Prayer Monday - 9/26

I had the best weekend.  (Seriously, so much fun!)  But, unfortunately, the weekend is over and it's time to be back at work molding the minds of America or something of that nature.  And despite my ridiculously long nap yesterday, I am so tired.  Good news is it's my birthday week, which means I should be able to muster enough excitement to carry me through!

Now, what was I doing...oh yeah, trying to formulate this into something that looks like a Prayer Monday post.  Sheena's hubby-to-be left for Ohio yesterday.  I've said a million times that this is the right thing, but I am not enjoying all of this change actually coming to pass.  Please be with Ronnie as he adjusts to a new work environment and a new city.  And pray for Sheena as she enters the home stretch of this whole wedding/moving thing.  It's coming so much faster than we realize.

I would also ask that you continue to pray for the situation I mentioned last week.  I would love to see good things come from this rough situation, and am praying that God gives an opening to do that.  I am also believing that God is going to deliver a miracle to a dear friend of mine, and I ask for your prayers for her and her family in the waiting.

I'm still looking for a new church family, too.  I will be testing more options out soon, and am praying for confirmation from God for the right one.  I want nothing more than to be where He wants me.

Prayer Monday - 9/19

I've written before (most every week, in fact) about this crazy season of change everyone in my life seems to be going through.  Change is difficult and beautiful, scary and emboldening.  I'm excited to see what God is doing, and I look forward to what other blessings may come.  I have to admit though, it's nice that things seem to be settling a bit in the life upheaval department.

Crys spoke about how this is her brother's last week here before he leaves for his new job.  I ask for prayers him and for Sheena as they deal with being apart until the wedding.  God has provided for them thus far, and I believe He will continue to.  In the same vein, they would like to move before the October 7th date they have been given, so pray for that too, if you would.

I have a special prayer request that I can't give you much information about for several different reasons, but I ask that you would pray for this situation and that God will show me the way I can best be a light of His love in it.

Amber starts a new job in a new city in a new apartment and I don't think she would mind some prayers too.

Please remember that this is an open group and we would love nothing more than to lift any requests that you might have.  You can link up over at Crystal's blog by clicking the button at the top of this post, or if you don't want to post, you can always leave a request in the comments here and I promise to pray with you. 

Prayer Monday - 9/12

This is going to be short because I am sick (like took a sick day from work kind of sick).  But I really want to ask for your prayers for Sheena and her Precious this week as they go to look for a place to live in their new city.  I know that God is going to continue to provide for them.  I also wouldn't mind a few prayers for the rest of us, as it became so real yesterday after her bridal shower that this is really happening, no matter how hard we (I) might try to ignore it and pretend it's not.

Still trying to figure out what's next when it comes to a church home.  God's made it clear that it's time to move on, but I still don't have a lot of anwers as to what is next. 

Even if I don't get a chance to comment, I want each of you to know that I am praying for you ladies as well.

Prayer Monday - 8/29

Frustration is one of the key words in this season in my life right now.  I can't begin to explain how badly I wish it weren't.  I'm trying to remember that I can't control most of the situations around me, but I can control my attitude.  Some days are better than others where that's concerned.  But I could certainly use some prayer.  My life is easier than so many, and I feel bad complaining at all.  Sometimes it's just hard to contain.

I also asking for prayers for some of the other people that I love who are moving (Sheena & her Precious), or waiting (just about everyone else), or just trying to figure out what in the world's going happening next. 

I am so thankful that God is in control and I'm not.  I don't know how anyone without that knowledge can bear to get out of bed.

Prayer Monday - 8/22

When there aren't words, God knows. 

I posted this on Facebook Sunday morning.  It wasn't me trying to be philosophical, it's the word that God laid on my heart out of my frustration.  Have you ever felt restless in your own skin, but you don't really know what needs to happen to change it?  I am so happy with my life and where I am now, but there's just a restlessness in my soul that I don't even know how to put into words. 

