Love & Prayers

Posted on July 18, 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. 

Andrew continues to struggle. As he said, “things worse than they have been for me, with the pain and pukes and runs uncontrolled, with food being something to force … the possibility of the miraculous becomes real The veil has been lifted, and I can see across forever.” Keep him in your prayers.

Mary asks we pray against her anxiety and her bladder infection.

Tamar was rushed to the hospital earlier this week after a possible suicide attempt.

Leah sees her gastroparesis specialist Thursday, and would be very grateful if anybody would pray for wisdom for my doctor. She is not doing well at all, having a difficult time eating without feeling completely miserable.

Prayers of strength and healing to Conchata as she battles for her life.

Zubair asks for prayers. Both kidneys are infected and he has renal stones in both kidneys.

Rosemary is struggling to keep O2 up to 90 and is spending most of her time on CPAP.  Pray she can get through the weekend without having to go to the ER.  

Prayers requested for Kerry, who is still very ill with water on his lungs.

Please join in prayer for Noah’s test results to be clear and doctors can figure out what is wrong with his stomach. He is only six.

Please pray for Steve who has an eye injury that isn’t healing. He’s scheduled to have his eye sewn shut.

Please pray for Thelma who has breast cancer.

Sangeeta is experiencing hip and abdominal pain. Prayers requested.

Cecilia is scheduled for radiation for cancer. Prayers asked.

Dianne prays her memories return and her mind stays clear and focused on the Lord. She asks us to join her in prayer.

Evelyn has breathing problems and thanks you for your prayers.

Al was diagnosed with cancer and asks for prayer.

Please continue to pray for Ann’s miraculous recovery from sepsis.

Please pray Ruth will heal from cancer.

Pray God restores Eric’s brain so he can speak, eat, move his body, and walk again. In Jesus’ name!

Please bless and heal Sierra of epilepsy and reduce seizures.

Betty asks for prayer for the complete healing of her left frozen shoulder and for full range of motion to return.

J needs a miracle healing to take her pain away. Prayers requested.

Prayers asked to bless Ana and all pregnant women to have healthy babies.

Prayer asked for Rose’s pain to subside following back surgery.

Please pray for Dawn’s health! She has an aggressive cancer and is in a lot of pain.

Becky asks for prayers her tests come out well and help doctors find out what is going on and a course of treatment.

Please pray Trudy’s healing from a stroke and extensive colon surgery. She is sooo very very weary and discouraged.

Coleman is asking for healing prayers for his  stomach and throat.

Jay was concerned about blood clots and went to the ER. No clots were found, but valves aren’t closing all the way allowing blood to flow backwards. Prayers requested.

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, Mary, Tamar, Leah, Conchata, Zubair, Rosemary, Kerry, Noah, Steve, Thelma, Sangeeta, Cecilia, Diane, Evelyn, Al, Ann, Ruth, Eric, Sierra, Betty, J, Ana, Rose, Dawn, Becky, Trudy, Coleman, Jay, 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: If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is “thank you” that would suffice. — Meister Eckhart

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Five Minute Friday — Smile

Posted on July 17, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Welcome to Five Minute Friday. I come willingly because whatever the prompt word for the week is, it forces me to think and let the words flow from the recesses of my heart and soul. It does the same for the hundreds of others who participate in the weekly exercise. We wait for the prompt, we let the word sink in, then free write for five minutes {or so}, visit fiveminutefriday.com, share our words and read the contributions from others in the group. It’s a win-win for all of us.

But don’t take my word for it. I’ve been sharing words about how valuable the exercise is from contributors as chronicled in Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat, compiled by Susan Shipe. Here’s an anonymous entry.

“One word. Five minute. No edits. No fine-tuning. Raw. Real. Get down writing. The way I like it.”

This week’s prompt is SMILE. The timer is set so it’s time to GO…

I love to smile. I like a good joke, especially if it’s somewhat clean and reflects the idiosyncrasies of humanity. I like to laugh out loud. And I try to make other people smile … through an unexpected word at an unexpected time.

Somehow, as Christians, we are painted with a broad brush that shows as unsmiling and always living in fear. It just ain’t so. We’re humans and if we can’t smile at ourselves, something is missing.

That’s the reason I dedicate one day of the week on my blog — Wednesday’s Midweek Mirth — to smiles and laughter. That’s why I shared a cartoon daily with my wife {I still do}. That’s why I send an encouraging word to family and friends, often with a humorous cartoon.

