Hello, Friends! I hope you enjoyed a special Independence Day weekend with your family and friends. Thank-you for your travel mercy prayers for Shanley Belle and Christopher. It was so nice having everyone together.
I don't know about y'all, but it seems like this past week has been one of the most upsetting in a very long time. Our lesson about fear struck a nerve with me: It was very relevant. I also put to use several of Farrell's recommendations to "temper the fear."
The enemy is the source for all fear, not God. He also wants to steal our joy. I'm determined that he will not be successful. Along with tempering the fear, I've also strived to find joy this week, and it hasn't been easy. I have had to deal with my mother's business all week, and I'm struggling not to be angry at the world.
Instead, I've taken Matt Haig's words to heart this week: He writes about "one beautiful thing."
Experience one beautiful thing a day. However small. However trivial. Read a poem. Play a favorite song. Laugh with a friend. Gaze at the sky just before the sun's final tumble toward night. Watch a classic movie. Eat a slice of lemon drizzle cake. Whatever. Just give yourself one simple reminder that the world is full of wonders. Even if we are at a point in life where we can't appreciate things, it sometimes helps to remember there are things in this world to enjoy, when we are ready.
Here is this week's scripture:
Please read over the prayer requests, and let me know what needs to be updated.
- Please continue to pray for Kris's MIL. Pray that she will be amenable to having the in-home healthcare help Terry and Kris found for her come into her home and help out.
- Pray for Kitty's grandson Connor as he trains as a corrections officer.
- PRAISE: Carla is getting a new family member! She's getting a daughter-in-law (Sam proposed to Cate, and she said YES)! Pray for all the pre-wedding planning and counseling for the happy couple.
- Pray for Kitty's son Mike that he can find a job that uses his talents. He is a very talented artist! UPDATE: Mike has been working on a game with his friend and they have to get it done in three months. Mike can do his part but his friend needs to stay focused. Kitty asks for prayers for him, too.
- Keep praying for Rita's daughters because they are thriving!
- Please pray for Carla's friend C.M.H who has joined the United States Army. Carla and her family are so proud of him. He turned 23 in June, and he is a dear friend of her boys. He was in their homeschool group. He is in basic training at Fort Jackson, and he is her son Atticus' best friend. What is interesting about this... Carla's son Sam also did his basic at Fort Jackson.
- Please pray for our blog friend Jenna Meon. She is currently in rehabilitation for her walking. She is still struggling with her standing.
- Pray for Rita's neighbor who has a stage four cancer diagnosis.
- Pray that our leaders will ask God for direction as they make national security decisions.
- Kris's friend passed away from a massive heart attack. Please be in prayer for his widow, family, and friends as they are all in a state of shock over his unexpected death.
- Please be in prayer for Rita's brother Tommy who had a stroke (Tuesday, June 24th).
- URGENT: Pray for my best friend Barbara. She has cancer, and had to have a colostomy last week. Also, her husband also has stage four prostate cancer. Please be in prayer for them. UPDATE: Barbara is home, and is in good spirits. She still hasn't had her scans yet.
- From Kitty: Eric, Molly’s husband, lost his job last week. The company is closing the office. He’s applying for unemployment and also for disability. Molly is very positive.
- Kris has another friend who had a heart attack and is on life support. He is only 52 and has a 6 month old baby that needs her daddy.
I'm heading to my hometown this morning to take care of some business my mother neglected. I'm trying so hard not to be angry with her because these are things I thought she took care of years ago.
I hope you have a lovely weekend. I will try to find my joy by cooking several recipes with the fruits and vegetables from this week's community supported agriculture box.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Reading through the petitions, I just want give updates on mine: my brother was moved to rehab this week - slow progress, thank you for prayers and please continue. My neighbor had successful surgery to remove one kidney, the first step in her cancer journey.
ReplyDeleteRicki Jill, helping with family matters can be so frustrating when apparent neglect on the recipient's part is evident. You are her blessing, and maybe some joy can be found in working to resolve whatever issues you are dealing with, and knowing that this is a gift God has provided you as a means to serving others. The fact that serving your mother, who can be challenging, is God's evidence that He only calls on soldiers up for the task. I say all this because I have felt similarly at times. I'm praying for you!
Hello, thank you for the updates Ricki Jill. I continue to pray for all the requests.
ReplyDeleteI am sending you a hug Ricki Jill. xx oo
Thank you to all that are praying for Sam and Cate as they prepare for their wedding date, they have not announced one as of yet.
Rita’s response is so beautiful, Ricki Jill. It is hard on you because you have no one to share the burdens with since you are an only child. God will help you through this as you take care of your mom’s neglected business.
ReplyDeleteThis week was a hard one with all the tragedies of lost lives. Prayers for all of you and your requests. God bless all of us as we make sense of so much that we do not understand. May we find JOY in the small things.