I pray for your {scatter}brains.

I pray protection over your brains as you receive, retain, and retrieve information.
I pray for the logical side, that it would process properly.

I pray for the creative side, that it would flow freely.

I pray for the short term memory - that your capacity would increase and the conversion to long term would become even stronger.

I pray for the long term memory - that it would remain accurate.

I pray release and healing for the trauma it holds.

I pray for order to come to the scatter.

I pray for a filing and release of the unessential.

I pray a loosened grip on lies that have been planted.

I pray a strengthening on the rooting of truth that has been planted.

I pray a health for your neurons, synapses and neurotransmitters.

I pray for your brain as it processes information, perceives information, transmits motor control functions your memory and your motivation/emotions - that you would have wholeness and God-driven processes.

...and really, I pray you would take an extra breath, because your brain needs to be fueled by oxygen! :)

I pray scripture over you.

I pray Ephesians 3 over you...
...that you would be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being (Eph 3:16)

...that Christ would dwell in your heart through faith (Eph 3:17)

...that you would be rooted and established in love (Eph 3:17)

...that you may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ (Eph 3:18)

...that you would be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Eph 3:19)

I pray Philippians 1 over you...
...that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight (Phil 1:9)
...that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ (Phil 1:10)

...that you would be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ (Phil 1:11)

...that it would be all for God's glory (Phil 1:11)

I pray Colossians 1 over you...

...that God would fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives (Col 1:9)
...that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way (Col 1:10)
...that you would bear fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God (Col 1:10)

...that you would be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience (Col 1:11)

...that you would live in the truth that he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Col 1:13, 14)

I pray for your {football} game...

In honor of the Superbowl kicking this month off, my prayer is football related :) I pray for your...

audibles (verb) 1. a change in the offensive play called by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage.

...changing plans last minute can be tough, from co-coordinating multiple schedules to also adopting a positive attitude towards the change. So I pray that when your plans look like they won't work out as you thought or hoped, that you would be resourceful in your thinking, and be given the needed wisdom to make the best call moving forward. I pray against discouragement, and that your trust in God would grow as you depend more on Him to lead you.

encroachment (verb) 1. a penalty in which a defensive player is positioned in the neutral zone at the start of a play.

...whether someone is crossing your boundaries, stepping on your toes, challenging your beliefs or if your kids are pushing your buttons - we all have times when we feel encroached on, so I pray for your tempers, your choice of words, and your sense of personal safety. I pray you would have grace, and wisdom to establish healthy boundaries.

fumbles (verb) 1. drop or lose control of (the ball), sometimes causing a turnover

...we all lose control (tongues, tempers...). And since we never show that we don't have it all together on a Sunday morning, I pray especially for your drive to and from the church building - that you would feel less pressure, that you would be protected from lies of the enemy and that you would extend grace to yourself. I pray for grace and humility for you when you realize you've 'lost control', and that you would have the strength to admit wrongs, seek forgiveness from God and others, and be restored to wholeness again. I also pray that you would have an extra dose of humor for the next time you fumble, and that you wouldn't be too hard on yourself.

game plan (noun) 1. a strategy worked out in advance

...we all  have strategies and goals we are working towards. I pray that you would consult God on every play you make, or rather that you would let Him set your plays. I pray that your plans would be to honor Him and that He would be glorified in every move you make. I pray your game plan would lead to big and small victories in your life, freedom from struggles and that you would find fulfillment in your work/volunteering/stay-at-home-ing.

huddles (noun) 1. to gather or crowd together in a close mass

...I pray for your friendships, your family and any small groups you may be a part of. I pray for excellent communication in those relationships and for strong bonds to grow. I pray for unity between you and those you open up to, and for healthy, God-honoring relationships where accountability and encouragement flow easily and naturally. I also pray for everyone's specific roles, that in your circle people would function as a team, as the body of Christ, where everyone is truly on the same page.

punts (verb) 1. turn possession over to the defensive team by punting the ball after failing to make a first down

...sometimes you just need to know when to reset, and when to let go. I pray that you would feel the freedom to release what God is calling you to release...and punt. I pray that fear would not convince you to push harder or farther when God is calling you to stay, to wait, to switch focus. I pray for a worldview shift that allows you to see God's perspective on your situations - to see the bigger picture. 

tackles (verb) 1. 

