Joel had an x-ray this morning. Thankfully the collarbone has not displaced or shifted. That's an answer to prayer. The bone is still an upsidedown V and, while the x-ray doesn't show new bone tissue yet, I am convinced it's there. God heals the body when it's resting, and growth hormones kick in while the body sleeps. My faith does not depend on what the x-ray does or doesn't show. Faith is the evidence of things NOT seen, after all.
Just before leaving for the doctor's office, I got a call from Paul. His car died on the way to work. Could I come bail him out? Not soon, I said. I had to be at the doctor in 20 minutes with the boy. Thankfully Paul was sitting in the safety of a gas station with the car, not stranded on the side of a busy highway during rush hour or on a shoulderless road, either of which could have been the case, depending on which choice he could have made when heading out.
So he asked if Steve could get up to help since he's on Spring Break.
It's exactly what every college student wants to hear at 8:30 a.m. I was wanting to spare Steve since he is always our willing "go to" guy, so I was hollering up the stairs to him while he was on the phone, "Tell Dad to call Ben! He's back from honeymoon! " Well, Ben is still on his honeymoon technically, because he is home and not at work. Paul was not about to interrupt the man the first morning back from a tropical island, the first morning waking up with his bride in his new home.
I guess I was not processing all those intimate details while trying to fasten the straps of the arm sling and dealing with a hot flash, lunch bag, and backpack at the same time. Thank God for a sensitive husband and an available son who didn't "cop an attitude" about being interrupted from sleep on spring break. (At least not out loud.) That would have compounded my minor trial.
Another "small trial" I was spared: I didn't want to have to bring up my reservation about radiation with the doctor . Paul told me to tell him we're okay having Joel's shoulder x-rayed every 10 days, but not weekly as the doctor wanted. And make sure the boy's private parts are covered for the x-ray because we do want grandchildren from all of our offspring, Lord willing. (Actually, Paul is okay with every 10 days; I would want not more than every 3 weeks, but I complied.) Thankfully the receptionist told us the doctor is taking off next week for his own kids' spring break so our next appointment will have to be 15 days from now. Those are "little" things I rejoice about.
Showing posts with label prayer requests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer requests. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Friday, March 02, 2012
Pre-Wedding Prayer Requests
Dear Christian Fellow Bloggers,
Tomorrow marks one week from The Big Day--our son's wedding. I don't know why I'm on the computer; it's not like I have time for this, but I would appreciate the prayer support as the mother of the groom. Some of you are true intercessors who like to be armed with a specific list of requests, so here you go ...
in no particular order (and please don't judge the "trivial" matters because God knows what is important to us, right?) Just laugh it off if it seems dumb to you.
- Sunshine and about 65 degrees. Some girls will be in strapless gowns, but the guys will be in tuxes and some of us will have jacket options, but the RAIN RUINS a curly gal's attempts to straighten it out a bit w/ no frizz (ie the bride and me and a few of the bridemaids).
- that I won't forget anything important to take w/ me (that which can't be picked up it at a Walgreens in a pinch or something)
- good health, no backaches or foot pain . The day before can be grueling, eh?
-that the groomsmen will be super helpful in escorting my mom up the grand staircase. It's about 20 steps and she doesn't do them well w/ weak ankles and poor eyesight. The bldg is from the late 1700s and has been preserved with NO elevator. The wedding is upstairs and the reception downstairs. Coming down is more scary on wood steps.
-pray I don't fall down the steps either!
-that my dress and everything worn under it (ahem!) will fit well in such a way that I can say later, "Thanks, Spanx!"
-Joel (our ten year old and the ringbearer) will SMILE NATURALLY for the pictures. He is at that age...
-that the groom (our SON) will also SMILE NATURALLY for the shots that he has to pose for.
-comfort for the bride's mom. It's her second twin daughter to get married , and there are no other children, so her nest will be empty and far from her girls (well, 2.5 hrs is far when you're a mom).
-comfort for Dee as she parts from longtime friends in her hometown to move down here where Ben lives and works. Thankfully her twin sisters lives 10 minutes from their apartment.
-that the couple will use the common sense God gave them not to get sunburned on their tropical island honeymoon!!! need I say more?
