Word for 2013

Here we are, just two days away from closing 2012's door and stepping through the threshold to 2013. 

For the past few years I have chosen a word to focus on throughout the year...

2011 - be still (here)
2012 - intentional (here and here)

and for 2013.....PRAY.

This year I am certain that God has a lot to teach me about how to pray continually, the purpose of prayer, and the importance of interceding on behalf of others.  I want to be intimately connected to the heart of God and I know that prayer is an essential ingredient.  I have been anticipating beginning this journey for awhile and I am very excited, to say the least, for 2013! 

To begin, I have these books on my bookshelf waiting to be read...

Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels
Prayer by Philip Yancey
Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets
A Passion for Prayer by Vonette Bright
The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
Praying God's Word by Beth Moore
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson


I have also installed the "Prayer Notebook - Christian Prayer Journal" app on my phone.  This will be a great reminder to pray for people's specific needs at certain times each day. 


And finally, I love what Andy Stanley says,


When you pray...

-declare God's greatness
-surrender your will
-acknowledge your dependence for provision, pardon, and protection

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*Do you have a favorite book on prayer that you could recommend?
*Any other insights you have on prayer?

Happy New Year!

Another Stocking

This time last year I was busy finishing the final stitches on Addison's stocking.  As I mentioned in this post, my Grandma began making these beautiful needlepoint stockings back in 1973.  Starting a brand new stocking for our new baby boy brought so much excitement as I imagined how proud my Grandma would have been.  Seeing her great-grandson and another stocking would have meant so much to her.  What a joy it is to continue this tradition and to remember what an amazing woman my Grandma was!

A HUGE thank you to my mom for getting the stocking started and doing all of the hard work!  Now I just have to go back and fill in the backgrounds...as easy as it is, my both-hands-free moments are few and far between these days.  I doubt it will be finished by Christmas, but I am going to try!

And the sweet little boy this stocking belongs to.  Oh, how he melts my heart...

Counting gifts...

810. A new stocking representing a precious new life that has been entrusted to our family.
811. Honoring my Grandma and remembering her legacy.

November and December dinners

It has almost been a year since we began planning and trying new, heart-healthy dinner recipes!  Hard to believe!  Starting in 2013, I will continue to update the "Dinner Recipes" tab with new recipes we've tried and loved, but I won't be doinag a monthly post anymore.

Here is the list of recipes we tried in November and will try this month.  Enjoy!

Mexican Chicken Lime Soup - Add 1 can of no-salt added corn and chopped zucchini
Spicy Black Bean Burgers
Pork Tenderloin with Pan Sauce
Zesty BBQ Chicken (crockpot)
Italian Chicken
Spicy Avocado Chicken Enchiladas
Sweet Potato Veggie Burger
Skinny Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo