God is our refuge and strength
an ever-present help in trouble
therefore we will not fear...
The Lord Almighty is with us...
"Be still, and know that I am God
I will be exalted..."
The Lord Almighty is with us.
from Psalm 46
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Friday, January 1, 2010
God is with us
"they shall call him Immanuel, which means 'God with us.'"
as we face all of the unknowns of 2010, this is the anchor that gives me hope.
God is Immanuel, and He is with me. He will not leave me or forsake me.
To quote the apostle Paul, I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
this is what i'm meditating on as i bring in the New Year. :-)
as we face all of the unknowns of 2010, this is the anchor that gives me hope.
God is Immanuel, and He is with me. He will not leave me or forsake me.
To quote the apostle Paul, I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
this is what i'm meditating on as i bring in the New Year. :-)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Our House Rules
Our House Rules
Love God and Love each other
Love God and Love each other
Be Generous with Hugs and Warm Words Be Patient and Respect each other
Practice Forgiveness
Be Kind and Tenderhearted
Be Kind and TenderheartedPray Often Live with a Thankful Heart
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Prayer for Mary
an online friend Mary Anaya is 6 weeks into her diagnosis with Advanced Lung Cancer which has spread to her spine and liver. She is 17 weeks pregnant with her 11th child, and she and her family founded and run a city mission in Omaha. I read today that she is in ICU on a respirator because she has pnemonia. Drs. are hoping to keep her alive for 7 more weeks so that they can deliver her baby. She and her family and friends are praying for her healing.
You can read about this wonderful woman here:
http://gettingdownwithjesus.blogspot.com/2009/10/could-we-get-down.html#
You can read about this wonderful woman here:
http://gettingdownwithjesus.blogspot.com/2009/10/could-we-get-down.html#
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Prayer for Parents
O Heavenly Father, make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting them or contradicting them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me. Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame or ridicule when they displease me. May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power. Let me not tempt my children to lie or steal.
And guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all that I say and do that honesty produces happiness. Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me. And when I'm out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue. May I ever be mindful that my children are children and I should not expect of them the judgment of adults. Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves and to make decisions. Bless me with the bigness to grant them all their reasonable requests and the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm. Make me fair and just and kind and fit, O Lord, to be loved and respected and imitated by my children. Amen.
prayer by Fr. Anothony Coniaris from Making God Real in the Orthodox Christian Home
And guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all that I say and do that honesty produces happiness. Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me. And when I'm out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue. May I ever be mindful that my children are children and I should not expect of them the judgment of adults. Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves and to make decisions. Bless me with the bigness to grant them all their reasonable requests and the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm. Make me fair and just and kind and fit, O Lord, to be loved and respected and imitated by my children. Amen.
prayer by Fr. Anothony Coniaris from Making God Real in the Orthodox Christian Home
Sunday, December 14, 2008
my gratefulness 5
I am grateful:
1. that we have health insurance, lol. i'm sure my hubby wouldn't think this one is as funny as i do. ;-)
2. that all of my medical issues this fall were benign. thank you Lord for restoring my health and for all that You have taught me these last months.
3. for the family we've had visit us recently. After going 18+ months without seeing family prior to this summer, we are *drinking* in the love and blessing of time with family. I love seeing the kids interact with their grandparents.
4. for friends to call on the phone. sounds small to some, but HUGE to me. i went a long time without any close friendships.
5. for people who adopt children. i have some wonderful friends who blow me away with their open hearts and love for hurting and needy children. While i've said in the past that i'd love to adopt a child from Nepal, inside I see the selfishness that has crowded that idea out of my heart. If this is from YOU Lord, please give me back that desire when it is *Your* timing. And please strengthen Rene tonight as she begins her journey of adopting "S" and all of the transitions that "S" is facing as he unexpectedly joins their family today.
1. that we have health insurance, lol. i'm sure my hubby wouldn't think this one is as funny as i do. ;-)
2. that all of my medical issues this fall were benign. thank you Lord for restoring my health and for all that You have taught me these last months.
3. for the family we've had visit us recently. After going 18+ months without seeing family prior to this summer, we are *drinking* in the love and blessing of time with family. I love seeing the kids interact with their grandparents.
4. for friends to call on the phone. sounds small to some, but HUGE to me. i went a long time without any close friendships.