-that my mascara won't run. I'm hoping the May bell ine Lash Still etto won't run. I've used it boefore and remember it as having staying power.
-no wardrobe malfunctions
-no bodily part malfunctions from youngest to oldest in the audience, including bladder leaks, vomiting, fainting, or IBS drama (sorry if that's too detailed for some of you)
-peace among the people who abstain who might be seated with those who imbibe (alcohol will be minimal as we define minimal, but we have a couple of judgmental teetotalers in the crowd)
-that the couple will feel completely at peace, and also their parents--that the stress will be dissolved and the joy will be evident by 5:30 pm Friday when the rehearsal dinner starts.
Well, I have more of a list in my head, but I have to run and get my hair fixed--literally. I had it cut last week but the back of it on the left is longer than the right. No matter how much I want to believe it isn't so...
Then I have to find pearl earrings to go with the necklace and bracelet I found y'day, then
pick up my son, sew a button on my coat, take it to the cleaners, and babysit at my part time job tonight.
Thanks, folks.
Zoanna
PS No time to edit this today.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
It's Cancer
One of my brothers-in-law has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma in his scalp. He is having surgery tomorrow (Thursday) to remove as much as possible and see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. We are praying that God will have mercy in this situation. If you are a praying person, would you please join us? Thanks. Please also pray for his wife, children, grandchildren, and other family members as we process this sobering diagnosis and treatment options.
I will be taking a little break until Tuesday of next week for a variety of reasons.
I will be taking a little break until Tuesday of next week for a variety of reasons.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
"Father God, we Just Thank You, Father God...Be With Us"
My 19-year-old son, Steve, is a camp counselor three hours from home and pretty busy except for a two-hour-a-day break. Imagine my delight to see something new on his blog this morning. He took time to write something funny yet thought-provoking that makes me ponder prayer again.
Ever heard someone pray--or been the one praying-- in such a way that is unclear, unnatural, and sometimes even unbiblical?
Check out Steve's thoughts on the matter in Praying Platitudes.
Ever heard someone pray--or been the one praying-- in such a way that is unclear, unnatural, and sometimes even unbiblical?
Check out Steve's thoughts on the matter in Praying Platitudes.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Taking a Blog Break to Wrestle with God
I am in that place again where I feel like a hermit, a talkative hermit with all this stuff to say and all these feelings to process, most of which lately have not been positive. Basically I realize I've accepted the invitation to my own pity party, and as you know, those are not well-attended by other folks. Misery may love company, but company does not love misery!
Like Jacob of the Old Testament, I am wrestling with God over a few things. Things too private for the blog. Hurts, disappointments, breakdowns. I know I won't "win" when I take God to the mat, nor do I want to. Could I trust a God I could beat with my angry words? Could I rest securely in His love if I thought He would leave me if I screamed at Him or if I begged him one more time to please take this thorn from my side? No, I could not, but like Jacob, I'm a wrestler at heart. I want to wrestle some hard questions with God until my strength is gone, my tears soak the pillows, my will is broken, and my heart is rightly aligned again. I want to come to that place of sweet surrender where I say, "Father, I see the good now. I see Your glory on display, not mine. And that's how it should be."
That said, I'm taking a blog break (I'll still be reading others' blogs, but not writing on my own or leaving comments) for an indefinite amount of time. If you're the praying kind, I would appreciate prayers, prayers not for strength, but for surrender of my foolish and false sense of strength.
-------
For some better company, how about reading what other Company Girls are up to?
Like Jacob of the Old Testament, I am wrestling with God over a few things. Things too private for the blog. Hurts, disappointments, breakdowns. I know I won't "win" when I take God to the mat, nor do I want to. Could I trust a God I could beat with my angry words? Could I rest securely in His love if I thought He would leave me if I screamed at Him or if I begged him one more time to please take this thorn from my side? No, I could not, but like Jacob, I'm a wrestler at heart. I want to wrestle some hard questions with God until my strength is gone, my tears soak the pillows, my will is broken, and my heart is rightly aligned again. I want to come to that place of sweet surrender where I say, "Father, I see the good now. I see Your glory on display, not mine. And that's how it should be."
