Who is He to You?

As I move slowly but steadily onward this week, I am reminded that "He is my hiding place; he will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.  He will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go; he will counsel and watch over me." Psalm 32: 7,8   Ahhh, songs of deliverance.  I can't begin to count the times I have been in prayer when the Lord brings a song to my mind.  I'm sure you've experienced the same thing.  I love that our Lord tenderly reminds us of his presence through music. There is a passionate connection when we worship our El Roi, our loving God who sees exactly where we are at all times and knows the intimate details of our heart. This vulnerability of my heart before the Lord allows me to change my focus from why, how, and when to who.  Who is my hiding place? Who is my provider?  Who is my help? Who is my morning song? Who is my everything?  Who is my salvation?  Who is my El Shaddai, my Lord Almighty.  There and countless songs that remind me of who God is in my life and for this I rejoice. 

There are ministering angels in our lives disguised as friends.  I am blessed to have many.  This week a very special friend encouraged me with a verse that has been very meaningful to her.  I hope you are blessed by it as well.  It is a little treasure tucked into the end of Habakkuk.  

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.  The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.  

I am happy to report back on several of the prayer requests from last week with positive answers. 

Baby Ella is doing much better this week.  After several uncertain days and unexpected delays, her PICC line was taken out today and they are getting ready to come home.  Thank you Lord for your mighty healing work in this little one's life and for holding the family in the palm of your hand.  Lord we ask you to go above and beyond for this family and abundantly provide financially for them to cover the lost work time. 

Mark got an extension to his unemployment.  Thank you Jesus.  We have two weeks where we will only get half to pay back a weeks payment for the time we were gone but we can live with that.  We are still earnestly seeking the Lord for provision of a job.

The team that went to Joplin arrived home safely and three days early.  They had a very good, productive trip.  They got to meet some of the people who's houses they were helping to clean up and sort through.  Some of the stories from this disaster are both heartbreaking and nothing short of pure miracles at the same time. It reminds me of so many other stories we have heard over the past year or so from Haiti and Japan.  Continue to pray for these people who have lost everything and are starting over.  They are no where near the end of the clean up and the volunteers are decreasing.   Like the Haitians and the Japanese, these people desperately need our prayers. 

The tumor was successfully removed from the brain of baby Reese. She has since had another operation having to do with the shunt in her brain. It wasn't draining properly.  She will continue to be at Children's for the next 6 months for intensive chemo.   Please continue to keep this family and precious little one in your prayers as they face a long, hard road to recovery. 

The next precious little one was due to arrive last week but after having an amnio, they determined that her lungs were not quite ready.  Three older siblings anxiously await tomorrows anticipated arrival. Not to mention mom and dad.   Lord we ask you to be with the Dr.'s as they deliver little Gracie.  Give them wisdom and strength.  Bless the family as they increase tomorrow and keep your mighty hand upon them all.

The move for Theresa and Roy went better than expected which is always a good way to have a move turn out.  They were able to get some what situated and make the rooms feel like home for themselves and the boys.  It is a great house in a nice neighborhood with a perfect yard for two boys to play and grow in.

I continue to press in and press on.  I am grateful this week that I may have discovered one culprit to the stomach issue that is controllable.  We control the ones we can and let go the ones we can't.

He Leads Me Beside Still Waters.

I have recently become acutely aware that at some point in my walk through the valley, while slogging along, dragging my feet from one sludge pot to the next, all the while looking up from whence cometh my help, I had come to a grinding halt.  Not only had I ceased moving forward, it became painfully clear that I have built a little shack with walls of discouragement, a roof of despondence, all held together with self-pity.  I even planted seeds of hope, only to find I was lacking the focus to water them properly with faith.  Oh, I had managed to slog past anxiety and fear thinking they were the biggest, darkest trees in this valley, but had come to a screeching halt in the mud bog of doubt.  I have become aware that I am stagnant in my fight to get out of this valley.  I must admit, I have been wallowing.   Wallowing with intent to press in, but wallowing none the less.

I finally had enough of myself and took a little walk to my prayer closet and threw a little hissy fit at God.  Funny thing is I felt like God was saying "It's about time you release this junk to me.  I wish you would've given it to me weeks ago.  Are you ready to walk in freedom again?"  

Oh how the freedom immediately washes over us when we lay the things that hinder down at the cross.  We weren't meant to shoulder burdens that were already paid for.  We were called to confess them, be forgiven, and abide in his perfect rest.  Sometimes the loving discipline of the rod and staff are truly a  welcomed comfort.
Psalm 23 we can probably all recite it.  These last two weeks I have really been meditating on this chapter.  One thing that has brought me comfort that I haven't noticed before is verse two.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want: He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.   He is purposing to give us rest.  It doesn't say he encourages us to lie down in green pastures, it says he makes us lie down in green pastures and he leads me beside still waters.  and He restores my soul.  He is the one acting on my behalf, I am simply the receiver.  He is so good to his children. 


Prayer Requests

Tuesday, a 9 month old baby girl named Reese, had a brain surgery to remove what they thought to be two tumors.  Once into the surgery, they discovered it was one big one wrapped around her brain and brain stem.  They said the surgery was successful but little Reese will have to stay in Seattle at Children's for an intensive 6 months of chemo.  The family is from Bellingham.  Let's join in continued prayer for recovery and strength for the little one, and endurance and peace for the mom and dad.  The are believers so are leaning on the Lord for their strength. 

Another little punkin, 18 month old Ella, from my church is recovering tonight from an emergency procedure in her throat.  After days of an unexplained fever, they discovered a 3 inch abscess in her throat.  She is recovering at Children's as well.  Pray for strength and peace for mom and especially dad.  He is really having a hard time watching this.  

A friend of Mark's, Chris, is in the hospital and they thought it was an appendicitis but it isn't.  Lord please give the doctors wisdom as the observe him looking for the problem. Allow it to be something that can be quickly remedied.

Our church sent a team of 6 to help out after the storms ravaged Joplin Missouri.  They left to head back home today.  Pray for continued safety for this trip.  Give them renewed energy and allow them some rest and relaxation as they make a stop at Mount Rushmore. Then give them safe travels back to Blaine.

Mark continues to practice his perseverance while waiting on the Lord for a job.  This has been a trying time of waiting and learning to press in and stay pressed in.  We are greeted with yet another opportunity to practice this as we realized that he gets his potential last unemployment check next week.  He may qualify for an extension but we won't know till it runs out.  Lord, meet him where he is. Heal the places that are hurting that only you can see.  Overwhelm his heart with the presence of your Holy Spirit so that he has no other choice than to praise you.

We have four expectant mothers in our church and another friend is expecting.  Pray for continued health for mom and all these precious little lives.  Lord we ask for safe deliveries of healthy babies and quick recovery times for all these mommies.

I would love prayer for strength and endurance as well as health.  I think my body is in a perpetual state of responding to stress that I am continually trying to suppress.  Right now it is showing up in my stomach as ulcers and cramping in my colon. Lovely! 

Praises

Theresa and Roy are moving into a home that the Lord provided for them.  The situation has been in his hands and they are feeling peace about this next step.  I would pray they would continue to rest in the Lord's blessing.

While our family asks for your prayers we also have so much to praise God for.  We are a year into this unemployment season and God has been so faithful and abundantly provided for our family.  We have lacked nothing.  Some months got tight but it has only allowed us to trust him more.  We were even blessed with the opportunity to go to Spokane for a very special wedding and then drive down to Boise for the next few days.  This much needed break allowed us to see a lot of family, some that we haven't seen for a long time.  It was a great time for the kids to see cousins and re-connect.

Of the four expectant mothers in our church, the first one has safely given birth to a little boy earlier today.  Thank you Lord Jesus for little Charlie.

Psalm 23
 The Lord is my Shepard I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  Your prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

No Longer a Captive!

