Heavenly Father,
Thank You for patiently waiting for us to approach Your throne with our joys, our hurts, our needs, and our gratitude. Please know there’s never a time that we don’t need You. Thank You for always listening to us and for knowing the desires of our hearts before we ever even bring them to You.
Thank You for holding on to us so tightly when we feel unworthy, unglued, unaccomplished, unjustly accused, and unable to go another step. Please know we could never do it without You. Thank You for giving us the strength we need when we fall to our knees in exhaustion, giving it all over to You. Please know we are forever grateful. Thank You for providing for us in our finances, our careers, our health, our homes, our parenting, and our relationships. Please know that we know You are in it all. Thank You for the healing You send out in so many countless ways.
Thank You for being there when we are in a storm and we forget You are there. Please know we never mean to do that. Thank You for being mighty and powerful and forgiving and humorous and kind. Thank You for creating our souls individually and for loving us SO completely that You even created laminin in our DNA to prove (for our Thomas moments) that You are God!
Thank You for guiding us with every passing moment in our spiritual walk with You. Please know we always want Your direction. May we always thank You. May we always be humble. May we always have a servant's heart.
May we always remember… You are our reason. For everything. We love You, Lord.
A prayer from @TerriF
Thank You for patiently waiting for us to approach Your throne with our joys, our hurts, our needs, and our gratitude. Please know there’s never a time that we don’t need You. Thank You for always listening to us and for knowing the desires of our hearts before we ever even bring them to You.
Thank You for holding on to us so tightly when we feel unworthy, unglued, unaccomplished, unjustly accused, and unable to go another step. Please know we could never do it without You. Thank You for giving us the strength we need when we fall to our knees in exhaustion, giving it all over to You. Please know we are forever grateful. Thank You for providing for us in our finances, our careers, our health, our homes, our parenting, and our relationships. Please know that we know You are in it all. Thank You for the healing You send out in so many countless ways.
Thank You for being there when we are in a storm and we forget You are there. Please know we never mean to do that. Thank You for being mighty and powerful and forgiving and humorous and kind. Thank You for creating our souls individually and for loving us SO completely that You even created laminin in our DNA to prove (for our Thomas moments) that You are God!
Thank You for guiding us with every passing moment in our spiritual walk with You. Please know we always want Your direction. May we always thank You. May we always be humble. May we always have a servant's heart.
May we always remember… You are our reason. For everything. We love You, Lord.
A prayer from @TerriF
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Thanks, Shannon. I needed this and know it will speak to others as well 👇🏻
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Forwarded from Shannon Guerra
Word for someone tonight:
It feels like life is ashes and you’re so over it that if someone reminded you of the phrase “beauty for ashes” you’d maybe want to punch them.
You know the scripture and the truth and God’s promises but you are looking at your situation and seeing total dissonance. The situation you’re looking at does not at all reflect those good, amazing, wonderful, fairy tale things.
Does He just not like you as much as He likes everyone else? Because everyone else seems to be naturally endowed with the things you’ve felt left out on, whether that’s health, a happy marriage, kids, finances, connections, favor, whatever.
Here’s the truth:
He likes you as much as them.
And He’s entrusting you with more.
He’s leading you to a new level of strength that overcomes what you see. He’s teaching you to walk in authority not out of immature ease and confidence, but in gritty, hard-won, sober, tested, in-the-trenches faith.
And PS: Those other people are a mess, too. 😏
It feels like life is ashes and you’re so over it that if someone reminded you of the phrase “beauty for ashes” you’d maybe want to punch them.
You know the scripture and the truth and God’s promises but you are looking at your situation and seeing total dissonance. The situation you’re looking at does not at all reflect those good, amazing, wonderful, fairy tale things.
Does He just not like you as much as He likes everyone else? Because everyone else seems to be naturally endowed with the things you’ve felt left out on, whether that’s health, a happy marriage, kids, finances, connections, favor, whatever.
Here’s the truth:
He likes you as much as them.
And He’s entrusting you with more.
He’s leading you to a new level of strength that overcomes what you see. He’s teaching you to walk in authority not out of immature ease and confidence, but in gritty, hard-won, sober, tested, in-the-trenches faith.
