One Part of the Duty We Owe to Our Pastors

"Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, 

in all things willing to live honestly."

~Hebrews 13:18

"This is one part of the duty which people owe to their ministers. Ministers need the prayers of the people; and the more earnestly the people pray for their ministers the more benefit they may expect to reap from their ministry. They should pray that God would teach those who are to teach them, that He would make them vigilant, and wise, and zealous, and successful--that He would assist them in all their labours, support them under all their burdens, and strengthen them under all their temptations."

~Matthew Henry

Her Plans, His Plans

"Thus it is well that Jehovah trieth the righteous, 

for it causeth them to grow rich in God."

~C.H. Spurgeon

There was a woman with child who made great plans. The list she made was her vehicle to contentment and a deep sense of accomplishment. She'd cheerfully check off each thing done and would then be ready to welcome the new baby.

She dreamed of de-cluttered bookshelves and school boxes, organized closets and deep cleaned rooms, menu plans, and freezer foods. She expected to have lesson plans done for the year and cute binders lined up all in a row. After all, isn't this what the Proverbs 31 woman would do right before having a baby?

It would all be smooth sailing. Well, as smooth as life can be in a household of 10.

BUT God...

Well, He actually directs her steps. And He had a very different plan in mind. It started with a bit of a hailstorm.

The house was damaged and the trees were bare. The Woman-With-the-Plans felt a bit overwhelmed but was thankful for God's protection and His mercy.

The next day brought another blow to getting things done. "You need to replace all of your tires," the salesman said. And we had to admit that five years worth of driving on those van tires was something to be thankful for. Still, spending that much money on new tires when school books were needed and house repairs had to be done was hard to swallow. But the Woman-With-the-Plans praised God for His provision.

Meanwhile, sickness had been floating around this woman's house for almost a month. As baby's arrival got closer, she prayed even harder that all of the coughing and fatigue would disappear. As a precaution, she took her three year old to the doctor. This is one time antibiotics would have been a welcome suggestion from the doctor, but the Woman-With-the-Plans got more than that.

She got a ride in an ambulance since her 3-1/2 year old needed to be hospitalized for some complications from pneumonia.  She got a sassy nurse, swollen ankles, very little sleep, a far-away bathroom, an annoying financial rep. who wanted copies of id and insurance at 6:45 in the morning, and a bill for hospital food that no one even ate.

It was at this point the Woman-With-the-Plans developed a bit of amnesia. She murmured at her conditions and told herself if was too much. She spent too much time counting her crosses instead of her mercies. She fixed her eyes on those plans that continued to slip away instead of her God who is steadfast and faithful.

She had her plans, and He had his. Her plans were for organization and comfort and ease. His were for affliction and trials and purging. In the midst of it all, as He always does, He poured out great mercies that lessened the bitter taste of those afflictions.

~Our house suffered much less damage than many around us. It could have been so much worse.
~The insurance company looked at the damage last Thursday, and we had a check by Tuesday.
~Our brand new roof wasn't damaged at all.
~God preserved us from danger while driving with those worn tires.
~Our pediatrician was very thorough and helpful.
~ Claire got the hospital care she needed and was discharged the next evening. She's doing well at home and is still on oxygen.
~My Beloved was actually home that day Claire was admitted to the hospital, and he stayed with us both that night. What a blessing!
~The gift of available healthcare.
~The blessing of having other saints intercede for us!
~Sweet Ella has had to start antibiotics, but she's already feeling better.
~We have older, responsible children who manage everything quite well when we're gone.
~The emergency tech who took care of Claire in the ambulance was a Christian.
~The compassion that flows as result of your own afflictions to others who are enduring repeated trials.
~God showed me once again how deep my ingratitude runs and how easily my eyes shift from Jesus to my affliction, AND how He never fails to provide what we need and so much of what we want.

Claire with the big oxygen tank she uses at night. 

Her daytime one is much more portable. :)

"Our Lord in His infinite wisdom and superabundant love, sets so high a value upon His people's faith that He will not screen them from those trials by which faith is strengthened."
~C.H. Spurgeon

Most of the things on that list won't get done before baby arrives. But as my wise Beloved reminded me, "What needs to have gotten done will have been done." The same faithful God who directs our steps into afflictions that make us more like Christ will give me the grace I need in the days ahead to accomplish what He's set before me and let go of the rest. (Please, Lord, help me let go of the rest.)

