The Light

Take Goliath Down

Posted on August 17, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Our Words for the Week are courtesy of Max Lucado.

Goliaths still roam our world. Debt. Disaster. Dialysis. Danger. Deceit. Disease. Depression. Super-size challenges still swagger and strut, still pilfer sleep and embezzle peace and liposuction joy. But they can’t dominate you. You know how to deal with them. You face giants by facing God first.

Focus on giants — you stumble.

Focus on God — your giants tumble.

From Max Lucado’s UpWords.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Open your door to opportunity … daily.

Posted in words for the week | Tagged attitude, DPchallenge, encouragement, Faith, focus, Giants, God, Goliath, life, Max Lucado, relationships, stories | 7 Comments

Hunger for Righteousness

Posted on August 16, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

I will give to the thirsty the springs of the Water of Life — as a gift! —Revelation 21:6 (TLB) God says only those who hunger after righteousness will receive it. God thrusts this heavenly manna on no one. You … Continue reading →

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Bowing Our Heads …

Posted on August 15, 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.

There were also quite a few requests for students and the new school year. We ask, Lord, that You bless the students, teachers, and administrators as they face new learning/teaching challenges this year. Keep them safe.

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.

Andrew was born Aug. 6, but due to some respiratory complications he was admitted to the NICU shortly after birth. He’s has been improving daily and any concerns are being addressed. Please keep him and his parents in your prayers.

Linda’s one year old granddaughter has a very serious and rare neurological issue. It has been determined she needs surgery and the procedure will be done in a couple of weeks. Prayers for the child, the family, the care providers, the surgeons and all others involved for a good outcome.

Andrew touched bases with us. “I’m still here, but the water’s getting high. Both eating and drinking are a trial, [but since] I have a living will, at least I won’t have to face a feeding tube.” Keep him in your prayers as he continues to fight the fight.

Kate is dealing with some pain and discomfort and could use a lift up in prayer.

Charles says he is “… an alcoholic going into a recovery program … I’ve been married for 32 years, I need your prayers. This is to save my life.”

Lyn noted her mom died two months ago and she is hurting. “Life is empty. I am lonely. I need to feel God’s presence.” Let’s show her, and all who are reeling from a loss.

Please pray for Stephanie who has overdosed and is in a coma. And for her young children.

Andy got into a wreck. He seems okay, but his entire body is in pain and his wrist is cut. Prayers requested.

Raven asks for prayers after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

Randlyn is reaching out for prayer. She is sick and says, “It’s ok, I came to grips with it already. I was given less than three months to live with really bad lungs and a bad heart. I outlived cancer, but I can’t on this one, I’m getting worse every day, My heart and lungs are giving out at the same time, it seems.”

Andrea needs prayers. She has a heavy weighted message to deliver and seeks prayer for God’s hand and hedge of protection around her and her kids!

Please pray for Khushi who is suffering from stomach pain.

Germaine missed his back surgery and was admitted to emergency the next day. He has been in ICU since. Prayers requested.

Marc is praying for the Lord’s help with his NMAT test Sunday (Aug. 16).

Ellen had emergency eye surgery to repair a detached retina in her left eye and to strengthen weak areas in her right eye. The detachment was significant and the doctor is not optimistic regarding how much vision, if any, might be restored. Prayers are requested.

Tim is asking the church to pray for him. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June.

Elizabeth seeks prayers to help relieve bone, back, and abdominal pain.

Please uphold Aboli in prayer as she battles high blood pressure, acid reflux, bulging disc with related nerve issues, and asthma problems.

Please pray for Ashley who has neuroendrocin cancer. They also just discovered something going on with her lungs.

Prayers requested for Jesalyn. Doctors discovered a lump in her neck.

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 Andrew, Linda’s granddaughter, Andrew, Kate, Charles, Lyn, Stephanie, Andy, Raven, Randlyn, Andrea, Khushi, Germaine, Marc, Ellen, Tim, Elizabeth, Aboli, Ashley, Jesalyn, 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: Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. – Mahatma Gandhi

Posted in Prayer-Care-Share | Tagged attitude, DPchallenge, encouragement, Faith, Friends, God, healing, illness, Jesus, life, love, observations, petitions, relationships, things that matter | Leave a comment

Five Minute Friday — Right

Posted on August 14, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Time for my Five Minute Friday contribution. Check out the amazing five minutes takes at fiveminutefriday.com (start at the community section) and share our pearls of wisdom or our pig’s ears or just mix and mingle.

