New Years Resolutions...

They never work. But we can hope. Hope. It's a tricky word.

• I want to read the Bible this year. 
• I want to take a picture of 1 tree and at the end of the year see God's amazing creation at it's finest.
• I want to start saving money from each pay check.
• I want to blog more.
• I want to pray at least once a day, whether I blog it or not.
• I want to get in shape.
• I want to travel more.
• I want to be brave
• I want to do things I never would've tried.
• I want to be on my own by this time next year.

I hope these things come to fruition. I'm going to try my hardest to make it happen. But don't judge me if it doesn't happen, because it's likely that I might judge you for your failed resolutions. ;)

Happy New Year!
-katie

PRAYER REQUEST!

Ok Prayer Warriors, I need you!!

A friend of mine, that I graduated with, Mark Webb, is in the hospital. He fell out of a truck on the 21st of November. He has inter-cranial pressure at the level of about 15, which is decent, but we need it to be at 0. God can do this. And His Word says, "Again, I assure you: If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them."[HCSB] Let gather together and pray for Mark's healing. 


God, spare Mark's life. He is a wonderful guy who loves you and serves you. Heal him and let this be a testimony to you in his life. Bless and comfort his family through this time. Thank you in advance for Mark's healing.


Amen.

Remembering Reese, Audrey & Luke

Happy Friday to you all!

Father, You know very well that today, October 15, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It's not fair for all these families-mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters to go through the tragedy of losing a child, losing someone that they haven't even gotten to know yet. Their personalities haven't formed. They won't be running around the house getting in trouble just like their siblings. It's not fair. I don't understand. I pray peace for those who have lost babies. I know they're running around in Heaven having the time of their lives they never knew existed. Love on them, Lord, because we can't. I ask for your comfort and your love on these families. I know they have their days. Anyone who experiences loss have days where they're not okay. They'll throw things and scream and just weep. Let them know that You are with them.

You said in your Word,

"Jesus said,

'Let the little children come to me,

and do not hinder them,

for the Kingdom of Heaven

belongs to such as these.'"

Matthew 19:14

"I will never leave you,

nor forsake you."

Hebrews 13:5(b)

They are with you Father--happy, healthy, and whole. Thank You.

Now Father, I ask your comfort. My worries and stress levels are up. Lord, you know the situation and I ask you to give me a sense that things are okay. I feel as if my world is pure chaos. I need you. I trust you. Let me see you.

I love you Father. Thank you.

Amen.

Satisfied

I am very blessed in my life, but sometimes I overlook that fact. I shouldn't complain about what's going wrong in my life, because I am blessed. I should be satisfied with all that my life is. I should be satisfied because God is my Rock and my Father. And at the youth's Sunday night service today, our speaker, Whitney, blessed us with a word from Philippians.

"Dear friends, you always followed

my instructions when I was with you.

And now that I am away,

it is even more important.

Work hard to show the results of your salvation,

obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

(Here's where Whitney took it from)

Do everything without complaining and arguing,

so that no one can criticize you.

Live clean, innocent lives as children of God,

shining like bright lights

in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Hold firmly to the word of life;

then, on the day of Christ's return,

I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain

and that my work was not useless.

But I will rejoice even if I lose my life,

pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,

just like your faithful service is an offering to God.

And all I want of you to share that joy.

Yes, you should rejoice,

and I will share your joy.

Philippians 2:12-18

Dr. David Moore of the Arkansas Baptist Association (I think) spoke at my church this morning. Wonderful message. He spoke on generosity. We should be generous to those less fortunate that us. In taking notes this morning, I got 4 points.

1. See a need, fill a need. - There's a animated movie called "Robots". All-star cast includes Robin Williams, Amanda Bynes, Greg Kinnear, Halle Berry, Drew Carey, and many more. But there's a robot who grows up idolizing his hero, always wanting to move to the big city to work with him to make people's lives easier for them. "See a need" If you see something that needs to be done, a problem that needs to be solved--"Fill a need"--do something about it. Don't just sit there doing nothing keeping to yourself.

2. Surrender to the Lord. - David mentioned that the word surrender doesn't mean submit (aka, letting it happen), but to give it all up. He mentioned the verse in Matthew 16:25,

"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,

but whoever loses their life for me will find it."

3. Listening to the Holy Spirit. - Psalm 46:8-11

"Come and see the works of the Lord,

the desolations that he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear,

He burns the shields with fire.

'Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.'

The Lord Almighty is with us;

The God of Jacob is our Fortress."

4. Experience the joy of giving. - Giving away your time is important, God will bless you with more when you give your time and talents away.

That's all I really have today.