There's a lot of change going on in the lives of people I love right now.  I will let them share their own specifics in their own time, but I am going to ask that you pray for all of them.  I believe that God is moving and working in ways big and small, but that doesn't always mean that things are easy to deal with.  But if God is with us, who should be against us?  Change isn't easy, but it is often necessary.

I also have a special prayer request.  A sweet lady who I have known my whole life lost her husband to cancer on Sunday.  They had time to prepare, but you can never really be prepared for these things.  I would just ask that you would pray for comfort for this family, too. 

I look forward to praying with you all today.  Please, remember that this isn't a closed group and you can always join over at A Life In Ordinary.

Prayer Monday - 8/15

It's back to school week around here.  Which basically means I revert to being a toddler.  I get up early in the morning and run around until I just can't take it.  The minute I come home, I collapse and take a nap.  I wake up whiny and hungry and am ready for bed long before the 10 o'clock news.  Adjusting back to a real schedule is not just physically difficult, but it can be emotionally difficult, too.  Already it seems like so many of our students have deep needs, and that's it more important that ever to be kind and compassionate.  I pray that the love of Christ shows through me.  I pray that I am a good role model to my students, particularly to those who need more positive ones in their lives.  (Can you ever really have enough?)

I have a special prayer request, too.  Joyce (who hosts the Wednesday Hodgepodge) shared about her niece that has been diagnosed with leukemia.  (You can read that here.)  I told her that I would ask for prayer for her niece and for their family during this time. 

It is so nice to have sisters in Christ to pray with each week.  I look forward to praying for each of you!

Prayer Monday - 8/1

So, my brain is completely tapped because I have been at work all day brainstorming with other teachers.  And that shouldn't be as exhausting as it was, but it was also really good.  Side note, pray for me next week when I start back to work for real because my body was not happy getting up as early as I did today.  (and it was late for a school day!)

I have been dealing with making a decision for some time now.  It seems like I am not going to be able to put it off much longer.   I don't like change when it comes to most things.  I'm decent at adapting, but I prefer familiar surroundings because I am really quite shy when I don't know people.  I am filled with a thousand different emotions, and I'm still not entirely sure what's going to happen next.  But I think a change is gonna come. 

There are a lot of other people in my life playing the waiting game.  I would love it if you would continue to pray for them as they wait, because waiting is rarely fun. 

If you are interested, please know that this isn't a closed group and we would love to pray for you too!  You can add a request in the comments or post a link on Crystal's blog.  No matter where you are, we are all connected by the cross of Christ Jesus.

Prayer Monday - 7/25

I'm in a bit of a dry season lately.  (And not just because it's hot outside.)  I'm just not focused on much of anything, and as the school season draws nearer every day, that just isn't acceptable.  I want to make sure that I am doing the things God wants of me.  And some days, I just feel like I'm spinning in circles. 

It seems like other people in my life are still waiting for things.  For job offers, potential housing, and all manner of things.  And when you are in the waiting place, it can be the loneliest, most frustrating place in the world.  Trust me on that.  So, I ask for prayers for them.

Tara goes back to work for the first time since she had Macy today.  I know that I will be lifting up a few for her as she not only goes back to work, but goes back to a completely different schedule than she's used to. 

And, of course, when I think about prayers, I think about Lucy and her family, as she's continuing to kick cancer's butt!

Finally, I promised Taylor (AKA The Lumberjack's Wife) I'd mention this request, but I am going to quote it directly from her blog:

"PS-Would you mind praying for my cousin’s baby?  Her name is Abigail and she was born about 4 weeks ago  at 26 weeks.  She is pretty sick and could use your prayers.  Thank you!"

Prayer Monday - 7/18

Here we are at another Prayer Monday.  Yesterday, at lunch, I was reminded of God's goodness as I sat with a great majority of my extended family and had dinner.  My Uncle James was healthy enough to be there to eat with us.  He moves a little slower, and is still hooked up to oxygen, but his personality is back!  It was such a welcome thing.  And I can't help but think about all the times that we weren't sure he was going to get another day, the close to 150 days he spent in the hospital, and realize how good God really has been.