I’ve been sharing snippets taken from Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat compiled by Susan Shipe. They are a testament to the value of the exercise. This week, I’ll share some perspective from Andrew. I hope she inspires you to check us out … and maybe join in?

“I looked back over my posts, and the first FMF I did was Oct. 16, 2014. I don’t think I missed one … It’s meant the world to me, this loving wonderful community. Much of my life was lived against a backdrop of feeling quite expendable … to bring back a pithy line from an old Rambo movie, it’s like if you invite someone to a party and he doesn’t show up, it doesn’t really matter. The past [almost six years] have shown me such a different world! Thank you, Kate, for making that possible.”

I might add, Andrew, his wife Barbara and umpteen rescue dogs live in New Mexico. Andrew is also dying … in the latter stages of pancreatic cancer which has knocked him down, but not out. He has vowed to participate as long as the Lord allows him to … and the Five Minute Friday community always await his wit and wisdom. Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat was in fact dedicated to him. For me, his words and his perseverance are a true profile in courage. My thoughts and prayers — along with others around the globe as members of this special community — are always with Andrew and Barb. His words are posted at blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/

Well, the prompt is RIGHT and the timer is set for five minutes, so lets GO…

Right or wrong?

Way back in the early 80s I attended Mass in a small rural Catholic hospital chapel. A young mother arrived with a relatively newborn babe cradled in her arms and two little kids about two and maybe five, but probably four. It was a recipe for disaster in the small chapel.

The “older” two were given crayons and construction paper to keep them busy in the pew. Predictably, whenever the two year old needed a different color, he would get up, go to the next pew, go through it, and return to his pew, get the crayon, and reverse himself. Of course, he did this as quietly as a two year old could … and it seemed he needed a different color just about 10 seconds. This went on during the early parts of the celebration, but eventually, he wanted the red crayon his big sister was using. “No,” she whispered as he started grabbing the crayon. With a chorus of “I’m using it now!” and “But I want that color” their little voices got louder and louder. Mom, rocking the newborn, tried to hush the other two, but their actions started riling the sleeping infant who started with a small … STOP

… whimper that evolved into a full throated cry. Poor mom was trying to play comforter and referee at the same time.

During his homily, the padre had had enough. He scolded the woman. “Can’t you control your children? They’re disrupting my sermon!”

“Sorry, Father,” she said starting to sob as she grabbed the children and headed for the door. “I was just trying to be a good Catholic and go to Mass.”

What did I do? What did my fellow congregants — maybe a dozen all told — do?

That’s right. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. We just watched the disaster in the making unfold right before our eyes.

I know what I should have done, and, in fact, was mapping it out in my mind as the scene played out.

What I was formulating was helping the young woman by taking her out of the chapel before the rude comments by the chaplain. It was a hospital … a small, rural hospital which, on a busy week, had about 25% of its rooms occupied. I wanted to — no, I should have taken her into the hall, flagged down a nurse and brought her to a vacant room where she could watch the service on closed circuit television while giving the two and four year olds a little space. I wanted to — no, I should have colored with the youngsters and kept them occupied with a story or two. That’s what I wanted to do. That’s what I should have done.

Instead. I did nothing but sit in my pew as a silent witness to a religious meltdown. I couldn’t listen to the chaplain or his sermon. My mind kept racing back to the woman.

Was the priest right or wrong? I understand he was trying to present the message of the gospel, but in my mind, he failed miserably. I couldn’t tell you one word he uttered after the incident.

Was the woman right or wrong? Certainly, she should have recognized the potential for disaster but her faith impelled her to attend Mass. I don’t know her circumstances or why she was at the small chapel. Perhaps she was visiting someone in that hospital or she thought she could control the children better in the small space. Perhaps she was facing challenges and was looking for the intimacy of a familiar faith expression. I simply do not know.

Was I or the congregation right or wrong or silently complicit? I’ll speak for myself. My actions — or more appropriately my inactions — were not right. I was wrong in not acting proactively.

The story, unfortunately, is real. I was there. And I can tell you there were no souls saved that Sunday morning. There was a few, however, that may have been lost.

And that is just not right!