That said, I'm taking a blog break (I'll still be reading others' blogs, but not writing on my own or leaving comments) for an indefinite amount of time. If you're the praying kind, I would appreciate prayers, prayers not for strength, but for surrender of my foolish and false sense of strength.
-------
For some better company, how about reading what other Company Girls are up to?
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Please Pray
for my neighbor, Linda. The breast cancer of a few years back, which has gone into remission a couple years ago, came back with a vengeance and metastasized. It recently went to her brain and is now Stage 4.
Her two boys are about 18 and 20. Her husband and she are about my age.
This news is hitting me hard, more because my lack of getting to know her (she lives up the street) shows a terribly regrettable apathy on my part. One summer her boys and mine struck up an enterprise selling snowballs. First it was in our yard, which is not highly visible, and then to theirs, which is a corner lot. In terms of real estate, their location is ideal for a snowball stand. And by snowball stand I mean a $29 machine from Walmart, some styrofoam cups, and a few popular flavors. I still remember how Ben argued that they should sell for more (capitalist that he is). Brian
tried to gouge him for "vendor fees" but Ben countered with "ad fees" since he hired me to paint his arrowed signs which pointed down the hill toward their little biz.
Linda and I had our smiles from watching them duke it out. It was less of a partnership and more of a competition. I would guess our oldest boys do well for themselves in sales for the rest of their lives.
Linda was also the person who tended to Ben's wounds when he jumped out of their tree fort. It was a four-foot jump from a board that the juveniles had rigged between the crotch of a tree and the top of the privacy fence. They played a sort of cops and robbers game, and Ben heard the board crack. Rather than fall, he jumped, right onto a dry-rotted piece of plywood on the ground, which snapped in half upon impact. The jagged half sliced Ben's left upper leg through. Linda called me and I ran barefooted up to their yard with a baby in my arms. I still remember seeing what I had never witnessed before--the inside of someone's leg. Linda called 911 because it was so serious a wound. Bugs were starting to crawl into the blood, but I wasn't nauseous. I just knew that wasn't a good thing. Paramedics took him, and Linda checked in with me for several days after Ben's 27-stitch ER job (which I watched without gagging. It was life science. Ben was about to pass out, though.)
So I ache to know that Linda probably will not live to see her sons grow into their own as men. She won't spend another night with her husband in the same bed. She won't eat another snowball that our sons made their moms pay for. She won't be there, unless God does a miracle.
Her two boys are about 18 and 20. Her husband and she are about my age.
This news is hitting me hard, more because my lack of getting to know her (she lives up the street) shows a terribly regrettable apathy on my part. One summer her boys and mine struck up an enterprise selling snowballs. First it was in our yard, which is not highly visible, and then to theirs, which is a corner lot. In terms of real estate, their location is ideal for a snowball stand. And by snowball stand I mean a $29 machine from Walmart, some styrofoam cups, and a few popular flavors. I still remember how Ben argued that they should sell for more (capitalist that he is). Brian
tried to gouge him for "vendor fees" but Ben countered with "ad fees" since he hired me to paint his arrowed signs which pointed down the hill toward their little biz.
Linda and I had our smiles from watching them duke it out. It was less of a partnership and more of a competition. I would guess our oldest boys do well for themselves in sales for the rest of their lives.
Linda was also the person who tended to Ben's wounds when he jumped out of their tree fort. It was a four-foot jump from a board that the juveniles had rigged between the crotch of a tree and the top of the privacy fence. They played a sort of cops and robbers game, and Ben heard the board crack. Rather than fall, he jumped, right onto a dry-rotted piece of plywood on the ground, which snapped in half upon impact. The jagged half sliced Ben's left upper leg through. Linda called me and I ran barefooted up to their yard with a baby in my arms. I still remember seeing what I had never witnessed before--the inside of someone's leg. Linda called 911 because it was so serious a wound. Bugs were starting to crawl into the blood, but I wasn't nauseous. I just knew that wasn't a good thing. Paramedics took him, and Linda checked in with me for several days after Ben's 27-stitch ER job (which I watched without gagging. It was life science. Ben was about to pass out, though.)