Your planted snuggly in wet concrete with your tennis shoes going no where, feeling completely stuck in your circumstances. Pulling your shoes up feels like they are sucking your legs right back down into a vacuum. It is virtually hopeless right? You may as well give up. Wrong. This is the lie whispered in from the enemy. You may have to get dirty, reach your hand down there, untie the laces, and drag your feet unwillingly from your shoes. It will be exhausting and hard. Yes, you leave the entrapping filthy sneakers behind and start over with new ones. Yes, you get muddy, but that all washes off. Sometimes the things that are binding us to our messes need to be cast off and left behind, for good. When you slough off the dirt clinging to your life, replace it with the truth treasures of God's word. For every anxious worry and fear that keeps your feet rooted in muck and mire, there exists an even stronger seed of truth that can and should be planted and grown in it's place. When you meditate on this truth and nurture it into your life, it will grow to fully replace each and every fear, but this doesn't just happen. We actively participate in the process of digging ourselves out by taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) and purposing to chase off the ones that don't belong with the truth.

I know that many of us have grown up hearing this, but not really understanding what it looks like practically. An example would be when the lie sneaks in and whispers "your going crazy, you can't handle all this, you need to just give up."
The truth says in Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
The lie screams silently throughout your mind "Things are bad, why is this happening? I should really be worried about this, in fact, I'm afraid!"
The truth in Philippians 4:6-7 refutes by saying "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
So what do I replace the negative thoughts with? Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, 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."
Did you catch the action part of that incredible phrase? The peace of God, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. When we go to him in prayer, with our petitions and offering thanksgiving, it is his peace that will be actively guarding or our hearts and minds. This is a treasure to me when I feel overwhelmed at the prospect of trying to protect my searching heart and wandering mind.

Requests

My aunt Kathy had back surgery yesterday, (I thought it was today and got this out a day late) after being told that they couldn't fix the fusions. Praise God that after years of seeking the Lord, he has heard and lead her to this new Dr. who can indeed perform the surgery that she needs. Lord we ask that you give her peace as she had pre-op this last week and surgery yesterday. It is all happening very quickly. Having had a similar surgery, she knows what recovery will be like and it is a daunting journey she faces, yet with God at her side and the power of a praying people she will walk this path in victory.

Several families and friends that we know have been sick for suck a long time. It has got to be wearing them out both physically as well as emotionally. It sends me back to those days of when I had smaller children and we had roto virus plague our home for 6 weeks! Have mercy Lord on these families and touch their homes with your mighty hand.

The little baby from our home group is sick again with similar symptoms to his last illness (RSV). Mom is worn thin and dad is coming down with something himself. Lord cover this home. Protect this family. Please give them perfect rest in you. Allow them to rest and recover under the shadow of your wings. Be their strong tower.

Another sweet friend is experiencing some anxiety and depression. Lord I pray you would direct them to the scriptures they need to find strength and truth in you. Shower them with your presence and be their Almighty God.

Mark received a call tonight for a job. He goes Saturday for a 4 hour test at 7:30 am. This could be a really good job for him if it is the one the Lord has in mind. Pray that God's peace would be upon him as he goes for the testing. Give Mark the continued assurance that you are in control and if this is the job, the testing will go fine.

Praises

A possible job opportunity has presented itself to a friend. Give wisdom and clarity as this process begins.

I continue to rejoice when I read Stephanie's blog and Cyrus's. Both are moving forward, cancer free and giving all glory and honor to Jesus Christ. I am encouraged and strengthened when I read how Stephanie is choosing to keep cancer as a part of who she is rather than turning and running for the hills. (This might be my first choice) She wants to be able to minister to others who find themselves in this battle. God thank you for giving her a servants heart to minister to others hurting. Allow her to have opportunities to share your goodness and faithfulness to others in need.

I Lift My Eyes Up....

I have been feeling a little bit stuck in the pit this last month. Work this time of year is demanding and yet the pockets remain empty. The skies are still dark and dreary and not with snow. The garden is still muddy, mossy, and empty. My eyes are heavy with tears that won't fall, my heart is laden with burdens I can't share and hope feels distant. I'm tired, but not sleeping, surrounded by people yet feeling alone, busy but getting nothing done. Ever had one of those days or weeks? Have you found yourself sitting on the couch, with your second cup of coffee wondering what's next? Good news is, your not alone. The even better news is "This too shall pass."

I was wandering around the yard today, looking at all the work to be done to get these grounds ready for a proper spring entrance. I noticed a lot of last falls splendor laying in mud and leaves. I saw weeds that had survived and seemed to be getting a fresh dose of life from this bleak and bleary weather. But, I also saw new life. Small shoots of spring bulbs are beginning to make their way up. The garlic has found it's way up and out as well. The strawberries have found friends, and even the rose bushes and the fruit trees are beginning to whisper of hope.

"I lift my eyes up, unto the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from you, the maker of heaven, creator of the earth.

Oh how I need you Lord, you are my only hope, you are my only prayer.

So I will wait for you, to come and rescue me, to come and give me life."

I love the lyrics from the song "I Lift My Eyes Up" by Kutless. He is our only hope and our only prayer. Meditate on Him today. Spend some time in His word asking him to restore your hope. He will cause he is good all the time.

Prayer Requests:

Mark is coming down from his amazing trip to Haiti and is still on the hunt for the elusive job. We know God is sovereign and this knowledge helps, but the waiting can still be difficult. We ask that you reveal yourself in this growing time. Thank you that we don't walk this road alone. He has had a couple of interviews this week that have gone well, but I don't think he feels like this is the right move for him or for our family. So we will stay pressed in and keep our ears open for his leading.

Cari - Her sister sent in a prayer request for a friend in need. Another 30 year old man recently diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer. He has had some treatment in West Palm Beach which is being discontinued. The family is moving him up to Boston, MA for some more drastic treatments. Let's join again in asking God to really show up in this young man's life. Speak to his pain Lord, comfort and strengthen the friends and family who are rallying around him. Be Lord of all things in his life.



Theresa and Roy - They continue on in this season of waiting on the Lord. We continue to ask for a buyer for their house. They are really stuck there until something moves. In the midst of this uncertain time, you have brought rich blessings to this family. Lord, we ask that you continue to show your favor and bring that one person they need.



A newborn baby has been sick lately with severe enough colds to be hospitalized. The family has also been sick which isn't helping the baby get well. Lord we pray for protection for this little one. We ask you to put a hedge of protection around this little life and allow him to get healthier and stronger.


I have had some of my goofy symptoms pop up here and there over the last few weeks. I recognize that some of them are from stress and anxiety. It has not taken over completely. It does leave me feeling like I have little left to offer my own family. Lord would you reveal yourself as Yahweh Rophe, the Lord who heals, and not just body, but mind and soul as well.

Praises:

I was reading through Stephanies posts earlier this week. Wow! She sounds so much better. She is getting stronger. Slowly but steadily. God has brought her from the valley into a place of new life. Enjoying simple pleasures is the delight of her heart. Being able to care for her children, pursue physical strength, worship with enthusiasm and life, and just enjoy living again are the blessings she is being showered with. She still walks in the power of the Holy Spirit and has a testimony to share with so many around her of God's faithfulness during the darkest of days.

Our amazing HomeGroup grew and grew to the point of needing to plant a new one. And plant we did. Our new group met last week with new faces and we had a wonderful time of fellowship. The other "new" group meets tonight. I pray God would bless their time as well. and that He would bless both groups as they continue to pursue your truth.

Hear my cry, O God:

listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,

I call as my heart grows faint:

lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

Psalm 61:1-3

Safely on Haitian Soil!

Today brings good news of already answered prayers. The team is safely on the ground in Haiti. Praise the Lord!

The kids and I took the 4 o'clock prayer time this afternoon and sat by the lighted tree, with our bibles and prayed for each team member from our church. Most of you know my kids, so I wanted to share with you how this time went and what I noticed from it.

