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Let me confess something to you: I have been running from leading a women's ministry in my church.
Did I mention that God was not impressed with my tantrum? :D Since I ran, he had to chase me down....and plop several ministry opportunities in my lap simultaneously.
Ladies, I am sooooooooooo excited!!!!! I just spent an hour worshiping the Lord and praying, and the Holy Spirit hugged me the whole time! Woo hoo!
So I called my Pastor to broach the subject (women's ministry) and share a little bit of what God has been speaking to me, so we're going to talk about that tomorrow.
I can't wait to see what God is up to!!!
Any prayer requests? I'm in the mood to do some serious prayin' in the days to come, and I'd love to include your name! :o) If you're going through something traumatic, please know that you are NOT alone! Keep your chin up; God loves you bunches!!!
I spent my Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings ministering to people who've never had a relationship with the Lord. I also prayed for some folks who were already Christians but had some prayer requests.
Wow.
I also had a pleasant surprise! After I prayed with one young lady, she said, "You are an amazing prayer warrior! Now let me pray for you..."
She hit on some personal issues that I definitely struggle to handle, but she didn't know me at all. That's how I know God was moving! And the atmosphere was so charged with the love of God! If I remember correctly, "The 99" has successfully worked with folks from 30 area churches to lead almost 3,000 people to the Lord over a period of 6 days! WOOO HOOO!!!!!
You have no idea how this experience has humbled me.
Yes, I have been praying for people for several years, but I had only led a couple of folks to the Lord before this experience. I haven't counted, but I think I've had the privilege of personally leading at least 50 people to Jesus Christ!!!! I'm so excited! I am definitely going to be much more bold in the future.
We aren't allowed to take pictures, or I'd give you a tour. :o) Keep your eyes open; if "The 99" comes to your city, GO!!! Volunteer to do make-up, counsel lost souls, act in the realistic theater productions, make reminder phone calls to the volunteers, or help in any way you feel you can contribute. I guarantee your life will be more fulfilling if you do! God bless!
Love,
Michelle
P. S. : If you have no idea what it means to be "saved" and have questions about salvation, PLEASE leave a comment! I'd love to talk to you about it!
Every now and then the prayer time at the women's Bible study blows me away.
Tonight was awesome!
I'm so excited about the friendships that are unifying this kind, compassionate group of women who attend M. Church.
I'm also thrilled about the visions God has given some folks at FBC!
God is moving, ya'll!!!!!! :o)
Be happy, and look for opportunities to share God's love. He'll give them to you!
By the way, I love you, and you are loved by the most high King! Be blessed!
I enjoyed some awesome worship last night! Although I was alone in my living room, I felt a big 'ol hug from the holy spirit as I played and sang to the Lord. Man, it was fun!
I saw an ad in the paper for 80% off pianos. If I could, I would look into that. I need a couple of years (exactly two) before I'll be debt free. Then I'll be able to pay cash for a new piano. My old one will go in the basement; I will never sell it because if was a gift from my father. Since he's in heaven now, I won't be getting anything else from him.
My friend, John, called me yesterday for the first time. We have worshiped together before, but we've never had telephone conversations. It's amazing how God gave him exactly what to say to me. Wow. I'm going through some personal issues right now, and I didn't want to talk about anyone to him. Yet, John spoke directly to my heart, and I'm grateful.
God sees you where you are...even when you think He doesn't.
Are you hurting too? Do you need a hug? Let me pray for you:
Lord, thank you for a wonderful day! We're supposed to have thunderstorms, but I'm so glad that it's not bitter cold anymore. Father, we are so blessed to be able to speak to you in such a personal manner. You are definitely amazing! We are in awe of you! Thank you for walking with us today, for holding our hands when we're afraid, and for granting us peace when we can't figure out how to attain it on our own.
Jesus, so many people are hurting right now. Please touch their minds; give them the tools to rest in you today! I pray that you will allow us to grow in our relationship with you, and I also pray that those who have been hurt by churches would forgive quickly and move on (myself included). I pray that your love, a love that surpasses all understanding, would wash over us today! We need you more than ever, Lord!