So I ache to know that Linda probably will not live to see her sons grow into their own as men. She won't spend another night with her husband in the same bed. She won't eat another snowball that our sons made their moms pay for. She won't be there, unless God does a miracle.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Ben's Car Accident
I just found out a couple hours ago from Paul that Ben was in an accident on his way to school this evening. It happened on Monument Street. From what I've heard, the guy pulled out on him from a side street and hit his front corner panel, damaging it--but it's driveable.
They got out to exchange info, and the guy said he didn't have his license on him.
At that point said he would call the cops. The guy hopped back in his car and sped off. Thankfully Ben got a tag number and did call the police. The cop who responded said he patrols the area, and has for 11 years, and will keep an eye out.
Ben had to get to school for an important accounting quiz. Please pray for his nerves and his body and that, come what may, we will remember to be thankful. Thankful that Ben is okay, that it wasn't worse, that he had the presence of mind to get the tag number and call the police, that he has integrity, unlike the person who hit him, that he called his dad who is in the insurance business and puts the rest of us at ease with his expertise and clear head in times like these. I also thank God that it happened in broad daylight and that the guy didn't get violent in the face of trouble.
This event happened two hours after I'd finished praying for a soldier named Jeff, a friend of Ben's just a smidge older than he. Jeff came to my class to talk today about his experiences in
Afg....When I was praying for him, I had a mother's heart, so naturally the tears sprang to my eyes. I had to turn away when finished and gather tissues and composure before continuing with the party. I kept thinking, "He could be my son. How do mothers do this?" I had the urge to drive home and hug Ben. Now I will when I see him this evening. He'll probably need a back rub and shoulder massage, too, by then.
I'd appreciate your prayers.
They got out to exchange info, and the guy said he didn't have his license on him.
At that point said he would call the cops. The guy hopped back in his car and sped off. Thankfully Ben got a tag number and did call the police. The cop who responded said he patrols the area, and has for 11 years, and will keep an eye out.
Ben had to get to school for an important accounting quiz. Please pray for his nerves and his body and that, come what may, we will remember to be thankful. Thankful that Ben is okay, that it wasn't worse, that he had the presence of mind to get the tag number and call the police, that he has integrity, unlike the person who hit him, that he called his dad who is in the insurance business and puts the rest of us at ease with his expertise and clear head in times like these. I also thank God that it happened in broad daylight and that the guy didn't get violent in the face of trouble.
This event happened two hours after I'd finished praying for a soldier named Jeff, a friend of Ben's just a smidge older than he. Jeff came to my class to talk today about his experiences in
Afg....When I was praying for him, I had a mother's heart, so naturally the tears sprang to my eyes. I had to turn away when finished and gather tissues and composure before continuing with the party. I kept thinking, "He could be my son. How do mothers do this?" I had the urge to drive home and hug Ben. Now I will when I see him this evening. He'll probably need a back rub and shoulder massage, too, by then.
I'd appreciate your prayers.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
My Son, the Preacher
While you're praying this week, please remember our son, Stephen. He will be giving one of the "mini-sermons" (ten minutes long) at our Good Friday service. He was so honored to have been asked by one of the pastors, a decision that is team-made, I believe. (Our church is large and consists of four pastors on staff.)
We have sensed for awhile, adn it's been confirmed by a half dozen different people, that Stephen has pastoral giftings, among others. I can hardly write this without tears, because I see the faithfulness of God to me in asking for a 4th-generation evangelist to be in our family when I started having children.
As you well know, anytime you bring someone closer to God, or attempt it yourself, Satan tries to get the upper hand. Please pray that Stephen stays healthy, as Joel was sick today and yesterday. Please pray for clarity of thought and speech. Please pray that Stephen would put on the whole armor of God to stand against the firey darts that would attempt to mess with his mind in a condemning way. Please pray for God's anointing on Stephen as he prepares and delivers. Pray however you want!
And would you please, if you're reading this, leave me a comment? I am tempted to think I' am writing this in a vacuum and that I'm part of a tiny army of prayer warriors. I know it isn't so, but I would love to hear from my fellow soldiers. Thanks!
We have sensed for awhile, adn it's been confirmed by a half dozen different people, that Stephen has pastoral giftings, among others. I can hardly write this without tears, because I see the faithfulness of God to me in asking for a 4th-generation evangelist to be in our family when I started having children.
