I drove to Ohio this past week to spend some time with family, and this time of prayer and fasting has reminded me that God truly is here with us all, as He is back in PA, though I don't have my usual morning devotional times, weekly Life Group, women's Bible Study, Church family, prayer time with my husband, etc... I have also been seeing how my prayer life is being transformed. For instance, Monday night I was laying in bed praying about how to direct the next day's prayers and fasting, and also about a big decision we were trying to make about purchasing a new vehicle. I 'said my prayer', followed by 'Amen'. Then I proceeded to continue, saying 'God, I am still so anxious about this car decision, will you help me to relax and trust in you, knowing that you will make the whole process work if You want it to'. Wait, I told myself, I said 'amen', the prayer is over....but I am learning that God still hears, and I want Him to hear, so I will direct my thoughts, desires, confessions to Him- praying at all times. This was a helpful realization because during my Tuesday, I was driving all around the state of Ohio looking at vehicles. And even though I was tempted to let this situation take over all of my thoughts, I forced myself to dig deeper for something to pray for others for. I have been informed that October is National pregnancy and Infancy loss awareness month. To be honest, I would normally skim over titles like this, saying to myself that every month is _____ awareness month for so many things, and they aren't really 'my thing'...I know that sounds a little heartless, but I think people who have experienced the situations are usually the best at rallying support and educating others anyway. But especially lately, there have been more than a dozen women/families in our lives that have experienced loss of pregnancy at various stages. more than a dozen!!! I know a lot of people, but that is still a staggering number! I thought maybe this should become 'my thing'. How would Jesus respond- what was His thing/things that he really fought for, felt passionately about?
The Word: Phil 4:8
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Jesus was involved in children's issues, homeless ministry, issues of starvation, disabilities, politics.... (I could think of more, but it's late)
So I am praying that instead of thinking of things so compartmentalized, I will join with god in anything that celebrates truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, lovely, and admirable, like a month that supports women and families who have experienced loss of life, which God never intended to happen.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
How Frail I am
I am posting late tonight, because after a wonderful morning saying goodbye to some visitors, getting the kids a late lunch and to nap time, then taking a short rest, I had a choice to make-either posting on this blog(which sounded fun and energizing), or actually praying for what I am posting about tonight...the fate we all share- death. I chose to pray, reminding me again that today is about connecting with God and being more deeply rooted in Him. This blog is great accountability and hopefully good encouragement for others, but it's not the point. The relative I have been praying for has passed on from this earth, and I was talking to Matt about what it would be like to get the news like he did, that I would only live for 2 days to 3 weeks. What would I do, say, would I have the faith to glorify God not only in life but also in death? And as I was searching for verses for this relative's memorial service, I came across this verse and remembered that I have been given that same death sentence, just maybe with a little longer range...maybe:
The Word:
Psalm 39: 4-7 "Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. indeed, you have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing
before you; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Surely every man walks about like a shadow;surely they busy themselves in vain; he heaps up riches, and does not know who
will gather them. And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you."
After a wonderfully full weekend with our friends, I was finding myself still getting a little stressed after day 5 out of my normal routine- not getting up early to spend time quietly before the Lord, spending more time than usual getting the kids ready for things, being out of the house, cleaning up more, etc. I needed an attitude change, but I ws trying to will it to happen, telling myself I am a 'better' person than that, that I should be a better host for our friends, and enjoy the last day together without any negative attitudes (even though these are friends I can be totally real with and know they still love me). Even comparing my life to my now widowed aunt brought no change in attitude (reminiscent of Eccelesiastes right!). But reading this verse was a great reminder of so many things 1: I shouldn't think of myself more highly than I ought- I'm not better than anything...especially not immune to my sinful heart nature to be selfish, ungrateful, grudging giver. 2: I don't know how many days I have, I should not expect anything, take anything for granted, enjoy each moment. 3: look at my motivations for what I do- am I trying to heap up some riches that I can't take with me out of this world? 4: what is my hope, or more appropriately, in whom who is my hope?
Prayer: Continued comfort for our aunt, for all of us to realize our own frailty, put our hope
in The One who holds eternity.
Food Story: We went to The Original Waffle Sop here in State College with our friends late this morning, and I totally felt like I was cheating my fast because I only had one waffle but still wasn't hungry until like 2 in the afternoon...yum waffle shop, still remembering God in times of hunger or fullness.
The Word:
Psalm 39: 4-7 "Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. indeed, you have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing
before you; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Surely every man walks about like a shadow;surely they busy themselves in vain; he heaps up riches, and does not know who
will gather them. And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you."
After a wonderfully full weekend with our friends, I was finding myself still getting a little stressed after day 5 out of my normal routine- not getting up early to spend time quietly before the Lord, spending more time than usual getting the kids ready for things, being out of the house, cleaning up more, etc. I needed an attitude change, but I ws trying to will it to happen, telling myself I am a 'better' person than that, that I should be a better host for our friends, and enjoy the last day together without any negative attitudes (even though these are friends I can be totally real with and know they still love me). Even comparing my life to my now widowed aunt brought no change in attitude (reminiscent of Eccelesiastes right!). But reading this verse was a great reminder of so many things 1: I shouldn't think of myself more highly than I ought- I'm not better than anything...especially not immune to my sinful heart nature to be selfish, ungrateful, grudging giver. 2: I don't know how many days I have, I should not expect anything, take anything for granted, enjoy each moment. 3: look at my motivations for what I do- am I trying to heap up some riches that I can't take with me out of this world? 4: what is my hope, or more appropriately, in whom who is my hope?