...if you are being tackled, or if something is holding you back, I pray that your faith would endure. James 1 talks about trials and tribulations coming not to test us, but to test our faith, and I pray that whatever tackles come your way, that you would be strengthened in your faith and that you would see the fruit of perseverance and maturity. 

...if you are needing to tackle a task, project, lie, sin, etc.. then I pray for confidence, initiative and for the latter, I pray that you would do so fitted with the armour of God. And if it's the dishes you need to tackle, then I pray for lots and lots of joy. 

Fourth and inches (noun) 1. When a team is in a fourth down situation and less than a yard away from achieving a first down with the decision to go for it or to punt the ball away.

...We are all faced with situations where you have a short time period to make a choice, and the clock is ticking. I pray for your peace in these times. I pray for wisdom and discernment and for understanding from all parties involved. I pray that you would hear clearly as the Spirit guides you, even when many voices may be cheering out.

time outs (noun) 1. a short interruption in a regular period of play during which a referee or other official stops the clock so that the players may rest, deliberate, make substitutions, etc.

...I pray for rest. I pray that you would give yourself permission to take the time you need. I pray that your time outs would be intentional, restorative, peaceful and empowering.

I pray that you would remember that God goes before you, just like your lead blocker would to clear the way and set your path straight. He is guiding you and He is with you.

I pray for your waiting...

The New Year is often a time we make new resolutions and jump into new opportunities with both feet. Plans and schedules undergo reflection, just as our personal lives do - for now, perhaps more than any other month in a year, we are eager to make changes for improvement, in routines both external and internal. In our rush for refinement, however, we may neglect the important step of waiting on God. Therefore, my prayer for families this month is for your waiting.

I pray that as you wait on the Lord you would...

...build strength (Psalm 27:13-14)

...build hope (Psalm 33:18, 20-21)

...be prepared for success (Psalm 37:34)

...be trained to listen to God (Psalm 38:15)

...be made more stable (Psalm 40:1,2)

...move away from revenge (Psalm 40:1,2)

...experience God's compassion (Isaiah 30:18)

...be protected from shortsightedness (1 Corinthians 4:5)

Waiting on God is not a passive experience, but rather an active pursuit. I pray that God would direct your steps forward, and that you would jump in with both feet when, and only when, you are sure God has called you there. I pray that He would be the One you seek to help you change, and that you would listen to His Spirit's direction in what resolutions to make absolute in this 2015.

I pray for your lyrics...

This month, my prayer has been inspired by the lyrics from the Christmas carols I've been listening too...

...oh, do you hear what I hear? .:.

Yes, there are little feet pattering across the floor... cutlery/toys falling... children arguing... car horns beeping... cash registers closing... a cacophony of sounds... but do you hear the symphony within? Do you hear God calling to you, inviting you closer.. deeper? All He wants for Christmas is you. (see what I did there? lol) I pray your heart would be tuned to His voice, and that you would prioritize seeking Him this season.

...let every heart would prepare him room .:.

I pray you and your kin would make room in your hearts for Him to dwell. He came to Earth and dwelt among us. And now, He dwells in us. I pray for intentionality in this for your family this season.

...a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices .:.
Oh, dear child of God, this is a wearying time of year. Days are cold, and newscasts cast dark shadows on the light of God at work in this world.... but He is at work in the world. And remembering the birth of the Saviour, His death and resurrection, revives that thrill of hope, so let all within us praise His Holy name!

...He appeared and the soul felt it's worth .:.

I pray this truth would be made all the more real to you this season. You are SO loved, and SO precious, and the Creator, the Author of life itself, the Eternal One gave His only Son to bring you closer, to validate your worth in the face of an enemy trying to make you believe otherwise. I pray your soul absorbs that this Christmas.

