Since my last post, we had some more 'ups', but then the 'downs' came and that is all we've had for the last few weeks. I knew it would come, I just didn't expect it so soon.
My anger is back due to the hurt of my daughter's choices, for herself and our family. And the fog came back. Have you ever had that fogginess in your brain? Where nothing makes sense and you can't grasp the meaning of what's going on? It feels like cobwebs are all around my brain.
I started asking God to change my heart...yet again. Doesn't he get tired of the same story over and over again? The preacher stated yesterday, "When you are ready to quit, pray." So simple, yet full of wonderful truth. It's not that I haven't been praying, I just haven't been able to see straight for the anger of once again going down the road where my child is not engaged in the least, refuses to put effort into anything (even for herself), and defies even the smallest things we are about.
Then God SPOKE to me this morning. It's so humbling to know he takes such time when I'm off course to get me back next to Him, snuggled up, so I can get through the day.
The first devotion, which turns out, was not today's, was about anger! It asked what kindles our anger - righteous indignation or hurt? For most, it says, we are angry and condemning the sins of others. Ouch. The prayer and verse...
"Lord Jesus, your scathing anger was directed against what grieved your holy love. My anger is often just a reaction to what hurts me. Help me, Lord, to feel anger only at what needs a does of 'righteous indignation' and action on my part."
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. EPHESIANS 4:31 (NLT)
Then I prayed. I asked God to show me what I need to do for Him to change my heart. He brought to mind I have not worshipped with music in several days. Thank you! Today I will get my earbuds and praise him as I work and get to that sweet spot of worship where my focus is on Him, and not the circumstances in my home. Then the anger can subside.
I picked up the 2nd devotional reading.
I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. PSALM 69:29-30 (NIV)
Wow! I'm listening, God!!
And back to the correct day in my first devotional titled Obedience and Joy.
Elisabeth Elliot: "Obedience always leads finally to joy."
"Father in heaven, as Jesus was always in contact with you and obedient to you, help me to be alert for you thoughts and obedient to your commands.Help me to find your joy this day and to share it with others."
Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." PSALM 30:5 (NLT)
Lord, thank you for always being there to guide me no matter my faulty thinking. I tend to get angry when I am hurt and yet when I hurt you, you show love and compassion. Thank you for clearing the fog and setting me on a right course. Please protect my words and actions today no matter the circumstances. Amen.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
New life
My last post was 5 weeks ago. Since then my daughter has had many "growth spurts" spiritually and emotionally. It's hard to know where to start.
This journey with my daughter has not been easy. She's been 'stuck' for a couple of years if not all the time she's been home with us. But almost overnight, she started pulling herself forward. It's like someone stuck in bubble gum. For the longest time she just sat there in the midst of pink stickiness. Then she decided she wanted life outside the goo. She is pulling against it, snapping back some, but making progress each time she sets out.
The garden metaphor was the launching point. Then daughter started understanding truths during Sunday night sermons. She finally believed that God does not hate her. He loves her no matter what. She also learned that He will sit back and let her make her own decisions even if they are bad for her, because he does not force salvation. He desires her heart, not just following rules.
During fire training with my husband, she finally understood the value of rules. In a fire, if people do it their own way, they could die. Rules guide you for the best possible outcome.
Wow, my daughter got all that??? Praise the Lord!
Next...we registered her for camp this summer in Ohio's Amish country. Going through the camp's website, I found they had retreats that week and the next. Perfect chance for her and I to go check it out before she goes up with a friend of mine (I will not be able to take off work to take her to camp, so a friend will take her most of the way for me.) Then I thought, why do we need to go to the retreat? Let's have a girl's week in Amish country vacationing!
For those of you unfamiliar with adoptive families, moms are enemy number 1 due to the hurt. The kids want bio mom's love so bad and fight against getting hurt again and letting go of her. Daughter and I butt heads more than "normal" families, but to a normal degree for adoptive families of older kids. So most thought this was a crazy idea. But as a mom, you have to follow what God is telling you. You know your child better than anyone. My daughter was concerned about being 6 hours away from home at a camp she had never been to, and riding there with people she hadn't met. It was obvious to me (and God) to head out on an adventure and make her feel safe. The best thing for my daughter was to meet my friend and see the camp with me ahead of time. We made plans on Tuesday and left the following Monday.
