Busyness

It's a really busy time of year for us right now Lord.

I pray that during this time we take time to honour each other and treat each other with respect and kindness. And understand that we are all under pressure, all busy within out own lives and all trying our best.

I pray for safety for the farmers as they work hard and long hours to get the crop in. I pray for favourable weather and no breakdowns during this often stressful time.

Thank you for the health and happiness of my family at the moment. Kym is recovering from his flu and I am grateful for that. Thank you for Stephanie's more positive frame of mind. I pray that through this experience she has felt you nearby and will one day look to you for a close and meaningful relationship. Thank you for the lovely young man that Scott is growing into. I pray that I can guide him to be a kind, and loving man, just like his dad.

I pray for Scott's and my safety in the coming week as we travel to Adelaide. I pray that Scott will enjoy his tennis and that he will learn from the experience and grow in confidence. Thank you for giving him this opportunity.

I feel I've let myself drift from you Lord. Help me to get back on track and look to you first and foremost every day.

Lelia

Lord I lift Lelia and her family up to you right now.

Show them your love. Let them feel your comforting arms around them. Help Alyssa to understand and feel your love also. She has proclaimed her love for you before, let her do it again.

Please be with Lelia as she guides her family through this difficult time. Help her to show love, grace and forgiveness toward her daughter.

I pray that this will be the experience to bring her home Lord. Home to her family and home to You.

Protection

Please watch over Stephanie today Lord. She is having a really rough day. Please help me to remain calm and strong and help me with finding the right words to support and comfort her. I know you have plans for her Lord, please help her to find her place and follow through with the plans you have for her. I know she can be an amazing spirit filled young woman. Please help her to be all that she can be.

Protect her today and every day Lord. I lift her up to you and ask that you chase away the darkness and self doubt in her mind. Give her courage and strenght and help her guard her tongue Lord. Let her feel your arms around her and shield her from harm.

Help!

Lord, there is so much on my mind at the moment. Help me to give everything to you and trust that you will do what is best for all involved.

Please help Joanie and her family as they face an uncertain future. Show Joanie the path you want her to take and show her the way with regard to her children and their relationships.

I'd also like to pray for Scott's school. The principal has resigned and the school faces an uncertain future. I pray that a replacement can be found soon with little disruption to the children. Thankyou for Scott's continued improvement at school Lord.

Steph is struggling again Lord. Please watch over her, guard her tongue, and help her to forgive and move on. She is prone to holding grudges and that doesn't help anyone. Show her that she is loved and precious in your eyes.

And Kym Lord. I pray that the wall around his heart can continue to be chipped away. I pray that he will one day join me in praising you.

Also I'd like to pray for me. I pray that I can be a good wife and mother in the midst of every day struggles. I pray that I can bless my family and bring glory to you. I pray that I can find the right words and the right time to approach my kids about their faith and encourage them.

All these things I leave at your feet Lord.
Amen.

Friends

Lord, Kath, Kelly and Adam are again in my thoughts. Kath is having such a rough time of it at the moment. I pray that you can comfort her and guide her along the difficult road of single parenthood. I pray that she can look to you, and trust you to watch over her and her children. I pray that Adam will enjoy his new course next term and do well with it. I pray that Kelly can work through the emotions she is feeling at the momet and learn to appreciate and respect her Mum. Kath is trying so hard and I get the feeling that it's all becoming too much for her. Watch over her and protect her Lord. May she feel your love and know that you will never leave her.

Rain

Lord, thank you so much for the beautiful rain you have sent. We are starting to see our crops come up out of the ground now and it brings us such hope. Please continue to bless us with regular steady rain throughout the growing season to ensure our crop is successful this year.

Please also watch over Pink today as she endures her first day back at school. Help her to see that all things happen for a reason, and let her know that you will never leave her or foresake her.

And Kath. She is stressed at the moment with trying to get Adam sorted. Please give her the strength and the wisdom she needs to deal with him. Also allow him to learn from his mistakes and grow into a responsible young man. Please also watch over Kelly as she continues to struggle through her teenage years and find out who she is.

Heartbroken

Pink is hurting Lord. Please help her to see that all things happen for a reason and you have a plan for her life. Please hold her in your loving hand and let her know that she is loved Lord. Help her heart to heal and help her to move on.

