Give me STRENGTH and COURAGE!!!

It's been a while.  A while since I have felt the urge to write.  A while since I felt the urge to write and share what I write here for all who desire to read now or months from now.  A while since I haven't thought about what I share in this space and how it may affect what people think about me.  A while since I have wanted to spend my free time writing instead of resting or cleaning or browsing.  But today, while Sam and B are at the zoo and Z sleeps I took the time to sit down, read the Word, pray to my God, and journal.

Tomorrow we hit 4 weeks and for me this is when the newborn phase gets tough.  The adrenaline wears off and the exhaustion sets in.  The babe begins to wake up, but they spend more of their waking hours cranky than not.  I have already begun seeing the signs and it has already been tougher than the first 3 weeks.  Add to that a toddler (who has done exceptionally well I might add) that also needs to be cared for and you get a momma who simply struggles to enjoy the newborn phase.

When B hit 4 weeks everything went a little crazy.  However, he had reflux, he was colicky, and I didn't realize my milk production was low, so he was hungry.  This time around Z seems like she will be easier, but my physical body is really causing me much frustration and discouragement.  Without sharing too much information, I'll just say I can only walk a few minutes without experiencing a significant amount of pain.  I have to sit most of the day on a soft surface.  I am pounding ibuprofen and Tylenol along with using topical meds.  Plus, I try to sit on ice and use a sitz bath a few times per day.  And yes, believe it or not I have left out some information ;)

So this morning I sat down and read these Scriptures:

John 16: 23,24

...I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

Malachi 4:2

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings and you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  

I said a prayer based on each of these Scriptures, but it was Joshua 1:9 that really struck me.  It is a very familiar verse to me, but one I so often forget.  God is present........with me..........every where.........at all times.........even in the trenches.

My prayer based on Joshua 1:9 was/is this:

Lord,  I admit I am terrified.  I admit I am discouraged.  Forgive me, Lord Jesus.  I want to obey Your command, so I ask for renewed confidence in Your moment by moment presence and work in my life.  I pray for the strength and courage to face each day with two young children and physical pain that makes the job more difficult.  Remind me that Your purpose prevails and that you equip those you call.  I have been called to be a mother to B and Z, a wife to Sam, and to maintain our home.  Therefore, You will equip me with all I need to do so.  Help me remember that it doesn't have to be done perfectly.  Give me the strength!!!  Give me the courage!!! And heal my body in Jesus name!!!  Amen

I hope it encourages someone who may be in the trenches with me.

Journey of Faith Friday: Hebrew Prayer for All People

Hebrew Prayer for All People

Feeling inadequate?

Experiencing self doubt?

Wondering what God's will is?

Wanting to change?

This past week in Bible Study we focused on Hebrews 11-13.  Much about those chapters ministered to my heart, but it was chapter 13 that really struck a chord in me.  Verses filled with exhortations for the Christ follower was both encouraging and exhausting.  Encouraging that God gives us guidelines of how to live our lives bringing honor to Him.

1. Love others (verses 1-3)--be hospitable to strangers, remember those in prison and those mistreated
2. Be pure (verse 4)--honor your marriage, keep it pure, avoid sexual immorality
3. Be content (verses 5-6) --keep yourself free from the love of money
4. Be loyal (verses 7-12)--primarily speaking of loyalty to church leadership and their ministry, but applies to the whole church
5. Be bold (verses 13-14)--share Christ with others
6. Be worshipful (verses 15-16)--praise God with your lips and your life

Exhausting that I fall so short.  However, that is why I am so thankful for grace and conviction and forgiveness and the sanctification process of the Holy Spirit in my life.  I am also thankful that while reading these verses I began to ask God how I could accomplish all of these things in my life.  As I continued reading, He provided the perfect prayer in verses 20-21:

²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, ²¹ equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Oh God, how You accept us right where we are and challenge us to ask You to provide all that we need to do your will.  Oh God, how You produce confidence in us to do what is pleasing to You.   Oh God, how you come along side us encouraging us to change not so that we can feel better about ourselves, but so we can bring glory to your name and be at peace with others.  

