Favorite Super Bowl Commercials 2012

In honor of the Big Game, I am walking down memory lane...commercial memory lane.  One of my son's favorite things is Star Wars, and these Super Bowl commercials stand out for our family!

VW Passat Darth Vader

Volkswagon: The Bark Side

What commercials do you remember down memory lane?

Girl Rising: Feature Film

Girl Rising is a film being released in March of 2013.  It was directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins. It is filmed and released as part of the 10x10 initiative (10x10 website) which is committed to educating girls around the world.  "Educate girls--Change the world" is their commitment. 

10x10 movement video

In keeping with the 10x10 theme, the film highlights the stories of 10 young girls, each from a different developing country.  The stories were written by 10 acclaimed writers and each has been narrated by a different world-class actress.  The 10 stories reveal the hardships of girls around the globe, trying to find strength, education, and freedom.  Some have been captured in poverty, others in the sex trade, and others in a culture that educates males but not females.  

Girl Rising: Film Teaser video

I Am Second

Have you heard of the "I am Second" movement?

I am Second

The website explains that "I am Second" means that God is first.  The website collects filmed testimonies of people from all walks of life, some famous, some infamous, and some... like your neighbor next door.  They tell their stories of ordinary and extraordinary lives and struggles.  Then they share their testimony of how Jesus entered in.  

One of the testimonies is by Scott Hamilton, ice skater, commentator, husband, father, and cancer survivor. 

 Scott Hamilton--I am Second video

Jim Denevan: Artist in Sand, Earth, and Ice

Jim Denevan loves many things--surfing, cooking, movement, spirals, and the land.  He creates large scale drawings, freehand with no measuring aids, all within the canvas of the land itself.  He loves to create in the sand--artwork that is then photographed and gone.  He uses a rake or a piece of driftwood and walks for hours, sometimes up to 30 miles to create a complex geometric drawing.  

He has also used an ice canvas for his creations.  In 2010, he created spiral of circles along a Fibonacci curve.  The circles were as small as 18" and up to several miles in diameter.  The location was Lake Baikal in Siberia. 

This video is a wonderful look into his process:

Jim Denevan: Artist of the Land 

The God Who Restores

Meditating today on the God who restores.  

In the story of Job, we see the loss that Job experiences.  I love this verse, where Job declares that God's plans are unstoppable.  Plans for good, for life, for freedom, for healing, for restoration.  

Job 42:2, 10, 12 (God's Word Translation)  
Job: “I know that you can do everything and that your plans are unstoppable"...  After Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored Job’s prosperity and gave him twice as much as he had before...The Lord blessed the latter years of Job’s life more than the earlier years.

Job prayed for his friends, the very ones who let him down during a difficult time.  After he prayed for his friends, God restored Job's prosperity and blessed him with more than he had lost. 



 

Life-Size Lego House

Guinness Book of World Records: Largest Life-Size House made from interlocking plastic bricks

My house is a house full of LEGO bricks, but this was a house made from LEGO bricks.  According to the Guinness website, it was created by James May in the United Kingdom in September of 2009.  1200 volunteers also worked to build this house which used 2.4 million LEGO bricks internally supported by a wooden structure. The house had two floors and four rooms. 

One of the rooms was a bathroom with a functioning sink. 

Wonderful details included a multi-colored window that let in the natural light.  May spent one night in the house on a bed made entirely of LEGOs; he discovered that a LEGO roof leaks!

International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival: Harbin China

International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival: Harbin China

Since 1963, Harbin in Northeast China, hosts an ice festival yearly.  It is internationally known as one of the top ice and snow festivals in the world.  It includes not only snow and ice sculptures, but also ice activities and events such as a carnival, international ice sculptures competitions, ice lantern show, ice sliding, ice-sailing, sledging, ice hockey, ice football, speed skating, cross-field skiing and Alpine skiing competitions, ice fishing, swimming, ice and snow film art show, painting exhibition, calligraphy display, photo exhibition, folk song and dance performances, wedding ceremonies on ice, trade talks, and trade fairs. It is certainly a winter destination spot for many in China and around the world.

Here are some pictures from this year's festival so you can enjoy (if you are not there already!)