I am familiar with group prayer and really enjoy it. I get really fired up to join fellow believers in praying spiritual warfare and covering. When you pray in unity with a brother or sister, and God confirms something in both of your hearts, this is really an encouragement. It is things like this in the past that have really bolstered my faith. Going into an hour of prayer with the kids, I think I had a slightly lower expectation. I was really just hoping they would make it through an hour of focused prayer time. Well was that ever a mistake and a humbling one at that. They were all joined in heart and spirit and practicing Ephesians. 6:18 "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." What a blessed time of prayer we had. Their young hearts were in tune to the details and I was blessed at the spiritual maturity they demonstrated. I look forward to more opportunities to enjoy this time with the kids this week.

Tomorrows agenda:
The PAP team is heading to the remote village of Forets-des-Pints. Pray that the set up and administration of the medical clinic would go smoothly. Pray that God would bless the children's evangelistic outreach. The Leogane team will be volunteering at a children's home and doing service projects for the local church - mainly clearing away rubble at house sites. Leogane was the epicenter of the Jan. 2010 earthquake and an estimated 90% of the buildings were destroyed. Pray that the God of Hope would encourage the hearts of those who have endured so much loss and experienced so much devastation.

God we ask that you would give the teams strength for the days tasks. We ask that you would protect their hearts and minds from the things they may see and experience. Allow them to see the need and respond as is appropriate.

Ryoichi, as of Monday evening is in Ft. Lauderdale and will be flying out very early in the morning to join them. Pray that his flight goes well and that the pick up transportation goes smoothly also.

Travel Day

They left bright and early yesterday morning from Seattle to arrive in Chicago. From Chicago they flew into Ft. Lauderdale. The flight from Chicago to Ft. Lauderdale was a bit more interesting. They had someone pass out and someone get sick. Yikes! After making a safe albeit turbulent landing they arrived and made it to their hotel. They were hoping to get a good night sleep. They had to arrive at the airport at 5am this morning and will arrive in Haiti around 9am. The last word I heard was that the plane was taking off for Port Au Prince at 6:45 FL time.



We received an itinerary and prayer calendar from the Alabama team and I will be sharing it with you as well as any updates I may receive. We aren't to certain if there will be any or not.



Day one: The prayer is that the team would adjust quickly to the climate and surroundings and be able to hit the ground running. They will divide into the two separate teams and go in two different directions. Pray that the team as a whole would bond well in order to accomplish the will of God. They will be getting settled in and preparing for their outreaches the next day.

Please specifically keep Peter Smith in your prayers. As you may or may not know he broke his collar bone last week so he went with an injury. It won't prevent him from doing his job but pray that it heals quickly and properly.

Our church has also organized an around the clock prayer watch from 7 am our time til next Monday when the leave Haiti. Feel free to pick an hour or two and join in this constant covering.

They're Off!

It is Saturday evening and the team is officially on their way to Haiti. They will stay in Seattle tonight so that they can be at the airport tomorrow morning at 6am. From there they fly to Chicago, then Ft Lauderdale, and finally Port Au Prince, Haiti. All 6 six team members plus Ryoichi, our pastor, leave feeling the peace of God on this calling and with their families support. Our family spent time together praying over Mark before he left as I am sure the other families did too. But I would like to challenge us all to not let it stop there. They are underway now and in the hands of God we know, but our job continues. Yes the busy preparations are completed, the shots, the packing but this is where our job really picks up. It's time for the prayer warriors to be on their knees. Let's continue together to keep these 7 from our church and 24 from Alabama in our prayers. Let's be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and be ready to pray in the spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. Our mobilized team needs pray support from the home team. So while we are all enjoying this blessed time of year and celebrating the birth of our savior, lets remember to pray for thier safety, that they bond as a team, their assignments, and the hearts of the people our team will come in contact with, that their hearts would be soft to the voice of Jesus. Please keep the spouses and families in yours prayers as well. I will post updates as I get them.

Merry Christmas and God bless you.

Jesus, Hope in the Darkness.

What do we do when we find ourselves in what feels like the deepest, dankest hole we have ever existed in only to discover that the walls just grew colder and harder, and the inky blackness somehow became darker and the fowl stench of doubt swirled around, stinging your nose. The darkness seems to be swallowing you alive and you find you are frozen, unable to call out for help, unable to breathe for fear of inhaling the blackness. If you could signal someone and let them know your dire circumstances, would you or would the possibility of ridicule and chastisement hold you captive in silence as you continue to slip into the depths of despair? Is God aware of this sinister dwelling you find yourself in? Does he know the fathoms of the pain, fear, and doubt you are fighting to survive through? Why has he abandon you to wade through this muck and meir without hope? Or has he?
It was to a young unwed mom, in a smelly vile hospital room, that we wouldn't even consider, that He chose to not only be there for her but to Be there for all of us. He came into our world to be hunted, persecuted, spat upon and mocked so that we could have the joy of our salvation made known to us. He came so that we may have life and life more abundantly, He died that we might live, and He rose leaving the Holy Spirit as a gift to journey with us each day on an intimate level that we couldn't have know before. He gives us friends to remind us what we already know, to whisper His words and comforts into our hearts that we may be encouraged. He allows them to bring His words of scripture back to our hearts as a healing balm when we haven't the strength to recall them ourselves and in His perfect timing, He moves us forward to uphold others.


It is one of those times when we are called upon to encourage and fight for a precious sister in Christ. Stephanie - the dear young mother of three that we have been praying for, desperately needs us to lift her up right now! She is feeling the weight of bitterness and despairing creeping in upon her. She has 4 weeks left of her second round of chemo and then radiation begins again. Her Thanksgiving felt empty and void of anything warranting thanksgiving. She is stuck in the pit, drowning in sorrow and fear, and feeling quite abandon by her God. Join with me in praying this enemy of darkness would be vanquished in Jesus name, and that the God of Light in the darkness would shine upon her face. God we ask that you would meet Stephanie in this cavern where she needs you most. Let your perfect peace wash over her like a warm summer wind. Friends, would you please stop now before you even read on and hold Stephanie up before the one who breathes life. Cry out to our Father on her behalf, that He may hear the cries of gathered saints and move swiftly to her aid.


Mark - He has been sick this past week. A bad cough and cold are keeping him down. Anyone who knows Mark, knows this is rare. He usually just plows through. He continues the search for work along with countless others. We are feeling as though God is holding off until after the trip to Haiti. We are trusting him each week for provision and he has been faithful. I would ask for your prayers for Mark's health as he prepares for this trip and I believe life changing experience. God would you bring rest and health to Mark's body. Give him strength now so his body will by strong and able when he goes to another country plagued with sickness.


Myself - I visited the doctor this week with some stomach and side pains. As it turns out, it looks like I may have ulcers and something else going on. Nothing he was overly alarmed about but bothersome and painful nonetheless. I ask for your prayers that God would reach down his hand of healing and touch my body. I desire to be strong for my family while Mark is preparing and away. I want to be able to take care of my kids and our home as well as others who need it.

Another dear one has had a miss-carriage. She loves the Lord and is pressing in but it is still painful to loose a life you already loved. God we pray you would fill this void in her heart with your love and compassion. Bring healing to the hurting family as well Lord.


Pray for Deb, Lisel, Dustin, Shon, Peter, and Mark as they prepare to fly down to Haiti to follow the leading of their heavenly father and bring hope and light to a dark and hurting people. Lord keep them all healthy and strong and give them protection, purpose and direction while they are away. Be with all the families that stay home. Cause us to remember to pray for both this hurting and lost country and it's people as we pray for our loved ones.


Praise


Kristy had a beautiful, healthy, baby boy. He came into this world last week, November 26 around 7 am. What a precious addition to this sweet family. I pray God would bless you all as you begin a whole new chapter of life with this little guy.



