“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
I believe that so many times in life, we miss out on things because we do not open our mouths and make our wants and needs known. We are afraid, oftentimes, of what people will think. Will they think I am not strong enough to do things by myself? Will they think I am always whining about something? Will they begin avoiding me because they don’t know what all is going on? And, if they do know what is going on, they will surely drop me from their ‘friends’ list.
My friends, I am here to tell you, if any of those things were ever to be thought by one of my friends…I’d sooner not have them!
But, I am blessed with wonderful friends…Godly friends…friends who don’t care about all those things, they care about me and what I am going through. And, even if they don’t know the details, it is of no matter. They don’t have to know…they just know I asked and they answered.
“‚ĶThe prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
My family has many needs at this moment, and I am asking for your prayers.
My sweet Suzanne and Adam are going through some very trying times at the moment, in regards to a medical issue. I have asked for prayer for them before for this same reason…and nothing has changed. But, there is a glimmer of hope and I ask that you pray that God will answer their prayers, if it is His will. Please pray that Adam and Suze will have peace and comfort as they go about their daily lives while waiting on God.
Suzanne was bitten by a spider during the last few days. She went to the doctor and he told her there was a large amount of infection in her blood. They have started her on some meds, but it seems she is having some rections to it. Please pray that the meds will take effect soon.
Sweet Tara’s dear dog, Oreo, is missing. They live way out in the country, and they think he may have gotten lost in the woods. The other dog came home…but is obviously in much distress. He is missing his buddy. They are always together. Tara and Will have had this dog as long as they have been married. Will rescued it. And, they both love him dearly. I have prayed that the Lord give Oreo an extra dose of tracking skills, so he will find his way home. And, to put His angels that are on animal duty around him to keep him safe. Oreo is the same kind of dog that our sweet Scooter was.
Ian is also having some very hard decisions to make in regards to his health. Don and I can not make these for him, but the outcome of his choices will affect his life for well over a year. This is not an easy decision to make, as he has walked this path before. Please pray that he will have wisdom to make a clear decision, and that things in regards to doctors will fall into place.
Alex has been doing very poorly lately. He has not even been up since Father’s Day. His pain is at a very high level, so he stays medicated most of the time. This is a so hard to witness every day. Please pray that God will give him some relief. Please pray that we will find a doctor who knows more about his disease, and can actually help the pain. Oh, friends, he suffers so much every single day.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).
The only reason I am not more specific on some of these is due to respect of their privacy. The telling of details should be up to them.
Thank you for being the kind of friends that I can come to openly and without hesitation, knowing that I can trust these situations to your caring hearts. Thank you for praying with me.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
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I am praying, trusting the Lord to give wisdom and peace to each one in His will.
I have uplifted your family in my prayers and will continue to do so. You quoted some of my favorite verses.
Closing my laptop right now to dedicate time to pray for your family. I know a Mother's heart.
Oh, Tonja, the ourcry of a Mother's loving heart! I join mine to yours, as we seek guidance and care and sweet grace for our children.
Sweet, sweet, sweet, Woman. You do not know me…however…I have been following your blog for some time. I feel like…I know you! My heart– hurts with yours, today. My prayers are for your entire family. Yes, Our God, hears them. His promise is so. God Bless and may you feel His grace all around you. Your heart strings have touched mind. God Bless you.
To Gail: It is so nice to meet you. Thank you for visiting me at Gatherings. And, I so kindly thank you for your prayers, and your kind nd supportive words. It is always so nice to meet a sister in Christ. I look forward to hearing from you again. Blessings, Tonja
Tonja…I am praying! I know what a faithful mother you have been for those boys and I know the heartache of being helpless when they need help! I'm praying for your boys and Suzanne and for Oreo to come home! I'm also praying for you…..it takes a lot of strength to watch your children suffer!
As usual, your blog brings tears to my eyes. I'm headed to some quiet time with Our Father on your behalf.
Thank you for trusting us with the things that are so heavy on your heart. I too am stopping to pray right now for your precious family that I have come to love so dearly. Wish I could be there to hold you in my arms as I pray.
Praying for you and your sweet family, for wisdom, peace and grace. Praying too that you will see His sweet mercies, new each morning. Great is His faithfulness. Giving thanks to the Lord for what He has already done in the lives of your family and praying that His blessings will be poured out anew, even this day.
Tonja, I pray today is a new day for all of you! NO pain, and seeing— Gods grace in each person you meet. I believe…we must know a lot of the same people as I lived 21 wonderful, wonderful years in Dothan, AL. Did you ever shop for Clinique back in 1990's? If so…you know me! I have to think, too, you must've worked with my good, good, sister in Christ…Cheryl Korey? I miss everyone in Dothan. I love, love that place and my home church, The Nativity!!!!
Tonja
Just read this post. I'm so sorry things for you all are hard right now. I believe in the power of prayer and will lift you all up I promise.
Hugs,
Kat
Psalm 20: 1-2
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
Tonja, my prayers are with your entire family. I know the problems you have had for many years and you' ve always handled it so good with God's help, but its not easy. Just keep praying and know you are loved by God and many many friends. Good to see you at Church today.
Oh Tonja! Bless you…..so many things weighing on your heart! I will pray for you and for all these needs right now! (I have been out of town, so I am just now getting around to blog-reading and commenting.)
Tonja, I would love to pray for all of them. I will also pray for your comfort and strength during these trying times. ((HUGS))
Oh, Tonja, I have been away on vacation for over a week and missed seeing this post. My heart and prayers go out to you and your precious sons. May God hold them extra close in their time of need and bless them with His Amazing Grace.