My Heart's Desire

I read this today in my devotion from "Crosswalk" and thought I would share this hoping it would help someone as it has helped me.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4 NIV

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...Rather than seeing this as a way to get our wish list granted, let's see it for what it really is -- an invitation to seek a love relationship with God above all other things. In finding him, we will find our priorities properly aligned and our hearts tuned to know what is really valuable and what is not. Then we will see that what we have in him is our heart's greatest desire.

MY PRAYER...Awesome and Gracious Father, I confess to you that so often my heart is full of selfish things. But in moments like these, Father, I recognize that you are what I most need and your will is my heart's desire. Please kindle your Spirit in me so that I may see through any selfish, deception that would rob me of having you first in my life. Forgive me when I'm petty, selfish and shallow. May I know you as much as is possible for a mortal to know you, not so that I may be full, but that you may be honored. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

May your joy abound.

Resource: Crosswalk.com

Domestic Violence Awareness

It’s been a while since I blogged. I have been pretty busy with the many activities that fill my day. One of the activities I have been working with recently is A Better Way Ministry, a faith based organization that works with churches and social service agencies to create awareness about Domestic and Family Violence. With October being the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I thought I should share some startling statistics that many may not be aware:

According to the American Institute on Domestic Violence:

· 85-95% of all domestic violence victims are female.

· Over 500,000 women are stalked by an intimate partner each year.

· 5.3 million women are abused each year.

· 1,232 women are killed each year by an intimate partner.

· Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women.

· Women are more likely to be attacked by someone they know rather than by a stranger.

Domestic Violence is a pattern of violence or intimidation in an intimate relationship by one partner against another, designed to establish power and control over the victim. It may include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, economic abuse, isolation, threats or stalking. (source ywca.org)

Domestic Violence not only affects women, but men are also affected.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of Domestic Violence, please contact your local social service agency or call the National Crisis Hotline at (1-866-937-9922).

May your joy abound.