#Wordoftheyear  By: Deborah Ard

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” John 17:13

We are now in the last days of 2016. Most of us are reflecting on the blessings and troubles of the past year as we look ahead to a New Year beginning. As I mentioned in our last blog post, I have been praying and meditating for several weeks now about choosing a word for 2017.  My goal was to choose a word that I would focus on daily amid the busy schedules that will ensue all too quickly. I have chosen the word JOY for my word for 2017. My prayer is that I will focus on the “full measure of His joy within me”.  My daughter Briley helped to inspire this word for me. When we were listening to our local Christian radio station during the Christmas season she asked me why a certain song was considered a Christmas song. I told her the song was about Jesus so that may be why it was considered a Christmas song. She said that means all the songs on this station are Christmas songs. I had to smile at her new insight.  After Christmas we were listening to the same Christian station and they were playing the music they play on a regular basis. Briley said, “Mama, every day is Christmas on this station!” What a simple and beautiful revelation. I realize Briley is so very right. Every day is Christmas to Christians. And we should live that way! Therefore I chose the word JOY to remind me daily to live out the promise of Christmas.

Have you chosen a word for 2017? If not, I encourage you to pray and meditate and consider choosing a word. I would love to hear from you about what word you choose. We can support and encourage one another. And sometimes we may need to remind each other to turn our focus back to our word. Because I must warn you, whatever word you choose will be the same word Satan will use to attack you. With that knowledge we must be sure to guard our hearts and minds and not allow Satan a foothold to use against us. This very thing happened to me when I first chose my word. God gave me my word and no sooner had I written it down than did Satan start playing havoc with me. I allowed him to stir turmoil with me about a situation which caused me to feel very down and sad.  Thankfully, as I had my morning devotion time, I read a scripture and devotion that comforted and strengthened me. I also reached out to a friend who had shared her word for the year with me. Her loving words were just what I needed to encourage me. She even brought me a gift as a visual reminder for me to use this year.

So again, I encourage you to share your word with me or another friend. Let us tackle 2017 together as Christian friends. Let’s use our “word of the year” to change ourselves and as a result, change the world around us.

Mantra By: Julie Wicker

A mantra is a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in mediation. Its a God coincidence that Deborah’s word is Joy. The Holy Spirit has been nudging me to make a mantra based on Joy. Often I let my circumstances determine my joy. Billy Graham has said, “Happiness depends on circumstances; Joy depends on God”

“Dance through life, seek Joy in His presence”

This comes from scripture, Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of Joy” and the song Heroes by: Amanda Cook “You taught my feet to dance upon disappointment”

#Prayer #Dance By: Julie Wicker

Father,

As I come before you, show me the path of life; that I might find the dance, for in your presence is fullness of JoyPsalm 16:11. I devote this time in prayer being watchful and thankful Col 4:2. Help me to focus on the blessings I receive within your full measure of Joy John 17:13. As I live by your spirit, help me to keep in stride with your spirit of Joy Gal 5:22-25. I long to learn contentment through all circumstances just as the apostle Paul has said in Luke 4:11-12, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. Help me to find contentment in every situation, well fed or hungry, living in plenty or in want. I stand on your promise I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me Phil 4:13.

In the sweet name of your son Jesus, we all say Amen

#Worshipwithus

Heroes By: Amanda Cook

#LetUsPray By: Deborah Ard

James 5:13 “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”

Read the rest of this entry →

#microwavemama

We had a disaster occur at our house this week. No one was sick, no one was harmed, but there was a fatality. Our microwave died. It came to its demise as I was cooking supper one evening. I had two pots on the stove, a dish in the oven, and the microwave going too. And all of a sudden it just quit working. No warning at all! Thankfully, the food that was in the microwave was done so we were able to go on with our meal as planned. But what would we do the next night when we had leftovers? My husband brought me out of my state of panic and reminded me that we would just have to reheat the food the old fashioned way with the stove and oven. But I realized that would take more forethought and planning. Who has time for all that? LOL.

So this made me think. When I was in college a man in our church teased that I was going to be a “microwave mama.” Little did I know how prophetic those words were. Truly, our lifestyle is so busy and on the go at times that we rely on the microwave to help rush our cooking, our eating, and ultimately our time together with our family. Is a rushed and hurried pace what I want my children to remember about growing up? Do I really want to be known as a microwave mama?

