The Truth about the Lordship of Christ

 

“The Truth about the Lordship of Christ,” by John MacArthur is one of three books in the Truth Series.  After reading this one, I am inspired to also read the other two, “The Truth about Grace,” and The Truth about Forgiveness.”  These books are teachings of the core aspects of the Christian faith.  Whether you are a newbie or a well-seasoned Christian, learning for the first time or just being reminded and refreshed in your convictions, “The Truth about the Lordship of Christ,” is a book that will definitely speak to your inner spirit.

John MacArthur is a skillful writer and teacher who draws you right into comparing the life you are living with what God is willing for your personal relationship with Him.  The book has only six chapters, but they are wonderful chapters full of knowledge, assurance, biblical references, encouragement to believers, and explaining the consequences to unbelievers who deny Christ.  The chapter titles are:  Lord of the Universe; Lord in Our Lives; Daily Submission; Holy Living: Confession and Restoration; and Ultimate Destination.  Mr. MacArthur delves deeply into God’s character and purpose and how it applies to our daily walk of faith – things like the sovereignty of God, that only God can declare us righteous, the importance of repentance and of receiving a renewed mind, salvation. God wants us to have a Christ-like character, to become sanctified.  John MacArthur explains, “Sanctification is the continuous operation of the Holy Spirit in believers, making us holy by conforming our character, affections, and behavior to the image of Christ.”  What a loving and merciful God we have, who wants to make each of us like His own Son!  How grateful I am for that privilege.  I absolutely loved this book and recommend it be put at the top of your book reading list.

I received this complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing through their BookSneeze program.  A positive review was not required and the opinion expressed here is my own.

Robins & Birdhouses

Hi friends!  Are you stuck inside the house this afternoon like I am.  I just couldn't brave that wind today.  Although our spring time has seen a lot of rain showers and cloudy weather, there still have been enough days of sunshine to get outside and work in my flower gardens.  There's just something special about digging in the dirt and planting flowers.  And a special treat is watching the birds and listening to their sweet music.  I have a special little corner in the garden where I can sit very quietly and watch them dance and hop around in the branches overhead and listen to them sing to each other.  And I often think of Matthew 6:26 where Jesus says, "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?"  What assurance it is to know that God will provide for my every need just as He does for the sparrows.  Wow!

My card, today, is not of sparrows but of robins.  I always get so excited when I see the first robin -- and the first ladybug, too!  I'm participating in a swap where the challenge is thinking outside the box when it comes to the shape of the card.  We're to make any shape except square or rectangle.  So as I was searching the web for some ideas, I found this adorable birdhouse card on a blog called "Create! With Dee."  Dee has a great video tutorial on her blog that you can check out here: 
http://createwithdee.typepad.com/my-blog/2011/05/video-template-for-birdhouse-card-.html

So here's my take on it, and now I only have to make about (gasp) 13 more (a few extra than what the swap calls for).  This is just an adorable little card and the paper combinations are endless.

Dee doesn't give written instructions, but she does list all the supplies and tools she used.  In case you want to make one of these sweet little things, I've listed a few measurements and tips:
1.  The birdhouse is cut on the fold of a 4 1/4" x
     11" piece of CS, folded in half.
2.  For the roof, cut two 1" x 4 1/2" pieces of CS.
     Dee ran them through a crimper but I used a
     Cuttlebug EF called Distressed Stripes.
3.  Since I don't have a 1 3/8' round punch, I used a 1 1/2" round punch and it worked just fine.

Hope you give it a try!
Annie

When I Was a New Mama . . .

Boy, does this bring back memories!  Being a book lover, I began to read to my son when he was only months old, and then carried on with my granddaughters as they were born.  This story is exactly the kind that I liked to share with them.

“God Gave Us You,” is a very sweet little board book written by Lisa Tawn Bergren and beautifully illustrated.  It is about a Papa and Mama polar bear and their Little Cub.  One night as Mama was tucking Little Cub into bed, she asked, “Mama, where did I come from?”  There follows a delightful and loving conversation where Mama answers questions from Little Cub and explains that Little Cub was a truly treasured gift from God.  Papa and Mama were so excited and even the angels in heaven were celebrating because Little Cub was growing inside Mama.  As Mama’s tummy got bigger and bigger, Papa talked to Little Cub and sang to her because he wanted Little Cub to be born knowing his voice.  They prayed every night to God that Little Club would have straight bones and a strong heart, but most of all that someday Little Club would love God.  Mama continued with the story and when she came to the end, Little Cub went happily to sleep because she knew that God had given her to parents who wanted her and loved her very much.  The story is so touching that I believe if you read it to your child, he or she will truly feel like a gift from the Lord.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and really enjoyed it.