Theresa's baby boy Lukas is doing so much better now, eating, gaining, and getting cuter all the time. Pray for them as her husband has taken an additional job for a short time. This leaves her home alone with two small guys. Lord give her strength for each day, one day at a time. Also Lord, give them specific direction with regards to their house and decisions to make. Make the path abundantly clear and allow the choice to bring a wave of peace.

We are praising God for specifically answering prayer! Mark will be without any unemployment for the two weeks he is in Haiti and upon realizing this we began to pray. Four weeks before the need, God allowed provision in an unexpected way. Thank you for listening to God's voice in this and may He bless you abundantly more than you could even imagine. I pray your barns would overflow with blessings as you trust in the Lord.

Stephanie, this one is for you!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Praying for MIRACLES?

Do You Have Faith to Pray for Miracles for Yourself or Your Own Loved Ones?

It was with great joy and bolstering of faith that I reported to you last week about Cyrus. and life kept going. Tristan began to experience some higher than safe blood sugars without any known cause. We called his Dr. and made some adjustments to his pump and it helped a bit for a day. Then back up into the 300's he climbed. "Drink lots of water, go for a jog, add a little insulin." I would suggest. I did mom. It's not working. "Is the pump working?" Yes. It went from 355 to 328. That isn't really all that good. No key tones. "Well it's prayer at church tonight and bible study. We will ask them to pray for you. And tomorrow is Home Group. We know they will pray for you."

They crept higher. We overshot and dropped him like a rock. They crept back up and we did the same thing. Tired, frustrated, exhausted, he climbs into bed, down from previous numbers, a new pump inset in place, and hope worn thin.

Home Group night at last. Let's pray for him as a group. Better yet, they suggest. Let's put him in the "Hot" seat. This is an affectionate term for being placed in the vulnerable position to sit out in front of the group so they can come lay hands on and pray for you specifically. We begin to pray for complete healing and restoration of his pancreas or better yet, that God would just give him a new one. I believe with all my heart God is capable of this miracle and in fact this would be small beans for Him who sits on the throne. So... when and why did I stop praying this for my son? Do I think my family is less important to God to trust him with my pleas? Cyrus, with terminal cancer prayed in faith with nothing to loose and everything to gain. The woman in the bible who touched the hem of His garment and was healed, reached out with nothing to loose and everything to gain. I have that kind of faith for others. Am I afraid of how I will feel if He chooses not to heal him. Am I afraid of what others will think if God doesn't "come through" for Tristan? Am I afraid to be disappointed by a "NO"? Will it hurt to see my son realize that God said no or not now to him? Why not for my own son?


God forgive my unbelief as I join in fervent prayer for the total healing of my son. You know this is the desire of both his and my heart so we ask for a miracle for Tristan.

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

As amazing as the miracles of the bible seem, have you ever just stopped and tried to physically insert yourself into those scenes? Have you imagined yourself in the crowd when Lazarus came walking forth from the grave, still wearing his grave clothes? Once the fear, wonder, and aroma passed, what would your mind register after witnessing this miracle? Would you have words? Could you even manage a cohesive thought? What unspeakable joys might your heart have felt to be a friend of the woman who had bled for years, only to have her come to your home one day barely able to speak as she shares with you the news. "Finally! It's over!" Just think, this is not a man decked out in a black suit with tails, a red cravat, and cameras walking around doing street magic. This is a simple carpenter, sent here to bring an eternal miracle to you and me. We don't have to have tickets to see these "magic" shows. He brings his miracles to testify to the glory and majesty of His dad. And get this... we can call him friend, Abba, or savior if we choose to.


I write to you today, feeling like I am reporting on a miracle of New Testament proportions. I received an update on someone we have all been praying for, Cyrus. Just in case you are unfamiliar, I will explain. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor much earlier this year. They operated and were only able to remove so much. They said it was rapid growing and that ultimately it would win, in at best 5 years. We have been praying and journeying with them through this valley of the shadow of death. My spirit rejoices to report to you that he, Cyrus, just this last week stepped out of the valley. He received word from his physician that not only is this tumor not going to end his life early, it isn't going to end it at all because Praise be to God on high, the cancer is GONE! He is completely cancer free. I can only imagine how far reaching the tentacles of this miracle will be. He is good, all the time! To quote his wife "the only thing left to prove he had brain cancer is the hole in his head where the tumor once resided and the scar and lack of hair on his head." The family is asking for God to be moving in the lives of all the Dr.s involved. By name they are Dr. Manning, Dr. Smith, Dr. Han, and Dr. Zucherman. Let's continue to pray for the family and thank God for what he has done and ask God to continue to use them in this for His Glory.
To read more on this miracle for yourself, go to cyrusmccrory.blogspot.com


We need to keep Stephanie in our prayers. She is still fighting her fight in a second round of chemo. She has been sick and is feeling so very week. Lord I pray that your joy would be her strength. That even in this pit of despair, her joy filled heart would be good medicine to her spirit and her body. Be ever present with her.

An Elder and a friend from our church has been in the hospital with pneumonia. It has been a real bugger for him to shake, but he was finally able to come home. God as he comes home and continues to recover, we ask that you would use this time to give him your perfect rest. Let him rest soundly in you. Allow him to feel the blessing of the body of Christ through out the next weeks, as he has blessed so many others through out the years.


Psalm 89:1 I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make our faithfulness known through all generations.

Little One's

After being asked "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven ?" Jesus responded this way.

Matthew 18:2-6 He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Childlike humility and faith are unlike the faith you and I share. They have not yet been clouded with doubt, despair, corruption and unbelief.

There is nothing like the feel of a newborns skin to bring out that deep sigh from within. To touch something so new and perfect is a sensation like no other. Looking into eyes that have not yet experienced the pain of seeing a loved one die or the violence of the streets. Holding a tiny hand that hasn't walked someone to their grave. Feeling the strong beat of a heart that has not know heart ache. Caressing precious bitty ears that haven't heard the harsh words of anger, slander or lies. To see life in it's most perfect beginning, grabbing hold of each new breath in order to grow and become what God has pre-determined.

Take the extra time to hold a newborn baby or small child on your lap. Bathe in the beauty of their innocence and purity and ask God to restore unto you, the Joy of your salvation. And always remember to pray for these little one's who are so precious to God. Whether you are a parent, grandparent or great grandparent, friend, aunt or uncle, youth pastor or Sunday school teacher you undoubtedly know children you can pray for.

The requests I received this last week were delayed in being posted as I attended the memorial service for my sisters best friend, at only 23 years old. Oddly enough most of the requests are for children. So without out further delay...

Please lift up Zac, an 11 year old boy in North Carolina. He was in a small little accident like all kids where he scraped his skin. It was nothing mom couldn't handle with a little neosporin and hydrogen peroxide. Until 15 mins later he had a severe reaction and they discovered by the grace of God that he had some serious issues inside his body. First thank God for allowing this accident in order to discover the larger issues. God's timing is always perfect. Secondly, thank the Lord that this family is leaning on the strong shoulder of their Lord and Savior Jesus for strength at this time. Finally, lift up this little guys physical body to our God who holds this precious boy in his grasp. We are asking for a physical healing of his body Lord for your eternal Glory.

Evan - a 12 year old in Arizona - This poor young one was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and Lymphoma. Father God again we cry out to you for the life of this child. Touch his body, hold this family firmly in your grasp and walk them through this horrible experience and bring them out to testify of your goodness.

Some friends are in Colorado for the next two weeks for some training for the mission field. Their three boys, ages 5 and under, are with them and will be in day long child care. While it is a blessing that this care is provided, it will be the first time for these boys to be in childcare with complete strangers for full days, for two weeks. This is really burdening "moms" heart. Pray that God would bring her peace about this next two weeks and allow her to fully focus on the training and what He has for her there. I ask that you allow the kids to find friends and really enjoy this time and thrive in the situation with loving caregivers. Bring them home encouraged and feeling confident in your calling to the specific group of people you would have them ministering to.