I also pray that we will be able to share that love with those who have never formally met you. Use us, lord, to enlarge your kingdom in heaven! In Jesus' name, amen! :o)
It has been a bit nippy here in Ohio, but it will be in the 80's over the next three days! Woo hoo!!!! I'm so excited! I will be weeding this weekend. Hopefully, my yard will look decent before next week.
As I mentioned last night, a friend of mine doesn't want to teach summer school this year, so the summer school principal asked me to please apply. I love teaching, and I missed out on six weeks because of surgery. This will give me a chance to enjoy four more weeks of it this summer and earn a nice little income too.
Drama club rehearsals are running so long, but the good news is that the show is this weekend. After tomorrow, I'll only have to stay late if I need to work in my classroom.
I'm also looking forward to seeing the rest of these research presentations. Some students are so creative! The power points have been awesome, and some folks did colorful, well-organized posters and handouts. Overall, I've been pleased so far! ;o)
Lord, thank you for a career, not just a job. I feel blessed and honored that you allow me to teach these young adults. Touch their minds to yearn for wholesome ideas; I hear so much foolish, foul language every day, and I pray that you would give them a desire for excellence. Father, these kids are amazing! Yet, they settle for less-than-amazing grades. Why, Lord? Nudge them to strive for perfection! Let them yearn for A's and B's, in Jesus' name!
Jesus, I thank you for every friend and family member! I pray that you will keep them safe today, and speak to their hearts all day long. Please let us feel your Spirit with us as we travel to work, go to meetings, or simply get chores done at home. We need you, Father! We love you! You are the ultimate Daddy, and we want to be pleasing to you. Forgive us, Lord, for being goofy. Sometimes we're stuck on stupid, but we still know that you forgive and forget. Teach us to do the same. In Jesus' name, amen!
I just sent a prayer to someone I've never met. I hope I helped a little, tiny bit.
God, thank you for my life! There are days when I'm so dog-tired that I can't think clearly, but I know that I am still in your hands.
Lord, please bless those who feel like they only have one nerve left (and folks seem so tempted to stomp on it). Multiply the nerves, Lord! Help us to be patient with others, to forgive immediately, and to lavishly love on our friends and family! We're so quick to criticize, aren't we? Help us to be kind to everyone in our lives.
Jesus, please give your healing touch to those who are hurting physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I know I want more of you! Please be with me as I continue to plug away at all of my responsibilities. Sometimes I'm weary, Lord, but I know that you will give me rest.
I love you, Lord! I praise you for being such a loving, sovereign, amazing, awesome God! Thank you for bringing me this far, and please give me wisdom for the days and weeks to come, in Jesus' name. Amen.
My day started at 3:30 a.m. when I woke up to exercise for the second time since I had surgery in January.
Apparently, my body was mad at me. My tummy was hurting, and I don't think it's supposed to. :o(
I've been uncomfortable all day, but I'll live. I was anxious to work out again because I like endorphins. ;o) I also like wearing smaller sizes. Alas, I will need to wait a bit longer to enjoy them.
Since I was already awake, I did some laundry before showering and going to Giant Eagle to get some bananas for breakfast and cheese and soybeans for my salad. (Have you ever sprinkled soybeans on your salad? Yummo!)
Then I went to 6:00 a.m. prayer...which was fantastic! I actually sat with a pastor who prayed about folks who allow themselves to get so busy that they can't feel the pain from the past, from loneliness, etc.
He was praying for me but probably didn't know it.
Then, when I got to work, I was called upstairs because someone wanted to pray. Sadly, a friend's wife had an aneurysm and is currently on life support. Please pray for George and his wife.
I've been incredibly stressed out lately, and for some reason God has chosen to allow me to be single. That's fine, but there are days when I want to pull my hair out. I don't think anyone has a clue how stressful it is to be a single mom (or single dad). I can't even describe the frustration, disappointment and heartache that my children have seen, but I'm trying to be a wonderful mom. I don't want to merely "get by" or "make it." I want my children to have the life God had planned for them from the beginning of time.
