Verbal and emotional abuse

 

There was a man who was an alcoholic. When he drank too much he became belligerent. He would say cruel things. Then, at some point during his adult life, he was just belligerent all the time. He was a narcissist. He suffered from depression. He was neglected as a child. His wife didn't know all of these things before they got married. She didn't know that as soon as they got married, the alcoholic, narcissistic, man-child would emerge.

  When this side of him surfaced, his wife was confused. What happened to the fun-loving jokester who she thought she was marrying? He would have outbursts and say terrible things to her. He got in her face and yelled whenever she did something that upset him.

   She moved into his house after the wedding. Her few measly possessions, sentimental ceramic figurines, she placed gingerly on the shelf above the tv. The rest of her things were in the bedroom.

   One day he said, "You should put these figurines away."

   She asked, "Why?"

   He said, "They could get broken."

   She laughed it off as a silly idea. Surely he was joking. He wasn't.

   The next day she came home from work to find her favorite figurine broken into several pieces. She looked at her husband in disbelief, "What happened?"

   He just shrugged. Without even looking at her he said, "I told you you should put them away. They could get broken."

   With tears in her eyes, she boxed up the rest of the figures. They've remained in that box for thirty-six years.

   That was just the start of the verbal and emotional abuse. Family and friends told her she should leave him, but she couldn't imagine doing that. She believed she couldn't live without him. Whether that was something that he managed to plant in her mind, we'll never know, but she stuck it out for twenty-five years until he died. It was a co-dependent relationship. She suffers to this day from PTSD, depression, and anxiety; so do her children. Even though he's been dead for ten years, certain things still trigger those old responses. 

   None of this is even the tragedy. The truly sad part was that she walked away from God three years before meeting this man. She suffered alone with her children without the loving hands of her Heavenly Father. Thankfully, He called her back to Him and embraced her with open arms. He got her through the last few years of being a wife and caregiver to her dying husband.

   To anyone who feels like God has abandoned them during their darkest hour, I just want you to know that He is right there with you. You may not realize it during that time, but believe me, you don't want to know the feeling of being apart from Him through the valleys of life. Know He is there and that He loves you. He is holding your hand.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Isaiah 41:13 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are suffering, and those who feel helpless to do anything about it. Please pray that they keep their focus on God, that they don't waver in their faith. Pray that they find encouragement in the word and through prayer. Pray that they lean on their brothers and sisters in Christ who love them.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #helpless #abuse #verbalabuse #emotionalabuse #worry #depression #PTSD #anxiety #trust #prayer #faith

Helplessness

 

Have you ever had that situation where you've felt totally helpless? Maybe you have a child or grandchild who is addicted to drugs or alcohol? Maybe your daughter is married to an abusive man? Maybe your nephew is living with his mentally unstable mother?

     During these situations, we pray emphatically for God to help our loved ones. People try to comfort us with one of the Bible verses we'll be looking at this week. I just wish there was something more that could be done. I wish I had answers. My heart breaks for the people mentioned above and their loved ones who care and worry for them. So I just want to take this week and concentrate our prayers on them. 

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the 

glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are suffering, and those who feel helpless to do anything about it. Please pray that they keep their focus on God, that they don't waver in their faith. Pray that they find encouragement in the word and through prayer. Pray that they lean on their brothers and sisters in Christ who love them.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #helpless #abuse #worry #anxiety #trust #prayer #faith

Peace of God

 

Every so often I like to ask, "what's your go-to Bible verse or passage in times of dispair?" One of mine is Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV):

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

     This life is trying. Accepting Christ as our Savior doesn't mean that we'll have an easy time of it, but it does mean that we'll carry with us the peace of the Holy Spirit and the hope of eternal life with our Father. He created us for the express purpose of bringing glory to Himself and to share His love with one another during our time on Earth. We're here to love and serve one another and to build relationships. He doesn't want us to walk this journey alone.

     Reach out to others. Be there for each other. Love one another, as Christ loves us.