5. for people who adopt children. i have some wonderful friends who blow me away with their open hearts and love for hurting and needy children. While i've said in the past that i'd love to adopt a child from Nepal, inside I see the selfishness that has crowded that idea out of my heart. If this is from YOU Lord, please give me back that desire when it is *Your* timing. And please strengthen Rene tonight as she begins her journey of adopting "S" and all of the transitions that "S" is facing as he unexpectedly joins their family today.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Jesus, help me.
Lord, in every need let me come to You with humble trust saying, "Jesus, help me."
In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus, help me.
In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials, Jesus, help me.
In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help me.
When others fail me and Your grace alone can assist me, Jesus, help me.
When I throw myself on Your tender love as a father and savior, Jesus, help me.
When my heart is cast down by failure at seeing no good come from my efforts, Jesus, help me.
When I feel impatient and my cross irritates me, Jesus, help me.
When I am ill and my head and hands cannot work and I am lonely, Jesus, help me.
Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus, help me and never forsake me.
Amen.
In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus, help me.
In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials, Jesus, help me.
In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help me.
When others fail me and Your grace alone can assist me, Jesus, help me.
When I throw myself on Your tender love as a father and savior, Jesus, help me.
When my heart is cast down by failure at seeing no good come from my efforts, Jesus, help me.
When I feel impatient and my cross irritates me, Jesus, help me.
When I am ill and my head and hands cannot work and I am lonely, Jesus, help me.
Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus, help me and never forsake me.
Amen.
Monday, November 10, 2008
learn to lament
Eugene Peterson writes, “Lament isn’t an animal wail, an inarticulate
howl.”
“Lament notices and attends…details, images,
relationships. Pain entered
into, accepted, and owned can become
poetry,” he writes.read more at http://aholyexperience.com/2008/02/learn-to-lament.html
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
I am Blessed
God has reminded me lately that I am truly blessed, most of all with His steadfast love. I love the word steadfast…”firmly fixed in place; immovable; not subject to change”. This steadfast love is the love that has captured my heart! This song below was on my mind the morning of my hysterectomy, and with it came the peace that whether the worst or the best came, that it was my Father’s love for me that would see me through.
Thank you God for giving me the courage and the strength to walk through these past 2 months, and for all of the ways that you have surrounded me with your love.
Thank you God for giving me the courage and the strength to walk through these past 2 months, and for all of the ways that you have surrounded me with your love.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
ACTS prayer
great blog on the ACTS way of praying
http://myderbe.wordpress.com/2007/06/28/the-acts-prayer-formula/
http://myderbe.wordpress.com/2007/06/28/the-acts-prayer-formula/
Monday, June 2, 2008
Cancer is a 6 letter word
My MIL Barbara has cancer. Stage 4 breast cancer.She is an amazing woman. One who clings to her heavenly Father, and hopes in His purposes for her. I am amazed at how much tenacity she has shown as she faces her cancer. Often when our phone conversations end, I am the one hanging up more uplifted and encouraged, thinking that it should be the other way around. Let me just say, that if i face what she is one day, that I pray i have the same grace and strength. Recently a speaker at our church shared that we can pray for God to do in us what glorifies Him most. And I must say that God is absolutely being glorified thru Barbara's life right now.
The current state of her cancer. She has malignant tumors in her breast, in the lymph under her arm, and bone lesions on her leg, pelvis, lower and upper back, skull and sternum. During the hysterectomy she had 2 weeks ago, one of the polyps they removed also was found to have cancer, although it appears to have been self-contained. Since her cancer seems to be hormone fed, they are thinking that this hysterectomy will help alleviate a source of hormones that were feeding this cancer. It is unbelievable that she hasn't had any pain from these lesions. I think the oncologist is surprised that she is doing so well. She had a Zometa bone strengthening treatment 3 weeks ago, and that was when she felt pain in every one of those lesions, but even that was short-lived and went away after a few days.
So, her current treatment plan is:~Zometa IV treatment 1/x month (her 2nd treatment is June 6th)~Hormone (supression) therapy in the form of a daily pill (beginning on June 9th)~possible addition of a monthly injection to supress hormones, depending on which group the clinical trial places her in.