Dear Lord...

Lord, today I would like to pray for Joanie. She is facing some changes in her life and perhaps some financial instability. I pray that she can rest in the knowledge that you will care for her every need. I pray that the new treatment will be worth the effort and deliver the results she is hoping for.

I pray also for Lightening. She is doing so well and I thankyou for the prayers you have answered already in that regard. I pray that she can continue to improve with her health and wellbeing and make steady progress. She is such a blessing to all who come in contact for her, your light truly shines from within her and I thank you so much for bringing her into my life.

I pray for our day of sport tomorrow. I pray that it can be injury free and an enjoyable day for all. I pray in particular that Pink will give her best and enjoy her game and not let her insecurities get the better of her. I pray also for Robbie as he continues to play with the much bigger boys. I pray that he will grow in confidence while still remaining injury free!

I pray also for Kath, Adam and Kelly Lord. I pray that they can grow in your love and learn to love you wholeheartedly and rely on you entirely. I pray this for myself and my family as well.

Health, faith, family and friends.

Dear Lord, Joanie is on my heart today. I pray that she can remain focused on you and that her health problems will be rectified soon. I pray that she doesn't push herself too hard in the rush to get her home improvements complete and that she will listen to her body and rest when she needs to.

I pray for Lightening as she goes through the lengthy process of first lessening and then completely coming off her anti depressants. I pray that she can achieve her aim to be well again soon Lord, without the help of any drugs and relying only on You. But if this isn't to be Lord I pray that she can accept that and find the correct medication at the correct dose.

I pray for Pink's injuries to heal quickly and painlessly. Thankyou that she has recovered from her infection and is full of energy again.

And for Robbie, I pray that he can continue to apply himself at school. He is enjoying it again now Lord and I thank you for that. Thank you for guiding us to encourage him to play squash. That has been such a blessing for him, he enjoys it so much and I am enjoying the time I spend alone with him when travelling to and from squash.

And my husband's knee is troubling him tonight Lord. I pray that he can get a good nights rest and be healed in the morning.

As for me Lord, I pray for some restoration. I've been feeling a little "off my game" of late and that worries me. Last time I felt this way it didn't take long for me to slide into depression. I pray that won't be the case this time, and I'm pretty sure it won't, because this time I am that much closer and more dependant upon You. I pray that I can continue to grow in my faith and closer to You as I learn from your word.

I pray that my family can one day come to rely on you for everything they need. I pray that we can all look to you first and foremost, which is where you belong. I pray that I can be more transparent in my faith and witness to others.

All these things I leave at your feet Lord.

Family

Father I pray for my family and other families in my community to have Christ-centred families.

Help us to train our children in the way they should live, and give our children hearts to honour and obey their Mums and Dads. May the fathers not exasperate their children but bring them up to understand how You want them to live (1Corinthians 11:3, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6 1,4)

May every husband love his wife as he loves himself, as Christ loved and was willing to give Himself up for the church. Help husbands not be harsh with their wives but be considerate, treating them with respect so their prayers won't be hindered. (Ephesians 5:33,25, Colossians 3:19, 1Peter 3:7)

May each wife respect her husband and submit to him as to the Lord, as the church submits to Christ. As all of us are to do, may they submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, each looking to the interests of the other. (Ephesians 5:33, 22, 21, Philippians 2:4) Keep our families strong and together, help them to be givers and not takers.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Kelly

Kelly is hurting at the moment Lord. And when Kelly is hurting she hurts her mum, her brother and herself. I pray that she can open up to her Mum and let her help. I pray that she can deal with the hurt of seeing her Dad again and having to say goodbye again. Most of all I pray that she can welcome you into her heart, because you are the one who can really help. I pray that she can learn to cope with her sadness without taking it out on others and without plunging herself into depression. She is at an age where she is easily influenced Lord, and I pray that those who have influence on her will influence her positively. Lord help her focus on the positives in her life and not get bogged down with the negatives.

And I pray that Kath can feel refreshed and able to deal with parenting children who are hurting. It's a tough job, but I'm sure she can do it with your help.

