When God's Spirit Moves

Over the weekend, my boys had the opportunity to attend our church's Senior High Retreat. It was exciting to hear and see evidence of how the Lord spoke to them over the weekend, as well as other teens that attended. Some were moved to tears as God showed them areas in their lives where they need to change and become more like Him. Others were blessed when the speaker moved throughout the audience and prayed for some specifically without being asked. My one son, happened to be one of those that was prayed over. He was amazed that he didn't even share what was on his heart, but the speaker still knew and had a specific prayer for him. For my guys this was one of the most significant times that they saw and felt God's Spirit moving in this way.

I can't help but be amazed at how intimately our Heavenly Father knows our needs, worries, desires, concerns, etc. He desires to be part of every minute detail in your life. When was the last time that you allowed free reign of your heart to Him and asked Him to move in your life in a mighty way? Today is the day to start!

Communication

I have been thinking about the art of communication. It is something vital to our existence - being able to connect with someone else. I was surprised when I checked out a Christian bookstore online and found not too many books along that subject. But yet men and women often communicate very differently. There are many times that I can say something that my husband does not understand and vice versa. We don't always speak the same language it seems.

It's been said that women have more words each day that they communicate. I have found from experience that it is very uplifting to have another female friend or two that you can talk with. Women are more verbal and often get satisfaction from meeting together with a friend, just to chat.

Communication is something that we can all improve on doing, especially with our spouses. Make a point today of sharing with your husband. If you are single, make a point of connecting with a friend.

Inexpensive Ideas For Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day only a few days away, I thought it would be fun to share some ideas of how you can show your love to a child, spouse, someone alone for the holiday, etc. without much cost. My husband and I have been married for twenty one years. One of the things that we started when are boys were very young - perhaps 6 and 3 was to have a Grandma/Grandson Valentine's Dinner together. My Dad died when I was pregnant with my oldest son, so Grandma has been alone for many years now on Valentine's Day.

The Grandma/Grandson Valentine's dinner is now an annual event. They typically decide the menu - often spaghetti (Grandma's favorite), heart shaped bread sticks, salad, etc. They also make some type of dessert as well. The invitations are hand made as well as the cards that they give her after the meal. Sometimes they buy inexpensive gifts for her, but many times they have made things. The table is always decorated prettily and my boys dress up in their best clothes and give Grandma the royal treatment.

It was a simple way that they could show their love to their Grandma and has been relatively inexpensive through the years. It also gave them some cooking experience as well.

This year will be their last year to do it together before my oldest heads off to college in the Fall. The dinner won't be on Valentine's Day this year because my oldest son is having oral surgery tomorrow. But hopefully one day in the next week or two they will be able to prepare this special meal for their Grandma.

What ideas do you have? What types of things do you do?

The Promise of Spring

Today is a beautiful day in Pennsylvania. The ground had been covered with snow and ice but the past couple days have been incredibly warm - in the 50's, which is warm for this time of year. The snow is mostly melted. My husband and I just got back from a walk around our neighborhood. Earlier today we noticed there were buds starting to form on the trees and my snowdrop flowers are already about an inch above the ground and will soon be blooming.

I still would like to have at least one more snowfall - of at least 8-12 inches of snow, but for today I am enjoying the early Spring feel to the air. I know it will get cold again.

As we walked, I thought about the promises we have from the Lord. He continues to make the seasons come about. He is reliable and we can always count on him no matter what we face in our life each day. He will never fail us and He promises to always be with us. I don't know about you, but that gives me assurance.