...and wonders of His love.:.

Wonder is a default setting for children. I pray that you would learn from your kids in this way this year, that you would catch a glimpse of how wonder can capture your heart and pull you closer to The Beloved. Let questions unfold in your heart about God's amazing love, and how it completely surrounds you... I pray you let Him pursue you this season and allow His love to penetrate new areas of your heart.

It's so easy to let the depth of this season become mundane and to get lost in the surface details of cookie exchanges, bows and parties. I pray that your hearts would pause long enough this month to expand a little further into the amazing depth God has for you in the story of Christmas. He has so much in store for you!

O, Come let us adore Him!

I pray for your Spiritual Run

I'm praying for your run. Now, not all of us are marathon runners but we are all running a race. So I'm praying for...

Your training - Nobody runs a marathon without training first. Likewise, we need to be training in our spiritual journey, constantly refining our techniques. So I pray that you would retain the scriptures you read (Luke 11:8), that you would look to your Heavenly coach for help (Ps 54:4) and that you would find others to train alongside for accountability (1 Thess 5:11).

Your intervals - In training, these are used to build speed and endurance. In our own lives, we have various seasons of intervals - days and weeks that push our heart rates up, and other days that we use for recovery. I pray these would work as intended - to build you up, and not to discourage you. I pray you would feel strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9) in your uphill journeys and that you would drink living water (John 4:14) to keep you refreshed in your recovery.

Target heart rate - In training this is where you'll receive your maximum benefit. In your spiritual run, this is where you are outpouring from your heart in such a way that you are making the most impact for God's Kingdom. I pray you find your niche, and that you continue to stay in your target zone with God's help, in order to share His heart through you (Colossians 3:16).

Your wall - the point during a race when your muscle glycogen stores become depleted and a feeling of fatigue engulfs you. Spiritually, the enemy wants us to feel burnt out on God, on religion, on serving, on reading our Bible and on anything else that keeps us close to God and on the race path. I pray against this temptation. I prat that when the enemy comes and tries to cut you off (Gal 5:7), that you would cling to the truth and throw off all that is trying to hinder you (Hebrews 12:1).  I pray you would push through the weariness and continue to press forward towards the goal (Philippians 3:14).

Your current mile - I pray that you would be equipped with the right gear, that you would be encouraged in your journey and that you would know in your spirit that you are not running alone, but that God is with you, every step of the way (Matthew 28:20).

Your remaining distance - I pray that wherever God is leading you, you would step forward in obedience (Psalm 119:60).

I pray that wherever you are, from the sidelines to water breaks to hills or long distance stretches, that you would be inspired to keep going, and to do so for the glory of our God!

I pray for your feet

Romans says, "As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” " So this month I pray for your feet! Well, I pray for where your feet take you, and the light that you shine, and the hope that you share along the way.

I pray for the picketing lines you walk; the line ups you stand in at the stores, and the tip toes you stand on to reach the top shelf.

I pray for the house you walk around, the office you stand in and the pedals your feet touch to drive.

I pray for safety; for God-honouring responses (Philippians 1:7); and for strength, peace and boldness for you.

I pray that your feet will be fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace (Eph 6), and that God uses you wherever you walk, to make a Kingdom difference. I pray that as you walk, you will be His ambassadors, confidently claiming that ground for His Kingdom.

I pray for your limits

.:. for your limits that are being tested... by children (yours, or those in your classes!), circumstances and pressures beyond what your heart is currently able to hold... I pray for an increasing amount of endurance, patience and a spirit of long-suffering. I pray for peace that surpasses understanding, and joy that arises in spite of circumstance. I pray for a dose of humor to help you balance out your stress, and I pray that you would feel empowered in Christ's strength, realizing that what you face, be it children's tantrums or yet another health/financial concern, you do not face alone.

.:. for your limits that exist only in your mind... that prevent you from taking risks, trying new things, and stepping out in obedience to God's calling on your life. I pray that you would be given a fresh perspective, and a confidence to step out of your comfort zone, and into areas that challenge, and change, you. I pray that you would not allow the lies of the enemy, or your own fears, to limit you in areas where God wants to amaze you.