Kay Arthur, "As Silver Refined"

I’ve spent several months trying to finish reading, “As Silver Refined,” by Kay Arthur*.  Once I finished reading the book, I spent another month attempting to write a review of it.  It never became clear to me why this book has been such a struggle, other than being put off by the many uses of “beloved,” “oh my friend,” and “dear child of God.”  But on the other hand, these phrases may be just the comfort that many hurting women need, as though the words were spoken from a loving mother, aunt, or friend.  So putting the sugar coating aside, I can say that Kay tackles many problems and disappointments of everyday living and provides counseling and biblical truths that will “melt and burn away the undesirable elements in your life, leaving you pure and radiant – like refined silver.”  Would you like to overcome dejection and despair?  Would you like a better understanding of God’s sovereignty, meekness in action, and the secrets of everyday endurance?  You will find lots of guidance in this book which will help you to become stronger when life doesn’t turn out like you planned.  The use of this book was well received by a women’s bible study group in our church.

*This book was received free in exchange for my unbiased review through WaterBrook Multnomah Book Publishing Group.



February Challenge - Use 3 or More New Supplies

It's a good thing there is an extra day this month or I wouldn't have gotten this posted on the blog in time.  The cards were finished a couple of weeks ago but just no time to post.  I was able to use 9 new products this month -- whoo hoo!  The first card was done using a crayon resist technique.  I really love the die from the Fleur De Lis Pendants set from Spellbinders.    Inside, the sentiment says:

"The chair to sit in while thinking about art."

The sentiment for this card is

"Get comfy, rest and get better."

There isn't a card sample to go with the "Love" stamp shown above.  I forgot to take a picture before I sent out the card.  Oops!

Well, two months down, and ten to go and I'm lovin' it.  Can't wait to see what will be used in March.  So until next time, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing."  Rom.15:13

Annie

January Challenge - Use 3 or more new card making/scrapbooking items.

Hi fellow stampers!  Well, here goes on month one of my monthly challenge using 3 or more new card making items.  The idea here is NOT to buy new supplies or tools, but to use for the first time from what I've already purchased.  Repeats don't count.  I'm really excited to do this monthly challenge until I've used everything that I just had to have, but instead the purchase sat on a shelf or in a drawer unused.  It's definitely time to move forward and I'm ready to meet the challenge. 

For this month I chose a Valentine theme because it's my time to provide a project at a monthly stamp club that I belong to -- and Valentine's Day is only a couple of weeks away.  Here are pictures of the outside and the inside of the card:

The new products from my stash are the Sizzix Bigz die called Card, Zig Zag 3-D (Pop-Up), Sizzix Heart #1 from the original Sizzix dies, Martha Stewart anywhere lacy heart punch, and the Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper.  The corner chomper I've had for just ages and I just discovered that I love it.  Why did I let it sit around for so long!!! 

I really liked all these products.  The pop up card die came with instructions and was extremely easy to use.  Easy is definitely good.  Well, there you have it - looking forward to the February challenge.  Post what you think of these tools - would love to read it.
Annie

Enemies of the Heart

I didn't realize that I had heart disease until I read this book.  I also discovered that the type of heart disease I have can't be treated with a prescription drug.  If you decide to read this book, you might be as surprised as I was to discover that you are afflicted with a spiritual heart disease.  Perhaps it's time for a check up.

Being an excellent communicator, Andy Stanley keeps you riveted to Enemies of the Heart as he discusses four destructive emotional forces that compel you to act in undesirable ways and have the power to destroy your home, your career, and your friendships. Guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy are described by Andy to be a spiritual heart disease that has the potential to “destroy you and squeeze the life out of your most valuable relationships.”

