| Author | Message | ||
| Heretic Registered user Username: Heretic Post Number: 163 Registered: 2-2005 |
Colleen, Stan, Cy, Chris, Diana, Cindy, and any others praying for our baby and our family: Thank you so much for your prayers. I can't tell you how much it means to know that caring people are praying because I KNOW it works and I've seen it work first-hand. I'm happy to report that the situation with the baby is not as nearly as serious as originally feared. We had a scare because the AFP (alpha fetal protein) level was slightly elevated in the last lab draw indicating the possibility that our child had Spina Bifida. The 4-D ultrasound earlier today, however, showed that this definitely is not the case. Praise the Lord! Evidently, there are a few other possible causes for this. It was found that there is a small hole in his heart but the doctor stated that this occurs in many babies and almost always closes up prior to delivery, but he still wants to keep an eye on it. This slight elevation in AFP does increase the chance that my wife could develop pre-eclampsia later in the pregnancy, so I would appreciate continued prayer for her and the baby. Thanks again. Heretic | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1772 Registered: 3-2004  |
Shontay, Your Mom and friend are on my prayer list. Your plate is full, but remember that God does not give us more than we can bear. I am telling myself that also. Belva, Your brother is there also. God is still in charge and His will, will be done and will bring honor and glory to His name. God you are awesome. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2403 Registered: 12-2003  |
Heretic, thank you for the update. I am so glad it's not spina bifida! (I must say, however, that I have a cousin with spina bifida, but it was not severe. She has no loss of function, and the hole closed. She and her husband did elect, however, not to have children...) I'll continue to pray for this pregnancy. Belva, praying now for your brother. Colleen | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1774 Registered: 3-2004 |
Thank you God for being the awesome God that you are. Thank you for caring for Heretic, his wife and unborn child. Continue to care for them as only you can. Diana | ||
| Patriar Registered user Username: Patriar Post Number: 132 Registered: 3-2005 |
Heretic: Hallelujah for the good news! I will pray for the continued health of both your baby and your wife. Patria | ||
| Patriar Registered user Username: Patriar Post Number: 133 Registered: 3-2005 |
Everyone: I just received news that some Adventists in Walla Walla lost their 20 year old daughter yesterday in a drowning accident. I don't know this family well, but I don't think we have to, to understand the horrific news this is. Patria | ||
| Taybie Registered user Username: Taybie Post Number: 45 Registered: 4-2005 |
Hello FAF, As it goes, after a 'high' in the Lord, the enemy comes in like a flood. My heart is battered and bruised and I am so unbelievably sad today. I am struggling to not revert and find 'solace' in old, bad habits. Please pray for me as I try to pull myself thru this day. Oh Lord, PLEASE BE MY STRENGTH. PLEASE GIVE ME BEAUTY FOR ALL THESE ASHES IN MY LIFE. I got some 'nerve' and told my best friend how deeply I feel for him. He did not reject me completely...only partially, but I still feel so stupid for having put myself out there like that. How could I do that to myself again? I just really believe(d) that this is the person the Lord told me that I would not only got into ministry with, but the man I would one day marry. I feel so dumb...he said kind and beautiful things to me, but I truly believe he was letting me down easy. I somehow misunderstood all of this time what he feels (felt) for me. I am SO affected by this. Also, I was supposed to go out of town with this girl b/c she got a ticket and I was with her and know that she was not in the wrong for the ticket. However, she FLIPPED OUT during the conversation witht the officer and tried to stuff 4 types of pills down her throat! She was irrational and cursed me out when I tried to stop her! After that truamatic experience, I promised myself that I would not ever take a long distance trip with her again. I promised myself that long before she asked me to go to court with her 2 months later. My regret is not telling her upfront that I would not be taking that trip with her. I agreed and lived with that regret for all this time...she called the night before the trip to see if I was going and I told her no. I agree that this was wrong. I came into work this morning to a nast email from a once mutual friend, pointing out my issues and telling me how very wrng I was for the way I handled the situation. My only standpoint is this - the