Ava's New Experience

May I just share how much I love my church? Oh glory! It is such a joy and delight to go and be the church with these beautiful people every week. We praise, we pray, we cry, we laugh, we worship, we learn, we do life together. What an amazing gift my church is to me (and the whole family feels this way) and I am incredibly thankful!

Ava just joined the youth choir and Sunday was her first time singing with them in a service. She had such a blast and I am thrilled for her. Thank you, Miss Lisa, for your incredible heart and leadership.

I LOVE this song and had to dance a little while filming the video, so I'm sorry about the sway and blur. There are just some songs you can't sit still through, ya know?

I included the lyrics so you can blast the volume and sing along! Enjoy.





A God Like You by Kirk Franklin

Everybody wanna be like you they
Want power and praise like you but
See there is no God like our God
There's no one like you
Who gave their life like you and
Who paid our price like you see
There's only one God that's our God
There's no one like you.

Who can touch like you
Or heal us like you do
We stumble and we stray
Til' you always get us thru
Who makes all things new
And comes to our rescue
Death, hell, and the grave
They could not conquer

You became just like me
To unlock and set free
This prisoner that was deeply wounded and redeemed
The me I could not see

Everybody wanna be like you they
Want power and praise like you but
See there is no God like our God
There's no one like you
Who gave their life like you and
Who paid our price like you see
There's only one God that's our God
There's no one like you.

Some may worship things
But what joy do they bring
They try and hide the stains
But can they set us free
See where would we be
Without calvary
A king upon a tree
So the whole world can see

You became just like me
To unlock and set free
This prisoner that was deeply wounded and redeemed
The me I could not see

Everybody wanna be like you they
Want power and praise like you but
See there is no God like our God
There's no one like you
Who gave their life like you and
Who paid our price like you see
There's only one God that's our God
There's no one like you.

Healer, Father, Savior
Counselor, Friend, Provider
Was is and forever
That's why I just wanna be where you are
I'll travel life with you no matter how far
[x2]

Became just like me
To unlock and set free
This prisoner that was deeply wounded and redeemed
The me I could not see

Everybody wanna be like you they
Want power and praise like you but
See there is no God like our God
There's no one like you
Who gave their life like you and
Who *paid* our price like you see
There's only one God that's our God
There's no one like you.

There's no one like you, there's no one like you, there's no God like our God
There's no one like you.

Blessings and love. xo

Preparing for Revival in 2014

Friends and Partners,

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in spreading the message of spiritual awakening and revival.  I’ve enjoyed speaking twice already this month and am looking forward to more opportunities in 2014.

One of the stories I share is about the Scottish Hebrides Revival starting in 1949.  Thought you would enjoy this brief video clip of what God has done in the past.  Many that I connect with around the country believe that God wants to do similar things here in our own country.

The Hebridean Revival  - Duncan Campbell

Thank you so much for your help.

To join our support team, click on Field Staff Support at IFA Royce Team.

Gratefully,

Bob

Bob Royce

Intercessors for America

Mobilization Coordinator

PO Box 915

Purcellville, VA 20134

800-USA-PRAY

540-317-2097 Direct

transformingamericathroughprayer.com

getamericapraying.com

What I Wore

This past week has been about layers, layers, layers and keeping warm in this chilly weather. Here is one of my favourite long sweater coats that keeps me nice and toasty when the temps don't get above the freezing mark.

Brown Zara sweater - TJ Maxx

Green top - Belk

Jeans - Old Navy

Boots - Steve Madden

I hope you are staying warm and enjoying this last week of January! 

Blessings and love. xo

I'm linking up with Lindsey and all the lovely woman for WIWW at The Pleated Poppy!

Galápagos Islands: A Different View {Review}

Galápagos Islands: A Different View from New Life Publishing and Moms of Master Books Review Team was provided to me for the purpose of review. 

About the book:

• Observe the wondrous diversity of life, including birds, reptiles, and plants
• Learn how Darwin's worldview and the biblical worldview differ and the importance of this in studying the Galápagos
• With poignant chapters from Ken Ham, John Morris, John C. Whitcomb, Danny Faulkner, Gary Parker, and more!

Where Darwin once visited and later used evidence from to support his faulty case for evolution, discover the wonder of God in this full-color book filled with vibrant images of these glorious islands in the Pacific, as well as powerful insights that give Him the glory due His name. Your faith will be strengthened as you learn the importance of a biblical worldview from some of the best apologetics speakers in the country. It's an overall emphasis on Galápagos as testament to God's majesty and mercy rather than the empty legacy of one man!