I believe in … STOP

… the words of Ecclesiastes 3, especially verse 4a,  … a time to weep and a time to laugh … Yes, there is a time for everything — and everything has a time.

In my sometimes warped mind, I can see the positives — the smiles — amid the negatives. Even in the Bible, humor abounds — if you look for it.

I had to look it up, but I remembered an article by Robin Gallaher Branch, a Ph.D. in Hebrew Studies from the University of Texas-Austin, titled “Laughter in the Bible? Absolutely!” as a blog post for the Biblical Archaeology Society. It was on point. The one phrase that stood out was “Jesus must have been a compelling personality to keep the attention of crowds for days and the steadfast loyalty of at least twelve disciples for three years. In addition to being a riveting teacher whose words brought life, He was likely the kind of personality that was just fun to be around.”

That’s the Jesus I point people to … the fun Jesus … the fun Jesus with a message people can relate to … the fun Jesus who died a horrible death then laughed at Satan with an empty tomb.

The message doesn’t always have to be couched in fire and brimstone. Sometimes, a light touch can be more effective. That’s why I generally open my sermons with a little levity. It draws the congregation in and hopefully opens their ears and hearts to the point of the homily.

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.

In that spirit, I’ll leave with today’s note:  Nillionaire adj.  Someone having little to no money.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Three things in life that never comes back when gone: Time, Words, Opportunity.

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Maine Checkup

Posted on July 16, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

I just got back from a regularly rescheduled, rescheduled follow-up doctor’s appointment. All is well for this septuagenarian. Lost 10 pounds. Blood pressure was “best” since they’ve been seeing me. A1C jumped a tad to 6.7, still below the threshold. Lungs were clear as a Maine stream. Heartbeat was normal.

Those have been typical responses when I visit the doctor up here in God’s county. Over the years, my New York doctor often told me to go back to Maine. My numbers seem to level along with my stress level as I cross the Piscataqua River Bridge.

 I was feeling pretty good about my health assessment. Then I stood up.

As I did, the doctor noticed I “froze” for a second or so to get my bearings. Instead of walking out the door, she sat me back down for a “talk”. Next thing I know, she sets the wheels  in motion for a precautionary CT scan. She referred to my brain bleed almost four years ago. My responses to her note-inspired questions — yes, I have been freezing in place for a few months, plus I’ve had more headaches [not debilitating] than usual and vivid dreams — resulted in the diagnostic given the previous stroke. However, there is no talk about a neurologist at this point.

The other thing she noticed was a wince as I stood and sat, so we’ll be keeping an eye on my knee. I hyperextended it in January and it still is an issue, especially when a front comes in and the arthritis flares. If it continues to be an issue, we’ll get more aggressive following my next appointment in January … sooner if it gets worse.

I’ve always been a dreamer and I always had nighttime dreams. They’re especially vivid after a repast of sausage or pepperoni. I’ve even shared some of them with you in the past.

But immediately following my tiny brain bleed, it knocked me out. I couldn’t get enough sleep … five minutes here … 15 minutes there … early to bed … late to rise. And each and every time I dreamed. Lately, that has been happening again. I attributed it to winding down after nine months and about 7,500 miles on the road.

Somehow, all the files in my mind have been tossed out of their neat little compartments again to rustle through the caverns of my grey matter. And they’re intermingling with the free range thoughts grazing my brain.

It makes for some interesting entertainment when my eyelids droop.

On short trips to la la land, the eyelids screen highlight little pop-ups like puppies jumping for frisbies, sunrises, sunsets, rolling clouds, geometrical shapes, silhouettes and waves.

Nighttime REM dreams have been just as regular and vivid. I can’t say I remember them all, but I remember I did dream. The other night I dreamed about visiting my great-grandmother. I spent more time with her in my dream than I did when I was a kid. My Mom, Dad, Karen, a distant relative I haven’t seen for years, and some long lost friends — some alive and others deceased — have stopped by the twilight zone.  And there have been more mundane mind pictures as well — lakes, wildlife, the ocean, rainbows, panoramas. 

As then, as I reflect on these dreams and mini dreams, they were all good memories. No nightmares. No unpleasant thoughts. No dark shadows. I’ll take those any time.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll take a little nap.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: When you stop worrying about tomorrow and you focus on today, and you focus on your Heavenly Father who knows everything you need, what seems so big and so far becomes so do-able.

 

 

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Midweek Mirth

Posted on July 15, 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!