My sister in law had her son. Lukas Asher Adams. Pray for healthy growth for this little guy. He seems to have his days and nights mixed up so Lord we ask that this would quickly get turned around so both mom and dad would get well rested. Thank you for this little life.

On the same day as this birth my sisters friend died. I would covet your prayers for her broken heart as well as the parents and sisters to this young life cut short.

Prayer Requests

It is late and I wasn't planning this one but it is necessary.

I was enjoying some family time with the kids tonight and missed a message from my sis. A dear childhood friend of hers passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. She was around 23 years old. Please join with me in prayer for the family of the girl. What a tragic loss. Please pray for my sis, Ashley, as she has to go and say goodbye to this dear friend. Lord give her peace in this storm. Comfort her heart.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, I would ask for prayers for my sister-in-law who goes in at 5:30 for a c-section. Pray that it goes without complication and that Lukas would arrive safe and sound tomorrow around 7 ish. I pray this would be a blessed time for the family.

Thank you for your faithful prayers for each other, for fellow believers, and for friends and family. What a gift that we can go confidently before the King and know he not only hears but cares about our lives and our concerns.

Pure Faith

I was lucky enough to overhear a quick little conversation between Payton and her best friend. They weren't paying attention to anything or anyone around them. They were in the moment of being together and being friends. A simple pure comment stood out. It was said in matter of fact faith. "We are going to be best friends forever and when we are in heaven too." This wasn't a question or a goal it was a statement of fact. Of faith. You need to understand one more thing about these two little girls when they are together. Their exuberance for just being is explosive, like a Romanian Poppy. These flowers look like they just couldn't wait to burst open and declare the glory of the Lord. A giant percussion of petals and color. This is Payton and her little friend.






Observing this little moment caused me to question my passion for pure faith. Do I explode with hope for the friendships I will still have in heaven? Do I exude pure joy about the prospect of heaven at all? or do I, in uncertainty, sit back and hope the conversation moves to something I can grasp a little bit more tangibly like the evidence of Christ in my life. Sadly, I have to confess that this is something I struggle with but am leaning on my patient savior to work this unknown out in my heart. How about you? Is there an area of your life where you could use a bit more of this pure childlike faith?




Requests



There are several people recovering from major surgeries. Let's keep each of them in our prayers this week.


Stephanie - mastectomy
Vonnie - mastectomy
Kellie - mouth cancer
Shirley - gall bladder



A young man with young son is really making poor choices. He has given his heart to the Lord, said he wants to walk a new life and yet is being constantly pulled back down the old roads. Let's just pray the Lord would rock him to his core and show himself as the only true source of life and all he needs to really live.



A sweet young friend is having tummy troubles. She has had and is having lots of test to determine the causes but they have come up with nothing yet. She has a upper GI x-ray tomorrow morning. Let us pray God reveals the problem area to the Dr.'s and they are able to help this young thing live a long and healthy life without these problems.



Theresa - She is to be induced next week to have their second little guy, and my precious nephew, Lukas. God hold this family in the palm of your hand and make it a beautiful and uneventful delivery that they can remember with joy and not fear. Thank you for a healthy life for Levi now. We praise you for this sweet and joyful little guy.



They are also waiting to hear some decisions from the bank on their property. Lord just continue to direct the timing of this whole process so that it perfectly coincides with your plan for their future.

A son who has walked away from the Lord needs to come home. God guide him and his wife back to you. Lovingly bring them back to your heart and first love.

Kristy - She is having health problems that are effecting her pregnancy, namely asthma and gestational diabetes. Lord I pray that you would breathe your perfect breath of life into Kristy's lungs and remove the asthma so the medicines are no longer a problem which will allow the diabetes numbers to come back down and stay manageable. I ask too that after this little guy is born her pancreas would begin to work properly again so that she doesn't have to fuss with the diabetes. We know you are holding both of these dear ones in your very hand, allow them all to feel your presence as they press on to the time of this delivery. Please keep this baby boy a deliverable size.

I received a request for a "friend" who has to remain anonymous for security reasons. He his a missionary and is heading to Columbia for U.N. business. He works for the International Atomic Energy Agency of the U.N. He is being targeted by local drug cartels. They believe he has intellectual capital that could be sold or that his computer has information that could be taken and sold. His safety is in jeopardy. Lord God surround this friend with your Shekinah glory. Protect super naturally and allow your will to be carried out.

Doug and Jan are missionaries in Eastern Europe with Child Evangelism Fellowship. Their Austrian visas of 20 years have been unexpectedly and inexplicably revoked. Let's ask God to intervene and push their visas through so they can continue their work for God in the school in Vienna.

PRAISES

While Stephanie is still in the healing phase, she has received a very favorable report from the Dr.'s that the cancer is 95% gone from the tissue that they had removed, so with all the tissue having been removed, she should be completely cancer free. Her body responded well to the chemo and radiation treatments. Praise God for this miracle. Let's keep her tender heart and emotions in our prayers as she begins to adjust to her new body. Give her complete confidence in who she is in Christ ALONE!

Mark had two really good interviews this week. One job in particular would be really great. Lets pray as my friend prayed, that Mark's name would rise favorably to the top of the list if this is to be his next season of employment.

We continue to thank God for his provision for our family. It is amazing how much he loves us. He provides even little things that might seem like splurges at the moment. Yet God has seen fit to give us these little gifts along this weird rode. Thank you Lord for seeing our family and actively blessing us.

The Urgent Call!

In a recent conversation with a sister in the Lord, she expressed a feeling of urgency prompted by the Lord. Upon further discussion, I began to gather the reason for the urgency was an unknown, and yet it was there all the same. The unknown reason was causing her to pause over the validity of the feeling.
Later on in my own prayer time, as I prayed over and pondered this, it caused me to question my own response to recent urgings from the Lord, one specifically being prayer. When He is asking me to respond to a matter urgently, am I? or do I wait til I feel rested and ready or worse yet, until it is more convenient for my schedule? Do I miss out on growth opportunities because I fear this unknown call to urgency?
Am I disciplined in my prayer life to the point that fear does not win out over the voice of God? Further more, do I pray like I believe God can and does answer? or

is it simply a well formed habit of a "christian" that I follow?

Requests-

Stephanie - for those of you who have been following Stephanies pray request, this is a biggie, she has her double mastectomy surgery today. Pray that it goes well and that all the cancer is GONE! We ask you Lord to give wisdom and steadiness to the doctors and peace to the entire family. Thank you Lord for your presence in this family and for the encouragement of an entire church community.

My aunt - She has an appointment with her Dr's today for two major things. 1. to determine the need for surgery on her knee. (She had a fall a while back) 2. the Dr's are quite sure she has thyroid cancer but the only way to determine this accurately is to operate, remove it and then biopsy it. She is asking for wisdom in these two big choices. She doesn't do surgery well, meaning her body responds poorly to anesthesia, both going under and coming back out. Lord, we just ask you to impart total clarity of mind to her as she listens to there advise and then seeks your will for her future. We know she is trusting you for each day given and has rock solid faith, so Lord show up to her in this as tangibly as you have so many other times.

Mark, Cory, Brian, Dustin - among the many in our country who find themselves unemployed are these4 dear brothers. God you have provided miraculously so far and we are confident you will continue to do so in the future. Please be preparing these men for their next jobs. Allow them to stay in their communities if it is in your will and give them clear vision if you are calling them to move with their families.

