Abba, Father, The Great "I Am,"
How I thank You, Lord, for I truly am blessed. The older I get, the easier it seems to allow doubt to cloud my thinking and then I falter in my faith. This morning, I come to You Father, for You are amazing, and You, O' Lord, have blessed me. Just with the gift of time, Lord, You have blessed me. What a blessing it is to bless other's Lord...not because 'I' am able to bless them from anything good in me, but because of who YOU are! YOU, O' Lord, are able to do immeasurably great things in peoples lives.....and not because of anything I can pray or ever say, but because of the good and holiness of Your name Lord, and this morning I praise Your Holy Name.
My hands lifted high in my heart, Your love amazes me, for You, Mighty Father, sacrificed Your one and only son....for our sins. What a glorious day when Jesus rose from the grave; death could not keep him in the grave!! Knowing this, living to where I would even have an ounce of knowledge of this, has truly blessed my life..with that mustard seed of faith in which I sometimes fall back on is not weakness, Lord, YOU are the strength when I am weak. I praise You and Thank You Father, for never giving up on me.
So this morning Lord, my heart is humbled as I ask for You to bless Jane in her 'walk' today. As she goes to work, or as she is home with her husband, or even interacting with her girls, bless her steps. Thank You for who she has been in my daughter's life, and for the wonderful mother she has been to her girls. I pray safety be upon her as she drives to and from her destinations today, that Your Spirit will be upon her as she is a blessing to those she comes in contact with.
Bless Your faithful daughter, Pauline, Lord. She has truly been a blessing in my life and while my mind may think she's got it all together, there are moments where feelings of being "pressed" from all sides, can weigh folks down. example: soaking wet towels draped all over your body, from head to toe, is very heavy. I pray Your Holy Spirit with confirm her faithfulness is recognized by You, Father. Whatever she faces that may come against her or her family, my heart unites with hers through the power of prayer. I lift up her marriage to You Lord as they love one another and as they serve You, as one. May their faithfulness and perseverance have a blessed influence on little Grace, and she will be a faithful follower as she grows into her teen years.
This next person is truly dear to my heart Lord, as I've known her since she was a baby. Bless sweet Mattie today, Lord. I pray she will feel Your presence as she goes to work or attends classes. For all she has been through and witnessed in her young life, Lord, I know that one whisper from You will change her life forever. I pray for her burdened and troubled heart. You know her Lord, and the depths of how she feels and what her greatest hearts desire is.....if she should say or think one thought of You today Lord, will You please embrace her that she will feel the spiritual hug from Your Holy Spirit. We all need hugs, and Father, I know Your angels and Your Holy Spirit specifically can make an impacting difference in the lives of those of us who long for one simple yet secure sign, that You hear us. Heal her relationship with her mom....I love them both, and I can sense the longing Mattie has to have that strong bonded relationship with her mom. She's encountered some pretty painful things in her short life, but I know how great You are Father in making great things come from piles of rubble. Thank You that You are that kind of craftsman.
I'd also like to include my cousin Cindy this morning, Lord. Bless her today Father as she goes about driving the bus for the little children. Hold firm, Your hedge of protection about her as she travels the Wyoming roads and may she feel Your presence as she picks the kids up and takes them home..that those little ones will bless her life as well. Father, I just want to pray comfort for her heart today. Losing a parent is tough on the heart, but when you lose your last parent, it really does leave a lasting impression in one's thoughts as they attempt to move forward in their lives.
Lord, I'd also like to lift up Lisa today. First, by saying "thank You" for how we met, not in person, but through chat for moms who have raised kids. You really have had me cross paths with some amazing women through this modern day internet. Which is why I include Lisa in my prayers, that she will feeling Your blessing upon her life today as she goes about her day. I pray healing upon her daughter who has battled cancer, and for Lisa as well, who works hard to care for her husband and family. May You become a focus in her life as she moves into this next stage of life. I pray salvation upon her and her whole family, Lord.
Father, I cannot thank You enough for my family, because You have truly shown Your blessings through the gift of each one of them. May I too be a blessing to each of their lives.
Bless my husband, Michael, as he goes to work today, that his integrity will truly inspire others who come in contact with him, to see You as the center of that integrity, and his character.
I pray blessing upon Amanda as she works today, and as she begins to date again. Please fill her with wisdom and Your Holy Spirit that will help be her caution button as she moves forward in dating.
Bless Alexandra today as she goes to work. May Your Holy Spirit whisper holy conviction into her heart as she goes about her day, and may she hear Your direction You wish for her to go in her life.
Bless Alicia this morning as she begins to plan her life moving forward. Please Lord, hold a firm hedge of protection about her heart and her mind. These are the wellspring of life and I ask that she will see Your face in the clouds today....that she will hear Your voice through a tv program today....that she will sense Your Holy Spirit as a companion, today. I'd like to include Tanner in my prayers as well. As he listens to K-Love Lord, I pray he will hear You, and be touched by Your Holy Spirit Lord, that Tanner can be saved, and come to know that You truly are God, and that You are good. I pray he will grow to long for a relationship with You, Holy Father.
I also pray for self control for myself today....self control over the thoughts that go through my mind, and conversation that comes out of my mouth. I want to honor Your with my thoughts and my deeds.
As I remember Nora in my prayers, I also want to lift up her dad, Jason in my prayers as well. Father, You know all things, and will You please, somehow, intercept Jason's thoughts and actions that are hurtful to his family.
With thanksgiving in my heart, Amen
Friday, April 17, 2015
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Long but Real, and Raw
Good morning Father in heaven, Creator of all things,
These past few days have been most difficult. In my heart, I know I should come to You every morning, because You are truly my source of comfort and The One I trust more than I could ever trust here, in this world. Forgive me for not being faithful in seeking You as I have in the past, as I should each day.
As I've trudged through these past few days, I have found how heavy my thoughts have been in weighing me down. There is no denying what You already know, I have falsely found safety in worldly possessions. I've tried to stay positive, and say all the right things, to set an example for on lookers on social media and yet, my heart has been heavy because I have not surrendered my thoughts to You.
So, I begin this day with sharing how sorry I am for finding security in worldly possessions. Your word is so clear about earthly treasures where thieves can steal, and moths can destroy. I'm living proof of this failed test since our home was invaded and the hurt and insecurity I have been battling ever since. Forgive me Father for even allowing my thoughts to run rampid within me, suspecting people I know, to dissecting what "I" think is what happened last Saturday. YOU are God, and only You know who did this, and I ask if You would please fill my heart with love and compassion for those who broke into our home. As I look at the display of pictures on my wall of my family, my heart has pondered how someone could carry out our belongings and see the love there is in our family, yet resolve that these people potentially have never felt loved in their own families. Or maybe they've found solace or comfort in what they believe is a special "skill" of crime. Lord, I truly pray blessing over the ones who entered our home, that as they saw photo's of our family, crosses that hung on my walls, that they somehow would be tendered towards that love which only comes from The One True Love, YOU! YOU, my Lord, are Love. Proof, through the sacrifice of Your only son, so that we might have eternal life....there is NO greater Love than what You demonstrated by looking away as Your precious child hung on a cross, knowing he had to be sacrificed for the forgiveness of our sins. How humbling is this when I stop to think of Your love for ALL men, me included.
How arrogant and 'entitled' I have been as I've called these people "hoodlums" and have felt disdain for them, only thinking about myself, and pretending I've given thought to them. The thoughts I've had have not been loving thoughts Lord, but You already know that. You know everything about me, such as, why I'm now obsessing over my home, and cleaning it thoroughly.
Was I embarrassed the thieves saw my messy house?, I don't believe I am, but I do think how mortified I was, knowing the police and investigators were in my home for FOUR hours, while the thieves were in here for maybe 10 minutes.
Anyway, I suppose it's my way of feeling some sort of control within my life....but then again, Lord, I wonder, if I'm not beating myself up, am I being prideful? Or if I am beating myself up, am I also being prideful? How can one escape the snare of pride? I mean, I long to be free of this confusion, and I know You're not a God of confusion, but of peace and order. I welcome Your function Lord, in my life....with Church, with surrender, with family, with strangers, with friends.