Any single moms reading this? You know what I'm talking about, don't you? There are days when I simply don't have the energy to make dinner, which is why I have built-in "free days" in my budget. We don't go to nice restaurants except for special occasions. That way, I can feed them more often, even when I'm tired. Taco Bell has become a favorite because I can get a salad (but it's soooo hard not to eat the fattening shell)!
I would never trade being a mother for anything in the world! However, I know that this isn't what God had in mind when he created parenting. My boys need a relationship with their Dad, and I'm praying that he will start developing that with both of them soon. Yes, he's helping financially, but I'm talking about giving of his time.
I'm saying all of this to make a point: I'm exhausted. So I decided to treat myself to a bargain book at a local Christian bookstore which happens to be down the street from my job. The cashier said they just "happened" to stock the top two shelves this afternoon and priced them all at $0.99 each!
That's when I saw Angela Thomas' face.
I picked up her book, and read just the first few pages. One bit of advice she shares is that the reader, whether he or she is a single parent or not, would show compassion the next time a single mom is in view. She also said to tell her she is beautiful!
See? I'm not the only single mom feeling rejected and not-so-attractive! I'm sorry that this woman felt the same emotions I've been feeling, but I'm also glad that she wrote about them. I'm feeling more "normal" than ever!
I will enjoy the rest of her book tomorrow. I should be able to finish it at work when my students are typing the final drafts of their research papers.
I also got to spend a few minutes with my pastor. If I were in a better mood, I would have chatted for a few more minutes. The last thing I want to do, though, is suck him dry (like I've done in the past). Maybe we'll talk another day.
Do they call it "sweet 16" if you're a guy? Well, my son turned 16 today, but we had already planned to go to dinner on Thursday since I had obligations tonight and tomorrow. Still, I wanted to give him something, so I brought him (and child #2) an Oreo McFlurry. We'll be able to celebrate soon! I'll try to take pictures since I haven't uploaded any in a while.
God, you touched so many areas of my life in such a short span of time! Thank you for your compassion and love! I love you back, Father. Be with me, Lord, as I continue to learn, grow, and heal. I need you to hold my tongue when I want to fuss, move me to hug and pray for those who are hurting, and forgive as you call all of us to do on a regular basis.
In Jesus' name, amen!
p.s. - Every now and then, I'll type a post and not proofread at all due to a time constraint or some other responsibility. Tonight, I'm just sleepy. Forgive my mistakes, ok? Thanks!
I think today was the most powerful 6:00-7:00 a.m. prayer time we've had so far! Man, it was good!
There were tears, but that part was necessary for healing to take place (both in me and one other young lady). My ex-pastor did some incredible ministry with us. In fact, I have become accustomed to God sharing my business with spiritual leaders who pray for me.
Today was no exception.
His words, verbatim, were: "Woman of God (I love when he calls me that!), you're praying that God releases you, and I'm praying that He doesn't. You have something to learn, and once you do, you will be more like Jesus than ever before. Don't expect others to change and to be more holy. They probably won't. This is about you."
Wow.
He said he could feel something was wrong with me last week. Man, he was right on target with everything he said today.
So...
Lord, I will be obedient and continue to pray that your will be done in my life. Even though my flesh is reluctant to endure even more hurt, I will take up my cross and continue onward. Help me to keep my attitude in check, to love even when I don't feel like it, to forgive and forget and to be more like You. In Jesus' name, amen.
As my friends talked for a few minutes, I asked permission to go upstairs and play the piano for a little bit. I did, and that worship time was awesome! I love feeling the Spirit nearby!
After the prayer time this morning, I went to the mall and did three laps with two powerful prayer warriors. These women blessed me so deeply that I think I've made some lifelong friends! We spent most of the walk talking and sharing about ourselves, but we even prayed for a little while too.
It's only 11:08. I wonder what the rest of my day will entail...
What a beautiful morning!
I made ham, eggs, and toast for the boys and one of their friends who spent the night. It took a while to cook everything, so it was a bit disheartening to watch them inhale it. Oh well; growing boys...
I plan to go to church, take care of a food ministry concern, make the bulletin, come home, do some laundry while I make a cake for dinner at Mom's house tomorrow, and then go back to bed (hopefully by 8:00). We have a prayer vigil tonight, and my hours are from 1:00-3:00 a.m., which means I'll need to get my sleep in patches.
Although my schedule is a bit hectic for a day "off," I'm so calm right now. I feel peace, and I'm grateful to finally be able to trust God to keep me sane through the crazy moments. The Lord is amazingly compassionate, isn't He? I'm in awe of him. He blesses me by taking care of my needs, but, every now and then, He reveals his knowledge of even the trivial aspects of my life.
For example, I wasn't feeling very feminine or particularly attractive yesterday (perhaps all ladies go through that periodically, eh?), and the Lord sent a grandma, a woman I didn't even know, to walk to the other side of the church just to tell me, "You know, I saw you at band concerts and at the grocery store, and I just had to come tell you that I think you're the most beautiful woman I've seen in a long time."
Me?
I was a bit stunned, but I gave her a big 'ol hug.
Then later, at the Good Friday evening service, a former student introduced me to her Dad. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him be so obvious about what he thought of my looks.
Believe me, it doesn't happen often. ;o)
I see his daughter every day in the halls, so it won't be hard for him to find me. If it's meant to be, it'll happen. If not, then I totally trust God.
It's nice to be cool with it either way. (Thank you, Lord!)
I've finally discovered that I like me. I embrace me. I like my heart. I like my mind. I like my attitude. I like my desire to make people smile. I like spending time with the Lord in prayer and worship.
I like the woman I've become.
Perhaps that's partly why I feel so much joy right now. I appreciate the way God chose to make me, and I think it's beautiful to be loved by Him.
So be encouraged! God sees you where you are, including the small stuff that you may not think is important enough to include in your prayers.
What would you like to do or to have happen? What would bless your heart today?
Let's pray:
Lord, thank you for my friends who are reading this blog. Father, I pray that you bless us generously in every area: emotionally, financially, physically, and spiritually. Lord, you know what's going on in our heads, even if we're too embarrassed to admit it to anyone else. We don't naturally run to our friends and say, "Hey, do I look beautiful to you?" But you know when we're feeling inadequate. You know when we'd appreciate a sincere compliment, and you provide! Thank you for that!
Father, I pray that you surround me and my friends with people who will understand our needs and desires and help us to pray fervently for them (as long as they line up with Your will). I'm feeling like a whole woman for the first time in years, and I'm so thankful, Lord!
Jesus, as we celebrate your resurrection tomorrow, please know that we will never forget your sacrifice. You are truly an amazing, compassionate, forgiving, loving example of how we should be living right now. Help us as we stumble through life! Yes, there will be days when others can lean on us for support, but please don't let us fall in our weak moments. Strengthen us, Jesus, to look like you even when it's incredibly difficult.
We love you, Lord! In Jesus' name, amen.
Today was a long day.
We taught as usual, but then we had parent-teacher conferences until the early evening.
Afterwards, a few of my fellow teacher-friends decided to go out for a drink to celebrate my buddy's birthday. I'm not really a drinker, but I tagged along and enjoyed some ginger ale.
Yum! I haven't had ginger ale in quite a while. :o)
As I laughed and enjoyed some adult conversation (as opposed to the adolescent banter I hear every day), a colleague and dear friend began sharing about some personal troubles. Yep, folks, I did some ministry in the middle of a bar surrounded by a biker gang.
Doesn't that sound just like God????
I'm tired, but oh-so-content! Let's pray:
God, thank you for such a lovely (albeit long) evening! The day went smoothly, conferences were pleasant, two different prayer times with my pastor were peaceful and relaxing, and the fellowship with my friends and coworkers was exceptional. I pray that my words blessed my buddy tonight. Lord, I pray that he feels your peace as he falls asleep, and please let him have a spectacular morning with you. In Jesus' name, amen!
