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However since we will have around 50 or more folks stopping by the Monday following T-day, I decided I better get moving now. So over this past weekend I stripped our fall decor down and hauled the ho-ho totes up. My husband stared at me with his familiar quizzical look and murmured, "huh?"

I guess he just doesn't understand why the engraved pumpkin stating, "We give thanks" is getting tucked away before we actually give Thanks. I'm sure the 'huh' also refers to the twinkling evergreen that now adorns our sunroom.

What can I say? I just don't want to wait until the last minute to do the switch. I know me. If I put it off until that weekend, something... no EVERYTHING will happen to prevent a smooth transfer of seasons. Then the race would ensue causing stress and chaos. And who needs that?

For this reason, Christmas has arrived at the Praters on November 15th this year, complete with music to decorate by. And I'm glad it has worked out this way.

As I slipped the nativity figurines into their rightful place and heard the tune, "O Come All Ye Faithful," it made me get all giddy inside. Not because of tree trimming and gifts that will appear under it. A warm rush came over me as I was reminded of the joy this season brings.

It is such a reflective time to ponder just what God did. He sent His Son as a baby.

I look at my own baby grandchildren and see how incredibly sweet they are. Can you imagine how it would feel to kiss those tender little cheeks of the baby Jesus? When he squeezed Mary's finger with his tiny fist, did her heart melt?

He showed up on the scene without fanfare. He quietly slipped into their lives the same way He enters ours, gently. His birth is the most celebrated day of the year! I guess this year, I just needed more time to appreciate it.

Tell me what new thing has caught your attention this year about Christmas?

Father, thanks for giving us Turkey day next week, but more importantly Thanks for giving us your precious Son! Fill our hearts and minds with the wonder of this magnificent event in history. Allow us to experience joy like never before as we meditate on your powerful gift! In Jesus' the Hope of the world's name I pray, amen.]]> In His Grip http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=263 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:41:15 -0600 http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=261
God tests me. Does he test you too? I'm so thankful that he put these types of stories in the bible for me to see how he works. He presents something to you and then waits.

I have often told my children and audiences across the country, "You may not have control over the crazy driver who cut you off on the way to work, but you have 100% control over how you react to it."

So God throws something unexpected in my path then waits to see how I react. It isn't that he is wanting to see if I slip up so he can play the, "Ah-ha, gottcha!" game, no it is to see if I will put my total trust in him. He tests me to see if I have learned the lesson.

I've been called thick. Thick-headed; thick-skinned; and generally thick in areas where my Levi's fit a bit too snug. So it is no wonder I am like Philip in this story. Can't you just see Jesus' face when he poses the question? I think there was a little anticipation in his eyes, as if to say, "Come on Philip, you can do this."

He gives me opportunities each day to believe the absolute majesty of who he is and yet I too often see the insurmountable roadblock instead. It is a test.

This morning I saw the sunrise with the love of my life, Dwight. We sat in reverent silence as we saw the sky burst open with brilliant hues. It took my breath away. Stripes of orange and teal and dark pink morphed into Carolina baby blue, pastel pink and salmon. God was showing off and we loved watching it.

He reminded me at that moment that He was pleased with a test that was passed this weekend.

Any tests in your life lately? How are you doing?

Father, you alone know our road and the roadblocks that are placed there. When we see the impassable, you say, "Do you trust me?" When we see the immovable, you say, "Did I move the Red Sea?" When we see the treacherous, you say, "Fear not." There is nothing that has slipped past your sight. You wait in eager anticipation for us to 'get it' - May this be the day we do. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.]]> In His Grip http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=261 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:57:40 -0600 http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=259
I will be writing overtime for the next two weeks because I am writing a chapter in a new book, The Reason We Speak. God is so incredible! He has taken me on an amazing journey that has been a series of baby steps.

When I first started writing, it was an occasional devo for the class of teen girls I taught on Wednesday evenings. Then other women began to ask for a copy and soon it was going out to around 1000 emails.

For several years I wrote a prayer article most months in the P31 Magazine. Then Proverbs 31 decided to start the email devotionals, I believe it was 4 years ago. In that short time, we now reach over 250,000 women worldwide every single day! Is that amazing or what?

I got an email from a couple in the middle east one day! She had read the email then shared it with her husband. We have women who translate them and walk several miles into remote villages to share them. It just blows my mind.