The Silly Season

Thankyou Lord for the wonderful rain. We have enough to begin seeding now Lord and we are so grateful. I pray that as my husband goes about his work he will remain safe, get enough rest and not work himself into the ground as he is wont to do . I know he feels an urgency to get as much done while the moisture is there but I pray he can listen to his body, and rest when he is tired.

I pray also for the rest of the family during this busy and sometimes stressful time. I pray that we can all pitch in and help each other out and work together as a family.

I'd like to also pray for Adam as he begins to take his new medication. I pray that the side effects will be few, and if something is bothering him at the moment I pray that he can open up to Kath, and that they can work through his issues with your help. I pray for Kelly as she starts a new term. I pray that she can listen to her teachers and think about her own future Lord, not the immediate situation. Help her to find something to focus on and motivate her. I also pray for Kath Lord as she does her best to help her children be their very best. I pray that she can continue to rely on you and know that you are faithful and will always watch over her.

And me Lord. I'm feeling a bit down after the highs and lows of the past week. I'm still a bit bewildered and not completely comprehending what it is that is expected of me. I pray that I can listen and heed your voice Lord. Please forgive me for unkind words and thoughts I have had Lord. Help me to be a better Christian, a loving and supportive wife and mother and a good friend.

Also Joanie Lord. She is such an inspiration to me and such a good example. I pray that she will have answers soon Lord, and relief from her health issues.

All these things I commit to you Lord.

Leadership

Lord, I pray that your light will shine from me as I worship lead tomorrow. I pray that I can be your instrument, and that I can let myself be a vessel for your word.

I've been feeling that something has been afoot in the past weeks Lord. I don't understand exaclty what is happening and I've been frustrated. Lord, I just pray that I can be patient and wait on you, as your timing is always perfect and I can have no way of knowing the big picture. I pray that when you need me that I can be ready and willing, and recognise your calling for what it is.

I'd also like to pray for Joanie and her family Lord. I pray that they can continue the great work with their renovations without causing any more injury to themselves! I also pray that Joanie can find the rest she needs and feel more able to cope with the pressures of everyday life. I pray for the relationships of her children and their friends, that they may develop into something meaningful which will honour and glorify you.

And my family Lord, I feel something is happening there Lord. I get tiny glimpses every now and then and I am so grateful to you for showing me that. I pray that my husband and children can fully understand what it means to be loved by you, and to experience the wonder of being saved by grace.

Lord, forgive me for the sins I have committed. I have been ungrateful and harboured unkind thoughts. I pray that I can learn to be more gracious in my life and I thank you for the grace that you continually pour down on me.

Wednesdays Prayers

Lord, I have friends and family on my heart again today. I'd like to pray for Kath, Adam and Kelly as they deal with seeing Glen again and all the emotions that brings. Also pray for Glen, that he can foster a good relationship with his children and meet their needs.

Pray for Joanie that an answer to her health problems can be found soon. Also pray for steady progress on her home renovations Lord. I thank you so much for Joanie, she has been an inspirational and steadfast friend.

I'd like to pray for this Sunday's service Lord. I pray that I can allow you to work through me to show your love to the congregation. I pray that going to church can be a positive experience for my husband and that he can begin to work through his issues there. I pray that I can be an istrument of your grace and glory.

I'd also like to pray for myself. Allow me to show the grace to the world that needs to be shown. Thank you for the grace and forgiveness that you shower on me on a daily basis. I pray that I can pass some of that on to others and learn to share about you.

Spiritual Drought

Firstly Lord, thankyou for the lovely rain. It refreshes the land and the soul. The mood has lifted a smidge. Thankyou.

Secondly Lord, Joanie has given me much to think about. My first response was that it's too hard, and what can I do. But of course the answer lies with you. Help me Lord to do whatever it is you would have me do to ease the spiritual drought that has us in it's grip. I know I have often turned my back on you, and tried to rely on myself. Forgive me Lord, help me to always turn to you, to trust you and worship you as you deserve. I lay my life at your feet Lord. Forgive me for my disobedience, help me find the strength in you to stand firm and obey you unthinkingly, automatically, radically.

I pray for an end to the drought on the land and the drought in our hearts. Help restore us Lord.

Sowing the seed

Today's church service as all about sowing. Not just the sowing that we as farmers are about to get caught up in, but also the sowing of righteousness in our hearts.