You may also like:

- "Compassion and Grief" about when my dad passed away. I was able to rejoice in knowing that I'll see him again in Heaven.

- "Walk the Walk" 

- "Don't be anxious about anything" has an image with the Philippians 4:6 verse that you can share with someone who needs to see it today.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who need help but don't ask for it. Pray that they see the benefits of allowing others to help them. Pray that they have good experiences as a result of opening up to others. Pray that they are served by Christians who show Christ to them. Let's also pray for those who refuse to help, for whatever reason. Pray that God softens their hearts and minds, that he give them servants' hearts so that they may know the joy in working together as one body of Christ and the reward of knowing they are doing God's will.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #help #ask #need #independant #strong #prayer #relationship #anxiety #isolated #lonely #peace #hope #salvation

When you ask but do not receive

I was reminded yesterday by a friend that not everyone is willing to help others. She wrote:

 In the past, I was always made to feel guilty asking for help. I go to the Lord with EVERYTHING but with people? Anytime I tried, I was made to feel bad. So...kept it at the throne.

- Elizabeth B.

It honestly didn't occur to me until after I posted that not everyone wants to help others. Elizabeth's post confirmed it. 

- Unfortunately, those people are perfectly fine with living out their lives, wrapped up in just themselves. Of course, the day will come when they'll need help and at that point may find themselves up a creek without a paddle.

- Still, others are too busy to help (I shamefully find myself in that category a little too often).

- There are people who believe that we should each be self-sufficient and therefore won't help anyone out of principle, so to speak. 

- There are those who expect something in return.

     Yeah, the more I think about it, I can understand why some people don't ask for help. So, I guess we should pray for the unhelpful people, too. Pray that God softens their hearts and minds; that He gives them servants' hearts and show them that that's how He wants us to interact with each other, as loving, caring brothers and sisters.

     I didn't use to have a servant's heart until a true servant of Christ set me straight. I'm so thankful to her. She changed how I thought about serving and it's made a huge impact on my walk with Christ. I hope you can take a couple of minutes to read that post: "Acquiring a servant's heart" where I talk about the experience.

     Like Elizabeth wrote, she keeps "it at the throne." At least there, we can always find help and strength.

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:2 ESV

     Please do ask for help when you need it. Ask God to send you fellow Christians who will lift you up in your needs. Ask Him to help you through the valleys.

You may also like:

- "Help others help themselves" about supporting small businesses

- "Will you be my neighbor?" a lesson from Fred Rogers that everyone is our neighbor

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Please join me this week in praying for those who need help but don't ask for it. Pray that they see the benefits of allowing others to help them. Pray that they have good experiences as a result of opening up to others. Pray that they are served by Christians who show Christ to them. Let's also pray for those who refuse to help, for whatever reason. Pray that God softens their hearts and minds, that he give them servants' hearts so that they may know the joy in working together as one body of Christ and the reward of knowing they are doing God's will.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #help #ask #need #independant #strong #prayer #relationship #anxiety #isolated #lonely

 

Ask for help

 

Do you know someone who never asks for help? And maybe that someone raised you to never ask for help, either? They taught you to be "independant," "strong." I want to assure you (and by you, I mean the person who doesn't ask for help), it is NOT a sign of weakness to ask for help. In fact, the people around you would probably appreciate knowing what you need, when you need it, instead of trying to guess.

     Yesterday was Father's Day, and my nephews spent the day with their dad putting together an above-ground pool. My brother said it was the best father's day he could remember. Having his sons there, working together on a project that was important to him, ran a lot deeper than his need for help installing the pool. He also had a need to spend time with them.

     Sometimes I feel drawn to reach out to someone, but beyond that prompting by the Holy Spirit, I'm often in the dark as to what the people around me need.

     Of course, there are people who just flat out refuse help, and I have to honor those requests, but in their desire to not appear needy, they're inadvertently adding stress to my life because there's nothing I can do about any of it.

Since I was raised to be "independent," it's hard for me to ask for help as well. As a manager, I can delegate responsibility to different people, but I feel awkward about even asking in my day-to-day life. 