God, Your Word truly is a lamp unto my feet!!  Thank you for it!

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.

How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

Would you consider sharing it with us today?

If you decide to share...enter the URL to your exact post below.  If you join, please help us find one another by sharing the "Journey of Faith" graphic within your post.

You can link up through Wednesday.

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Parenting Prayerfully

Today, you will find me hanging (and writing) over at my friend Branson's.  If you would like to read about ways I parent prayerfully, please click over to My Reflection of Something .

Here is a small portion of my post:

"There are many days where I find myself begging God for help in this role as a parent.  Maybe I am at my whit's end due to another napless day or little hands pulling on my pants or another day heavy with discipline versus joyful playing.  Where I am thankful to have a God who listens to those prayers, I am more thankful to have a God who gently reminds me through His Spirit that I am called to do more than beg Him to help me parent during difficult times.........."

TO CONTINUE READING click the link Parenting Prayerfully.

42 Weeks of Pregnancy Prayer Card Winners

Here are the 5 winners of Better Life Bags 42 Weeks of Pregnancy Prayer Cards ($8 value).  If you were not a winner and would like a set of prayer cards or a custom bag for yourself, be sure to check out Better Life Bags.

1.  Comment #23 which is Laura of Storybook Reality.

2.  Comment #53 which is Casey of One Day at a Time

3.  Comment #56 which is Sara of Enjoying Life and Having Fun along the Way

4.  Comment #12 which is Branson of My Reflection of Something

5.  Comment #37 which is Jennifer.  For some reason I am unable to link to her blog at this time, but this is her husband's blog: Pete and Jay's Tip O Da "Day"

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners!!  I hope these cards are a blessing to you and all of your friends and family who are looking forward to bringing a little on into the world.  If you do not receive an email from me I do not have your contact information, so it is your responsibility to contact me within 48 hours to claim your prize.  Contact at amboleslie{at}gmail{dot}com and you will be sent the digital download for the cards. 

42 Weeks of Pregnancy Prayer Cards Review and GIVE AWAY

This Giveaway is now CLOSED.

I was first introduced to Rebecca of Better Life Bags when my friend Brittany gifted me a set of her 31 Days of Prayer for Your Husband cards last Christmas.  I love them and use them to pray for my husband on a regularly basis.  So when Rebecca contacted me to review her 42 Weeks of Pregnancy Prayer Cards I was thrilled.

These cards are simply wonderful!!!!!  There are 38 cards that cover the 42 weeks of pregnancy (weeks 1-4 and 41-42 are together).  Each week a different developing part is highlighted.  For example, week 13 focuses on the baby's improved breathing in utero.  There is a cue that encourages you to pray that he/she will allow God to breathe the breath of life into him/her. 

I can remember being pregnant with my son.  One moment I was filled with so much joy, and the next moment I was worrying about his health, his growth, and his future.  Pregnancy is a wonderful time, but it is also a time that can be filled with fear and worry.  These prayer cards can help you focus on the growth of your little one all while entrusting him/her to the LORD.  

I have found that specifically praying God's Word over people leads to inner peace and that is the focus of these prayer cards.  Not only does each week focus on a developing part of your baby, but Rebecca uses Scripture to provide a prayer cue that coincides with that developing part.

The 42 Weeks of Pregnancy Prayer Cards would make an excellent gift for all of your pregnant friends or for your future pregnancies.  I just printed two sets of the cards and sent them to two friends who are pregnant with their third child.  I hope to use them for myself in the future.

These prayer cards are bright and colorful.  They are well organized and accurately follow your babies development in utero.  They not only provide a sweet prayer for your child, but it is fun to think about how your baby is developing from week to week. 