girl FRIGHTENED me! She flipped out because she got pulled over and then treated me HORRIBLY even after the situation was done (After I had driven an hour to get her bail money!) She would not stop coming around me after that...popping up at my job, and home...all the while maintaining like she was um, sane? Forgive this vent, but I need prayer. The enemy is even whispering suicide in my ear. Can you believe that? I mean, I did stay in the SDA infested town, believing I was staying because the Lord wanted me to...now Iam not so sure. I asked God for clarity and now I feel unable to even pray. I seem to be getting lower and lower. Forgive the pettiness of my issues...but I am hurting and trying not to cry. Thanks. | ||
| Taybie Registered user Username: Taybie Post Number: 46 Registered: 4-2005 |
I am also considering returning to my home town. I believed I was staying here because the man I thought I was to be with was returning here. Now that I have been rejected, I dont even want to be in the same town. | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 301 Registered: 7-2004  |
Taybie, KNOW that there are prayers for you right now. I know how it feels, and I know that words of encouragement don't always ring true in the depths of the valleys. But God's love reaches the deepest of valleys. | ||
| Chris Registered user Username: Chris Post Number: 1001 Registered: 7-2003  |
Dear Taybie, Although I am not a counselor and canít give educated advice on how to deal with life's disappointments and sorrows, I can speak as someone that has battled depression all his life and who has contemplated suicide more than once. Know this; right now, right at this very moment as you are passing through the deep dark valley of the shadow of death, Jesus is with you. You will walk out of this valley because He has you firmly in his grasp. As you look back at the steps you trod you will see that He led you through the valley and that He never let you go for a moment. You will grow in your love for Jesus and in your faith. By the grace of God you will walk out of this valley stronger. Once not long after I really discovered Jesus and began my journey towards him I was attacked by the deepest darkest depression. I was so far down in the black pit that I barely felt like I could stand. The Holy Spirit impressed me to give praise to the Lord for being with me and for leading me even though I couldnít feel him at that moment. It seemed utterly illogical to be lifting praises to the God when I could barely lift my head or my hands. And yet when I did I began to feel the dark fog lifting and blowing away. Looking back now I believe God was doing something powerful in my life. There was a spiritual battle being fought and through that battle the Lord would heal me. I look back now at that time with much thankfulness. Since that time I have been free of crippling depression. Thatís not to say I donít still become depressed at times, I do, but the difference now is that I am no longer incapacitated by that depression because of something that the Spirit did in me. My point in sharing my experience is to communicate to you how much a person gives up when they commit suicide. The person who gives into this temptation of the evil one will miss out on all that God wants to do in their lives. They will miss out on the blessing that God wants to bestow upon them through this difficult experience. They will miss out on all the plans that God has for their lives. They will miss out on the precious years that God gives us on this earth to serve Him. Ultimately, I believe they will also miss out on some of the rewards that God would like to bestow upon them for all eternity. I imagine standing before the Lord and giving an account of why I recklessly and selfishly through away all the plans He had for me and all the gifts He had given me! That is truly a terrible thought. How shameful it would be to stand before Him and say, ìI took what you entrusted to me and threw it away because I did not trust You enough to bring me throughî. I do not want to meet Jesus with downcast eyes as the servant that did not use the talent he was entrusted with. Taybie, thoughts of suicide are the Devilís doing. They do not come from God. The Devil would love to have one less child of God walking this earth that God can use. I believe the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18 is VERY important in this case and I pray that you will meditate upon this passage and avail yourself of the armor by spending time with the Word of God, embracing the assurance of salvation, praying at all times, thinking about the Gospel message and what it means to be in Christ, etc. Also Taybie, God has gifted us with the intelligence and ability to counteract many of the side effects