I have been blessed by God in so many ways lately, I thought I would post three -
He blessed me personally last week when I was going to Michelle's field trip; we were running late (a bit of the story of my life these days...) to drop Rose off at preschool before getting on the road, and I noticed I had a yellow light on my dash (e.g. on reserve gasoline). I decided that I really couldn't get to the event, return to pick up Rose from a friend's house (who had graciously agreed to get her from school since we would not be back yet) and then get gasoline, so I pulled into a station adjacent to the preschool. As I reached for my purse, I realized I had left it at home mistake number two :-)...
Noticing the time growing even later (and the plan to be broken up into groups to tour this place, so needing to be timely upon arrival), I sent up a quick prayer to God asking Him to turn fumes into gasoline for me for the day. He so wonderfully provided; my dear Savior and King allowed us not only to arrive on time (amazingly, with two minutes to spare), but to pick Rose up afterward, drive home from there to get my purse, and then return out to a gas station without fail. The guage stayed on orange but did not sputter out. I was so thankful for His mercy.
He blessed me corporately at church this week. Our church has, as a whole, been fully blessed with the weather on Sundays. We have been meeting at our local fairgrounds, and Sunday school classes for Kindergarten through fifth grade have been flanking the building. We have not had a bad Sunday. Last week, it was quite cool, and my husband and his helper needed to move the kids from our class (4th/5th graders) to the sunny side of the building where the younger classes were located. However, it went well. This past weekend we had extremely cold weather on Friday (I was freezing indoors, even), and then cold and very wet/rainy all day on Saturday. Praying for Sunday's weather (and it was my turn to teach), I was incredibly grateful and blessed ~ not only did we not have it too cold, but it actually ended up getting up to 70 degrees later Sunday. It was a fabulous day for outside Sunday school. Next week is our last week outside before we move back to an indoor venue God has graciously provided once again. Is He cool or what?!
Finally, He blessed me in my community when I was driving to the grocery store around six p.m. Saturday evening. As I rounded a corner I was struck with the most AMAZING sight I have ever seen. I would have given anything to have had a camera in my van. The beauty of His creation was breathtaking at the least ~ it overhwelmed me. I would have pulled over if there were a shoulder and just basked in His glory. I was thanking and praising Him for hours beyond. The sky had stopped raining, but the gray clouds were still pretty full. The sun was setting, and it was as if it shot through a veil of light between the dark clouds and the dark ground (I was driving on a back windy road among many tall trees). The colors of autumn (which are beautiful here in Virginia by any measure), coupled with shimmering sparkle of the leaves glistening from the rain, added to by the contrast of light and dark between the tops of the trees and the bottoms (due to the angle of the light hitting them) was absolutely stunning.
I was loudly praising Him for His glorious work in my car as I continued on, lest a car behind me clobber me with how I had slowed down to soak it in.
Oh Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth! Thank You, most precious Father, for all the gifts You give. :-)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Dutch Sheet's request for Prayer ~ RE: Election 2008
From Dutch Sheets:
"Due to IRS rules, this letter is from me personally and is not from any of the ministries I am associated with. (Also because of IRS rules, I cannot send it to my ministry database and therefore need your help in getting it out.) Do with it as you see fit, but my desire is that you forward it to as many praying friends as possible."
October 20, 2008
Dear Praying Friend,
In 2000, I wrote the 2nd most important letter of my life—a call to prayer for the elections of that year. I’m now writing what may be my most important letter. I knew the importance of those elections in 2000 was beyond any in my life up to that point and that the spiritual warfare surrounding them would be unlike anything any of us had ever seen. That letter was read by millions of people and I believe millions of them responded by praying. I also believe the prayers turned the tide.
You may question whether President Bush was the right choice; obviously, he has made some blunders in his tenure as president. But two of his decisions alone left no doubt he was God’s choice: Roberts and Alito. These two Supreme Court Justices have proven critical in the process of breaking the hold of humanism, death and anti-God agendas that have ruled the Court for 50 years. I assure you that more devastation—the shedding of innocent blood, immorality, decay of the family and an erosion of our godly heritage—has flowed into our nation through that institution than any other door in America. Many times more. The poison allowed into America through their decisions is beyond any of our abilities to articulate. The reality in America is that you don’t need to control Congress or the White Hose to rule the nation. You only need 5 people – 5 out of 9 on the Supreme Court. And for decades those who disagree with just about everything you and I stand for have been in control!
In Bush’s two terms, the process of turning this around began with the appointments of Roberts and Alito. Now, we win some cases 5-4 and lose some 4-5. (We barely outlawed partial birth abortion. The vote of one judge saved thousands of babies from this horror.) We need one more conservative Justice for a consistent majority, then more to build a strong majority.
In Obama’s own words, "the next president will appoint at least one, perhaps two or more Supreme Court Justices." He’s right. Almost certainly two or more older, liberal Justices are waiting until after the elections to retire, in hopes of Obama winning and appointing more liberals to replace them. And he certainly would. He voted against the confirmation of Roberts and Alito. So did Biden. And Biden led the fight against Justice Thomas several years back, another of the 4 solid conservatives. Make no mistake about it, the two of them do have a litmus test for Supreme Court Justices, and a major part of that test is Roe vs. Wade. McCain and Palin, on the other hand, both have very strong pro-life positions. This alone makes the choice for President simple. To vote for the 2nd and 3rd most liberal senators (Obama and Biden), both of whom are firmly and blatantly proabortion, would be unconscionable.
Obama has actually said that if he wins, he would like his first action as president to be the signing of the Freedom of Choice Act, which would eliminate every other law against any aspect of abortion (partial birth abortion, parental notification, etc., etc.). And with a democratic majority in the House and Senate, pretty much any legislation he and Biden want to pass will be a slam-dunk. There are many other unrighteous positions they hold but this position alone makes the choice easy. If they win this election, it will set America back decades in the cause of life and the restoration we seek.