Sue - This is both a praise and a request. They received an offer on her mothers' house right away and have accepted it. In this market, as we all know, this is a huge blessing. Now they are just waiting for the inspection and this is the request. That it would go well. We ask that you direct the inspector to anything that may be unsafe for someone ,but that they would not nit pick the little things. It would also be great if the house could close before her newest grandson is expected to be born, Oct. 15th.
and.......
Theresa - The precious mother of this newest grandson will be doing the delivering of said grandson. Lord we pray that his arrival is a safe and healthy one. We ask you to remove any lingering fear Theresa may have and replace it with confidence in you and strength. Give her rest these last few weeks so she can enjoy this special time of new life. Bless their home and family and all who will be entering it.

me - I have felt a bit behind the game this September. I feel like I have been playing catch up with work, home, finances, friends, family, everything and I hate that feeling. Allow me to stop and wait upon you so that my strength may be renewed. Help me to prioritize based on your calling for my life in this season. Help me to be joyful in each job opportunity that is provided right now to help our family. Keep our home open to others so that we can keep giving of what we have so abundantly been blessed with. I ask that you keep me humble and accountable Lord.

Mark - He has decided after prayer to apply to go on our churches mission trip to Haiti. This will be in late December and January. Pray that if he is supposed to go, God will make it clear, his shots will be taken care of and his role on this trip will be clear.

Teresa, Kevin, and Vivian - Thier father was taken to the hospital yesterday with some unclear issues. They don't seem to be serious. They did discover pneumonia. The plan was to send him home. Lord we just ask that you be with him. Touch his body and heal the pneumonia and bring his blood sugars to a good stable level that is comfortable for him to live with. Give peace, strength, and endurance to the family as the take extra good care of him right now.

a brother of a friend needs to be making good choices for his life and his child. He needs to be constantly pressing in to hear the voice of the Lord and head the calling for the direction of his life. He needs to step up and out in faith and start living a responsible life. Lord convict this heart in love and draw it unto yourself with a sense of passion and urgency for these choices.

Pray for our church as we begin to look seriously at our property and what God is calling us to do with it. Let us join together to pray earnestly seeking his desire and then be still and listen as he shows us the way. I think this is becoming a more important issue as we begin this time of serious prayer for our city. We should be praying expecting God to move in the hearts of the people in our community. This will mean bringing in the harvest of new and returning believers to the church bodies. I fervently ask Lord, that you be preparing our hearts as the church to grow and reach out with one hand reaching down and one reaching up (thanks Justin). We ask that you increase our flock not for the sake of numbers but for the eternal purpose of Heaven.

One of my kids friends needs a heart touch from God. Lord you know the circumstances and the specific issue so I ask you to speak directly to it.

Praise Reports-

We have several praise reports as a family. God continues to show favor on us with blessing after blessing. As a family we are strong right now because we have had to band together and friends, it is good. The kids have pitched in to help with a new job opportunity we have. We are cutting back on things around the house and life is still busy but simpler.

Personally, my health is in a good place. My nerve issue is very manageable to the point that Mark and I have begun a consistent exercise time together. This has allowed me to sleep better and God has given my strength and is teaching me to have pure faith. Growing pains suck when your experiencing them but looking back it is so good to have gone through it.

The men's bible study is getting off the ground tonight. God meet them there, challenge them, grow them up, light the fire in them to become the warriors of God you want them to be. Call up these men Lord and bring them to the banqueting table. Let them feast on the very word of God and come home full and overflowing.

This week I am happy to report on so many situations that have clearly had a touch from our Almighty God.



Colby - The young man in the motorcycle accident is not only out of the hospital but is at home and doing quite well. This simply put is nothing short of a miracle. God is supernaturally allowing and willing this man's body to heal as if to say, " Not yet kid. I have way to much planned for your future, but first I need you to heal up and show my goodness to all that are watching."



Theresa and Roy - They have gotten an offer on their house. Lord we pray the bank would accept this offer and move it along at such a pace that would allow Theresa and Roy to make other arrangements, be moved and settled either well before or safely after Lukas's arrival. We also ask that your hand would be on the delivery of their little Lukas Asher which is quickly approaching.

Kelli - A gal is fighting cancer of the mouth. The prognosis is good but Lord we ask that you make it GREAT! Let those around her see that she is walking this road hand in hand with her savior.

Mark, Dustin, Cory - All three men are still waiting on the Lord for provision of a job. All have seen God provide for daily needs and beyond and are trusting in his timing. Bless these men in this time of being a part of the stay home family units. I know that Mark being around has been different at times than we are used to but oh so amazing in so many ways. I have seen Mark step up around the house with everything including school. (he makes a great teacher by the way) He has pressed into God by saturating his mind and heart with the Word of God. He is truly rested, which is something I haven't seen in years. He is very aware of the provision of our Jehovah and I believe he is truly resting in it. So while this time is a gift and we are enjoying it ( strangely more now than at the beginning) we continue to seek God for work locally.

A young man has recently become a full time father which is a huge blessing but also a huge change. Pray that God would walk this road with him, step by step, gently teaching and instructing him in the way he should be guiding and parenting his young child.

A friend's grown son is still walking the wider, easier to see path but recently experienced in his life a situation that I pray God would use to draw his eyes, mind, and heart back to himself. The head knowledge is there but Lord God we want this heart to be sold out for you. We ask for a miraculous change.

A prayer walk is being coordinated for the city of Blaine, WA. We are praying to see 1,000 people involved in walking and praying through the city, around the schools, and up and down the streets of Blaine. Lord we want to see you wake up this town. We want to see healing and young lives changed. We ask that you break bonds of addiction and abuse. Free people from bonds of confining sins. Loose your Holy Spirit in the hearts of the Christians of Blaine. Increase our faith to trust you for revival. Give us "Faith Like Potatoes."

I Surrender All.

God is good, and unlike our weather here in the Pacific Northwest, He is unchanging. He lives in us and loves through us when we allow him full access to our lives. This is what surrender looks like. Allowing our Father God to prompt us through the Holy Spirit to do or say things that may not fit our own agendas. It may come with a very high price tag. It may cost your physical being, financial assets, mental faculties, or even your precious family. Are you truly willing to carry this cross? Am I willing to shoulder this burden of surrender? Can I even handle it? No! On my own, the plain and simple truth is no. But as I fall to my knees under the weight of my cross, it is here in this place I will meet my sweet savior as he waits patiently to hoist this burden off my back and onto his own, if I will but surrender my will to his. On my knees in the muck, bloody and bruised, face and hands raised high, I cry out and begin to experience true freedom.

Amazing praise report from the precious woman with the neck cancer. Not only is she on the mend, she is healing unexpectedly fast. She is able to put a scarf around her neck and venture out of her home. Praise you father God! Continue to work healing in her entire body ensuring this cancer will be gone for good. We give you all glory!

We have a working oven. And let me tell you it has been working. We all love to cook around here and this is the best time of year to be baking and so we are. Thank you God for the provision of an oven.

A friend who had a difficult time getting pregnant and has lost many babies, has given birth to a healthy baby boy. Both mom and son are doing great. Thank you God for blessing this family with new life.

Requests:

My friends oldest son was hit by a car while on his motor cycle. He was airlifted to Harbor view where he has had several surgeries to repair legs, knees, ankles, internal injuries, and to rule out other internal injuries. Praise God he was recently taken off the ventilator and can speak to his family. He has a long road of recovery ahead. He will be in the hospital for a few more weeks, and then in a full time nurse care facility for a few months during rehab. How difficult to see your child have to go through this. Pray for calm in the midst of the storm. Pray that God's presence would be felt in very tangible ways for them. We ask Lord that you would be in each detail of each day including placing just the right staff of care givers in place. Thank you for protecting his life. Now Lord stand guard over it for your glory in this young man's future.

A friend's sister just had some tests done that have lead them to believe that her baby will possibly be born with Down Syndrome. God this baby is fearfully and wonderfully made of this we are confident. Give mom a solid confidence in you to walk this road with grace knowing that this child was created exactly to your specifications for a kingdom purpose.