How 42 Weeks of Pregnancy Prayer Cards work:

• $8 includes the digital download (zip file) of 38 Prayer Cards in 12 different designs
• The file is emailed to you within 24 hours of purchase
• Download the file to your computer and unzip the file
• The prayer cards are high resolution and can be printed like regular photos.  I had my two sets printed at CVS and they looked GREAT!!!
• If printed as a 4X6 photo they will easily fit in a small photo album and make for a wonderful gift.
• Feel free to gift the printed cards as many times as you choose, but out of respect for Rebecca please do not share the download links with anyone.  

In addition to the 42 Weeks of Pregnancy Prayer Cards, Rebecca sells a variety of custom handmade bags in her Etsy shop that I would highly recommend.  I must take a moment and brag on Rebecca and her husband for following their heart and Jesus' call to serve the poor.  They are working to  enrich the lives of people through living a life of service to Christ.  You can read more of their story and how they are supporting the poor through their NOT FOR PROFIT business at Better Life Bags. 

Rebecca is kindly offering 5 Packs of 42 Weeks of Pregnancy Prayer Cards to my readers.  Yes, you read that correctly.........there will be 5 different winners, which will lead to hundreds of WONDERFUL gifts for all all of your pregnant friends and family members.

To enter just leave a comment below!

For extra entries (leave a comment per extra entry):

1. Visit Better Life Bags and tell me which custom bag you would like to give as a gift.
2. "Like" Click.Pray.Love on Facebook
3. Tweet about this giveaway

This giveaway is open to all people 18 years or older.  The giveaway will end Monday, December 5th at 11 a.m. eastern time.  A winner will be selected using Random.org and announced Monday evening.  Please provide an email, so you can be contacted if you are a winner.  If prize is unclaimed after 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen using Random.org.  

  

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  

I was provided with a digital download in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

The opinions expressed here are entirely my own as I would not endorse a product I do not support and use myself.

Journey of Faith Friday: Praying For Your Children

Praying For Your Children

As I struggle (on and off) with my prayer life I am consistently led to read and re-read the prayer Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and all believers in John 17 (more about prayer HERE, HERE and HERE).  

While the prayer is full of specifics that can be used to pray over all people, I have consistently used three of them:

1. Lord, who have You given me out of this world that I should reveal You? (from John 17:6 "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world...")
2. Lord, I pray that ________ may experience the full measure of Jesus' joy. (from John 17:13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them...")
3. Lord, I pray that You would not take them out of the world, but that You would protect them from the evil one. (from John 17:15 "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one...")

Yesterday, while re-reading John 17 (and after my mother-in-law had encouraged several young mothers with the reality that our children are a part of the world we are serving) I was able to apply more of Jesus prayer for His disciples specifically to my son.  

Here is my personal example:

Lord, 

You have given me Bennett (v.6).  I pray he would obey Your word and know that everything You have given me (given his daddy) comes from You (v.7).  Grant me the wisdom, knowledge, grace, and discernment to share Your truth with him that he would accept it (v.8).  I pray he will know and believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son and was sent by You (v.8).  I, specifically, lift this little life before Your throne proclaiming it as Yours (v.9).  May his life bring You glory (v.10).   I pray that You would protect him and keep him safe by the power of Your name-the name JESUS (vv.11,12).  

I pray that while he is in the world he would have the full of measure of the joy of Jesus within him (v.13).  I pray he would not be of the world, but would instead live by the truth of Your Word (v.14).  "My prayer is not that You take [him] out of the world but that You protect [him] from the evil one...Sanctify [him] by the truth; Your Word is truth." (vv.15-17)  God, as You have called me to be Your disciple, I pray that I be sanctified, so that he, too, may be truly sanctified (vv.18,19). 

**This is a personal version of Jesus prayer adapted from John 17:6-19 NIV


What are some ways you pray for your children?


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You can read previous Journey of Faith posts HERE.

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