Two years ago Harvest House Publishing said they wanted to compile some of those devotionals and offer them in a book. Last year I was a contributing author in that book, God's Purpose for Every Woman.

And now, he has called me to write a chapter. I have felt for some time that I am suppose to write a book, but have asked those familiar questions of myself. You will recognize it I'm sure because Satan loves to whisper that same question into each of our ears, "ME?"

Oh, can you relate to Moses when you feel God calling you to do something so much bigger than yourself? He knew he was blessed, being drawn out of the river to live like a king. But then he blew it (at least in his mind) and killed a guy!

That could certainly make you lose faith in your leadership abilities. And yet, God called him.

So when he said, "Are you sure about that Lord? Remember, I'm the messed up one. You could find so many others to do this better than me."

God was persistent. He has been with me and he will be with you too.

Girl, you are not the only one who feels like you are learning the same lesson over and over and over. We ALL feel that way from time to time. Ok, MOST of the time!

God in his infinite wisdom did not strike Moses down, he just gave him a helper. And when I drug my feet about writing an entire book, he said, "I will give you helpers."

Now my girlfriends and I are writing a book together and I have been assigned the chapter on prayer!

Please pray that I will block the time needed to get it done. That I will only write what he puts in my head. That it will be turned in on time. That women will be blessed and God will be glorified.

I can't walk this life alone. I need God directing my steps and you walking beside me. Thanks for being you.

Love you bunches,
Luann]]> In His Grip http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=259 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:46:51 -0600 http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=257
You all know I am part of the Proverbs 31 Ministry team. Well, this week we had devastating news from one of our team members, sweet Sharon Glasgow. Her daughter Heather and husband Jeff were expecting their first baby any day. Monday tragedy struck. The email below was written by Jeff 12 hours later. I share it because his words and final urging will spur you to embrace your loved ones.
God now holds Grace.

Friends:

On Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 11:40am, Grace Evangeline Young was born. Her umbilical cord was wrapped three times around her leg cutting off oxygen to the rest of her body—causing her heart to stop beating. Heather felt her regular playful kicks all Sunday evening. On Monday morning, Heather went through her regular routine of preparing breakfast for them and stopping to tell Grace that she loved her. That morning, Grace did not respond with her usual kick. We had our scheduled doctor visit that morning and they couldn't find Grace's heartbeat or see it fluttering on the ultrasound. Grace was induced at the hospital and delivered 24 hours later.

It is imperative to us that you all know Grace. Grace came to us 2 weeks early as a seven pound baby, twenty-one inches long. She had her mother's feet, already measuring over three inches and primed to play piano with her toes. Her hands are long and angelic, like her mother's. She has her father's large bottom lip and meaty earlobes. She has long thick locks of blond hair. She is adorable. The most perfect baby you have ever seen. In the womb, Grace loved music. As soon it came on, her rump would instantly start moving to the beat. Completely opposite her daddy, Grace has rhythm. She loved going into church and hearing the worship music. Like her dad, Grace is a morning person; she woke her mother up every morning. Grace is very active, she was active very early. Heather felt her kicking at just sixteen weeks. She is more beautiful than we could have ever imagined.

Right now, everything reminds us of Grace. We are doing our very best to welcome it. We want to remember everything about her. We are desperately trying not to be consumed by the tragedy that so quickly ended her life, but to remember her life and the joy she brought to everyone all nine months of it. We praise God for those nine months with our child! We wanted more time, we wanted to see her smile, we wanted her to stare at us with her big blue eyes, we wanted her to hug us back, we wanted to see her kneel down at her bed and pray to God, we wanted to hear her sing in front of church, we wanted to watch her walk down the aisle at her wedding. We were just given nine months and we are going to cherish and honor every millisecond that we were blessed with.

On November 4th, I saw strength in my wife that could only come from God. With Heather's strong faith and so many people praying for us, she made it through the unimaginable. Heather endured the pains of labor to deliver a child that she knew would not cry when she came outside her womb. Heather held Grace adoringly—telling everyone that her daughter is so adorable, that Grace is perfect. Heather is a mom, which is everything God designed her to be. Her daughter, Grace, LIVES in heaven. Grace's brothers and sisters will understand heaven a lot more easily as the place they will see their Savior and their big sister.