On to my fabulous Facebook friends.......Father, I just want to lift up "Trainwreck," we both know that is not her name, but it is the one she uses on facebook, and I want to honor the name she chooses to use. The coolest way to connect is not only facebook, but that special touch of Yours Lord, and the gift of dogs. Thank you for connecting us through our French bulldogs who were sisters. You always amaze me Lord with the subtle ways You show Yourself even in the midst of people I've never met in person. Church isn't our connection, but Lord YOU always find the perfect people to connect in the most perfect ways. I thank You for that, and for Trainwreck, who appears to have it altogether, but I know we all need a relationship with You. As she begins this new business she is venturing into, I pray Your blessing will be upon it and that maybe through this business, she will see Your amazing grace and miracles and be inspired and encouraged to know You more. That her life can be an instrument in Your kingdom Lord, and how cool would that be to one share with her, "Hey, I prayed for You once upon a time ago?" You're cool like that, Lord, and I pray the floodgates will open for others to see that about You as well.
Oh Lord, how blessed I have been to be connected with Nancy on Facebook? Every day she sends me beautiful, inspiring quotes, and messages of encouragement. She makes the most beautiful comments about my mother.....it's almost as if I can feel my moms presence when Nancy shares of her love for my mom, and my moms love for me. She has truly TRULY touched my heart and my life. Pour out Your blessing onto her, Lord. Fill her full of Your Holy Spirit that she may feel the fullness of Your love. I pray for her marriage, and ask blessing upon it. That Nancy's tender spirit would be that which would win others over for You. Thank you sooooo much for Nancy, and for her loving messages. Thank You Lord for maybe impressing upon her heart to include me in those inspiring messages each day. How we can take the smallest things for granted, and I am truly grateful for her. May she richly feel Your love today, as she goes about her day.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Michelle and the time we spent working together at Lulu salon. What a tender hearted woman she is and a beautiful woman at that. Lord, You are so amazing and what a beautiful gift You've given her when You blessed her with her daughter. As Mya grows into the young woman there is not doubt in my mind that You have amazing plans for both of these ladies. I lift Michelle up in that she will find comfort in knowing You and that she has done a great job raising Mya and will be confident in her hard work. Heal her health, that she may work hard and stay healthy as she grows and see's the woman she was created to be in Your purpose and Your plan.
Father, I also want to lift up Audrey to you. She has been my dear friend for so many amazing years. She has seen me through the worst times in my life, and the best, and I am SOOO grateful for our friendship. I truly love this woman Lord, and I know You have worked wonders in her life. I'm in awe of Your transformation in her life, in my life. Lord, YOU are amazing!!! No doubt, Audrey and I could both stand together and make a confident proclamation of just how real You are, and how blessed we are to have witnessed, first hand, Your hand upon our lives. Thank-you Father for blessing her with beautiful grand children, wonderful daughter and s-i-l, and a great husband. I pray love and safety in her life as she continues seeking You for her life.
Lord, how amazing is my friend Debbie? I love Love this woman and her ability to love from the depths of her heart. She is a beautiful soul, and I am so blessed to call her my friend. I just lift her up to You Lord, that she will feel Your presence and Your hand in her life. As she prepares to witness her first born graduate next month, I don't doubt she will breath a sigh of relief, and in ways, it's just beginning. Lord, I pray Debbie will find humor in those things we can't control, and see Your amazing grace that takes us through those most difficult times of raising teen daughter's. Fill her heart full of confidence that she has done a great job raising her daughter, and that she will know, "there MUST be a God, because You O Lord have kept Debbie strong through raising a girl. " We know You have a sense of humor, You created us.
I love You Lord, my Lord, my God, my Creator, my Deliverer.
Be ever present in my girls lives, and may they sense Your Holy Spirit stirring their hearts. Keep my heart focused on You, and YOU alone...to not look to the left or the right, but strait towards You.
Blessings for my amazing husband, and even when I feel flustered, I know I'm just dealing with me...not him. You deal with him when he needs delt with. Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness. Amen.
These past few days have been most difficult. In my heart, I know I should come to You every morning, because You are truly my source of comfort and The One I trust more than I could ever trust here, in this world. Forgive me for not being faithful in seeking You as I have in the past, as I should each day.
As I've trudged through these past few days, I have found how heavy my thoughts have been in weighing me down. There is no denying what You already know, I have falsely found safety in worldly possessions. I've tried to stay positive, and say all the right things, to set an example for on lookers on social media and yet, my heart has been heavy because I have not surrendered my thoughts to You.
So, I begin this day with sharing how sorry I am for finding security in worldly possessions. Your word is so clear about earthly treasures where thieves can steal, and moths can destroy. I'm living proof of this failed test since our home was invaded and the hurt and insecurity I have been battling ever since. Forgive me Father for even allowing my thoughts to run rampid within me, suspecting people I know, to dissecting what "I" think is what happened last Saturday. YOU are God, and only You know who did this, and I ask if You would please fill my heart with love and compassion for those who broke into our home. As I look at the display of pictures on my wall of my family, my heart has pondered how someone could carry out our belongings and see the love there is in our family, yet resolve that these people potentially have never felt loved in their own families. Or maybe they've found solace or comfort in what they believe is a special "skill" of crime. Lord, I truly pray blessing over the ones who entered our home, that as they saw photo's of our family, crosses that hung on my walls, that they somehow would be tendered towards that love which only comes from The One True Love, YOU! YOU, my Lord, are Love. Proof, through the sacrifice of Your only son, so that we might have eternal life....there is NO greater Love than what You demonstrated by looking away as Your precious child hung on a cross, knowing he had to be sacrificed for the forgiveness of our sins. How humbling is this when I stop to think of Your love for ALL men, me included.
How arrogant and 'entitled' I have been as I've called these people "hoodlums" and have felt disdain for them, only thinking about myself, and pretending I've given thought to them. The thoughts I've had have not been loving thoughts Lord, but You already know that. You know everything about me, such as, why I'm now obsessing over my home, and cleaning it thoroughly.
Was I embarrassed the thieves saw my messy house?, I don't believe I am, but I do think how mortified I was, knowing the police and investigators were in my home for FOUR hours, while the thieves were in here for maybe 10 minutes.
Anyway, I suppose it's my way of feeling some sort of control within my life....but then again, Lord, I wonder, if I'm not beating myself up, am I being prideful? Or if I am beating myself up, am I also being prideful? How can one escape the snare of pride? I mean, I long to be free of this confusion, and I know You're not a God of confusion, but of peace and order. I welcome Your function Lord, in my life....with Church, with surrender, with family, with strangers, with friends.
On to my fabulous Facebook friends.......Father, I just want to lift up "Trainwreck," we both know that is not her name, but it is the one she uses on facebook, and I want to honor the name she chooses to use. The coolest way to connect is not only facebook, but that special touch of Yours Lord, and the gift of dogs. Thank you for connecting us through our French bulldogs who were sisters. You always amaze me Lord with the subtle ways You show Yourself even in the midst of people I've never met in person. Church isn't our connection, but Lord YOU always find the perfect people to connect in the most perfect ways. I thank You for that, and for Trainwreck, who appears to have it altogether, but I know we all need a relationship with You. As she begins this new business she is venturing into, I pray Your blessing will be upon it and that maybe through this business, she will see Your amazing grace and miracles and be inspired and encouraged to know You more. That her life can be an instrument in Your kingdom Lord, and how cool would that be to one share with her, "Hey, I prayed for You once upon a time ago?" You're cool like that, Lord, and I pray the floodgates will open for others to see that about You as well.
Oh Lord, how blessed I have been to be connected with Nancy on Facebook? Every day she sends me beautiful, inspiring quotes, and messages of encouragement. She makes the most beautiful comments about my mother.....it's almost as if I can feel my moms presence when Nancy shares of her love for my mom, and my moms love for me. She has truly TRULY touched my heart and my life. Pour out Your blessing onto her, Lord. Fill her full of Your Holy Spirit that she may feel the fullness of Your love. I pray for her marriage, and ask blessing upon it. That Nancy's tender spirit would be that which would win others over for You. Thank you sooooo much for Nancy, and for her loving messages. Thank You Lord for maybe impressing upon her heart to include me in those inspiring messages each day. How we can take the smallest things for granted, and I am truly grateful for her. May she richly feel Your love today, as she goes about her day.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Michelle and the time we spent working together at Lulu salon. What a tender hearted woman she is and a beautiful woman at that. Lord, You are so amazing and what a beautiful gift You've given her when You blessed her with her daughter. As Mya grows into the young woman there is not doubt in my mind that You have amazing plans for both of these ladies. I lift Michelle up in that she will find comfort in knowing You and that she has done a great job raising Mya and will be confident in her hard work. Heal her health, that she may work hard and stay healthy as she grows and see's the woman she was created to be in Your purpose and Your plan.