Just as many of you do, I too, want to see a first black President, but not Senator Obama. To allow that noble and godly desire, the economy or one’s position on the war to trump this issue of life and death for the innocent unborn is simply wrong. The scriptures teach that if we choose first to exalt righteousness and turn from evil, God promises to heal our land (see Proverbs 14:34; 2 Chronicles 7:14).
It is righteousness that exalts a nation, not wealth, prosperity or armies. If we will finish the process of removing the curses of death and anti-God laws off of America by electing a president that will continue to shift the Court, God will grace us with breakthrough in other areas such as the economy, the war against terrorism, etc. My faith is not in a person, and certainly not a political party, for the healing of America , but I know God’s word and His ways well enough to know that our decisions do move Him to action or inaction.
Now to the heart of my reason for writing this letter (I realize I am "preaching to the choir"—most of you who know or listen to me are conservative enough to vote for McCain and Palin.)
I have not written any appeals for prayer concerning this election because:
1) others have, and
2) I believe our movement has matured to the point that the prayer base of the Church is already praying.
But I now feel the need to raise my voice. I am appealing to you to pray for these elections the next two weeks like you’ve never prayed for any in the past. Faithfully. Passionately. Boldly. Ask God for His mercy and grace.
We deserve His judgment for removing His influence and authority from our government, schools, homes and businesses; for the killing of 50 million babies; for leading the world in the consumption and exporting of pornography; for passing laws to reject His; etc. But mercy triumphs over judgment and in His wrath He remembers mercy. In 2000 we actually lost the popular vote and won the election—talk about grace! Please pray for this grace to be released again.
But I am also asking you for something more than normal prayer. For those of you who understand spiritual warfare, I am asking you to also include this aspect of prayer. There is no doubt that we have entered a Daniel 10 moment in time: "Then he said to me, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia’" (Daniel 10: 12-13 NAS). The spiritual warfare in this election is incredibly fierce, and just as it was in Daniel’s day, is all about the restoration of a nation. And also like Daniel, we must keep praying until we win the battle in the heavens.
In August of this year I predicted that September would mark a shift in momentum for these elections. This happened with the appointment of Sarah Palin as the Vice Presidential nominee (who is a true Esther in our generation), but when the economy began its meltdown and the media ramped up their unprecedented attacks on Palin, that momentum wasn’t sustained. But we can see it turn again if we approach this battle as the spiritual warfare it truly is and bind the evil forces involved (see Matthew 16:18-19). The reality is that this election can be the breakthrough we need to fully shift the Court (and ultimately our nation) or it will be an immeasurable setback that could take many years to reverse—if ever.
Please understand what I am saying: if we engage in this battle and do what I am asking—in mass—we will win; if we do not, we will lose. I, for one, don’t intend to allow the latter. I am in Washington , D.C. now (October 20-22) with Lou Engle and a team of prayer leaders from around the nation to war for this election. Join us! Lose some sleep, miss some meals—pray! Pray like never before for these elections. And as you do, involve yourself not only in petitioning prayer but also in spiritual warfare. Use your God-given authority over the plans and strategies of satan’s kingdom. Bind all witchcraft that is working to control the outcome, including occultic powers that are suppressing truth. Release Christ’s Kingdom rule in every way the Holy Spirit leads you.
Don’t be deceived and don’t lose hope (if you have to, turn off the TV.) It is not too late to turn these elections. God is plenty powerful enough to do so. The real question is will we rise to the level of prayer and spiritual warfare necessary to release that power. And remember, we don’t need a majority of Christians who are willing and able to do this—only a praying remnant. We can do it!
Here are some practical suggestions to consider:
1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days; TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.
2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God’s will to be done.
3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could pray everyday.
4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in every service to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp and bowl style intercession—worship and prayer combined.)
5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30 minutes.
6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).
7) Pray before you go to sleep.
8) Pray before church services.
9) Ask God to give you His strategy—He will!
In His grip,
Dutch Sheets
"Due to IRS rules, this letter is from me personally and is not from any of the ministries I am associated with. (Also because of IRS rules, I cannot send it to my ministry database and therefore need your help in getting it out.) Do with it as you see fit, but my desire is that you forward it to as many praying friends as possible."
October 20, 2008
Dear Praying Friend,
In 2000, I wrote the 2nd most important letter of my life—a call to prayer for the elections of that year. I’m now writing what may be my most important letter. I knew the importance of those elections in 2000 was beyond any in my life up to that point and that the spiritual warfare surrounding them would be unlike anything any of us had ever seen. That letter was read by millions of people and I believe millions of them responded by praying. I also believe the prayers turned the tide.
You may question whether President Bush was the right choice; obviously, he has made some blunders in his tenure as president. But two of his decisions alone left no doubt he was God’s choice: Roberts and Alito. These two Supreme Court Justices have proven critical in the process of breaking the hold of humanism, death and anti-God agendas that have ruled the Court for 50 years. I assure you that more devastation—the shedding of innocent blood, immorality, decay of the family and an erosion of our godly heritage—has flowed into our nation through that institution than any other door in America. Many times more. The poison allowed into America through their decisions is beyond any of our abilities to articulate. The reality in America is that you don’t need to control Congress or the White Hose to rule the nation. You only need 5 people – 5 out of 9 on the Supreme Court. And for decades those who disagree with just about everything you and I stand for have been in control!
In Bush’s two terms, the process of turning this around began with the appointments of Roberts and Alito. Now, we win some cases 5-4 and lose some 4-5. (We barely outlawed partial birth abortion. The vote of one judge saved thousands of babies from this horror.) We need one more conservative Justice for a consistent majority, then more to build a strong majority.