"Providence carries our lives, liberties and concerns in its hands every moment. Your bread is in its cupboard, your money in its purse, your safety in its enfolding arms; and surely it is the least part of what you owe to record the favours you receive at its hands."
~John Flavel

What a great privilege it is in every trial to see what He has done and to record those mercies and declare them to our children. That's a much greater gift than the best-made plans that make us boast of our accomplishments instead of the mighty works of God.

With love,
Trisha

As the Breathing of Our Souls

In the experience of God's people, it is often found that when their outward condition is troubled, their inward state is full of perplexities and fears. In affliction, Satan seeks to make a breach between us and God. He is most malicious with those with whom he has little hope of victory, as in Job's case.

If he cannot run us on a rock, he will seek to upset us with a tempest. If he cannot rob us of grace, he will seek to disturb our peace and comfort. Believers can expect inward and outward troubles because we have married Christ with His cross. We are delivered from the curse indeed but are appointed to the cross.

Outward afflictions may be many and heavy and come upon the neck of another. We may feel the hard brunt enough to exercise our whole strength of faith and patience. Inward afflictions are far more heavy than afflictions of the body, for a wounded spirit who can bear? It is not unusual though, that both of these rods come upon us at once, as a load on a broken back.

What shall we do? We must take a hold on God by renewed acts of faith. Faith is used not only for our entrance into grace, but also for our continuance and progress through all temptations and difficulties. Faith and prayer must be as the breathing of our souls to keep the heart alive. We must trust the Lord in every change and condition of life. I will lay the weight of my sinking spirit on the free grace of Christ. I will renew my hold, life, and expectations there.

This is the path. I will never be turned from it. A trusting Christian in this strength may challenge all the gates of hell. "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." (Psalm 56:3). Afraid? Who is not? But what course will you take then? Believe. Use faith always, and have it now.
~Elias Pledger, Puritan Sermons 1659-1689
Voices From the Past

Update on My Mom

My Mom has come through surgery well.  The more invasive procedure was not done because it couldn't be done.  She's still in recovery, and I haven't spoken to her, yet.  Please continue to pray for healing without any infections or other complications.

Thank you!

Update on My Mom

My Mom will be in the hospital for another 4 days and will then go home to be on a liquid diet for a while.  Surgery will be considered in about six weeks.  Please pray that God would heal her without the need for surgery, and that she would have much peace and trust in the Lord regardless of what He wills.

Mountain Man had a bit of a relapse with his inner ear and dizziness issues, so we covet prayers for his healing, especially before he and Scribe leave for the Ligonier conference.

Thank you!

David's Surgery Tomorrow

Well, it's been an interesting day.  I'm too tired to post much about it now, but I did want to share an update about Michele's husband, David.

Please remember them in prayer.  Thank you.

David's surgery is set for 4 tomorrow. They will be making a vertical long incision in his stomach...yikes! I don't envy him...(and no baby afterwards!) :). Please pray for a smooth operation with his breathing and no complications or infection. I am quite nervous. Hoping to see the surgeon tomorrow before the surgery. Thanks for everything over these last 8 wks! Its been quite a ride :)
~Michele


We continue to covet your prayers as well.  Mountain Man was home once again today, and this illness seems to have super staying power with all of us.  I must say I'm getting weary of being sick, and it's only going on 2 weeks.  I can't begin to imagine what David has been feeling.  He's been in the hospital for over 2 months now.  All it takes is one glance away from ourselves to put it all in perspective.  


Much love,

Update on David

Though I've set up a separate blog for updates about David, I'm posting this latest one everywhere in hopes that you will all take the time to pray for this entire family. This latest news is unsettling, and prayers for strength and healing and peace are greatly appreciated.

This is Michele's latest update.

"When I arrived at the hospital this morning, they informed me that they would be draining the cysts today as well as some fluid around his left lung.  The fluid around the lung was new news to me and a bit disturbing.  David's breathing was very labored prior to the draining procedure.  They finally took him down to radiation at 3:00 pm and he returned from the procedure around 4:30. They drained 4 litres total from his abdomen and chest.  His breathing respirations went from as high as 45 before the draining today, down to 9 to 13 after the draining, which was a great improvement.  They did say that the draining procedure was only treating the symptoms to relieve some pressure and wouldn't necessarily improve the actual pancreatitis.  This was a bit discouraging, as his overall condition has seemed to worsen over the last couple days.  He has been severely confused.  They really don't have a good answer for why he has been so confused, other than "sometimes people get confused and worn down after being in ICU for so long".  The doctors indicated today that they are concerned with his lack of improvement and deterioration the last couple days and reiterated that this is a "very severe case of Pancreatitis".