Father, I also want to lift up Audrey to you. She has been my dear friend for so many amazing years. She has seen me through the worst times in my life, and the best, and I am SOOO grateful for our friendship. I truly love this woman Lord, and I know You have worked wonders in her life. I'm in awe of Your transformation in her life, in my life. Lord, YOU are amazing!!! No doubt, Audrey and I could both stand together and make a confident proclamation of just how real You are, and how blessed we are to have witnessed, first hand, Your hand upon our lives. Thank-you Father for blessing her with beautiful grand children, wonderful daughter and s-i-l, and a great husband. I pray love and safety in her life as she continues seeking You for her life.
Lord, how amazing is my friend Debbie? I love Love this woman and her ability to love from the depths of her heart. She is a beautiful soul, and I am so blessed to call her my friend. I just lift her up to You Lord, that she will feel Your presence and Your hand in her life. As she prepares to witness her first born graduate next month, I don't doubt she will breath a sigh of relief, and in ways, it's just beginning. Lord, I pray Debbie will find humor in those things we can't control, and see Your amazing grace that takes us through those most difficult times of raising teen daughter's. Fill her heart full of confidence that she has done a great job raising her daughter, and that she will know, "there MUST be a God, because You O Lord have kept Debbie strong through raising a girl. " We know You have a sense of humor, You created us.
I love You Lord, my Lord, my God, my Creator, my Deliverer.
Be ever present in my girls lives, and may they sense Your Holy Spirit stirring their hearts. Keep my heart focused on You, and YOU alone...to not look to the left or the right, but strait towards You.
Blessings for my amazing husband, and even when I feel flustered, I know I'm just dealing with me...not him. You deal with him when he needs delt with. Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness. Amen.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
A daily Blessing
Good morning Lord, Wednesday, April 8,2015
It is another beautiful day today, as the rain showers the earth here, and replenishes it in this spring season. No doubt, the state of California is in dire need of rain as it's experiencing extreme drought and I pray You will fill it's land with the water needed to press on in their productivity of crops and survival. You are living water, Lord, and You are most definitely needed throughout our land. Those of us who know You and have known about Your grace and mercy, know how much our country needs You above all. Even in the mix of decisions we all make, that are poor decisions, or beliefs so many of us have compromised in, You continue to prove You faithfulness to mankind, and I thank you Lord that You do not treat us as our sins most definitely deserve.
Please, continue to fill our land with the loving proof of Your existence as a Father provides for His children. We truly are helpless without Your grace and mercy. Thank-You, Lord, for Your example of what love means....when all else fails, Love still remains...Your Love.
As You provide for those people who choose not to accept Your truth, there are those who are truly searching for it. You know our hearts and I'm so grateful You look beyond the outward appearance, and search our hearts. This eliminates all power we think we have and radiates all loving power You have, that You would hold at bay, Your wrath on mankind. I am most humbled by Your continued grace, and I thank You, I praise You, my heart is overwhelmed with all You possess within Your Spirit....You are so good my Lord, my God.
This morning, I press on to lift up my facebook friends, with love and blessing, to You.
While I have written down all the names in order, I have found that there are needs that come before I check off the list in my notebook. For instance, Brad Zalesky is the first on my list of prayers today. You have healed physical battles he faced, and Lord, as I read his similar encounter of losing a grandchild, my heart just sank. We don't get to know why such precious little innocent babies are called back to You so suddenly. Of course, my heart rejoices in knowing they are secure and safe in Your presence, and for that, I thank You with all my heart. But then there are those of us left here to feel that loss, the pain, and have to learn how to press forward in spite of our hurting hearts. I praise You Lord that death does not keep us in the grave! Because Jesus overcame death and it's sting. Right now, I pray for Brad, for his daughter, and for all of the family as their hearts hurt. I know the raw effects from this pain, Lord, and I pray they will find their way to You, and will find comfort from Your presence in their lives.
Thank-You for Kellie Cornwell, Lord, and for her precious place in our family, and in our hearts. I lift her up to You Father, that Your Holy Spirit will fill her full of confidence, humility, and a heart that longs to do Your will. Bless her steps Lord as she works hard with her teaching degree and for her perseverance even as the road has gotten difficult.
What a blessing it has been getting to know Drew Egnoske and his wife Kate, and their three girls. Thank you Lord for their family and their connection to my family. Bless their perseverance in their marriage and the love they have between them. May Your tender hand be a blessing on each of the girls as they grow up, that they will seek You and be little pillars of light in this broken world.
What a blessing my good friend Sheri Larson Freeman has been in my life. She holds such a special place in my heart as she is my one friend through facebook whom I met while in my first foster home. I lift her up through prayer, and for the fact she has four daughter's. Oh how I know the difficulty in raising girls. Lord, I pray Your Holy Spirit will be a reminder to her heart that she does not have to journey through this alone...and that she can lean on You, any time. May her marriage be blessed and they be united in their hearts during these crucial teen years. May they find strength and comfort in their union as well as through a relationship with You.
As always, I lift up my husband Michael to You Lord, with Thanksgiving, with joy, and more Thanksgiving, and for the years we have had together, working through tough times, yet not giving up. YOU, O' Lord, are the most important connection to our marriage. You are the reminder of unconditional Love and give us hope to get through each day, each year.
Please be with our girls, Amanda, Alex, and Alicia and please fill their hearts with Your Holy Spirit, that their hearts may be spurred on to do Your will. Bless their walk as they journey forward, and while I believe You are the director of their path, may their hearts hear Your calling on their lives, that they may serve You and do Your will for which they were created. Please hold Nora safe and that all who come in contact with her, will know she is Your precious gem.
I pray a blessing upon this day Lord. You are an amazing God, in whom I am proud to serve and to call upon Your name. You deserve ALL the glory and praise, Amen.
It is another beautiful day today, as the rain showers the earth here, and replenishes it in this spring season. No doubt, the state of California is in dire need of rain as it's experiencing extreme drought and I pray You will fill it's land with the water needed to press on in their productivity of crops and survival. You are living water, Lord, and You are most definitely needed throughout our land. Those of us who know You and have known about Your grace and mercy, know how much our country needs You above all. Even in the mix of decisions we all make, that are poor decisions, or beliefs so many of us have compromised in, You continue to prove You faithfulness to mankind, and I thank you Lord that You do not treat us as our sins most definitely deserve.
Please, continue to fill our land with the loving proof of Your existence as a Father provides for His children. We truly are helpless without Your grace and mercy. Thank-You, Lord, for Your example of what love means....when all else fails, Love still remains...Your Love.
As You provide for those people who choose not to accept Your truth, there are those who are truly searching for it. You know our hearts and I'm so grateful You look beyond the outward appearance, and search our hearts. This eliminates all power we think we have and radiates all loving power You have, that You would hold at bay, Your wrath on mankind. I am most humbled by Your continued grace, and I thank You, I praise You, my heart is overwhelmed with all You possess within Your Spirit....You are so good my Lord, my God.
While I have written down all the names in order, I have found that there are needs that come before I check off the list in my notebook. For instance, Brad Zalesky is the first on my list of prayers today. You have healed physical battles he faced, and Lord, as I read his similar encounter of losing a grandchild, my heart just sank. We don't get to know why such precious little innocent babies are called back to You so suddenly. Of course, my heart rejoices in knowing they are secure and safe in Your presence, and for that, I thank You with all my heart. But then there are those of us left here to feel that loss, the pain, and have to learn how to press forward in spite of our hurting hearts. I praise You Lord that death does not keep us in the grave! Because Jesus overcame death and it's sting. Right now, I pray for Brad, for his daughter, and for all of the family as their hearts hurt. I know the raw effects from this pain, Lord, and I pray they will find their way to You, and will find comfort from Your presence in their lives.
Thank-You for Kellie Cornwell, Lord, and for her precious place in our family, and in our hearts. I lift her up to You Father, that Your Holy Spirit will fill her full of confidence, humility, and a heart that longs to do Your will. Bless her steps Lord as she works hard with her teaching degree and for her perseverance even as the road has gotten difficult.
What a blessing it has been getting to know Drew Egnoske and his wife Kate, and their three girls. Thank you Lord for their family and their connection to my family. Bless their perseverance in their marriage and the love they have between them. May Your tender hand be a blessing on each of the girls as they grow up, that they will seek You and be little pillars of light in this broken world.
