From Frazzled to Fun

Do you have teens?

Would you like to build a stronger relationship with them?

Get some powerful ideas in this interview Brenna did with family coach Dr. Cam.

Click here to watch the interview on YouTube

Click here to listen to the Apple podcast

Happy Memorial Day!  Some interesting things about today...

Really, Chris?  A black car with black rims and grill and black leather interior? I wasn’t sure it really “fit” me. 

In our search to replace my 2006 Honda Odyssey well-loved van, I had in mind a white vehicle...you know, one that makes you think “glory” or “shine” when you look at it.

But Chris had his heart set on taking me to see this car. I prayed as we headed to see it that the Lord would make it clear if this car was not the one (because he had a different white one picked out for me!)

As we started the car and test drove it, I smiled when I heard a song by Mercy Me playing on the radio. And, wow, I was impressed with all the amenities its great condition for such a reasonable asking price.

After the test drive, the owner was showing us some features on the screen and we saw the words “El Peligroso”.

“What’s El Peligroso?” we asked.

“It’s the name of the car,” he answered.

...

Tomorrow is Pentecost, a feast celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in Acts 2.

Would you consider joining me in praying aloud this powerful Pentecost prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to move in us?

God bless you,

Brenna Stull

 ***

A Prayer for Pentecost 

Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life:
At the beginning of time you moved over the face of the waters;
you breathe into every living being, the breath of life.
Come, Creator Spirit, and renew the whole creation.

Holy Spirit, voice of the prophets:
You enflame men and women with a passion for your truth,
and through them call your people to the ways of justice and compassion.
Come, Spirit of Righteousness, and burn in our hearts.

Holy Spirit, Spirit of Jesus:
By your power Jesus came to bring good news to the poor
and release to those held captive.
Come, Liberating Spirit, and free...

Your child is gifted.

 We all know Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” In translating from the original Hebrew language, which is more precise than our English, the Amplified Bible reads:

“Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Prov. 22:6, TAB

From the original Hebrew we see each child has a gift or bent -- a direction he should go that fits with his God-given passion -- that he will never abandon once trained in it.

Discovering this is one of the most important things we can help our children do.

God might even use it to reform that sector of society for His glory.

George Washington Carver is a great example of using his gifts.

Though he was from a humble background, he did great things that had an impact worldwide and , revolutionized the farming industry.

In Carver's day peanuts...

The Lord bless you
    and keep you, 
the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

God bless you, mama!

The Lord sees and knows the many ways you serve your family each day.

Comment below one thing you are thankful for this Mother's Day.

I heard someone say this last week,

"People ask, 'Why is the world so evil?'

I answer,'Because we as believers are not taking our authority and executing Heaven on earth.'"

What? Are you saying it's our fault?

It made me think of a verse that keeps coming up lately, Matthew 16:19: "I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven..."

Then it became clear to me how important it is for us to receive the keys when I saw a father toss his keys to his 4-year-old daughter....

Hear the story here.

I pray your mama bear rises up and you pray with a new resolution and authority.

Comment below and let me know one thing you are standing for in prayer right now.

How would you like to say bye-bye to those nagging laundry piles?

Laundry is one of those things that always seems to be hanging over moms' heads, and it can be terribly draining. These are just a few of the problems:

• It takes so much emotional energy to sort the clothes back to the owners...and there are so many clothes
• Laundry sits in baskets for days awaiting folding
• Folded laundry sits in piles waiting to be put away
• Mom is the only one doing it

Here's an idea - LET EVERYONE CARRY THEIR LOAD (pun intended).

Can you imagine a world where everyone ages 3 and up does their own laundry?

How would that impact your life on a week-to-week basis, and how many extra hours would that buy you in a month?

 I dare you to try.

 To make the change, communication will be important. These are questions to ask each family member that can help set them up for success -- it simplifies, equips and tailors their experience:

 1. What can you get rid of from your drawers and...

I dare you to pray this aloud...

An Easter Prayer

Jesus my Lord, you defeated death and the grave! 

I reflect on your amazing grace and rejoice in your salvation.

Shine your light in me, through me, over me.

Remind me as a believer in Christ that I have your Resurrection Power fueling my daily life.

Lord, help me to live in the gladness and grace of Easter Sunday everyday, proclaiming your good news to everyone in my path.

May I reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.

Thanks be to you God, for your indescribable gift! To you be glory and honor, on this Resurrection Day, and forever.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Praying you and your family have a blessed Easter!