Music: Sara Groves

Sara Groves is an Christian vocal artist I have loved for quite a while.  I would describe her as having a simple and gentle style.  Her lyrics are so pure and thoughtful.  She has a song on her Station Wagon album called "Prayers for this Child."  It is a beautiful lyrical song about how she asks God for wisdom about how to pray for her child.  Lyrics Link "Prayers for this Child"

I was praying for a friend yesterday who was going through a very difficult transition.  She has experienced much loss this year and isn't sure what comes next.  While I was praying, I heard this Sara Groves song played.  I had never heard it before, but it was just the right song for my friend.

From This One Place song link

Lyrics:

I was about to give up and that's no lie
cardinal landed outside my windowthrew his head back and sang a song
so beautiful it made me cry

took me back to a childhood tree
full of birds and dreams

from this one place I can't see very far
in this one moment I'm square in the dark
these are the things I will trust in my heart
you can see something else
something else

I don't know what's making me so afraid
tiny cloud over my head
heavy and grey with a hint of dread
I don't like to feel this way

take me back to a window seat
with clouds beneath my feet

Maybe this is the right song for you today too...

Interventions: Weighted Blanket

Our 6 year old son is in the autistic spectrum.  He has had significant difficulties with sensory issues, anxiety, and sleep disturbance.  We started using a weighted blanket for him when he was 2 years old and being treated by an Occupational Therapist.  When he was 5, we purchased a larger weighted blanket. 

Although a picture doesn't capture the actual feel of the blanket, you can see from this promotional picture that the blankets are quilted.  Each quilted square has weighted beads in it, kind of like feeling a bean bag.  The weight is evenly distributed over the length of the blanket. 

The reason for the weighted blanket is to enhance calming and relaxation.  The deep pressure the blanket provides is a grounding input and also helps individuals know where they are in space when they waken during the night.  It was originally used for individuals with autism and sensory processing dysfunction.  It is also used for individuals with ADD and anxiety, as well as many other conditions such as restless legs. 

There are many different online stores for purchasing weighted blankets; you can type "weighted blanket" into any search engine for options.  Ideally, you would work with an occupational therapist to choose the size and weight that is right for a specific individual.  In general, the vendor sites recommend a weight of about 10% of body size plus 1-2 pounds.  However, when we purchased our most recent blanket, my son's occupational therapist recommended several more pounds than this formula suggests.

I do think the blanket has helped somewhat with his actual sleep patterns at night, although he still takes melatonin as well.  In particular, we have seen that it is often calming during waking hours if he needs a rest break. 

Inspiring People: Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic was born in Australia in 1982.  His mother was a nurse and his father a pastor.  Nick was born without limbs, no arms or legs.  

In the midst of the normal challenges of childhood, Nick wondered about the purpose behind his life.  He credits God with changing his life, bringing him a future and a hope.  “I found the purpose of my existence, and also the purpose of my circumstance. There’s a purpose for why you’re in the fire." Nick's website states: Nick wholeheartedly believes that there is a purpose in each of the struggles we each encounter in our lives, and that our attitude towards those struggles, along with our faith and trust in the Lord can be the keys to overcoming the challenges we face.

Nick Vujicic website

 Nick travels the world as a motivational speaker.  He shares his story and his faith.  He recently released a book called Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action

  

His life, indeed, is a story of faith in action.  

How do you activate your faith, make it real and impactful?  How do you share your struggles with others to change the world for good?

Excerpt from Soul Cries: Treasure

Copyright 2012 Theresa Regan (Soul Cries at amazon.com)

Treasure

Matthew 25:14-18 (Contemporary English Version)

The kingdom is also like what happened when a man went away and put his three servants in charge of all he owned. The man knew what each servant could do. So he handed five thousand coins to the first servant, two thousand to the second, and one thousand to the third. Then he left the country. As soon as the man had gone, the servant with the five thousand coins used them to earn five thousand more. The servant who had two thousand coins did the same with his money and earned two thousand more. But the servant with one thousand coins dug a hole and hid his master's money in the ground.

Consider this. You are entrusted with a treasure of great value. The treasure belongs to the King, and He has left it in your keeping for this season. The treasure is a person. You are married to the King’s own son or daughter. Your child is a prince of God, a princess of the highest Kingdom. As the parable above teaches, when the King leaves a treasure in our keeping, He wants to see it increase. He wants to see abundance bubbling over and bursting through.