The same is true in my spiritual life. Until a few years ago, I felt funny asking the Lord for things for me. I didn't consider asking for guidance, answers, encouragement. God wants us to come to Him with our needs and even our wants. We pray for others, but we're also constantly building a relationship with Him by being in conversation (which includes listening to Him). So the topic of ourselves is going to come up.

I just see so much stress, anxiety, and loneliness in the world. How awesome would it be to just be able to share what's going on with each of us to deal with each other honestly; that would get rid of the need to wonder or worry. We wouldn't have to feel guilty for not doing something we didn't even know that we should be doing. (I know that sentence will make sense to a few of you).

This may just be a crazy ramble, but I'll try to break it down throughout the week. I guess it's my plea to those in my life who don't ask for help when they need it.

The Bible speaks about asking for God's help instead of each other, but I believe the Bible verses can be applied to both scenarios.

You desire and do not have, so you murder.* You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.

James 4:2 ESV

*Remember "murder" is also defined as "anger" (see Matthew 5:21-22)

You may also like:

- "I’ve had a bad day" from January 7, 2013

- "If you need Someone to lean on" from July 27, 2014

- "Disappointment" from June 18, 2015

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Please join me this week in praying for those who need help but don't ask for it. Pray that they see the benefits of allowing others to help them. Pray that they have good experiences as a result of opening up to others. Pray that they are served by Christians who show Christ to them.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #help #ask #need #independant #strong #prayer #relationship #anxiety

Don't be anxious

 

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:25-34 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Proverbs 12:25

 

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Proverbs 12:25 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Philippians 4:6-8

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:6-8 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

God's plan

 

Most of my staycations are planned with a specific goal in mind, whether it be a writing goal, or a de-cluttering goal, or some other project. This time I just wrote out a massive 'to-do list' and decided I was going to try to get as much done as I could, but if I didn't get everything done, that's okay.

     I prefer to have a plan and stress about it and then get upset when things don't happen the way I assumed they would, but I have to say, this new way for me is a whole lot better. And isn't it funny how it goes along with the theme this week? Imagine that! 

     It is really a challenge for me to give everything up to God and depend solely on Him for guidance, but it is so incredibly freeing! You should try it. I highly recommend it, along with constant prayer. Our Father loves us and wants to help us. He has a plan. We each have a purpose. Why not allow Him to do all the heavy lifting? Why would we choose anxiety and stress over loving guidance?

For I know the plans I have for you, 

declares the Lord, 

plans for welfare and not for evil, 

to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

You may also like:

- "Ask, Seek, Find"

- "Patience In God's Plan"

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

1 Peter 5:7

 

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV

Share this verse with someone who struggles with anxiety.

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Isaiah 41:10

 

Fear not, for I am with you; 

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

 I will strengthen you, 

I will help you, 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Let go, let God

 

Yesterday in our Women's Bible Study group we talked about Scripture as a "weapon" and that concept just really spoke to me. I thought about all of the times I've been able to reflect on Scripture whenever I've gone through a rough time. I may not have the actual words memorized and I especially can't quote chapter and verse, but enough of the Bible is sinking in now that I can think, "what does the Bible say about this situation?" and come up with an answer. From there I'm able to google it and come up with the exact passage.
     It's been helping me work through different things going on in my life like work stress, stress-stress, and other miscellaneous stress. It seems like so many people are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, so if nothing else, I'm in good company.
     I was thinking since I'm officially on vacation this week, well, sort of on vacation...it's another staycation but I'm "on-call" for my job in case there's an emergency and someone absolutely has to have their project done right now...(do I sound bitter?) Anyway, I thought I would post the Bible verses and passages that I often turn to in the hopes that it might help others going through what I'm experiencing.
     As you've read here many times, this is my life verse:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

In other words, give it all up to God. Trust Him and know that He will take care of you. Let Him guide you, your words, and your actions.