Lord, bless these readers with all that You are. You are amazing and You are for us. And if You are for us, who can be against us? Zeph. 3:17 I pray your love on this week. Thank you. Amen.

Hebrews 13:5

Well, I thought I was going to start it. Turns out, it's really hard for me to read a chapter and do a lesson in an hour while the baby I watch is sleeping. I'm going to try and make it a habit to do my lessons and reading a chapter a nighttime ritual. I encourage you to do the same.

Yesterday, I found out that my cousin was involved in a IED (Roadside bombing) over in Afghanistan. No one was injured. Just cuts and bruises. Praise the Lord!! Hearing about things like this, makes it real to me. My cousin is the one fighting and putting himself in danger. Keep praying for him, please.

Father God, I pray for your protection on Blake as he is fighting for our earthly freedom. Keep his whole troop safe and let them return soon. Thank you for letting Blake get this opportunity. I pray that you be with his wife, Tara, and son, Dawson. I pray that you will make sure that they know that you are with them all the time and that you love them more than anything. And, Lord, I pray for your wisdom and comfort in my current situation with my mom. I'm just so frustrated all the time. I want her to be happy, but at the same time, I want her to do the right thing and not make any mistakes. Bless her, Lord. I also pray for your guidance through my search for a college and a major. I want something that I want to do and like to do. Thank you for everything you've given me. Thank you for everything you've taken away from me. I wouldn't be the person I am today if you didn't love me like you do. Thank you.

Amen.

Have a wonderful weekend! GO HOGS!

-katie

Breaking Free

I'm starting this book/Bible study called, "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore. I'm so looking forward to getting into this book and literally breaking free from all that has burdened me and everything that is holding me back. I want to discover the victory of total surrender that is Christ Jesus. That is the under title: "Breaking Free: Discover the Victory of Total Surrender". I'll hopefully be reading a chapter or two a day and blogging about it and maybe even quoting an excerpt or two.

Father, Bless me through this book and through your servant, Beth Moore. I pray that I will break free from Satan's bondage. Thank you for your faithfulness and your Sovereignty.

Amen.

-katie

Do I see what you see?

Precious Lord,

Thank you for my great Uncle Bill. He was such a blessing in my life and I loved him. Now he is with you and what a pleasure to know that fact. Thank you for the knowledge and comfort of knowing that he is with You in Heaven. I thank you for his life and the legacy that he left behind. I praise you for his life even though I will miss him here on this Earth. I pray that your hand be on his family especially his children (even though they are grown) and his grandchildren. I pray your comfort be with them.

I cannot express how grateful I am for life. I'm so thankful for this baby boy Pierce. I'm so blessed to get paid to do what I love, nanny. He is such a joy with his little gummy smile and absolutely irresistible laugh. I am thankful for his parents, Jennifer and Dave. They are hilarious and insightful and full of opportunities. Thank you.

Last night, Mike was talking about seeing things as you see them. Father, I pray that I would see as you see. I pray that I wouldn't just glance over the crowd but actually see people and see what they are feeling, etc. I pray that you would bless me through 501. I pray that I would develop life-long friendships and that they would be a blessing to me and vice versa.

Thank you for this incredibly beautiful day!

Amen

Ok, Lord, do your thing.

Thank You, Father, for an absolutely beautiful day. Thank You for the butterfly sighting I had today. It was that beautiful dusk colored blue and black. God, I am putting my trust in you because I can't make this happen. I have an opportunity that would be incredible. God, Your will be done. I know my prayer is not ignored. Your Word says,

"'What is the price of five sparrows--two copper coins?

Yet, God does not forget a single one.

And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.

So do not be afraid;

you are more valuable to God

than a whole flock of sparrows.'"

Luke 12:6-7

So, Father, hear me. I pray that Your will be done. Period. Thank You.

Amen

-katie

Thank You, Lord!!

Thank You, Lord for keeping baby Truett and sweet Stephanie safe!! How precious are these next moments, hours, days, weeks, and years!

And now I have another prayer request. My cousin, Blake Grimmett is on his way to Afghanistan just as I type this post. Last I heard, he landed in Romania. Pray that God keeps him safe and protected so he can return to his family, most importantly his wife and son, in April.

Blake & Me when he came home from training

at our cousin, Jarrod's wedding

at Blake's rehearsal dinner

at his wedding

Blake with his bride, Tara

and their son, Dawson!

Father, Blake is fighting for my country. He's fighting so we can keep our freedom. I have so much respect and love for him. Please keep him safe and protected. God be faithful to us. Thank You.

-katie

PRAYER REQUEST!