What a blessing my good friend Sheri Larson Freeman has been in my life. She holds such a special place in my heart as she is my one friend through facebook whom I met while in my first foster home. I lift her up through prayer, and for the fact she has four daughter's. Oh how I know the difficulty in raising girls. Lord, I pray Your Holy Spirit will be a reminder to her heart that she does not have to journey through this alone...and that she can lean on You, any time. May her marriage be blessed and they be united in their hearts during these crucial teen years. May they find strength and comfort in their union as well as through a relationship with You.
As always, I lift up my husband Michael to You Lord, with Thanksgiving, with joy, and more Thanksgiving, and for the years we have had together, working through tough times, yet not giving up. YOU, O' Lord, are the most important connection to our marriage. You are the reminder of unconditional Love and give us hope to get through each day, each year.
Please be with our girls, Amanda, Alex, and Alicia and please fill their hearts with Your Holy Spirit, that their hearts may be spurred on to do Your will. Bless their walk as they journey forward, and while I believe You are the director of their path, may their hearts hear Your calling on their lives, that they may serve You and do Your will for which they were created. Please hold Nora safe and that all who come in contact with her, will know she is Your precious gem.
I pray a blessing upon this day Lord. You are an amazing God, in whom I am proud to serve and to call upon Your name. You deserve ALL the glory and praise, Amen.
Monday, April 6, 2015
HE is RISEN!
And he died for all,
that those who live should
no longer live for themselves
but for him who died for them
and was raised again.
2 Corinthians 5:15
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Good morning my Lord Jehovah! Thank You for Jesus, Your loving sacrifice You made so that I may live. Thank you, that You loved mankind to send your son to be the pure lamb, without blemish, to bear the sins of this world. While we honor this sacrifice, through Easter celebration, there is no way we can truly wrap our minds around all you have truly done for us, Lord.
This morning, as I prepare to go to a sunrise church service, I come to confess my struggles, my sins that have no place in my heart. Thank-You for Your forgiveness of sins, and may my heart purge them and repent of them.
For the anger and bitterness brewing within me Lord, You know of whom I am talking about. Multiple folks....while I would point out in my mind that they do not know you or your love, the gunk that is loitering in my heart has clearly overlooked Your mercy and grace to harbor any bitter root. Forgive me Father for justifying my anger, quite possibly my hate. I too need to always remember Jesus died for me, for them, for us all. Forgive my stubborn heart that has hardened to the point it wants to hang onto hurtful gunk. Father, I do not wish to be an emotional hoarder that will just weigh me down with dark burdens. I do not know how to turn and offer my other cheek, Lord. My defenses run so high and deep, it's blow for blow from which my heart has been looming.
Your word says to 'consider it pure joy when I face trials of many kind. That the testing of my faith develops perseverance...perseverance must finish it's work so that I may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. But if I lack wisdom, I should ask You, God, who gives generously to all, without finding fault...'........I have for sure faced trials of many kind....and failed most of these tests. ugh. Its so difficult to find joy in tests I struggle to pass. Tests of my pride, patience, love......Father, I can do none of these. I am the ultimate complainer in my heart, Lord. I get so angry at people for their snide remarks about my faith, Christianity, and who 'they' deem a Christian should be and how they deem one should walk. Their hateful attacks absorb right into me, and this is NOT how it should be. You are Holy, my heart is full of gunk that is NOT too hard for You to clean, but more so, for me to surrender. I pray for my heart Father, not for anything I am able to purge from it, but for all the burdens Jesus came to carry. Tossing them back into the pit of hell from which those nasty, sneaky snares come.
I too, long to live for the freedom in which Jesus came.....to set captives free! But NOT to use my freedom as a cover up for evil, to keep on sinning....the outward stuff is easy....it's the hidden spots in my heart that have taken up residency for far too long.
Father God, I ask for wisdom to recognize the freedom with which is in my grasp from the insecurities I've carried before I remember carrying paper dolls around.
As we remember Your gift to the world, may our hearts be grateful for the example of Jesus as he walked here on earth.
The example of Jesus that most amazes me is, the way he never retaliated when his enemies were closing in to have him crucified. But especially how much he loved hes disciples and allowed them freedom to say and do all that they did.
I pray that my heart could be reflective of the love Jesus had for all.
With all you have blessed me with through the years Lord, I want to pass those blessings on to others. Such as Nicole, who is truly searching for love....to be loved....to give the type of love she's familiar with and exchange it Lord, for a single drop of your pure and selfless love Lord Jesus. I see the hope of healing in her marriage Lord, because she is seeking, and her heart is wanting more. May YOU be her 'more,' Lord. And like the widow in 2 Kings who was too poor to pay her debt collectors and was told by faith to gather as many pots and jars from neighbors as she could. The little bit of olive oil she had left in her house multiplied as she followed, through faith, what Elisha had instructed her. That little bit of faith is all we need Lord to fill our jars full. I truly pray this for Nicole, and her little one, and for Casey. I pray blessing and healing be upon their lives, and their marriage which will help them unite when living for you.
This morning, I'd also like to life up my cousin Robin to you Lord. Thank you for the bonds that are created, and were created with her and my brother. There is something special about having that connection in your heart that is safe, from someone who is loyal, and I'm thankful they have each other. Father, I may not know anything about her life right now, but I know you see her needs, her heart, and her hard work. May Your ways be renewed in her life as a joyful experience from living life for You, to please You, and may she find comfort in Your presence. A reminder of Your goodness, and Your Loyalty, Your friendship to those who seek You. May she feel Your comfort for all of the hard work she's persevered in by caring for so many throughout her life. How You must have that beautiful crown awaiting her for her loving care for grand-dad, her dad, my dad, her granddaughter, her mom, her aunts,....Lord, I don't even know all the people she has cared for, but I know You provide blessing in heaven for people just like Robin. May her heart feel the warmth of Your love and remember YOU.
How I thank-you for Chaurice, Lord; for her friendship from years ago, and for the beautiful miracle of Your healing hand upon her precious baby girl Juliana. What amazing grace You provide Lord as You show up at all the moments when we wonder if You still hear those around. May her family feel the blessings that are made secure by sharing in Your company Father. I pray love and blessing be upon her and Christa as they raise Jordan and Juliana in their loving home. Father, I know your goodness from such a distance, or so it seems at times...but I KNOW you are good, and may they also feel compelled by Your goodness and the ways You have blessed their lives.
Thank-you Lord for my dear cousin Marie...also known as Trish. I just thank you for blessing my life with hers. She is such an example of pure genuine love and grace that can be found here on earth. Or at least, whom I have come in contact with. I thank you for her, for her faithful heart, and for her tender soul. And Father, as she and I have discussed many times, as we are open and real with one another, I pray for her confidence to be strengthened as the enemy is always looking for ways to beat one down who has this wonderful, tender gift Trish has. I pray blessing upon her children as they go about, and as they seek you Lord, I pray healing upon their young adult lives. Such crucial ages that is, as these young adults are looking for footing. May Your Holy Spirit be felt within them as they journey through these tender months and grow closer to You. May Your Spirit give Trish and Ken courage, humility, and unity that will provide blessing to their children still at home. I pray blessing on Ken and his job as he works hard to provide for his family, and I thank you Lord that they ARE part of my family.
Lord, I especially wish to lift up my family, in my heart, to You. If I love them as much as I do, there is no doubt Your love runs deeper than we can ever imagine. My heart cannot even fathom Mary, humbly looking on as guards beat and tortured Jesus. While I do not believe in ANY cruelty for the worst of sinners, it is beyond my mind or comprehension that after witnessing Jesus saving life after life, and gaining that life saving reputation, that spiritual people who claim to love God, would brutally torture and kill Jesus.
You, O God, prove the hearts of mankind as I reflect on that day, knowing that is why Jesus came.....to be the sacrifice. Knowing, that is why he was born of Your Spirit, to be the sacrifice....and Jesus did not rebel from Your plan for his life. He obeyed, and He did what was asked of him....so we may live. Thank you Father God for Your most amazing gift.
I could not sacrifice my child, and thankfully You do not require that of us. But I pray my heart will continue to soften to the point I can fully surrender them to You, and fully trust You. I know in my head You are in control, You decide, and You are looking out for my girls.....but I also know I struggle to let go of what I think they should or shouldn't be doing, living.....you know, stupid stuff I really have no control over.
Easter has been a beautiful day with Alicia and Tanner showing up and surprising us late in the afternoon. Father, I needed to experience that little bit of hope. To even fill Tanner with Love, that is only supplied by You.