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Romans 15:13

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and 

peace in believing, so that by the power 

of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13 ESV

The specific prayer requests from the Allens:

"Please pray specifically that the graft versus host disease would leave his body. Pray that Jesus would fill Donnie’s lungs with his breath and that he would be able to breathe with no problems. 

Please also pray for me (Amanda) if you would. I have been experiencing great anxiety and not able to eat well. My fears have been getting the best of me. I need to be able to stay healthy and strong so I can be there and good for Donnie."  Update: The past couple of days have been really bad for Donnie and Amanda. Please pray with all your heart. Amanda wrote, "Please pray for comfort for our kids and peace in my heart with the Lord. Please pray for healing upon Donnie’s body with no pain. Please pray the GVHD would be put to rest and we can praise God for a miracle."

Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.

Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).

Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C. 

If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers. 

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sick #ill #physicalillness #mentalillness #spiritualwarfare #praise #worship #intercession #petition #healing #overwhelmed #anxiety #prayer #peace #comfort #caregiver 

Psalm 4:6-8

 

There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?

    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”

You have put more joy in my heart

    than they have when their grain and wine abound.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; 

    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:6-8 ESV

The specific prayer requests from the Allens:

"Please pray specifically that the graft versus host disease would leave his body. Pray that Jesus would fill Donnie’s lungs with his breath and that he would be able to breathe with no problems. 

Please also pray for me (Amanda) if you would. I have been experiencing great anxiety and not able to eat well. My fears have been getting the best of me. I need to be able to stay healthy and strong so I can be there and good for Donnie." 

Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.

Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).

Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C. 

If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers. 

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sick #ill #physicalillness #mentalillness #spiritualwarfare #praise #worship #intercession #petition #healing #overwhelmed #anxiety #prayer #peace #comfort #caregiver 

Colossians 3:15

 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 ESV

The specific prayer requests from the Allens:

"Please pray specifically that the graft versus host disease would leave his body. Pray that Jesus would fill Donnie’s lungs with his breath and that he would be able to breathe with no problems. 

Please also pray for me (Amanda) if you would. I have been experiencing great anxiety and not able to eat well. My fears have been getting the best of me. I need to be able to stay healthy and strong so I can be there and good for Donnie." 

Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.

Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).

Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C. 

If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers. 

You might also like: "Wait on the Lord" from July 26, 2020

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
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Lean on Jesus

 

No matter what you're going through, lean on the Lord for comfort, healing, and strength. Praise Him for His unwavering love.

Now may the Lord of peace himself 

give you peace at all times in every way. 

The Lord be with you all.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV 

Prayer requests:

The specific prayer requests from the Allens: "Please pray specifically that the graft versus host disease would leave his body. Pray that Jesus would fill Donnie’s lungs with his breath and that he would be able to breathe with no problems. 

Please also pray for me (Amanda) if you would. I have been experiencing great anxiety and not able to eat well. My fears have been getting the best of me. I need to be able to stay healthy and strong so I can be there and good for Donnie." 

Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.

Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).

Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C. 

If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers. 

You might also like: "Seen or Unseen" from April 24, 2019

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sick #ill #physicalillness #mentalillness #spiritualwarfare #praise #worship #intercession #petition #healing #overwhelmed #anxiety #prayer #peace #comfort #caregiver 

Perfect peace

 

We have specific prayer requests from the Allens:

"Please pray specifically that the graft versus host disease would leave his body. Pray that Jesus would fill Donnie’s lungs with his breath and that he would be able to breathe with no problems. 

Please also pray for me (Amanda) if you would. I have been experiencing great anxiety and not able to eat well. My fears have been getting the best of me. I need to be able to stay healthy and strong so I can be there and good for Donnie." 

***

Have you ever experienced "perfect peace"? I believe that I have during certain points of my life. Every experience of perfect peace followed a time of getting closer to God, listening to Him, and understanding His will for what He wants me to do.

     How often do you set aside time to listen? I know many people who are excellent and faithful pray-ers, but very few realize that they need to sit still and listen for a response.