This was a lesson I needed to hear so thankyou Lord for showing it to me. Thank you also for letting me be aware of your presence while singing in church today. It gives me such a lift to feel you so close Lord.

I pray that the seed of righteousness can grow inside me Lord. I pray for the commitment to study your word and learn from your lessons. I pray that I can be aware of when you are speaking to me and heed your instruction.

I pray to be a better person Lord, a better wife, a better mother. Help me squash the resentment I sometimes feel when things aren't going my way. Help me to instruct my children with love and fairness. Help me to be the kind of wife that is a blessing to my husband.

In all things Lord, I pray I can be more like you.

Time for some blessings!

Hi Lord, I think after my whinge fest of late it's high time I sat down and thanked you for the many blessing you shower down on me on a daily basis....so here goes.

Thankyou that my children are both well, and that DS has recovered from his head cold and sore throat.

Thankyou that both kids had an enjoyable experience with netball and football today. I'm grateful that they had good games and came through it injury free.

Thankyou for my wonderful blogging friends who refresh, encourage and enlighten me every day.

Thankyou that I live in a community of people who really care for one another, it's an amazing community to live in and I am so blessed to be a part of it.

Thankyou that Pink continues to do well at school. A whole term has almost passed and still not trouble on the horizon! This is such an amazing answer to prayer and words can't express what a relief it is to not be constantly worrying about how she is coping every day.

Thankyou for the lessons in patience you are giving me. I think I'm starting to get the message. But I'm sure I have a lot to learn, as I'm also sure you will continue to teach me!

Most of all, thankyou for your word and for leading me to read it.

Depression

Lord, another of my dear friends has been diagnosed with depression. You know who she is. I pray the treatment works for her, and that she is given the correct medication at the correct dose. I pray that her husband and children can support her, and I'm so thankful that she has finally asked for help, as I suspected for a while that she was struggling. I pray that she can be patient and work together with her doctor and counselor to work through this difficult time in her life.

I pray for all of us here suffering with this drought at the moment Lord. It's really starting to take it's toll on our little community and it's heart breaking. I know you will always look out for us, and whatever happens is what is best for us. I pray that I can keep this at the forefront of my mind and not worry.

Brave Friends

Lord I bring two dear friends before you today. They have both made the decision to stop taking their anti depressants and trust they will be held safe in your hands.

For Kath, who has been off her medication for a week I thank you that she has suffered no ill effects. I pray that she can continue to move forward in her life, and accept whatever you have planned for her.

For Lightening, who is yet to undertake this brave and scary path, I pray that you will tell her when the time is right, and then help her husband, family and friends support her.

I pray that both these dear friends of mine experience the results they are hoping for, improved wellbeing, increased energy, and for Kath less anxiety.

And while we are talking about brave friends, I bring Joanie before you Lord. She endures so much, without complaint, and while still remaining joyful in her walk with you. I pray that her problems will be resolved soon and I thank you for bringing her into my life.

These things I bring before you Lord, in Christ Jesus, Amen.

Monday's Prayers

Lord I bring Jodi and her husband before you today. I pray that they have a safe trip to the funeral and are able to offer peace and comfort to those who are grieving, as well as finding comfort for themselves. I pray that Jodi can remain strong throughout and that her health doesn't fail her.

And also Joanie Lord. I pray that the orthodontist is able to find the cause of her problems, and be able to fix them without too much trauma. I also pray that the antibiotics rid her of her infections without causing havoc on the rest of her body.

I'd also like to thank you Lord for this time of refreshment that I have enjoyed. Thank you for your word, and for giving me the direction to read it. Thank you for giving me this life Lord, in which I have so many blessings and so much to be thankful for. I pray that this year I can learn to be obedient Lord, and wise in my decisions.

Bravely going forward...

Lord, my dear friend Lightening is on my heart today. You know the struggles she has endured. I pray that she is able to come off or change her medication with great results. She really wants to get "back into" life Lord and we would all love to have her back full time. I also pray for her husband as he supports her, I pray that he has the strength and is able to lean on you when he needs to. I pray that Lightening can see how much she is loved, by her family, her community and especially by you. She is so special Lord.

