My Walking Prayer List

One of the many memories I have of my Mom was her devotion to praying for everyone in the family.  She had a picture “prayer book” and would religiously spend at least 30 minutes going through every page specifically praying for each family member, close friend  and our government leadership – even though she may not have voted for those in office.  (She had a very strong belief that the Lord could change hearts.)

Continuing her Legacy

When my Mom passed away in 2007 I decided to continue her legacy of praying for our family members and started collecting pictures of all family members and close friends.  Each day I would take time to flip through the prayer book and pray for that person or family by name and always knew of a specific need or prayer request.  It was amazing how many praise reports I would get over time as I prayed for each individual and family by name on a daily basis.  It was also a nice feeling to take the focus off of me and put it on others.  Now, I realize why my Mom always had that certain peace about her and even in her last days of battling pancreatic cancer she would ask, “How can I pray for you today??”  Wow – now that is a GODLY women.

Kicked it up a NOTCH

I have kicked up my “prayer list” technique a notch by combining it with exercise.  Five days a week I will take at least a 30 minute walk by myself and pray for each family member and many of our friends.  I have shared with friends what I do each day and they ask if I can add them to the list.  I am to the point now where it takes at least 30 minutes to cover everyone.  What a peaceful time for me to refresh my own spirit in the Colorado great outdoors.  (Even have walked outside with temperatures below zero)
Let me challenge you to give this a try – not only will you have many prayer requests answered but you will appreciate what you have so much more and get some exercise at the same time – we can always lose a few pounds…..  I guarantee in YOUR last days you will be able to say, “I have NO regrets.”

                                      
 “My “Prayer List” order

1.        Give thanks for my job and where I live

2.      Grandma Cross – 106 yr. old granny and Oldest Laker fan….

3.       Lou – 90 year old step father who was a great husband to my  Mom         in her last years.

4.      Robin – wife of 37 years

5.       Chris (son) and girlfriend, Meghan

6.       Cori (daughter) and husband, Ben

7.       Brother Mike and entire family (3 adult children and 8 grandkids)

8.       Brother Jimmy and family

9.       Sister Molly

10.   Robin’s sister, Debbie and family

11.     Robin’s brother, Mike and family

12.  Friends and Relatives

I always finish with, “Father, I want YOUR will for my life - not mine.”

You fill in the names and start a “Living Legacy” for your family and friends.

Please leave your prayer request as a comment below and Robin and I will add you to our list (I may even have to extend my daily walk to 60 minutes)

Colorado's On Fire...and it's only April!

For most people, a wildfire is something that happens “over there.” But every single state in the country has experienced at least one devastating wildfire.  And states like Colorado can experience many.

Wildfires can happen at any time!  A spark from a campfire, a lit cigarette thrown from a moving vehicle, a lightning bolt. Once started, wildfires can travel up to 15mph and burn for days...even weeks. If you live in the country or a heavily wooded area, your home may be especially susceptible. By taking safety precautions, you can help your home survive a wildfire.

Wildfires follow a path that’s affected by three things: weather (especially wind), terrain and fuel. Since there is little you can do to influence the weather and the terrain, your best bet is to reduce the amount of fuel that helps a wildfire spread to your property.

Create a Safety Perimeter

·    Remove all dry grass, brush and dead leaves. Homes should have a minimum safety  zone of 100 feet to be best protected.

·    Eliminate plants growing against exterior walls; especially ivy and vines. Trim tree branches to at least 10 feet of your home

·    Store firewood 30-100 feet from your house. Keep combustible materials at least 10 feet away.

·    Thin out tree clusters to create a 15-foot gap between tree crowns if they’re inside your safety perimeter.

·    Remove any old debris surrounding your home.

Landscape a Fire-Resistant Yard

·    Create fire breaks on the ground with stone or gravel walkways

·    Consider replacing vegetation in your safety perimeter with fire-resistive plants, i.e. hardwood trees like maples are less flammable than pine trees.

·    Keep your lawn mowed and properly watered.

·    Remove tree limbs within 10 feet of the ground to eliminate ladder fuels (vegetation that allows fires to climb into the trees).

·    Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs frequently.

Protecting Your Home

·    Replace your roof with Class A fire-resistant-rated materials. Keep roof and gutters clean of any flammable vegetation such as leaves and pine needles.

·    Cover vents, soffits, chimney tops and any openings under porches with ½-inch or smaller mesh screens.

·    Make sure all windows are made of tempered glass.

·    Protect the sides of your home with fire-resistant materials such as brick, concrete, rock or stucco.

Preparing For a Wildfire

·    Review or take a home inventory.  If your home is caught in a fire, this will make EVERY difference when filing your insurance claim.

·    Create a family escape plan and a designated meeting place away from your home.

·    Know at least two evacuation routes from your neighborhood.

·    Teach your family how to use a fire extinguisher and show them where it’s kept.

When a Wildfire Threatens

·    Move any flammable furniture away from patios or balconies to inside your home.

·    Shut off pilot lights and gas at the meter.

·    Close all windows and doors. Remove any lightweight curtains from windows. Move furniture away from windows.

·    Open your fireplace damper. Close your fireplace screen.

·    Connect garden hoses to outside taps. Consider watering your roof and yard.

Prepare Your Car

·    Back car into garage or park it in an open space facing your escape route.

·    Roll up all windows and close all doors.

·    Pack your car with emergency supplies and valuable documents.

·    If parked in garage, close garage door. Disconnect your automatic garage opener so you can open your door in case of a power failure.

Evacuating Your Home

·    Wear gloves, rubber-soled shoes, a handkerchief to protect your face and cotton/woolen clothes that cover your skin.

·    Call a friend or relative and tell them where you’re going.

·    Lock your house.

·    Choose an evacuation route that takes you away from the approaching wildfire.

·    Listen to the radio for reports.

After A Wildfire

·    Return home only after authorities say it is safe to do so.

·    Take pictures of the damage.

·    Call your insurance provider.

 www.allstate.com/codonnell

 For more information visit:          
Firewise  www.firewise.org    

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes  www.flash.org     

 

National Fire Protections Association  www.nfpa.org