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: The scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls — Edgar Allen Poe

Posted in Five Minute Friday | Tagged attitude, DPchallenge, encouragement, Faith, five minute Friday, Friends, God, life, love, Memories, nothing, observations, relationships, right, stories, wrong | 10 Comments

Bologna … Or Is It Baloney

Posted on August 13, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

My second favorite passion in life is food. Traveling — often with a fine restaurant meal penciled in — is No. 1. Notice I didn’t say cooking or preparing food. I lean more toward eating food.

It’s not that I can’t cook. I can hold my own in the kitchen until recipes start throwing in terms like Dutch oven or Mexican tomato sauce. I rarely use the right pot or pan and liberally substitute ingredients to soften the spiciness or because I just didn’t have it available. I guess you’re supposed to look at the totality of a recipe, including ingredients, before you go shopping.

Truth be told, cooking for one is tedious. Breaking down a “serves four” into single serving invariably means you have way too much of one ingredient {like sour cream} or you find yourself buying spices you may never need again. Sure you could cook for four and freeze three — most of the time — but that presupposes you’re going to like it the first time. I, for one, am not a big fan of leftovers, refrigerated or frozen.

It’s easier — not cheaper — heading to the store mid afternoon to pick up something from Marie Callender that trips my culinary trigger, although even then, I’ve been known to wander around the store with an empty cart seeking dinner ideas for the evening. Of course, I could always dial up House of Pizza.

Meal planning is an art, however, planning — meal or otherwise — is not my forte. A couple of weeks ago, I established a weekly menu that included chicken, seafood, a little ground beef, and pasta as ideas. I ate a salad, an omelet, pancakes with sausage, and a quesadilla on the appointed weeknights. I eventually used the protein, just not on the night scheduled.

But tonight! I have it covered! I knew exactly what I wanted overnight — fried bologna and cheese on frozen leftover hamburger buns, a side of Uglies Kettle Cooked Potato Chips (those are regular rejected chips because they are too large or small, too curled, or too dark), and an antipasto medley of roasted tomatoes and stuffed olives. I even went to the deli and ordered fresh cut bologna and Swiss cheese (just enough for a couple of sandwiches). I would have scooped out the antipasto, but covid has everything prepackaged these days.

Why?

I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I have been waxing nostalgic lately and the repast reminded of my younger years. Maybe it’s because I saw a social media post about the delicacy a couple of days ago. Maybe it’s because it’s Throwback Thursday. Maybe, just maybe, it’s because I haven’t had the meal in ages — and it was just time.

Now, ask me about tomorrow’s dish du jour … in about 24 hours.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: No other person can bind you; you do it yourself!

Posted in life & love | Tagged attitude, bologna, DPchallenge, humor, Laughter, life, love, Memories, nostalgia, planning, relationships, Throwback Thursday | 2 Comments

Midweek Mirth

Posted on August 12, 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!

It’s So Hot … (Oldie but Goodie)

The birds have to use potholders to pull the worms out of the ground.

The trees are whistling for dogs.

The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.

Hot water comes from both taps

You learn a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.

The temperature drops below 90 degrees and you feel a little chilly.

You discover in August it only takes two fingers to steer your car.

You actually burn your hand opening the car door.

You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.

Potatoes are cooking underground, so all you have to do is pull one out and add butter.

Cows are giving evaporated milk.

Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.

And now for the short but sweet bonus …

Fashion statement

What did one strand of DNA say to the other?

“Do these genes make me look fat?”

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: The most wasted of days is one without laughter. – e.e cummings

Posted in midweek mirth | Tagged attitude, DPchallenge, hot, humor, jokes, Laughter, life, mirth | 5 Comments

Call to Love

Posted on August 11, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Did you ever come across a book where you knew the ending just a few pages in, yet still wanted to see how the story unfolded?

That was the intrigue of the thoroughly Christian romance Call to Love penned by first time author Mary A. Felkins. I listened to the audio version as company during a three state visit over the weekend, so I felt the power of Felkins’ words through the narration of Trenton Bennett.

The love story captured my attention {of course, while paying attention to the road at all times}. I never thought I would hear myself saying this, but I was 8:13 shy of finishing a chapter when I pulled into my son’s driveway. As the grandkids and dog swarmed to the car, I paused the reading. But those last eight minutes and 13 seconds gnawed at my soul so after the initial rush of greeting Grandpa, it was out to the deck to sit back, close my eyes, and savor those final minutes of the chapter. It was the proverbial “Let me finish this chapter” my wife often snapped when I interrupted her reading.

