Gateways to Joy

Girls do you realize that not only are we created in the image of God, but our emotions are a part of God's imagine imprinted within us too? As women who are pursuing worthiness and strength in Godly character, we need to grow in our understanding of our emotions which is no easy task because often times we aren't prepared to handle the different emotions we feel throughout the different stages of our lives. Barbara Rainey says, "As a woman experiences various emotions, she needs to feel loved and accepted so she can face these times positively.  This is not only critical for her emotional health, but also for impacting her children with positive emotional identities so they will grow up to be mature adults. These emotions are a part of the image of God, and we should grow and mature when we experience them." Let me ask you ladies, how are you controlling your emotions when it comes to dealing with your mate or children? Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to fill...

Isn't it horrible that we are on day 22 of this month, and I am only on day 3 of our prayers.  Yikes! I almost gave up, but I'm not going to.  This is important to me and it is important for me to do for my husband. I want to share something that I read this morning with you. Truth Demands A Response: "One foggy night, the captain of a large ship saw what appeared to be another ship's lights approaching in the distance.  This other ship was on a course that would mean a head-on collision. Quickly, the captain signaled to the approaching ship: 'Please change you course 10 degrees west.' The reply came blinking back through the thick fog: 'You change your course 10 degrees east.' Indignantly, the captain pulled rank and shot a message back to the other ship: 'I am a sea captain with 35 years of experience.  Change your course 10 degrees west!' Without hesitation, the signal flashed back: 'I am a seaman, fourth class.  You cha...

I have a lot to tell you, but before I get to chatting too much let me go ahead and give you the prayer for day 2 of our 31 Days journey to praying for our husband. Day 2 prayer Pray that your husband's relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life.  Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. Here's the schedule for my Facebook Group {in}couraging you in your pursuit of Proverbs 31: Monday: Discuss praying for our husbands Wednesday: Discuss Ann Voskamp's book, 'One Thousand Gifts: A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are. Friday: Discuss Proverbs 31.  We are reading Proverbs 31:10-31 Tomorrow we will discuss Ann's book on our Facebook Group. I made a little something to capture something that captured my heart and my mindseye.  Something that really tugged at my heart.  Something I had overlooked both times that I read the book.  To me these very words describe the epitome of a worthy woman's hea...

Hi ladies! I know.  I know I am behind.  I am actually eight days behind, but since I just thought of the idea on Saturday I am three days behind of my schedule. Yesterday so much came up and I'll be honest I didn't pray for him at all :-(  I know it's bad.  I won't lie to you and pretend that it isn't.  That's why I need to challenge myself in this way. I want to share a bit with you about what I have noticed in really taking the time to pray for Kennedy. I have noticed that when I take the time to focus on God and pray for my husband, the person that God does the work with is me.  Do I see some changes in Kennedy?  Often times I do, but I see a lot of changes in myself. I seem to become softer.  A lot more patient and understanding, very joyful within .  Relaxed.  I appreciate him anyway, but I appreciate him more and even see a bit of life from his perspective which I believe is how I am able to be more understanding. C...

For the next 31 days ladies I would like you to join me in praying for our husbands. Bless your husband by praying for him! The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pray for one another ( Ephesians 6:18 ). This includes wives’ responsibility and privilege to pray for their husbands. Earnest prayer for your husband is good for him, for you and the spiritual health of your home ( Proverbs 31:11-12 ). Satan desires to destroy your husband, especially his character and his leadership in your relationship. Trust God through prayer as you daily surrender your husband and marriage to the Lord’s wise, loving care. We will begin Day 1 Monday (10-8-2012 I know I'm a late bloomer) Day 1   Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. ( 2 Peter 3:18 ;  Prov. 4:23 ) Day...