This Day’s Thought

Posted on October 26, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Our lead-in for the Words for the Week comes from F.B. Meyer, cited on This Day’s Thought.

“When I was crossing the Irish Channel one dark, starless night, I stood on the deck by the captain and asked him, ‘How do you know Holyhead Harbor on so dark a night as this?’ He said, ‘You see those three lights? Those three must line up behind each other as one, and when we see them so united, we know the exact position of the harbor’s mouth.’ “

When we want to know God’s will, there are three things which always concur: the inward impulse, the Word of God, and the trend of circumstances! God in the heart, impelling you forward; God in His book, corroborating whatever He says in the heart; and God in circumstances, which are always indicative of His will. Never start until these three things agree.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one. — John Lennon

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The Church’s Role in Making Disciples

Posted on October 25, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. – Deuteronomy 6:6

Our reflection this week is from Rev. Calvin Tuininga and based on the Scripture reading in Ephesians 4:11-16

In these verses, God is not just speaking to parents, but to the covenant community, the church.  Notice that “hearts” is plural in the verse above. Today we tend to think more individualistically. In a Biblical view, God is in Jesus, saving for Himself a people, a bride, His church! There is a great emphasis on the unity of believers in a common faith and purpose. This training disciples, including children, is a mutual responsibility. This is why He has given pastors and teachers to unite us all as followers who reflect Jesus.

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Timothy is told to teach other men what he had been taught, so they, in turn, will be able to teach others. In 2 Timothy 4, he is to continue in what he has learned, (the Scriptures), which are able to make him wise: for salvation, … and are useful for teaching rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

These passages teach the church must not only proclaim the truth, but teach it in a way so people will be able to repeat it to others and always be able to give an answer for the hope that is within them. Thus the goal of the church is to have a vibrant educational ministry. Never shun this ministry, but utilize it. Attend worship, but also be involved in education so you might be fully equipped for ministry.

Pray for the educational ministry of the church. Pray for ways you can be involved in this ministry. Pray for those who teach others in the way of faith.

Rev. Calvin Tuininga is the pastor emeritus of the Covenant United Reformed Church in Pantego, NC. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Say goodbye to the voices in your head that tell you you are incapable of doing something or being someone.

 

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Prayer Is the Start of a Miracle

Posted on October 24, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

As we build this community prayer platform, we ask the Lord to listen to our petitions with full confidence they not only are heard but acted upon by God according to His holy will. These requests are on my prayer list and I hope you consider putting them on yours as you place your petitions before the Lord Sunday.

Approach the throne room and respond with faith and not fear, knowing the promises of God and His mighty hand will hold us through any situation! Sometimes, all it takes is just one prayer to change everything. Something extraordinary happens when two or more agree together in prayer.

What is one of the most important things we should do as Christians? Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).

And, so, Lord, we come to You with our petitions, knowing and expecting Your will to be done.

Thoughts and prayers to all worldwide suffering from the consequences of coronavirus flu – and all other strains. Many – many – of the prayer requests are covid-19 related … people diagnosed … people sick … people dying … relatives worried and isolated. We are in this together – in prayer!

Please keep the victims of household abuse in your prayers. Whether it be physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, this time in particular is very horrifying for them to be trapped in a house with their abuser(s) and not being able to escape.

We also need to pray for colorblind peace. Racism will remain a plague until we stop looking at people as black and white, but as human beings created by the same Creator. We pray for new eyes, calmer heads, and softer hearts. 

Special prayer requests have been made for orphanages in Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and right here in the United States. The need is real.

Financial issues were also high on the prayer lists with millions still out of work. Sustain those who are hurting financially. Give us and them our daily bread.

Natural disasters continue. Keep those in the path of fires and storms safe and focused on You, Lord.

Prayers are requested for Brian who is suffering with chronic back pain.

Keep Eddie and family in your prayers. He has Parkinson’s and suffered a setback last week sending into the hospital. He is home now but is very weak and can’t get around on his own.

Keep Andrew in your prayers as he continues to fight the fight. He had a bad week of pain, puke, and protruding tumors. Prayers. Prayers. Prayers.

Please pray for Joanne who is on her second round of cancer treatments.