Andy quotes Proverbs 4:23 NASB, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life.” Whether it be good or bad, whatever is in our hearts is eventually translated into words and deeds. Reading this book will likely cause you to realize that you too, like many of us, have a spiritual heart disease that we aren’t aware of. Thankfully, in his easy to understand and practical advice, Andy helps you get to the root of your bad heart condition and provides biblical direction for healing.

Once again, I’ve been enlightened and inspired by the writing of Andy Stanley. I’ve already recommend it to several friends and will certainly promote it through my church library.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogging for Books book program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Whisper of Peace

A novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Lizzie Dawson is a young woman of mixed blood: born of a white father and a mother from a native tribe of Athabascans in the Alaskan Territory. Lizzie grew up as an outcast because the tribe had banished her mother after her marriage to a white man. When Lizzie’s father had made his fortune in trapping and fur trading, he returned to California to begin a new life, abandoning both his wife and child. After her mother died, Lizzie continued to live alone in the cabin that her father had built, completely self-sufficient in caring for herself and her sled dogs. She had dreams of fulfilling her mother’s dying request that Lizzie be reconciled with her grandparents and be accepted back into the village. A few years had passed since her mother’s death and so far she had not found a way to honor her mother’s request.

Little did Lizzie know how much her world was going to change when Clay Selby, a missionary, and his step-sister Vivian, who was a teacher, arrived in the village to set up a church and school among the Athabascans. Besides becoming friends with the people of the village, Clay and Vivian wanted to also befriend Lizzie and were puzzled as to why she was ostracized by her tribe. Clay felt led to intercede for Lizzie, but her grandfather angrily told Clay that he and Vivian would have to make a choice between friendship with Lizzie or ministering to the natives. Also, Clay was coming to realize that his interest in Lizzie was more than just seeking a casual friendship.  Would he really be forced to make a choice? What did the future hold for all of them?  Would the God of Clay’s faith who brought him to the Alaskan Territory supply his needs and give him guidance as he faced these challenges?

This novel written by Kim Vogel Sawyer is the first of hers that I’ve read. It was a swiftly moving story, flowing and well-written. The author took time to give depth to the characters, along with detail that kindled my imagination.  I have no reservations about this book and would highly recommend it. 

*This book was received free in exchange for my unbiased review through Bethany House Book Reviewers.

Pray for the Veterans and the Men & Women of our Military Forces

 

Book Cover

 I started this altered book several years ago in honor of all my family members that had served in the military, and there's a long line of them.  Thankfully, none of them were seriously injured and none were lost in combat.  Sean, my grandson-in-law, was serving in Iraq, so I spent a lot of time following the newspaper reports and TV news.  Mindy, my granddaughter, and Sean had become a family of 3 just a few months before Sean was deployed overseas.  Their second son was born while Sean was serving his second tour in Iraq.

Well, the book got shelved for a long time.  I'd take it out, look at  all the ideas I had written down, and layouts that I had marked out -- and then just put the book back in the box and put it on the shelf.  I don't know why I couldn't finish it other than I'd always get emotional thinking about Sean and all the other soldiers,  all the wounded, all the deaths, all the destruction, all the heartache.  It just seemed better to wait awhile. 

Looks like the "wait awhile" has passed, so once again I've taken down the book and this time I'm going to finish it.  I don't understand war, but I know that God does, and that ultimately He knows what's needed.  My job is to have faith, to pray without ceasing, and to be humbly thankful for the brave, dedicated men and women who protect my life and freedom.  May God watch over them with blessings and protection.

Tomorrow I'm going to start on one of those new layouts, but for now I'd like to share with you a couple of completed sections.  Anything patriotic has to be red, white and blue, right?   May your Veteran's Day be a good day of remembrance and thanksgiving.

Annie 

Inside Cover - Dedication Page



The Pledge of Allegiance

Fall is in the Air, Beautiful leaves everywhere!

Blazing color right outside my window, brilliant sunshine everywhere, and here I sit by the fireplace, thanking God for His beautiful artistry and blessings.  Uhmmm, what a life!  Speaking of artistry, I have a whole array of fall leaves cards to show you.  I recently hosted a swap with 8 stamp artists and they have created some really wonderful cards.  God places a talent within each of us and it's always exciting to see how that talent expresses itself.  So enjoy and hopefully get some inspiration.