Our world thrives on fast pace and convenience. But the Bible tells us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.” So as I spend a couple weeks without a microwave, I will use this time of reheating food to also “reheat” my family time. I will use this time to involve my children in the cooking and warming of the food. I will use this time to talk with them about the differences in technology from my youth and theirs. I will encourage them to enjoy and cherish our time together as it is fleeting. And with God’s help I will continue to instill in them the importance of a life in Christ by reading the Bible together and discussing ways to apply it to our lives. For Isaiah 40:6-8 says, “All men are like grass and all their glory is like flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

I must say, I miss using a microwave. But for this moment in time I will savor the forethought and planning it takes to reheat our food. And as I do, may God continue to teach me and my family as we grow in His grace together.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

-Deborah Ard-

#Prayer  #Leftovers
Lord,
This is the day that you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it Psa 118:24. Thank you for this season in my life, as there is a time for everything. I will use this time to plant the seed of your word in my children and uproot the weeds this world has left behind Ecc 3:1-2. I want to be faithful, though I may fail your word will endure forever Is 40:6-8. Reheat my passion so that I will serve my family without grumbling. Help me to use my gifts so that I will be a good steward of your grace. I want to use your words and not my own. Help me to lean on your strength so that I’m not relying on my leftovers of love and my leftovers of time but rather your provisions so that I will glorify you in all I do 1 Pet 4:9-10. And then at that point my children can see the way they should go and I pray they will never turn from it Prov 22:6.
In the name of Jesus Amen

-Julie Wicker-

#macandcheese

My mom, Dorothy Thompson Phelps, is the best cook I know! I have such fond memories of her cooking delicious meals for us and sharing her love through the food she cooked. Her grandchildren call her GranDottie and their favorite dish of hers is macaroni and cheese. Because I am the “microwave mama” I usually make crockpot macaroni, but in honor of GranDottie I will have my children help make her macaroni and create memories of our own. Perhaps with a little work I can earn the name change from microwave mama to the best cook my children know.

GranDottie’s Macaroni and Cheese

¾ cup elbow macaroni noodles

8 oz sharp cheese grated (the old fashioned way, lol)

1 egg

1 ¼ cups milk

Cook noodles according to package directions. Layer noodles and cheese. Beat egg and mix with milk. Season with salt. Pour milk mixture over cheese and noodles. Sprinkle with pepper. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Let it set for 10 minutes before serving.

-Deborah Ard-

#meatloaf

My Gigi, Elaine Reid’s Meatloaf Recipe is a family favorite and it is Julie proof lol. Recently I made a Wicker family cook book. I wanted to be able to pass on family recipes to my children. Both my grandmothers live out of state, one in Florida and one in California so I do not have very many memories in the kitchen with them. By having some of their favorite recipes to cook for my family helps me feel connected to them.

Gigi’s Meatloaf

2lb. ground beef

1pkg. Chicken Stove Top stuffing mix

1 1/4 cup of water

2 eggs

Mix & shape. Spray pan or line with foil. Heat oven to 400 degrees, cook 45min – 1hour.

-Julie Wicker-

#shineforHim

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

I am the mother of a seven year old girl and eleven year old boy. They are very different from each other. One breezes through academically while the other has to work harder to succeed at school. One goes with the flow while the other pushes the limits. The list could go on and on about their differences which make them unique. My goal as a parent is to mesh those differences into a loving Christian family. Some days I am successful and some days are a complete flop. Usually I flop because I am doing my own thing and not asking God for guidance. Thankfully on those days that I flop, I can ask God to help me straighten it out and when I listen He will lead me.

Each morning as we get into the car to go to school, my children and I read a devotion together in the driveway. Some mornings we are rushed and our moods are negative, but we still read our devotion together because those are the days we need it most. It seems we always read just the right words for that day. I then lead my children in a prayer for our day. I always include in the prayer, “Lord, help us to be more like Jesus in the ways we speak to and treat others. Help us be an example so others will want to learn more about you.”

I try to instill in my children that others are always watching how we act and react to others and our actions and words can be a light that shines for Jesus. Likewise, I am an example in my home. My actions and reactions show my family how I am allowing Christ to shape me. It has occurred to me that often, inside my home, I lash out at my family and act most un-Christlike. My home is the place God has planted me to grow other Christians first hand. It is my responsibility to truly shine for Him at home; not just in the outside world.

This week, my goal as a mom is to be ever mindful of my actions and reactions with my family. May all that I say and do be a reflection of Christ’s work in me. Being a parent is no easy job. Being a Christian parent is not easier, but praise God I am not alone on my journey. Christ is by my side. I must look to Him daily for guidance and direction. He will lead the way…I just have to follow. As I follow His path this week, may I shine for Him so that my family may see His presence and want to learn more about Him.

– Deborah Ard –

#Prayer #Salt

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for choosing us, your creation to be Holy and blameless in your sight Eph 1:4.

You say we are the salt of the earth, but to keep our saltiness we must continually seek you.

You say we are the light of the world, a city that cannot be hid, but we must let that light shine for others to see

your good works in us that you will be glorified Mat 5:13-16.

I desire more of you and less of me Jn 3:30.

I desire your wisdom in my daily challenges my world presents so that I may make the most of every

opportunity as a mother and your disciple.

Let my conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt,

so that I may know how to answer everyone Col 4:5-6.

Show me your ways and teach me your paths Psa 25:4.

When I am weak your strength and power are made perfect in my weakness 2 Cor 12:9.

In the name of Jesus Amen

-Julie Wicker-

Worship with us, click here to hear Salt & Light by Lauren Daigle