Lord, you know my heart, my thoughts, and my concerns.....every day I need wisdom from You in my position, to not overstep, or overlook, but to gently encourage whatever I can for the good of those who listen. Father, as I pray for Amanda and for Nora, I ask for Your wisdom, with great clarity, in area's of concern. Please fill Amanda full of grown up wisdom and discernment when it comes to caring for Nora. I know she loves Nora and is a great mommy, yet I also know Amanda has trouble detecting a wolf. It's the enemy of course, working through man, and I pray Amanda will snap out of her own little world and get involved in Nora's in a way that will prepare Nora to Love you and follow You. How I wish you could come in, and intercept that which you can see, but things hidden from the worlds eyes. Which is why I come to you Father, to pray, and ask for Your intervention in ways to safeguard Nora. Your word says if anyone is troubled, we should pray. I am troubled, Lord.....very VERY troubled in my heart. What I sense in my heart is exactly why I ask for YOUR hand to stop either what I am sensing and am truly sick in my stomach over....if I should be out of line, then please release me from these concerns Lord. If there is just cause for my concern, then I truly come to You Father, to surrender the concerns I have that YOU are God, please keep Nora safe from human harm, and wicked or perverted ways. Lord, bring swift Your judgement onto anyone who harms this precious girl. I ask for Your hedge of protection to be so secure around Nora, that no serious sratch, broken bone, or any harm will be allowed to come near her, from this moment forward. Lord, You are mightier than tens of thousands of people in an army, and Your spiritual intervention is required here....
As Alexandra prepares to move this weekend Father, may Your peace and renewed spirit fill her up in her soul as she begins a new chapter in her life. Lord, Your Holy Spirit is beautiful to see in the hearts of people. May Alex's heart leave room for Your Spirit to fill her with faith ...that little bit of faith the widow had of taking one jar of olive oil and then asking her neighbors for empty jars...May Alex be fill with olive oil faith that will multiply as she takes that one little step. What a wonderful daughter she is. I thank you for her and for all three of my daughter's and my beautiful grand daughter.
As I close for today, Thank You Lord for my amazing husband, Michael, and for the time we get to spend together as empty nesters. Please bless him today as he goes to work and does what he truly enjoys doing. Thank you for the folks who work hard for Michael and the respect they have for him. You O Lord, are my God, in whom I am truly grateful for the freedom to draw near to You and to know You are faithful, even as I pray blessing on other's Lord, You show up! As You bless Michael while he is away at work today, I pray and ask that my heart will grow bigger in the department of being a blessing to other's. Specifically in my marriage. That I will not take another day for granted, and work hard for the one who has truly sacrificed for our family (Aside from You, of course). There is no doubt You have said it over and over in Your word, the power behind a virtuous wife. Such unreachable talents and tender heart this woman had. But Lord, I trust that if I strive to please my husband, it will be as if serving You specifically. I pray for strength, and humility to set aside my selfish nature, and be filled with love, to serve the wonderful man You've blessed me with.
Thank You Father, for sending Jesus to be the ultimate example of a servants heart. Thank You that He rose from the grave! Thank You for your amazing grace!!
As we remember Your gift to the world, may our hearts be grateful for the example of Jesus as he walked here on earth.
The example of Jesus that most amazes me is, the way he never retaliated when his enemies were closing in to have him crucified. But especially how much he loved hes disciples and allowed them freedom to say and do all that they did.
I pray that my heart could be reflective of the love Jesus had for all.
With all you have blessed me with through the years Lord, I want to pass those blessings on to others. Such as Nicole, who is truly searching for love....to be loved....to give the type of love she's familiar with and exchange it Lord, for a single drop of your pure and selfless love Lord Jesus. I see the hope of healing in her marriage Lord, because she is seeking, and her heart is wanting more. May YOU be her 'more,' Lord. And like the widow in 2 Kings who was too poor to pay her debt collectors and was told by faith to gather as many pots and jars from neighbors as she could. The little bit of olive oil she had left in her house multiplied as she followed, through faith, what Elisha had instructed her. That little bit of faith is all we need Lord to fill our jars full. I truly pray this for Nicole, and her little one, and for Casey. I pray blessing and healing be upon their lives, and their marriage which will help them unite when living for you.
This morning, I'd also like to life up my cousin Robin to you Lord. Thank you for the bonds that are created, and were created with her and my brother. There is something special about having that connection in your heart that is safe, from someone who is loyal, and I'm thankful they have each other. Father, I may not know anything about her life right now, but I know you see her needs, her heart, and her hard work. May Your ways be renewed in her life as a joyful experience from living life for You, to please You, and may she find comfort in Your presence. A reminder of Your goodness, and Your Loyalty, Your friendship to those who seek You. May she feel Your comfort for all of the hard work she's persevered in by caring for so many throughout her life. How You must have that beautiful crown awaiting her for her loving care for grand-dad, her dad, my dad, her granddaughter, her mom, her aunts,....Lord, I don't even know all the people she has cared for, but I know You provide blessing in heaven for people just like Robin. May her heart feel the warmth of Your love and remember YOU.
How I thank-you for Chaurice, Lord; for her friendship from years ago, and for the beautiful miracle of Your healing hand upon her precious baby girl Juliana. What amazing grace You provide Lord as You show up at all the moments when we wonder if You still hear those around. May her family feel the blessings that are made secure by sharing in Your company Father. I pray love and blessing be upon her and Christa as they raise Jordan and Juliana in their loving home. Father, I know your goodness from such a distance, or so it seems at times...but I KNOW you are good, and may they also feel compelled by Your goodness and the ways You have blessed their lives.
Thank-you Lord for my dear cousin Marie...also known as Trish. I just thank you for blessing my life with hers. She is such an example of pure genuine love and grace that can be found here on earth. Or at least, whom I have come in contact with. I thank you for her, for her faithful heart, and for her tender soul. And Father, as she and I have discussed many times, as we are open and real with one another, I pray for her confidence to be strengthened as the enemy is always looking for ways to beat one down who has this wonderful, tender gift Trish has. I pray blessing upon her children as they go about, and as they seek you Lord, I pray healing upon their young adult lives. Such crucial ages that is, as these young adults are looking for footing. May Your Holy Spirit be felt within them as they journey through these tender months and grow closer to You. May Your Spirit give Trish and Ken courage, humility, and unity that will provide blessing to their children still at home. I pray blessing on Ken and his job as he works hard to provide for his family, and I thank you Lord that they ARE part of my family.
Lord, I especially wish to lift up my family, in my heart, to You. If I love them as much as I do, there is no doubt Your love runs deeper than we can ever imagine. My heart cannot even fathom Mary, humbly looking on as guards beat and tortured Jesus. While I do not believe in ANY cruelty for the worst of sinners, it is beyond my mind or comprehension that after witnessing Jesus saving life after life, and gaining that life saving reputation, that spiritual people who claim to love God, would brutally torture and kill Jesus.
You, O God, prove the hearts of mankind as I reflect on that day, knowing that is why Jesus came.....to be the sacrifice. Knowing, that is why he was born of Your Spirit, to be the sacrifice....and Jesus did not rebel from Your plan for his life. He obeyed, and He did what was asked of him....so we may live. Thank you Father God for Your most amazing gift.
I could not sacrifice my child, and thankfully You do not require that of us. But I pray my heart will continue to soften to the point I can fully surrender them to You, and fully trust You. I know in my head You are in control, You decide, and You are looking out for my girls.....but I also know I struggle to let go of what I think they should or shouldn't be doing, living.....you know, stupid stuff I really have no control over.
Easter has been a beautiful day with Alicia and Tanner showing up and surprising us late in the afternoon. Father, I needed to experience that little bit of hope. To even fill Tanner with Love, that is only supplied by You.
Lord, you know my heart, my thoughts, and my concerns.....every day I need wisdom from You in my position, to not overstep, or overlook, but to gently encourage whatever I can for the good of those who listen. Father, as I pray for Amanda and for Nora, I ask for Your wisdom, with great clarity, in area's of concern. Please fill Amanda full of grown up wisdom and discernment when it comes to caring for Nora. I know she loves Nora and is a great mommy, yet I also know Amanda has trouble detecting a wolf. It's the enemy of course, working through man, and I pray Amanda will snap out of her own little world and get involved in Nora's in a way that will prepare Nora to Love you and follow You. How I wish you could come in, and intercept that which you can see, but things hidden from the worlds eyes. Which is why I come to you Father, to pray, and ask for Your intervention in ways to safeguard Nora. Your word says if anyone is troubled, we should pray. I am troubled, Lord.....very VERY troubled in my heart. What I sense in my heart is exactly why I ask for YOUR hand to stop either what I am sensing and am truly sick in my stomach over....if I should be out of line, then please release me from these concerns Lord. If there is just cause for my concern, then I truly come to You Father, to surrender the concerns I have that YOU are God, please keep Nora safe from human harm, and wicked or perverted ways. Lord, bring swift Your judgement onto anyone who harms this precious girl. I ask for Your hedge of protection to be so secure around Nora, that no serious sratch, broken bone, or any harm will be allowed to come near her, from this moment forward. Lord, You are mightier than tens of thousands of people in an army, and Your spiritual intervention is required here....