of the Fall in this world. Among the gifts God has given us is science and in particular medical science. Do not think that counseling and medications are ìfleshyî. Modern medicine, including the ability to understand and treat depression, is a gift from God. Availing oneís self of modern medicine does NOT in anyway show a lack of faith. Rather it shows a willingness to use the good things that God has given us. Dear Lord, please close to Taybie right now. Surround her like a shield so that no fiery arrow of the Devil can get through. Lead her through this dark time. Bless her greatly for her faith. Use this experience to shape her into the woman you want her to be. Use this time of suffering to transfer her character to be more and more like that of Christís. Father protect Taybie from dark thoughts of hopelessness. Protect her from the type of despair that leads to desperate acts. Love her like a Father, speak to her like a friend, and embrace her like a lover. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen. Chris | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2440 Registered: 12-2003 |
Dear Shontay, Chris gave excellent advice. I have also found that actively praising God and listening to praise/worship music are powerful stabilizing antidiotes to depression. Meditating on Scripture, even memorizing it bit by bit, is also a powerful weapon against despair, because in Scripture you will find truth. Ephesians 6:10-18, as Chris recommended, is a good place to start. Also Romans 8:1-2óthere is now NO condemnation for you, because you are in Christ. Romans 8:26-27--the Holy Spirit is interceding for you when you don't even know what to pray for yourself. Philippians 4:4-7óRejoice in the Lord; He is near. Present your request to God by prayer and petition with thanksgiving. Psalm 34:18óThe Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Don't be afraid to seek professional help. I am also praying for you. Dear Father, please be close to Shontay and break through the blackness with your love and the comforting, steadying presence of the Holy Spirit. Thank you that the Spirit is interceding for her, and You know her heart. Please help her to choose to embrace truth, and please help Your word to dwell richly in her heart. Please put words of praise and thanksgiving on her lips, and strengthen her with Your strength and courage. Please heal her heart, and hold her close to You. Help her to choose to embrace You even though her heart feels like hiding. I praise you for your transforming love and for the power of truth. Thank you that you have adopted Shontay as your own daughter, and thank you that even these situations she faces you will not waste, but you will redeem. I thank you for caring for Shontay. In Jesus name, Amen. Colleen | ||
| Mrsbrian3 Registered user Username: Mrsbrian3 Post Number: 6 Registered: 8-2005 |
Taybie, I'm so sorry that you are hurting. I am praying for you. God bless you and hold you especially close today. It sounds like one of those days when looking back you'll only see one set of footprints in the sand. Kim | ||
| Taybie Registered user Username: Taybie Post Number: 47 Registered: 4-2005 |
Chris, Colleen, Ric_b, Kim (Mrs Brian3) I thank God for each of you. You have no idea how much I love you! I thank God for you. Thank you Lord for blessing me with such friends, no family as these beautiful people on the FAF boards. As I look at the time that each of you posted, I realize that the cloud was lifting even then. Thank you for your prayers. I am learning to humble myself befor Him and allow Him to have His way. Sometimes that hurts, and this morning's rebuke hurt deeply, but nevertheless, I stretch my hands toward Him and seek His way. I am endeavoring to not revert to old ways of dealing with pain. I no longer want something to 'take the edge off'...I want to be sober. Thank you all again for your prayers. Though the situation has not moved as I hoped, I can still see the Fathwe's hand...feel His love. I know that He watches over me. Thanks you guys. I love y'all.  | ||
| Mrsbrian3 Registered user Username: Mrsbrian3 Post Number: 7 Registered: 8-2005 |
I need you to pray for my mom. She called me yesterday afternoon all upset at her cable tv company because they were going to raise her rates. Evidently she told them that the only reason she subscribed to cable was to watch her SDA shows and that she just might get the 3ABN dish so that she didn't have to use their services at all. Evidently this dish is $400 and she doesn't have it. Pray with me that she won't be able to get the $400 together. She doesn't need "A Brainwashing Network" running 24/7! Thanks. Kim | ||
| Taybie Registered user Username: Taybie Post Number: 49 Registered: 4-2005 |