Also Joanie is facing some changes in her health care. I pray that the answer has been found and that the treatment is successful. I pray that she can rest easy in the knowledge that you will take care of her.

I also thank you Lord for your word. I have finally really started to read and heed it, and am enjoying it so much. I pray that I can make the changes in my life that need to be made, with your help. I pray that I can enjoy a closer walk with you.

Lord thankyou so much for the fellowship and sharing I have enjoyed over this weekend. The pool party was a great night out with friends and it was lovely to be out with the family as a whole. That doesn't happen so much anymore Lord and I am learning to be thankful when it does.

I pray for the teenagers who witnessed the tragic accident on Friday night. Thankyou that in your perfect timing Pink and her boyfriend were safe at home when it happened and were spared witnessing it. I pray for the young man's friends and family as they come to terms with his death. I also pray for the friends of his who found him and tried to revive him. I pray that they can find the support they need to recover from such an incident. I pray also for Pink and her boyfriend as they help their friends through this time. I pray that you can speak to her heart and allow her to offer comfort if it is necessary.

I would like to pray for our family Lord. I feel like we are moving forward sometimes and I pray that this can continue. I pray that they can all open their hearts and minds to you.

Blessings Wednesday

Haven't counted my blessings in a few days so I figured now would be a good time.

Thankyou Lord for the health of my children and the fact that they are both pretty happy at the moment!

Thankyou especially for Pink's continued input and effort at school. She seems to be making a real effort and has renewed confidence in herself and I can't begin to tell you what a relief that is.

Thankyou for the input on my blog from Joanie, Lightening, Kate, Leah and Jenny. Thankyou for bringing these wonderful women into my life to help me grow in my faith. Their encouragement and views have been a delight and an education.

I'm so grateful Lord for all these pleasures you bring into my life, be they big or small. I pray that I can recognise all of your gifts.

Under the weather

I'm feeling a bit flat today Lord, I pray that you can refresh me so that I can get through the day.

Thankyou for Pink's first guitar lesson. I pray that she can listen to her teacher and practise regularly so that she gets the most from her lessons. I think it was a little more difficult than she expected and I pray that she will not let that discourage her.

I pray for Robbie at school. He is struggling with one of his teachers and I pray that they can both learn to get along. She is a good teacher but he has seen her socially behaving in a way that wasn't exactly a good role model and he has now lost some respect for her. I pray that he can focus on learning and be able to put personal differences aside. I pray also that she can treat him equally and fairly as he doesn't feel this is happening at the moment.

I pray that Pink can find a balance between spending time with her friends and her family. I know this is partly my reluctance to let her go but I'm feeling that she doesn't spend much time with us anymore and I miss her. I pray that I can find a way to tell her that withoug putting her offside. She has shown a little interest in coming to church Lord and I thank you for that.

And my husband Lord. I pray that his heart continues to soften toward you and that he will learn to accept your love soon.

Healing

Pink has asked me to pray for her teacher today Lord. She has a wonderful maths/science teacher this year who she connects with and understands. Thank you for that wonderful blessing. I pray that he can remain well for the entire year and therefore in the classroom where the kids need him. I know he has had health issues in the past and I pray that they are behind him now.

I also pray healing for Grandad Lord. He has suffered another minor stroke, and while he still has no loss of function I worry that the big one is coming. I know I shouldn't worry so I'm going to stop now and hand it all over to you. I pray that you will watch over both Nana and Grandad and you will keep them strong for each other. I pray that the doctors can find the underlying cause of these minor strokes and correct it quickly Lord. I'm not ready to part with him yet Lord but I know all things are in your control and I can accept that.

And while we are talking about healing I would like to pray for Joanie. I pray that she is feeling rested and that she will be back on top of things soon Lord. I pray that she can find comfort in your love and feel your hand in her life. Actually, I pray that for me too!

In all things I pray I can honour you Lord.

Saturday

Lord, firstly I would like to thank you for watching over my Grandad. I am so grateful that his stroke was a minor one and that he hasn't lost any functions. I pray that he will be patient (and we know what a big ask that is for him!) this week when he goes to have his tests done and that they will reveal no lasting effects. Its times like these that I really feel a long way away from my grandparents, I pray that I can have the opportunity to visit with them more often.

