Pray sincerely, open your heart and expect something

It is interesting to me that although God knows all about us even to the number of hairs on our head and our thoughts and words we know little of now He works.

Praying real, heartfelt prayers can open your understanding to more of how wonderful this God, our Heavenly Father really is.

What if we are undecided whether or not to go on a certain journey? The time for good ticketing is short. We want to go but we don't know if this is Gods plan or not.

We can dare to pray with a time limit. Here is a real specific and time limited prayer and it is OK to do that.

God, your plans are always good for me and your timing is perfect. I need you to let me know in the next 24 hours if I am to go on this trip.

Now this isn't a game. It is a real thing you are wrestling with. Should I go? Is it In His plan that I go?

And I can tell you with certainty if it is sincere, specific prayer that God your maker will let you know what the answer is. You may hear in the middle of the night. The confirmation that your answer has come is that you will feel peaceful, not stressed, about going, or not going.

There is such deep security in knowing that we have such a loving Father who wants good things for us and knows us completely that we can pour out our hearts to him without reservation and know He hears and gives His perfect answer!

Planning for next year's Camp

Camp for the kids is my passion. I can't help but also think of next year's camp during this holiday season.

All the bits and pieces to make camp happen came together including a tamale all day project at Verbo, Redwood City, that went towards Camp. 140 children plus 60 volunteers had a joy filled week of challenge and change. Teens who gave their time grew spiritually.

Touchdown Camp programs are being duplicated. We expect a camp in Madrid, Spain Verbo church. Another camp is in San Antonio, Texas. Patty Cardona is being asked to speak in Miami, Florida about children's program.

Growth is wonderful. It also costs money. Camp 13 will happen again in 2017. We are somewhat like a teenager. We are growing, needing new donors and volunteers. We are again asking for the generosity of people who read this to chip in whatever you can. We have no office or salaries. We all are volunteers and cheerful Givers.

When you get behind us with a small push, you join a moving ball that is bouncing all over to make a difference for children.

Getting into the Mood of Christmas

The most wonderful season is here and as I write looking out on fresh snow I am thinking of the best ways to get ready for the birth of Christ.

We can get all caught up in the celebrations, the trees, the buying and Wrapping of gifts and there is nothing wrong with these outward things but think back on last year. What really got you to the heart of Christmas? Did you really experience God?

Here are a few steps towards a deeper Christmas. 

1. Play Christmas music that feeds your soul.

Recommended on Amazon: 

- CLASSIC CHRISTMAS HYMNS AND CAROLS by choir of Kings College, Cambridge.

- THE MESSIAH ...  all of it. Many versions

- THIS IS CHRISTMAS, the most beautiful music.

2. Take time to enter into the joy.

- Cut out things that you don't enjoy and give yourself a break.

- Movie for the whole family: Christmas Angel ...

3. Take time for quiet and personal devotion.

- Put down the paper and take down the Bible.

4. Give thanks for your God and for the divine child. 

- Hold your focus on the things that last! 

- Read Luke 2

As we approach the manger this year may our hearts be prepared
To receive the miracle of life that awaits.

Hallelujah!