Today was the first time in three weeks that I've gotten home by 5:15 p.m.!
I had dinner done in the crock pot, but my children were with friends in the beautiful sunshine this afternoon. I ate alone, but it was relaxing...I was chatting on the phone with pastor while I nibbled on the pork chops and veggies before savoring a homemade cinnamon roll for dessert. (I love making those...they're cheap, and the boys think they're yummy too!)
Although it was tempting to stay at my desk and get more done at work, I chose to come home shortly after drama club rehearsal. Then I did some reading, watched a bit of t.v., and came downstairs to type this entry.
I'm planning to be in the bed early so that I can get up at 4:00, put chicken in the crock pot for supper, try to do one of my Taebo workouts for the first time since surgery, shower/dress/put on make-up, go to 6:00 prayer, and be at work by 7:15. Actually, that morning schedule looks entirely too hectic, but it really isn't as bad as it sounds. In fact, after Easter Sunday I'll be able to sleep in until 5:00 every morning. ;o)
Since it's 8:38 and I'm already sleepy, I suppose I should jump into prayer:
God, thank you for allowing me to slow down today! Thank you for kids who come in, hug and kiss me, and actually talk to me about what's on their minds.
Lord, you are so amazing! You see each of us where we are, whether we're happy or depressed, content or distressed. I like spending time with you, and I LOVE when your spirit ministers to me (especially in my lonely moments...like now).
Help me not to get too involved emotionally with anyone but you, Lord. I don't want to need anyone. You and I can do this together, right God? Help me to remember that.
Perhaps you can help me with boundaries. Maybe I need to stop carpooling when visiting other churches, which has been often due to Lent. Driving alone, listening to worship music, and praying calm me quicker than anything else. Would you like more time with me that way?
Father, I pray that you bless every person in my life, especially those who have hurt me. They didn't know any better, God. Some of them are just irritated at the world, and I seem to be a convenient punching bag. Others have difficulty listening to me because I'm so much younger than they are, but bless them anyway, Lord.
Clean me up, Lord! I want to be pleasing in your sight at all times, but I need you to help me. I love you, and I praise you with every breath that I take. In Jesus' name, amen.
I had fun today! Let's see...
1.) I went to prayer, which was nice. Then I went to prayer at my job and made plans to visit my friend, Annette, tomorrow morning before a staff meeting.
2.) I was asked out on a date this afternoon. Yes, I've been wanting someone with whom I could enjoy dinner and movies, but I just don't feel God urging me to date this particular guy. Believe me...if God isn't in it, I don't want it, regardless of his wealth or looks. Still, it's always nice to feel beautiful.
3.) My other friend, Chris, and I were able to chat for a while this afternoon. He is just a coworker, not a boss, so he never asks me to do anything for him. Man, it's nice knowing that he is interested in me as a person. He doesn't seem to care who sees us chatting; in fact, he isn't uncomfortable coming to my classroom for a good laugh.
4.) Yet another friend, Matt, told me about an open invitation to see Fireproof at a church. My older son was ill, and my younger son didn't want to go because, for the first time in a while, the weather was nice enough to play basketball with his friends in the driveway. So I went alone, and I'm glad I did. I highly recommend it! (Someone told me that I'd cry, but I didn't. Really. I didn't cry. I just had something in my eye...)
5. I received lots of compliments on the suit I wore to work today. It was a gift from a friend, and I'm sure she'd be pleased to know that folks like her taste. :o)
Sorry, folks...I'm sleepy and can't even think straight anymore. I suppose I'm done for now. Sweet dreams!
My day began with some prayer time with a group of folks I am beginning to love. I liked them immediately, but I am beginning to appreciative all they offer to our group prayers. My buddy, Jo, initiated prayer for me as I returned to work, and I'm still feeling the effects of that. Wow. One pastor even prayed for my boys!
And guess what?!?!?!
I got to go to work today! WOO HOO!!!!!!
