Prayer Circles

Ah, our dear Miss V, it probably does get a little hectic with 3 competing, but you know you love it, :-). Oh yes, I remember well, "Still I find joy!" and I know you do! Continued prayers for your health and no sneaking off with the kids to Taco Bell!
Much love, prayers & Hugs,
Sandy

Hello dear Sandy, ~ Ouch! :) ... But I couldn't agree with you more about posting words of encouragement to our dear sister Selva. Although I've done so a couple of times in an email, that is no excuse for me not posting my heartfelt prayers and words of encouragement to her and Nancy here. I for one thank you for telling it like it is. Ha-ha! That reminds me of something that our dear sister would say. Ha-ha!
Love and angel hugs,
Verna
PS: I'm on it! :)

Hi my dear sister, ~ Please know that I am still praying for Nancy and also for you. God knows how I wish I could be there to help you take care of her; but right now, I know I would not be able to help much; but please, please tell Nancy that if I could, I would be there to help care for her. I pray that some of your coworkers are giving you a hand so that you can take a break every once in a while. I even prayed for you and Nancy in the spirit as I walked in the park this morning. I am so sorry it took me so long to get here with my words of encouragement. :( Would you believe I still have not gotten around to copy/paste the rambler to Lori, that I told you about in an email. But, I bet ya I will now! Ha-ha! I'm gonna have to get here a lot more often. I promise to do better; thanks to our Chief Angel Mom's wake up call. :)
May God bless and keep both you and Nancy is His loving care. I will continue praying for healing for Nancy and that He blesses you both in every way He knows you need blessing.
Love and Angel Hugs
Verna [aka Miss V.]

Good Evening All! Just a brief note before I run out to church. First all, I want to apologize for not posting my prayers to Selva and Nancy. Selva you and everyone else are always in my prayers. I've been away because my best girlfriend's only son died on the 15th. He was 27. He was in a house fire and he didn't make it. So I have been consoling her and her family. I have not had time to read the earlier post but I want everyone to know I don't mean to slight them, whatever is ailing you I pray that our God will remove it, remember one of God's 10 Guidelines: 7. SHARE: You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are
less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share yourlaughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith
with those who have none.
That is what I love about this circle, the Sharing and this is one of His Guidelines. Have to run and I'll post later.
Connie

[Introduction to a Rambler] ha-ha!
Hi dear angel moms, ~ the rambling post below I started writing to Lori a week or so ago, and I am just getting around to posting it. However, much of that I share can be utilized by anyone who has lost a beloved child/grandchild. This, in my humble opinion, is how we try to help each other by sharing much of what we’ve experienced while going through our own personal life storms. Please y’all bear with me during this time. Presently, I’m dealing with some serious health problems; most of which require a lot of self discipline on my part. I really need your continued prayers. I do alright most days, then something happens and for a while, it seems I am back to square one again. It is so easy for anyone to think of giving up when one of life’s many storms is raging. That’s why. I know there is power in prayer; otherwise, I KNOW would not have made it this far. As some of you know, I had open heart surgery [double bypass] in February of this year and it is taking a lot more time to regain my strength than I ever imagined; but I ain’t complaining LORD [PLEASE BELIEVE ME]. I KNOW HOW BLESSED I AM TO STILL BE HERE!

I do continue to read as often as possible so that I won’t get too far behind and will know if anyone has a special prayer request. I’ll be undergoing more tests this month and will let everyone know the results ASAP. Please know that my prayers are ongoing for all, and I do so appreciate your prayers and also the love and support that I’ve received here from everyone. : ) I started working on this rambler last week and finally got it finished. I don’t know when I’ll be able to post again but you can count on my prayers 24/7.