My hope is that tomorrow will be a much better day without all that fluid on him and that he will be able to get up and be mobile when Physical Therapy comes by.  We honestly need a huge miracle here for his Pancreatitis to start healing.  They will be sending a sample of the fluid to pathology and we should have the results within 48 hours.  That will tell them if there is any infection or other concerns present. I know he is exhausted and his body is so weary.  It is so difficult to see him still in such pain and so confused and disoriented.

I know God is able to bring healing to his body.  We have a BIG God...and He does BIG things.  I am begging Him to do a BIG thing here :)

Thank you to all of you for your continued prayers and encouraging messages!  I honestly do not know what I would do without all of your acts of kindness and encouraging words."  

Good Reports

We've had great news all around today!

~My Dad did well during surgery and is at home recovering.

~David has been up and walking and is scheduled to have the cysts drained tomorrow.
I've added the blog to the sidebar in case you'd like to check for updates.

~There was no cutting at my doctor's appointment.  Everything looks great, and I will  continue to have regular check-ups.  I'm so, so thankful for God's mercy!

~Mountain Man's gout flare-up has settled down, and he's doing much better.  Continued prayers, please, for complete healing.

Thank you for praying for and with us.

Love,

Praises and Requests

~Thanks to everyone who prayed for Mountain Man!  He's doing much better, and this recovery is one of his faster ones.  We're very grateful for the Lord's mercies and your prayers.

~I forgot to share this praise from a couple weeks ago.  Mountain Man saw my dermatologist because I was concerned he had places that might be melanoma.  We were so glad to hear that everything looks great, and there are no worries!

~I see the dermatologist on Wednesday regarding the place near my eye and whether she'll have to cut.  Honestly, it doesn't appear that the freezing took care of the lesion, so I'm concerned she'll want to take a biopsy.  There's not much skin there to work with anyway.  You can simply pray I'll be brave if this is necessary because I just don't think I have it in me to go through something like that in this particular area.  It's one time I'd rather they just knock me out. :)

~My Dad, who is diabetic, has been battling an infection in his foot for over a year.  He's agreed to have surgery done to remove part of the bone that is affecting the healing of the foot.  This will be done Wednesday, and we appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery, no infections, and fast healing.  Most of all, please pray that God would give my Dad a grateful heart, full of thanksgiving to God for His goodness and mercy.

Thank you.

Love,

Potpourri

What's been going on?

~Just when we thought we'd get back on schedule... Mountain Man relapses with a severe head cold and then suffers an acute gout attack.  He finally went back to work today, in great pain, though.  Just getting shoes on was oh, so tough!  Please pray he'll be able to make it through the day, and that his symptoms will clear up quickly!

~A blog has been set up to provide updates on my cousin's husband, David, as he's in the hospital for possibly months because of a very severe case of pancreatitis.  Encouraging comments and prayers are very welcome!

Praying for David

~Jedediah turned 7 months on Sunday!

~Whistler's become quite the helper in the kitchen.  The other night she prepared almost this entire meal on her own.

Salmon burgers, salad, buttered noodles, and french bread

Great job, sweet daughter!

"Seek to cultivate a buoyant, joyous sense of the crowded kindnesses of God in your daily life."

~Alexander Maclaren

Now even for me, three hours of sleep is too little, so this Mama is off to do what she can before taking a little nap.  Have a beautiful day in the Lord!

Much love,

These Many Blessings

It's getting late, and I'm looking forward to the sweet sleep that only God can give.  BUT, I can't rest before thanking everyone for your prayers and before praising God for His goodness and mercy to us today.

It was one of those days when my Heavenly Father continuously humbled me with His kindness to us.  His gifts flowed non-stop, and I echo the words of David when he declared...

I wil extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.   Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.  Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.  One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.  The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.  The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.  He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; he also will hear their cry, and will save them.  The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.  My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. ~from Psalm 145

Here are just a few of God's gifts to us today.

~Scribe woke up in good spirits.


~My Mom fell right before we were leaving for the hospital, but, praise the LORD, she only suffered some bruising.


~Our Pastor arrived at the hospital soon after we did and stayed all day with us.  We're so grateful for the loving sacrifice of his time and energy.


~The staff...doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, etc., were all very kind and willing to answer our many questions.


~The staff was very supportive of having our Pastor pray with us, and Scribe's doctor even came out to the lobby before surgery (Scribe was already in the OR) to have our Pastor pray with her!  Isn't that amazing?  After the surgery was over, Scribe's doctor declared, "God is great.  All the time!"


~Jedediah was content the entire day.


~The children at home were responsible and cheerful.


