A Birthday Prayer—On Facing Old Age

By Julie Morris

Dear Lord,

Let this day be the positive beginning of the final chapter of my life—an open door to the oft-dreaded, much-feared thing called old age. Let me not only be a positive example to others of growing old gracefully, but a delight to you, as I grow older with joy…. relying on your grace…. seeking your face.

As I think about aging in light of “The Serenity Prayer,” which has made such an impact on my life, these words pour from my spirit: Help me to let go of things that don’t matter in the long run, focus on things that do, and rejoice in your ever-present wisdom that shows me which is which.

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Wait a Minute

By Christine Thomas

The average person over 50 will have spent five years of his life waiting.
The scenarios are endless: stop lights, checkout lines, and a human voice when you call the utility company. With so many opportunities, we should be good at waiting.

Christians, especially, are called to exhibit patience to a watching world. The Bible says “For they shall know us by our fruit” (Colossians 3:20). When God has you in a holding pattern, do you wave frantically like an impatient maniac behind a slow driver in the fast lane? Or do you exhibit self-control while striving for contentment in an unpleasant situation?
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The Possibility of Love

By Jane Thornton

“Papa, tell me a story about the wild, wild, west!”

“I’ll tell you a story about the wild, wild, west where I met the girl I loved the best, and her name was Mimi Hot Shot.”

Thus began many a tale told by my grandfather to my big brother. I often listened in, but I don’t remember any of the adventures, dangers, or shootouts. Girly girl that I am, that introduction sticks out for me. Papa loved Mimi. Their love story lingers as a family legend.

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What To Do In The Test

By Brenda Jackson

Trials will come and trials will go! Just like the seasons, never remaining the same. God said we would have them, to prove us, to perfect us and to prepare us for what’s to come and for our destiny.

Trials hurt, they are uncomfortable, painful, and some even may cost us in some area or way in our lives. Whether it be material or emotional! But most importantly to me they perfect us into the image our Father wants us to have. God has a plan, to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11NIV)

He even made it easy for us by telling us in (Ephesians 6:14-15NIV) to prepare by allowing the Word of God to be our firm foundation in which we as Christians are to stand. Be ready to defend by the Word of God. Not getting ready for the fight but already girded up for the fight with the word.

For me I thought I was ready when the trial came. That in the devil’s mind was to kill me and destroy me. At first I complained about it, murmured about it, and felt sorry for myself. I would be ok for about a week, and then I would focus on the pain and what all I had lost. I would return to my flesh and look at the trial instead of the deliverer. I would think this is not God, why is he allowing the devil to overtake me. 

At the time I did know enough to dig my way out, but I was tired of fighting. So finally the Lord gave me a word. I began to not complain. I began to pray, cry and read allowing the Word to become Rhema in my spirit man. I began to feast on the word letting it be my only defense! 

Allowing patience and endurance to have its perfect work in me! Yes patience and endurance must be obtained, even when it hurts and you can hardly pray for yourself. Do know that because God loves us so much he is forever mindful of us. He had people praying for me during this whole time that knew and did not know of my situation.

I had to surrender the trial to God and let him fight for me! Fight how, you may ask, by the Word of God I spoke out of my mouth. I also had to realize that God has given me all power over the enemy to take authority over the attack and command the hands of the enemy down. 

When we are going through a trial we must remember that just as David knew more than anything that God was with him, he remembered the memoirs of the lion and bear. So if we keep our focus that God is with you in the trial, it is subject to change. God does deliver his own against all odds. Our trials, battle’s are the Lord’s put the contest into proper perspective. Don’t let the enemy catch you off guard. 

Continually speak the word and pray over yourself, your children, your business, your church. As women we tend to get so busy and forget where our children our concerned to pray before the enemy can get them. The word is a seed for everything; the word is what WORKS prayer alone does not bring you the results you need to overcome your trial.

When you impart the Word of God in you, let it get rooted deep down in your heart it will save your soul!

Grocery Store Tips

By Brooke Parker

The best way to implement your healthy New Year nutrition goals is to start at the grocery store with a plan.  I often tell my clients, “If you don’t buy it, you won’t eat it.”  This saying applies to produce, fiber-rich foods, dairy foods and even lean meats.  Without prior thought and planning these types of food, which actually constitute the bulk of a healthy diet, will be left out.  If the grocery store or meal planning seems overwhelming to you, don’t sweat it.  The following tips will allow you to conquer the aisles without breaking the bank.

Prepare before entering the store:

• Create a list full of nutrient-dense foods.
• Determine general food needs for breakfast, lunch and snacks.
• List four to five dinner ideas for the week and include ingredients you will need.
• Read ads for store specials and bring coupons if applicable.
• Do NOT shop when hungry. Impulse buying will get you every time.
• Include fun foods in moderation.  Depriving yourself of ALL “treats” does not work.

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