About the Author:

Dr. Georgia Purdom - Dr. Purdom is a researcher and speaker for Answers in Genesis. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Ohio State University in 2000. Her specialty is cellular and molecular biology. Dr. Purdom’s graduate work focused on genetic regulation of factors important for bone remodeling. She is a compelling and dynamic lecturer and well qualified to speak on the relevance of Genesis to the issue of biblical authority. She is the only female Ph.D. scientist engaged in full-time speaking and research for a biblical creationist organization in North America. Dr. Purdom is a member of the Creation Research Society and serves on the editorial board and executive council of BSG: A Creation Biology Study Group. She serves as a peer reviewer for Answers Research Journal and Creation Research Science Quarterly. She along with Dr. Joseph Francis of Master’s College are co-founders of the Microbe Forum. This forum sponsors research, collaboration, and conferences in the field of creation microbiology.

My thoughts:

This beautiful hardcover book is 104 pages. It is a wonderful resource for any home which believes God created our world or for anyone who is interested in learning more about Creation. This book has beautiful photographs and intriguing text. If you've ever wondered how to share your faith and beliefs in opposing Darwin's theory of evolution, this is a fantastic resource to add to your reading shelf. I have learned so much about the Galápagos Islands and their beauty. I would love to be able to travel there one day. I am thrilled to have such high quality material that teaches Biblical principles. My children were also excited to pick this one up, as they enjoy science, geography, history, zoology and learning more about a Biblical worldview.

Price: 
$18.99 or on Amazon

Join us for a fun party tonight at 9pm ET on Facebook to find out more about this wonderful resource and for the opportunity to win some great prizes!

Disclaimer: I received one copy of this book from New Leaf Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

Weekly Menu Plan {27 January}

Hello, friends! How was your weekend? Ours was a little challenging. We awoke Friday morning to find our pipes frozen. So, as I posted on my social media sites, 'when life throws you frozen pipes, just make snow water.' My hubby called me his 'pioneer woman'. And I do love a good challenge. To a point. Our landlords were amazing and offered to put us up in a hotel (thank you, Jesus, for caring landlords). We declined, however, because we have really become interested in, excited for, engaged with being more resourceful. When I read a story or watch a movie about people who didn't have much but made what they did have into something special and creative and useful and even beautiful, it fuels a fire in me and I want to emulate that person. There are so many stories of people during the Great Depression or wars or famines who made the most of what they had, who looked at their resources in new and different ways and lived life well. 

I didn't mean to get off on a tangent, but I have been thinking a great deal about how spoiled we are in America. We are a people of such excess. And yet, where is the happiness? I could go on and on, but the bottom line is, I didn't really need a hotel room. Our power was still on, so we were warm. Sure, not having running water was a HUGE inconvenience, but we had plenty of snow on the ground. We couldn't shower with it (or wouldn't want to), but we could melt enough to flush the toilets when the need was dire. We could even wash dishes with melted snow. There is a shower at Bob's ministry office, so we all went up there on Saturday to get clean. Then later when we got home, guess what? The temps had been a little warmer all day and by 8pm, the water was flowing again. So, yes, you better believe that we started washing dishes, running the dishwasher and the washing machine! What a relief to have water again.

Have you ever had frozen pipes? What did you do to survive?

I am trying to use what I have in the freezer and pantry again this week, so here is the menu plan:

Monday - We made a snack-y supper because Emma and I attended the funeral of our dear friends' husband and father this afternoon. Please pray for our precious friends, the Bittners.

Tuesday - Thai Chicken Salad (didn't make this Friday night, due to our pipes situation)

Wednesday - Leftovers

Thursday - Fish tacos, chips, guac

Friday - Pakistani Pot Roast Beef Fillets, salad, naan

Saturday - Chicken Spaghetti, salad, garlic toast

Sunday - Snack-y supper

Blessings and love. xo

I'm linking up with Menu Plan Monday!

Tropical Traditions FREE Shipping Today Only!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

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Kingdom Thinking

I mentioned recently that I am praying about my Words for 2014 and how the Father wants me to see His Kingdom in my own life. As I have been reading biblical passages on the Kingdom and have been asking the Father to teach me more about "on earth as it is in heaven," I was reminded of this video I watched a year or so ago. Graham Cooke is a brilliant teacher and has challenged my thinking in every single message of his that I've listened to. 

Take a few minutes to see what you think.




I truly want to learn to think from a heavenly perspective, as if I am at the throne looking and experiencing and thinking as the Father does. I am pressing in to learn and know and hear and see and believe more and more about the Kingdom and to live from that perspective because I believe 1 Corinthians 2:16, which states: But we have the mind of Christ.

