Fully Loaded

When I went to bed last night I realized I only had one more blank paper plate left in my stack! Oh no! That can't happen.  I know what you are probably thinking.  In this day and age, why not just do everything on a computer or tablet.  It's just not the same!  I have to use a paper plate! It has a purpose! A divine purpose!  I knew I needed to make a run to Sam's (for the best deal) as soon as I dropped the kids off at school. Luckily, I was able to run in, get fully loaded on plates plus I ran into a dear friend so I got a refill on friendship while I was there too! That's always a blessing!
Last night I decided to spend some time reading through some of the plates in my collection.  Some are prayers.  Some are more like journal entries.  Oh, how I wish I would have kept the ones from thirty years ago when I first started writing down my prayers and thoughts to God.
Now, I like to make notes and write down how God has answered specific prayers and thank him for each one.  I ran across this request in particular.  It is from over a year ago when a friend asked for prayers but did not tell me what was going on her life until weeks maybe months later. Now, I can thank God with such a peaceful heart knowing what a wonderful plan he had.  I knew he had a great plan but I never could have imagined it was grand!  I plan on keeping my plates for many years to come.  I can't wait to look back on them and continue to add prayers and blessings to them. God hears them!

~Paper Plate Prayer~
Dear Lord,
I pray that we are never too busy to actually stop what we are doing long enough to literally pray for one another, to realize when a prayer has been answered and to acknowledge that answered prayer by thanking you wholeheartedly.  With that said Lord, I thank you for listening to our prayers and for answering our prayers in your perfect time according to your perfect will.

     ~Amen

Armed and Faithful,
Jennifer

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

I'm Listening

The last week I've been doing a lot of listening.  I've listened to David, I've listened to the kids, I've listened to sermons on the radio, television, church and most importantly I've listened to God.  I've listened to God a lot.  

Right now I'm listening to God through the sound of the keyboard and the paint sprayer which is not a coincidence I'm sure because two of the things I've been hearing this week have to do with writing another book (hence the keyboard) and getting the house ready to sell (hence the paint sprayer).  

David has been working himself sick, literally, getting the house painted and fixed up so we can put it on the market.  I haven't been able to physically help due to my back so I've been praying for guidance. I'm so anxious of making a mistake or taking off in the wrong direction with my book that I'm stagnant. Once again, God answered my prayer in his perfect timing this evening when I opened my bible with his comforting words of wisdom.  

The very first thing I read was in Philippians 4:4-7.  Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again. Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  

~Paper Plate Prayer~

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your never ending love and for your beautifully made plans.  I pray for all of those who are anxious and trying to do things on their own and forgetting to not only ask for your lead but to wait for your "go".   We seek wisdom from you that only you can give us Lord.

It is in your name we pray Lord.

     ~Amen

Open ears, 

Jennifer

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.