We have received an overwhelming amount of correspondences and massive amounts of prayer. Thank you. It is a blessing to have you all supporting us. Everyone is asking how they can help. There is one thing every one of you can do. You can honor Grace. Honor her by calling and visiting every loved one you have. Hug them, tell them that you love them. Life is so fragile. We let it slip by every day—taking it for granted. Grace has brought so much joy into our lives, recognize the joy in yours.

Jeffrey and Heather Young
]]> In His Grip http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=257 Thu, 6 Nov 2008 19:42:12 -0600 http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=254
Beware of this Children's Book
Conversations with God

If you have children or grandchildren, work with children at church, or you have neighborhood children whose parents you know, please take note of the information below and pass it along to others.

Schools are distributing this book to children through the Scholastic Book Club. The name of the book is Conversations with God.. James Dobson talked about this book twice this week. It is devastating. Parents, churches and Christian schools need to be aware of it. Please pass this information on to church/e-mail addressees, Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, friends.

Please pay special attention not only to what your kids watch on TV, in movie theaters, on the internet, and the music they listen to, but also be alert regarding the book s they read. Two particular books are, Conversations with God and Conversations with God for Teens, written by Neale D. Walsch.

They sound harmless enough by their titles alone. The books have been on the New York Times best sellers list for a number of weeks, and they make truth of the statement, "Don't judge a book by its cover or title."

The author purports to answer various questions asked by kids using the "voice of God". However, the "answers" that he gives are not Bible-based and go against the very infallible word of God. For instance (and I paraphrase), when a girl asks the question "Why am I a lesbian?" His answer is that she was 'born that way' because of genetics (just as you were born right-handed, with brown eyes, etc.). Then he tells her to go out and "celebrate" her differences.

Another girls poses the question "I am living with my boyfriend. My parents say that I should marry him because I am living in sin. Should I marry him?" His reply is, "Who are you sinning against? Not me, because you have done nothing wrong."

Another question asks about God's forgiveness of sin. His reply "I do not forgive anyone because there is nothing to forgive. There is no such thing as right or wrong and that is what I have been trying to tell everyone, do not judge people. People have chosen to judge one another and this is wrong, because the rule is "'judge not lest ye be judged."

Not only are these books the false doctrine of the devil, but in some instances quote (in error) the Word of God. And the list goes on. These books (and others like it) are being sold to schoolchildren through (The Scholastic Book Club), and we need to be aware of what is being fed to our children.

Our children are under attack. So I pray that you be sober and vigilant about teaching your children the Word of God, and guarding their exposure to worldly mediums, because our adversary, the devil, roams about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). We know that lions usually hunt for the slowest, weakest and YOUNGEST of its prey.

Pass this on to every Believer you know. God bless! And, if you are in doubt, check out the books yourself.

Brian Bolton
CenterPointe Christian Church
859-259-1512
www.mycpointe.com]]> In His Grip http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=254 Thu, 6 Nov 2008 05:03:09 -0600 http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=253
They roll over, give him the one eye open look and groan about the similarities he shares with his grandma. At least he doesn't sing, "Good mornin', good mornin', hey its great to stay up late, good mornin', good mornin' to you!" like I do.

So it occurred to me that the sun rose again this morning and it was breathtaking! Behind that glow was the warmth of God's love shining down letting us know that "The Son is up!"

The screaming heads of politics are quieting and His gentle voice still whispers, "I'm here."

Today, I smile at the brand new hope of a new day!

So what were your thoughts this morning?]]> In His Grip http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=253 Wed, 5 Nov 2008 16:10:35 -0600 http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=249
I have had many conversations with my grown children about this election and the importance of engaging in the voting process. It is a critical time. For the first time since I have had the privilege of voting we may see the rights that we have come to cherish slowly slip away.

If one party gets control of all 3 legislative branches, with the media firmly entrenched in their camp, the checks and balance system will be threatened.

Our God is mighty and He will prevail through any turmoil we might face. However, he has called us to stand up and stand firm. The shifting sands may cause our nation to stumble but our faith is secure on the Solid Rock.