As Alexandra prepares to move this weekend Father, may Your peace and renewed spirit fill her up in her soul as she begins a new chapter in her life. Lord, Your Holy Spirit is beautiful to see in the hearts of people. May Alex's heart leave room for Your Spirit to fill her with faith ...that little bit of faith the widow had of taking one jar of olive oil and then asking her neighbors for empty jars...May Alex be fill with olive oil faith that will multiply as she takes that one little step. What a wonderful daughter she is. I thank you for her and for all three of my daughter's and my beautiful grand daughter.
As I close for today, Thank You Lord for my amazing husband, Michael, and for the time we get to spend together as empty nesters. Please bless him today as he goes to work and does what he truly enjoys doing. Thank you for the folks who work hard for Michael and the respect they have for him. You O Lord, are my God, in whom I am truly grateful for the freedom to draw near to You and to know You are faithful, even as I pray blessing on other's Lord, You show up! As You bless Michael while he is away at work today, I pray and ask that my heart will grow bigger in the department of being a blessing to other's. Specifically in my marriage. That I will not take another day for granted, and work hard for the one who has truly sacrificed for our family (Aside from You, of course). There is no doubt You have said it over and over in Your word, the power behind a virtuous wife. Such unreachable talents and tender heart this woman had. But Lord, I trust that if I strive to please my husband, it will be as if serving You specifically. I pray for strength, and humility to set aside my selfish nature, and be filled with love, to serve the wonderful man You've blessed me with.
Thank You Father, for sending Jesus to be the ultimate example of a servants heart. Thank You that He rose from the grave! Thank You for your amazing grace!!
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Prayers and Petitions
My Lord, my God,
It is 5:55 am on Saturday, April 4, 2015. What a glorious morning it is as sit in awe of Your amazing gift of all gifts, Your son, Jesus. Thank-you Lord, for Jesus, for the man he was and is today, in our hearts; specifically, in my heart. His legacy and example of true love is beyond what my heart can absorb. What a morning it has been already as I gaze upon the full moon that is about to eclipse into a red moon. The anticipation of Jesus' second coming provides such hope for days to come.
As I come before Lord, with thanksgiving in my heart, there are so many people whom you've created for a great purpose who may not yet realize how valuable they are. Not because you need anything from folks like us, but because of the miracle behind the creation of mankind. This morning, I specifically want to lift up my brother Brian and Kathleen, whom I love deeply. They both are such amazing people, I can only imagine the amazingly added impact their union could have in Your kingdom's ministry. Thank you, Lord for their generous hearts when it comes to my family specifically, but also for their love and loyalty that they share with so many other's. While this world is full of appealing distractions, there is nothing greater than serving for Your name's sake, Father.
Thank-you for my friend Deanna, whom I have never met personally, but someone I feel quite fond of. May she feel Your blessing upon her life in this next year. May her heart rejoice with thanksgiving for the little man You've entrusted to her. And Father, as You have been healing her in so many ways already, I ask that she might meet a faithful follower of Yours to share in her life's journey.
When I think about people whom I've lost contact with but have always had that special place in my heart, I think of Laura. Meeting her was not coincidence as we have a history with You being the center of that history. Thank-you for reconnecting us through facebook, as my heart has missed this lovely lady. Bless her Lord in coming days as she faces changes in her job. May her heart be filled with peace knowing You will take care of her.
Thank-you for my brother Eric and for his tender heart. While we don't keep in touch as much as I'd like to, I love him and am so grateful to have him as my brother. Fill his life with blessing Lord, that he may remember how much You love him, and how wonderful seeking You truly is. And for his girlfriend Kay, I pray Your gentle hand will heal her shoulder completely.
I thank you God, for lovely Liesl, and for bringing our paths together at Bible study. I rejoice in Your amazing grace for blessing her with the baby girl she is expecting in May. Lord, I don't doubt Your blessing is upon them as she and her husband serve You faithfully. Yet, their journey has been exhausting to them as they fight the good fight to keep their little boy they are adopting. Please Lord, hold them close as they seek Your face. Open wide the eyes of Samuel's birth father, that he may see how blessed Samuel is, in the parenting care of Liesl and her husband. I pray that the month of May will provide a double dose of blessing with a finalization on this adoption as well as the safe arrival of their baby girl.
I may not pray eloquent prayers Father, but you know my heart, even when I fumble around with words. Thank you for my husband Michael and for molding him into the man he is. For the hard worker he is, and for the patient support he is for all of us women in this Allen household. Today, What joy I feel knowing You were the matchmaker in our marriage and You get ALL the glory and praise for directing our paths. May our union be glory and honor to Your name as we would not have gotten this far without you.
I pray for my girls, Amanda, Alexandra, and Alicia, and for the mates You have prepared for them in advance. Lord, how I long for each of them to know what true love is. You have shown me what it looks like in this world...and while it's nothing compared to Your love and patience, I pray they will all meet young men who will cherish them during their journey here on earth.
You know the difficulty it is to be a single mom...please tender Amanda's heart that she will seek Your way in finding the man You've chosen for her. I pray this for Alex and Alicia as well. It is for freedom Christ set us free, and may each of my girls recognize, with clear vision, true freedom.
Thank you for the blessing sweet little Nora in our lives, and in Amanda's life. PLEASE hold a hedge of protection around Nora as she is shifted from Amanda's to Jason's home.
May Jason's heart be tendered toward his valuable role as Nora's dad. May he be filled with conviction always, of Nora's safety and well being.
Father, it is not easy to stay focused on the spiritual war that is raging in man's hearts. I find myself taking things so personally, and instead of handing these offenses over to you, I tend to want to solve the problem myself. May my heart be more aware of the evil forces in this world that pull at me. May I truly find safety and patience in Your presence, and come to You for wisdom and guidance. I mess everything up when I attempt to do things my way.
Thank you for Teagan, and the blessing he was in our family for 27 days. I miss him terribly, but I am SO grateful knowing he is with You, which is one truth I believe with ALL of my heart.
Please hold onto Alicia as she works through her grief and sorrow. Please send her pleasant dreams of comfort, that she may see Teagan next to You and find comfort knowing he is with You. I don't know what your plan is for her, but I pray for Tanner and his family and the influence they have had on Alicia in such short amount of time. Alicia is Your child, Lord, and I trust You will lead her out of the situation she is in.
Thank You for hearing my prayers and for blessing those whom I pray for. Amen
It is 5:55 am on Saturday, April 4, 2015. What a glorious morning it is as sit in awe of Your amazing gift of all gifts, Your son, Jesus. Thank-you Lord, for Jesus, for the man he was and is today, in our hearts; specifically, in my heart. His legacy and example of true love is beyond what my heart can absorb. What a morning it has been already as I gaze upon the full moon that is about to eclipse into a red moon. The anticipation of Jesus' second coming provides such hope for days to come.
As I come before Lord, with thanksgiving in my heart, there are so many people whom you've created for a great purpose who may not yet realize how valuable they are. Not because you need anything from folks like us, but because of the miracle behind the creation of mankind. This morning, I specifically want to lift up my brother Brian and Kathleen, whom I love deeply. They both are such amazing people, I can only imagine the amazingly added impact their union could have in Your kingdom's ministry. Thank you, Lord for their generous hearts when it comes to my family specifically, but also for their love and loyalty that they share with so many other's. While this world is full of appealing distractions, there is nothing greater than serving for Your name's sake, Father.
Thank-you for my friend Deanna, whom I have never met personally, but someone I feel quite fond of. May she feel Your blessing upon her life in this next year. May her heart rejoice with thanksgiving for the little man You've entrusted to her. And Father, as You have been healing her in so many ways already, I ask that she might meet a faithful follower of Yours to share in her life's journey.