.:. for your limits that you need to enforce... with people and projects that are demanding much from you. I pray that you would attune yourself to what boundaries you need, and have the confidence to enforce them, with grace, tact and humility.

.:. for your limits that you are pushing, in a good way - from bellies stretching with growing children inside, to goals that you are achieving. I pray that you would find breakthroughs, take time to celebrate, and continue to push forward in what God is calling you to.

I pray that your limits would be balanced and God-honoring.

I pray for your boxes

I pray for your...

Lunch containers that hold nourishment for your family,

and small containers in your hearts that hold malnourished hopes/plans/dreams.
May you and your family receive the nurturing and nourishment you need physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Jewelry boxes that protect memories held in creative molds
and the boxes in your hearts that hug memories from the past {hugs that squeeze joy from them, or comfort the pain}.

As you reflect on the past, may you remember the many ways the Lord has walked with you, and be encouraged to cherish the treasures of the present.

Tool boxes that help you upkeep your home

and boxes with figurative tools you have to upkeep your heart
and relational tool boxes that you have to help in times of conflict.

I pray you would be equipped to constantly be working to grow, improve and fix yourself and your home.

Storage containers that hold decorations and clothes for other seasons,
and containers in your hearts that are storing emotions and experiences from recent weeks.

May God give you great wisdom and discernment for with what, and how, you fill these.

Donation containers that carry your blessing's overflow to others in need

and the containers of time and resources you draw from within yourself to give to others in the church, community and your family.

May you feel the freedom and joy in the release, and find your personal boxes full to draw from.

"Penalty boxes" that aren't fun to sit in, but do develop character.
Whether you're sending someone (an employee or a child) to one, or are in one yourself in your heart, or in your life's circumstances,

May you have the humility to embrace a lesson, and the fortitude to let the process shape you for the better.

Laundry containers that may look more familiar than your pillow, and the washing and reusing of your own heart's wardrobe.

Our spirituality isn't always new and fresh, sometimes we see old stories and lessons in fresh ways. So like a clean shirt you've worn a dozen times, may you find fresh perspectives in 'old' morals and lessons you have relearned a dozen times.

From matchbox containers and the ignition of new ideas
to jack-in-the-boxes and surprises that will come your way
I pray for your containers - that they hold good, healthy contents
that will not weigh you down, but enable you to make a Kingdom difference, for His glory.

I pray for your soils/gardens

As we begin this new season of Spring, Lord, I'm reminded of the importance of the intentional work that goes into gardening... and I recognize that a very similar process must take place, with similar intentionality, in our hearts and lives.

God, as we would cultivate the soil in our yards, please be tilling our hearts.

...as a garden hoe would do in a vegetable garden, please break down any hardness we have in our hearts towards you, or others;
...much like we would remove rocks and other foreign objects that don't belong in our gardens, God I ask that you would remove unnecessary impurities and barricades that block the deepening of your roots in our lives;
...just as we would be intentional about using the right, nutritious soil for our garden beds, infuse and purify the soil of our lives, that our hearts would be a welcome host to your seeds of truth;

...like worms help irrigate the soil in a garden, help us have the humility to welcome good 'bugs' in our lives, those that you place there for our ultimate health, even though we may feel uncomfortable with them.

Father, as we would plant seeds, I pray you would continue to plant your truth deep into our hearts...

...That just as we would plant a variety of colors, we would seek a variety of sources to hear your truth;

...That as we would strategically plant seeds for esthetics and practicality, that you would plant us in the right places to share your light;

...as we would discern plants from weeds, and uproot the latter, that you would grant us discernment between the work you are doing and the work that distracts us, and give us the wisdom to know how to uproot the imposters;

...That as we would intentionally water the soil, and care for the seeds we can't yet see, that we would prioritize time with you and other believers so the seeds you have planted can grow;

...just as plants naturally grow towards the light, Lord I pray we would naturally draw closer and closer to you;

...and thank you, Father, for your rains that water our gardens - our hoses supplement from what you have already provided - how true in our lives as well - you send us what we need all the time!

