Every once in a while, I decide to do artwork as baby gifts. I love being able to paint and draw. I love using my talent to brighten someone's day. My friend Christine is having a baby in the next few weeks and decided to do her nursery in The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I wanted to do something special for her, and below is what I came up with. Not to brag, but I think they came out better than I expected and Christine and Shawn were really happy! In the caterpillar picture, I wrote Jer 29:11 at the top of the log.. For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord is written as part of the picture.

It was done on canvas with acrylic paint.

Lord,
Grant me the wisdom and peace that only you can bring. I want to be the friend that _____ needs right now. I want to be what you want me to be. Help me to cast aside my selfish thoughts, my plan does not matter. Your will, your plan, is the greatest plan that anyone could hope for. Help _____ to understand your will and that you have a plan for them also. Surround _____ with your love and help them to feel you with them, everyday, in every situation. Lord, I pray that you will help to calm fears, and ease the pain. I pray that _____ understands that everyone stumbles and that there are those that love them ready to catch them and lift them up. You have something amazing in store for them. Help the anxiety and worry disappear so that they are able to worship and serve you.

Miranda

I am attracted to music. I find comfort in various songs and am moved by many. I just watched the movie Fireproof. The song While I'm Waiting by John Waller, caught my attention. In fact, I just bought it off iTunes. It puts words to what I have been feeling lately. There are things that I have not been able to describe. This song has a great beat and wonderful lyrics. Take a look:

8. While I’m Waiting
Psalm 5:3, 27:14, 33:20, 37:7, 38:15, 40:1, Isaiah 30:18, Lamentations 3:24
John Waller

"The explanation for this song is simple, I was waiting on God and I was hurting when I wrote the lyrics. I probably wouldn’t have written
a song if my friend, Mike, hadn’t encouraged me to document what I was going through during that time. I’m sure there are few people
who can’t relate to this song, but the important thing to remember while we’re waiting on God is to not just wait but to actively wait.
Serve, worship and be faithful with what you have, where you are… “even while (you) wait.”

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

© 2007 Travelin’ Zoo Music (ASCAP) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)

I am giving my testimony at church soon. I am sooo nervous about doing this. I am not one to talk about my faith very openly, so doing this in front of a bunch of my peers freaks me out TOTALLY!!
I wanted to put some prayer requests up today that are affecting me and some of my family and friends:

1. My testimony
2. A friend at school is dealing with her father having cancer and she is going through tests herself.
3. Continued healing to Joni's mom
4. 4 of my family/friends have recently gotten engaged...prayers for them as they continue to plan. Blessings on their new marriages.
5. Me- peace, understanding, strength, and wisdom to handle whatever situation may arise
6. Friend at PFUMC has received news that treatments are not working. Strength for her family and comfort for her.
7. My cousin, Kamala, is going through some health issues
8. Christine's baby girl should be gracing us with her presence in the coming month. Prayers for a continued smooth pregnancy and delivery.
9. Elevate Bible Study- wisdom, enthusiasm, and cooperation.

As I become older, I am starting to rely on prayer, and love the comfort it brings me when I know that someone else is praying for me too.

1 Thessalonian 5:16-18 "Always be joyful. Never Stop praying. Whatever happens give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this."