As you well know, anytime you bring someone closer to God, or attempt it yourself, Satan tries to get the upper hand. Please pray that Stephen stays healthy, as Joel was sick today and yesterday. Please pray for clarity of thought and speech. Please pray that Stephen would put on the whole armor of God to stand against the firey darts that would attempt to mess with his mind in a condemning way. Please pray for God's anointing on Stephen as he prepares and delivers. Pray however you want!
And would you please, if you're reading this, leave me a comment? I am tempted to think I' am writing this in a vacuum and that I'm part of a tiny army of prayer warriors. I know it isn't so, but I would love to hear from my fellow soldiers. Thanks!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Please Remember Melodye in Your Prayers
Amanda is one of my young friends, in her late 20's, whose mother I met at a wedding.
Melody Joy is her name, and she has suffered horribly with MS. She has recently had some very difficult days, post-op.
Melodye, I read your blog today and want you to know I am praying for you. I think of you more often than you know. Thank you for your example to choose joy. I appreciate your candor, too. Most of all, I am strengthened by the same God and Father of us all, to whom you continually point as your Source of All Comfort.
Melody Joy is her name, and she has suffered horribly with MS. She has recently had some very difficult days, post-op.
Melodye, I read your blog today and want you to know I am praying for you. I think of you more often than you know. Thank you for your example to choose joy. I appreciate your candor, too. Most of all, I am strengthened by the same God and Father of us all, to whom you continually point as your Source of All Comfort.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Please Pray
for my uncle who lives in Honolulu. The tsunami is heading his way, and I'm concerned for more than his physical well-being. I think my dad also has a cousin and family there.
Monday, February 22, 2010
I'm not MIA
I'm just on overload right now. Plus, the washing machine isn't working and my dude isn't around to fix it, so I may be hitting the laundromat in a few days. (Which I love. I have this strange affection for laundromats. Really.)
Please keep praying. I have a deadline in two days and the thoughts aren't quite "gelling."
Please keep praying. I have a deadline in two days and the thoughts aren't quite "gelling."
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
140
When you haven't quite done a 180 when it's the right thing to do, thank God for the 140 degrees He has moved your heart.
That's where I stand. On the 140 mark.
That's where I stand. On the 140 mark.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Feeling the Squeeze of Sickness: Addendum
Addendum since yesterday: And how could I forget? My own son, Ben, has had a nasty cough, with aches and general malaise for a week. Stayed home from school twice, which he almost never does.
Like almost everyone, I suppose, sickness and disease are all around and up close.
Please pray for my Uncle Norman. He turns 79 this week and is recovering from quadruple bypass
surgery. My dad will fly out Wednesday, thanks to my sister's generous free ticket, and be with his adored brother for nine days.
My BIL, Trip, has contracted Valley Fever and has pneumonia in one lung. He is covered in a rash.
Can't get out of bed.
My co-worker in the hospital with stomach virus.
Another man is fighting for his life with lung infection, medically incurable
Our God is able and I am desperate. Great combination to recognize.
Like almost everyone, I suppose, sickness and disease are all around and up close.
Please pray for my Uncle Norman. He turns 79 this week and is recovering from quadruple bypass
surgery. My dad will fly out Wednesday, thanks to my sister's generous free ticket, and be with his adored brother for nine days.
My BIL, Trip, has contracted Valley Fever and has pneumonia in one lung. He is covered in a rash.
Can't get out of bed.
My co-worker in the hospital with stomach virus.
Another man is fighting for his life with lung infection, medically incurable
Our God is able and I am desperate. Great combination to recognize.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Matt is in Surgery
The surgery scheduled for yesterday was postponed to today.
My nephew, Matt, is undergoing open heart surgery as I write this. Please pray for him and the whole family.
My nephew, Matt, is undergoing open heart surgery as I write this. Please pray for him and the whole family.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Concerns
Tomorrow we are supposed to leave for vacation. Not all of us; the older boys have to work and have already had their beach bumming time this summer.
But I have some concerns to pray about.