Stephanie - Praise and requests - She is feeling very week. She missed out on going to the fair with her family and this hurt her heart not being able to see a lot of firsts for her guys. God knows this and he knows it hurts. Fortunately, Stephanie knows this and believes it, but that doesn't always make it easier. Let's pray God would give her strength for each new day and allow her to be joyfully expectant of what he wants to show her through this journey.

Nick - Our nephew is back home now, but the memory of the visit won't fade so quickly. This is a young man with a very dark and conflicted heart. The enemy is waging full scale war for this little 12 year old life and sadly he is winning. Join with me in fighting for my family. Let's pray back what belongs to our King.

Me - I am having a difficult time recovering from our nephews visit, physically. It was a very stressful and challenging time. My tension level has been high, my muscles are in knots, and my face and arm are tingling. I felt some very real spiritual attack the last half of the visit and have had a hard time regaining my ground. I feel like my sword is just swinging from one side to the other and back, violently. I know my enemy would love to see me fall but greater is He who is in me, than he that is in the world. I will fight, with my armor in place, and with my prayer warriors at my sides.

Mark and I - He is still looking for work. He has had an offer but it wasn't enough to even be what unemployment would be. We are just beginning to consider other options like me being more employed now and him focusing on the homeschooling. I am looking into some writing possibilities, (feel free to follow my blog as this could prove helpful to me in this regard), praying about catering options, and just trying to wait on the Lord and see how these would fit in with my job I already have and love. And then again this may not be what God has for us at all. We would just really like to be in his will regarding our employment and education of our kids.

He is Faithful!

"Courage is fear that has said its prayers."

I love this saying by Dorothy Bernard. Fear is a normal emotion we all experience to some extent or another at many points through out our lives. How we respond to it... well, have we said our prayers? God is faithful. When Mark lost his job and as the threat of doubt creeps in God says "I will provide and you will grow stronger through this." When my body was feeling strange unexplained nerve tingling the enemy told me I was probably dieing of something terrible. God says "press into me for your security. Only I hold the power of life and death. Trust me daughter." When my child developed diabetes and fear slid along side me, God whispered "I created this precious child. Don't you think I love him more than you ever will? I will watch over him because he is my own." In the dark of the night when my breaths felt hard to take, and the walls seemed to be so much closer, and my heart was racing for reasons I couldn't understand, and the temptation to give in to full on panic was only a blink away, In a loud, confident, and protective voice I am reminded to "Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Me, and I will make your paths straight." The promise of Proverbs 3:5,6 rings firmly in my heart, reminding me that my God is faithful always and he has provided a way out of every situation through his son, Jesus Christ. In this I rest.

I am happy to report a lot of big praises today.

My Payton and Gavin both made decisions to be baptized yesterday. What a special evening. Along with them were some really truly miraculous decisions to be baptized. Two lives redeemed and won back to the Lord and a heart finally softened to the call of the true savior. Families and friends watched on with joyful tears as we witnessed life choices being made. Thank you Jesus. And Corin, one of my other kids also made a public statement of faith today. It was a blessed evening.

After several weeks of no one looking at their house, Theresa and Roy have had a couple of people just this week. Thank you God for the answered prayer and we continue to ask on their behalf for just the right people to come through and be the ones to buy. Even more importantly, would you be preparing just the right place for them to go next. We know you have it already planned out. Would you continue to give them peace and direction about this next step. Timing is an issue as little Lukas is due to make his grand appearance in the middle of October. Let them be comfortably settled by this point in a place that will more than suit their needs at less than they are hoping to pay. Thank you for being the God of provision.

Our dear pastor made it home safely from Japan. Pray he gets rested and back on his feet in

US and Canada time and date.

God's provision for our family has been incredible, exciting, and humbling all at the same time. We received an oven from some friends to get us by till we can get one that matches. (cause we all know that is what matters) We continue to receive gifts from both known and unknown sources, including tp which was at the top of the shopping list. I have said it before and I'll say it again, God cares even about toilet paper.

Nick our friends who's job situation has not been the best, was blessed with a new job opportunity which will take their family back to Phoenix. While I am feeling a bit sad at the increased distance again :0) , I rejoice with them knowing this was the desire of their hearts. I pray God would open up the gates of heaven and pour out a bounty of blessing through this new job for Nick and Shawna and their amazing family. Thank you Lord for the new job. Let's pray this move transition back to PHNX goes smoothly and that just the right housing opportunity presents itself.

Requests:

Dear friends are dealing with an unexpected house fiasco. Walls are torn apart, bugs are being killed and insulation being replaced. God give them unexpected peace and blessing during this messy time. Show them your power and protection in allowing this to take place now rather than in January. Thank you for that. Please give them the financial means to complete the project and the stamina to do it quickly. Bless their hearts Lord.

Our nephew continues with us this next week. Pray that as he is with our family and friends that he would see God in a new way. That his desire for a true and transparent walk with the Lord would be increased. Let's pray that God would be at work in this young man's heart, convicting in areas that need change, filling in the empty places, and healing the wounds that seem deep. Lord create in him a clean heart, and renew a right spirit. Thank you for giving us this time with him to get to know him in a different way and be more urgent in our prayers and specific in our battling for him. This child belongs to you God. Help us fight for his heart together.

The dear friend with the neck cancer continues in her fight to heal. Four times a day she has to remove and replace the burn cream from her neck herself. It must be excruciatingly painful and yet she has chosen to do it without the medication because of the way it makes her feel. There is a potential for a different treatment that would only have to be done every three days. Pray that this would be something she is able to try and finds that it is even more effective than her current treatment cream. Lord continue to hold this precious daughter in your hand and comfort her with your words to her heart.

An update on Cyrus - He begins his chemo and radiation today. It is scheduled for 5 days a week for 6 weeks. They are asking for prayer that he would make it through with out nausea or seizures and continued prayer for healing. He will receive his treatment there in Boise. A huge praise is that Jonie is not feeling the anxiety or despair any longer. God has delivered her from this and we rejoice as she rejoices. The victory belongs to the Lord and we Praise God with them in the battle won. Continue to lift them up as they begin this new phase. Our God is the God of miracles and he is still in that business. Lord this man, this family needs one of your miracles.

Stephanie - Her last cancer treatment caused a similar reaction to the first one. She is feeling very discouraged and down hearted. We have seen you God remove completely from another sister in Christ the fear and discouragement the enemy would hope for her to be drowning in, God please do this again for Stephanie. Put a song in her heart and an unexplainable smile on her face. Allow her the opportunity to sit and enjoy her children this week just because she can. Give Damie the strength to be what he is having to be right now. Calm his fears, increase the effectiveness of his sleep time, put a love for his wife and family in his heart that drives him straight towards that finish line with fervor. Protect this precious family of yours Lord God. Make your face to shine upon them. Let the glory of you Lord shine around them.

A friend would like prayer for family, both her husband and her side. One side knows the Lord, one doesn't really. Pray that as they live their lives to please you Lord, your love would shine through. That they would see something different and alive and desire that same presence and power of the Holy Spirit living in them.

A dear neighbor has been battling cancer for the last 11 months and had been told at the time that she has 11 months to live. She has a 2 year old little guy and a husband. She is an Indian gal but has contact with a lot of believers. Let us pray that God would soften and open this young women's heart to the saving knowledge of the gospel of Jesus. Allow for opportunities to be numerous for her to hear this message and for her to be drawn to it undeniably.

Mark has begun to receive his unemployment and continues to look for a job. Continue to pray that he would be constantly drawing closer to God, finding his true identity in Christ and his security in our Savior. I pray to Word of God would come alive to him now more than ever before. I believe God is trying to call him up and the enemy will use all sorts of tactics to drag him down including loss of a job. Let him be confident in Jehovah Jirah, our provider.

I pray God would bless all who read this and take the time to lift up fellow believers in the Lord, intercede on behalf of the fallen, and reach out in prayer for the lost.