As I cleaned/disinfected my desk, several students popped in to chat for a minute before heading to their lockers. Then one of the staff members delivered breakfast (a blueberry muffin) and a card for me. :o)
Every single class was on point, and I'm actually a bit grateful that they had a less-than-stellar sub. Why, you ask? Because they now appreciate me. Some said, "This class goes so fast when you're here!" and "You make this so much fun!" Another said, "You make Shakespeare so easy to understand. I'm glad you're back!" Another student pulled up a chair and sat directly next to me as I led the discussion. (According to him, he just missed me.)
One, however, was honest: "I'm glad you're back cuz I miss all the candy!" (I sell candy for the Robotics team.)
Oh well. I needed that last comment to keep me humble, which is something that I've been praying for; I can't complain! In fact, it helped me fit my somewhat inflated head through the door so that I could go home on time. ;o)
I spent two hours organizing paperwork after school, then I worked on church stuff, went home, fed my boys, and then brought one of them back to church for youth group (while I began typing the bulletin).
After that, I did some laundry, and I just finished ironing.
My day was full of amazing moments; my favorite parts of the day were the numerous hugs I received from both staff members and students. I am so loved!
My throat is a bit sore from all of the talking; I rarely spoke during my six weeks off, so speaking all day was a drastic change to my routine. I'm sure I'll assimilate soon.
I've also had great intentions of working out at 4:00 a.m. before my 6:00 a.m. prayer group. Unfortunately, after I finish all my chores after work, I'm not able to get to bed before 10:00. Maybe I'll give myself a few more days to get used to working before I add a daily workout.
What do you think?
I'm so excited about my life right now! I hope you are just as thrilled with yours. Best wishes, and God bless!
My pastor invited me to a 6:00 a.m. prayer group, and today was my first day participating.
Wow!
I knew that my pastor wouldn't be there because he had to go out of town, but I went alone anyway. As it turned out, I made two new friends (Loretta and Jo), and my beloved friend, Pastor Everett, was there too! ;o) I was also acquainted with two other pastors, although I don't know them well. The atmosphere was definitely charged with the presence of the Holy Spirit, and I loved every minute of it!
And the best part? There was NO competition in the prayer time; on the contrary, we prayed FOR each other! That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!
It was sooooo much fun! Unfortunately, the last day will be Easter Sunday, but I still have three more weeks to enjoy the company of such a great group of folks who have hearts to serve the Lord.
I'm absolutely sure I'm not the only one who enjoyed praying together and encouraging one another this morning. I'm also looking forward to starting my mornings this way, especially when I return to work tomorrow (hopefully).
Thank you, Lord! I'm so excited!
I spent a few hours grading papers and recording attendance info. at a local coffee shop today. I took a break and read the paper for a little while too. I ran into several folks, though:
1.) a guy and gal from a Thursday prayer group (at a church I used to attend)
2.) my own pastor (who used today as an opportunity to teach me about some trustee stuff)
3.) my buddy Katie (who allowed me to pray for her and then said, "You should be a pastor!" Ugh...I'll explain later.)
4.) my sister Lani (who gave me an Olive Garden gift card to share with a friend...and then offered to buy me lunch today too)
5.) my buddy Gilbert (a local lawyer and fellow worship team member from years ago...he plays a mean bass and has such a heart for the things of God! I would date him in a heartbeat, but I want GOD to send me someone special. The last time he hinted at a possible dinner date and told me I was a beautiful woman, I was so unapproachable because I wasn't ready yet. Oh well; I'm not chasing anybody...now or later. As I said, God will have to bring him to me. Otherwise, I guess I'll stay single.)
I'm not sure why, but I sometimes seem to attract creepy, stalker-type guys. Ick. That's why I was SOOOOO happy that my pastor happened to be sitting directly across from me when one of these characters walked in. Normally, I'm not one to shy away from conflict, but when there's an element of "creepiness" about the other person, I become a messy, useless ball of nerves. The last time I saw him, "Creepy Dude" invited himself to sit at my table, and I had a heck of a time getting him to go away. My behavior started to be downright rude, but he didn't take the hint. Thankfully, all he did was watch me talk to my pastor...but it was from across the room by the fireplace. I can accept that.