I needed that reminder.  While I believe in God and know that Jesus is my Savior, I get distracted easily.  I see all of the crappy things going on in the world, in my own life, and forget that God is still here.  And that can be problematic.  Sometimes I am so focused on the things I'm praying for that haven't happened that I forget to count all the ways that God has answered.  And I don't want to forget those.

Otherwise things are still pretty quite here.  I appreciate your prayers.

Prayer Monday - July 11, 2011

I don't know what to say this week.   I mean, I can only assume that's what staring at a blank computer screen for five minutes indicates.  I don't have any big trials in my life right now, no divine revelations.  And I find this a little disconcerting because it's been my experience that everything is quiet just before it gets crazy again.  So maybe you can just store a few up for me?

Meanwhile, there are a lot of other people in my life who are going through huge, game-changing things right now.  So, I would certainly covet your prayers for all of those situations, and there are a bunch!  I know what I want to happen in all those situations, but it's not really about me, no matter how hard I would like for it to be.  At the end of the day, I just have to remember that God is God and I am not.  And aren't we all the better for that one?

Prayer Monday -- 6/27

I had planned to post later this morning, at a respectable hour after a restful night's sleep, but a pack of wild dogs behind the tire center had other plans.  So, here I am.

I'm not sure what I need this week.  Is that okay to admit?  Summer is slow for me, there's hardly anything going on.  Which means that there are few pressing needs in my life.  I guess that's good, right?  What I really need right now is focus.  In my walk with God, as I begin to work on curriculum for next year, as I work on trying to be healthy---lots and lots of focus. 

I also have one prayer request that I have to keep personal (because it's not mine to share) but is very close to my heart.  I pray that God will continue to work in that situation.

That's all I have.   If it wasn't 5:30, maybe I would have been more eloquent, but probably not.  Prayer Monday is an open group, so if you are interested, join us!  We'd love to have you!

Prayer Monday - 5/23

The last week has seemed forever long to me.  That's what happens when I try to pack in as much as humanly possible into such a small space.  But, I have tried my best to have praise on my lips ever since, because it was an amazing week.  There were low points and there were tears, but the blessings of God were obvious throughout.  And for that I am truly thankful.

There are a lot of things going on in my life and in the lives of those I love that I don't know how to pray about.  Quite simply, I'm having trouble finding the words (and you all know how I love words!).  But, Jesus knows.  And when we can't find the words, He will take our groanings and sort them out into something beautiful.  You have to love that kind of intimacy. 

Father God, be with us this week.  Surround us.  Show us that we are not alone in ways that we can't miss.  Hear our prayers, even when we don't have the words to speak them.  I pray for each of the amazing women who participate in this group each week.  Bless our socks off.  We're ready.

Prayer Monday - May 2, 2011

I have been singing "Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns for days now.  It's still raining, but He is still God.  I don't know how else to say it.

Requests:

• For those who are losing their homes because of flooding, the number of which seems to be rising every minute.
• For the people of the South whose lives were changed by the tornadoes there.  I'm thankful that my cousin's family is safe, but I can't help but think of all those families who weren't as lucky.
• For Uncle James, who is still improving every day.
• For that personal request.  It's not my information to share, but God knows and I am believing Him.
• For Tara and baby Macy, who will be here in such a short time.  Praying for a healthy baby and safe delivery and healthy mama too.
• For all the requests that I am forgetting, because they are many.  I'm overwhelmed, but I am praying that God will hear my heart when words fail.

Father, You are with us in the storms of life.  Even though it's discouraging to see so much devastation, it's not a surprise to You.  You are with us and for us, and with that knowledge how could we ever be afraid?   How do people without that knowledge survive?  Walk with us this week.  Be with each of the girls participating in Prayer Monday and with their requests.  I thank You and praise Your Name.  Amen.