1. Will our van be fixed in time or will we have to drive Plan B (Paul's car)?
2. Who will be the chief driver? Paul is running a fever. He thought it was a sinus infection, but now is convinced it's a virus. He's had chills and congestion all morning. I love to drive, but if I know our destination is more than an hour away, I get very sleepy in the first 15 minutes Doesn't matter if I'd had a full night's rest or not.
3.Where is Ruth, my friend and hairdresser? I can't get hold of her. My concern is now only 10 percent vanity at this point, but 90 percent wondering why she hasn't returned my calls. I phoned her 10 days ago, and three days ago, and yesterday. It's not like her. I've tried both her cell and home phone.
The good news is, Molly appears to be fine. No more yuckoes since yesterday. The photo was taken by Joel a couple years ago, I think. He was on a kick of photographing her "sniffer." I chose this photo for the post because I think she looks "concerned."
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Please Pray for Matt
My husband's brother Gary died at age 33 from a ruptured aorta. We didn't know what it was then. His mom died one year later, three weeks before our wedding. The manner of death was so similar that Paul's brothers and their children (and Paul and our children) decided to get genetic testing. The diagnosis is a condition similar to, but not exactly like, Marfans Syndrome--a connective tissue disorder.
The worst part of the syndrome is indeed the enlarged aorta that develops dissections over time. Think of a balloon that you scratch with a dull razor over time. Eventually these tears cause the balloon to pop. Two of Paul's brothers have had a surgery to put a sleeve over the aorta. Many of the Zub kids have been on medication. Ours, thankfully, are okay.
But Gary's son, Matt, who was only seven when Gary died, is now 30 years old, and needs the surgery. He went in to Hopkins with chest pains and the very doctor on call at the time was Dr. Levy who knows our family's condition well and has worked personally on our case. He saw Matt when he went in (let's just ask "what are the chances?" outside of a God-ordained encounter?) saw that his aorta is dangerously enlarged. Matt is morbidly obese and hasn't had medical intervention prior to this. He is scared, he is questioning eternity, and he needs Jesus. The surgery is just over a month away.
Paul's brother Gerard has taken the lion's share of responsibility and care whenever Matt has had questions about life, death, health, and God. I am grateful for that. Matt's younger brother, Mike, also has great spiritual and physical needs. Naturally having lost their dad and grandmother to this disease is cause for alarm in them. It's a huge megaphone we believe God is using to get their attention.
Please pray for us all. It's hard to think about, to watch family members suffer, but we know it's not the worst news. The worst news has already been announced: they are sinners who have thus far rejected the cross. We pray the best news--that Christ died for them and offers them forgiveness and relationship with Him--lands on open ears.
The worst part of the syndrome is indeed the enlarged aorta that develops dissections over time. Think of a balloon that you scratch with a dull razor over time. Eventually these tears cause the balloon to pop. Two of Paul's brothers have had a surgery to put a sleeve over the aorta. Many of the Zub kids have been on medication. Ours, thankfully, are okay.
But Gary's son, Matt, who was only seven when Gary died, is now 30 years old, and needs the surgery. He went in to Hopkins with chest pains and the very doctor on call at the time was Dr. Levy who knows our family's condition well and has worked personally on our case. He saw Matt when he went in (let's just ask "what are the chances?" outside of a God-ordained encounter?) saw that his aorta is dangerously enlarged. Matt is morbidly obese and hasn't had medical intervention prior to this. He is scared, he is questioning eternity, and he needs Jesus. The surgery is just over a month away.
Paul's brother Gerard has taken the lion's share of responsibility and care whenever Matt has had questions about life, death, health, and God. I am grateful for that. Matt's younger brother, Mike, also has great spiritual and physical needs. Naturally having lost their dad and grandmother to this disease is cause for alarm in them. It's a huge megaphone we believe God is using to get their attention.
Please pray for us all. It's hard to think about, to watch family members suffer, but we know it's not the worst news. The worst news has already been announced: they are sinners who have thus far rejected the cross. We pray the best news--that Christ died for them and offers them forgiveness and relationship with Him--lands on open ears.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Today's Prayer
From my homework page in the Beth Moore Bible study, Believing God.
I'd like to encourage you to read these passages and turn them into your own prayer today.
