Understanding the power of prayer

The last few weeks have been weeks of learning. I have been moved to pray for someone and something very specific in my life. I've spent every morning, afternoon, and evening in prayer for God to work a miracle in this person's life. To move mountains, to show love, to show favor on this person's life. It all came out of nowhere, actually that's not true, but it did come out of a place inside my heart that I thought I had shut the door on.

God left it open a crack. 


I don't know how God is going to answer my prayers. I'm not even sure if I'm praying for the right thing. I do know though, that my life will forever be changed if God answers them the way I want Him to. Then again, it'll be changed if He answers the way I don't want Him to as well.

I've always had a deep faith in the power of prayer, but ever since being placed on this powerful prayer journey, I've felt my faith be renewed. I've felt peace that I haven't felt in a long time about things. I feel like it's only a matter of time before I see the fruits of my labor. It's a good feeling.

I'm anxious to see what God continues to teach me through this time and season of prayer. It's a journey, no doubt, and I can't wait to be able to share with you all the things that I'm praying for. Now is not the right time, but as soon as the time is right, you better believe it will all be shared here.

Do you have any prayer requests? I would love to lift you up and pray for you daily. Email me or comment below.

White as snow

So far this winter has been one for the books. It has snowed so much it feels like. We had a white Christmas, we've had snow for the last couple of weeks, and it looks like more is on the way. The last snow we had was really beautiful. Everything was covered and solid white. There were no black spots in the road, no grass poking through from the ground. Everything was white.

Washed white as snow...


That morning on the way to work, I was grumbling about having to go to work. I didn't want to get out in the mess, it was slick, and it was cold. I stopped at a redlight and could see a hill completely covered. My thoughts started to wander a little. The snow was so perfect. Untouched by warm temperatures, sleds, and footprints. It made me think of my life with a Saviour. How, once, my sins were as scarlet, but He washed them white as snow. Perfect, untouched, snow.

I think sometimes we need that reminder. That our life would be dark without the blood of Jesus washing us white as snow. I'm thankful for the reminder, no matter how cold, icy, and dreary it was that day, my life was warm with the Son.

Joy

Last weekend I had the privilege to attend the Passion 2011 conference in Atlanta. We heard some amazing Words straight from Jesus. One that has continually stuck out for me was on joy.

Where does your joy start? What is the foundation of it?

I love going to football games. I love chocolate ice cream with marshmallows in it. I love girl nights with Whittani. I love watching 'Elf' over and over and quoting it on a weekly basis with Caiti. But all the things that I "love" don't quite bring me the joy that Jesus does.

Too quickly we get caught up in the worldly, materialistic things of life. Too often we pass people by that are missing the one thing in their lives that will change them forever. The joy of Jesus. I want the root of my life to reflect Jesus. I want a light to shine in the darkness that shines brighter than the street lights. I want those around me to see that it's not a win by the Vols that is the foundation of my joy (however, I really DO love it when we win!) I want to be joyful even on the not-so-good days. I want words of Jesus to leave my lips when I feel like saying things that I shouldn't. I want grace to fill my heart when I think back to the things in my life that have left me hurt.

I want to always be mindful that joy comes from the Lord.

White Christmas

Christmas was a white one this year and it was so pretty! We spent Christmas Eve at Nan's house. The food was oh-so-delicious like always. It was great to be with everyone again. As we were leaving Nan's it was starting to snow. We woke up on Christmas morning to a winter wonderland. Snow was everywhere, and it snowed pretty much all morning too. We spent the afternoon/evening at Granny's house. Davy was so much fun. He is getting so big. It's hard to believe that our first Christmas with him he was just barely a month old, and now he is 4! He's such a big boy and such an absolute joy to be around. God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave us him. And I am forever thankful to have such a fun, loving, sweet little character around.