Prayer Monday - April 25, 2011

Praises:

• On Easter weekend, first and foremost, I am thankful that I serve a Risen Savior! 
• I got to go see Uncle James this morning and he looks so much better than the last time I was there!  He's breathed on his own for a week now, can talk, and doesn't have any chest tubes anymore!  They hope to move him into progressive care over the next week.  Your prayers are still appreciated, but he has come so far, and never would have been able to without the touch of God.
• One of the girls I have been praying for delivered a perfectly healthy baby boy last week.  Mama is good, too.

Requests:

• As  I sit at my desk, I am watching flood waters rise. My house will be okay, but I know a lot of others won't be, as the rain is to continue for several more days and the rivers are going to crest close to or above all time records.  Please pray for all those affected by this wet spring.
• For a friend and for her father, whose health is deteriorating rapidly.  She lost a son five years ago to cancer and her husband is deployed overseas. 
• For my friends who are still expecting babies, including Tara (who will be home soon! yay!)
• For the personal request I mentioned last week.  I am still believing that God's going to show up in a big way!
• For Lucy, because I wish no one had cancer, but especially wish kids didn't.

Father, I can't begin to gather every request I have come across this week.  The needs of Your people are many, but You are big enough to be small enough.  Thank You for dying on the cross for me, but thank You for rising again that much more.  I don't serve a Savior in the tomb, but one who is alive and well!  Be with each of the girls this week.  Move in ways that speak to our hearts.  Amen.

Prayer Monday -- April 18, 2011

It's Holy Week.  One of the things I loathed as a child, but fondly remember as an adult is going to Mass during the week before Easter.  Holy Thursday, with the washing of the feet and, as I got older, singing, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" from the balcony.  Good Friday with its overwhelming sense of mourning and Ms. Lewis singing "Were You There" that still gives me chills even as I think of it today.   The waiting of the Easter Vigil.  All leading up to the celebration of the Resurrection of the Savior on Easter Morning, complete with a brand new dress and a basket full of goodies.  I know why He went to the cross.  He went for me and for you.  Praise Him!

Requests:

• Uncle James is doing so well!  He's breathing in his own more and more and has reached several other good milestones.  Auntie remains steadfast and generally awesome as they walk this road together!   I so appreciate all of your prayers, and will certainly ask for them to continue through this recovery process.
• For all my friends who are or are becoming mamas.  I pray for safe deliveries and healthy babies.  Can't wait to meet these sweet ones!  Also, this would be a good time to add in a mama in a less conventional way, my blog friend and yours, Amy Beth.  She's a foster mom to teens (and a little one), and she's certainly jumping in with both feet, for which I highly commend her.  But I know she would covet your prayers, too!  (Hop over to her blog to learn more!  She's fabulous!)
•  For Jayce, who I talked about last week.  He's doing well considering all he's been through.  But what child should have to face so much in such a short life?
• For Lucy and her parents, Erik and Kate.  Kate's talked about the peace she's had this week, and she knows that it comes from God and is because of the prayers of His people.
• I have a personal request that I am just not at liberty to share.  But God knows, and I'm believing that He will do what we are asking Him to do.
• That I can get my act together and focus on getting healthy.  My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and let's just say that it looks more like a tenement than it does a cathedral!  

Father God, sometimes I just don't know where to begin.  There are so many requests, so many big things, that our requests seem so small.  But, I know that You hear us and better yet, You are for us!  I praise You for giving Your life, though sinless and blameless, for me--for us all--while we were still in sin.  Thank You for loving us when we are wholly unlovable.  Be with us this week.  Be with each of our requests, and with each woman who participates.  Help us to have an Easter week solely focused on the blessings of an empty tomb.  In the Name of Jesus, our Savior, I pray.  Amen!

Prayer Mondays

Every time I come to a Prayer Monday, I feel overwhelmed by the needs in my life and in the lives of people that I know.  I think that's actually a good thing, because it's only by acknowledging that we do, in fact, need Christ to intervene in our lives that we will get any real help.  I mean, I have faith in some real good people, but it is no match for my faith in the healing power of my God.