Pray about this today. How have you invested in the treasures in your life? Has each person entrusted to you increased in your keeping? Have you spoken life, identity, courage, faith, and purpose into their lives? Are they more alive in Spirit glory than they were before they were entrusted to you, or have they become smaller, buried, and more closed and silent? The Kingdom is always about increase, advance, and abundance. There is no poverty or  smallness there. Let’s make sure that the people we are entrusted with are increasing in  glory-goodness, identity, and life while they are in our keeping.

1. Who has been entrusted to your care? Is this person stuck in smallness right now?

2. How can you breathe increase and life over them?

Recipe: Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (GFCF)

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies (GFCF)

My son follows a gluten free, casein free diet as part of managing his symptoms of autistic spectrum.  I always like to try new recipes so he has treats and snacks that he can enjoy and let him feel "part of the group."  I have tried several flourless peanut butter cookie recipes, but I felt like they had quite a lot of sugar in them. 

The following recipe is my adaptation: less sugar, less sweet cookie

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup agave nectar
2 scoops protein powder (I use either Garden of Life protein powder which is free of gluten, or a peanut butter powder like PB2--see blog post on 12/26/12)
2 cups peanut butter
2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
chocolate chips as desired

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes; makes about 2- 2 1/2 sheets of cookies

Book Review: Children with High Functioning Autism

Children with High Functioning Autism (Amazon.com )



There are so many very good books to choose from on autism and parenting.  I certainly have not read them all, but this is a book I very much liked and could relate to.  It is written by Claire E. Hughes-Lynch who has a PhD in special education and in giftedness.  I loved the combination of her knowledge in both areas, because they both apply to the autistic spectrum.  Many people do not realize that the rate of autistic spectrum is notable in the gifted population.  I remember a teacher looking at a student having a melt down at my son's previous school.  She looked at me and said, "I don't know what's wrong with him!  It's not like he's stupid!"  No, he wasn't "stupid," he was bright, artistic, and autistic (undiagnosed).  He wasn't getting the services he needed and the teachers (private school) had no idea what a sensory symptoms was or how to detect red flags for autism.

I related so much to what Dr. Hughes-Lynch said in her book.  There were some things of course that I have a different opinion about, but she is very open about saying that the approach they took may not be the best for everyone.  I remember her saying she would often sit in the car with her kids (two: a girl with autism and a son with multiple autistic features) and try to decide whether she dared try to take them into a store that day.  I have been there and have many stories of my own like that!  Do I dare... What can he tolerate today... What kind of a day has it been? If I'm a good mother, what will I focus on, pursue, and run after---what will I let go? 

What books have you appreciated on autism and parenting?

A Surrounding Mountain

Psalm 125: 1-2 The Message (MSG)

A Pilgrim Song

Those who trust in God are like Zion Mountain:
Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain you can always depend on.
Mountains encircle Jerusalem, and God encircles his people—
    always has and always will

I am praying these verses today.  Join me:  We trust you God.  You are steadfast and ever faithful.  Your surrounding Presence is our protection; You surround us with your love.  When my life is shaken, you are steady, fixed, and sure.  You are never shaken God, but eternally with good purpose, solution, and faithfulness.  Amen!

World Records: Anamorphic Painting

For those interested in the unusual and mind boggling, you might enjoy visiting the Guinness World Records google page or website (http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com). 

It gives you that feeling of "Oh!  I never knew that before.  I've never seen that before!  Hmmmm."

Here is an example of a world record--  The Longest anamorphic painting. 

This picture doesn't do it justice.  Visit the Guinness site at Longest Anamorphic Painting for the best photo.  An anamorphic painting is one that uses unusual proportions or perspective to bring about an effect.  3-D street art is an example.  This street picture was unveiled in India Quay, London, UK, to celebrate Guinness World Records Day, on 17 November 2011.  It measures 106.3 m (348 ft 9 in) and was created by Joe Hill of 3D Joe and Max (both UK).

Inspiring People: Johanna Quaas

Johanna Quaas is 87 years old and continues to participate in gymnastics.  She first competed in 1934.  In 1945 she completed training as a gymnastics coach.  She has since trained coaches and co-authored a gymnastics textbook. She is the 11-time German Senior champion of artistic gymnastics. On September 13, 2012 it was announced that Quaas will receive an entry in The Guinness World Record book as the oldest gymnast in the world.  Check out the video link below to see Johanna in action.

Johanna Quaas video

Who inspires you?