I pray also that Kath can seek your guidance when dealing with Kelly's school and learn to choose her words carefully so as to have the most benefit for Kelly. I also pray that she won't be offended when I pick her up on this and that she realises that I'm not being critical and that it comes from love.

I would like to pray healing for Joanie Lord. She is such a trooper and I pray that she can find rest and refreshment soon.

We are playing a tennis final today Lord. I pray that we enjoy the fellowship and friendship that comes from tennis and that we all enjoy our games.

And of course myself and my family Lord. I pray that we can all grow closer to you and live for your glory. Please forgive me for harsh words I have spoken and unkind thoughts I have had. Help me to be a better wife, mother and member of this community, and most of all help me to become a true child of yours.

Blessings and prayers

I've had a great week Lord, and I can truly see your hand at work in my life. I find it pretty amazing to be able to say that because your messages to me are something that I have struggled to see or hear in the past. Thankyou for Pink's positive outlook at the moment and her continued growing confidence in her studies and her singing. I pray that she will use her talent for your glory one day. Thankyou for the settling down of Robbie's teeth and for the time I have been able to spend with him at squash. Its been great to play together and have fun Lord. Thankyou for my husbands ever so slight softening heart towards you. He is no longer defensive or jealous of the time I spend at church, he even asks me about what I'm reading and doesn't dismiss it when I tell him. It really gives me hope Lord and I thank you so much for that.

Today I would like to pray for Kath, Kelly and Adam again Lord. I pray that Kath can find an interest to become involved in. She would love to work for your glory but she will need a bit of a shove. I pray that Kelly can learn to accept things she can't change and just get on with her life without dwelling on things too much. I pray that Adam can try just a little bit at school. He has so much potential but if it doesn't interest him he just doesn't bother and he is unable to see the big picture.

Also for Joanie, she is so weary and I pray for some relief and rest for her Lord. I also pray for safe travelling for Blaine and that he will be back home soon.

For Lightening I pray continued healing Lord. She has come such a long way. Help her to know how precious she is.

And of course me. I pray that my heart can continually grow closer to you. I pray that I can speak the words you ask me to, and that I can let my light shine before men.
Amen.

Thursday

Dear Lord, I'd like to pray that Kath has a safe trip home tonight and that she was able to achieve everything she wanted to with Adam's school. I pray also that Kelly can be more tolerant and accepting of her teachers, and learn to get along with them, even the ones she doesn't like.



Thankyou Lord for Pink's frame of mind and her growing confidence at the moment Lord, it is such a blessing to see her happy. My one concern is her aversion to the church and her avoidance of You. I pray that she can accept you into her heart Lord.



Thankyou that Robbie seems to really be catching on with math at the moment. He has a difficult relationship with his teacher and I pray that things will work themselves out for his benefit. I pray that his attitude toward school and learning will continue to be more positive.



And my husband Lord. I pray

Ye of little faith.

If I'd only just handed it over to you in the first place. Thank you Lord so much for the resolution of our school issue. Pink has come out of it feeling that people have faith in her ability and maybe, just maybe she can lift her expectations of herself. Self confidence is a struggle we have always had with her as you know. Thank you so much Lord for allowing her confidence to grow.

I'm about to head to a meeting Lord, I pray that it will run smoothly and that all players, parents and supporters can feel positive about the coming year.

Let the Peace of God Reign

Dear Lord, I would dearly love to know how to let your Peace guide my life fully. Help me to trust and honour you in every thing that I do and say.

Our house is at peace again at the moment and I thank you Lord for the calm after the confrontations we have had with Pink. I pray that she isn't just being pleasant to "shut us up" but because she has heard and valued what we have to say. Thankyou for her progress at school and her changed attitude toward school. I pray that she maintains a positive outlook during the changes that are being made. I pray that these changes won't affect her learning.

I pray that my whole family will one day come to know and love you as I do. I can see glimpses of hope and promise in that area Lord and I pray that they will be drawn into your arms soon.

Blessings

Today Pink came home with her first A in math. She was delighted, what a true blessing it is to see her confidence grow in a subject that she has always struggled with.

It is a wonderful thing to see her happy at school. I am so thankful for that.

