Let me explain- - - My 2011 New Year's Resolution has 4 parts & they are: *To read a Bible verse (1 verse minimum) every single day *To accept the challenge of the 2011 "Siesta Scripture Memory Verse Team" (this is commiting to memorize 1 Bible verse every 2 weeks of 2011) *To pray every day for those on my "Prayer List" *To pray regularly with Nathan- this has been so hard with his work schedule at CAT. Now that he is on 3rd shift & we actually see each other each day, we are doing better with this. We miss a day here & there & we need to work harder on this part. ~Sounds easy enough, right? Well, so far, it has taken effort but I have kept with it. Because of doing this the past 14 days, I already feel like I am committed & I LOVE IT. I have been thinking about my 'Resolution' a lot because for 3 reasons: 1) The tragedy of the Arizona Congresswoman & the other innocent lives lost that took place on Jan. 8, 2011 2) I have had the past 2 days off from school for "Snow Days" & have had more time to think, ponder, & pray 3) A dear friend of mine's daughter, Cara Schwartz, passed away on Jan 10th (I had just seen her at Ruby Tuesday's the day before she died. She has a history of a battle with Lukemia but the last we heard she was fighting the fight & doing ok. I saw my friend- her mom- Anita at Wal-mart over Christmas break & she said Cara was doing good. Good- as in OK, not dying in less than a month.) Because of the blog world & the facebook community, the world can seem so small. So many trials & tribulations people are going through & because it is so easy to communicate via the Internet, everyone knows in a matter of minutes about the tragedy or situation. This is a good thing because we can PRAY for each situation. That is part of my Resolution- not to just think about or feel bad for someone but to PRAY.
I have realized more & more this past week & since starting this New Year's Resolution how quickly life goes by. How quickly life can change. For example, I am praying for Joanne from The Simple Wife. A mom with 2 little girls who had a stroke while exercising on her treadmill on Tuesday & was found by one of her daughters. Life can change in an instant. I want to be thankful & grateful for every single day! That is why I am praying more often- - that the Lord would have favor on my family, friends, co-workers, & those that I know to live full lives while telling others about Jesus & the hope that is in Him. Thank you for reading this post & hanging in with me as I write about some "tough stuff." Remember, this life is not the end for those that are believers. He promises us eternity with Him in heaven if we accept Him into our hearts. He calls us by name & knows every single joyous event in our lives & every single bump along the road because He created us.
"Come to me, all of you who are weary & carry heavy burdens, & I will give you rest." ~Matt 11:28
I just have so many friends that are going through so much. I only post some of my "Prayer List" because I would ask that if you have time, please join me in prayer for them, too. I want my 2011 to be less about me & more about others- relationships with others, serving others, & praying for others. I don't want to be known for being "nice." Beth Moore said it best, "You can't fake being kind. You can fake being nice." I want to be known for being kind to others & believe me, I have a lot of work ahead of me!
*A best friend of mine from college & her family: Her Dad had a brain tumor removed the week before Christmas. Pray for health, restoration, energy, & complete healing for him
*I have two dear co-workers who's mom's both have cancer: The ugly "c" word- Pray that they will be given their health back & then some. Pray that the cancer is bound & will never return to their bodies
*Prayers for Olivia~ She has Ovarian Cancer- I do not know her personally, but I can still pray for her.
*Pray for Brandy- I graduated from high school with her sister, Amy Myers. She has cancer & just had surgery last week
*Pray for our friends, Scott & Sarah: Scott has been unemployed as an Electrician for close to a year, has been doing odd jobs, & recently started a job that could last close to 1 year! I'm continuing to pray for his safety, that this postion would last, & be a great fit for the two of them.
*We met a great couple, Ben & Keri, in our Foster Parenting classes. They asked me about a modern-style church that they could attend & I suggested The Vineyard in Sullivan awhile back. Praying that they will go & meet Jesus there!
*Foster Parenting: We are currently waiting for a call regarding a child that we are liscensed for- This would be one (1) 5-10 year old boy or girl. Because most children enter into "care" when they are little, they are usually adopted by this age. So, we are praying that we will get just the right phone call for a child that we can have a positive, loving impact on. We are excited for this! Please pray for our journey.
*Foster Parenting: We are currently waiting for a call regarding a child that we are liscensed for- This would be one (1) 5-10 year old boy or girl. Because most children enter into "care" when they are little, they are usually adopted by this age. So, we are praying that we will get just the right phone call for a child that we can have a positive, loving impact on. We are excited for this! Please pray for our journey.
*While writing this post I received an alarming text message. A friend's 2nd cousin who is a newborn baby girl passed away during the night on Wednesday. She was unresponsive when her Mother went to check on her. Prayers are needed for "Kendra" (the mother) & their family.
See what I mean? Once you start a "Prayer List" & seriously choose to start praying for others day in & day out, you will never run out of prayer needs. What a blessing it is to pray for others.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. " ~Phillipians 4:6
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