A deliverance...

We love restoration prayer at City Central. We love our four Rs. We love to repent and rebuke. However, this week I was delivered old school--by the word of God.

For those of you who don't know me well, you may not know my dirty little secret. I have anger issues--especially with my kids. One day I was running late and Ethan was being slow to get in the car. Inside I was absolutely raging--so much so that I was growling in my mind. I was hurrying Ethan along and he turned around and let out a fierce, very angry growl right at me--it was the same growl I was doing in my mind! My goodness, if that isn't evidence for generational sin and open doors, I don't know what is. Unfortunately, my growls don't always stay in my mind.

Last week I was meditating on James 1. Let me quote what rocked my world:

James 1:19-20 (AMP) Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires].

Everytime my anger comes up, whether it be with my kids, my husband or other relationships, it is always (at least in my mind) desiring to "promote" greater "righteousness" in their lives. Whatever has offended me, in my pride, I usually account as their issue.

Now this verse echoes in my head, especially with the kids. "For man's anger does not promote the righteous God [wishes and requires]." In other words, "Carrie, your anger is the least effective parenting tool you have." It is almost a promise that whatever I do in anger, will NOT change my kids. Wow.

Jesus, thank you for your grace, your forgiveness, your mercy and your Word. Thank you that your Word has the power to change us!

Read what James 1 says next:
James 1:21 (AMP) In a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.

Amen? Thank you, Jesus, for deliverance.

Granted, I'm only a week into this new Word implanted in my heart, but I have had supernatural grace with my kids and way more self-control and perspective. Thank you, Jesus!

Thanks for letting me share,
Carrie Jones

Praying for sick Kids

Leandra Young is going to be praying for kids sick with juvenile arthritis on May 30th at an Arthritis Foundation walk at Point Defiance Point. She'd love some company! Will you call Leandra if you love to pray for sick kids and would love to join her? 253-926-0437. Thanks!

Hello Ladies,

If any of you have been attending Tuesday Morning Prayer, then you know that Carrie Jones commissioned us to start getting together to fellowship with each other, develop deep friendships and encourage one another as often as we can. I am excited to see what the Lord does with these times and would like to initiate the first gathering.

So ... Let's Get Together!

When: Thursday, May 7th

9:30 am to 11:00 am

Where: My House (1615 S. Cedar St. 98405)

What: Let's talk about what's been on your heart lately. The Lord spoke to this gathering being and "Open Mic" session where we can just chat and be together.

Bring the kids and let them play in the playroom or sit at our feet while we share hearts and life with each other.

I'm excited to see you!

Blessings,

Shari Wallace

253-572-2395

Tuesday morning a group of women gathered and prayed about how to weave "inner court" ministry to the Lord into our lives. The following are our notes from the time. I hope it is an encouragement:

Practicals for "pitching our tents toward His presence"

• The Lord gave a picture of a woman painting. Meaning: creative activities are a meeting place with the Lord (even things you have thought are not a good use of time).
• Feel free to ask others to watch your kids so you can have one on one time with the Lord.
• Invite a friend over to worship/pray and let the kids run around/play/do their own thing within that.
• Read the Word with your kids (their kids' Bible alongside yours), gleaning for yourself while engaging and teaching them.
• Fun kids' resources: The Fabulous Bentley Brothers on YouTube, jellytelly.com,
  
• Bible teaching
• Put up scripture around the house (laminated in the shower, dry erase marker on the mirror, etc), so as to ignite meditation on the Word.
• Worship (with kids/in front of the kids) •Incorporate a type of Suzanna Wesley "apron over the head"--be comfortable boldly worshiping/engaging with the Lord in your home as a sign & example to others (ex: Carrie's dad's unashamed singing to the Lord!)
  
• Renew a mindset of the Lord as your husband: loving him is a about your heart before it can be what am I doing for him? We also need periodic "dates" to have one on one with him.
• Speaking/praying in tongues as an act of faith & unity, agreeing with the Lord in unseen spiritual matters.
• Ask the Lord each morning if he wants you to fast, what from, in order to set yourself up for more intimacy through prayer that day. Quote worth remembering: "Self-pity is the fastest way to lose my grace [to fast]."
• Understand that we have immense control over the atmosphere of our home. Play worship music to intentionally stir up prayer & engages my spirit. Its a blessing to anyone who enters.
• Remember that we're laying a foundation for our kids--the highest place we go, they get to start!
• other resources: Bob Sorge sermon: "Embracing Your Inheritance"-when Jacob blesses his sons,
  
• 'Quotidian Mysteries'-how a mother's life is similar to monks',
  
• 'Practicing the Presence of God' by Brother Lawrence
• Spirit 105.3 will text a verse of the day to your phone--it is a great way to start your day focused on God. If you want to give it a try, text: 23754 with Bible in the message. See their website for details: http://spirit1053.com/textmessaging.php?articleID=61
  
• •Ask the Lord how secular humansim comes into my parenting where the focus is more on the kids' development, than on the 1st commandment.
  
• Integrate our kids into our pursuing/communing with the Lord.
• Ask the Lord how do I saturate my life with Him?

Here's to community!

Sisters of City Central,

This blog is set up so that we can be growing, learning, sharing and living together--in greater unity and deeper friendship. Let's create a space where we can post needs, post revelation, list books and music that is encouraging us. How does that sound?

We'll start with a simple blog and see how it develops.