Michelle has a tumor that may be cancer in her uterus along with ovarian cysts. Please pray for her healing and for wisdom for the doctors.

Please pray  God would restore the eyesight of Pat.

Cathy is four weeks pregnant and the doctor says the baby is not developing correctly. She also has high blood pressure. Please pray.  

Joy asks for prayers for deliverance from back pain and healing from glaucoma. The pressure in her eye is extreme.

Please pray for Eli who is struggling with severe pain and physical issues.

Please pray for Sandy who is in extreme agony with multiple undiagnosed symptoms and conditions.

Please pray for Anna who is in an extremely critical situation with her health.

Please pray for Lisa who needs supernatural healing of her heart, multiple other complications, and health issues.

Please pray for Bruce and his family who are under extreme physical and emotional stress. Please also pray for physical pain and ailments to be removed from the household.

Please pray for Joyce and her family for health and financial needs.

Please pray for Marija who is pregnant but struggling with health complications.

Please pray for Thea who is in terrible physical pain.

Please pray for Bevon who was in a serious car accident.

Please pray for Nathaly. The Lord will know the details.

Please pray for Caleb who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar, and is suicidal.

Please pray for 12 year old Mariah as she is recovering from her third heart surgery. The surgery could not have gone any better. Sounds like it will be the last one she ever needs.

Please pray for Tony who is having horrible back issues.

Asking prayer for Tom who has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. He will be undergoing chemo and radiation treatment before his surgery which will occur in 2021.

Please say a prayer Al will be healed and pain free.

Please say a prayer Marina and Dennis will be healed of cancer.

Dave is very sick. He was born with brain and other problems and has lived past what doctors expected. He needs all his teeth pulled, but dentist is giving give him the run around he is very frustrated. He needs prayer.

Pray for Pat who has cancer and has surgery scheduled Monday.

Nova asks for prayers for healing and controlling his schizophrenia.

Mildred asks for prayer the Lord will return her health and vigor.

There were a host of unspoken prayer requests and we heard of a number of deaths this week, including our friend Mona. Prayers for their families as they go through this earthly trial. We grieve … heaven rejoices.

We come to You, Lord, because prayer is the least yet the greatest thing we can do for each other. When two or more are gathered in Your name, we confidently know You are with us. What better company can we have? You reign and we trust You! We may be broken and battered but know You heal and quiet the soul. You are the source for all that happens in our lives. We thank You for the progress being made. We thank You for the many blessings we have received this week. Some we unfortunately didn’t notice. Nonetheless, those blessings are ever-present in our lives. We thank You for healing. We thank You for slowing us down. We thank You for providing us our daily needs — no more and no less. We thank You for being with us, listening to us, walking with us on this journey. We thank You for the support of our family and friends … for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary — sunrises, sunsets, flowers, kids laughing, adventures, good news amid the bad news. We know we can come to You with our concerns and they will be heard. Through Christ all things are possible. We lift up those family members and friends who are battling various physical, emotional, financial, career or spiritual issues and ask not for Your guidance and healing (although that would be welcomed) but to keep reminding us we are not alone in our battles. Specifically we lift up Brian, Eddie, Andrew, Joanne, Michelle, Pat, Cathy, Joy, Eli, Sandy, Anna, Lisa, Bruce, Joyce, Marija, Thea, Bevon, Nathaly, Caleb, Mariah, Tony, Tom, Al, Marina, Dennis,  Dave, Pat, Nova, Mildred, and all those needing Your healing and guiding touch. We pray for the families of all those You have called home. We grieve … You celebrate. We pray for obedience to Your Will so Your “Son” Light shines through us through the power of the Spirit. And we come to You through the confidence of the words taught by Your Son Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Keep your joys and concerns coming. They have been and will be included during my prayer time and I trust they will be on your lips as well as you approach the altar. All it takes is a couple of keystrokes under the “Contact Me” button on the top bar {or to the right if you’re not a follower yet}. I hope it becomes your best friend as you navigate around the site so we can all be viable prayer warriors. You can also comment or reach me at wisdomfromafather@gmail.com.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Give me faith, Lord, and let me help others find it. — Leo Tolstoy

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Five Minute Friday — Disappoint

Posted on October 23, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Happy Five Minute Friday!