We stopped to visit my friend, H, so daughter could meet her. She was so nervous outside the house, but was instantly at ease when H answered the door. After a good visit, we headed on for the last 3.5 hrs of the trip. It was pouring rain, but still great girl time. Daughter was soooooo excited when we saw the first buggy. She was just as enchanted with the Amish as I was on my first trip. And for 2.5 days her walls were down, she was smiling, and she easily engaged in conversation with me. It was heaven on earth. God met us there boldly, letting us know the struggles had been worth it. He showed us what mother/daughter relationships were supposed to be like. We had some ups and down the last couple of days, but it was not heartbreaking because we had normal for 2.5 days!! One of the best parts was the day before we left. We were in a thrift store and whala! A section of plain dresses!! We each purchased 2 Amish dresses. :) We were in the dressing room together laughing - truly enjoying ourselves.
It took almost 4 years for those experiences, but it was worth the 4 years of struggle.
Then God orchestrated a beautiful bonding from an awfully hard Sunday morning. After church we asked daughter about Sunday School (same as after every class). She was bitter and said God has never helped her even though he might have helped us. Whoa! We'd spent the day before on a Jeep 4x4 ride, having the best time. Turns out a friend intentionally hurt her and she found out a boy she really really likes not only didn't like her anymore, but thought she was weird. The pain of that is so harsh and devestating as a teenager. But before we found that out, it was just obstinate bitterness. We kept asking her to tell us and she wouldn't. Finally, she pointed to her face and I could see she was getting upset. I walked towards her to hug her and she started crying and came to hug me, too. We sat on the bed while hubby was in the doorway. All three of us talked through it all - the hurt, that noone was wrong in this, and how she is unique and needs to celebrate that. At the end, while I was telling her why her dress looked so nice on her, her friend called. This friend's family just got a phone, so this was not a normal thing. God had her call I have no doubt. And not knowing what happened, just knowing daughter was down, friend said for them to list all the good about daughter. Amazing! God's timing was incredible!! And daughter knew it! We ended up letting the friend spend the night, on a school night, to let daughter know how awesome it was she trusted us enough to talk through her hurt with us.
There has been more talking, more laughter, just normal family time. She said what made the difference was we sat with her. A couple of weeks prior, I printed out a blog post from an adoptee for her to highlight things she has felt or wanted to happen. One of the things was that we sit with her, not leaving no matter what she has done.
We could not have begun to orchestrate this. God did his thing in his way to make it known he did this for her and for us. I can't explain what it is like to finally feel like her mother. Yes, there will be more mountains to climb, but we will make it. She will make it. God is telling us so.
Right now she is outside with 2 friends just being a normal teenager.
In all other circumstances, I've always had hope. It has waxed and waned with my daughter. But God made it clear that he is still in control and hope does not disappoint.
Thank you, Lord, for your love and perfect ways of getting through. In your name I praise! Amen.
This journey with my daughter has not been easy. She's been 'stuck' for a couple of years if not all the time she's been home with us. But almost overnight, she started pulling herself forward. It's like someone stuck in bubble gum. For the longest time she just sat there in the midst of pink stickiness. Then she decided she wanted life outside the goo. She is pulling against it, snapping back some, but making progress each time she sets out.
The garden metaphor was the launching point. Then daughter started understanding truths during Sunday night sermons. She finally believed that God does not hate her. He loves her no matter what. She also learned that He will sit back and let her make her own decisions even if they are bad for her, because he does not force salvation. He desires her heart, not just following rules.
During fire training with my husband, she finally understood the value of rules. In a fire, if people do it their own way, they could die. Rules guide you for the best possible outcome.
Wow, my daughter got all that??? Praise the Lord!
Next...we registered her for camp this summer in Ohio's Amish country. Going through the camp's website, I found they had retreats that week and the next. Perfect chance for her and I to go check it out before she goes up with a friend of mine (I will not be able to take off work to take her to camp, so a friend will take her most of the way for me.) Then I thought, why do we need to go to the retreat? Let's have a girl's week in Amish country vacationing!
For those of you unfamiliar with adoptive families, moms are enemy number 1 due to the hurt. The kids want bio mom's love so bad and fight against getting hurt again and letting go of her. Daughter and I butt heads more than "normal" families, but to a normal degree for adoptive families of older kids. So most thought this was a crazy idea. But as a mom, you have to follow what God is telling you. You know your child better than anyone. My daughter was concerned about being 6 hours away from home at a camp she had never been to, and riding there with people she hadn't met. It was obvious to me (and God) to head out on an adventure and make her feel safe. The best thing for my daughter was to meet my friend and see the camp with me ahead of time. We made plans on Tuesday and left the following Monday.