1.  My Unlce James continues to make good progress.  He's breathing on his own for longer period and is sitting up for a couple of hours at a time.  His progress will continue to be marked over months and not days, and that's hard to accept sometimes.  But I believe we will see him healed in time.  I pray for Aunt Beth as she is a steadfast helpmate to her husband.

2.  For my friends who are about to have babies (and there are several).  I pray for healthy babies and mamas and safe, easy deliveries.  I also pray for my dear friends who are struggling with infertility and other issues of that nature.  I boldly ask that God will grant them children, as every last couple in this category would make phenominal parents.

3.  For Crystal's dad as he recovers from knee surgery.  (And patience for her mom!)

4.  For one of my friends growing up (and her family), who lost her mother this week after a long battle with cancer.  Her mother was a wonderfully sweet woman, and her absence will be felt by all those who knew her. 

5.  That I may break out of my cycle of laziness, both physically and spiritually.  I know the kind of person that I want to be, and I know what I need to do to make those things happen.  Now I just need to get my but in gear!

6.  For a personal request for a friend with serious health issues. 

7.  For a little boy named Jayce, who is very sick.  He was born with many health issues and has had many surgeries.  He's on the list for a kidney transplant, but is on dialysis now until that happens.  His dad was a friend of mine in high school and I still think very highly of this family.  I know they covet your prayers.


Father God, I come to You with nothing of my own.  I am exhausted spiritually and physically tonight, and that actually excites me, because I know that nothing comes from me, that it's all from You.  I pray for these requests and for the requests of all the women who participate in this time of prayer.  Raise us up to be women of Your Word, women after Your heart.  Help us to be who You are calling us to be, to walk the path which leads to You.  Give us grace for another day, another week, and we will give You the glory.  Amen.

Prayer Mondays (A Little Early)

Praises:

• We're finally having warmer weather again!  Now I just hope it stays warmer.  My sinuses can't take much more of the switch back and forth!
• James seems to have had a good week overall. 
• Lucy is getting to rest at home instead of in the hospital, which lifts a burden for her parents, as they have two other children at home, too.
• Spring Break!  I needed it and so did the kids!

Requests:

• I continue to covet prayers for my Uncle James.  He still has a long way to go, but I am thankful God has seen fit to bring him this far.  I also want to pray for Auntie Beth, who is a pillar of strength because of God seeing her through.
• For the ladies of our Bible study -- I love them so much and feel so blessed to just have them as a part of my life.  Open their hearts to Your Word and to what you have for them during this study.
• For Sawyer, who I've known since he was a kid, and is now a medic in Afghanistan.  I pray for his safety, for his wife, Jessica, and the rest of his family as they await his safe return.
• For my little sister, Lu, who is nearing the end of her first year of nursing school.  It's been a tough one, but she has done so well!  I'm so proud of her and pray that God will give her strength as finals loom.
• For my co-worker, whose mother passed away last week from brain cancer.  It was a quick decline, Lord, which was both merciful and heartbreaking.  Be with LeAnn and the girls during this difficult time.
• For those personal requests that I mentioned last week.  These aren't my stories to share, but I know that God knows them, and I'm positive that He is working in each of those situations.

Father God, I pray for the women who have committed to prayer each Wednesday.  You know the needs of our hearts and as Our Provider, we believe that you will give us exactly what we need at the exact moment we need it.  Hear our requests and accept our praises.  Pour our Your blessings on Your people.  We come expectant, believe that Your goodness and mercy will be revealed in due time.  Thank you, Father, for loving us where we are and for walking with us until we get to where You want us to be.  Amen.

Prayer Mondays

I was going to attempt to say something deep and meaningful here, but I am pretty sure I'm developing a migraine this morning, so I am going to just get right into it...