In Obama’s own words, "the next president will appoint at least one, perhaps two or more Supreme Court Justices." He’s right. Almost certainly two or more older, liberal Justices are waiting until after the elections to retire, in hopes of Obama winning and appointing more liberals to replace them. And he certainly would. He voted against the confirmation of Roberts and Alito. So did Biden. And Biden led the fight against Justice Thomas several years back, another of the 4 solid conservatives. Make no mistake about it, the two of them do have a litmus test for Supreme Court Justices, and a major part of that test is Roe vs. Wade. McCain and Palin, on the other hand, both have very strong pro-life positions. This alone makes the choice for President simple. To vote for the 2nd and 3rd most liberal senators (Obama and Biden), both of whom are firmly and blatantly proabortion, would be unconscionable.
Obama has actually said that if he wins, he would like his first action as president to be the signing of the Freedom of Choice Act, which would eliminate every other law against any aspect of abortion (partial birth abortion, parental notification, etc., etc.). And with a democratic majority in the House and Senate, pretty much any legislation he and Biden want to pass will be a slam-dunk. There are many other unrighteous positions they hold but this position alone makes the choice easy. If they win this election, it will set America back decades in the cause of life and the restoration we seek.
Just as many of you do, I too, want to see a first black President, but not Senator Obama. To allow that noble and godly desire, the economy or one’s position on the war to trump this issue of life and death for the innocent unborn is simply wrong. The scriptures teach that if we choose first to exalt righteousness and turn from evil, God promises to heal our land (see Proverbs 14:34; 2 Chronicles 7:14).
It is righteousness that exalts a nation, not wealth, prosperity or armies. If we will finish the process of removing the curses of death and anti-God laws off of America by electing a president that will continue to shift the Court, God will grace us with breakthrough in other areas such as the economy, the war against terrorism, etc. My faith is not in a person, and certainly not a political party, for the healing of America , but I know God’s word and His ways well enough to know that our decisions do move Him to action or inaction.
Now to the heart of my reason for writing this letter (I realize I am "preaching to the choir"—most of you who know or listen to me are conservative enough to vote for McCain and Palin.)
I have not written any appeals for prayer concerning this election because:
1) others have, and
2) I believe our movement has matured to the point that the prayer base of the Church is already praying.
But I now feel the need to raise my voice. I am appealing to you to pray for these elections the next two weeks like you’ve never prayed for any in the past. Faithfully. Passionately. Boldly. Ask God for His mercy and grace.
We deserve His judgment for removing His influence and authority from our government, schools, homes and businesses; for the killing of 50 million babies; for leading the world in the consumption and exporting of pornography; for passing laws to reject His; etc. But mercy triumphs over judgment and in His wrath He remembers mercy. In 2000 we actually lost the popular vote and won the election—talk about grace! Please pray for this grace to be released again.
But I am also asking you for something more than normal prayer. For those of you who understand spiritual warfare, I am asking you to also include this aspect of prayer. There is no doubt that we have entered a Daniel 10 moment in time: "Then he said to me, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia’" (Daniel 10: 12-13 NAS). The spiritual warfare in this election is incredibly fierce, and just as it was in Daniel’s day, is all about the restoration of a nation. And also like Daniel, we must keep praying until we win the battle in the heavens.
In August of this year I predicted that September would mark a shift in momentum for these elections. This happened with the appointment of Sarah Palin as the Vice Presidential nominee (who is a true Esther in our generation), but when the economy began its meltdown and the media ramped up their unprecedented attacks on Palin, that momentum wasn’t sustained. But we can see it turn again if we approach this battle as the spiritual warfare it truly is and bind the evil forces involved (see Matthew 16:18-19). The reality is that this election can be the breakthrough we need to fully shift the Court (and ultimately our nation) or it will be an immeasurable setback that could take many years to reverse—if ever.
Please understand what I am saying: if we engage in this battle and do what I am asking—in mass—we will win; if we do not, we will lose. I, for one, don’t intend to allow the latter. I am in Washington , D.C. now (October 20-22) with Lou Engle and a team of prayer leaders from around the nation to war for this election. Join us! Lose some sleep, miss some meals—pray! Pray like never before for these elections. And as you do, involve yourself not only in petitioning prayer but also in spiritual warfare. Use your God-given authority over the plans and strategies of satan’s kingdom. Bind all witchcraft that is working to control the outcome, including occultic powers that are suppressing truth. Release Christ’s Kingdom rule in every way the Holy Spirit leads you.
Don’t be deceived and don’t lose hope (if you have to, turn off the TV.) It is not too late to turn these elections. God is plenty powerful enough to do so. The real question is will we rise to the level of prayer and spiritual warfare necessary to release that power. And remember, we don’t need a majority of Christians who are willing and able to do this—only a praying remnant. We can do it!
Here are some practical suggestions to consider:
1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days; TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.
2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God’s will to be done.
3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could pray everyday.
4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in every service to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp and bowl style intercession—worship and prayer combined.)
5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30 minutes.
6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).
7) Pray before you go to sleep.
8) Pray before church services.
9) Ask God to give you His strategy—He will!
In His grip,
Dutch Sheets
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Reflection
In the morning, Friday, I thought this was a great photo op of what patience in waiting looks like...
Then in the evening, God gave us some glorious colors...
I now know what I was noticing; the fleeting beauty of life.
Russell died last night... Praise God for His ever loving kindness and mercy that the illness was not dragged on for long...may He wrap His arms around my girlfriend, her daughter, and her son as they mourn the loss of their husband and father. God bless and keep them ~ He is Love.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Stirrings
I have been recieving stirrings in my heart - stirrings calling me to a deeper intimacy with our LORD, stirrings calling me to a deeper faith and trust, stirrings calling me to release even more than what I had done ~ I love the stirrings as they show me how wonderful and true God is, and how much He desires our total selves, they are often bittersweet, as there is frequently pain involved in the surrender of our desires and hearts.