Robbie is growing accustomed to his braces and the pain is easing, and for that I am also thankful.

I have enjoyed the companionship of some wonderful friends today, I am truly blessed to have these people in my life.

School

Dear Lord. There are some decisions being made at my daughter's school that I'm not overly happy with. Help me to speak to those concerned and put the right words on my heart to best help her. You know how I dislike confrontation but I realise it is sometimes necessary when in the best interests of my children. I just pray that those making the final decision will really listen to the concerns of the parents and a solution can be found that is in the best interests of the students, because they are the ones that really matter.

Monday's Blessings

I took on Telstra and won! Thank you Lord for giving me the right words to say and the right person to speak to.

Thank you for my son's obvious joy in playing squash. He is loving every minute and I'm thankful for this time I get to spend with him.

I rang the orthodontist today and found that they will bill me over 3 years to get the maximum health insurance benefit, and the gap they are happy for me to pay in installments. Thank you for easing my mind in this matter.

Stressing me out!

My teenage daughter is giving me some grief Lord. Please help me to guide her along the correct path. I'm not even sure I know what path that is sometimes. Help me to find the right words to make her understand that the way she speaks to people and her abruptness and rudeness are really hurtful at times. Please help her to not be so self centred and consider the needs of others. Lord I'm really struggling to get through to her on this, she see's her own wants and nothing else. Please open her heart and her mind to the feelings of others and to you.

Also help me to speak to her because obviously the approach I'm taking just isn't working. You know how I hate confrontation but if this is what is necessary then guide my actions and my words.

Sundays Blessings

Today Iam blessed with the luxury of a sleep in, and to be woken to a cooked breakfast shared on the deck with my husband. A lovely way to start the day.

I am blessed with good health as are my whole family at the moment.

Thankyou for keeping my son safe during his little mishap yesterday, he has recovered completely from his scare and that is also a blessing.

I am feeling rested and refreshed before heading into another week, and for that I am also thankful.

Parenting

Dear Lord, please help me to be the best parent I can. I'm engaged in a bit of a battle of wills with my daughter and I struggle to express myself clearly when angered or disappointed. It tends to come out all judgemental and well, angry. Help me to find the right words to say to her to help guide and nurture her. Help me discipline firmly and with love. She is such a strong and free spirit, qualities that I admire even though they are sometimes difficult to manage. Help her to understand that I just want what is best for her, and for her to be happy and safe. Most of all help her open her heart and her mind to you, so that she can know the comfort of being really loved.

Thankyou Lord that my son's motorbike accident yesterday ended with no injury to him. Help him to listen to advice without being defensive (actually that goes for DD too!) and learn from his experiences. Thankyou also that his teeth are feeling better and he is able to chew soft things today. Please help him as he goes to school tomorrow, to look after his braces and make wise food choices.

Lord, I'd love more than anything that my children will come to know and love you.

Health Matters

I have four dear friends on my heart today Lord.

One is well on the way to recovery but she is in a hurry. She has walked a difficult path with her health in recent years, and she is on the mend, she's just not mending quickly enough for her liking. Help her to trust that her health lies in your hands and that when she has a set back its time to listen to her body and stop pushing herself. I pray for a steady recovery for her and thank you so much for the influence she has had over me. I only pray that I can offer the same comfort.

Kath weighs heavily on my heart Lord. She has had an extremely difficult couple of years with her marriage, her kids and her health. She seems to have herself stuck in a bit of a rut at the moment and is struggling to help herself out of it. I pray that you can give her some direction in her life and give her something to be joyful about to help her out of the well of self pity that she at times dwells in.

And Joanie. I pray healing for her Lord. She has endured so much during her life and she is such a blessing to others. I pray that her body can be as strong as her heart.

Lastly, my sister in law. She doesn't know you but I pray that you will watch over her as she has her operation this week. I pray that they find nothing sinister and that her health is restored. I also pray for her marriage Lord, that it can be restored as well and they can both forgive and start to communicate. There is still love there but also a lot of hurt, I pray healing for both of their hearts.

These dear friends I leave at your feet Lord.
Amen.

Finances

I bring my finances before you today Lord. My budget (or the lack of) is playing heavily on my mind. The next few months are going to be difficult and I'm not sure how I'm going to manage it.