Ann - Washington

Claudette - Illinois

Dawn - Georgia

Gloria - South Dakota

Helen - Georgia

Monica - Ohio

Teresa - California

Tracy - Oregon

The Grace of God

Andy Stanley is one of my very favorite speakers and he writes just the way he speaks – powerfully! Consequently his book, “The Grace of God,” is a powerful lesson on how much God loves us and freely gives us His grace with no strings attached. Grace is unmerited favor – we don’t deserve it and we can’t earn it. Andy is gifted with the ability to explain, describe, and peel back layers until he brings you to the point of a full and deep understanding of the scripture he’s teaching on. He did just that for me as he explained that the grace of God began even before the Garden of Eden. He led me on a journey through the Old Testament, highlighting many acts of God’s grace given to biblical figures – Adam and Eve, Abraham, Jonah, Rahab, and even the thief on the cross – to name a few. And then we come to the New Testament where Andy teaches on the parables of Jesus. But this is not a brief explanation after a quick read of the scripture. As Andy helps you to come to a deeper understanding of grace, you are rewarded with background information of the customs and practices of the Jewish people which sheds a more bright and wonderful light on the meaning of the parables and how grace is intertwined throughout them.

The book is written in a conversational style that is smooth flowing, uses plain language, and is easy to understand. It is one that I would highly recommend to others. I am very happy to have this book on my bookshelf for future reference and inspiration. As of now, it is the very favorite of my library.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing a complimentary copy to me through their BookSneeze program. A positive review was not required and the opinion expressed here is my own.

A New Card Folding Technique

A while ago I saw some really gorgeous patterned card stock from My Mind's Eye and I thought to myself, it's just too pretty to cut up into pieces, and what could I do to use the whole sheet.  I must have spent a half hour or 45 minutes  looking at the different patterns and trying to figure this out.  Finally, the light bulb clicked on (pardon the cliche), and this is what I came up with.  It's really fun to experiment with the different patterns.  If you decide to try it, I'd  love it if you emailed a picture to me. 

Front of card (card closed with flaps folded in).  The finished card measures 6x6.



Start with a 12x12 patterned piece of card stock, best when the pattern looks right side up when you also turn the card stock completely around.  Fold in half in both directions.  Cut and remove the top left portion.  Cut 1/3 rounded slice from the top right portion - on the inside (left).  Stamp a variety of leaves and glue around the cut out.   I used Stampin' Up set 106346 called Gently Falling.



Card with the top flap folded up.  When you stamp a sentiment on the inside flap, be sure to have the top flap closed so that you will have the right placement for when the card is closed up.  Here  I used Autumn Blessings from Rubbermoon.



Inside of card with right flap open.  I used the cut out portion on the inside and glued on a few stamped leaves to finish it off.

 Well, that it, friends.  Hope my directions make sense.  Shoot me an email if you have a question.

Autumn blessings to everyone, Annie

A River to Cross

Yvonne Harris is a new author to me.  I haven’t read a book like this since I was the age of being bright-eyed and believing that there was a good looking, hunk of a man who was both tough on the outside and tender on the inside just waiting to sweep me off my feet, and we would live in sweet wedded bliss ever after. However, if you’re wanting a bit of time to let your mind waltz you away from the ordinary things of life, then this book will take you dancing through a dream-come-true romance.

Set in the Texas frontier of the late 1800’s, Texas Ranger Jake Nelson begins a two-fold secret mission into Mexico to rescue Elizabeth Evans, the daughter of a U.S. Senior Senator from Texas, and to apprehend and bring to justice the rogue general, Manuel Diego. Once Elizabeth is snatched from captivity, Jake, his men, and Elizabeth begin the long run for their lives back to the border at the Rio Grande River. Adding to the difficulty, Elizabeth had never ridden a horse, having only recently moved from city life in Washington D.C. to the frontier town of El Paso. Amid the danger and turmoil encountered along the way, Jake and Elizabeth find that they are extremely attracted to each other - not good.  Romance and attachments are not what either of them wanted in their future.  Elizabeth was recovering from the death of her husband and Jake was still trying to overcome his bitterness at finding his intended fiance with another man.

This book was tagged as Christian Fiction and Historical Fiction. I found little evidence of it being Christian fiction other than a quick reference to prayer here and there. However, I was extremely pleased to find no swearing or immoral behavior. Historical information was a little more plentiful.