Prayer: Continued comfort for our aunt, for all of us to realize our own frailty, put our hope
in The One who holds eternity.
Food Story: We went to The Original Waffle Sop here in State College with our friends late this morning, and I totally felt like I was cheating my fast because I only had one waffle but still wasn't hungry until like 2 in the afternoon...yum waffle shop, still remembering God in times of hunger or fullness.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
A change of plans, but not really
For a few different reasons I ended up donating plasma this morning, which for the past couple weeks I avoided so I would not confuse hunger symptoms wth any actual medical problems. In addition, I forgot that I had made a play date with a neighbor and her daughter, and she so kindly made us all lunch afterward, which I felt would be rude to refuse. Hmmm, so where does that leave me this Tuesday afternoon, when I am supposed to be reporting here about my prayer and fasting experience today? I thought first about just waiting until tomorrow to fast, pray and post, or about praying and posting today and fasting tomorrow, or just waiting until next Tuesday, etc. Even though this produced some extra mental and emotional 'strain', I realized I am thinking about this for such a good reason- having a wonderful neighbor/friend, friend for my children, a generous meal, good conversation....which just has to lead me to praise God- whether I planned to pray or not, it is just happening. And this praise happened to lead me to what I felt on my heart to pray about since last night, hearing about a tragic loss some friends are experiencing. I am by nature a very social person, love talking and hanging out with new people, learning new things, but sometimes I catch myself thinking that it is all for MY benefit- what can this person/organization offer me, it is 'worth' my time. When I heard about this situation with our friends, I was reminded of God's purposes for friendship:
The Word: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his companion." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Are you having flashbacks from a recent wedding? I have definitely come to believe that we need more than just our spouse in this world, because as we become more and more 'one', we will be grieved by the same things, possibly fall into the same traps, and need good friends to keep pushing us along in our labor, and lift us up. Good relationships do take a lot of work, vulnerabilty, honesty, etc. but they are so important in good times and bad. Thank you friends!
Prayer: For our new but dear friends in their tragedy- may you feel that God loves you, hears you, has not forsaken you. Thank you for sharing with us so we can grieve with you, love you, and uplift you.
Food: With all of the 'schedule changes' today, I am choosing to continue to pray (and post obviously) today, and wait until next Tuesday to fast. It was a good reminder that prayer and fasting is not just missing a meal. Today my heart is still deeply longing for comfort and healing for our friends, even with a full stomach because of great friends.
The Word: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his companion." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Are you having flashbacks from a recent wedding? I have definitely come to believe that we need more than just our spouse in this world, because as we become more and more 'one', we will be grieved by the same things, possibly fall into the same traps, and need good friends to keep pushing us along in our labor, and lift us up. Good relationships do take a lot of work, vulnerabilty, honesty, etc. but they are so important in good times and bad. Thank you friends!
Prayer: For our new but dear friends in their tragedy- may you feel that God loves you, hears you, has not forsaken you. Thank you for sharing with us so we can grieve with you, love you, and uplift you.
Food: With all of the 'schedule changes' today, I am choosing to continue to pray (and post obviously) today, and wait until next Tuesday to fast. It was a good reminder that prayer and fasting is not just missing a meal. Today my heart is still deeply longing for comfort and healing for our friends, even with a full stomach because of great friends.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The day after vacation
We traveled home from vacation yesterday, so today was that first day home...you know...the day where you need to do 4 loads of laundry, put away bags, review schedules for the week, inventory the fridge and cupboards, etc. So today also being fasting day, I am a little torn between taking time to really be in prayer and completing all of these chores. But there is something so pressing on my heart today that I know it is ok if some things around the house wait until tomorrow- marriage. There is a couple we know of (and many others I'm sure we do not know of) that are struggling in their marriage, to the point of being ready to end it. I don't think it is for me to weigh in on whether it is right or wrong to end the marriage, based on the circumstances, instead praying for God to show us His will. We know that God loves unity, and is the One who brings unity to a marriage even if the couples are not believers in Him, but I read Hosea today and was struck by how God might also use the brokenness of marriages to His Glory too.
Hosea 1
2 When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the LORD.” 3 So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
4 Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 5 In that day I will break Israel’s bow in the Valley of Jezreel.”
6 Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”), for I will no longer show love to Israel, that I should at all forgive them.
8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, “Call him Lo-Ammi (which means “not my people”), for you are not my people, and I am not your God.[b]
10 “Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’
I love that last verse. God reminds the people of Isreal, through Hosea and Gomer, that even in their unfaithfulness, and His anger, that He will redeem them and bring them into His family forever. So maybe when we see things on earth that are not as God intended them to be, like divorce, it can remind us of our need for a new heaven and earth, where things ARE as God intended them to be.
Prayer: For all marriages to be strengthened, but especially for a certain one in turmoil right now. Can anything be done God? Do you want to use to do anything in the situation God?
Hosea 1
2 When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the LORD.” 3 So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
4 Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 5 In that day I will break Israel’s bow in the Valley of Jezreel.”
6 Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”), for I will no longer show love to Israel, that I should at all forgive them.
8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, “Call him Lo-Ammi (which means “not my people”), for you are not my people, and I am not your God.[b]
10 “Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’
I love that last verse. God reminds the people of Isreal, through Hosea and Gomer, that even in their unfaithfulness, and His anger, that He will redeem them and bring them into His family forever. So maybe when we see things on earth that are not as God intended them to be, like divorce, it can remind us of our need for a new heaven and earth, where things ARE as God intended them to be.
Prayer: For all marriages to be strengthened, but especially for a certain one in turmoil right now. Can anything be done God? Do you want to use to do anything in the situation God?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)