I am struggling right now with my desire to support my girlfriend. Her husband is dying ~ Cancer is the culprit. (ooh, God just gave me such beautiful sunlight streaming in through the window in front of me as I typed that...). I have walked side by side with friends as they have cared for dying parents and then gone to the graveside ~ that was hard but not such a challenge (relatively speaking, here). I have had the unfortunate privilege to comfort and care for friends who unexpectedly lost a child to tragedy...that was much more difficult, but somehow I had a comfort/understanding with how I could be of support and surround them with God's love. Today I continue to sit in abject helplessness as I watch one of my dearest friends continue to nurse her husband through his unexpected, rapid downhill progression. Though this is, in many respects, the epitome of God's grace and mercy (to not drag out the pain and illness), my heart rails against the unfairness of it all in human eyes. It breaks for my girlfriend, for her children, and for her husband as well.
Glory to God that this is a bitter-sweet time, as he has recently embraced the Lord wholeheartedly after years of riding the fence (in April he shifted, it was evident). My girlfriend is at peace in many ways, Praise the Lord for the peace that passes understanding, but she is also struggling with her grief and overwhelment. She longs to make things better for him, even as she understands and accepts that she cannot ~ to get back to the "normal" that once was between them. She seeks God desperately to not be crushed by the emerging dementia when, at times, he cannot communicate with nor recognize his loved ones...once a strong mountain of a man, now reduced to dependency, meekness, and discomfort ~ but oh, the love he is showing and recieving is worth far more than gold...
His oldest daughter, now 23, is one whom I loved and encouraged through high school and whom I continue to be quite close with; she often came to me for another sounding board when mom "didn't get it," (though she is very close with her mom I actually pray that my kids and I will have such a close relationship through their lives). She has allowed herself to be pulled away from the Lord over the past several years; once quite passionate about her beliefs, and convicted in God's Love, she has become eroded with our culture, and though still loving the Lord and trusts Him with her dad, is missing the intimacy of trusting Him with herself. Oh, how I wish I could give her the words to prompt her to turn back to be with Him...to let go of the lies of our world and embrace the truth of His heavenly realm. Her mom called her in Georgia last Wednesday and told her that unexpectedly her dad, barring a miracle, would not be around for Thanksgiving (they were expecting him to live through the holidays, at the very least, according to the prognosis given in August when he was diagnosed). She drove home the next day - took a leave of absence from work for 11 days, and dropped all of her college classes except the two she could take online. What do you say to a child who is still not fully reconciled with her needs from her father (either father...earthly or God)....She is avoiding dealing with her feelings and thoughts and "taking charge" as is her tendency...who can blame her...how do we give comfort to a child who cannot recieve it...Oh, Lord, hold her close to You and draw her heart into yours that hers might be comforted and at peace.
Their other child is a son ~ born of other parents, fostered from the age of 3 to 4 1/2, then adopted into the family. He has many special needs which have been loved through and dealt with over the years. He desperately needs a dad's love ~ I know that Abba/Daddy is our all sufficient One, I also know that He can mend all hearts and work all things for His glory ~ but I am so heartbroken for this young man, my daughter's dear friend, who was beginning to thrive under the love and care of such a kind and giving family. My mind asks "Why?" This summer as they were pursuing diagnosis and struggling to find out what exactly was going on (the illness all began in May), I was certain that God in His infinite love and mercy would not be allowing a terminal illness of the father into the life of this tender and broken young man...I was wrong, and continue to struggle with reconciling my belief that God will heal the Cancer because He would not allow so much tragedy into one person's life so young with the obvious direction of his illness..Nothing wrong with believing for a miracle, but how do I support this family in the face of grim and difficult reality?...Love ~ this is the answer, and there are so many faces to share...
Oh, Lord, most Sovereign and Holy God. Anoint me with Your Oil of gladness, may I overflow with Your lovingkindness and compassion...make me Your hands and feet for this family whom I love. Show me Your way, illumine to me their needs and how I can be Your hands to meet them. Oh, Lord, lift this sadness from my spirit that I might bless those whose sadness is immeasurable. Show me how to be a friend in a circumstance where I feel helpless ~ and in your tender mercy, please give light to their path, rest to their spirits, and divine timing to this process that none should suffer too long ~ in His name, I pray. Amen.
I am struggling right now with my desire to support my girlfriend. Her husband is dying ~ Cancer is the culprit. (ooh, God just gave me such beautiful sunlight streaming in through the window in front of me as I typed that...). I have walked side by side with friends as they have cared for dying parents and then gone to the graveside ~ that was hard but not such a challenge (relatively speaking, here). I have had the unfortunate privilege to comfort and care for friends who unexpectedly lost a child to tragedy...that was much more difficult, but somehow I had a comfort/understanding with how I could be of support and surround them with God's love. Today I continue to sit in abject helplessness as I watch one of my dearest friends continue to nurse her husband through his unexpected, rapid downhill progression. Though this is, in many respects, the epitome of God's grace and mercy (to not drag out the pain and illness), my heart rails against the unfairness of it all in human eyes. It breaks for my girlfriend, for her children, and for her husband as well.
Glory to God that this is a bitter-sweet time, as he has recently embraced the Lord wholeheartedly after years of riding the fence (in April he shifted, it was evident). My girlfriend is at peace in many ways, Praise the Lord for the peace that passes understanding, but she is also struggling with her grief and overwhelment. She longs to make things better for him, even as she understands and accepts that she cannot ~ to get back to the "normal" that once was between them. She seeks God desperately to not be crushed by the emerging dementia when, at times, he cannot communicate with nor recognize his loved ones...once a strong mountain of a man, now reduced to dependency, meekness, and discomfort ~ but oh, the love he is showing and recieving is worth far more than gold...