My MIL's motto has always been "I'll live 'til I die" which, if you think about it, is pretty profound, lol. This was her response whenever i would gently encourage her to seek medical advice about several health concerns that she's had over these past few years. So when she shared with us her cancer dx, I really wasn't sure what to expect her response to be. We want to respect whatever choices she makes, so if she comes to the point where she feels that she needs to stop treatment, we will do our best to support her. But for now, we are very thankful that she is willing to seek treatment, and we are thankful for more time with our mom, MIL and ma-ma. The question in my mind is always, how can we make the most of the time we have been given with her?
speaking of which, we are all excited to be able to drive to visit ma-ma at the end of June and spend a week with her. We'll get to visit her church and meet her new pastor which she raves about, celebrate her 64th birthday together, hopefully spend the 4th all together as a family, including BIL and his family, Camden Park, and who knows what else. As long as Barbara is feeling well, I'm sure we'll be on the go. We're talking about a woman who went out to eat with a friend 4 DAYS after her hysterectomy!!!! I guess you can't keep a good woman down ;-)
The current state of her cancer. She has malignant tumors in her breast, in the lymph under her arm, and bone lesions on her leg, pelvis, lower and upper back, skull and sternum. During the hysterectomy she had 2 weeks ago, one of the polyps they removed also was found to have cancer, although it appears to have been self-contained. Since her cancer seems to be hormone fed, they are thinking that this hysterectomy will help alleviate a source of hormones that were feeding this cancer. It is unbelievable that she hasn't had any pain from these lesions. I think the oncologist is surprised that she is doing so well. She had a Zometa bone strengthening treatment 3 weeks ago, and that was when she felt pain in every one of those lesions, but even that was short-lived and went away after a few days.
So, her current treatment plan is:~Zometa IV treatment 1/x month (her 2nd treatment is June 6th)~Hormone (supression) therapy in the form of a daily pill (beginning on June 9th)~possible addition of a monthly injection to supress hormones, depending on which group the clinical trial places her in.
My MIL's motto has always been "I'll live 'til I die" which, if you think about it, is pretty profound, lol. This was her response whenever i would gently encourage her to seek medical advice about several health concerns that she's had over these past few years. So when she shared with us her cancer dx, I really wasn't sure what to expect her response to be. We want to respect whatever choices she makes, so if she comes to the point where she feels that she needs to stop treatment, we will do our best to support her. But for now, we are very thankful that she is willing to seek treatment, and we are thankful for more time with our mom, MIL and ma-ma. The question in my mind is always, how can we make the most of the time we have been given with her?
speaking of which, we are all excited to be able to drive to visit ma-ma at the end of June and spend a week with her. We'll get to visit her church and meet her new pastor which she raves about, celebrate her 64th birthday together, hopefully spend the 4th all together as a family, including BIL and his family, Camden Park, and who knows what else. As long as Barbara is feeling well, I'm sure we'll be on the go. We're talking about a woman who went out to eat with a friend 4 DAYS after her hysterectomy!!!! I guess you can't keep a good woman down ;-)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
God working in the midst of adversity
As i lay down to fall asleep, i was pondering about the positive things that i've seen happen, seemingly in the shadows of the adversities of this past weekend.
I had to rush ds to the ER with abdominal pain friday nite while we were at bible study. i hate seeing Tigeroo suffer. I got to see the love of my sister in Christ in action, as she dropped everything, took my keys, and drove me to the ER, waiting with me till dh could join me. she kept dd for the night.
DS was in the ER all day saturday, running multiple tests, and i had to watch him in discomfort. He kept saying "i wish i were YOU mommy", and I kept saying "I wish I were You tigeroo, so that I could have that pain for you" I was blessed to have the reminder that Jesus DID put himself in my place, he bore my griefs, carried my sorrows, was wounded for my transgressions, and was crushed for my iniquities.
Hubby and I were both sick that night, and the following day after we got back from the hospital. We laid on the couch commiserating with each other. I'm so glad that we had that time to have compassion on each other. usually when i am well, it's difficult to empathize with my hubby when he is sick and vice versa. I saw dh put my needs before his as he stayed home from work and shopped for me and drove me to Tigeroo's dr. appt. and was grateful for the inner knowledge that Christ's love is still at work in our marriage.
I spent the previous week frustrated with my son's high energy, and focused on his weaknesses and areas that I felt were lacking and developmentally behind. I've spent this week with new perspective, grateful that my son is still with me, that i have yet another day to treasure him and love this little guy. I've been reminded of the gentle spirit that i don't always take time to see.
And then God reminded me of Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." The trials we went thru this past weekend weren't good in and of themselves. But I'm so grateful for the way God has worked good things in my heart in the midst of the difficulties. And I'm wanting those adversities to become mere shadows, in the light of Jesus himself.
Earth is not my final destination. Should i truly expect my time here on earth to be free of trials? What is my purpose here on earth? Am I living it for my purposes, or am I living my life in response to the one who created me? If i had no adversity here on earth, would i see how i fall short, and how much i need God's grace? would i long to be united with Christ one day? Would i be inspired to share the hope that i have in Christ? Would i experience that everything is rubbish compared to the worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord?