Love & Prayers,
Verna

Hello dear angel mom Lori, ~ Sorry to be so long getting here. I join the other angel moms in a warm and caring welcome to our circle of love, support, understanding, and prayer. Like the other angel moms, I am so sorry for your loss. This is a club that none of us would choose to become a member of, but I speak from experience when I say that the love, support, and understanding you will find here is most sincere and will hopefully a measure of comfort in knowing that you are not alone. I’ve been a member for several years now and I can tell you that there have been times when the love an support I received here literally saved my life during times when reality kicked in and I felt as though I was back to reliving the whole ordeal. Unlike many who have not walked in our shoes, so to speak, God knows we all have experienced the ultimate pain that one can experience and live to tell about it. As we know all too well, there really are no words to adequately describe the grief we must live with day in and day out for such a long time; which we refer to as the beginning stages. Thank God, our loving Father understands and provides us with peaceful moments along our endless journey.

After reading your post a few days ago, I felt your pain so deeply; Then, I began praying for you, your daughter, as well as the rest of your family members and friends. I’ve also visited your beloved son’s memorial site and as I did, I could actually feel the undying love bond you and your beloved son share. It is such a beautiful site and an awesome way to honor your beloved son although I know that both sad and fond memories will sometimes bring on the tears. That is something we angel mom learn along our journey. Please know that it is ok to shed those tears, any time, and anywhere; for as long as you feel the need. Shedding tears is just one of many ways we rid ourselves of that horrible ache; a little at a time, that sometimes take our breath away.

Many angel moms [including myself] have experienced the horrible shock of losing a beloved child suddenly and tragically. Although it’s been ten years now since I lost my beloved 36 year old daughter, Diane, as the result of a chain reaction crash involving 2 cars, 2 pickup trucks and drunken driving, there are still times when it seems like yesterday. But there are also times when I find joy as I recall so many fond memories that my daughter and I shared.

We angel moms/grand moms also agree that special days are always difficult to get through. We pray special prayers for each other on those days. It took a little over three years before I began to feel strong enough to make a conscious effort to go on; mainly as a tribute to my beloved daughter, and to pray for and support others who had lost their own beloved child/grandchild or other loved one.

I know in my heart that it was the prayers and support of these wonderful angel moms here that covered me during the many times I felt I couldn’t go on living with the kind of intense pain I was feeling so intensely during those early years. As strange as it may seem, even before God led me to this circle of love, somewhere along the way I felt the results of the prayers that were being prayed here. I know that now. Once I became a member, although I didn’t know it at the time, God had given me a blueprint; in a manner of speaking, to the healing of my own shattered heart and broken spirit. Before long, I found myself feeling better as I began reaching out more and more to other angel moms; many who were just beginning their painful grief journey due to the loss of a beloved child. In time, as I began to feel and share the pain and loss that other angel moms shared here, I began to realize that I was not alone; that there were indeed many, many other angel moms who had felt the kind of pain and loss that mere words cannot describe. I smile when I say it still feels like a mystery to me how I found this circle, but I KNOW in my heart that both God and Diane had a hand in me finding this unique circle of love and understanding because I was in a daze and I had never even heard of Beliefnet or an online prayer circle. The next thing I knew, I was here! Praise God Almighty! To God be the glory!!!

In the beginning stages before coming here however, I kept thinking, there is no way ANYONE could live with the kind of unbearable, unending pain I was living with. I tried to die when I first heard the tragic news of my beloved daughter’s death; and when that didn’t happen, I thought about suicide, many times because the pain was oh so great ... but God and my beloved Diane stopped me from doing that, thank God! We do eventually learn how to go on, and in your own time, Lori, you will find that the raw pain is not so intense. The pain and loss that you are experiencing now is all a part of the healing of your shattered heart. It must be expressed and it might help - in your own time - to share your pain with other angel moms who can relate to what you are going through. In time, and lots of it, you will begin to realize that you are not alone and that other angel moms care deeply and share your pain. Just know that even when you are sleeping, the prayers are going up to our heavenly Father, asking that He will give you peace as only He can. I can tell you beyond a doubt that there is power in prayer. Don’t worry if you can’t believe all this stuff I’m sharing right now, but the day will come when your shattered heart will begin to slowly heal. And oh what a joyful day that will be!