The rules remain the same. Ponder the weekly prompt. Nothing too pithy, just honest as the words flow from the brain through the fingers. Keep it limited to five minutes {or so} with limited editing. Link up on our Community page on Facebook at fiveminutefriday.com and sit back and enjoy other posts from other writers.

In fact, I’ve been using testimonials about the group and the exercise from other members as collected in Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Flat, edited by Susan Shipe. This week’s it’s from Joanne. I encourage you to listen to the words and visit our wonderful corps of writers … and maybe be inspired to join in!

“When I started participating in the FMF linkup, I was not sure what t o expect. The idea of writing for five minutes on the same one word was intriguing, in and of itself. But the community of women [and some men] soon became a place I looked forward to each week. The FMF community has come to mean connection, encouragement, warmth, and more. Often it is in this community that I have found confirmation of the very truth God has been whispering into my heart throughout the week. FMF has become an intersection of God’s Word and friendship over my morning coffee each Friday morning. I have not yet walked away disappointed.”

After hearing the prompt word — DISAPPOINT — last night, I mulled over how I was going to put a positive spin on a negative word. Normally I fall asleep and let the word percolate into my deeper psyche and soul. I would wake up with a direction my words would take.

This morning, I woke up — wide awake — just before 4 a.m. with a direction. It wasn’t the result a dream. It wasn’t just a feeling. It was a memory that filtered through the darkness, a memory I had been suppressing for many years. It was a conversation Karen and I had the night before she died , during our last walk down 40 plus years of memories.

So, here goes. I’ll try to recapture the moment as I turn on the timer. GO …

The question came out of nowhere. One minute we were talking about our escapades, then the next she quietly asked me, “Was I ever a disappointment to you?

The question stunned me into silence. I could think of times things didn’t go as anticipated — but more on my part than hers. I was the disappointment, not giving her the stability she so longed for. I was the disappointment putting her and the family second because of work. I was the disappointment not always listening to her needs.

“No,”I answered. “The were times when I was disappointed when things  didn’t go as planned, but never, ever with you.”

She smiled through the pain.

“Was I ever a disappointment to you?” I asked.

With her own quirky smile and crinkled nose, she said, “Well …” Then, after letting me squirm in my seat for what seemed like minutes although it was only milliseconds, she added, “No.” … STOP

… “Never. You were my rock. You were my go to guy. Of course sometimes I had to track you down, but you were my go to guy. I knew you loved me unconditionally. I’m sure I disappointed you, but no, you never disappointed me.”

“But …” I said. She cut me by raising her arm and putting a finger on my lips.

“But nothing.”

That, my friends, is putting a positive spin on negative word. That is grace.That’s how I know she’s waiting for me, either with a cup of coffee if it’s daytime or a glass of wine at nighttime. That’s realizing the disappointments pale in comparison to love. That is a  reflection of our Father’s love.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Just be yourself … there is no one better.

 

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Vaudeville

Posted on October 22, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

As many of you know, I send out a –hopefully — inspirational or uplifting message along with either a quote or cartoon. The one I sent yesterday {see attached} generated a little more comment than usual. In brief, it showed a kid tapping on his phone and an older gent saying he thought tap shows died with vaudeville.

Not totally unexpected, my grandkids {and some others} asked what vaudeville was. Another sent me a reply, “YOU went to a vaudeville show?” with a winky face attached. Another asked, “How old are you? Really?”

So, it’s time to set the record straight. I never went to a vaudeville show. I did go to a burlesque show, however. I may be old but I’m not dead yet … and I still have some memories of my youthful excursions.

For clarification, vaudeville is a theatrical genre of variety entertainment born in France at the end of the 19th century. A vaudeville was originally a comedy without psychological or moral intentions, based on a comical situation: a dramatic composition or light poetry, interspersed with songs or ballets. Except for some local troupes, Some notable vaudevillians were El Brendle, Uncle Dave Macon, and Jack Haley. Jack Benny, Abbott and Costello, Kate Smith, Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Judy Garland, and Gracie Allen and George Burns got their start in vaudeville, but moved their career as silent movies gave way to talkies.