These are my ponderings as I head to bed.
I had to rush ds to the ER with abdominal pain friday nite while we were at bible study. i hate seeing Tigeroo suffer. I got to see the love of my sister in Christ in action, as she dropped everything, took my keys, and drove me to the ER, waiting with me till dh could join me. she kept dd for the night.
DS was in the ER all day saturday, running multiple tests, and i had to watch him in discomfort. He kept saying "i wish i were YOU mommy", and I kept saying "I wish I were You tigeroo, so that I could have that pain for you" I was blessed to have the reminder that Jesus DID put himself in my place, he bore my griefs, carried my sorrows, was wounded for my transgressions, and was crushed for my iniquities.
Hubby and I were both sick that night, and the following day after we got back from the hospital. We laid on the couch commiserating with each other. I'm so glad that we had that time to have compassion on each other. usually when i am well, it's difficult to empathize with my hubby when he is sick and vice versa. I saw dh put my needs before his as he stayed home from work and shopped for me and drove me to Tigeroo's dr. appt. and was grateful for the inner knowledge that Christ's love is still at work in our marriage.
I spent the previous week frustrated with my son's high energy, and focused on his weaknesses and areas that I felt were lacking and developmentally behind. I've spent this week with new perspective, grateful that my son is still with me, that i have yet another day to treasure him and love this little guy. I've been reminded of the gentle spirit that i don't always take time to see.
And then God reminded me of Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." The trials we went thru this past weekend weren't good in and of themselves. But I'm so grateful for the way God has worked good things in my heart in the midst of the difficulties. And I'm wanting those adversities to become mere shadows, in the light of Jesus himself.
Earth is not my final destination. Should i truly expect my time here on earth to be free of trials? What is my purpose here on earth? Am I living it for my purposes, or am I living my life in response to the one who created me? If i had no adversity here on earth, would i see how i fall short, and how much i need God's grace? would i long to be united with Christ one day? Would i be inspired to share the hope that i have in Christ? Would i experience that everything is rubbish compared to the worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord?
These are my ponderings as I head to bed.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
A mother's prayer
O Lord,
I need your help today.
I want to care
for those you've sent into my life,
to help them develop the special gifts
you've given them.
But I also want to free them
to follow their own paths
and to bring their loving wisdom
to the world.
Help me
to embrace them without clutching,
to support them without suffocating,
to correct them without crushing.
And help me
to live joyfully and playfully, myself,
so they can see your life in me
and find their way to you.
Amen.
http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/special/mother.html
I need your help today.
I want to care
for those you've sent into my life,
to help them develop the special gifts
you've given them.
But I also want to free them
to follow their own paths
and to bring their loving wisdom
to the world.
Help me
to embrace them without clutching,
to support them without suffocating,
to correct them without crushing.
And help me
to live joyfully and playfully, myself,
so they can see your life in me
and find their way to you.
Amen.
http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/special/mother.html
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Walk in love
God has really been convicting me lately that He wants me to be a person who loves others, and sees them as his loved creation. I have been convicted for awhile now that I am too focused on task, and it was really apparent to me at work, where i see that my relationships have been suffering with conflict because i am not taking the time to care about people.
My prayer about 3 weeks ago was "help my work to be about people. not tasks. please show me what this means, practically. how to do this. how to live a life of love. how to imitate God in this area." Even though I knew what was wrong, and that God wanted me to love others, I couldn't see HOW to do this! So this weekend at church, I had Kurt pray with me, and I believe it was in response to my seeking Him in this way that He opened my eyes! It's been a work that God is doing in me, but it all came together for me this past weekend.
God showed me that life is not a business contract. i have been operating with people out of necessity, not out of desire. if i go to the store, i would be pleasant, but not pleased to be interacting with other people. they were an means to an end. My experiences in missions and support raising also contributed to viewing people as a resource :( AND God just opened my eyes to show me that my relationship with HIm is not a contract either where i am to be following Him because he is a means to an end.
People are important! God is giving me a new love for people, and helping me to set aside the judgement that i have struggled with for so long, and to embrace people...faults, weaknesses and all.
Jesus didn't just focus on the task of giving his life for us. He could have come, skipped ministering to people, caring about people, loving people, and simply given His life for us. Instead, He did it in love. (Gal. 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who LOVED ME, and gave himself for me.")