We stopped to visit my friend, H, so daughter could meet her. She was so nervous outside the house, but was instantly at ease when H answered the door. After a good visit, we headed on for the last 3.5 hrs of the trip. It was pouring rain, but still great girl time. Daughter was soooooo excited when we saw the first buggy. She was just as enchanted with the Amish as I was on my first trip. And for 2.5 days her walls were down, she was smiling, and she easily engaged in conversation with me. It was heaven on earth. God met us there boldly, letting us know the struggles had been worth it. He showed us what mother/daughter relationships were supposed to be like. We had some ups and down the last couple of days, but it was not heartbreaking because we had normal for 2.5 days!! One of the best parts was the day before we left. We were in a thrift store and whala! A section of plain dresses!! We each purchased 2 Amish dresses. :) We were in the dressing room together laughing - truly enjoying ourselves.
It took almost 4 years for those experiences, but it was worth the 4 years of struggle.
Then God orchestrated a beautiful bonding from an awfully hard Sunday morning. After church we asked daughter about Sunday School (same as after every class). She was bitter and said God has never helped her even though he might have helped us. Whoa! We'd spent the day before on a Jeep 4x4 ride, having the best time. Turns out a friend intentionally hurt her and she found out a boy she really really likes not only didn't like her anymore, but thought she was weird. The pain of that is so harsh and devestating as a teenager. But before we found that out, it was just obstinate bitterness. We kept asking her to tell us and she wouldn't. Finally, she pointed to her face and I could see she was getting upset. I walked towards her to hug her and she started crying and came to hug me, too. We sat on the bed while hubby was in the doorway. All three of us talked through it all - the hurt, that noone was wrong in this, and how she is unique and needs to celebrate that. At the end, while I was telling her why her dress looked so nice on her, her friend called. This friend's family just got a phone, so this was not a normal thing. God had her call I have no doubt. And not knowing what happened, just knowing daughter was down, friend said for them to list all the good about daughter. Amazing! God's timing was incredible!! And daughter knew it! We ended up letting the friend spend the night, on a school night, to let daughter know how awesome it was she trusted us enough to talk through her hurt with us.
There has been more talking, more laughter, just normal family time. She said what made the difference was we sat with her. A couple of weeks prior, I printed out a blog post from an adoptee for her to highlight things she has felt or wanted to happen. One of the things was that we sit with her, not leaving no matter what she has done.
We could not have begun to orchestrate this. God did his thing in his way to make it known he did this for her and for us. I can't explain what it is like to finally feel like her mother. Yes, there will be more mountains to climb, but we will make it. She will make it. God is telling us so.
Right now she is outside with 2 friends just being a normal teenager.
In all other circumstances, I've always had hope. It has waxed and waned with my daughter. But God made it clear that he is still in control and hope does not disappoint.
Thank you, Lord, for your love and perfect ways of getting through. In your name I praise! Amen.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
A flower amongs the weeds
It’s been a
hard week with my daughter.
I started
reading The Connected Child’s study guide, and could not answer a question
about what flowers were in her garden. I
can tell you every weed, but not the flowers.
After therapy today, I mentioned this to the therapist.
I asked DD to tell me about her garden. Giving her time to think about it, she said
she didn’t think she had any flowers.
More explanation, then she came up with singing. She does not do this in front of us, but
seems to like it. How do you water your
flower? She realized she doesn’t. I told her she is amongst her weeds,
satisfied something is there - it’s not a drought. She starts getting the metaphor. I explain that I spend so much time pulling
her weeds I forget to water my garden and then I get unhappy. If she would start pulling her weeds, her
flowers could grow and I can water mine.
She said, “Maybe if I water this one, another one will grow.” PRAISE GOD!
Tomorrow she will put up a tulip with closed petals on her wall. As she consistently waters, we will put up
one with open petals. Will this be a
smooth road? Not by any means, but it’s
imperfect progress. Thank you, Lord!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Rejoice in our confident hope!
God answers so incredibly.