So tonight I found out that my best friend's brother and his wife are currently at the hospital, in labor with their first child, a boy to be named Truett! I am so happy for this family. They are precious, funny people who are going to be the most amazing parents. I look up to these people so much and they don't even know it! I love their love for each other. Here's some pictures:

Truett is so lucky to have these people in his life! I cannot wait to meet him!! But, I wanted to see if y'all would pray for a safe delivery and great health report for mom and baby Truett!

Love,

katie

Philippians 4:6-7

Father, your Word says,

"Don't worry about anything;

instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need,

and thank him for all he has done.

Then you will experience God's peace,

which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard our hearts and minds

as you live in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

So, I am praying to You now, Father. Lord, You know what's going on in my life right now. I pray that You will comfort me while it is going on and let me know that You are taking care of everything. God, I need strength through this storm. I'm trying to hang on to You, Father, but, it's hard. I'm slipping. If you can calm the wind a bit, I could readjust my grip on you. And just as Your Word says, I thank You for all you have given and taken away from me. I'd never be where I am today if You didn't let me experience all this. Thank You. Thank You for the breaths I am breathing now.

I love you,

me.

Troubled...

God, I need your guidance with my mom and friend. I can't do this without you, Father. Help me and let me know what I should do. I need you.

Amen.

Matthew 11:28 [NLT]

I'm reading this book called, "Traveling Light" by Max Lucado. It's subtitle says, "Releasing the burdens you were never intended to bear". The entire book is on the twenty-third Psalm.

"The Lord is my Shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare me a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil.

My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever." [NKJV]

This is such a beautiful passage. I always think of this passage when I'm near a creek. I just always love the imagery that David uses here. It's breath-taking.

Well, God has already answered part of my prayer from yesterday. I prayed for a new attitude and God granted my request and I am so grateful. I pray this new attitude sticks with me.

My prayer will be short today.

Father, I ask for your protection over my family. I ask for you to keep this new attitude into affect and to strengthen it with everyday. I pray that it will seep into every aspect of my day and life. Thank you for your blessings. Amen.

Soon, I will tell my story. Until then, good night, and have a wonderful week!

-katie

Psalm 92:4 [NLT]

Father, my prayer for tonight is for me and my mom. Without revealing too much information, I ask that you be over her newest relationship. God, it is a huge bother to me. I need your guidance on what I can do. I need you. I'm trusting You, God. Trusting you to help me, to guide me, and to comfort me in this time. I love my mom more than anything on this Earth; she's my best friend and I don't want to see anything bad happen to her.

God, next I want to beg for your protection over my cousin. I pray for safety while he's over in Afghanistan. I pray that he returns home to his wife and their son. I pray that he will keep you in his heart. He needs you more than ever now. I pray that he comes home in one piece in April, if not before. I love him so much, Father. I thank you for him.

And God, I ask for your blessing on the start of school for all. I pray that this year will be a great one! I pray for all the seniors and for their college search. I pray for the ones starting Kindergarten that they won't be scared or nervous, but enthusiastic about a new phase of life.

And God, finally, I ask for a new attitude. I ask that you will give me the most abundant joy. I've been in such a bad place lately and, God, I need your help to get out of it. I pray that you will give me, understanding, love, a little bit of patience, and overall, peace. I love you and I praise you for who you are and what you've done.

Thank you Lord.

Amen.

Hope you all have a great rest of the weekend!

-katie

The Lord's Prayer

My prayer life has never been great...or even good. It's just been -- well, there. So I've been wanting to change. It's been hard for me to change my prayer life because of how angry I am with God. I will write an entire post for my "story" tomorrow. For now, I leave you with the Lord's prayer, which I will post several times throughout this blogging journey. I will post this passage because Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew that this is how we are to pray.

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"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep babbling on like pagans for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Then this is how you should pray:

.

'Our Father,

Which art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come,

Thy will be done on Earth,

As it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil;

For Thine is the Kingdom,

And the Power,

And the Glory, forever.

Amen.'"

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Thanks for praying with me.

Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend.

-katie

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PS. I forgot to include that I will post a Bible verse with each prayer everyday. This is from Matthew 6:5-13.

Prayerfully Entering In...

I have created this blog for my prayers. I'm always getting distracted in my prayers. This way, I can focus, write them down, and go back to see how they have been answered.
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Father, I ask that this blog will be a blessing to myself and to those who read it. I ask that you keep me accountable in blogging everyday and to find joy in the little things. I ask that you let me give all my worries and cares to you, to let me say what I want just as I normally would. I thank you for my friends, family, and the strangers that I come in contact with daily. I pray that I will be a light for you. Thank you for all you've done for me. You are Sovereign. I love you.
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In Your Son's name
Amen.
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I hope you all have a wonderful day and weekend.
-katie