His oldest daughter, now 23, is one whom I loved and encouraged through high school and whom I continue to be quite close with; she often came to me for another sounding board when mom "didn't get it," (though she is very close with her mom I actually pray that my kids and I will have such a close relationship through their lives). She has allowed herself to be pulled away from the Lord over the past several years; once quite passionate about her beliefs, and convicted in God's Love, she has become eroded with our culture, and though still loving the Lord and trusts Him with her dad, is missing the intimacy of trusting Him with herself. Oh, how I wish I could give her the words to prompt her to turn back to be with Him...to let go of the lies of our world and embrace the truth of His heavenly realm. Her mom called her in Georgia last Wednesday and told her that unexpectedly her dad, barring a miracle, would not be around for Thanksgiving (they were expecting him to live through the holidays, at the very least, according to the prognosis given in August when he was diagnosed). She drove home the next day - took a leave of absence from work for 11 days, and dropped all of her college classes except the two she could take online. What do you say to a child who is still not fully reconciled with her needs from her father (either father...earthly or God)....She is avoiding dealing with her feelings and thoughts and "taking charge" as is her tendency...who can blame her...how do we give comfort to a child who cannot recieve it...Oh, Lord, hold her close to You and draw her heart into yours that hers might be comforted and at peace.
Their other child is a son ~ born of other parents, fostered from the age of 3 to 4 1/2, then adopted into the family. He has many special needs which have been loved through and dealt with over the years. He desperately needs a dad's love ~ I know that Abba/Daddy is our all sufficient One, I also know that He can mend all hearts and work all things for His glory ~ but I am so heartbroken for this young man, my daughter's dear friend, who was beginning to thrive under the love and care of such a kind and giving family. My mind asks "Why?" This summer as they were pursuing diagnosis and struggling to find out what exactly was going on (the illness all began in May), I was certain that God in His infinite love and mercy would not be allowing a terminal illness of the father into the life of this tender and broken young man...I was wrong, and continue to struggle with reconciling my belief that God will heal the Cancer because He would not allow so much tragedy into one person's life so young with the obvious direction of his illness..Nothing wrong with believing for a miracle, but how do I support this family in the face of grim and difficult reality?...Love ~ this is the answer, and there are so many faces to share...
Oh, Lord, most Sovereign and Holy God. Anoint me with Your Oil of gladness, may I overflow with Your lovingkindness and compassion...make me Your hands and feet for this family whom I love. Show me Your way, illumine to me their needs and how I can be Your hands to meet them. Oh, Lord, lift this sadness from my spirit that I might bless those whose sadness is immeasurable. Show me how to be a friend in a circumstance where I feel helpless ~ and in your tender mercy, please give light to their path, rest to their spirits, and divine timing to this process that none should suffer too long ~ in His name, I pray. Amen.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Something to Consider
This email was part of a group I belong to with the home school community. I found it to be compelling and stirring. I wanted to share. If "pro choice" exists, shouldn't the choice be free up until the last moment? How hard hearted the people who work in these clinics must be if they continue to press forward rather than continue to offer an alternative choice...
I once was not so aware of the sanctity of life. I can understand those who are in the darkness. I praise God and thank Him that I am no longer confused about this very important issue because He has shown me clearly how ALL are important to Him ~ this is sobering, perhaps it will lead you to move in a way of prayer or otherwise...but at least it should stir your soul...
A Field of Tears<http://www.remnantnewspaper.com/images/fleur_s.gif> Who Weeps for the Victims of Abortion? Daniel A. Fix GUEST COLUMNIST, Nebraska <http://www.remnantnewspaper.com/images/baby1.jpg>(www.RemnantNewspaper.com)
This morning I arose at 5:00 a.m. for the purpose of praying the Rosary at the local Planned Parenthood aborting clinic. I'm not much of a regular at the clinic but I decided to contribute to a local effort supported by the Lincoln Diocese. I was filling a time slot assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Traditional Latin Mass Community.
I had gone before, usually around midnight during lent, when the clinic's gruesome"business" was not being conducted and all was more or less quiet. This morning was different. When I arrived it was cool and pitch dark outside, save for one lone streetlight. I began my watch in silence and prayer as I walked along the sidewalk outside the clinic gates. On the inside, a man was performing quite different tasks. He had grey hair and he wore a vest that read"Planned Parenthood Escort". He was about 70 years old. We didn'tacknowledge one another, although both were aware of the other's presence.
I went about my business of prayer and he went about his of preparing the clinic for another day of "business". Mine, I pray, was a labor born of love; his, whether he knew it or not, was a labor born out of diabolical distortion of the notion of freedom.
In the grass just outside the clinic gate I could see countless drops of dew reflecting the light cast by a lone street lamp in the predawn darkness.They resembled tears. But whose? Perhaps those who had been, and would be, forever denied the sight of their own mothers' faces or robbed of the hope of seeing God's. Maybe they were intermixed with the tears of Angels who would this day lose their little charges to the clinic's deadly "business". Another "escort" appeared -a grandmotherly figure, who busied herself markingthe clinic entrance with signs giving words of welcome in three languages. They hung a large tarp above a fence so that their "clients" might not see the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the roof next door.
They had to make certain everything was in order, for this was not just another day of doling out contraceptives and "educational" material. No, today the doctor was coming and the real work would be done. Mothers would pass through the clinic gates with new life in their wombs only to exit them with wombs violated and life snuffed out. There would be "procedures"carried out by skillful hands today. Never mind that hearts would be broken, lives would end, and souls would be imperiled. Again, those glistening tears in the grass -to whom did they belong? Maybe to all those mothers, fathers and grandparents who'd left behind the slaughtered remains of their own flesh and blood, realizing too late they'd been deceived by the Father of Lies. There in the darkness I could only imagine.