And still in this spring season, help us to enjoy our heart's harvest as we would enjoy our own gardens...

...as we would sit with friends in our backyards, remind us to sit and commune with you in our heart's garden.

...as we enjoy the fruits of our labor, help us to give glory to you - be it flowers or vegetables, or the many blessings and accomplishments we will see throughout this month;

...help us to work hard and to intentionally take Sabbath rest, seeking to keep a healthy balance in our lives.

...I give you praise and glory for the beauty of the hearts that are represented in this email list - the parents, the children, and the volunteers. I thank you, Lord, for the work you are doing in and through them. 
...and I pray that God would bless any actual gardens you may have, with an abundant harvest.

I pray for your doors

This month, I'm praying for your doors. Again, it's sounds like a bit of a strange topic, but let's press in and pray for your doors...

I pray for the doors of opportunity in your lives. As you travel throughout your life, you will be invited into various positions of leadership/power. I'm praying for you, that you would make wise choices when it comes to taking on more responsibility. I'm praying for your protection in those roles you do step into - that they would only solidify the character you already have, and not tempt you to compromise on that. I'm praying that you would have incredible discernment as you decide on which opportunities will consume your gifts, time and energy. I pray that you would be presented with a variety of God-given opportunities that will lead to the furthering of His Kingdom in and through you.

I pray for doors that are shutting in your lives. Whether by choice or not, we all have doors that are closing on good and bad opportunities in our lives (relationships, dreams/hopes, promotions, etc.). It is my prayer that doors that are closing will be for your greater good, and that the doors that have been shut for this reason would remain so. I pray that you would not be tempted to reopen doors that should remain closed. I pray that you would have peace about doors that are currently closing. And I pray for healing in your hearts for those doors that slam closed on you unjustly.

I pray for the the doors in your homes, for each room they lead to, and each hand that touches the handles. Life takes place behind those doors - the fighting, the learning, the growing, stretching and loving. I pray that your doors would be covered in protection and that only good would enter in - I pray for a spiritual barrier against evil in any form that tries to enter through your doors. I pray for the guests that you welcome in - that they would sense something different, positive and safe about your home. I pray for the kids in your home, yours, and the ones they invite over - that as they walk through the doors, they would have confidence in who they are, and would stand taller as a result of walking through that spiritual 'veil'.

I pray for the doors in your heart... that as Christ knocks (Rev 3:20), you would eagerly invite Him in, to permeate every room of your heart - even the darkest crevices of closets long ago forgotten. I pray that you would be intentional in the upkeep of your heart's doors. From the heart the mouth speaks (Mt 12:34), and if good is stored up, good comes out (Luke 6:45), so guard you heart (Prov 4:23) with a good door.

I pray that you would earnestly "make every effort to enter through the narrow door" (Luke 13:24), by cultivating an ever deepening relationship with God and growing in your uncompromised convictions towards a life of prayer and surrender to God.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

.:.When I had my own apartment at Briercrest, the first thing I did after I moved in was to pray over my doors, literally. I encourage you to consider praying over various doors in your lives - from those at your work, to your home and in your heart. Doors are both entrances and exits, and we need to be intentional about who, what and how, we're entertaining and hosting through our doors.:.

I pray for your beginnings

...the beginning of your days. May you awake each day this year with a deeper awareness of His presence with{in} you. Before you get out of bed, I'm praying that you would awake with a stronger sense of purpose and hope for your days as a result of acknowledging His presence more and more. As your feet hit the floor for the first time each morning, I pray they would be "fitted firmly with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Eph 6:15) I'm praying that as you dress, you would also put on the rest of the armor of God, so that you are adequately prepared for the various battles you will face each day. And I pray that as you eat breakfast, that you would be encouraged to also nourish your soul by reading the Bible.