     When we pray, we are engaging in a conversation with our Heavenly Father, but if we don't take time to listen for His response, then we're simply engaging in a monologue. Trust in Him to answer. It may not be an immediate response, but give Him that space anyway. Trust in Him. He will provide perfect peace. He is our Rock of Ages.

You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You.

Trust in the Lord forever,

For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.*

Isaiah 26:3-4 NKJV

*"everlasting strength" means "Rock of Ages"

Please be in prayer for the continued healing of D.A., and ask for peace, comfort, encouragement and strength for his wife, A.A.

Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.

Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).

Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C. 

If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers. 

You might also like: "God's plan" from August 13, 2020

*********

Please join me this week in praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sick #ill #physicalillness #mentalillness #spiritualwarfare #praise #worship #intercession #petition #healing #overwhelmed #anxiety #prayer #peace #comfort #caregiver #blog #blogpost #blogger

Praise and worship

 

Praising God this morning for all of the healing He did over the weekend! Yesterday I asked you to pray for our brother in Christ, Donnie Allen. About mid-day we received a message that he was taken off of the ventilator and put on an oxygen mask and that he was alert and responsive! Hallelujah!
     Another brother in Christ was released from the hospital yesterday.
     There are so many more who need our continued, fervent prayers for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Since the condition of those we love has a ripple effect on friends, family, neighbors, etc., I would also like to focus our prayers on asking for and praising God for the peace and comfort He offers all who follow Him.
     Please be in prayer for the continued healing of D.A., and ask for peace, comfort, encouragement and strength for his wife, A.A.
Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.
Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).
Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C.
If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers.

     God uses these difficult times to bring Him glory, to bring us closer to Him. Sometimes He uses suffering to reveal something to us. Always it accomplishes His purposes. Donnie said that "God uses suffering to show us how Christ suffered for us."
     We're not promised tomorrow, so fill your day doing whatever you do as if it is for Him.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. 

In the world you will have tribulation. 

But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 ESV

*********

Please join me this week in praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sick #ill #physicalillness #mentalillness #spiritualwarfare #praise #worship #intercession #petition #healing #overwhelmed #anxiety #prayer #peace #comfort #caregiver #blog #blogpost #blogger

Confessions of an office manager, Part 2

(or)  Be Careful What You Wish For

Continued from yesterday (click here for Part 1)

     So, I had hired three people. I was overwhelmed and couldn't keep up with training, project scheduling, quality control. It was clear that I was struggling.

     The boss's son stepped up. It seemed innocent enough, almost like he wanted to help by giving the new people work to do, taking them out to field measure, etc. Then, we got approved to move forward with the biggest, best project we've ever gotten and I'm the one who brought the project to the table. My boss was going to create the preliminary design on Saturday, and I was going to start on the project on Monday. (I had stopped working Saturdays during the Great Recession for obvious reasons.) When I got to work Monday morning, somehow the boss's son had the project. He had gone into the office on Saturday, and I imagine he said he wanted it and so he got it.

     That's when I realized that I was no longer in charge. Everything had changed. I fought tooth and nail every step of the way to the point where I felt like our three newbies were children of a messy divorce. We fought over them, over what they could do, who's project they would work on. I was miserable, stressed out, depressed. I was paying a therapist to help me deal with all of this until it dawned on me that I was fighting a losing battle. It was time to let go.

     I went on a job interview thinking it would be for an Autocad drafter. I was willing to take a cut in pay to have the privilege (and peace) of being able to just draw. I was done with being in charge. When the potential employer started talking about what all of my responsibilities would be, it made me feel on edge, reiterating that, at this point in my life, I just want to draw.

     As I drove back to work, I realized that I had that opportunity at my present job, if I would just quit fighting you-know-who. And, it wouldn't require a cut in pay. The other company wasn't ready for me to start there and after a lot of praying and reflection, I began to let it all go. It wasn't long before I realized that I was happier, less stressed.

     In January 2020, I went to a Missions College conference and my whole life was changed. Someday, I'll get the book published that is the result of that conference, of what God let me know is my mission. It's my belief that He will bless my writing, allow me to get published in a capacity that will allow me to write full-time for Him. 

