Earth angel

Hopefully, you have someone in your life you can lean on; someone who will just listen to you when you want to rant but will offer advice when you need it. Hopefully, you have someone in your life who says or does just the right thing just when you need it. Maybe it's a family member, an online friend, a Pastor. Identify that person and send them a text or email today letting them know how grateful you are for them being such an important part of your life, and that you appreciate them. You can include this bible verse:

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 

Ephesians 1:16 ESV

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Join me this week in praying with an appreciation and gratitude for the person(s) who supports you in life.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Encouragement for the terminally ill

There are times during the process of an illness that the patient will experience "acceptance". During that time they may want to speak frankly about death and about the afterlife. Please listen to them, and discuss whatever is on their mind. If you don't know the answers, ask if you can bring someone who can to speak to them. It is not appropriate to dismiss the person's feelings by saying, "don't talk like that." It's been my experience that people know when the time is near, sometimes down to the day and even if they don't know it doesn't matter because it's what they're experiencing and feeling and want to talk about. Ask them if they want you to read scripture aloud. There are several really encouraging passages for this stage of life.

Therefore we do not lose heart. 

Though outwardly we are wasting away, 

yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving 

for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, 

but on what is unseen, 

since what is seen is temporary, 

but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-19 NIV

Be strong and courageous. 

Do not fear or be in dread of them, 

for it is the LORD your God 

who goes with you. 

He will not leave you or forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 

and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 

for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28-29 NIV

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Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a potentially terminal illness. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

How to comfort the terminally ill

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our affliction, 

so that we may be able to comfort those 

who are in any affliction, 

with the comfort with which we 

ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV

I think the hardest thing for people who know someone who is terminally ill is to know what to say or do. In order to avoid saying or doing the wrong thing, they/we sometimes avoid the person, which is wrong of course and so unnecessary. It's really very simple...just be there for the person.
     - After first hearing the news, just let them know that you're praying for them. Even if the person isn't religious, it is so helpful to know that others care enough to pray.
My late husband was so moved to learn that so many people were praying for him. People in other states, whole churches and prayer chains sent him cards letting him know that he was being prayed for and that they cared about him.
     - There were days when he was home alone and it lifted his spirits to have people visit; even just to have someone drop in and watch television with him.
     - It's okay and often preferred to talk about normal things and act like everything is fine. The person is reminded of the illness enough as it is without making it the topic of every conversation.
     - Don't buy the person "things" that are meant to help him/her cope, like "how to" manuals, healing stones, or the latest "as seen on Dr. Oz" remedy. Cards and prayers are the best gifts of all. 

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Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a potentially terminal illness. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power