Encircling Peace

Excerpt from Soul Cries Devotional  copyright 2012 Regan 

Zechariah 9:8, 10 (Contemporary English Version)

God says, “I will stand guard to protect my temple from those who come to attack. I know what’s happening, and no one will mistreat my people ever again.… I, the LORD, will take away war chariots and horses from Israel and Jerusalem. Bows that were made for battle will be broken. I will bring peace to nations, and your king will rule from sea to sea. His kingdom will reach from the Euphrates River across the earth.”

God is speaking. What is He saying? He is talking about standing guard over you and protecting His temple from enemies who would attack it. He is encamped around your household in protection. He says, “I know what’s happening, and no one will mistreat my people ever again.” He sees the enemy, the attack, and the injustice.

He speaks peace over you and your children: peace near and peace far, encircling you. The weapons you have formed for your protection will be broken and taken away because peace is coming to reign in your household and to rain down upon it, too.

Let us pray from a secure place of peace because we know that God wins the victory for us in every circumstance. He gives us peace and rest from our enemies. Our King has come to rule from sea to sea. His Kingdom of peace, life, and provision reaches across the earth.

1. How have you and your children known God as your protector and defender?

2. What will God’s peace and Kingdom life look like in your household?

Freedom

Singing this song this morning:

Redeemed: Big Daddy Weave

Here is the video link:  Redeemed: Big Daddy Weave



Seems like all I can see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then you look at this prisoner and say to me 
"son stop fighting a fight that's already been won"

Chorus

I am redeemed , you set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain
Now I'm not who I used to be 
I am redeemed.....I'm redeemed

2nd Verse

All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear you whisper "child lift up your head"
I remember oh God you're not done with me yet

Chorus

I am redeemed , you set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain
Now I'm not who I used to be 

Bridge

Because I don't have to be the old man inside of me 
'cause his day is long dead and gone because 
I've got a new name , a new life I'm not the same 
and a hope that will carry me home 

Chorus

I am redeemed , you set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains and
Wipe away every stain
Now I'm not who I used to be 

I am redeemed you set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains and 
And wipe away every stain
Now I'm not who I used to be
Oh God I'm not who I used to be
Jesus I'm not who I used to be 

'Cause I am redeemed 
Thank God redeemed

Lego: History and Art

My 6 year old son is a huge LEGO fan!  Much of the wood floors of our home are covered with small pieces of plastic.  His favorite themes are Star Wars and Lord of the Rings.  We also love the LEGO video games which we play as a family.  I think the new Lord of the Rings video game is their best offering yet. 

LEGO are more than just plastic bricks.  They tell a great story.  They were invented by Ole Kirk Christiansen (7 April 1891 – 11 March 1958) of Denmark.

He was the 10th son of a poor family who trained to be a carpenter.  He married and had 4 sons before his wife passed away.  After losing his job, he began making wooden toys to bring in money. He eventually put the toys into production and used the wood he had left over from his old business.  Unfortunately, the factory was burned down after a spark ignited some wood shavings and they had to rebuild.  The word LEGO is felt to be a contraction for the Danish words meaning "play well."  After WWII, plastics became available for the construction of blocks and toys.  The rest is history.

My son and I went to see a Nathan Sawaya exhibit at our local museum a few years ago.  Nathan is a LEGO artist.  He is so prolific, he spends over $100,000 every year on LEGO bricks!  He has more than 1.5 million bricks in his New York studio.  If you haven't checked out his website, visit and be amazed!  The Art of the Brick

Here is a taste to get you started:

The Hobbit: Ordinary Heroes

My husband and I went to see The Hobbit this week.  We really like the books and the movies in the series of the rings.  It was inspiring and adventurous and funny and terrifying at the same time.  I highly recommend it (although not a movie for young children).  

One of the themes that Tolkien and CS Lewis both developed in their books is that of ordinary heroes.  Lewis was interviewed and explained his observation that it is often the ordinary Joe or Jane that is going about their usual routine, and is swept up into adventure-- a life changing, land changing, eternity changing adventure.  They are left changed--they become heroes. 

I love these quotes from +The Hobbit:

Gandalf: "I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone."

Bilbo Baggins: "I should think so - in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!"

Bilbo is forced with the choice--whether to join in the adventure, the fight against good versus evil, the disturbing, uncomfortable, frightening, thrilling, life changing adventure.  Nothing remains the same at the end. He chooses... to go with the dwarves and Gandalf to reclaim the Kingdom and treasure.