Saturday was one of "those" days with our daughter. But she crossed a new threshold of saying nothing we do will change her behavior or her thoughts. She has passive-aggressive Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), so to be so blunt and outspoken is a new thing we are seeing. Normally you just see it in her actions or written across her face. And now we are trying to determine next steps. She has been homeschooled for over a year now and the last few months, the grades went from Cs to Ds, to now Fs. She has refused to do certain projects, etc and gives no effort. For those thinking we do not discipline, you do not know us well. :) She was placed with us for the amount of structure and discipline we would provide without coddling her and indulging her as has been her past experience. When she participates with the family and is adhering to her responsibilities, she gets to do the cool stuff. When she doesn't give to the family and is "no fun," the family doesn't give extra to her. This is to teach her that relationships are give and take. Something we are very concerned about in her adult life.
Hubby and I talked alot yesterday and last night. I reached out to an online group asking for prayer and very quickly received encouragement. First a prayer and then the offer for me to contact another RAD mother privately. Christian RAD mothers are my saving grace. They get it. There is no explanation needed and they do not berate you for the mistakes you have made in trying to figure out your child who has had an unthinkable past and therefore a heartbreaking present. It's so hard to be hopeful for my daughter, but the Lord always brings me back to hope.
I read through Romans 5 last night, then 6, and 7. It brought me comfort and a better outlook. I prayed with my palms open to God to take this from me, do His thing. As always, when I truly give it to Him, a peace came over me.
This morning I awoke to a reply from this new friend and then I sat to read my devotional. The prayer and verse at the end were for me. Yes, God knew when it was printed I would need it this morning. :)
"Lord, so many people around me are in need of prayer! You know, too, how much I am in need of your guidance, courage, and willpower. Help me to pray for others and to be genuinely engaged in prayer."
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. ~ Romans 12:12 NLT.
It always comes back to hope for me.
My husband had suggested I take a long weekend and go somewhere by myself. 3 or 4 days by myself is actually not my ideal. I would rather spend it with him away from home. But then I thought I could reach out to a friend to go with me. Then it hit me I have moved so much and have a habit of not staying in touch that I really didn't have anyone that I've known for years on end I could call and know she would say yes. This new friend offered to go! I was so thankful, but did not expect such an offer. It did, however, give me the courage to reach out to a very good friend and ask if she would like to take a trip. That is very hard for me to do. I know people have hectic lives and it's not easy for anyone to get away. So even if she can't, it's okay. I took the step and that is huge for me.
God works on us through trials, as my life verses affirm. But He knows when times get tough, we get off track and can get overwhelmed, losing sight of His bigger plan.
Thank you, Lord, for being so patient with me and for loving me. Help me to put all my trust in you, being CONFIDENT in your hope, no matter how tough your pruning is and no matter how hopeless situations may seem. Amen
Saturday was one of "those" days with our daughter. But she crossed a new threshold of saying nothing we do will change her behavior or her thoughts. She has passive-aggressive Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), so to be so blunt and outspoken is a new thing we are seeing. Normally you just see it in her actions or written across her face. And now we are trying to determine next steps. She has been homeschooled for over a year now and the last few months, the grades went from Cs to Ds, to now Fs. She has refused to do certain projects, etc and gives no effort. For those thinking we do not discipline, you do not know us well. :) She was placed with us for the amount of structure and discipline we would provide without coddling her and indulging her as has been her past experience. When she participates with the family and is adhering to her responsibilities, she gets to do the cool stuff. When she doesn't give to the family and is "no fun," the family doesn't give extra to her. This is to teach her that relationships are give and take. Something we are very concerned about in her adult life.
Hubby and I talked alot yesterday and last night. I reached out to an online group asking for prayer and very quickly received encouragement. First a prayer and then the offer for me to contact another RAD mother privately. Christian RAD mothers are my saving grace. They get it. There is no explanation needed and they do not berate you for the mistakes you have made in trying to figure out your child who has had an unthinkable past and therefore a heartbreaking present. It's so hard to be hopeful for my daughter, but the Lord always brings me back to hope.
I read through Romans 5 last night, then 6, and 7. It brought me comfort and a better outlook. I prayed with my palms open to God to take this from me, do His thing. As always, when I truly give it to Him, a peace came over me.
This morning I awoke to a reply from this new friend and then I sat to read my devotional. The prayer and verse at the end were for me. Yes, God knew when it was printed I would need it this morning. :)
"Lord, so many people around me are in need of prayer! You know, too, how much I am in need of your guidance, courage, and willpower. Help me to pray for others and to be genuinely engaged in prayer."
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. ~ Romans 12:12 NLT.
It always comes back to hope for me.