     This week, He reminded me of all of that. I have a greater purpose in this life than to draw pizza joints. I believe my purpose is to help draw people closer to God, through writing and prayer, and maybe even, eventually, speaking engagements. With that reminder, I was able to completely let go of my need to be in charge at my day job. If the book(s) take off and if God makes it so that I can write full-time to bring Him honor and glory, then I believe that's the better definition of "success" than my 1990s definition.

     I've prayed for so long for a way to break free from that overwhelming life and at every obvious opportunity it never happened. I think since it's been so many years, I just forgot I prayed for it. God didn't forget, though. His perfect timing is always so amazing to me.

     So many tiny events had to take place to get me to this point. Everything had to happen in a certain order, at a certain time. I feel blessed that I can see it all unwinding and am praying that what I believe the intended outcome will actually happen.

     God has opened so many doors this week that I've just been blown away time and time again at His involvement in my life. I am grateful. I am blessed. So, I guess it's no so much "be careful what you wish for" as, "remember what you prayed for."

     Whatever your work problem is, ask God for guidance and wisdom. He will provide.

"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:3

Be in prayer for:

G

K

S

W

B

L

J

K

T

S

C

They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

*********

Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #manager #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger

Confessions of an office manager

 

I wanted to share a personal experience that goes with yesterday's Bible Verse...I've just had this AHA moment thing going on all week. God is just so amazing! I pick the topics based on talking to others, or something that catches my attention in a Bible study, or sermon, or even based on what's going on in my own life, but once in a while, I'm reminded that it's God who is picking the topics for me.

     Over the past several years, my boss's son has been taking over my job. He has assumed responsibility for everything and we've been butting heads at each turn. At some point, maybe a year ago, I just gave up the fight. Ever since then, I've felt more at peace and have had a better attitude at work. 

     A couple of days ago, I gave up the last managerial duty that I had been clinging to. It was so hard to do and I prayed about it diligently. Afterwards, I felt more at peace and it was then that God reminded me...this is what I asked for years ago. He then showed me a plan unfolding, one I've been praying for without realizing it, one that I had been working toward but not really believing in.

     Back in the 90s, my goal in life was to be "successful". In my mind, that meant being in charge of a company, having an office, making good money. I achieved that but with it came a burden that I never anticipated. The stress and anxiety of being "in charge" was overwhelming. On the plus side, the company was more organized, made money, grew and prospered. On the negative side, I had to deal with difficult, irate clients, situations that my boss didn't want to deal with, collections, etc. I even had to learn all the ins and outs of computer repair, software glitches, and wireless networking. 

     I worked long hours, six days a week. As a manager of a small company, I wore all the hats. I couldn't imagine a scenario that would get me out of that situation because I had made myself irreplaceable.

     When the Great Recession hit (2007-2009), I thought this is how it will end. But my boss worked like I've never seen him work before, or since, to drum up business for us to keep us afloat. That's when I started praying about a way out. 

     Then, the boss's son graduated from college (for architecture) and I figured he would start honing in on my job so I went back to college and got my Bachelor's degree. He didn't seem interested in taking over, which made me feel a bit conflicted. On one hand, I wanted out, on the other, I knew he couldn't/wouldn't put his blood, sweat, and tears into the company like I had. 

     Another woman at our company also graduated from a college in architecture, around that time, so it was kind of the hierarchy of: my boss, me, and then the boss's son and she were on the same level, even though she was and is very talented and knowledgable and does an exceptionable job. Then, she went to work for another company and I had to hire three people to replace her. That opened Pandora's box. We were so busy, and I was trying to get work out and train three people and still do everything that I had to do outside of those responsibilities. So, that was his chance to "step up."

To be continued. 

A just balance and scales are the Lord; all the weights in the bag are his work.

Proverbs 16:11

Be in prayer for:
G
K
S
W

B
L
J
K
T
S
C
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

*********

Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #manager #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger