The Power of Prayer

Whenever I find myself getting stressed out, easily irritated and/or bitter, I know its because I haven't been spending enough time praying. This has been the case this week. So to remind myself of its importance, I pulled out some old quotes I keep stashed in a recipe card holder. Here are some good ones that I thought you might find encouraging as well.

"The meaning of prayer is that we get a hold of God, not of the answer." -- Oswald Chambers

"Avoiding prayer is a sure prescription for anxiety, a certain way to avoid peace. Often we do everything but pray. We tend to want something more 'substantial.' Even studying the Bible, going to church, talking to the pastor, or receiving counsel seems more tangible than prayer. (Satan) would rather we do anything than pray. He'd rather see us serve ourselves into the ground, because he knows we'll eventually grow resentful without prayer. We'll never have understanding and power to live what we've learned without prayer." -- Beth Moore

"Next to the wonder of seeing my Savior will be, I think, the wonder that I made so little use of the power of prayer." -- D. L. Moody

"On a typical day I am charged with the pastorate of three congregations. I teach regularly at the seminary. I have students living in my house. I am writing three books. Countless people write to me. When I start each day, therefore, I make it a point to spend an hour in prayer with God. But if I have a particularly busy day, and am more rushed than usual, I make it a point to spend two hours with God before I start the day." -- Martin Luther

"Have you ever noticed that it's really hard to ask God to help someone and still hold a grudge against that person? Praying for that person melts the bitterness, resentment, and dislike that we may otherwise feel." -- Cheri Fuller, When Families Pray

"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." -- Hebrews 4:15-16

Israel's Stats

Israel had her 2-year checkup yesterday. She's 30 lbs (80th percentile) and 36 inches long (97th percentile). She did pretty well -- she didn't even cry when they pricked her finger. But she did not like Dr. Spencer trying to look down her throat!
Other than that -- not much new. Israel has been taking some music classes every Wednesday, and she seems to be loving it. She comes home singing and dancing every time. It's called Musikgarten. They get to play little instruments, learn about rhythm and patterns, and of course, dance around. I'd highly recommend it to any moms looking for some activity for their kids.

Here is my new favorite picture of my loves

Rae is 2!

Happy birthday to our sweet Rae!

So cute...So happy...

such a blessing!

We thank God for Feb. 3, 2007!!!

Ruby - Four Months

Ruby Ann is 4 months old!
She had her checkup on Thursday. She is 14 lbs, 14 oz, which puts her in the 75th percentile for weight. She is also 26 inches long, which puts her in the 95th percentile for height! Our big girl!
These days she is smiling, squealing, and laughing all the time. She really is our sweetie girl.
You can choose to believe me or not, but she really did have a tooth break through about a week ago, and then one day it just went back in! Rae is in love with her, and they make each other smile whenever they are together.