When I think about people whom I've lost contact with but have always had that special place in my heart, I think of Laura. Meeting her was not coincidence as we have a history with You being the center of that history. Thank-you for reconnecting us through facebook, as my heart has missed this lovely lady. Bless her Lord in coming days as she faces changes in her job. May her heart be filled with peace knowing You will take care of her.
Thank-you for my brother Eric and for his tender heart. While we don't keep in touch as much as I'd like to, I love him and am so grateful to have him as my brother. Fill his life with blessing Lord, that he may remember how much You love him, and how wonderful seeking You truly is. And for his girlfriend Kay, I pray Your gentle hand will heal her shoulder completely.
I thank you God, for lovely Liesl, and for bringing our paths together at Bible study. I rejoice in Your amazing grace for blessing her with the baby girl she is expecting in May. Lord, I don't doubt Your blessing is upon them as she and her husband serve You faithfully. Yet, their journey has been exhausting to them as they fight the good fight to keep their little boy they are adopting. Please Lord, hold them close as they seek Your face. Open wide the eyes of Samuel's birth father, that he may see how blessed Samuel is, in the parenting care of Liesl and her husband. I pray that the month of May will provide a double dose of blessing with a finalization on this adoption as well as the safe arrival of their baby girl.
I may not pray eloquent prayers Father, but you know my heart, even when I fumble around with words. Thank you for my husband Michael and for molding him into the man he is. For the hard worker he is, and for the patient support he is for all of us women in this Allen household. Today, What joy I feel knowing You were the matchmaker in our marriage and You get ALL the glory and praise for directing our paths. May our union be glory and honor to Your name as we would not have gotten this far without you.
I pray for my girls, Amanda, Alexandra, and Alicia, and for the mates You have prepared for them in advance. Lord, how I long for each of them to know what true love is. You have shown me what it looks like in this world...and while it's nothing compared to Your love and patience, I pray they will all meet young men who will cherish them during their journey here on earth.
You know the difficulty it is to be a single mom...please tender Amanda's heart that she will seek Your way in finding the man You've chosen for her. I pray this for Alex and Alicia as well. It is for freedom Christ set us free, and may each of my girls recognize, with clear vision, true freedom.
Thank you for the blessing sweet little Nora in our lives, and in Amanda's life. PLEASE hold a hedge of protection around Nora as she is shifted from Amanda's to Jason's home.
May Jason's heart be tendered toward his valuable role as Nora's dad. May he be filled with conviction always, of Nora's safety and well being.
Father, it is not easy to stay focused on the spiritual war that is raging in man's hearts. I find myself taking things so personally, and instead of handing these offenses over to you, I tend to want to solve the problem myself. May my heart be more aware of the evil forces in this world that pull at me. May I truly find safety and patience in Your presence, and come to You for wisdom and guidance. I mess everything up when I attempt to do things my way.
Thank you for Teagan, and the blessing he was in our family for 27 days. I miss him terribly, but I am SO grateful knowing he is with You, which is one truth I believe with ALL of my heart.
Please hold onto Alicia as she works through her grief and sorrow. Please send her pleasant dreams of comfort, that she may see Teagan next to You and find comfort knowing he is with You. I don't know what your plan is for her, but I pray for Tanner and his family and the influence they have had on Alicia in such short amount of time. Alicia is Your child, Lord, and I trust You will lead her out of the situation she is in.
Thank You for hearing my prayers and for blessing those whom I pray for. Amen
Friday, April 3, 2015
A GOOD FRIDAY prayer
Heavenly Father, How I thank you for your amazing grace and mercy that is felt each morning. Your warm sunrise not only brings light onto the earth but hope into my heart. I may not always thank you for the dawn of each new day, but when I stop and think on Your goodness, the warmth of this truth touches my soul.
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Thank-you for all the wonderful people who have taken time to pray for precious Teagan, and for my family during these past months. There is comfort knowing people cared enough to seek out The Great Physician of all time, You.
This morning, I would like to give back to each of them Lord, and send them a blessing from You. You know every detail of their lives and You love each and every one of Your precious creations.
Today, I begin with sweet Berta. Oh Lord, what a masterpiece You created when you formed her into the most loving and tender person she is. How proud you must be with her for pressing forward through the most difficult times a person can go through. I thank you for her friendship, for her loving example she sets, and for her brilliant personality Lord. Please fill her life full to the brim with love and blessings, and a break from caring for family, so she can catch her breath.
Lord, I lift up my friend Amy to you as well. What a courageous example she has set throughout these months as she overcomes obstacles most of us fear. I ask you Father, that your breath of healing may be upon her and that You will be her source of strength. That she will find You and lean on You during these next months as Your miraculous wonders are performed within her.
Then there is wonderful Shelly, what a beautiful woman she is, Lord. All these ladies are. Wow, how blessed am I to even know these gals personally? Father, You are "for" Shelly, and what comfort You are to us all when we are hurting or confused...and since we live here on earth, we are ALL hurting and confused. Life just does that sometimes. But with You Lord, You help us press on to what lies before us. Fill Shelly full in her heart, with Your love and confidence as she remembers who she is in Christ.
How thankful I am for my precious cousin Nancy. She has been so positive and encouraging, and I sure thank you Lord for her inward beauty. I pray for Your comfort to rest gently on her, and that she will feel Your amazing presence today, and every day this week.
Thank you Lord for Fritz, one of my newest friends. How amazing are You Lord for bringing us two ladies together through friendship? May she be blessed in her career and her every day life.
You, O Lord, have blessed me with some amazing family and friends. And while I am so very thankful for all of my sweet friends, there are folks who truly despise me. This of course hurts my 'feelings' Father, but they also despise my faith in You. I too have gotten angry and defensive in my heart...this has effected me, this You know. Which is why I come to confess this to You, Lord. They are my enemy and I ask for your mercy and grace to fill my heart with compassion, with Love (that only comes from You), and with pure joy that I am able to come to You and bless these people because of You. Which is what I come to you to plea, love and blessing for these folks, and for forgiveness for my heart for being so defensive and angry and nearly bitter as well.
Thank you for my husband, Michael, who works so hard, and truly displays his love for me as You have asked men to "love their wives as Christ loved the church." He has truly grown to become that man in my life. Thank you for filling him with love and patience, and for his strength through his humble leadership for our family.
I thank you Lord for my three beautiful daughter's, and my most precious grand daughter. May Your Holy Spirit guide and direct Amanda, Alex, and Alicia's hearts as they journey through this year. I pray blessing upon Amanda who seeks to have a relationship with you and desires to do Your will, Lord. Please offer clarity to her heart as a single mom, and fill her with courage and strength and the ability to embrace her self worth which comes from You. I pray for little Nora and for her protection as she is shifted between two parents and their time allotted to spend with her. May Your Holy Spirit penetrate Jason's heart so he may be an honest, loving and caring dad for Nora. Please hold your hedge of protection firmly in place around Nora that she may grow to have a deep love for You Father and that she will know Jesus deep within her heart.
Thank you for Alexandra and for the hard working young lady she has grown to be. May your Holy Spirit intercept her young adult decisions and exchange them for a righteous purpose pleasing to You Lord. She has such passion in her heart, I can sense the convictions she has and pray she will find the courage to be secure in who she was created to be, beyond the worldly snares that are so distracting to all people.
And for Alicia, I pray comfort and blessing be upon her heart Lord. Thank you for Teagan, and for the time given to us all, to love him and to spend the brief time we've been able to spend with him. Please send your angels to guard and protect her vulnerable heart as she walks out her sorrow and grief. Fill her heart with true love and with blessing that she may see YOUR Glory in the midst of losing her first born.
Thank-you Father for entrusting my daughter's with me as their mother. I have so loved being their mom, and have truly believed they were a gift to me, from You, as well as my husband. You, O Lord, have brought great joy to my heart as I look back through my life and all you have blessed me with. My girls are Yours, from before they were entrusted into my care, and I pray my heart will humbly entrust them back to You Lord, that Your word says You will "guide and direct their path." May my heart find comfort and solace in your presence, that even as I type out these prayers, my heart will be tendered to submit to Your will for my life.
Thank You God almighty, for Your Son Jesus and for this Good Friday where, 2000 years ago, he submitted to Your authority and willfully became the living sacrifice for our sins; that us gentiles may spend eternity with you.