Ingredients

During a church’s worship service, the pastor invites all the young children to join him near the altar for the children’s sermon. One day, with several small children in attendance, he spoke about the ingredients required to make up a church, using a chocolate chip cookie as an example. He explained to the children, as with a cookie requiring ingredients such as sugar and eggs, the church needed many ingredients to make up the congregation. Holding a cookie aloft, he asked, “If I took the chocolate chips out of this cookie, what would I have?”

A shy six-year-old raised his hand and responded, “Six less grams of fat.”

… And now for the bonus …

The Shoe

One day a man drove his secretary home after she fell quite ill at work. Although this was a kind and innocent gesture, he decided not to mention it to his wife, who tended to get jealous easily.

Later that night the man and his wife were driving to a restaurant. Suddenly he looked down and spotted a high-heel shoe half hidden under the passenger seat. Not wanting to be conspicuous, he waited until his wife was looking out her window before he scooped up the shoe and tossed it out of the car.

With a sigh of relief, he pulled into the restaurant parking lot. That’s when he noticed his wife squirming around in her seat. “Honey,” she asked, “have you seen my other shoe?”

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Childishness? I think it’s the equivalent of never losing your sense of humor. I mean, there’s a certain something that you retain. It’s the equivalent of not getting so stuffy that you can’t laugh at others. – Walt Disney

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A Question, (Hopefully) an Answer & a Reminder

Posted on July 14, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Book reviews. Every author covets them and most authors don’t understand them. One of the questions I was asked recently was a double pose. How do I get book reviews? Should I find a service that provides book reviews?

I wish I had an answer to the first part of the question. In fact, I think most new and especially independent authors who do not have the power of front-line publishers would join me. We ask for them, we pester our readers, we remind them.

The problem is reviews turn into a circular argument. One review — good, bad, or indifferent — creates  interest in your work outside your immediate circle. Ten reviews get you into 10 new circles. That’s a buzz that catches Amazon’s algorithms. It’s not the number of reviews, per se, it’s the clicks on your book — interest in your book. That’s the value of book reviews.

And they don’t have to be glowing or 5 star (we wish). In fact, as much as I like 5 star reviews, I worry when that’s all I see in my work and in other’s books. I appreciate 3 star and 4 star reviews as well, and, although I’ve received very few 1 star (actually I never have) and 2 star reviews (just one), I learned from them. As an example, I received a 2 star review on Heaven Shining Through because the reader felt the characters “lacked development” and “should have been a novel.” That’s how My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through was born.

And they don’t have to be in great detail. A few words about what piqued your interest or what distracted you are worth more than a thorough review.

The question was how do you get them. Hard work. Persistence. Exploring every option available. That’s all part and parcel of — oh, how I dislike this word — marketing.

The first line, of course, is your circle of family and friends. But it has to go deeper than that because, most of the people in your family and friend circle are also in your circle. I found author sites … and joined. I researched reviewers … and contacted them with an invitation to read my work. I developed  a contact list of anyone who has expressed interest in my work, be in on my blog or social media platforms. I continue to seek out new venues. I also have a file full of “thanks, but no thanks” from potential reviewers because of genre or time or some other reason.

It’s hard, exhausting work … and it can be extremely frustrating.

Despite all that, the quick, only answer to “buying” reviews is NO! I do not believe in purchasing reviews. I want people to honestly evaluate my work. The temptation is there, I know, but I do not recommend it. I do believe in author exchange but only on an individual basis. What happens too often is a mismatch — you’re not tuned into their genre; they’re not receptive to your genre.

All that being said, I have found the most success with small group meetings and shows. I had a book launch for each of my books, visited libraries and community centers, scheduled book signings, attended selected fairs ad festivals where I had the incredible opportunity to talk to people one on one.

Which brings me to the reminder. I will be hosting a Facebook Live (Virtual) Evening with Author Joe Siccardi July 31, 7 p.m. ET. I will follow the same “live” format — a short overview about the process, an introduction of my three books, Heaven Shining Through, My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through, and Wisdom From a Father … one dad’s thoughts on life — and ample Q & A time. If anyone is interested, I  will wrap up the night signing books. I have an ample supply, but, just to make sure, if anyone is interested in purchasing a signed book, please contact me at wisdomfromafather@gmail.com. You can get more details on the evening here.

In the meantime, consider a review … for one of my books or another book you’ve read.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Failing well is a skill.

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Taking a Stand

Posted on July 13, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Our Words for the Week show the news is not always all bad. Even though taken from a 2001 report, the trend continues  ….

