temptation to overbuy supplies. Schedule a time to work on your faith stories. Enjoy the journey!

So, where did your spiritual walk begin? I'd love to hear from you!

Lori

Valentine Prayer

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV)

As we remember our loved ones this Valentine's Day, let's also remember the One who gave His life for all!


Gracious Heavenly Father,

Great are you LORD! We give you thanks for your unfailing love. Your love is amazing! Thank you for loving us so much that you sent your son, Jesus the Christ, as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Give us, our families,  friends, and neighbors a deeper understanding that nothing can separate us from your love. May our loved ones grow to believe in your Son Jesus Christ; and, may they love you with all their heart, soul, and mind. May they love others as you have taught us. Fill their hearts with love, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. In the Name of Jesus, we offer this prayer...amen.


May the Lord bless you and yours this Valentine's Day!

"Media" Prayer

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Heavenly Father,

As grandmothers, we are concerned about the media's influence on this culture and the power it has over our grandchildren. Give them discernment, wisdom, responsibility, and a strong conscience to know and understand what is right in Your eyes. We rebuke communication that is not of You. We pray each grandchild will desire to please you with their communication.

The Bible, Your Holy Word, is Your written communication to all, and therein, the precepts for daily living. Create in our grandchildren a desire to study Your Word, so they may be fully equipped to influence their culture. In JESUS Name, Amen.

Thank you for joining us in prayer. You are welcome to add short, simple prayers regarding the media in our "Comments" section. I love your praying hearts!
Bobbye