Praises:

• For the wonderful women of our Bible study--there's no one I would rather laugh and cry with.
• For granting me the right words to say in some difficult situations this week

Requests:

• For Uncle James - after some great reports, he had a really bad night on Friday.  By Sunday, the doctors felt like he was back on the right track, but it's more stress and strain on his body and on his spirit.  Please pray for the healing of both. 
• For his wife, my Auntie Beth - She has been such a pillar of strength and calm, but I know that is because of God.  She has had some people offer very unsolicited (and somewhat rude) opinions this week, and she handled them with a grace that I am convinced I would not have had.
• I have several personal requests that I am not able to share with you all right now.  I pray that God will be present in those situations and with the beloved people dealing with them.
• For Lucy - If you haven't been following this situation, you can find out more about it here.

Father God, be with us this week.  Guide and direct our paths and help us as we face any decisions.  Your eye is on the sparrow, so how much more do You care for Your people?  We are so blessed!  Thank you for the women who step out in faith each week and be with their requests and concerns as well.   Amen.

Prayer Mondays

Praises:

• Uncle James had a good week.  He's continuing to make progress and we are hoping that there will be no setbacks this time. 
• We have been having beautiful warm weather recently.  It's so nice to be able to go outside and enjoy it!
• Bible study is just awesome!  I can't wait for each week as we meet together.  Thank you, God, for this group of women!!

Requests:

• Uncle James - They are treating him as a precaution with antibiotics because of some germs that they saw in his cultures that could cause another form of pneumonia.  Everything is fine, but they are being careful.  Praying for more good news this week and for continued strength for Aunt Beth.
• Several of the mamas-to-be I've been praying for are nearing their due dates.  I pray for safe deliveries and healthy babies!  Calm these new mama's fears and give them babies who sleep through the night (hey, can't hurt, right?)
• For families of those who are deployed.  As we face conflict with yet another country, I can't help but think of those who give their service to our country, and for the families who continue on as their loved ones serve.  (Especially Sawyer and Tara's Baby Daddy)
• For the women of our Bible study--I believe that God is going to do amazing things with this study.  I've seen glimpses of it already.  Oh, Knower of our hearts, anoint us with your Holy Spirit!  Give us a heart like yours.

Prayer:

Oh, Father, I praise your Name for the blessings in our lives.  We don't deserve a single one, but You are the God who cares for His people.  I pray for my requests and for the requests of the other ladies this week.  I thank you for bringing together these women who are willing to pray for one another and our needs.  I'm so thankful to have them in my life.  Lord, guide and direct us through another week.  Amen.

Prayer Monday

It seems like the prayer request outweigh the praises this week, but God is so good!  I know it with every fiber of my being and I am so thankful for it, particularly when things seem darkest.

Prayer Requests:

• Uncle James - his continued recovery and for continued strength and patience for my auntie.  I also pray for extraordinary medical care as he continues to be in the hospital.  They are having trouble regulating his heart due to his breathing issues.  The overall prognosis is still good, but the doctors have said he could be in the hospital for several more weeks. 
• For Lucy - I don't know this family, but their story and struggles have really made an impact on me.  I pray for this sweet baby girl (whose 5th birthday is Monday) and for her family. 
• My friend at work - Her father passed away last week.  I pray for comfort for family during this time.
• For all my pregnant friends, those who are new mamas, and those who are waiting and praying to become pregnant -- I, personally, can't wait to start cuddling some sweet babies!
• For those who are deployed and those who carry on here in their absence.
• For the women of our Bible study  and for Crystal as she facilitates for us--After tonight, I am even more excited to see what God's going to do in the lives of the women who He's placed in this study.  It's going to be amazing!  Let us become women after God's own heart...

Father God, it seems there are so many things to pray about, so many things that we need.  We are a needy people, Lord, wholly dependent on You.  I ask that You will be with us this week, that you will pour out Your goodness and mercy upon us.  Move in the lives of the women who are calling on Your name.  Hear these requests as we come boldly to the Throne of Grace.  Work in our hearts and lives so that we may shine Your light upon the darkness of the world.  Amen.