~Scribe had no complications during the surgery, including no blood loss.


~God blessed us with close parking spaces. :)


~We have friends who are helping with our children during the week so that Scribe's brothers and sisters can take turns visiting him in the hospital.


~My cousin graciously posted the initial update about Scribe for me since I didn't have access to a computer.


~All of us had that peace that passes all understanding as we waited for Scribe to have his surgery!

When I left Scribe tonight, he was still a bit out of it from the anesthesia, and he continues to have problems with nausea.  You can imagine how painful that is when you've just had chest surgery.  So, we continue to ask for prayers as well as ask that you praise God for His goodness and mercy to our family.

I'll continue to post updates as things progress.  Thank you again for your encouraging words and fervent prayers.

Love,

Prayer Request

One month from today, on September 13th, Scribe will be having surgery to correct a condition that is causing his ribs to press in on his heart.  He is expected to be in the hospital for a week, and the doctor is telling us Scribe will be in a lot of pain the first month after the surgery, requiring strong pain meds.  He'll be able to start exercising, etc. about 3 months after the surgery.

We humbly ask you to pray for the following:

~skill and wisdom for the surgeon

~no need for strong pain meds for that whole first month

~no complications or infections from the surgery

~that God would be glorified and we would be a witness for Christ

~that all of us would grow deeper in our love for the LORD through this

~for wisdom for me as I continue to homeschool, love on a brand new baby and all of our other blessings, and take care of our home

~peace and calm for Scribe and a very real knowledge of the presence of the LORD with him

Thank you for loving us through your prayers!

Praises and Prayer Requests-500th Post

I just noticed that this will be our 500th post...Wow!  How fitting that it should be one of praises and prayer requests! 

Praises...

~Our Pastor and his family have bought a house here and will be closing on it soon!

~I had my post-natal check-up yesterday, and everything went well.  This recovery has been much quicker, and we're so thankful for how smoothly the surgery went and for blessing us with such a kind and competent doctor.

~Mountain Man has actually gotten home before 7:00 a couple nights this week.  We love that!

~Jedediah is strong and healthy.

~ My cousin is not going to have to go on dialysis for now since her lab results are looking much better.

Requests...

~Please pray for our cousin Patty's husband, Clyde.  After recently facing colon cancer and going through chemotherapy, he was recently told that the cancer has returned, and there are lesions on his lungs and his liver.  Pray for God's healing and for strength and encouragement for this dear couple and their family.

~Please continue to pray for my cousin, Michele, that her lab results would continue to be normal and that her visit to the specialist in August would bring good news.  Pray for continued strengthening and healing of her body.

~Mountain Man has been battling shoulder pain for awhile now.  Please pray for healing and for restful sleep at night.

~My foot pain continues as well as calf pain now, and it's become quite intense on some days....very painful to be on my feet.  Please pray for healing.

~Please pray for our Pastor's wife..that God would bless her recent treatments for back pain and give her relief and sweet sleep at night.

~And for everyone, as always, pray that in the midst of whatever pain and whatever trials that there would be much praise to God from the lips of the afflicted.

Because He daily loads us with many blessings,

Quoteworthy~The Very Soul of Prayer

"In all your closet-duties God looks first and most to your hearts.  It is not a piece, it is not a corner of the heart, which will satisfy the Maker of the heart.  The very soul of prayer lies in the pouring out of the soul before God.  The heart is a treasure, a bed of spices, a royal throne wherein He delights.  God looks not at:
the elegance of your prayers, to see how refined they are; nor at
the geometry of your prayers, to see how long they are; nor at
the arithmetic of your prayers, to see how many they are; nor at
the music of your prayers; nor at
the sweetness of your voice;
nor at the logic of your prayers;
but at the sincerity of your prayers, how hearty they are.

The reason wy so many are so unsuccessful in their closet-duties and services, is because there is no more of their hearts in them.  No man can make sure work or happy work in prayer but he who makes heart work on it."

~Thomas Brooks
The Privy Key of Heaven

Prayer and Praises

I've added new sidebar category to share our prayer requests and praises, and here are a few quotes about prayer to add to your commonplace books. :)

"Intercessory prayer is exceedingly prevalent.  What wonders it has wrought!  The Word of God teems with its marvellous deeds.  Believer, thou hast a mighty engine in thy hand, use it well, use it constantly, use it with faith, and thou shalt surely be a benefactor to thy brethren."
~Charles Spurgeon

"Rich is the person who has a praying friend."
~Janice Hughes

"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying.  He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion.  He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray."
~Samuel Chadwick


Love,
Queen Mom