Burlesque is a literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects. It became popular in the mid 20th century with the addition of strippers who often strip when doing burlesque. Some notables were Gypsy Rose Lee, Sally Rand, Blaze Starr, Dita Von Teese, and the irrepressibly Mae West.

As a young man in the mid 60s, there were not many burlesque shows around thanks to the variety shows on television. But I remember one particular Saturday night back in 1965 …

There were four of us in our northern New Jersey tribe, friends since grade school. In addition to me, there was Bernie, Carmen, and Murray. One of them — I think it was Murray — suggested we go to a burlesque show in New York City. Bernie, I believe, backed out because he, well, had a real date. So that left the three of us. Even though I was tired from a long week of school and work, I was picked as the designated driver … a) because I never turned down an opportunity to get behind the wheel, and b) I was more familiar with and comfortable driving in New York City.

I can’t remember much of the night, except it was in a little, dark theater off Broadway. I must have dozed off and on during the show despite the hooting and hollering around me because my buddies kept teasing me about falling asleep during the”exciting” parts of the show.

Now, it wasn’t because I am or was a prude. I certainly enjoy the exquisite beauty of the female form. I was tired and kinda lost interest after the first few strips.

So, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

By the way, no one asked about the inspiration quote I posted. It was from Walt Disney. “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Go figure.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. — Anne Frank

 

 

 

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Midweek Mirth

Posted on October 21, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

One of the misconceptions about being a Christian is non-Christians think we don’t know how to have fun or have a sense of humor. Trust me, if the Big Guy can have a sense of humor when it comes to dealing with us mere mortals, so can we.

The difference for Christians is we don’t have to debase ourselves or others to generate a smile. Laughter at life or ourselves is a gift from God.

Here’s this week’s edition of Midweek Mirth  … so let’s smile a little!

Send Bill to My Brother-In-Law

A man suffered a serious heart attack and had open heart bypass surgery. He awakened from the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns at a Catholic hospital. As he was recovering, a nun asked him questions regarding how he was going to pay for his treatment. She asked, “Do you have health insurance?”

He replied in a raspy voice, “No health insurance.”

The nun asked, “Do you have money in the bank?”

He replied, “No money in the bank.”

The nun asked, “Do you have a relative who could help you?”

He said, “I only have a spinster sister, who is a nun.”

The nun became agitated and announced loudly, “Nuns are not spinsters! Nuns are married to God.”

The patient replied, “Then send the bill to my brother-in-law.”

…and now for the bonus …

Revival Meeting

After the series of community multi-church revival meetings had concluded, the three churches’ pastors were discussing the results with one another. The Methodist minister said, “The revival worked out great for us! We gained four new families.” The Baptist preacher said, “We did better than that! We gained six new families.” The Presbyterian pastor said, “Well, we did even better than that! We got rid of our 10 biggest trouble makers!”

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: And keep a sense of humor. It doesn’t mean you have to tell jokes. If you can’t think of anything else, when you’re my age, take off your clothes and walk in front of a mirror. I guarantee you’ll get a laugh. – Art Linkletter

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Help

Posted on October 20, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

As most of you know, I am working on a new work in progress (WIP). It has been going well — generally following an outline with notes highlighting the beginning and end thoughts and specific scenes in between. As you also know, my outlines are just that … outlines not necessary fixed in place. They are fluid to allow for “detours” as the story line develops.

I confess. I took one of those detours and as I followed that ever-narrowing rabbit hole, I now find myself in totally uncharted waters. I’m finding it harder and harder to continue simply because I literally have no experience.

I’m facing a wall. I could take the path of stereotype … and probably lose all credibility for the story. I could take the other path, an uncertain road that might lead me further into the forest with no hope of getting out.

And so, friends, I need HELP!

Without divulging too many details, the WIP is about Samantha’s — yes, my Sam — granddaughter. It’s a legacy novel. It features Kathi and the challenges the 15 year old faces after the death of her best friend, Grandma. Clouded by grief and teenage emotions, she makes a series of questionable choices and finds herself in a compromising situation where she is assaulted — sexually assaulted although not physically assaulted.

That was the rabbit hole. I am not sure how a teenage girl would react. I suspect disgust, fear, self-deprecation, anger, confusion, dirty.