My husband had suggested I take a long weekend and go somewhere by myself. 3 or 4 days by myself is actually not my ideal. I would rather spend it with him away from home. But then I thought I could reach out to a friend to go with me. Then it hit me I have moved so much and have a habit of not staying in touch that I really didn't have anyone that I've known for years on end I could call and know she would say yes. This new friend offered to go! I was so thankful, but did not expect such an offer. It did, however, give me the courage to reach out to a very good friend and ask if she would like to take a trip. That is very hard for me to do. I know people have hectic lives and it's not easy for anyone to get away. So even if she can't, it's okay. I took the step and that is huge for me.
God works on us through trials, as my life verses affirm. But He knows when times get tough, we get off track and can get overwhelmed, losing sight of His bigger plan.
Thank you, Lord, for being so patient with me and for loving me. Help me to put all my trust in you, being CONFIDENT in your hope, no matter how tough your pruning is and no matter how hopeless situations may seem. Amen
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Proverbs 31 blog post today...AWESOME!
 |
November 27, 2012
By Nicki Koziarz |
We were out of options. The day the Sherriff's car pulled into our driveway, I knew what was coming. After a series of unfortunate events, things had gone from bad to worse to hopeless.
Her friendly, official, sheriff smile did nothing to relieve the emotional discomfort of this dreadful moment. The neighbors peeked through their blinds to see what was happening.
As she handed me the papers, I took them with tears in my eyes.
Looking at the baby in my arms and toddler peeking out from behind me, this kind woman genuinely said, "I'm sorry."
"Thank you," I whispered, as I slowly closed the door.
I sat down on our stairs and read through the official documents. Elaborate lawyer terms, forceful sounding laws I didn't understand, and words bolded in dark ink conveyed the dreadful news; "You must vacate the premises within thirty days."
Foreclosure.
It was unwanted and unavoidable. It felt shameful and embarrassing. And the foreclosure of our home was an aching process of letting go.
The carefully painted mustard-yellow walls: I would miss them so much. How would I survive without the daily afternoon play dates with my neighbor and her children? And what about all those hot dog dinners my husband and I ate to save pennies to buy this sweet home?
So much was about to be taken from us. Just like that.
I didn't understand why God would allow us to walk this humbling road. We had trusted Him, why hadn't He provided?
Any hope I had left in God faded fast. It wasn't something I could muster back up on my own. No, I needed others to fill the gap for me.
In scripture Paul wrote, "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4 NASB)
I learned during this devastating season, when our hearts become grounds of broken dreams, we may need to turn to the hope others have found.
The Bible holds deep historical roots of hope waiting for us to uncover.
We can find hope because ...
Abraham and Sarah found hope by believing while it seemed impossible for them to get pregnant, it was possible for God. (Genesis 15, 17-18)
We can find hope because ...
Ruth and Naomi found hope by moving their lives forward after losing their family. (Ruth 3)
We can find hope because ...
Mary and Martha found hope when they saw Jesus could do anything, including raising their brother from the dead. (John 11)
As I closed the door to our home for the last time, I accepted this place of brokenness. But I also made a choice to find hope no matter what.
I found hope through the eyes of wonder my daughters had as they explored our new rental house. I found hope when my mom helped me unpack our boxes and organize toys. I found hope when my husband's heart drew closer to mine through this difficult experience.
Hope is at the core of who we are as followers of Jesus. As we allow hope to flow into us, it will flow through us even in the most difficult circumstances.
If you feel hopeless in this season of your life, will you look back at those who had hope in Scripture to give you courage to have hope for your future? Hope, it heals our broken dreams.
Dear Lord, thank You for the hope You give us to heal the broken places in our lives. May we have the strength to find hope in all the places that feel hopeless today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do you know the God of all hope?
Today on Nicki's blog she has started a hope-inspired challenge! Click here to check it out.
An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell
Reflect and Respond:
If you are feeling hopeless, reach out to someone and ask her to share a time where God has given hope.
What is an area in your life you are seeking hope from God? Leave a comment today and let's share our hope struggles.
Power Verses:
1 Peter 1:3, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (NIV)
Romans 5:5, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (NIV 1984)
Monday, November 19, 2012
Asking for prayer
Good morning, ladies. I guess I assume no men read this. :0
Today I'm reaching out to you for prayer. My heart is broken, deeply. Over the last month or so I've been hit with realities about my daughter. It came to fruition yesterday. She is not capable of loving and does not know what a relationship is. I have to accept the reality that she does not and likely will not ever love us. This is my only child (too old to have my own), and I cannot go through adoption again.
