Let's celebrate

During the past year we have prayed for:

• bullies
• salvation for the unsaved
• those struggling with an addiction
• the lonely
• those suffering from physical pain
• government
• victims of hate
• veterans
• we prayed with thanksgiving
• the Church
• the elderly
• those going through a divorce
• our needs in order to bring us back into focus on Christ
• Christ
• for the New Year
• caregivers
• widows and widowers
• the homeless
• for Jesus' love
• our Pastors
• for a changed heart
• to listen
• the power of words
• anger
• those who abuse alcohol
• eternal life
• family
• jobs
• money
• the terminally ill
• those facing a life change
• for patience
• to become a servant for Christ
• those who moved home
• emotions
• the military
• survivors of a natural disaster
• graduates
• parents
• our faith
• no fear in sharing the Gospel
• those who are judgmental
• for parents to raise their children in a Godly home
• missionaries
• the disabled
• to put an end to violence
• family
• that people learn to forgive one another
• for perseverance
• for the protection of our children
• for the people who support us

How many of these did you pray for? How many of these did you see the fruits of your prayers?
If you didn't notice an answer to prayers, did you open your eyes and ears to see and hear the Lord? He answers all prayers. Some are 'yes', some are 'no'. He answers in His time, not ours. Some of the people we prayed for we may not know what happened in response to our prayers, but rest assured that something did happen, even if it was that a seed was planted, or a plan was set in motion.
This week, let's revisit those we've prayed for over the year. Meditate on them, pray for them again, contact them and follow up on our prayers. Then, if you feel inclined, share your stories. You can send them to me for me to post anonymously, or use them as testimony when you speak to others about your faith. This week is all about gratitude for what God has done in our lives and in response to our prayers. We have an awesome God who loves us and cares for us! Let's celebrate!

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

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Please join me this week in gratitude for our Lord and Saviour. Let's give thanks for His love, mercy, and grace. Let's rejoice for His answers to our prayers.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

My wedding anniversary, and the Good Samaritan

Yesterday was my 2nd year wedding anniversary.  I am so blessed to have found this wonderful man.  He ended up having the day off, but he still got up early to have coffee with me before work.  He visited my parents, picked up medicine for my dog, planted flowers that were given to me, emptied the dish washer (wow!), drove 30 minutes away to buy my favorite wine, then over an hour back to my office where he surprised me with a bouquet of flowers.

For my part, I wanted to go to Dorothy Lane Market in Oakwood, Ohio to buy some of their freshly made salmon patties.  I put together a salad from the salad bar, and spent time reading through about 8 anniversary cards before finding the right one.  Then, I spent several minutes trying to decide what kind of ice cream to get for desert.  I went to check-out and found that I had left my wallet at work.  I had 2 checks though, but no ID.  I found I had my passport with my old last name on it and a current health insurance card.  Plus, I had their DLM card.  I've been going there for over 20 years, but since our office moved, then it hasn't been very often.  I wrote a check and she tried to process it, but they didn't have my current checking account in their system.  The lady brought over the manager and I went through it all again.  At this point, I considered leaving it and going back to my office to get my wallet, but the ice cream would have melted and it would have taken me another half hour.  My husband goes to bed in the evening because he has to be to work super early, and so I was running out time.  I was about ready to just give up when a Good Samaritan named Alexis came to my rescue!  She came up and said "let me pay for it".  She didn't even know how much it was; she didn't know me.  It warmed my heart so much to meet such a kind and giving person.  I was speechless.  I said thank you, and told her I could write her a check; my last check (thankfully).

Alexis - I doubt you'll ever come across this little blog of mine, but I still want to say "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!"

I felt so very blessed, and so, so thankful.  It was such an amazing feeling to have a stranger come to my rescue.  There are truly good people in the world, and while they exist, we have hope.

Spread the love and do an act of kindness for someone today.

Anniversary #27

Today would have been my 27th wedding anniversary.  I don't know when, if ever, you stop counting them after your spouse passes away, but I've been dwelling on this day all month.  I don't really understand what it is about marriage, but something happens when you say "I do" that transforms two individual people into a couple; two halves of a whole.  People will argue that, but I think they're just in denial.  Even if you drift apart through the years, even if your feelings completely change for each other, that connection will always be there.  When the couple is torn apart, especially by death, it leaves a big hole that will never be filled.  You can shrink it a bit, but its never completely gone.

I came across this coffee cup at work a couple of weeks ago.  It was one that Ken loved to use and kind of fits the situation and definitely fits the way he lived his life.

Words to live by.

Ken Weeks 1951-2011