And PS: Those other people are a mess, too. 😏
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This morning I was pondering Shannon’s words (in the above post). All of us feel unquiet when we struggle with our place in God’s world, when we notice the privilege others seem to have, or when others reject our advice or presence.
We have to handle the fuss and static with co-workers, neighbors, family. It’s exhausting.
One of the first things we ought to do is admit to ourselves that we’re downhearted. It’s easy –probably habitual more than anything– to plaster on a smile and tell others we’re, “okay” when we really aren’t. Of course, I think it’s necessary to be judicious what we share with others. But, we need to be honest with ourselves by naming what we are feeling. And thinking.
This morning I was pondering Shannon’s words (in the above post). All of us feel unquiet when we struggle with our place in God’s world, when we notice the privilege others seem to have, or when others reject our advice or presence.
We have to handle the fuss and static with co-workers, neighbors, family. It’s exhausting.
One of the first things we ought to do is admit to ourselves that we’re downhearted. It’s easy –probably habitual more than anything– to plaster on a smile and tell others we’re, “okay” when we really aren’t. Of course, I think it’s necessary to be judicious what we share with others. But, we need to be honest with ourselves by naming what we are feeling. And thinking.
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Truth Be Told by Matthew West and Carly Pearce
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How can we possibly not just survive but thrive through the onslaught of whispers behind our backs, the cringe-y looks we get, the feeling that we’re less than?
It’s imperative we chat with the LORD about it. All of it. There is no friendship on earth compared to what we have with Him. He truly is the great Comforter.
I was struggling in this area of, “Why do some people disapprove of me?” The Holy Spirit reminded me there is only one thing that matters: that my heart aligns with God’s.
He advised me that if I am earnestly living to please Him, if I am sincerely kind and helpful to others in my sphere of influence, if I am dedicated to having Christ’s servant’s heart, then the disdain of someone’s arrogant heart ought not impact me. God will hold them accountable for any harshness they exhibit towards me/my family.
How can we possibly not just survive but thrive through the onslaught of whispers behind our backs, the cringe-y looks we get, the feeling that we’re less than?
It’s imperative we chat with the LORD about it. All of it. There is no friendship on earth compared to what we have with Him. He truly is the great Comforter.
I was struggling in this area of, “Why do some people disapprove of me?” The Holy Spirit reminded me there is only one thing that matters: that my heart aligns with God’s.
He advised me that if I am earnestly living to please Him, if I am sincerely kind and helpful to others in my sphere of influence, if I am dedicated to having Christ’s servant’s heart, then the disdain of someone’s arrogant heart ought not impact me. God will hold them accountable for any harshness they exhibit towards me/my family.
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It’s not easy to let go of the pain others inflict. More so when it’s not a slight or unintended inconsideration. But, it’s so freeing when we cast these cares upon Him, ask Him to work on our hearts, and we accept His comfort.
All the other yucky stuff? It fades.
And when we walk and talk with our Creator there’s no elbow room for the enemy to intrude. The enemy’s lies cannot trespass under His wings.
It’s not easy to let go of the pain others inflict. More so when it’s not a slight or unintended inconsideration. But, it’s so freeing when we cast these cares upon Him, ask Him to work on our hearts, and we accept His comfort.
All the other yucky stuff? It fades.
And when we walk and talk with our Creator there’s no elbow room for the enemy to intrude. The enemy’s lies cannot trespass under His wings.
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Forwarded from Tami DeVine
Kris, what do you think about a special edition comedy Friday or comedy weekend in honor of the debate while it's still fresh on our minds?
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I am tired. Weary tired. No, that’s not quite it. I feel… slightly abraded and bruised.
There has been a different tempo this summer. The other months had hummed with the busyness of familiar tasks and appointments, a steady rhythm of predictability, the usual commotion that comes with homeschooling, activities, and grownup obligations.
When the air became too hot outdoors, we postponed the exterior projects to focus on all the indoor projects we want to complete before mid-July. I’m sure you understand it’s no easy goal when we are constrained by time, energy, and money, right?
We are re-doing the kids’ rooms. Painting, new drapes, a few new, small pieces of furniture. There is the rearranging and organizing, and donating and purging. And all the dusting and wiping, sweeping and spraying, patching and repairing. Plus, the kids’ bathroom and upstairs hallway needs painting. It is tedious and time consuming and finishing stretches beyond estimation because of all the youngling interruptions.