When Robert B. Rowling bought the Omni Hotel chain, he ordered the pornographic magazines pulled from his hotels’ gift shops and the pornographic films removed from the pay-per-view channels on the TVs in the hotel rooms. To do the latter, he had to switch movie service providers and buy a new television for every room — 8,700 sets! The change cost Rowling $4 million, including lost revenue.

But since the porn movies were yanked, occupancy has increased at the upscale hotels … and other chains have altered their pay-for-view offerings.

While we still have a long way to go with pornography proliferation and exploitation, it all started by one person taking a stand.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: In the end we only need two things for our happiness: to love and to be loved … May you always be loved.

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It Is Not for Kings to Drink Wine

Posted on July 12, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Our devotional for the week is from David Maxson, an evangelist at Northwood Church of Christ, Northport, AL.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine … Proverbs 31:4

Why did King Lemuel’s mother give him this advice?

She explains in the next verse, … lest they drink and forget what has been decreed (31:5). Kings must know and understand the law so they might rule their nations with wisdom and justice.

It is not for kings to drink wine.

As kings and priests (Revelation 1:6) we must be equally concerned about forgetting the law of God. We are given a similar exhortation to sobriety in Ephesians 5:18 to not be drunk with wine. In the context of Ephesians 5 we read we are no longer in darkness, but light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:6, 8). As children of light we are to discern what is pleasing to the Lord, looking carefully to how we walk (Ephesians 5:8-10, 15). We are not to walk foolishly, but to understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:17).

It is not for kings to drink wine. Kings are to carefully considering the law of the Lord. Sobriety is imperative.

So before you get drunk (through alcohol or anything else that intoxicates), remember you are a king!

Father, give us sober minds that we might always judge rightly.

Maxson has been preaching at Northwood since 2013. Before that he worked with Embry Hills Church, Atlanta, GA, for 12 years and with Lamar Church, Vernon, AL, for six years. He trained with Pete McKee at Huffman Church, Birmingham, AL. David married Adrienne in 1994 and they have three children: Anna, Joshua, and Katie. The Northwood church is a group of individuals who seek to be “just Christians.” The congregation formally is known as the Church of Christ, at Northwood. But, don’t confuse this name with any man-given names you may hear – this one denotes the desire to belong to Christ.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Don’t make life more complicated than it has to be … just keep it simple. It’s simply life. — LaTrice Brandon

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Prayer Team

Posted on July 11, 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.

The deadliest monsoon in 11 years has triggered floods and multiple landslides in Nepal. Record snow and freezing temperatures hit parts of South America. Powerful thunderstorms rip through Midwest, leaving tens of thousands without power. Dangerous heat has built across the Southwest and South Plains this weekend and Monday. Southwest temps will range from the 110s to 125 in the hottest areas. Texas heat indices will be in the 100s, with some areas in the 110s. Tropical Storm Fay has been causing heavy rainfall and gusty winds as it moved into Northern New Jersey. Southeastern New York, Long Island, and New England. Continue lifting up in Jesus name!

Andrew continues to struggle. It was a bad week. Pain and puke. “This is my time … but  I shall light such a flame of hope and joy and love as shall never be put out,” he says, “It’s so much worse now than even last week (the ‘good old days’ were the day before yesterday!) but the blessings shine all the brighter. I have to witness that.”

Ana just smashed her finger and it’s turning super purple. She asks for prayers. “I can’t lose another finger.”

Please pray for Kristine. She is the ER. Pain is so really, really bad.

Jenna is undergoing a very serious procedure July 24 and asks for prayers. Her family will be there for my recovery and she won’t be able to work for eight weeks.

Mark is now on a ventilator in the hospital and not doing well at all. It’s not covid, but doctors hope to know more later today. Pray for him, please.

Izzy will be seeing the pediatric cardiologist  Monday morning. Please continue in prayer.

Brent has gone back into drugs, lost his great job, and is currently MIA. Can you lift him up in prayer?

Jen is asking for more prayers for strength and patience. Too much drama and selfishness after a loss in the family and she is about to snap.

Please pray for Jenni and all who are talking about suicide. May they get the help they need.

Prayers requested for Sylvia’s left knee, which is getting worse.

Please pray for Anna who is really struggling in a nursing home and not acting Christian at all.

Please pray for Margaret. She is having severe pain in her hip from cancer and they can’t seem to get it under control.

Nirajan was in an accident and his condition is very serious. Please pray for him.

