Prayer Requests

I'm very sorry to hear about your dad, tam. I'll pray things get better for him.

 

You doing ok, Tam? Praying for you whenever you come to mind. Just praying that Jesus will wrap each of you in His arms, especially you.

 

what jordie said, t. i'm so sorry to hear of all the loss and pain that you are going through at this moment. my love and positivity goes out to you xx

 

Tam, my thoughts and prayers to you and yours!!!

 

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family Tammy. Feel free to hit the e-mail if you just want to ramble & get things out if need be.

 

The enemy of your soul is working hard to bring you down. I'm so sorry you are suffering such grief, Tam. I'm sure you feel helpless at times. But remember, there is a Lover of your soul who understands and grieves with you. Pour your heart out to Him. Continuing to lift you and your family up in my prayers.

 

Tam, I hope you read this - I thought of you when I read this devotional (from Proverbs31ministries.org).

November 30, 2011

Completely Full, Yet Totally Empty
Samantha Reed


“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1, 14 (ESV)

How are you? I’m posed this question many times a day, but haven’t delved into the truth lately. ‘Cause truth is, there are only a few I want to be that honest with. And those I generally share the depths with are wading through extenuating circumstances. Filled to capacity, they’ve needed a place to pour out.

Cupped hands catch their words, worries, wants. Until my hands are heavy.

I’m weary from taking in and not pouring myself out in return. I understand; they don’t have it to give right now. Yet, hour upon hour of listening… I’m not sure I have it to give right now either.

Irony is, my very name means “Listener.” Double irony is my life verse from last year: “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25b NIV). But I can not take any more words into a soul cram-full. And I can not pour out refreshment that is not there.

I’m completely full, yet totally empty.

And so I selfishly check out in the name of self-preservation; retreat into myself, away from their words weighted with pain and trouble and questions. Distance my being from all words. Until the Word beckons me with cupped hands large enough to hold my needy soul, friend’s worn circumstances, the thin world.

I pour into the Word, a measureless crevice in which my words rest. He asks three words my parched soul thirsts for, “How are you?”

I’m weary. "I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10b (NIV)

I feel alone. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NIV)

I can’t take much more. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28b (NIV)

I pour out, He pours in. An ebb and flow more natural than the ocean’s tides. My needy soul needs His words; needs Him: the Word.

Community is God-given. But friend’s and family’s ability to be leaned on will ebb and flow. Hence our soul’s deepest need: friendship with the Lord. {Inhale deeply that delight: we’re friends with God.} Friends with the unchanging nature of the Word, Jesus.

Will you take His cupped hand, reaching out to hold you, your cares, your friends and family members? Take His hand and take a walk through Him, the Word. Pour your truthful answers into Him and pour yourself into the fields of Scripture. Refreshment awaits. He’s asking, “How are you?”

Dear Lord, thank You for never changing. Thank You for listening and hearing. Thank You for Your faithful friendship. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Thinking of and still praying for you. Hoping things will begin to look up for you. Stay out of that ER, girl!

 

You're so welcome. You came right to mind when I read this. I've learned to be obedient and share what God lays on my heart. I'm glad it blessed you.

PS I get that devotion every weekday - I can't tell you how many times the message has met me right where I am. The women who write them are all succcessful, savvy Christian women. Check it out when you have a chance.

 

I'm glad you like it! I can't tell you how many times I've sat at my desk with tears in my eyes because the devotion was exactly what I needed to read! Only God can do that!

 

My heart is so heavy as are the hearts of many in my county and a nearby county. Five teenagers were killed in an accident on Monday and yesterday, a family in my county lost 3 children in another - two 16-yr old brothers and their 9-yr old sister. Both accidents were the result of a combination of driver inexperience and rain-slick roads.

Those of you who pray, please lift these families and the friends of the children up in prayer. This, a time for celebration, has become a time of grief and mourning. As a mother, I feel physically sick, thinking of the pain they are enduring.