...the beginning of your projects and plans. You all have tasks that fill your day - be it school, work or both! I'm praying for you as begin new papers, presentations and proposals. May God guide your preparation and delivery - I pray He infuses your work with creativity, confidence and discernment. I also pray for wisdom for you to be a blessing to your peers/colleagues.

...and the beginning of change

~in your goals... May your goals be God-inspired, and may He give you the resources and encouragement to pursue and fulfill them.

~in your unforeseen circumstances... I'm praying that you would know that His grace is sufficient for you (2 Cor. 12:9). When surprising things happen that are difficult, I pray you would draw ever closer to the Anchor during the storm. When unexpected blessings happen I pray you would give credit and thanks to the Father who loves to give good gifts to His children.
~in your hearts... I pray that your hearts would be ever more aligned with God's heart. We all need to keep pressing in, allowing the potter to mold our hearts, so that what comes out of our mouths can be an ever increasing light to others. I pray your hearts would be softened, that you would embrace suffering, and live gratitude, as a means of allowing His transforming power to be unleashed in your heart.

I pray for your gaps

I'm praying for your gaps. Yes, this is an odd one, but it's the word God laid on my heart for you for this month. Every one of us has a variety of 'gaps' in our lives, that is, we all have spaces that we have stepped into to serve, to encourage, or to walk alongside.

You have been uniquely gifted, trained and resourced, and I pray that God would bless you as you implement them in those gaps you fill. I pray for those of you who have stepped into a gap to support a hurting friend. As you walk painful roads with them, may you be empowered to share peace and hope in ways that touch souls for eternity. I pray for those of you who have filled a gap to serve either in Kidzone, at the school your child{ren} attend{s}, or any number of the places that are constantly vying for your many resources. May God give you wisdom and creativity to share His light to those you serve with and those you're serving. May you be strengthened and energized to finish this year well.

And I pray for the gaps that you have that are unmet in your life right now. I pray that God would send the right people to fill them. I pray that you would know that you are not alone, and that you would be encouraged and blessed with needs met on every level.

I pray that as gaps fill for you, or by you, that relationships would be strengthened. Like a plethora of patches in a quilt, I pray God would weave together a whole, beautiful picture of your life, as your pattern interlocks with those of others, for His glory.

I pray for your holy messes

Author Ann Voskamp refers to life’s turbulent moments as “holy messes”. From argumentative siblings to sudden heartbreaking shock, each aspect of life that spills over from our expectations still has God present. This month, I’m praying for your holy mess moments.

I pray that God would remind you of His indwelling presence in each moment. I pray that the Spirit would empower you to turn to Him in the chaos, in the pain and in the frustration. May you find release from those feelings and be flooded with His eyes for your situation as you do so.

I pray too that you would be comforted by His presence. May you also be protected from turning on yourself in anger and harsh words in those times. I pray that you would be empowered to, as Lysa TerKeurst says, not to act out of control just because the situation is out of your control. May God fill you with His peace that surpasses all understanding, and all unanticipated situations.

I pray that in time, God will redeem the messes He calls you to walk. I pray that no matter how deep your holy mess is right now, that you would be able to be grateful for the good God has given you, and thankful for the dark moments too. May you find healing, health and wholeness in every aspect of your holy mess.

My friend Anne once said that sometimes people treat Jesus like a juice spill. We try to contain him, thinking ‘can’t go there’ or ‘not belonging’, worried about the sticky mess, and trying to wipe Him up. Life spills over, and it’s okay to let Jesus do so too.  

I pray for the spiritual tone of your home

Heavenly Father,

I thank you for every family in Kidzone. I thank you that these families want to grow closer to you. I ask that every individual represented in Kidzone would know your voice with clarity, desire to obey it and obey it in the power of your Spirit. I pray that we would all be awakened to your work and power so that our faith can grow.

God, I know that I (wrongfully) desire to control and manage ...things like schedules, and even sometimes the people around me... so I ask that sin management would not become the goal for me, or FCC parents. Rather, I pray that we would desire to facilitate safe spaces where sin can come out, not to be applauded or accepted, but to be removed for transformation.