Soon, others arrived in support of the cause of life. Banners and signs were erected and more Rosaries prayed. There were familiar exchanges and greetings between veteran adversaries in this battle that's been going onfor so many years. As we waited and prayed, one gentleman committed the "offense" of resting his sign against a tree for a moment as he rubbed his hands together for warmth against the cold. An observant official marched the entire distance of the clinic grounds to give him a stern warning. It was the clinic's tree and thus a violation of the clinic's property rights! The "offender" said nothing, just picked up his sign and continued to pray. It seemed that all of the escorts and workers for the clinic were advanced in years. It was sad to think that these souls, so obviously nearing their own particular judgments, would evidently remain determined to continue in the trade of death right up to the end. Again the tears in the grass outside the gate -whose were they? Perhaps those of Angels Guardian, whose aged charges went about the clinic's work in ignorance or defiance of the coming judgment of their God.
The sky was growing light and the preparations nearly complete. The real business was about to start. A car approached the clinic gate. On each sideof the gate stood a female escort, holding a sign of welcome in one hand anda cup of coffee in the other. A few pro-life folks tried to talk to the new arrivals, to plead the cause of life. Attempts were made to provide literature, but the workers were determined to see those frustrated. They shouted at the driver, ordering him to drive forward into the parking lot.In raised voices, they instructed their hesitant clients not to stop and not to open the windows. The driver complied and sped through the gates. But the battle was not quite over. A young man on our side of the fence spoke to the young lady as she emerged from the car wearing a backpack and an uncertain look. In those last precious moments of her baby's life, he pleaded with the young mother that it was not too late and that the baby could still be saved. But the clinic workers drowned out the young man's voice using what sounded like gas-powered leaf blowers.
The young woman was whisked away by escorts behind the clinic door. Her "brave" driver made his getaway speedily back through the gates. Other"clients" were waiting.That was it! It was over so quickly! In sadness, I again thought of those teardrops in the grass. Maybe this time the Creator of us all had joined His tears to that field of them outside the abortion clinic gate.The sun lifted high into the morning sky but my heart sank at the realization of imminent defeat. Inside, a baby would die in a few moments. More Rosaries were prayed. The escorts seemed unaffected by any of it, and happily chatted and laughed away. One even mildly mocked the young man whose pleas had been blown away.
Their shop talk was interrupted by the arrival of yet another car at thegate. The escorts sprang into action. This time there was little delay as the vehicle's driver passed through the gates without slowing down. Again, the through-the-fence pleas of the young man were squelched by leafblowers. The woman was rushed inside. This is a job better done without deliberation or reflection. I was stunned by the mechanical efficiency of it all.
I thought of my own little girl still asleep at home in her bed, surroundedby warm blankets or perhaps her mother's embrace. In a few moments, she'd wake up in peace, warmth, and security. But here at the gates of this place, a real life nightmare was unfolding before my eyes as at least two little ones still in the embrace of their mothers' wombs were having awakenings of another sort. There would be no peace, no warmth, and no security for them this morning-just the sensations of things too horrible to ponder. And yet no one would be there to hold the little hands, hear the silent screams, or wipe away the tears. I looked down at the field of tears in the grass before me just then. Earlier, I had wondered whose they might be. Now I knew for certain that at least some of them belonged to me.God help us, what have we done!
I once was not so aware of the sanctity of life. I can understand those who are in the darkness. I praise God and thank Him that I am no longer confused about this very important issue because He has shown me clearly how ALL are important to Him ~ this is sobering, perhaps it will lead you to move in a way of prayer or otherwise...but at least it should stir your soul...
A Field of Tears<http://www.remnantnewspaper.com/images/fleur_s.gif> Who Weeps for the Victims of Abortion? Daniel A. Fix GUEST COLUMNIST, Nebraska <http://www.remnantnewspaper.com/images/baby1.jpg>(www.RemnantNewspaper.com)
This morning I arose at 5:00 a.m. for the purpose of praying the Rosary at the local Planned Parenthood aborting clinic. I'm not much of a regular at the clinic but I decided to contribute to a local effort supported by the Lincoln Diocese. I was filling a time slot assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Traditional Latin Mass Community.
I had gone before, usually around midnight during lent, when the clinic's gruesome"business" was not being conducted and all was more or less quiet. This morning was different. When I arrived it was cool and pitch dark outside, save for one lone streetlight. I began my watch in silence and prayer as I walked along the sidewalk outside the clinic gates. On the inside, a man was performing quite different tasks. He had grey hair and he wore a vest that read"Planned Parenthood Escort". He was about 70 years old. We didn'tacknowledge one another, although both were aware of the other's presence.
I went about my business of prayer and he went about his of preparing the clinic for another day of "business". Mine, I pray, was a labor born of love; his, whether he knew it or not, was a labor born out of diabolical distortion of the notion of freedom.
In the grass just outside the clinic gate I could see countless drops of dew reflecting the light cast by a lone street lamp in the predawn darkness.They resembled tears. But whose? Perhaps those who had been, and would be, forever denied the sight of their own mothers' faces or robbed of the hope of seeing God's. Maybe they were intermixed with the tears of Angels who would this day lose their little charges to the clinic's deadly "business". Another "escort" appeared -a grandmotherly figure, who busied herself markingthe clinic entrance with signs giving words of welcome in three languages. They hung a large tarp above a fence so that their "clients" might not see the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the roof next door.
They had to make certain everything was in order, for this was not just another day of doling out contraceptives and "educational" material. No, today the doctor was coming and the real work would be done. Mothers would pass through the clinic gates with new life in their wombs only to exit them with wombs violated and life snuffed out. There would be "procedures"carried out by skillful hands today. Never mind that hearts would be broken, lives would end, and souls would be imperiled. Again, those glistening tears in the grass -to whom did they belong? Maybe to all those mothers, fathers and grandparents who'd left behind the slaughtered remains of their own flesh and blood, realizing too late they'd been deceived by the Father of Lies. There in the darkness I could only imagine.