Another wonderful quote in this theme of ordinary heroes:

Galadriel: Mithrandir, why the Halfling?
Mithrandir [aka Gandalf]: Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I am afraid and he gives me courage.

The ordinary hero.  What adventures are you being invited to join?  Are they thrilling and terrifying?  Is there a kingdom and a treasure at the end?

Celebrate to Honor God

When I was praying last night, I prayed through these verses.  I love this translation where it says "So tell the soil to celebrate..."  That makes me smile. These verses say that we celebrate "in honor of the Lord our God!"  When we celebrate and "stop being afraid,"  we honor God.   We celebrate in faith, because God says that good is coming, green is coming, fruit is coming, grain is coming, wine and oil will overflow.  We honor God, we celebrate his goodness, and even the soil and wild animals rejoice and are at peace.

Joel 2:21-24 (Contemporary English Version)

So tell the soil to celebrate and wild animals to stop being afraid. Grasslands are green again; fruit trees and fig trees are loaded with fruit. Grapevines are covered with grapes. People of Zion, celebrate in honor of the LORD your God! He is generous and has sent the autumn and spring rains in the proper seasons. Grain will cover your threshing places; jars will overflow with wine and olive oil.

Cozy Mysteries

What's on your bookshelf?  I love to read, particularly mysteries and historical fiction/adventures.  My favorite mystery genre is called "cozy mysteries."  I am always amazed at how a mystery can include murder, deceit, treachery and recipes all in one book!  But it can.  That is why they are called "cozy"... you know, not too bloody or terrifying, just cozy with some crafts, light hearted humor, and  fun characters.

I recently found a blog that specializes in this topic.  You may like it too!

The Cozy Mystery List Blog

It organizes cozy mysteries by theme, author, new releases, and special topics.  Looking for a new author, and you just might find a lead at this blog!

Below are some of my recent reads:

I guess my taste buds have been working over time with the coffee, tea, and food themes!

What have you been reading lately?

National Geographic Photography

National Geographic Photo Contest 2012


I love photography.  I am so inspired when I see a great shot.  I used to have a special place in my heart for black and white photos and still love them.  But the use of color in some photos is amazing, beautiful, and emotional.  I have just been looking through the website for the 2012 National Geographic  photo contest.  I believe these pictures will move you.  Enjoy!

Significance

(Excerpt from Soul Cries  copyright Regan 2012)

Judges 6:11-12, 14-16 (Contemporary English Version)

Gideon was nearby, threshing grain in a shallow pit, where he could not be seen by the Midianites. The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, “The LORD is helping you, and you are a strong warrior”… Then the LORD himself said, “Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.” Gideon replied, “But how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest one in Manasseh, and everyone else in my family is more important than I am.” “Gideon,” the LORD answered,” you can rescue Israel because I am going to help you!”

           

Don’t you love a good story? Tell me a story, God. Tell me a good story. Gideon is a very good story! Picture Gideon threshing grain in a pit so that the enemy won’t come and steal his harvest. He is hiding in this pit when an angel appears to him and calls him a warrior. Hail mighty warrior! Gideon explains, of course, that he is insignificant, small, and powerless against the mighty enemy. He is the most insignificant man in the weakest clan. However, God calls him a warrior and says, “I am giving you the power to rescue Israel” from the enemy. God was with him!

How do you view your significance…your strength…your power? What enemies do you and your family face? God will find you and call out your future. He will find you, even if you are hiding, and even if you have pronounced yourself insignificant. He will clothe you in His power to free those who are captives of the enemy. He will empower you to succeed in the battle that you are called to fight. Hail mighty warrior!

1. Is there a battle in your life that you feel unprepared to fight? What unexpected enemies are you facing today?

2. Have you explained to God why your contribution is insignificant? What has His response been?

Executive Function: Book Reviews

I am a Neuropsychologist in a medical center.  A Neuropsychologist specializes in understanding how changes in the brain impact thinking skills, emotions, personality, and behavior.  I also have a son who is in the autistic spectrum.  For these reasons, I am always looking for good resources about executive function. 

This book series by Dawson and Guare is my favorite for explaining executive function and offering interventions for anyone with executive function difficulties (e.g., ADD, autistic spectrum, brain injury).

Executive function includes abilities such as planning, organization, time management, working memory, metacognition, response inhibition, sustained attention, task initiation, goal-directed persistence, flexibility (both cognitive and emotional), and emotional control.  