My night owl ways have been pushed aside as I crawl into bed at a time most consider normal. I’m too tired to read, too tired to write, and too tired to post.
I am tired. Weary tired. No, that’s not quite it. I feel… slightly abraded and bruised.
There has been a different tempo this summer. The other months had hummed with the busyness of familiar tasks and appointments, a steady rhythm of predictability, the usual commotion that comes with homeschooling, activities, and grownup obligations.
When the air became too hot outdoors, we postponed the exterior projects to focus on all the indoor projects we want to complete before mid-July. I’m sure you understand it’s no easy goal when we are constrained by time, energy, and money, right?
We are re-doing the kids’ rooms. Painting, new drapes, a few new, small pieces of furniture. There is the rearranging and organizing, and donating and purging. And all the dusting and wiping, sweeping and spraying, patching and repairing. Plus, the kids’ bathroom and upstairs hallway needs painting. It is tedious and time consuming and finishing stretches beyond estimation because of all the youngling interruptions.
My night owl ways have been pushed aside as I crawl into bed at a time most consider normal. I’m too tired to read, too tired to write, and too tired to post.
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This tiredness goes beyond the physical exhaustion that can be remedied with a good night’s sleep. There is a spiritual component running in the background.
The realization that your little girl is a young woman has hit particularly hard. More so, when she eagerly wraps her baby keepsakes to be safely put away and removed from her once pink room. She believes she is ready to put distance between now and then, but… I’m a little more emotional about it. I know the world and I want her to stay here, her head gently resting on a soft pillow at night for as long as possible.
So I am helping to make her room, her room. Compromising, guiding, suggesting. I am doing this for all the kids. We want them to know love here and feel safe here –with us– for as long as possible.
Yes, part of the desire to protect them is innate parental dedication. But honestly, part of that desire to keep them close in body and mind is because our enemy is raving mad and has given his minions marching orders to raze, “whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy.”
This tiredness goes beyond the physical exhaustion that can be remedied with a good night’s sleep. There is a spiritual component running in the background.
The realization that your little girl is a young woman has hit particularly hard. More so, when she eagerly wraps her baby keepsakes to be safely put away and removed from her once pink room. She believes she is ready to put distance between now and then, but… I’m a little more emotional about it. I know the world and I want her to stay here, her head gently resting on a soft pillow at night for as long as possible.
So I am helping to make her room, her room. Compromising, guiding, suggesting. I am doing this for all the kids. We want them to know love here and feel safe here –with us– for as long as possible.
Yes, part of the desire to protect them is innate parental dedication. But honestly, part of that desire to keep them close in body and mind is because our enemy is raving mad and has given his minions marching orders to raze, “whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy.”
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Can you feel it? It’s like darkness has crept in to the places that were once warmth and light. It feels like there are few of the faithful left (those who love the LORD and all that is His Truth) willing to keep fighting on the ramparts as the enemy tries to engulf us.
I think this is why God called me to get down from the bulwark and He lead me to a quiet place to pray Psalm 91 in new and unique ways for 40 days straight.
The darkness is angry. And scared. And it’s lashing out in strange ways.
But the feathered wings that shield and shelter us has worked it all out for our good and His glory. We need only to pray and praise, and believe and trust.
The world feels crazy and chaotic because it is and there is only One Who can set it aright.
Our home feels upended because it is and there is still only One Who can set it aright. And He is. With each baby keepsake getting tucked away, with each melancholy sigh, with each quiet tear, with each step bringing us closer to a new path… He is already there. Waiting. Patiently. Asking to be a part of the grieving process, to be a part of the adventure, to be a part of the new season in our lives.
Can you feel it? It’s like darkness has crept in to the places that were once warmth and light. It feels like there are few of the faithful left (those who love the LORD and all that is His Truth) willing to keep fighting on the ramparts as the enemy tries to engulf us.
I think this is why God called me to get down from the bulwark and He lead me to a quiet place to pray Psalm 91 in new and unique ways for 40 days straight.
The darkness is angry. And scared. And it’s lashing out in strange ways.
But the feathered wings that shield and shelter us has worked it all out for our good and His glory. We need only to pray and praise, and believe and trust.
