VERSE: For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him .... -- Philippians 1:29
THOUGHT: Suffer! How is suffering a privilege? It's not unless it is for Jesus. Remember how the early apostles were joyful because they were counted worthy to suffer for the name? (cf. Acts 5:41.) You see, he suffered for us so we could be saved. When we face suffering for the cause of Christ and his Kingdom, we help inspire others to live faithfully in adversity and show to all the genuineness of our faith. So few have anything worthy of their living, dying, or suffering. We have reason for all three: our lives will be caught up in Jesus' victory! (cf. Rom 8:32-39; 1 Cor.15.)
PRAYER: Make me courageous, O God! Help me to be faithful in times of trouble and strong in times of persecution, hardship, and suffering. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
PLEASE take the time to watch this. It will change your heart!!!
I am Thankful for so much.....
http://www.youtube.com/user/jaesonmachannel#p/a/f/1/73kZ6wBoqTk
Pray On!
S
http://www.youtube.com/user/jaesonmachannel#p/a/f/1/73kZ6wBoqTk
Pray On!
S
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Thank you My Faithful Army!
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. -- Psalm 32:7
It was by the support I received from so many, that I can say that my grief is a little lighter. Please make sure that you go and read the "comments" from my last few "posts". Some of the words might not touch you today, but there is no escaping the harsh reality of loving and loss, as well as disbelief and grief. I went most of my life without any real sense of loss...life was good! When loss came at me, it was with a VENGEANCE and seemed unrelenting most of the time. I pray that none of you will have to face such an extreme side of loss and grief. If you already have, I absolutely know your pain and I am sorry. If you have not, you have been blessed thus far, but it is inevitable and it will come for you too. This is why I ask that you read the comments. Copy and paste them in an email and mark them with "my protection during loss" or anything else that you find suitable. When you need them, they will be waiting to lift you up when your loss will try to drag you down. They will be your refuge as God has planned. He is preparing you as he always does. Heade His help and embrace it. It is the only way!
There has been something that I have been dealing with, and only those closest to me are aware of. It has been extremely hard on my children and my close family and friends. Yesterday, would be the day that could change things. Without going into much detail, I sat in a small room and pulled out the candle I received at Kelly's prayer service last week, held it to my heart and prayed. I prayed that Kelly's promise to me before she left this earth would be kept. I prayed that her and Robynn would work together to keep me calm, focused and give me a sign that they had God's attention. Well, as you can probably imagine those girls up there don't mess around! The sign they gave me was not small by anyones standards. It was the most blessed and unmissable sign that went beyond my wildest expectations. It would bring so much needed relief to my family. I realized that I can't ask for such a blessing without understanding who was in charge of it. Yes, Robynn and Kelly definitely had HIS ear, but HE chose to grant me this and it is ONLY through Him that we will be blessed and welcomed into His Kingdom!!!
My faith has been so far from the Lord recently. I am thankful that I am 1 step closer to getting back to Him and knowing HE IS IN CHARGE and I must surrender to Him!
My deepest love and thanks to you all!
Stand Strong!
Pray On!
S
It was by the support I received from so many, that I can say that my grief is a little lighter. Please make sure that you go and read the "comments" from my last few "posts". Some of the words might not touch you today, but there is no escaping the harsh reality of loving and loss, as well as disbelief and grief. I went most of my life without any real sense of loss...life was good! When loss came at me, it was with a VENGEANCE and seemed unrelenting most of the time. I pray that none of you will have to face such an extreme side of loss and grief. If you already have, I absolutely know your pain and I am sorry. If you have not, you have been blessed thus far, but it is inevitable and it will come for you too. This is why I ask that you read the comments. Copy and paste them in an email and mark them with "my protection during loss" or anything else that you find suitable. When you need them, they will be waiting to lift you up when your loss will try to drag you down. They will be your refuge as God has planned. He is preparing you as he always does. Heade His help and embrace it. It is the only way!