Kim - I LOVED the Acronym switch!!!!!!! hahahaha!! I WILL pray! The Lord will do exceedingly, abundantly, above anything you could ask for or think of....He WILL come thru!!! I will pray for your sweet endurance with your mom. It is so good to know that you will not give IN and leave her where she is. RAISE THE RATES HIGHER JESUS!!!! | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2449 Registered: 12-2003 |
Kim, I'll pray that God will direct this crisis and that your mom will come to know Jesus. Colleen | ||
| Tisha Registered user Username: Tisha Post Number: 124 Registered: 3-2005 |
I am asking for prayer for my mom. She is now living in an assisted living facility run by very conservative/EGW following SDAs. The food is vegan which I'm OK with except that it shows just how strict they are. A van even picks her up and takes her to the SDA Church in town. My sister picked this facility and I had no influence on mom's decision - I did try! Mom has been going to Church with us for about two years now and has said that she wants to join our Church. Everyone there just loves her. They remodeled the bathrooms so she could use them easier with her walker! The pastor even visited her in the hospital, a drive of over 100 miles round trip. Her own SDA pastor has never even contacted her. She has grown so much, and now has a better understanding of Grace rather than works. I've seen her so much more at peace now with the understanding of the assurance of her Salvation through Grace. But her old SDA indoctrination runs deep, and I'm afraid that she will now slip back into her old ways. We are unable to take her to Church with us due to her new location. She is completely immersed in SDAism again. I just cried when I found out where she was going to live. It is about 45 minutes north of us and we drive about an hour south to Church. I'm just heartbroken about this. My prayer is that Jesus will keep His arms around her and protect her from the SDA ways. I pray that she will continue to trust in Him rather than her own works, and that she can be at peace with her understanding of Grace and Salvation. I've talked to her about this and I think she does understand, but I just want her protected! I can't even imagine how she can stand to go to an SDA Church after seeing the difference! Our dear friends that are SDA, but have asked us many questions, go to that Church also so she does have familiar faces. I have been praying for them as well. I hope they can finally make a commitment to follow their new understanding and leave the SDA Church. They have admitted that EGW is a false prophet. They question the doctrines. But so far they have been unwilling to renounce the SDA hold on them. So many people need our prayers! I can understand what it means when we are told to "pray without ceasing"! tisha | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 633 Registered: 7-2004 |
Tisha, I will pray that your mother senses, tastes, and feels the difference between the phony gospel of EGW and the true Gospel of Jesus Christ that she has blessedly been exposed to. I will also pray for peace of mind for you. Once your mother has been exposed to true Grace, no matter how deep the SDA indoctrination of her past and present, she will be able to know the difference. I'm sure you will continue to pray with her when you are visiting her, and that will be another opportunity for her to taste true Grace. | ||
| Tisha Registered user Username: Tisha Post Number: 125 Registered: 3-2005 |
Thanks, Belva I know I can trust in the Lord to take care of her. I just need to remember that when I start to worry! This whole thing has been so heartbreaking for me. We were taking good care of her, but my sister decided we weren't and so moved her away from us and our influence. So now I have to have faith that the Holy Spirit will not let her forget and then fall back into her old ways. I know she loves Jesus and is saved, but I want her to know the true joy in that! So, I'm also praying for my faith to be strong! tisha | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2452 Registered: 12-2003 |
Dear Tisha, I've been praying for you and your situation, that truth will be known and that God will protect you and your mom. I will continue to pray, and as Belva said, I will also pray that God will give you peace about this. He can keep your mom's heart safe in Him, and He also wants to comfort you and give you the rest and peace of knowing you have been faithful with what He has given you to do. He is faithful, Tisha--and He will hold your mother and you in His arms. He is now asking you to surrender your mom to Him so you can love her without that underlying panic that she'll be manipulated away from Him. Nothing--not even an angry sister--can thwart the Holy Spirit's work. Praying for you, Colleen |
