God is near...

Meredith took this picture one night last week from our back yard. Isn't God amazing?

Encouragement for you today:

"Follow Him through your difficult days. Do not give in to the temptation to quit. Where else is there to go? This is the insightful question Peter posed out of frustration (John 6:68). It is in your adversity that you desire the Almighty. He is not occupied with a celestial distraction somewhere far away. He is still leading you through this valley of despair. Do not give up on Him, for He has not given up on you. He still lovingly leads even though your soul feels resistance. He will pull you through this present predicament. Use this time of challenge to strengthen your faith in Him. Stay behind Jesus, and depend on His wisdom and care. If He can handle the forces of hell, He can handle whatever circumstance is crushing your confidence." (Wisdom Hunters)

"Tied With Love"

Saturday the girls and I enjoyed a wonderful woman's brunch at our church. It is always so refreshing to be with other amazing and godly women!! Together we enjoyed comfort foods like egg casserole, fruits, and sweet breads.

Madison and Lauren make the trek to Martensdale just in time to see me sport 3 different aprons for the skit "What your apron says about you." It was fun and silly which definately suits me. (but, no pictures. LOL!)

My mother-in-law and I were incharge of the food and spent many hours prepping and baking. We filled cake plates with all the finger goodies and wrapped them up in toulle tied with red or yellow ribbon. There were many sweet compliments from our church family and our Sunday School class is going to be in for a treat with all the left overs!

The girls did an amazing job serving the tables and refilling water pitchers. I'm so proud of them. "Tied With Love" was a success and I am already looking forward to next year!!

The Starmer Mission

About a month ago, we put together a family Mission Statement that we felt God was putting on our hearts for the next couple of years.

The mission of the Starmer Family is to celebrate our current season of challenge as preparation for His prosperity by pledging to do the following:

Strengthening Relationships - Ours w/ Him and service to others

Trusting Obedience - His will is never too risky and we will hold results w/ open hand because fear flees w/ faith

Align our prayers w/ the Almighty and be energized by our faithfulness to Christ

Remember to govern our affairs, decisions, and money wisely and according to his purpose.

Model Christ's behavior and attitude at all times. Live markedly different from others. We are God's signature.

Encourage eachother and give thanks in all circumstances. Here humility will grow and flourish.

Reach upward always. Stay focused on the Lord and be courageous. Our sacrifice of service is required but our separation is only for a time and soon we will be united again.

30 Ways to Pray for our Children

So, I didn't get this post up when I said I would..Sorry!! There has been much development in the Starmer household. But, I will get to that later in future posts.

I received this prayer list on my home school loop that I thought was worth printing off and posting... 30 Ways to Pray for our Children. This is something that I will be starting this next week as school starts. There shouldn't be a day that goes by that we don't lift them up to God. After all, they are his children and not ours.

1. That they will trust in the Lord Jesus as their Savior and be examples to others.
2. That they will love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength.
3. That they will become wise and view life, people, and circumstances as God does.
4. That they will be humble and glorify God.
5. That they would be obedient, respectful and loyal to parents and authority.
6. That they would have a deep hunger and thirst for God.
7. They their hearts would be fertile and ready to accept truth.
8. That they would experience God's perfect love, forgiveness, and acceptance.
9. That they would learn to fear the Lord by knowing he is just.
10. That they would trust the Lord and not fear.
11. That they would be protected for the evil one. (spiritual, emotional, and physical)
12. That they would be caught when guilty.
13. That they would exercise self control and yield to God's expectations.
14. That when convicted they will clear their conscience.
15. That they would be disciplined daily to God's Word.
16. That they would joyfully accept all unchangeable things about themselves.
17. That they would understand their position in the Lord Jesus.
18. That they would desire the right friends and be protected from the wrong ones.
19. That they would not tolerate sin to enjoy passing pleasure.
20. That they will not allow bitterness and selfishness to remain in their heart.
21. That their thoughts and bodies be kept pure.
22. That they would have a hatred for sin and submit to God.
23. That they will find their God-given mate and be kept pure till marriage.
24. That they will be free from love of money and a good steward of finances.
25. That they would boldly share their faith.
26. That they will have a purpose bigger than their occupation or marriage.
27. That they will have a vision for a life of service, ministry, or missions.
28. That they would view suffering as God's vehicle to blessing to build character.
29. That satan would not have territory in their life/soul and construct strongholds.
30. That they will always remember the values of their Godly heritage and not depart from it.

(Taken from www.thestillwellgang.blogspot.com)