Blessings,

Tami

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary"

Galatians 6:9

God never promised us a life free from battles and struggles. He gave us full body armor so we would be equipped to not only protect ourselves, but to stand and fight. Most wars are waged over periods of time. This means we must press on and press into God. We must be constantly relying on him to not grow weary or become discouraged in the battle. The enemy will be persistant in his efforts, boring deeper and deeper into our subconscious in an attempt to draw us away from the father. We must band together as brothers and sisters in Christ to war for each other and intercede on behalf of those who are war worn. We have already been promised that the God we serve will be victorious. Let's be dilligent then to encourage one another.

Requests:

The precious friend with neck cancer. Her treatment is complete, but the hard part is still to come. For the next 2-3 weeks her neck and chest will continue to get increasingly more raw and damaged. The medicine for the pain causes her to vomit through a sore, peeling, and bleeding throat. To say she is in excruciating pain is probably a gross understatement. We need to be particularly mindful of this dear sister for the next 21 days as she pushes through yet another hurdle with this disease. Lord give her strength from above. Help her to find her resting place in the shelter of your wings. Constantly remind her Lord that she is your child and you are holding her firmly in the palm of your hands. Let's also be lifting up the family of this dear one as they look on in fear. Lord we ask you to come against any plans the enemy may have for anxiety. Cover this family with your peace. Let them feel your presence father.

Theresa and Roy - Their house is still on the market with the price dropping at more frequent intervals. The are walking hand in hand with the Lord during this time and fully trusting in him. Lord we ask for either miraculous provision so that they could keep the house, catch up and be financially secure, or that you would make it abundantly clear which direction they are to go next. Lord we know that all things are done in your time and we are trusting that this will all be taken care of before the baby arrives.

Mark - My Mark continues to be in search of the elusive job. We are trusting God for our future and are praying with joyful expectation that what he has around the corner will be the best next step for our family.

Nicholas - Our nephew is out for a visit for the next two weeks. His last visit was a bit on the stress full side. We felt strongly that the Holy Spirit was prompting us to invite him back for an extended visit and so we responded, hesitantly and prayerfully. We know God has big plans for this time. We want to make sure we are surrendered going into this visit and that we don't get ourselves in God's way but that we are willing participants in his plan.

A dear sister has made the choice to begin attending church. The prayer is for her salvation and that of her husband. He is not at the place of wanting to attend church. The couple would like to start a family and the sister is concerned for the timing. Let's ask God to draw the heart of the wife to himself. To woo her into a deep relationship with himself so she can be a witness to her husband and win his soul to the Lord.

Praises:

A group of wives and girlfriends from our church have been meeting on Tuesday nights to pray for our husbands and boyfriends. One of the boyfriends has been a little lost in his journey and has recently found his true identity in Christ. He asked Jesus to be his savior last week. We rejoice along with the family and all the angles in heaven for this life that was brought to repentence and freedom in Christ. Let's pray for this new brother as he begins a new life journey.

Mark and I were blessed with $95 to enjoy a date night at first by an anonymous giver. The kids were over night at someones house and so we enjoyed not only the evening but the morning and lunchtime as well. We truly felt like we had gotten away together. After returning home, we learned that the gift was from our 4 amazing kids. This moved me to rarely seen tears. The planning that went into it and the generosity was honestly beyond what I had imagined. This is a gift that will bless us for years to come.

Along those same lines we have been abundantly blessed by family and friends. We have sought the Lord regarding our job and house and have not yet felt led to sell. So we praise and thank God for the generosity which allows us to stay with our church family and our home. We continue to seek him regarding his direction for our family.

A family we know is in the process of preparing to go get their new daughter from China. This is an answered prayer for many reasons. We join with them in thanksgiving for the journey of the last few months and pray expectantly for continued growth and miracles in this family.

Surrendering is a Choice.

"Evidence of a surrendered life is always obedience."

This quote by Rick Warren is so true. The statement itself may seem so simple and obvious, but living it out is something that can take a lot of growth on our part.

I am speaking from recent personal experience and where God has me right now. While the heart may feel willing, the question I had to ponder was had I really taken the time to quiet myself before him and find out precisely what it was that God wanted me to surrender. In the process of seeking his will, I became keenly aware of how the time spent with him searching out his will for my heart was equally as important as the object of surrender itself. It was the real life equivalent of "Joy in the Journey". I am right there with you in the constant battle of to surrender or not. Make no mistake, it is a choice and not an easy one or it wouldn't be surrendering. I like the Message translation of the following verse.

Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering.

Romans 12:1

Prayer Updates and Requests:

Stephanie - She is feeling a bit frustrated with the fact that she is only 5-6 weeks into treatment that is scheduled to last a year. She is not a sit on the couch, lay around and watch people take care of her kids kind of a gal. Her faith is strong but her heart is down. She feels unable to contribute anything to her friendships or the lives of people around her including her three children. Lets pray God would bless her in this time of being still, that he would shine his face upon her and allow her to receive during this season. Pray that she would find contentment in surrendering her idea of friendship and service to a season of fighting, healing, and growing in the Lord.

The friend with throat cancer continues her battle. It is a painful journey. I can't even imagine what she must be feeling. Pray that God would continue to speak to her mind when she is in that dark place of receiving the treatments, that she would hear his voice of truth and his voice alone. We come against the enemy who would try to speak lies of death and discouragement to her in the name of Jesus. Give her blessed assurance Lord Jesus.

Nick - The job he currently has is decreasing in it's ability to provide for the family. Join with me in praying that God would miraculously bless this family. Lord if this means a new job in a new location, I know they ask with willing hearts, if this is a simple change of jobs, I pray it would surpass their expectations. Bless this family who desire whole heartedly to serve you. Continue to show them that you are the Almighty God who sees everything and desires only good for their lives.

Mark - He is still available for employment. I know he is feeling discouraged at having to be looking again and feeling unable to provide for his family. God would you make it clear to his heart that you are our Jehovah Jirah, our provider, and that you will never leave him nor forsake him or his family. Lord I pray you would call him to a place of constant reliance on you and your word. Lord you say "seek me and ye shall find me, when you search for me with all your heart" Help him to be searching for you with a new found fervor.

Praise Reports:

Our family has experienced an out pouring of generosity including special dinners made, mysterious checks arriving, gifts of $ from faithful friends and family, bags of groceries, and the countless prayers we have felt lifted up on our behalf. To this I say thank you God for such amazing friends and family that would listen to the call of the Holy Spirit and respond in such specific and tangible ways. One in particular blessed me recently. We received from a friend a dinner that was a recipe I posted on here a while back. I can't really even tell you why... but this really touched my heart. Thank You! I move forward each day knowing that God is good and faithful and he has given me such peace during this weird time. I know his plan for our family includes this time of waiting on him and so it is with "Joyful Expectation" that we wait.

A friends marriage continues to be healed my our Amazing Abba Father. He reached in and sheltered this couple during a raging storm of sin. The healing continues and the testimony continues to grow because of the matchless name of Jesus.

Gavin and Corin ( another son of ours :0) ) are getting baptized soon. This is great step of faith for both young men. Let's pray as the time grows closer, they would be experiencing the Joy of the Lord as they prepare to take their relationship with Christ a step further.

Mark, a great friend of Tristan's, was baptized recently and Tristan was able to attend. This blessed Tristan to get to witness his friends public act of commitment.

If you have anything you would like added to the prayer request list or a praise report to share, you may post a comment, send me an email at dotscnnctd@hotmail.com, or shoot me a facebook message. I have heard from many of you and would love to keep sharing with other faithful warriors what God is doing. There is a sense of urgency for prayer right now that is really driving my prayer life. God is calling up his prayer warriors and we need to be doing battle for each other. We are not called to stand alone to fight. We are called to victoriously stand together and come against our enemy who is neither flesh nor blood. Take up your shields of faith, your swords of the spirit and pray with me! God is listening!