The other day, my son witnessed bizarre behavior from Creepy Dude #2 when we were at McDonald's. I've seen this guy before, and a butthead at my job knows him and gave him information about me. (Remind me to clobber her later.) Anyway, I usually go through the drive thru when I see his cowboy hat, which is why I missed him: He changed hats on me! He wore an orange skull cap instead! He sat in his truck and watched us eat...and we took our good 'ol time too (40 minutes).
I suppose I should pray.
God, thank you for allowing me to have a wonderful job with fantastic insurance so that I'm able to provide for my children and myself, even as I recover from surgery. Lord, I give you all the glory for that. You also have healed my heart over the past year, and I thank you for that too! Now I have a request: please protect me when I'm out alone. I have mentioned in this blog two of perhaps five folks who make my skin crawl, and I pray that you will keep your arms of protection around me and my family at all times.
Please give me wisdom and discernment when it comes to accepting invitations to go to the movies, dinner, etc. So far, I haven't accepted any, but I will if you give me a green light. I don't really trust my own intuition anymore, so I'm relying on you to be perfectly clear with me, ok? Thanks for loving me, Lord, and I definitely love you back! In Jesus' name, amen!
I'm grateful to report that Jennifer came home from the hospital this morning!
Mom and baby are both fine! Praise God! She is on bed-rest from now until the delivery, but that's much better than some other scenarios, eh?
Thank you for praying!
I am going stir-crazy again, and I was looking forward to getting out of the house and chilling at the library for a while. Unfortunately, my Mom preferred doing my laundry instead; how could I argue with that?
I will try to relax tomorrow and thank God for so many blessings in my life.
See ya!
On a serious note, please pray for a young lady named Jennifer. She was rushed to the hospital for complications with her pregnancy, and I hope that everything is ok. I know how it feels to lose a baby...I lost one in 1993, and the devastation is almost unbearable.
My prayer is that God would allow her baby to live. I prayed that he would choose to let Jennifer give birth at the appropriate time, whenever that may be, and that he would remove all fear and anxiety.
Please pray with me for this young lady, her baby, her Mom, and her entire family.
I made quite a few phone calls this evening, and I was horribly disappointed. Some of the same folks who expect me to pray at a drop of a hat with or for them didn't have any time to pray for this young lady. After hearing the prayer request, one fella wanted to get off the phone because he wanted to get back to his company.
What the heck?!?!?!
God, I am more than a little frustrated right now. I pray that you help me to calm down and to remember that you are in control of everything.
Help me to focus on what's important. For instance:
1.) You are God! You know exactly what you're doing, and I do not need to be "God, Jr."!
2.) You know Jennifer intimately. You were with her as I prayed with her mother and even as I type this now. Thank you for that, Lord.
3.) Your scripture (Psalm 30) that we studied at Bible study this evening says, "Weeping may endureth for a night, but joy cometh in the morning!" That's what I pray, Lord: please allow Jennifer to have peace and joy, regardless of tonight's outcome.
Jesus, I pray that you help Jennifer not to be bitter if this ends tragically. Your word also promises that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. I pray that she accepts you as her Lord and Savior (if she hasn't already) and learns to love you more deeply than she ever imagined.
Help her to feel your love flowing over her, especially tonight.
Bless her, Lord! I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Hi, ladies!
How are ya? I'm hanging in there, but I have a little prayer request.
As you may know, I haven't been feeling well since February, but I finally went to the doctor.
I didn't like the expression on his face as he tried to explain my options. [Sorry, Doc, but I think you would suck at poker!] I asked him to tell me bluntly what's going on with my body.
He said that I may have cancer and proceeded to explain all of my options, the risks of surgery, etc. I'm already scheduled for a small procedure next Wednesday. He didn't want me to panic (ummm... ok....I won't panic...), and I'm waiting for his office to call with the results from the biopsy. If they're positive for cancer, then I need another surgery as soon as possible, which means my Christmas/New Year holidays will be spent recuperating.