Soon, others arrived in support of the cause of life. Banners and signs were erected and more Rosaries prayed. There were familiar exchanges and greetings between veteran adversaries in this battle that's been going onfor so many years. As we waited and prayed, one gentleman committed the "offense" of resting his sign against a tree for a moment as he rubbed his hands together for warmth against the cold. An observant official marched the entire distance of the clinic grounds to give him a stern warning. It was the clinic's tree and thus a violation of the clinic's property rights! The "offender" said nothing, just picked up his sign and continued to pray. It seemed that all of the escorts and workers for the clinic were advanced in years. It was sad to think that these souls, so obviously nearing their own particular judgments, would evidently remain determined to continue in the trade of death right up to the end. Again the tears in the grass outside the gate -whose were they? Perhaps those of Angels Guardian, whose aged charges went about the clinic's work in ignorance or defiance of the coming judgment of their God.
The sky was growing light and the preparations nearly complete. The real business was about to start. A car approached the clinic gate. On each sideof the gate stood a female escort, holding a sign of welcome in one hand anda cup of coffee in the other. A few pro-life folks tried to talk to the new arrivals, to plead the cause of life. Attempts were made to provide literature, but the workers were determined to see those frustrated. They shouted at the driver, ordering him to drive forward into the parking lot.In raised voices, they instructed their hesitant clients not to stop and not to open the windows. The driver complied and sped through the gates. But the battle was not quite over. A young man on our side of the fence spoke to the young lady as she emerged from the car wearing a backpack and an uncertain look. In those last precious moments of her baby's life, he pleaded with the young mother that it was not too late and that the baby could still be saved. But the clinic workers drowned out the young man's voice using what sounded like gas-powered leaf blowers.
The young woman was whisked away by escorts behind the clinic door. Her "brave" driver made his getaway speedily back through the gates. Other"clients" were waiting.That was it! It was over so quickly! In sadness, I again thought of those teardrops in the grass. Maybe this time the Creator of us all had joined His tears to that field of them outside the abortion clinic gate.The sun lifted high into the morning sky but my heart sank at the realization of imminent defeat. Inside, a baby would die in a few moments. More Rosaries were prayed. The escorts seemed unaffected by any of it, and happily chatted and laughed away. One even mildly mocked the young man whose pleas had been blown away.
Their shop talk was interrupted by the arrival of yet another car at thegate. The escorts sprang into action. This time there was little delay as the vehicle's driver passed through the gates without slowing down. Again, the through-the-fence pleas of the young man were squelched by leafblowers. The woman was rushed inside. This is a job better done without deliberation or reflection. I was stunned by the mechanical efficiency of it all.
I thought of my own little girl still asleep at home in her bed, surroundedby warm blankets or perhaps her mother's embrace. In a few moments, she'd wake up in peace, warmth, and security. But here at the gates of this place, a real life nightmare was unfolding before my eyes as at least two little ones still in the embrace of their mothers' wombs were having awakenings of another sort. There would be no peace, no warmth, and no security for them this morning-just the sensations of things too horrible to ponder. And yet no one would be there to hold the little hands, hear the silent screams, or wipe away the tears. I looked down at the field of tears in the grass before me just then. Earlier, I had wondered whose they might be. Now I knew for certain that at least some of them belonged to me.God help us, what have we done!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Chalk Fun
Up until a couple of days ago it has been beautiful weather here; my kids have been having a blast with our chalk; here are some of their creations... (the last one was taken just before the rain washed them away...my oldest wanted to make sure we got a picture of it, too)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Workings and stirrings
Have you ever had a sense that God was working out a lot of "things" in your life, but you weren't sure about always wanting to be on the ride ~ I have days where I am so totally in love with our Lord and Saviour that I cannot even begin to see anything that I mind with the challenges I face as my faith is strong and sure. Other days I can doubt my very belief structure, thinking "surely I have missed something here" (regarding what God wants me to be doing or not doing) as I press in and seek Him.
God has been training me; a proving ground of faith and trusting. I am growing in my peace and joy despite outward circumstances, but also questioning Him many steps along the way. I sense Him letting me stay in the desert at times to see if I trust His presence despite the lack of constant assurances - to build me for another time (perhaps where there are even more challenges?...)
I have a great heart for my friends, and it goes out to them often when they are struggling. I can awaken in prayer need, and often have different people come to mind throughout the day. I currently have many close to me who are suffering from the effects of significant illness in their families ~ one whose husband has been given very little hope for lviing beyond six months (and truly will take a miracle in the next few months if God intends him to live on), one who has a sister who is dying of brain CA (with two small kids at home, single parent) and again has been given "20% chance" at survival...my dad has prostate cancer (though not aggressive); God has given me assurance here, but still it calls for prayer and some attention, one whose daughter is struggling with health issues the doctors are trying to discern (she is my "first born" god daughter; fourteen now), a nephew who continues with challenges that are not yet resolved in his mind/body and my sister is drained, a friend having exploratory surgery this week for some possible heart concerns...I have found myself remarkably peaceful during this time and not worried about the outcomes, though I continue to pray. It is such a sense of freedom and definite shows my growth in trust.
Additionally, we have been stretched to a very deep level with our finances, and at this time of stretching, things keep breaking that could use replacement (tires on the car, electronics in the house...). I was going through a significant time of heartache on Sunday when trying to catch up the bills (and looking at how to pay some licensure fees, car taxes, etc. when I wasn't sure we had enough to pay our normal bills). We have had some recent decrease in income as well as unexpected high bills well beyond where we prefer to spend which also required stretching of our credit card in a way we don't usually do (as we prefer to use it only for airlines and such); but as I pressed in and pressed on, I was filled with peaceful assurance and realized again that God, as always, is faithful. He even showed me how Awesome He was by working out the car taxes ~ as if our budget were different ~ and I was able to creatively pay both sets from our checking account. Unbelievable by most standards (and could have easily been missed had He not shown me)...Our God is an Awesome God...