There has been something that I have been dealing with, and only those closest to me are aware of. It has been extremely hard on my children and my close family and friends. Yesterday, would be the day that could change things. Without going into much detail, I sat in a small room and pulled out the candle I received at Kelly's prayer service last week, held it to my heart and prayed. I prayed that Kelly's promise to me before she left this earth would be kept. I prayed that her and Robynn would work together to keep me calm, focused and give me a sign that they had God's attention. Well, as you can probably imagine those girls up there don't mess around! The sign they gave me was not small by anyones standards. It was the most blessed and unmissable sign that went beyond my wildest expectations. It would bring so much needed relief to my family. I realized that I can't ask for such a blessing without understanding who was in charge of it. Yes, Robynn and Kelly definitely had HIS ear, but HE chose to grant me this and it is ONLY through Him that we will be blessed and welcomed into His Kingdom!!!
My faith has been so far from the Lord recently. I am thankful that I am 1 step closer to getting back to Him and knowing HE IS IN CHARGE and I must surrender to Him!
My deepest love and thanks to you all!
Stand Strong!
Pray On!
S
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Kelly's Tribute
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bakersfield/obituary.aspx?n=kelly-allyn-brown-haines&pid=135778918
I am unclear how to get through today. Actually, I am unclear on how to get through almost everyday, but somehow have managed. I guess I will assume today will be no different.
I also want to let Christine, Leslie and Kelly K know how their words touched me so deeply. They were a gift from God and exactly what I needed! You have done what any fearless soldier would do and that is STAND STRONG! Thank you for lifting my spirits and lifting my faith!
I love you Kel! And you Miss Robynn...I'm so jealous you get to have her all to yourself!
Pray On!
S
I am unclear how to get through today. Actually, I am unclear on how to get through almost everyday, but somehow have managed. I guess I will assume today will be no different.
I also want to let Christine, Leslie and Kelly K know how their words touched me so deeply. They were a gift from God and exactly what I needed! You have done what any fearless soldier would do and that is STAND STRONG! Thank you for lifting my spirits and lifting my faith!
I love you Kel! And you Miss Robynn...I'm so jealous you get to have her all to yourself!
Pray On!
S
Monday, November 9, 2009
My Prayer Request
First, I must apologize for my lack of posts/updates. I should have told you about Hailey cutting off all her hair again for "Locks for Love", that Brady is his Class Rep, that they both have won awards at school for being smart, kind,helpful students and that Brian is enjoying subbing for the Kern HS District and ran in a mini marathon along with so many others to honor Robynn. That is not nearly all, there is so much more, but those are the highlights.
Kelly's sister Brandy refers to me as "MIA" and I am probably very deserving of that title. The truth is, I am having an extraordinary difficult time with my grief and it only seems to be getting worse. With the anniversary of Kelly's death(this Wed) and Robynn's right around the corner, compiled with the holidays, it just seems to be too much. It has been a year, should we not be feeling less sad, less denial, less dread about being left behind?
Another reason I have not written many posts is because I feel like a hypocrit trying to inspire others when my faith has been shattered. I feel ill equipped to lead Robynn's Fearless "Army Goodell".
With that said, please accept my apology for falling down, and I beg that you keep us in constant prayer as we struggle through the next few weeks.
Pray on!
S
Kelly's sister Brandy refers to me as "MIA" and I am probably very deserving of that title. The truth is, I am having an extraordinary difficult time with my grief and it only seems to be getting worse. With the anniversary of Kelly's death(this Wed) and Robynn's right around the corner, compiled with the holidays, it just seems to be too much. It has been a year, should we not be feeling less sad, less denial, less dread about being left behind?
Another reason I have not written many posts is because I feel like a hypocrit trying to inspire others when my faith has been shattered. I feel ill equipped to lead Robynn's Fearless "Army Goodell".
With that said, please accept my apology for falling down, and I beg that you keep us in constant prayer as we struggle through the next few weeks.
Pray on!
S
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