That’s where I’m at. Well, actually, I’m a little further but I still sense there is something missing — experience. I don’t want to pry or wake up old memories, but I’m hoping a couple of you could give me some insight. I don’t need details, but I do need to sense how someone who went through a similar experience reacted and healed. That is the request of the day.

I would also like to hear from friends, families or counselors … even from those who may have assaulted someone. Help me understand.

If interested in helping, I would suggest messaging me or sending an e-mail. I’ll privately send you more information about the scene and aftermath in exchange for your input.

Thanks!

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Everything in life has potential, but it must be developed. It never develops itself. — Edwin Louis Cole, The Potential Principle — Living Life To Its Maximum

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Change

Posted on October 19, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Today’s Words for the Week come from the wisdom of Ray Lammie

It’s not your parents’ fault, it’s not where you were born, how poor you were, your lack of education, the boss, your ex-spouse, etc. You are responsible for your actions. The greatest power you have is the power to change.

I’ll add a companion thought from Dick Innes.

We were not responsible for our upbringing but are totally responsible for what we do about it.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Never stop believing in hope because miracles happen every day.

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Draw Me to Yourself

Posted on October 18, 2020 by wisdomfromafather
 

Today’s reflection is by Ted Loder from his book, Guerrillas of Grace

In this moment
draw me to yourself, Lord,
and make me aware
not so much of what I’ve given as of all I have received
and so have yet to share.
Send me forth
in power and gladness
and with great courage
to live out in the world
what I pray and profess,
that, in sharing,
I may do justice,
make peace,
grow in love,
enjoy myself,
other people,
and your world now,
and you forever.

Loder is a retired Methodist minister known for his artistic political activism and passion for social justice. He at one time was named one of America’s Outstanding Creative Preachers. The reflection was part of the Inward/Outward Together initiative of Church of the Saviour, Washinton, DC.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: To be happy is a choice you make every day, every hour. And refining and renewing that state is a constant pursuit. — Julia Roberts

 

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Say a Little Prayer …

Posted on October 17, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

As we build this community prayer platform, we ask the Lord to listen to our petitions with full confidence they not only are heard but acted upon by God according to His holy will. These requests are on my prayer list and I hope you consider putting them on yours as you place your petitions before the Lord Sunday.

Approach the throne room and respond with faith and not fear, knowing the promises of God and His mighty hand will hold us through any situation! Sometimes, all it takes is just one prayer to change everything. Something extraordinary happens when two or more agree together in prayer.

What is one of the most important things we should do as Christians? Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).

And, so, Lord, we come to You with our petitions, knowing and expecting Your will to be done.

Thoughts and prayers to all worldwide suffering from the consequences of coronavirus flu – and all other strains. Many – many – of the prayer requests are covid-19 related … people diagnosed … people sick … people dying … relatives worried and isolated. We are in this together – in prayer!

Please keep the victims of household abuse in your prayers. Whether it be physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, this time in particular is very horrifying for them to be trapped in a house with their abuser(s) and not being able to escape.

We also need to pray for colorblind peace. Racism will remain a plague until we stop looking at people as black and white, but as human beings created by the same Creator. We pray for new eyes, calmer heads, and softer hearts. 

Special prayer requests have been made for orphanages in Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and right here in the United States. The need is real.

Financial issues were also high on the prayer lists with millions still out of work. Sustain those who are hurting financially. Give us and them our daily bread.

Natural disasters continue. Keep those in the path of fires and storms safe and focused on You, Lord.

Prayers requested for Debby as she recovers from surgery.

Please keep Mark in your thoughts and prayers. He underwent brain tumor surgery this week. He is doing well post-op, but has a tough road ahead.

Keep Andrew in your prayers as he continues to fight the fight. He contacted me the other day. Things continue to deteriorate. Prayers. Prayers. Prayers.

Prayers requested for Mona who has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the liver. She is on a new chemo schedule and has been given about a year. She was expected to return home from the hospital today or Sunday. Please pray for her and husband Frank.

Prayers needed for J for a mental health issue and for his family members.

Please pray for Gunny who is having a multitude of health problems.

Please pray for Dawn who is struggling with several painful and difficult health challenges.

T has a list of prayer requests … please pray for him. The Lord will know the details.