Guide me in this area Lord, if there is something obvious that I could cut back on then please show it to me and help me to implement it.

Help me also to trust that whatever happens is for the best and part of your plan.

Blessings

I've decided to follow Joanie's lead and write down my blessings each day as well as my prayers.

So here goes......


I am blessed with a loving family and wonderful friends.
I am blessed to attend a wonderful, unique, God centred church.
I am blessed to have a husband who loves me, happy and healthy children and a safe and secure community to live in.
I am blessed with good health, which I tend to take for granted but people like Joanie make me realise what a true and wonderful blessing this is.

That's life in general, TODAY Iam blessed with.....
The love and companionship of my best friend, my husband.
The (ever so slight) improvement of DS's painful mouth.
The friendship, support and advice from new posters to my blog, Joanie and Leah.
My latest writing assignment (a short story). I got a B, and some great advice on what I could do to improve it.

Thankyou Lord for these blessing and the many more that you bestow on me every day without my even noticing it.

Thankyou for today

Lord I am so grateful for the fellowship and friendship I experienced today. I am so grateful that I have some very wise and caring friends, and today I was fortunate enough to spend the day with one of the wisest and most caring of all.

Thank you also for watching over DS as he had his braces fitted. Everything went smoothly and I pray now that he doesn't suffer too much discomfort as he grows accustomed to them.

Thankyou also for the progress with DH. Thank you mostly for showing me the signs of progress so I don't lose hope. Last night at the dinner table was just the sort of glimmer of hope I needed to keep faith. I'm sorry that I'm not strong enough to have the kind of faith that doesn't require such signs from you, but grateful for them all the same.

I pray that Joanie has had a productive day today and that she has managed to get everything on her list accomplished, and is resting peacefully at the moment! Thank you for blessing me with her Lord.

Also I pray for your healing hand on Lightening. She is such an inspiration to me and such a faithful carrier of your word. Thank you for the blessing of her friendship.

I also pray for myself as I head into the last working day of the week. I pray that I can relate to my coworkers and customers in a way that glorifies you.

Amen.

Freinds Next

Lord, I bring each and every one of my friends before you. I thank you for the blessing you have bestowed on Darren and Chris with beautiful baby Angela. I pray that they remain healthy and happy and enjoy the little treasure you have given them.

I pray for Kath as she struggles to do what is best for herself and her kids. I pray that Adam can get along well in school and that his illness can be managed in a way that everyone can be happy with. I pray that Kelly settles at school and learns to depend on her own sense of right and wrong.

I pray for Lightening that she can learn to listen to her body and try not to push herself too hard or expect too much (are you listening Lightening?). Thank you for sending her to me, she is truly a blessing on my life.

I pray for family members who are struggling with marriage difficulties,that they can learn to communicate and get along.

I pray for all our farming families in this district, and across the country. That we may have the rain when we need it, and if this isn't to be that we are able to accept and learn from our experiences.

And my new friend Joanie Lord, I pray that her health improves and that she can see your hand on her life. Thank you for allowing me to be open to your wisdom through her. Thank you so much for leading her to me Lord.

And most of all I thank you Lord for this wonderful community in which I live. Thank you for my loving and caring friends, thank you for our church family. Just thank you.

Family First

Lord, I bring my family to you today. I pray that one day they can all worship you and know the joy that comes with that. I pray that my husband can one day come back into your arms and feel the security there. I pray that my Son won't drift away as he grows older and will continue to come to church and enjoy his time spent there, and learn about you and know how much you love him. I pray that my daughter can come back to you Lord. I pray that she can navigate the teenage years without compromising herself. I also pray that she can grow into a confident young woman who has a love of life and a love for you.

And then there is me Lord. I am filled with so many insecurities. Help me to leave my worries at your feet Lord. Help me to be the best wife and mother I can be and give my children God centred advice and guidance. Help me also to know and understand when you are speaking to me Lord. Help me to know your voice and your wisdom. I also need help with forgiveness Lord. I always thought I was pretty good at it but have come to realise that i am harbouring resentment toward my husband for not being the person I want him to be. That is so selfish and I ask your forgiveness and your guidance with that.