Deut. 30:6
Ps. 101: 3-5
Prov. 30: 7-9
I'd like to encourage you to read these passages and turn them into your own prayer today.
Deut. 30:6
Ps. 101: 3-5
Prov. 30: 7-9
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Please Pray for Sarah
I got to talk to my lovely daughter for a rare few minutes this morning. It's the first time since she's been away that I've even tried to bother calling the camp phone to reach her. All other conversations have been on the weekends when she has had to drive a good five miles away from camp to get cell reception. What a treat for me. I called not just to hear her voice; I really did have important info to relay to her before the weekend.
She needs prayer.
1. She has a terribly painful ankle. It's gradually been getting worse for three weeks, and it's not like she can stay off of it. Telling a camp counselor not to walk with her group is like telling a mom with a toddler not to let him get into things. Sarah is going to an urgent care place Saturday for an X-ray, per my request and her pain. We will be going to see her a week from Saturday unless things are worse than we think.
2. She is really upset with herself for getting a speeding ticket on the way to church Sunday.
You know how it is, you're on a lonely stretch of highway and figure the only two cops in central PA are at Dunkin Donuts, but no....there is one who, while having his fourth Boston creme from his to-go bag, catches you sinning on the way to a holy moment. She was en route to Altoona from Deep Creek Lake, where she had spent the 4th of July weekend with a fellow counselor. ("Fellow" in the "companion" sense, not the gender sense:) Sarah's speeding ticket is almost 20% of the entire amount she expects to be paid at the end of the summer. She is not paid a dime until the end, and only then if the donor who has given in past years comes through again. I send her a little each week, but it ain't a paycheck, let me assure you.
She will be asking for a court date. If you've ever been in traffic court for the first time, you know how that feels.
3. She is more of a social worker than she ever expected to be in this job. I think she was imagining part-time gym teacher, part-time Bible teacher/skit actor, full-time group supervisor. But she was not prepared for girls who wake her up at 2 a.m to confess the abuse they've experienced at the hands of a family member, girls who are so hungry for attention they'll do (or have done) almost anything for it, girls and boys whose parents aren't sending them to a Christian camp to reinforce their beliefs and have fun, but to dump their kids, get them out of their hair for a week or two at a time. Of course there are kids who do come from good homes and are there for the right reasons, but Sarah has been emotionally drained from the ones who are suffering and scared. Abuse or suspicion thereof must, by law, be reported, and when the campers hear that from the counselors, they just want to clam up rather than risk telling more. What a sad, sad world we live in.
Nevertheless, she draws strength and comfort from the Lord and is surrounded by staff who love Him. And every Saturday she is able to get up to Altoona and be refreshed by her host family and their church.
By the way, she REALLY appreciates letters from home and by "home" I mean her biological AND church families. Thank you (and your children) who have sent cards and art to her; she decorates the wall around her mirror with them. On her behalf, let me say, "Please keep 'em coming."
She needs prayer.
1. She has a terribly painful ankle. It's gradually been getting worse for three weeks, and it's not like she can stay off of it. Telling a camp counselor not to walk with her group is like telling a mom with a toddler not to let him get into things. Sarah is going to an urgent care place Saturday for an X-ray, per my request and her pain. We will be going to see her a week from Saturday unless things are worse than we think.
2. She is really upset with herself for getting a speeding ticket on the way to church Sunday.
You know how it is, you're on a lonely stretch of highway and figure the only two cops in central PA are at Dunkin Donuts, but no....there is one who, while having his fourth Boston creme from his to-go bag, catches you sinning on the way to a holy moment. She was en route to Altoona from Deep Creek Lake, where she had spent the 4th of July weekend with a fellow counselor. ("Fellow" in the "companion" sense, not the gender sense:) Sarah's speeding ticket is almost 20% of the entire amount she expects to be paid at the end of the summer. She is not paid a dime until the end, and only then if the donor who has given in past years comes through again. I send her a little each week, but it ain't a paycheck, let me assure you.
She will be asking for a court date. If you've ever been in traffic court for the first time, you know how that feels.