The world feels crazy and chaotic because it is and there is only One Who can set it aright.
Our home feels upended because it is and there is still only One Who can set it aright. And He is. With each baby keepsake getting tucked away, with each melancholy sigh, with each quiet tear, with each step bringing us closer to a new path… He is already there. Waiting. Patiently. Asking to be a part of the grieving process, to be a part of the adventure, to be a part of the new season in our lives.
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We know there is something coming, something that will break the dam, something that will shock and surprise, something that will test our faith like never before. Ask Him how to prepare. Today. Now. Ask Him for supernatural strength and wisdom and calmness. We must be spiritually ready to face the darkness –figuratively and literally.
Until we need to really hunker down, we are working hard to make our home cozy comfortable, a safe reprieve, and a place that is filled with delightful memories.
Yes, there is much to be done and yes, it can be easy to become mentally tangled in the affairs of the welfare state. We choose not to focus on the ludicrous and outlandish, the shocking and disturbing.
We pray and feast together. We laugh and love the best we can. Our goal is to learn and improve in every capacity.
Life needs to be punctuated with enjoying good things right now like shopping at farmer’s markets and chasing fireflies, and eating summer fruits and looking at colorful greenery, and savoring homemade ice cream and splashing in water.
Pray.
Prep.
Praise.
The life God gifts us is good because He is a good, good Father.
We know there is something coming, something that will break the dam, something that will shock and surprise, something that will test our faith like never before. Ask Him how to prepare. Today. Now. Ask Him for supernatural strength and wisdom and calmness. We must be spiritually ready to face the darkness –figuratively and literally.
Until we need to really hunker down, we are working hard to make our home cozy comfortable, a safe reprieve, and a place that is filled with delightful memories.
Yes, there is much to be done and yes, it can be easy to become mentally tangled in the affairs of the welfare state. We choose not to focus on the ludicrous and outlandish, the shocking and disturbing.
We pray and feast together. We laugh and love the best we can. Our goal is to learn and improve in every capacity.
Life needs to be punctuated with enjoying good things right now like shopping at farmer’s markets and chasing fireflies, and eating summer fruits and looking at colorful greenery, and savoring homemade ice cream and splashing in water.
Pray.
Prep.
Praise.
The life God gifts us is good because He is a good, good Father.
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There are times our prayers make us feel so deeply connected to the LORD. The 40 days of praying Psalm 91 did that for me.
At times, our quiet moments together were sweet and gentle, and I felt so incredibly encompassed in His peace.
Other times, our quiet moments together were intense and fervent, and I felt so incredibly empowered in His presence.
I share the following not to vaunt, but to inspire.
As I read and prayed Psalm 91, I placed hands on every window and door and almost every wall: in our living spaces, bedrooms, office, pantry, garage, attic and deck. I placed hands on my husband and children, reading Psalm 91 and praying over them. The kids joined me and we prayed Psalm 91 in each of their rooms. I prayed around our property at different times. I laid hands on our vehicles, phones and electronic devices, and on our mailbox, praying. The kids and I went through our neighborhood reading Psalm 91 and praying. I read Psalm 91 and prayed at the entrance to our neighborhood. I have prayed for our neighbors, community, state and nation. I have prayed Psalm 91 over my friends and family, and over you!
There are times our prayers make us feel so deeply connected to the LORD. The 40 days of praying Psalm 91 did that for me.
At times, our quiet moments together were sweet and gentle, and I felt so incredibly encompassed in His peace.
Other times, our quiet moments together were intense and fervent, and I felt so incredibly empowered in His presence.
I share the following not to vaunt, but to inspire.
As I read and prayed Psalm 91, I placed hands on every window and door and almost every wall: in our living spaces, bedrooms, office, pantry, garage, attic and deck. I placed hands on my husband and children, reading Psalm 91 and praying over them. The kids joined me and we prayed Psalm 91 in each of their rooms. I prayed around our property at different times. I laid hands on our vehicles, phones and electronic devices, and on our mailbox, praying. The kids and I went through our neighborhood reading Psalm 91 and praying. I read Psalm 91 and prayed at the entrance to our neighborhood. I have prayed for our neighbors, community, state and nation. I have prayed Psalm 91 over my friends and family, and over you!
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