Please pray for Kanga, who is back in the hospital, and for God’s wisdom and guidance for her medical team.

Pray for Lennard who has diabetes and is suffering from a virus or fever.

Prayers asked for Carmenio for lung healing — bronchiectasis – chronic dilation of the bronchi with mucopurulent phlegm.

Luis is fighting a battle with cancer again. Prayers requested.

Gwen has congestive heart problems and needs your prayers.

Kyle is a young man who is suffering an unknown illness. He’s had four blood transfusions and is still very ill. Prayers requested.

Prayers please for Karen who is managing a heart situation and was hospitalized.

Jay asks for healing prayers from a perforated bowel and kidney stone, for pain to lessen, and both to heal perfectly.

Sheila asks for prayers for the healing of breast cancer, digestive issues, financial issues, and safety for her son and family through these difficult times.

Cindy is very ill and needs a prayer.

Ernie continues to struggle with his cancer. Please keep him and his family in your constant prayers.

Gaystella is asking for prayers for financial rescue.

Geodee is requesting a prayer for her health. She is 25 years old and was a normal healthy girl until March. She has been to a number of doctors because she is always in pain and having some type of symptom. Please pray she doesn’t have an autoimmune disease or cancer.

Please pray for Joe who had a bad parachute accident and is facing paralysis.  He is still in the hospital and will move to a rehab center for four months then home.

Twenty month old Leif has a very rare genetic condition which has resulted in two strokes, epilepsy, vision challenges and global development delay. Prayers are really needed to stop the condition affecting Leif going forward and to heal the damage its caused.

They took out half of Larry’s thyroid and sent it to pathology. They have no idea when they will hear back anything so he is on pins and needles. Pray for a swift and accurate determination of what is going on.

Things in Melissa’s life are going wrong and piling up on me. Please pray for the Lord to sustain her and her trust in Him will not waiver when darkness surrounds her.

Steve is asking for prayer. He suffered a stroke a few days ago and is experiencing some paralysis on his left side.

Please, Lord, protect Lenny from throwing up again.

Please pray against the negative effects of Anthony’s medications and that God would heal his brain, spine, and nervous system.

On Monday Kevin goes for a CT to determine if he have lung cancer. There is an 80% chance he does. He’s asking for prayers.

Patrick prays to be released from financial bondage and asks your prayers as well.

Pray for Judy who needs peace right now following a situation that happened with a stranger.

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, Ana, Kristine, Jenna, Mark, Izzy, Brent, Jen, Jenni, Sylvia, Anna, Margaret, Nirajan, Kanga, Lennard, Carmenio, Luis, Gwen, Kyle, Karen, Jay, Sheila, Cindy, Ernie, Gaystella, Geodee, Joe, Leif, Larry, Melissa, Steve, Lenny, Anthony, Kevin, Patrick, 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.

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: Therefore, when you decide to undertake this work of prayer and feel by grace that you are called by God, lift up your heart to God with a meek stirring of Love. – Cloud of Unknowing

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Five Minute Friday — Endure

Posted on July 10, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Sometimes the prompt easily triggers the mind. Other times, it’s more of a struggle. That was this week. In fact, I even considered playing hooky.

I don’t have to tell you the drill — I’ve done that many times over — but there is something different. The link is on Facebook at fiveminutefriday.com. Just start in the Community section. I hope to see some of you there.

If you’ve followed this blog at all, you know how much value FMF has for me. I’ve asked you to join in [you really, really should]. It’s quick. It’s easy {okay, sometimes not always}. It’s challenging. And it’s oh so rewarding. But don’t take my word for it. Here is what an anonymous writer had to say, taken from snippets in Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat compiled by Susan Shipe. Don’t listen to me. Listen to her.

“I found my people. Writers. Moms. Singles. We are a choir of words. Sometimes silly. Sometimes profound. Sometimes not making any sense at all. But, our voices rise on this worldwide web and our music is beautiful.”

The timer is set. The prompt is ENDURE. It’s time to GO…

I’ve been studying the crucifixion story as told by Matthew as my quiet time. It doesn’t matter which gospel writer you follow, the depravity of the situation and all that the Lord endured is gruesome and disgusting.

The flogging to the point of exhaustion — before the actual crucifixion. The derision Our Lord had to endure. The spiritual separation from His Father as He took on His humanity and paid the ultimate price for you and me.

I know a couple of friends who are enduring unthinkable human pain as they battle various maladies. The fluids, the tumors, the degradation of their lives. I’ve seen it with other saints here on earth as they endured health battles with grace and humility and pray I can do the same.