The next chapter for the final leg home grabbed my attention from first sound with an audible gasp. I can’t remember when a plot twist jarred me — in a good way — as much.

The story revolves around Tracy and Tom, both with well-fortressed hearts. She is an independent, take charge emergency room nurse, a single mom by her choice with a new job in a new city with her newborn on the to do list. She is a police officer’s daughter, whose life was shattered and her heart broken when her Dad was killed in the line of duty.

Tom is a single father from Texas, battling the scars of a broken family and a broken marriage. He is a no-nonsense cop who even cites Tracy for excessive speed just as he was starting to entertain the idea of a courting stage. Sometimes his mannerisms, especially his verbal mannerisms, came off flat and emotionless.

I love writing that paints pictures in my mind and Felkins does it well. It isn’t just a chair, but an {I hope I get this right, I don’t have a print version to reference} asparagus-green aluminum bench that immediately narrowed the narrative to specifics. It’s never car, but a sleek, silver, sports car. It’s not a blue sky, but an azure blue with flecks of color. Snowpiles are crusty with dirt over what once was fluffy white. You get the picture.

Her verbiage was equally flowing. She doesn’t walk, she sashays. He doesn’t say, he barks. Most of the time it worked flawlessly, although there were a few instances where the thesaurus driven word or action just seemed out of place. These were few and far between, though.

Felkins also proved you can write a completely Christian novel without expletives and always “clean”, even though single parenting implies otherwise. I wish I could remember the actual quote, but I laughed out loud when she was in a church at Christmastime. She offhandedly mentioned to her companion she sometimes felt like the Virgin Mary … “without the virgin, of course.”

The other remarkable thing about the book is its Christianity. Neither main character were heavy on the “God thing”. It was the supporting characters who injected Christian values into the story — consistently but unobtrusively.

As an author, I do wish I had read the book rather than listen to it. Felkins had a knack for interjecting interludes and presumably the voice of God into the characters’ thoughts. I would love to have seen how she did it — italicized, bold right, highlighted or offset in some way. However she did it, it worked and knit the pieces together without preaching.

The narration surprised me. I’m not sure a male was the right choice. I think I would have preferred a softer feminine voice. It was okay, although — no knock to anyone — trying to change inflection for different characters was sometimes difficult to follow or match the mental image I painted.

All that said, this was definitely a find, a five star find that will keep you entertained. It was enlightening to watch God’s behind the scenes actions chipping away at those barricades Tracy and Tom were hiding behind. It was a revelation watching Tracy’s stone encased heart start to beat again as she relearned how to trust and love. Likewise, we discovered, along with Tom, how freeing it was to shred bitterness and embrace forgiveness.

The story worked. Only when they let go of the past could they move forward and listen to the call to love.

Call to Love: (audiobook), Mary A. Felkins, author; Trenton Bennett, narrator; Publisher: Prism Book Group (Dec. 31, 2019); $17.47 or 1 credit; Listening Length, 13 hours and 25 minutes; Unabridged; English; ASIN, B0839PYQ66.

Kindle: $5.49 (free on Kindle Unlimited); File size: 923 KB; Print Length, 240 pages; Publisher: Prism Lux (Nov. 15, 2019); Sold by Amazon.com Services; Language: English; ASIN: B07XSNKZK2; Text-to-Speech: Enabled; X-Ray: Enabled; Word Wise: Enabled; Lending: Enabled; Screen Reader: Supported; Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Diseases of the soul are more dangerous and more numerous than those of the body. — Cicero

Posted in Readin', Ritin' & Rithmetic | Tagged attitude, audiobook, blessings, book review, DPchallenge, encouragement, Faith, God, grace, life, love, relationships | 4 Comments

Don’t Confuse Me with the Facts

Posted on August 10, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Our Words for the Week come from Dick Innes, founder and international director of ACTS International,

I‘m sure you are aware of the old saying that says, “Don’t confuse me with the facts. My mind is made up.” Also, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”

Just watch interviews on TV: People see what they want to see; hear what they want to hear; expose themselves only to messages they want to hear; and they will distort any message to make it match their perception of reality, or to try and make it say what they want it to say. It’s called selective hearing, selective observation, selective perception, and selective distortion.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Your struggle is not your identity.