Eph. 5:1-2 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. WALK IN LOVE, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
God wants me to love Him, and to love others. to love my neighbor in the same way i myself long to be loved. we are His hands and His feet. He has commanded us to love one another, that our joy may be made complete.
so what does this look like? taking a genuine interest in the people around me. seeing them! making eye contact. asking them about themselves. serving them, loving them in whatever way presents itself. reaching out to others to let them know you care. stopping to talk instead of walking by. believing the best, assuming postive intent instead of jumping to the worst conclusion. giving the benefit of the doubt. walking in grace. reflecting feelings and showing compassion. going out of my way to think of someone and call them to ask if you can meet a need. God did not intend for me to recluse myself in my house with just my family. I can be a catalyst to show them and lead them to learn how to love others. i need to seek for what i can learn from others. I can be open to relationship and to seeing what God will do in our lives corporately. God uses us in each others lives. Perhaps i have not discovered completely who i am, because i have been hiding. it is in relationship that you learn about yourself, that you reveal yourself, that you share who you are.
Lord, i pray that you would help me to continue to grow in this area. I want to love unconditionally and unselfishly. Not holding back in sharing today what i can with others. If you give me opportunity, may i speak of your love and share the hope that i have.
UPDATE 11/14:
I had several connections with people today that i normally don't have. I was able to genuinely pray for and listen to and love D at work re: her situation. i connected more with the moms at MMO and engaged them more in conversation than normal. S bore her heart to me about her situation with her MIL, and we embraced in a hug. I am so amazed at how God is opening doors for me in relationship to those around me. i am not afraid to talk to others. if i am thinking about how i can love and care for someone, then i am not thinking about what they are thinking about me, if that makes sense.
My prayer about 3 weeks ago was "help my work to be about people. not tasks. please show me what this means, practically. how to do this. how to live a life of love. how to imitate God in this area." Even though I knew what was wrong, and that God wanted me to love others, I couldn't see HOW to do this! So this weekend at church, I had Kurt pray with me, and I believe it was in response to my seeking Him in this way that He opened my eyes! It's been a work that God is doing in me, but it all came together for me this past weekend.
God showed me that life is not a business contract. i have been operating with people out of necessity, not out of desire. if i go to the store, i would be pleasant, but not pleased to be interacting with other people. they were an means to an end. My experiences in missions and support raising also contributed to viewing people as a resource :( AND God just opened my eyes to show me that my relationship with HIm is not a contract either where i am to be following Him because he is a means to an end.
People are important! God is giving me a new love for people, and helping me to set aside the judgement that i have struggled with for so long, and to embrace people...faults, weaknesses and all.
Jesus didn't just focus on the task of giving his life for us. He could have come, skipped ministering to people, caring about people, loving people, and simply given His life for us. Instead, He did it in love. (Gal. 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who LOVED ME, and gave himself for me.")
Eph. 5:1-2 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. WALK IN LOVE, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
God wants me to love Him, and to love others. to love my neighbor in the same way i myself long to be loved. we are His hands and His feet. He has commanded us to love one another, that our joy may be made complete.
so what does this look like? taking a genuine interest in the people around me. seeing them! making eye contact. asking them about themselves. serving them, loving them in whatever way presents itself. reaching out to others to let them know you care. stopping to talk instead of walking by. believing the best, assuming postive intent instead of jumping to the worst conclusion. giving the benefit of the doubt. walking in grace. reflecting feelings and showing compassion. going out of my way to think of someone and call them to ask if you can meet a need. God did not intend for me to recluse myself in my house with just my family. I can be a catalyst to show them and lead them to learn how to love others. i need to seek for what i can learn from others. I can be open to relationship and to seeing what God will do in our lives corporately. God uses us in each others lives. Perhaps i have not discovered completely who i am, because i have been hiding. it is in relationship that you learn about yourself, that you reveal yourself, that you share who you are.
Lord, i pray that you would help me to continue to grow in this area. I want to love unconditionally and unselfishly. Not holding back in sharing today what i can with others. If you give me opportunity, may i speak of your love and share the hope that i have.
UPDATE 11/14:
I had several connections with people today that i normally don't have. I was able to genuinely pray for and listen to and love D at work re: her situation. i connected more with the moms at MMO and engaged them more in conversation than normal. S bore her heart to me about her situation with her MIL, and we embraced in a hug. I am so amazed at how God is opening doors for me in relationship to those around me. i am not afraid to talk to others. if i am thinking about how i can love and care for someone, then i am not thinking about what they are thinking about me, if that makes sense.
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