Pray for Families (Making Room)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Every Nativity Story details Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their inability to find any available lodging. I can’t imagine the range of emotions that emanated from hearing repeatedly, “There is no room here”. The Savior of the World is about to be born; the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, Emmanuel, “God with us”. If only the Innkeepers knew, they would have given priority to such a guest, right? Would we?

For the Lord stands at the door of our heart daily, knocking and hoping we will welcome him in. If we are truthful with ourselves, how often do we fail to answer or answer with, “I’m busy right now. Come back later. I have no room for you”. We fail to admit that we have allowed other “guests” (i.e. priorities) to take up the space in our heart.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Advent is a perfect time to ready our hearts to receive him. We must do some internal housekeeping as we reevaluate our priorities and what “guests” we have allowed to stay too long. We must pray for wisdom and clarity for not only ourselves, but for our family. Clearing away clutter takes time. That’s why Advent is four weeks long. And remember, the best companion to “cleaning” is prayer.

Praying for all of you, that by Christmas, your family gatherings are filled with open hearts ready to receive the Ultimate Gift.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Keep your hearts open by always tossing out  that which fills it with emptiness. Pass it on!  

Pray for Marriages (Recipe for a Perfect Marriage)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Holidays are always filled with sweet smells and laughter emanating from the kitchen.   These memories remain with us and bring us comfort and joy, especially when we remake these recipes year to year.

These reflections on recipes from the kitchen  got me to wondering what the perfect recipe would be for marriage.

Recipe for Marital Happiness

Start with a solid foundation (Jesus) from which to build this masterpiece.

Add 2 endless portions of commitment

Stir in enough sugar to keep it sweet

Spice it up as needed

Offer Prayers to the Holy Spirit to serve as leavening to prevent collapse.

Take turns kneading it occasionally to keep it in proportion and not let it grow beyond the foundation.

Keep it undercover in the warmer daily

Allow to cool so that it never becomes overheated

Drizzle in honey to counterbalance any unintended bitterness

To prevent crustiness, keep moist as needed

Remain watchful

Serve at room temperature.

Notes:

Adding nuts is a personal preference

Frequent sanitation results in a more appealing aroma.

For a better translation, see below:

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:9-12

Share the recipe with others so they always have a starter.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Like any good recipe, pass it on and spread the joy!