Posted in words for the week | Tagged attitude, Dick Innes, DPchallenge, encouragement, facts, life, observations, selective, stories | Leave a comment

Speak Up

Posted on August 9, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Christianity is not for wimps! Repeatedly in Scripture, Christians are warned if they stand for righteousness the world won’t like it and will attack.

So what should a believer do? Even those who have loving attitudes and are socially considerate at presenting their beliefs will often be chastised. So, should God’s people just remain silent?

Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart: Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults (Isaiah 51:7).

When presenting the words of the Lord, people may be scorned no matter how positively it is presented. Believers should not be afraid of the insults and attacks of those living in sin. If a Christian is sharing the truth with a loving attitude, God’s Spirit will work on the hearer’s heart.

Being insulted and persecuted for loving people well isn’t something to fear. It is a privilege of belonging to Christ.

Challenge for Today: Speak when the Lord compels you to, and trust Him with any negative consequences.

This reflection is from God’s Word for Today, a devotional from the Assemblies of God, ag.org. © The General Council of the Assemblies of God

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: God loves to use broken vessels … It is through these cracks in our brokenness that His Light will shine.

Posted in Sunday sermonette | Tagged Assemblies of God, attitude, communication, devotion, DPchallenge, encouragement, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, life, love, reflection, relationships, speak, stories | 2 Comments

God’s Prayer Closet …

Posted on August 8, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

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

Stacia went to the cardiologist and they think her problems are being caused by a thyroid/ hormone issue. She has a doctor’s appointment and labs scheduled prior to an ECG. Thank you for all the prayers and please continue to pray until this is finally figured out.

Diane has cancer and has already gone through surgery, chemo, and radiation. They just found another mass. Please pray for her.

Judy has some medical tests coming up. Prayers requested.

Cole is extremely depressed and could use a hedge of protection.

We didn’t hear from Andrew this week as he continues to fight the fight. Keep him in your prayers.

Des is asking for prayer s she starts nursing school. Prayers lifted up for all students returning to classes, whether in person, online or homeschooled. Lord, we ask for Your blessing for a safe and normal school year,

Drazen would appreciate some prayer because hr is having heart palpitations since waking up, a heavy tightness in his chest.

Brycen was life-flighted to the trauma center with extremely low platelet count and is in the NICU. He needs prayers.

Deborah is raising her two young grandsons and caring for her elderly father. She was laid off in March and now may lose her home. She could use prayers.

Diana injured a muscle in her hip area and doctors are hoping for the best at this time. Good news is it doesn’t appear to be her back, which was surgically repaired in the spring 2019. Prayers requested.

Tim is asking for prayers please for a clear series of pre-surgery tests. He has a large hernia and ileostomy reversal surgery coming up Aug. 19.

Please pray for Tatiana who had a head injury/fracture and hemorrhage.

Prayers requested for Arianna who had her baby early via c-section three weeks early. The baby had to be sent to a different hospital since lungs we not fully developed.

Please pray for Holly who is expecting twins and has been put on bed rest to try and prevent a premature delivery!

Joscelyn was rushed to the ER with left side of lip and gum swollen. Doctors say it is a complication from dental surgery last week or an allergic reaction. Asking for prayers.

Please cover 20 year old Katie. She has survived four battles with neuroblastoma cancer in her young life but most recent scans revealed cancer in both her liver and lymph nodes!Prayers requested for her battle weary family as well!

Judy’s prayer request for today is for favorable results of a scan schedule Aug. 13 to see if cancer had shrunk more. She has had 10 treatments this round of cancer. After five treatments it had shrunk over 50%. She has been also hurting from a cracked vertebrae for over six weeks. No fall just her age. She’ll be 80 in a few days, so overall she’s doing pretty good.

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 Stacia, Diane, Judy, Cole, Andrew, Dez, Drazen, Brycen, Deborah, Diana, Tim, Tatiana, Arianna, Holly, Joscelyn, Katie, Judy, 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.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: The wish to pray is a prayer in itself.
– Georges Bernanos

Posted in Prayer-Care-Share | Tagged attitude, DPchallenge, encouragement, Faith, Friends, God, healing, illness, Jesus, life, love, petition, Prayer, relationships, sickness | Leave a comment