You amaze me Lord, every day You amaze me with your patience for mankind. For the sins of mans heart, and for us all who struggle daily to seek a relationship with you. Thank-You for your patience, for Your love of man kind, and Thank you for every trial I have faced personally this past year. I give YOU ALL the glory for Your goodness and Your faithfulness. Amen
Thank-you for all the wonderful people who have taken time to pray for precious Teagan, and for my family during these past months. There is comfort knowing people cared enough to seek out The Great Physician of all time, You.
This morning, I would like to give back to each of them Lord, and send them a blessing from You. You know every detail of their lives and You love each and every one of Your precious creations.
Today, I begin with sweet Berta. Oh Lord, what a masterpiece You created when you formed her into the most loving and tender person she is. How proud you must be with her for pressing forward through the most difficult times a person can go through. I thank you for her friendship, for her loving example she sets, and for her brilliant personality Lord. Please fill her life full to the brim with love and blessings, and a break from caring for family, so she can catch her breath.
Lord, I lift up my friend Amy to you as well. What a courageous example she has set throughout these months as she overcomes obstacles most of us fear. I ask you Father, that your breath of healing may be upon her and that You will be her source of strength. That she will find You and lean on You during these next months as Your miraculous wonders are performed within her.
Then there is wonderful Shelly, what a beautiful woman she is, Lord. All these ladies are. Wow, how blessed am I to even know these gals personally? Father, You are "for" Shelly, and what comfort You are to us all when we are hurting or confused...and since we live here on earth, we are ALL hurting and confused. Life just does that sometimes. But with You Lord, You help us press on to what lies before us. Fill Shelly full in her heart, with Your love and confidence as she remembers who she is in Christ.
How thankful I am for my precious cousin Nancy. She has been so positive and encouraging, and I sure thank you Lord for her inward beauty. I pray for Your comfort to rest gently on her, and that she will feel Your amazing presence today, and every day this week.
Thank you Lord for Fritz, one of my newest friends. How amazing are You Lord for bringing us two ladies together through friendship? May she be blessed in her career and her every day life.
You, O Lord, have blessed me with some amazing family and friends. And while I am so very thankful for all of my sweet friends, there are folks who truly despise me. This of course hurts my 'feelings' Father, but they also despise my faith in You. I too have gotten angry and defensive in my heart...this has effected me, this You know. Which is why I come to confess this to You, Lord. They are my enemy and I ask for your mercy and grace to fill my heart with compassion, with Love (that only comes from You), and with pure joy that I am able to come to You and bless these people because of You. Which is what I come to you to plea, love and blessing for these folks, and for forgiveness for my heart for being so defensive and angry and nearly bitter as well.
Thank you for my husband, Michael, who works so hard, and truly displays his love for me as You have asked men to "love their wives as Christ loved the church." He has truly grown to become that man in my life. Thank you for filling him with love and patience, and for his strength through his humble leadership for our family.
I thank you Lord for my three beautiful daughter's, and my most precious grand daughter. May Your Holy Spirit guide and direct Amanda, Alex, and Alicia's hearts as they journey through this year. I pray blessing upon Amanda who seeks to have a relationship with you and desires to do Your will, Lord. Please offer clarity to her heart as a single mom, and fill her with courage and strength and the ability to embrace her self worth which comes from You. I pray for little Nora and for her protection as she is shifted between two parents and their time allotted to spend with her. May Your Holy Spirit penetrate Jason's heart so he may be an honest, loving and caring dad for Nora. Please hold your hedge of protection firmly in place around Nora that she may grow to have a deep love for You Father and that she will know Jesus deep within her heart.
Thank you for Alexandra and for the hard working young lady she has grown to be. May your Holy Spirit intercept her young adult decisions and exchange them for a righteous purpose pleasing to You Lord. She has such passion in her heart, I can sense the convictions she has and pray she will find the courage to be secure in who she was created to be, beyond the worldly snares that are so distracting to all people.
And for Alicia, I pray comfort and blessing be upon her heart Lord. Thank you for Teagan, and for the time given to us all, to love him and to spend the brief time we've been able to spend with him. Please send your angels to guard and protect her vulnerable heart as she walks out her sorrow and grief. Fill her heart with true love and with blessing that she may see YOUR Glory in the midst of losing her first born.
Thank-you Father for entrusting my daughter's with me as their mother. I have so loved being their mom, and have truly believed they were a gift to me, from You, as well as my husband. You, O Lord, have brought great joy to my heart as I look back through my life and all you have blessed me with. My girls are Yours, from before they were entrusted into my care, and I pray my heart will humbly entrust them back to You Lord, that Your word says You will "guide and direct their path." May my heart find comfort and solace in your presence, that even as I type out these prayers, my heart will be tendered to submit to Your will for my life.
Thank You God almighty, for Your Son Jesus and for this Good Friday where, 2000 years ago, he submitted to Your authority and willfully became the living sacrifice for our sins; that us gentiles may spend eternity with you.
You amaze me Lord, every day You amaze me with your patience for mankind. For the sins of mans heart, and for us all who struggle daily to seek a relationship with you. Thank-You for your patience, for Your love of man kind, and Thank you for every trial I have faced personally this past year. I give YOU ALL the glory for Your goodness and Your faithfulness. Amen
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
A Prelude to my many Prayers
The fool says in his heart,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt, their
deeds are vile;
there is no one who does
good.
The LORD looks down from
heaven
on all mankind
to see if there are any who
understand,
any who seek God.
Psalm 14:1 & 2
Today, and every day, I will rejoice in The Lord for His goodness and His mercy. Even in my darkest hour, I will not give up, for my God has not abandoned me.........
This year has been filled with a plethora of emotion, to say the least.
From the exciting day of learning my youngest daughter, Alicia was expecting a baby boy in May, to the scary phone call we received just two days later that Alicia was hemorrhaging and was in the hospital suffering from a very serious placental abruption.
Then, after a tumultuous 3 1/2 weeks Alicia spent in our home on strict bed rest, she went into preterm labor just one day prior to her baby's 24th week, gestational. Then there was Alicia's cervical dilation which reached 8cm that ultimately led her Doctor to believe Alicia would be delivering my first grandson within the next 24 hours. But of course, once we had all braced ourselves for that nail biting reality, Alicia's cervix retracted to a 3, leaving baby Teagan safe in Alicia's womb for another 10 days until Alicia's water broke. There was no stopping his arrival now. Teagan was far too small, and Alicia delivered Teagan safely at 7:57 am, on the 18th of February, 2015.
What a glorious day that specific Wednesday was, Teagan's birthday. Weighing 2lbs, 2oz., tiny Teagan stretched a whole 13 and 3/4" long, he was the most beautiful little guy I had ever laid eyes on. A TRUE miracle from God. A TRUE answer to so many prayers prayed by me, my husband, and all of my wonderful facebook family and friends.
Which is why I am beginning here, on this April fools day, the purpose of writing these entries in this blog. A blog of prayers for each and every facebook family and friend (and then some), that I have.
If it wasn't for all of the lovely prayers and encouraging words from so many of my facebook friends, I could have potentially lost my mind during these past few months. The prayers people prayed, were felt, were heard, and I trust in the power of prayer.
These past few months have reminded me of the scripture that says, "pray without ceasing." The complete scripture actually says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Wow! I actually had to look up this scripture to remind me of the entire verse, confirmation of what has been pressing on my heart, praying for other people beyond my day to day prayers and the immediate people within my circle of everyday family and friends. Every day is a precious gift, and Teagan's life served as a reminder to me what a gift of time God has given me to use wisely.
My Nonnie time with Teagan was packed FULL of love, thankfulness, and unforeseen lessons on "life". Teagan's delicate life brought his mommy and me back together after a momentary strain she and I had experienced in our relationship. Teagan's will to live bonded my heart to his as I earnestly prayed for his safe arrival. His safe arrival was a reminder of the power of prayer to me, and the effects it has when others can witness the results from what one seeks, through prayer. The power of prayer has multiple effects beyond simple 'requests,' but the change that occurs in one's own heart.....specifically during these prayers, the change occured in my own heart. Those humbling words spoken to God Almighty nearly every day helped prepare me and soften me for what was to come............Teagan's eternal life.
On 2:00pm on March 17th, just 27 days after Teagan's birth, Teagan began his new life in heaven.
As I go through my facebook list, somewhere in these blog entries that follow, your first name will be mentioned. I don't necessarily know what your daily struggles are, and I won't be airing anyone's laundry. My heart and my hope is to sincerely bless your life and your personal journey in life, through genuine prayers. What a wonderful experience this will be, the one way I can specifically "THANK" everyone who took the time to pray for us, by praying for everyone. May you experience the love of God.
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