All in all, there was a good story line. My disappointment was that the characters and the story were not more fully developed. But with only 275 pages, how deep could it get? Definitely a quick read.

*This book was received free in exchange for my unbiased review through Bethany House Book Reviewers.

Star Book of Christian Symbols

Hey there, handmade book enthusiasts, I need some help!  I've been busy making a star book and have reached the point of adding a cover and tying ribbon.  But guess, what?  I can't think of a name to put on the cover.  All the while I was making the sections, I was racking my brain for a perfect title.  It seems all of my creative juice went into the pages, as my mind keeps coming up blank.  If you have a suggestion or two, I'd sure like to hear them.

I've made several star books, but this is the first one I've done in monochromatic colors for each section.  To add continuity to the sections, I used the format of using the same embossing folder background, Iris Folding, diecuts, and punches.  Also, the symbols are in order so that they portray biblical events in a chronological order according to the Bible.  Just can't tell you how much I loved working on this book.  So . . . why does a book title elude me?  The dimensions are listed at the bottom of this post in case you'd like to make one this size.  To see a larger view, just click on the picture.  Hope you like it.

Numbers 21:8, John 3:14-15

Matthew 3:16-17

Matthew 4:19

Luke 9:22

Matthew 28:18-20

James 1:12, Revelation 2:10 

Inside layer - 4 x 7 1/2; second layer - 4 x 8 1/2; third layer - 4 x 9 1/2; fourth layer - 4 x 11; the black inset between 3rd & 4th layers - 4 x 3. Most star books are made with only 3 layers, but I've been wanting to do this style for a long time.  Finally!

Wishing you a blessed week.  Until next time . . .

Annie

God's Promises

Hi there!  I'm back with another book review, plus a few Independence Day celebration greeting cards.  I realize it's not the 4th of July, but they are so perfect to go along with this book.

“God’s Promises for the American Patriot,” by Dr. Richard G. Lee and Jack Countryman, is the book I’m reviewing today. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed when I unwrapped the package and opened the book. I expected the book to be larger and to be a regular non-fiction book. What I found is that it is laid out in two-page sections: the first page of the section contains American history in the way of an incident, speech, excerpts of essays, or quotes from the lives of great American, patriotic believers; and the opposite page lists corresponding scripture.
However, my disappointment quickly turned to absolute delight once I began to read. The more I read, the more my patriotic pride and love for my country was lifted to a new height. Not to say that I didn’t already have a sufficient amount, but reading about these great men who contributed so much to the founding and building of a God-fearing nation was very inspiring. And, it clearly shows how important God and the Bible were to these men. Unfortunately in this age, there are those who constantly chip away at what made, and makes, our nation great. After reading this book, you will have no doubt that our country was founded on Godly principles.  Besides being uplifted by the contents, I also learned some important history.  The following is a portion of George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation, "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me 'to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God' . . . Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficient Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.'"  How wonderful is that!  The pilgrims and the Indians may have had the first Thanksgiving dinner, but George Washington initiated Thanksgiving Day.

Although this book could be used as a daily devotional, I find it to be more of a book for meditation and inspiration. It is a book that could be read in one sitting or one you could pick up for a short read.  Beautifully bound and designed, with a different picture on each page, it is one you will want on your bookshelf. It would also make a great gift for someone who loves history.

(I received this complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing through their BookSneeze program. A positive review was not required and the opinion expressed here is my own.)

Does red, white and blue make your heart flutter like it does mine!  So my cards are pretty traditional.

Stamps by Stampin' Up

Background made from postage stamps.

Hero Arts Stamps.
Background made using Shaving Cream technique

Wishing you a wonderful week.  Check back soon, or sign up for automatic updates.  Many blessings, Annie


My First Book Review

Oh, wow!  What am I doing anyway?  Well, just to add a new dimension to my life, I decided to give book reviewing a try.  I love to read . . . and since I'm our church librarian . . . and since the books that I review are free . . . and since I will donate the books to the church library . . . it seems the perfect fit.  So please bear with me.  Hopefully I'll get better at this with time.  Soon preferably.  Well, here goes.

The Blessing by John Trent, Ph.D., and Gary Smalley.