I love that Dawson and Guare highlight not only the cognitive parts of executive function, but also behavior and personality aspects such as anxiety, outbursts, rigidity, etc.  They also have nice questionnaires included so that everyone in the household can identify areas of executive function strength and weakness within themselves and better understand others who have a different pattern.  The second book below is a teacher's manual for the classroom.  The teen edition just came out this week; I have my copy but haven't read it yet. Below are links to +Amazon.com for further descriptions of the books.

Smart but Scattered

Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents

Smart but Scattered Teens

Snow Art: You've Gotta Say Wow!

Have you seen Simon Beck's snow creations?!

This gentleman is a map maker who was educated at Oxford, and loves mathematical patterns and geometric designs.  He spends his winters at a French Ski Resort and makes snow art by walking through the snow to create patterns.  He uses snow shoes and a sighting compass to create his walking masterpieces.  He walks 5-9 hours a day, typically needing 2 days to complete the figures, which often span the area of 3 soccer fields.  He sometimes needs to redesign his creation if snow falls during the night before he captures the art on film.

What kind of snow creations have you made?

The Pursuing God

These last weeks, I have been meditating on the Pursuing God--That aspect of God that sees us, desires us, and pursues us.  That is what Christmas was about...God pursuing us, even by sending His Son to be with us on earth.  These are other verses about God's blessings, beauty, love, goodness, and faithfulness overtaking us--for where can we run from his love. One verse is from Deuteronomy and one from the Psalms.  I have included two translations for each.  

Deuteronomy 28:2

American Standard Version (ASV)

² and all these blessings shall come upon thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of Jehovah thy God.

Deuteronomy 28:2

Common English Bible (CEB)

² All these blessings will come upon you and find you if you obey the Lord your God’s voice:

Psalm 23:6

The Message (MSG)

⁶ Your beauty and love chase after me
    every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
    for the rest of my life.

Psalm 23:6

Common English Bible (CEB)

⁶ Yes, goodness and faithful love
    will pursue me all the days of my life,
    and I will live in the Lord’s house
    as long as I live.

Gluten-Free, Casein Free Cooking

Many individuals are realizing they have food sensitivities or intolerances.  The most common ingredients people react to include wheat/gluten, cow's milk (casein), and soy proteins.  Other sensitivities are also common including nuts, egg, and fish/shellfish.  My son is in the autistic spectrum, and benefits from a diet that avoids gluten, casein, and soy.

When we realized how much better Joshua did on the GFCF diet, I realized I needed to learn some new recipes and cooking techniques!  In great part, I learned to cook again by reading a great blog from Karina's Kitchen called Gluten Free Goddess.

Gluten Free Goddess blog

Check out her blog, and her recent recipe for Gluten Free, Dairy Free Chocolate Layer Cake!

I Have A Reason To Sing

The Desert Song by Hillsong has been floating through my mind today.  

I am singing:

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship


Sing with me!

God Crowns The Year With Bounty

I have a 6 year old son, Joshua, who is in the autistic spectrum.  Part of my process of mothering him has been to seek helpful interventions and problem solve strategies at home.  Much of my process has also involved prayer for him and for other children and parents who are struggling.  As part of that process, I have published a devotional, Soul Cries, for anyone praying into the life of a struggling child.  Here is an excerpt from the devotional to start us off in the New Year!

 Psalm 65:11 (New International Version) 

You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts 

overflow with abundance.

We have an abundant God.  He overflows with goodness and provision.  Everything He does is fruitful, producing plenty.  Even the hard pathways, where nothing can take root and grow in the natural, will overflow with bountiful harvest.  What hard pathways are you encountering this season?  Do you feel lack in any aspect of your life? 

I pray abundance into every hard pathway of your life.  I speak this scripture over your and your children.  God will crown your year with bounty.  I pray for breakthrough in all areas that have you bound or struggling.  Let’s pray together right now for breakthrough in the areas of health, relationships, identity, finances, endurance, ministry, property, and wisdom.  The list goes on and on, and so does God’s provision.  May he reign and rain over your lives this year, even today. 

1.  Identify two areas of life that are a hard path for you or your child this season. 

2.  Pray this scripture over those areas this month.  I join you in praying for fruitfulness and breakthrough!  Let’s never stop crying out to heaven for abundance to be released in every area of need.  

copyright  Theresa Regan 2012    Soul Cries