Let's pray:

Father, we know that you are in control. We understand that nothing happening in our country has slipped by your sight. Lord, you told us to cry out and pray and you would heal the nation. Today Lord, we are crying out to you in unison for a healing to take place in our land. We know that it is bigger than all of us, but it is not bigger than you. You placed the stars in the heavens and the moon in the sky, for you created all things. You know where we've been and where we are headed.

I can only imagine how it must grieve your heart to see the corruption that has engulfed our world. We, as a nation, care more about saving the spotted owl than the spirited baby in a womb. We care more about freedom of choice as long as the choice is not Christian. Decisions made 40 years ago and beyond created a slippery slope that has caused the slide into moral decay.

This one election will not cause a revival in our land, but You, O Lord can! You can ignite the hearts of every voter to choose wisely! You can shed light on the lies and deceit, as no one else can! We pray for your will to be done this day. Whatever the outcome, we will give you praise for we know that you may allow us to live in chaos like the Israelites before we learn to cry out to you with earnest hearts.

We trust you in all things and we lift our voices to you as we pray, Heal Our Land. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

For a bit of humor-learning, my friend Karen put this link on her blog and I thought I would share it. For those of you who learned most of what you know about politics from Schoolhouse Rock, you will love this!]]> In His Grip http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=249 Tue, 4 Nov 2008 07:51:59 -0600 http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=247
The battle is NOT political, it is spiritual. Let's pray fervently for righteousness to win on Tuesday. The battle is the Lord's, may He be victorious!

Please ask everyone you know to join us in this time of prayer and fasting. There has never been a more important time to hit our knees and ask God to move in a mighty way.

You may have been feeling powerless over the last several months to make an impact. The smears, attacks, lies and money are no match for the power of our Lord God. When God's people pray, in one mighty voice, God moves. May He move this mountain.

May He be glorified.

In His grip,
Luann]]> In His Grip http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=247 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:53:52 -0500 http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=235
Maybe its my age, or maybe it is just knowing that God has seen me through every situation, good and bad, the 'if onlys' don't come to visit much anymore. As my daughter would say, "I"m feeling at home in my own skin." That is 'today's' hip way of saying, Life is Good.

We are approaching the most important election of our time and the results will cause major shifts in our lifestyle, and yet I'm not anxious, because I know the way this life ends.

Deut. 28:66-67
You will live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day, never sure of your life. In the morning you will say, "If only it were evening!" and in the evening, "If only it were morning!"--because of the terror that will fill your hearts and the sights that your eyes will see.

Today, I choose NOT to live in dread or to say, "If only I can survive this turmoil. If only it were later or earlier, or colder or hotter, or drier or wetter, or morning or night. If only we had strong candidates that spoke the truth."

When I owned a salon it always amazed me how women with curly hair would come to have it straightened. Those with straight hair would require perms. Brown would want blonde, blonde would want red, short would want long, long would want short. No one was ever 'happy' with what they had. There was no contentment.

No, today I will reflect on the countless blessings that God has already poured out on my life. And know that He will carry me through whatever comes.

Philippians 4: 11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

We have the ability to choose each day how we will live it, how we react to situations, how we shine or hide.

What is your choice?]]> In His Grip http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=235 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:12:50 -0500 http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=233
Last week I traveled to see my wonderful Kentucky grandchildren and then on to speak at a retreat. Today I have one of those (as Micca Campbell calls them) Holy Hangovers. It is a sweet, exhausted place where I reflect on what God has done.

First, I think of how completely blessed I am to share life with such an amazing family! My daughter, Jen has given us three beautiful babies. Here, judge for yourself:
Rachel and Jennifer
Rachel
Paul, Princess Rachel, King David, Jennifer, Master Matthew
Family

Precious! And that is only the beginning!

Us with Queen Katie:
Us and Katie

Our NC grandkids Prince Aaron and Princess Sarah and their friend in the middle Fair Maiden Haley:
Aaron, Haley, Sarah
Our almost son-in-law getting sworn in as a new American citizen! We are so stinkin' proud of him!
Ramon

And then there is just the sheer beauty of God's handiwork!




Of course, I'm thanking Him today for the safe travel and for the way He doubled the attendance at this retreat from last year. I'm thankful for the women who are seeking a closer walk with Him and for the new friendships that are spurred at each event.

So, tell me what has been happening in your life! ]]> In His Grip http://www.luannprater.comindex.php?itemid=233 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:52:00 -0500