What is the blessing and why does it matter?

The blessing is meant to convey unconditional love and acceptance. John Trent digs into the biblical ideas behind the blessing and shares how its principles can be used in any intimate relationship – children, spouses, church family, extended family, friends. Trent found that the blessing as used in Scripture always contained five elements – meaningful touch, a spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and an active commitment. I like that Trent included lots of scripture references. After reading this book, you will know how to give the gift of the blessing. It will be life changing for both you and for someone in your life.

I love that the authors included the Bible story of the brothers Esau and Jacob. Esau had reached the age to receive the blessing from his father, Isaac. According to custom, only the oldest son received the blessing. The father, old and nearly blind, was tricked by Jacob, the younger, into giving him the blessing that should have been given to Esau. Every time I read this story I can feel the anguish in Esau’s cry, “Do you only have one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father.” It was sad to read the personal stories of ruined lives caused by parents who were so demanding and impossible to please, parents who constantly criticized or cut down. However, the book also provided many examples of those who were blessed by someone important in their life. It greatly encouraged me to make sure I’m not missing any opportunities to bless my family or those around me.

*This book was received free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program.

The Greatest is Love

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you have to put away your heart rubber stamps and scrapbooking supplies. Love should be active in our lives all year round. The Bible tells us, from 1 Corinthians13:3, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (NKJV)

What makes love so amazing? For starters, it is what motivated the

Father to send His only Son to die for us. Without love, there would have been no redemption for mankind. Not only would we be without love, but without the redemption that was brought on by love, there would also be no faith, and no hope. You see, nothing else matters, without love. It is the basis for every other good thing in our lives.

Making and sending cards is one way I like to show love, so my heart stamps and supplies are going to be used throughout the year. Here’s a few that I made today.

A Very Special Book

Wow, how did so much time pass since I last posted! As with many of you, life is just plain busy. One of the fun and rewarding things I’ve been doing is being involved in a Care Cards Ministry at my church. We have a group of women who come together once a month to make greeting cards to send to those in need in our church family. The need may be for illness, hospital stay, cheering up, encouragement, sympathy, thank you, or maybe just a thinking of you card. I’ve been busy designing the cards and making up packets of the materials needed to make the cards. How thankful I am that God gifted me with a bit of artistic talent and a love for card making. And then on top of that, He blessed me with a way for me to use this talent in a ministry for His glory. My God is truly an awesome God!

Our group is taking a break through the summer, so we made our last meeting a really special event by doing a take-home project, followed by a great time over lunch -- lots of fun and laughter. Our project was a 4”x6” Prayer Book which has7 sections, one for each day of the week, with suggestions for who to pray for on each day. It also has a section called Stones (short for Jordan River Stones) where we can write down the spiritual markers in our lives. We used pretty scrapbook paper to cover the chipboard covers, ribbons and lots of bling for decoration, and the Zutter Bind-It-All to hold it all together. I’ve posted several pictures below so you can see what it looks like outside and in. But first, I’d like to share with you why prayer is so important.

God speaks to us through His Word, and He asks us to speak to Him through prayer. Prayer gives us access to our heavenly Father who knows what we need even before we express that need to Him. Jesus said, "Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him, " (Matthew 6:8). Prayer communication is a two way street. We talk to God and He talks to us. We don’t just bring our cares, worries, and frustrations to Him. We also offer our praise and worship to Him, the One True God who deserves all praise. In order to keep your relationship with God unbroken and fresh, it is important to put aside time for both prayer and active listening for His answer. The more time you spend with Him, the more you will learn about Him, and the deeper your relationship with Him will grow. God wants each of us to be His special friend. If you haven’t already done so, my prayer for you is that you will reach out to our Heavenly Father today, trust Him, and ask Him to be your special friend. Annie



This is the prayer book cover and the first page.


Here is what each of the divider pages looks like. The borders are made with a Martha Stewart border punch.

I've put pictures of my son and daughter-in-law, granddaughters, great-grandkids, and sisters on this page, for Thursday prayers. On other pages, I've added small pictures of ones I pray for, including my hubby, friends, church elders and leaders, missionaries from our church. I use Post-It Notes to list names and special prayer requests; then when the prayer is answered or the situation is resolved, I can just remove them. These little books would make great gifts, also.