Yes, we are in debt, but not beyond what He foreknew and expected. He has a plan for us to recover, it is just not easily visible as to how it will work, but I KNOW without a doubt we will be debt free again within a few months. We are so much better off than the feelings I experienced as I started to allow my mind to wander. I have a tendency to want to give to so many things, (which I continued to do freely this month, when I felt God leading me to) but am much more aware of where we must remain in discipline right now. God provides for all things, and I submit to Him for knowing what and when. When I look at what is "real" and "true" in our lives, I recognize that I am nuts to even have any doubt or concern; He is in control of our needs. I took my eyes off the truth and placed them upon the world once more; gratefully, He has restored my vision.
My behaviors toward my kids have been a good ground for training as well; I have been convicted so much lately when acting in ways that are "ungodly" toward them; the question about whether I will let things go, esolve to not become frustrated with certain provocations, disrespectful behaviors, slovenly approaches to things, etc looms clear during my days interactions...I was encouraged when a new friend stated to me the other day "You are remarkably uncontrolling, I love it! I want to live here as a kid" when she observed an interaction that apparently would have driven her nuts and been an "immediate no" in her mind...I thank God that He was answering my call for assurance that I was loving my kids with a heart postured toward His. I thank God that He continues to work in me to mold me to a more grace-filled exhorting parent who maintains boundaries but not wrong expectations (after all, I still don't get it right with God, right??!). I need His help in this big time.
Oh, I am so blessed to know a Creator who loves me enough to not leave me as I am...who knows me so well that He knows how to bring the mud up from my heart and continue to cleanse me from the impurities of idolatry...and I am so incredibly humbled to see how far I have come, and yet how far I still have to go. Praise God for His patience with me! I am every so grateful.
God has been training me; a proving ground of faith and trusting. I am growing in my peace and joy despite outward circumstances, but also questioning Him many steps along the way. I sense Him letting me stay in the desert at times to see if I trust His presence despite the lack of constant assurances - to build me for another time (perhaps where there are even more challenges?...)
I have a great heart for my friends, and it goes out to them often when they are struggling. I can awaken in prayer need, and often have different people come to mind throughout the day. I currently have many close to me who are suffering from the effects of significant illness in their families ~ one whose husband has been given very little hope for lviing beyond six months (and truly will take a miracle in the next few months if God intends him to live on), one who has a sister who is dying of brain CA (with two small kids at home, single parent) and again has been given "20% chance" at survival...my dad has prostate cancer (though not aggressive); God has given me assurance here, but still it calls for prayer and some attention, one whose daughter is struggling with health issues the doctors are trying to discern (she is my "first born" god daughter; fourteen now), a nephew who continues with challenges that are not yet resolved in his mind/body and my sister is drained, a friend having exploratory surgery this week for some possible heart concerns...I have found myself remarkably peaceful during this time and not worried about the outcomes, though I continue to pray. It is such a sense of freedom and definite shows my growth in trust.
Additionally, we have been stretched to a very deep level with our finances, and at this time of stretching, things keep breaking that could use replacement (tires on the car, electronics in the house...). I was going through a significant time of heartache on Sunday when trying to catch up the bills (and looking at how to pay some licensure fees, car taxes, etc. when I wasn't sure we had enough to pay our normal bills). We have had some recent decrease in income as well as unexpected high bills well beyond where we prefer to spend which also required stretching of our credit card in a way we don't usually do (as we prefer to use it only for airlines and such); but as I pressed in and pressed on, I was filled with peaceful assurance and realized again that God, as always, is faithful. He even showed me how Awesome He was by working out the car taxes ~ as if our budget were different ~ and I was able to creatively pay both sets from our checking account. Unbelievable by most standards (and could have easily been missed had He not shown me)...Our God is an Awesome God...
Yes, we are in debt, but not beyond what He foreknew and expected. He has a plan for us to recover, it is just not easily visible as to how it will work, but I KNOW without a doubt we will be debt free again within a few months. We are so much better off than the feelings I experienced as I started to allow my mind to wander. I have a tendency to want to give to so many things, (which I continued to do freely this month, when I felt God leading me to) but am much more aware of where we must remain in discipline right now. God provides for all things, and I submit to Him for knowing what and when. When I look at what is "real" and "true" in our lives, I recognize that I am nuts to even have any doubt or concern; He is in control of our needs. I took my eyes off the truth and placed them upon the world once more; gratefully, He has restored my vision.
My behaviors toward my kids have been a good ground for training as well; I have been convicted so much lately when acting in ways that are "ungodly" toward them; the question about whether I will let things go, esolve to not become frustrated with certain provocations, disrespectful behaviors, slovenly approaches to things, etc looms clear during my days interactions...I was encouraged when a new friend stated to me the other day "You are remarkably uncontrolling, I love it! I want to live here as a kid" when she observed an interaction that apparently would have driven her nuts and been an "immediate no" in her mind...I thank God that He was answering my call for assurance that I was loving my kids with a heart postured toward His. I thank God that He continues to work in me to mold me to a more grace-filled exhorting parent who maintains boundaries but not wrong expectations (after all, I still don't get it right with God, right??!). I need His help in this big time.
Oh, I am so blessed to know a Creator who loves me enough to not leave me as I am...who knows me so well that He knows how to bring the mud up from my heart and continue to cleanse me from the impurities of idolatry...and I am so incredibly humbled to see how far I have come, and yet how far I still have to go. Praise God for His patience with me! I am every so grateful.
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