I pray for the parents and grandparents in the lives of FCC children - that the roles as spiritual leaders would be taken seriously. I pray for the fathers and mothers who are working to pass on their faith to their children, through words and example. As they posture their heart in dependence to you, God, I pray that they would be blessed with wisdom and creativity and that the hearts of the children would recognize you, God, shining through. I pray that parents would nurture and train their children's souls the same way they care for their children's physical, mental and emotional needs.

I pray for the childrens' roles in responding and contributing to the spiritual tone of the home. As they learn and grow and wrestle with faith concepts, God I thank you that you meet them where they are at. Father, for those children who are currently walking faith-growing-pains, I ask for wisdom for parents in navigating their responses and questions. For those children who haven't yet committed their life to you, I ask for your continued wooing of their hearts. For kids who are actively following you, Lord I ask that you would empower them to be great witnesses in their spheres of influence. For all the kids, God I ask that they would draw them closer to you, seek you passionately, and grow in their knowledge of and relationship with you.

I pray for the visitors and guests that parents and children welcome into their homes. I pray that the spiritual environment of their homes would resonate in the hearts of their guests, and that heartstrings would be tapped just by being in such a positive environment. And as we know, your real home is in our hearts, and so as families leave their houses, would their hearts hold the same hospitality that they exhibit in their homes -traveling as beacons of hope and rooting as havens of emotional and spiritual safety.

And I pray that you, God, would enable me to support these families in their role as the primary spiritual caregivers. I pray for a unity in purpose between their roles in the home and mine in the church as we seek to facilitate environments where your relationship with these children can grow. We want to cooperate with your work in their lives; help us to discern where your Spirit is blowing so we can hoist the sails of our hearts and cooperate with you.

Family temperatures can change dramatically. Lord I ask that you would empower the parents of FCC to be running their homes as thermostats - setting the spiritual tone, rather than being thermometers and just matching the various climates each individual brings in. I pray these things in Jesus' name, and for the glory of that name. Amen

I pray for your terrible too's

We've all heard about the terrible tantrums of the two year olds (and they don't stop just because they turn three!). But what I'm referring to is a terrible t-o-o - an internal tantrum in your own heart that you may have. It's our excuse that we pass along to God for why we may not prioritize time with Him, or follow through on something we know he's calling us to do. Maybe you say you're too busy, too stressed, too tired, too shy, too broke - whatever it is, it's your heart's "no" phrased in a "terrible too". With your kids, you can see their potential and you want to encourage them to become the men and women God is calling them to be. Your Heavenly Father longs to do the same with you. We're all still in a process of growth and maturity. So my prayer is that you would allow God to work in your hearts this month to uproot your 'terrible too' excuse, and to step boldly into more of what He has for you and who He is calling you to be. I pray that you would extend grace and patience to yourselves. And that in moments when you find yourself tempted to respond with hesitancy, that you would be willing to trust God for His best for you, like you would desire your children to trust you.

I pray for your family's influence

I'm praying that God would provide opportunities for the members of your family to share about your faith. I'm praying that as you live out your faith, your light would be very visible in the darkness of the areas you are involved in. I'm praying that others would be drawn closer to God by how you live, and how you serve God as a family. I'm praying that as doors of opportunity open, the eyes of yours hearts would be able to see them, and that through the power of the Spirit, you would act in obedience to what God would call you to do at the time. I'm praying against schemes of the enemy that would thwart the influence you have in your spheres. And I'm praying above all, that your light would shine for God's glory.

.:.character development.:.

Character development is essential to a good story. Do you have a favorite character? A Disney, Looneytoons, Star Wars or LOTR one, perhaps? When we see good character development (whether in a good or evil character)- we are drawn in. We are invited into a segment of their life, captivated by their circumstances and completely helpless but to watch how they respond. These characters are embodied or "put on" by actors who play the role convincingly. But at the end of the day, those actors go home, and are themselves. 