Praying these words of Jesus . . .

. . . your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven . . .

and continuing to press in to what this looks like in my life, with great anticipation! 

Blessings and love. xo

God First Loved Us: A Valentine's Devotional Journal For Kids

God First Loved Us: A Valentine's Devotional Journal For Kids is the latest creation from my wonderful friend Heather Bowen. God First Loved Us is 69-page printable devotional journal that takes your child on a 14 day journey to the heart of Biblical love through journaling, scripture exploration, crafts, art, service projects, prayer and more. The study begins with a week long focus on God's love for us an concludes with a week of studying our call to love one another.

Each day is set up around one main Bible verse and the HEARTS™ acronym:

H– Handwriting practice {writing the verse of the day}

E– Exploring Scripture

A– Act {art, puzzles, journaling, service projects, crafts and more}

R– Reflect {a quiet time for reflection with prompts to get them thinking}

T– Talk to God {prayer time with prompts}

S– Share {telling others, service projects, baking, good deeds and more}

I am delighted to start this journal with my younger girls at the beginning of February! I know they are going to love it and I am thrilled with all of the components Heather has included, starting with the Father's love for us and then moving on to our love for each other. This is one you do not want to miss!

God First Loved Us is currently on sale for $2.99 {reg. price $7.99}, but as an introductory special, today through Sunday 1/26 at 11:59pm EST, you can use coupon code HEARTS to take $1.00 off, making the final price $1.99! Get yours now!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

What I Wore

So, one of the positive things about moving, is getting to re-organize my closet and taking the opportunity to see my clothes in new ways. There are new combinations to make, different ways to look at colours and accessories. So I've had a fun time shopping my closet with fresh eyes this past week. 

Here are two of my outfits . . .

 Top - super old (glad I've kept it!)

Skirt - Old Navy 

Scarf - Tuesday Morning

Earrings - somewhere in Toronto (cannot remember)

Boots (not shown) - Kohl's (similar)

Here's a better look at the skirt . . .

Sweater - Kmart

Tank top - Old Navy

Jeans - Hand-me-downs from a friend

Scarf - Kohl's

Earrings - Kohl's

Flats - Kohl's

Do you shop your closet? If you haven't re-organized your closet in the past six months, I would encourage you to get in there and do so. Or at the very least, go in with fresh eyes to see some new combinations. It could be an enjoyable way to add new outfits to your winter wardrobe without spending any money. And that's always a good thing!

Blessings and love. xo

Come and check out all the ladies who are joining me to link up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy!

Weekly Menu Plan {20 January}

(Credit: slate.com)

Did you do anything to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today? 

The kids and I had the opportunity to go to a local rally, but honestly, we just needed a day at home after a busy weekend. So we watched several videos and looked at photos, thanks to the MLK Freebie from Classical Composers! Dr. King is one of my heroes, and I believe it is so important to be able to share his life with my children. The above list from Dr. King's 'Integrated Bus Suggestions' is utterly amazing and inspiring. 

This one is particularly challenging:

Be loving enough to absorb evil and understanding enough to turn an enemy into a friend. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Wow. So very beautiful!


Here is my menu plan for this week. It is suppose to turn snowy tomorrow and that is always welcomed at our house! 

Monday - Ina Garten's Bangars and Mash, plus sautéed kale, because I come from a long line of 'there must be something green on our plates' mamas. (This was the first time making this recipe and it was a HUGE hit! Those mashed potatoes were delicious!)

Tuesday - Chicken and Dumplings, salad

Wednesday - Sloppy Joes, sweet potato fries

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Oven BBQ Brisket, potato casserole, sautéed zucchini/onions/broccoli

Saturday - Thai Chicken Salad (I made this a couple of weeks ago and it is one of my favourite salads now!)

Sunday - Snack-y supper
Have a wonderful week and stay warm if you're in the path of the cold and snow! 

Blessings and love. xo

And as always, I'm linking up with Org Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

Prayer Vigil Tonight

This is an urgent request from my beautiful friend Anne, on behalf of her husband, Tim, who has kidney cancer.

Would you all please join us in lifting Tim and his health to the Lord tonight, Thursday, January 16th between 8-8:30pm. I don't know if corporate, nation-wide prayers being offered at the same time is anymore powerful than individual prayers, but I know it's not any LESS powerful. We are asking family and friends to pray in that time frame, even if you can only pray for 5 minutes of it. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust that so that you are praying during east coast time. Pray for the Lord's healing. If God wants to do a miracle, now would be good timing (from my earthly viewpoint), but if He chooses to heal Tim in heaven, at least we've gone before the throne and done what we are called to do as believers - and that is to bring our requests before the Lord, and trust Him to do what's best for His eternal purpose in glory.

Here is the entire family: (L to R) Anne, Ashley, Nathan and Tim

Thank you for joining us in praying for our friends. xo

What I Wore

Finally, I've had the thought to take a photo or two of my outfits. This week I'm showing off a sweater, necklace and earrings I received as Christmas gifts. It's fun to have something new once in awhile and I look forward to mixing and matching all three with different items in my closet.

Sweater - Kohl's

Blouse - Kohl's

Jeans - Kohl's

Boots - Steve Madden

Necklace - Kohl's

Earrings - Kohl's (I can't find my exact earrings, but these are cute!)

Did you get any new clothing or jewelry items for Christmas? I'd love to hear about them.

Check out all the great outfits at WIWW on The Pleated Poppy. I'm also linking up with the Modest Mom blog.

Love and blessings. xo

Weekly Menu Plan {13 January}

(These flowers that were sent to us as a house-warming gift are still beautiful! I'm not sure I've ever had cut flowers last this long.)

Happy Monday, friends! How is your New Year starting off? 

I am trying to get back into the full swing of things with school and still unpacking boxes and finding just the right spot for everything. I am also trying to cook from my freezer and pantry this week and will only go to the store for milk and fresh veggies and fruit. I am so thankful that we have an Aldi close by. Have you ever shopped at an Aldi? We still have beef in the freezer from our generous friends. We also have the turkey carcass from our Greenberg Smoked Turkey that I will use to make broth and soup later this week. Yum!

Here is my plan for this week:

Monday - Mexican Chicken Soup (This is a go-to frugal recipe that I make once a month or so. I almost always have these ingredients on hand. The whole family enjoys it!)

Tuesday - Crock Pot Tortellini and Sausage (I made this one right before we moved. It was a hit and so easy, since it all goes in the crock pot.)

Wednesday - Taco Salad

Thursday - Smoked Turkey Soup

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - Fettucine Alfredo, salad, sautéed kale, PW's Buttery Thyme Bread (oh, yeah!)

Sunday - Snack-y supper

What's your plan for the week? If you need any ideas, click over to check out all the menus on Menu Plan Monday, which is where I'm linking up, as usual!

Blessings and love. xo

2014 Vision

I'm sorry I haven't been here too much. I have just needed a little time to re-focus after suddenly moving, all of us being sick before, during and after the move, celebrating Christmas and New Year's, etc. I have photos of the house to share and hope to get back to some normal blogging this week.

Today, though, I wanted to share something I'm pretty excited about for 2014.

Do you do the "word of the year" thing that has been poplar for a number of years now? 

I have never chosen a word, for various reasons, although I will say that the Father spoke the word "HOPE" over me last year and I clung to Him and to that promise like never before. It was a tough year. I was pretty ready to say goodbye to 2013.

When January 1 was getting close, I started asking Him if there was a word for 2014 that I should focus on, since He had given me one last year, even without my asking. He gave me a plethora of words instead of just one. Thanks to Tagxedo, I have made my words into a word cloud to commemorate what He spoke to me.

I have learned so much more about Who God is the last seven years, especially, and one of the things He has been teaching me is about His Kingdom. I have so much more to learn, which is why I believe KINGDOM is the main word for my new year. I am on pins and needles, eager to dig in to what more He is going to explain and demonstrate to me about His Kingdom in 2014. 

Did the Lord give you a word for this year? I'd love to know what it is or what you're looking forward to learning or experiencing in 2014!

Love and blessings. xo

Weekly Menu Plan {6 January}

(Hot, delicious Wassail is always a part of our holiday festivities.)

Happy New Year, friends! I hope your year has started out in celebration. Isn't it always exciting to think about all of the blessings of the last year and the possibilities God has for us in a brand new year? Wow!

Here is my menu plan for this week:

Monday - Chili's Skillet Queso, salsa, guac, chips, veggie tray (I have loved Chili's Queso for a long time and this was pretty darn close to the restaurant original!)

Tuesday - Mom's Minestrone Soup, salad, garlic bread

Wednesday - Crock Pot Roast, potato casserole, green beans

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry with Sesame Noodles

Saturday - Nourishing Rice (Arroz con Sustancia) (Thanks to my friend, Jen, for pinning this one!)

Sunday - Snack-y supper

Blessings and love! xo

I'm linking up with Org Junkie for Menu Plan Monday. Click over to get some new ideas for the new year!