Living as a Victorious Christian Woman

If you've been keeping up with the daily devotion on the left-hand side of this site, you'll notice that today we finished the last chapters of Revelation. That means in just 11 months, we've read through the entire Bible. But chances are, if you're anything at all like me, you weren't perfect. While I read many, many of those days, there were some when I didn't. Either I thought I was too busy, I didn't feel well or I just got distracted with the stuff of the day. If this sounds familiar, know that you're definitely not alone. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11 Some days I have great readiness of mind and I'm delighted to search the Scriptures. But there are others when it's a struggle and a difficult mindset to focus on the Word of God. Does that mean that God doesn't have anything fo...

It's not very often that the girls actually play together. Apparently they're both a very mature 10-going-on-11 years old now, and that means that they don't "play" anymore. But this week I caught them romping on the living room floor and had to take some pictures. Well, hello there. The upside-down big dog. Whatcha doin'? Is she still there? She's still there, isn't she? The Bailey dog poses for beautiful pictures. And Sadie gives me this... There's nothing sweeter than a little snuggle time. Glad I got to be in on it before they're off and running again.

A note from Laura: This recipe is all Danny's! So I thought it would be neat to have him tell you all about it. Enjoy! One of my all-time favorite meals is beans and cornbread. I remember when I was growing up and we'd go visit my grandparents in Alabama. They'd always have black-eyed peas or butter beans and pones of cornbread and onion slices - not to mention any other type of southern comfort food you can think of. Mmmm ... good! Well, this recipe is inspired by those childhood memories. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed sharing it! Ingredients: 2 1-pound bags of large Lima beans 2 32-ounce boxes of chicken stock 1/2 pound (or so) of bacon 1 onion, chopped 1 can diced tomatoes (there are different varieties available, so pick your favorite.) course-ground black pepper to taste few dashes of paprika little bit of basil 1. Soak the beans according to package directions. I used the overnight method, but actually started in the morning so the bean...

 Can you believe that Saturday will be the first day of December? I'm not exactly sure where this year has gone, but the Advent season is just a few days away!   So I've been getting into the Christmas spirit. This adorable Christmas countdown calendar is the perfect way to build anticipation for Jesus' birth. Just a few pieces of paper, stamps, embellishments and a secret ingredient, and you've got a great gift - if you can part with it. I matted my piece of background paper on a piece of cardboard for extra durability. Then I layered ink-distressed card stock and decorator paper and added two acrylic ornaments. The word Christmas is hand-stamped, and since I couldn't find letters small enough, I hand-wrote Days Until. And the secret for a great perpetual calendar - velcro dots! One on the back of each chipboard number and you can interchange them easily every day. Plus they act like 3D adhesive and give the pr...

 As I read through the life of Abraham in the book of Genesis, I am amazed at the fellowship he had with God. He is called the friend of God, we watch the Lord tell him things close to His heart and time and again God blesses Abraham simply because Abraham believed. Genesis 18 is one of those special chapters on faith and fellowship. God decides to share with Abraham the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. There has been so much sin in these places that the Lord has had enough. There will be destruction and death as a result of that sin, and Abraham learns the full extent of God's plan. His response is part of what amazes me. And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. Genesis 18:22 When the days get dark, do you turn to your husband, your girlfriends or your mother - or do you choose to stand before the Lord? Who among these can actually answer your questions and give you perfect peace? Then Abraham goes one step furt...

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High. Psalm 50:14  And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. Jeremiah 30:19 But thanks be to God, which giveth the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 In every thing, give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

If God has richly blessed you this year, and I can guarantee that He has, use this Thanksgiving gathering to record some of those blessings. While you have everyone gathered, take turns sharing what God has done in your life. Choose one of the ideas below or come up with your own way to record them and look back next year at how He has done exceeding abundantly above all you could ask or think. * Leaves: Give everyone a construction paper leaf and have them write out what they're thankful for. Then combine them all for a gratitude tree or a table decoration. * Photo mat: Set the timer on the camera and take a group photo. Have each person write their blessings on an over-sized photo mat and add the picture later. You'll have a conversation piece all year long once you hang it up. * Mini-album: Make a small album with each person's picture in it. Then they can write and decorate it with their words of thanksgiving. * Turkey feathers: A great one for kids. Everyone ...