There's still good news here: even if I have cancerous cells, it's curable with an operation. Yay! More good news: I have wonderful insurance, and I'll hardly notice the medical bills. ;o)
[I'm trying to stay upbeat here...see????]
I'm sure I'll be fine, no matter what happens. I find myself freaking out at times, though. That's when I just need a hug; I hope I get lots of them in the next couple of weeks.
I need a hug right now, but the only ones nearby are my kids. They don't know all the gory details; they just know I'm sick. My Mom has her own health issues to worry about; I wish I just had someone to hold me for a second.
Hug me when you see me, k?
It's DEFINITELY time to pray:
God, I know I'm not the only person to deal with such a devastating piece of news from a doctor, and I'm very grateful that surgery is an option. So I'm sorry for bothering you, but please take away this fear. I don't want this to occupy every waking moment; it's hard for me to concentrate at work too. Thanks for healing me, if that's what you choose to do! If not, then I accept that too. Please guide the surgeon's hands next week.
Thanks for my life, Lord! It's a good one, and I love every minute of it. Use me to bless others, God. Instead of letting me start a pity party, I pray that you give me opportunities to minister to other women in the days to come. Let me enjoy your presence during my private prayer/worship times, and please bless the folks who are reading this prayer. We love you, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.
I'll keep praying for myself, and I will continue to pray for you too, as always. Thanks for thinking of me today. Take care, and God bless! Remember: God is good ALL the time!!!!!
Have you ever heard that scripture that says, "Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty"?
What exactly does that mean to you?
My thoughts: When I allow the Holy Spirit to direct my path, then I am able to enjoy true freedom. Worship itself tends to be much more enjoyable and uplifting if everything in my life lines up completely with the word of God.
My heart is truly free at the moment, and I praise God for that!
I also thank the Lord for a friend who went on a walk with me today. I LOVE when friends pray for me aloud. It's such a touching act of love, isn't it?
As I reflect on some stumbling blocks in my recent past, I realize that some of the frustrations I've had are my own durn fault. :o)
I know that I will need to shed some friendships that leave me feeling empty and hollow. Friendships shouldn't do that, should they? I will also create some healthier boundaries, both at work and in my private life. I'm new at this, especially the dating part, but I know that Jesus will give me peace.
Let's pray:
Lord, you are officially invited to be by my side every minute of every day! I want you near, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the time you've spent with me lately. Thank you for letting me hear your voice loud and clear, and I truly appreciate a "heads up" about two situations in particular.
Father, I pray that your will is done. I love you! In Jesus' name, amen.
I feel like a kid who's about to get a grown up (instead of baby-sized) ice cream cone for the first time.
There are so many parts of my life lining up right now, and I'm downright giddy!
I gave a test last week, and 119 (of 166) earned an A!
My attitude is surprisingly upbeat and positive! (I feel liked I used to before singlehood popped me upside the head.)
My Mom and I haven't had a disagreement in years.
My church is FUN!
My kids are blessings! (And for a minute there I thought they couldn't possibly get on my nerves more.) My children are truly wonderful people, and I'm not just saying that because I birthed 'em.
I hope my joy overflows into your life somehow. Let's pray:
God, I have had more than my share of heartache, and I'm amazed at what you've done to heal me! Thank you for allowing me not only to enjoy your presence, even as I worshiped alone last night, but also for allowing me to share your love with other folks. I look forward to whatever you plan to do next!
Please bless my internet buddies, God! If they have businesses, allow them to enjoy a windfall! If they have children, allow them to witness spiritual, mental, and physical growth. If they have concerns and anxiety, remove all of that and replace it with joyful anticipation of what You have in mind for their lives. Give them a vision of that, Lord!
Father, You know the desires of my heart, so I won't repeat myself and bore You. I'm ready and waiting for your Holy Spirit to teach me lots of new ideas today and this week. Help me to forgive those who have deliberately (and perhaps accidentally) hurt me. In Jesus' name, amen!