Please pray for eight year old Maddie who was diagnosed with leukemia.

Please pray for Danny who has MS and is scheduled for back surgery due to a fall.

Please continue to pray for Ali, a young woman who is struggling with some health issues and reaching out for prayer.

Please pray for Frank who lost his mother and his job within two weeks.

Savannah and her daughter lost their new home in an apartment fire. They moved in just less than one month ago. Savannah was just able to save her two year old daughter and herself, but unfortunately was not able to save her cat, three kittens, and two geckos along with all of her and her daughter’s personal belongings. Not only did she just put down her deposit and rent money, she now needs to replace her ID and wallet, clothing, food, toys, and furnishings. She has lost all of her sentimental items and photographs as well. Prayers during these trying times are requested.

Julia is seeking prayer for a workplace situation.

Please pray for Fletcher who is in critical condition with several health issues.

Please pray for Houma who is struggling with depression and multiple other factors making life very difficult.

Please pray for Albert who is struggling with health issues.

Please pray for Gina who has ovarian cancer.

Please pray for Ally. The Lord will know the details. Situation is critical.

Please pray for Amir’s health.

Please pray for Carmella who had a spell and fell on the concrete suffering a deep laceration that needed stitches. Doctors thought they might be able to reconstruct her jaw but where it broke apparently won’t allow that. Her dentures were also destroyed in the fall. She also needs a stimulator replacement – it’s down to 18% — but it still has not been approved.

Please pray for Michael who is critical in the hospital ICU.

Please pray for Tawne who will have surgery Oct. 21 for cancer of the uterus. Pray the cancer is contained.

Please pray for Devorah. Something is going on with her belly which is swelling by the day.

Please say a prayer for Florence who has pain in her arms and hands and is having stomach pains. She is in hospice.

Please pray for Diane to be completely healed of pancreatic and liver cancer.

Prayers requested for Sean to be completely healed of lung and bowel cancer. He had a colostomy yesterday – at 13.

Bill is recovering from a broken foot and could use prayer.

There were a host of unspoken prayer requests and we heard of a number of deaths this week. Prayers for their families as they go through this earthly trial. We grieve … heaven rejoices.

We come to You, Lord, because prayer is the least yet the greatest thing we can do for each other. When two or more are gathered in Your name, we confidently know You are with us. What better company can we have? You reign and we trust You! We may be broken and battered but know You heal and quiet the soul. You are the source for all that happens in our lives. We thank You for the progress being made. We thank You for the many blessings we have received this week. Some we unfortunately didn’t notice. Nonetheless, those blessings are ever-present in our lives. We thank You for healing. We thank You for slowing us down. We thank You for providing us our daily needs — no more and no less. We thank You for being with us, listening to us, walking with us on this journey. We thank You for the support of our family and friends … for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary — sunrises, sunsets, flowers, kids laughing, adventures, good news amid the bad news. We know we can come to You with our concerns and they will be heard. Through Christ all things are possible. We lift up those family members and friends who are battling various physical, emotional, financial, career or spiritual issues and ask not for Your guidance and healing (although that would be welcomed) but to keep reminding us we are not alone in our battles. Specifically we lift up Debby, Mark, Andrew, Mona, J, Gunny, Dawn, T, Maddie, Danny, Ali, Frank, Savannah, Julie, Fletcher, Houma, Albert, Gina, Ally, Amir, Carmella, Michael, Tawne, Devorah, Florence, Diane, Sean, Bill, and all those needing Your healing and guiding touch. We pray for the families of all those You have called home. We grieve … You celebrate. We pray for obedience to Your Will so Your “Son” Light shines through us through the power of the Spirit. And we come to You through the confidence of the words taught by Your Son Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Keep your joys and concerns coming. They have been and will be included during my prayer time and I trust they will be on your lips as well as you approach the altar. All it takes is a couple of keystrokes under the “Contact Me” button on the top bar {or to the right if you’re not a follower yet}. I hope it becomes your best friend as you navigate around the site so we can all be viable prayer warriors. You can also comment or reach me at wisdomfromafather@gmail.com.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Work as if everything depends on you. Pray as if everything depends on God.– St. Ignatius Loyola

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