We are moving into a different phase of life now. The phase where we are coaching a child to grasp what a relationship is so that when she leaves in 4 years she has a chance at being successful with others. Being a coach rather than a parent will help me distance myself and help her.
I have to give my fears over to God and it is so hard. Why would He allow a child to be abused where it affects her brain's development to the point she cannot love? How does she ever accept Christ? I honestly do not know if her mind is to a place where she can clearly see such a decision (I do not think so) or God sees her as a young child that cannot make that decision. The latter gives me comfort, the former terrifies me. Her future terrifies me. How will she be able to hold down a job to pay for a home? How will she marry and not divorce?
I know I love this child because I still want her to have joy in her life. I want her to be normal. But that is just not possible right now. Maybe one day her brain will allow it. I doubted if I loved her because of how much I hurt. But if I didn't love her, I wouldn't hurt.
Please keep us in your prayers as we seek God's guidance.
Today I'm reaching out to you for prayer. My heart is broken, deeply. Over the last month or so I've been hit with realities about my daughter. It came to fruition yesterday. She is not capable of loving and does not know what a relationship is. I have to accept the reality that she does not and likely will not ever love us. This is my only child (too old to have my own), and I cannot go through adoption again.
We are moving into a different phase of life now. The phase where we are coaching a child to grasp what a relationship is so that when she leaves in 4 years she has a chance at being successful with others. Being a coach rather than a parent will help me distance myself and help her.
I have to give my fears over to God and it is so hard. Why would He allow a child to be abused where it affects her brain's development to the point she cannot love? How does she ever accept Christ? I honestly do not know if her mind is to a place where she can clearly see such a decision (I do not think so) or God sees her as a young child that cannot make that decision. The latter gives me comfort, the former terrifies me. Her future terrifies me. How will she be able to hold down a job to pay for a home? How will she marry and not divorce?
I know I love this child because I still want her to have joy in her life. I want her to be normal. But that is just not possible right now. Maybe one day her brain will allow it. I doubted if I loved her because of how much I hurt. But if I didn't love her, I wouldn't hurt.
Please keep us in your prayers as we seek God's guidance.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
God moments...
For 5 days this past week, I attended an online conference from home. Saturday and Sunday were each 3 hours and very exhausting, but good exhausting. By Monday morning, there was a pep in my step and I felt cleansed - cleansed of my mistakes, wrong perspectives, and my general state of being overwhelmed.
I reached out to a friend over email-
I have no idea what's going on in your life right now, but for the past week or so, I've been praying for you. I was making out a new prayer list and God just put it on my heart to put you on it. So I hope today is filled with blessings for you and your family and whatever struggles, great or small, you feel His presence.
My friend wrote back she had been thinking about me as well and about life altering struggles she's been going through for quite some time. God knew she needed to know others were praying for her even though I didn't know the situation. I shared my struggles with her and she responded with the same truth I'd learned in the conference over the weekend. "We can't fix other people." [The conference used a bandaid to illustrate it. We are our kids' bandaid. We can support them and protect them, but we can't fix them. I guess God knew I needed the message a couple of times.]
Another cool part to this story - we've never met. We 'met' in a forum and connected over sewing. And yet God turned a simple friendship into a deep blessing.
Dear Lord, thank you for your promptings, your lessons, and your blessings. And thank you for writing such beautiful stories into our lives. Thank you, Father. Amen.
I reached out to a friend over email-
I have no idea what's going on in your life right now, but for the past week or so, I've been praying for you. I was making out a new prayer list and God just put it on my heart to put you on it. So I hope today is filled with blessings for you and your family and whatever struggles, great or small, you feel His presence.
My friend wrote back she had been thinking about me as well and about life altering struggles she's been going through for quite some time. God knew she needed to know others were praying for her even though I didn't know the situation. I shared my struggles with her and she responded with the same truth I'd learned in the conference over the weekend. "We can't fix other people." [The conference used a bandaid to illustrate it. We are our kids' bandaid. We can support them and protect them, but we can't fix them. I guess God knew I needed the message a couple of times.]
Another cool part to this story - we've never met. We 'met' in a forum and connected over sewing. And yet God turned a simple friendship into a deep blessing.
Dear Lord, thank you for your promptings, your lessons, and your blessings. And thank you for writing such beautiful stories into our lives. Thank you, Father. Amen.
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