3. She is more of a social worker than she ever expected to be in this job. I think she was imagining part-time gym teacher, part-time Bible teacher/skit actor, full-time group supervisor. But she was not prepared for girls who wake her up at 2 a.m to confess the abuse they've experienced at the hands of a family member, girls who are so hungry for attention they'll do (or have done) almost anything for it, girls and boys whose parents aren't sending them to a Christian camp to reinforce their beliefs and have fun, but to dump their kids, get them out of their hair for a week or two at a time. Of course there are kids who do come from good homes and are there for the right reasons, but Sarah has been emotionally drained from the ones who are suffering and scared. Abuse or suspicion thereof must, by law, be reported, and when the campers hear that from the counselors, they just want to clam up rather than risk telling more. What a sad, sad world we live in.
Nevertheless, she draws strength and comfort from the Lord and is surrounded by staff who love Him. And every Saturday she is able to get up to Altoona and be refreshed by her host family and their church.
By the way, she REALLY appreciates letters from home and by "home" I mean her biological AND church families. Thank you (and your children) who have sent cards and art to her; she decorates the wall around her mirror with them. On her behalf, let me say, "Please keep 'em coming."
Monday, June 08, 2009
Prayer Walks Start Tonight
Sisters in Christ, put on your walking shoes and bring your water bottle and prayer list.
We're starting our prayer walking tonight.
Email me for details.
Warning: it's a very hilly walk. Just like life.
We're starting our prayer walking tonight.
Email me for details.
Warning: it's a very hilly walk. Just like life.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Prayer Walking Proposal
The Lord has been spotlighting my lack of prayer and calling me to a greater devotion to the practice of prayer. He hasn't been saying to read about it, study it, or anything else. Just do it.
Seems everywhere I turn and ask another sister in the Lord what God is speaking to her about, prayer comes up. Or it's an addendum to a character issue (self-control in my case).
So I've been swishing an idea around in my mind, especially since Denise's last day and my subsequent dwelling on her lasting influence on my memory bank. The idea is a plan to have a women's weekly prayer walk. It would mean showing up at my driveway at the same time every week and linking up with another sister. Not always the same sister, but to walk in pairs doing nothing but praying. It would be half hour to focus on God, not distracted by kiddoes and phone and household chores. It would take place in the evening so as to accommodate the schedules of women employed during the day, and also let moms leave kids home with dads. I'm thinking 7:30. If it's raining a little, we could sit on my covered front porch to pray.
I'm thinking of starting two Tuesdays from now, but am open to an alternative night of the week. I'll be doing some prayer walking regardless of company, but I'd love the fellowship.
Once around my neighborhood "loop" (which is strenuous with its hills) is a mile and takes me a half hour.
I was thinking we could do the loop twice and call it S.H.O.P.ing. (Sweet Hour of Praying). Even if you did the loop once, it'd be SHHOPping (Sweet Half Hour of Praying). Attention SHOPpers: if you're interested, please leave a note or email me. The main difference between SHOPping and shopping is that you can leave your money at home and know that your time has been well spent.
Seems everywhere I turn and ask another sister in the Lord what God is speaking to her about, prayer comes up. Or it's an addendum to a character issue (self-control in my case).
So I've been swishing an idea around in my mind, especially since Denise's last day and my subsequent dwelling on her lasting influence on my memory bank. The idea is a plan to have a women's weekly prayer walk. It would mean showing up at my driveway at the same time every week and linking up with another sister. Not always the same sister, but to walk in pairs doing nothing but praying. It would be half hour to focus on God, not distracted by kiddoes and phone and household chores. It would take place in the evening so as to accommodate the schedules of women employed during the day, and also let moms leave kids home with dads. I'm thinking 7:30. If it's raining a little, we could sit on my covered front porch to pray.
I'm thinking of starting two Tuesdays from now, but am open to an alternative night of the week. I'll be doing some prayer walking regardless of company, but I'd love the fellowship.
Once around my neighborhood "loop" (which is strenuous with its hills) is a mile and takes me a half hour.
I was thinking we could do the loop twice and call it S.H.O.P.ing. (Sweet Hour of Praying). Even if you did the loop once, it'd be SHHOPping (Sweet Half Hour of Praying). Attention SHOPpers: if you're interested, please leave a note or email me. The main difference between SHOPping and shopping is that you can leave your money at home and know that your time has been well spent.
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