And then there are … STOP

… us. We’ve endured a half year of almost non-stop upheaval in our lives — the virus, the unabated killings, the protests. They have disrupted our norm. There are times the isolation and separation have been unbearable, the masking of America has been demoralizing and somewhat dehumanizing, the images of upheaval leading to rioting and looting and perpetuating stereotypes has been unnerving. Even mundane tasks, like changing addresses, evolve into an hour-plus endurance marathon.

Yet, when we look back at the first half of 2020 in the rear view mirror, we will recognize we didn’t endure anything but inconveniences. Read the gospels. Look around at family and friends going through physical, mental, or spiritual pain with grace. That’s real endurance.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Small changes can make a huge difference.

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The Way Life Should Be

Posted on July 9, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

I’m back home. It’s my adopted home, the latest in a long string of  states, towns, and villages — Dexter, ME.

Except for the last nine months when I was on the road, I came to love the Pine Tree State over the past five years. It is quiet and refreshing … definitely a change of pace that moves at its own gait. Where I am — The Maine Highlands just about dead center in the state — rural is an understatement. My apartment complex has been carved out of woods and the community room patio overlooks the Dexter Municipal Golf Course.

I did spend four years in Dover-Foxcroft, just across the county line 13 miles north of here. It was there where I gathered my appreciation for the Maine life — the people, the beauty. But it was Dexter where I visited my first prospective house and it served as a base as I wandered around the state looking to retire and relocate.

Before I decided not to renew my Dover-Foxcroft lease, I applied for housing at Fairway Knolls. I never heard a word … until February when I received an unexpected all about an apartment becoming available. I did manage a walk through in late February when I was in nearby Howland on a pulpit supply gig while staying with my son, daughter-in-law, and family in Massachusetts. I was No. 2 on the tenant list and called because the No. 1 candidate had a lease at another complex and wasn’t sure she could get out of the lease. Alas and alack, she did and moved into the apartment, moving me up to No. 1.

But along came Corona. I ended up sequestering in place at my older son’s place in Bowling Green, KY. The next available apartment was scheduled to be vacated in April … but the resident couldn’t move because of restrictions in Maine. So, we all were frozen until mid June.

But, I’m HERE! So far, so good. Life is a little different with masks and restrictions, but just as I remembered nine months ago.

Moving is never easy — especially when you get rid of most your furniture. So Friday — my first full day in the new digs — I made sure I have peanut butter, jelly, hard salami, provolone cheese, mayo, milk, 12 grain bread, and ice pops for my belly; a cast iron pan, a few plates and glasses, utensils, bathroom ensemble, pillow, and a rocker to sit on; ordered my Internet; met some new neighbors and my landlady; discovered a complex laundry room and community room; and slowly started unpacking.

After a full night’s sleep — first in a long time interrupted by you know who around 6 — we enjoyed coffee and computer time on the patio behind the community room open to the golf course. Visited with some neighbors, waved and spotted some golf balls for the golfers, just chilled out in the morning breeze. Angelina spotted a doe less than 100 yards away on the golf course and just stared silently as she meandered into the woods, had a stare down with a chipmunk who ventured to the edge of the patio, and watched the golfers — quietly with no barking.. No barking. I even left her home when I picked up burgers for dinner (and set off the smoke detector while cooking them). She is a character, though. I had to close the front windows when I left. As I got into the car I noticed she was sitting on the windowsill … just like a cat.  I also left her alone Monday for the first time. My neighbor said he heard a few whimpers … but no barking. And my Internet was connected!. Lightning fast … okay Maine lightning fast, which is still faster than the phone connection.

I went on a search for a recliner. I found one online but it couldn’t be delivered until mid-month. I went to the local furniture store. All they had on hand was a broken floor model. Up popped a Marketplace listing for a recliner so I drove to Winslow, checked it out, haggled a little, loaded it the back of the CRV. It works like a charm. Dozed off through a movie. $40 investment. And it was Angelina approved. I think she slept there last night and was perched on her throne when I returned from one of my laundry runs. I had previously picked up a rocker for $20 … but it was hard to work on. I feel blessed.

I did laundry yesterday. I know. I know. That’s not much of a blessing, but I literally had to just go to an adjourning room to do it. Apparently, the laundry room for my building (each building has its own) is next door. Talk about convenience!

It’s only been a week — okay nine days — but I feel like I am home … again!

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: God never forces us into anything. — John Maxwell

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