Character development is essential to a good person. Do you know people of good, strong character? A mentor, friend or family member perhaps? When we experience good character in others - we are drawn in. We are invitied to examine our own life, captivated by their conviction and completely empowered to watch and learn by how they respond.

What kind of character do you wear?

Make no mistake - even good character is something you put on. Colossians 3:12-17 tells us to put on a Christ-like character living out traits such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience BECAUSE we are God's chosen people. What we wear can help identify our allegiances. Emblems, logos and symbols speckle our clothing uniting us to something bigger. In the same way, our character is a testiment to who we submit ourselves to; we put on character traits that will associate us to something bigger.

Character. {Noun}
1. Moral or ethical quality.
2. Traits that form the individual nature of a person.
3. Qualities of honesty, courage and integrity.

Don't confuse character with reputation.
Character is what someone is;
reputation is what someone is thought to be by others.

"It is unfortunate that character development is not usually a section to fill out on a resume or university application, because we all know that it is one of the most important parts of any human. It will determine your successes, failures, relationships, and ministry to others more than your talents and abilities ever will." -Cheryl Crocker

What are you doing to develop your character?
Here are a few ideas to get you started thinking...
-Keep your word; don't make promises you can't keep.
-Develop as a person; grow your maturity spiritually, emotionally, mentally.
-Admit and learn from your mistakes; take ownership and make things right.
-Study and be shaped by the Word of God; The Bible teaches us about the best character!

"God doesn't say He dwells with the best singer or the one who preaches best or the one who has the best intellectual grasp of doctrine. He does say He dwells with those who walk uprightly and blamelessly and speak truth from the heart." -Cal MacFarlane

What are you spending your time developing?
Developing your God-given gifts is important to do... but if you don't develop your character, your gifts are an empty offering to the Lord. He cares more about the heart of the giver than the gifts themselves.

Character matters.

Character development is essential.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.:.

We are all shipwrecks

There is a difference between things being hard and things being out of control.

Sometimes in the moment we believe that the latter must be stabilized before God can work in and through us. We grasp to get things under control before we turn to God. Why? I've done it because I think I'm unworthy to come to the cross as a broken person.

How incorrect I am when I think this folly. For it is the broken-hearted who find rest{oration} at the cross; those trying to be perfect before approaching the cross continue to busy themselves with just that when they get there- trying to hold it all together.

The cross held the broken body of our perfect Saviour,

why do we think we need to come looking any better?

It's when we are in the center of out-of-control that we most realize our need for God and should call out to Him. But fear keeps us at bay sometimes, doesn't it? Maybe it's the fear that God won't rescue us, won't accept us, or will see how broken we really are.Or perhaps it's really the fear of accepting that we can't rescue ourselves, accepting our own brokenness, and we project that onto God. But He sees our brokenness... every tiny crack in our masks. And He loves and accept us.

There is no storm that God is overwhelmed by and no face of hardship He cowers away from.

We are all broken. And we are all welcome at the cross, in our brokenness.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.:.

Walking it Well

Walking it well - I’m intrigued by the phrase. It’s a goal to be sure. There are ways in which we can be walking through and responding to difficult times unwell. Those methods are pretty obvious in hind sight, and may have some regrettable consequences. It would be nice to avoid them altogether.

What does walking it well look like? I can’t measure success in this like a true/false quiz; there’s no studying for it beforehand. How do I know if I’m doing it right? Can 40% of my grade come from motive and my desire to do well?

There’s no grade, Sarah. I’m gently reminded.

I believe walking difficult times well begins with a soft heart, which is so hard to develop and live with in a difficult space. Having a soft heart means you live in the reality of the pain more often. And who wants to do that?

In a difficult, painful season of life walking it well requires work and effort that we may feel too exhausted to offer at the time. It means watching our actions and words even more closely because our moral compass isn't pointing straight north with our emotions flying around as they do.


But we do not walk alone, which makes the goal of walking well an achievable option. We won't be perfect; we will trip and fall at times, but Jesus walks with us.


Emmanuel, God with us.


Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.:.