At that time, you will know that the unbearable grief has become easier to bear. Your grief will have settled in somewhat like a dull ache, but it will not monopolize your every thought. The shock, the sadness, the anger, the longing to hold your son close again, the need to question may in a sense always be there to some degree; but the power of our prayers will do much to help ease all of these emotions. God really does answer prayer, and He has a special love in His heart for all angel moms and as time goes on, He will indeed give us that measure of peace for which we pray. As Sandy and the other angel moms who are a bit farther along have already said, you will laugh again and feel joy in life again, only in a different way. The hole or special place in your heart reserved for your beloved son will always be there. But the intense pain that you feel 24/7 will, in time, [your own time] not be so intense. Please know that my/our prayers, love, compassion and support are with you and family. I pray that God will wrap His arms around you all and give you a measure of peace now, and in the moments, hours, and days ahead.

Love, Angel Hugs, & Prayers,

Verna [aka Miss V.]
Diane’s Mom
8/16/60 - 8/31/96
Forever In Our Hearts!

Dearest Sandy, you are so right and I am deeply ashamed of myself. The fact that i have so many irons in the fire is no excuse for not posting for my dear sister Selva. I apologize not only to you and Selva but to our other sisters as well. I am so sorry.
Love Anita

My dear sister Selva,
I am so sorry that I have not posted my prayers for you and Nancy. Not a day goes by without my saying a prayer for all of us at this circle of love, but you dear sister needed more and I was'nt there and our dear sister Sandy brought that to my attention ( it won't happen again) and I am glad she did.
Selva I pray that the Good Lord gives you strength to handle the things that may come your way. If I could i'd be there with you but since I can't I will be praying not only for you but your sister as well.

love you sis, Anita

My dear Miss V. how good it is to see you posting (rambling and all--ha-ha )
I guess we got it today but I for one needed it. Sandy is so right about Selva being there for us and we should be there for her. Now look who is rambling. ( that's what comes from being with 6 year olds all day long. )
Miss V. you take care of yourself and do what the dr. tells you to do. I will post again tomorrow.
Love you, Anita

Dear Sandy,
Somewhere in the Psalms David states, "if the righteous strike me, it is oil on my head." Well, I have "oil on my head." You are so right and thank you for speaking up and rebuking us. I'll give you that verse address another time. If I took the time to look it up I wouldn't post tonight. Also, thank you for your prayers for me. Love, Jane

Dear Selva,
I am so sorry I haven't posted to you. As soon as I read Sandy's post I immediately prayed for you. I wish I would have prayed with my fingers, so you would have had the encouragement you needed. Father, God I pray that you wrap Selva and her sister Nancy in your loving arms. I pray you bring your healing touch to Nancy's body. I pray that you strengthen her with your power. I pray that you would put the sparkle back into her eyes. I especially pray that she can physically feel Jesus' Presence during this time. Father, I ask that you give Selva rest for her weary body. I ask that she also feels Jesus' Presence as she ministers to her sister. I pray that she knows how much You and the women in this group loves her. I pray for calmness of her spirit, that no fear can enter in. I pray for a greater trust to be developed in her as a result of her sister's illness. I pray You give her the Light that she needs to get through one day at a time. I pray that you encourage and strengthen her heart, that she knows she is never alone. And I thank You that You are a God who answers our prayers. Love, Jane

Dear Connie,
I am so sorry to hear about your best girlfriend's son. This must be so hard on you, with your own son's memorial having just passed. I pray for God's special comfort to come upon both you and your friend. Father God, I pray that the comfort Connie has received from you she can now share with her friend. I pray for protection of Connie's heart as she reaches out to her friend. And I pray for her friend, that you would lead her down her journey of healing. Please let her know that she is never alone. Thank you that you are the God of all comfort.

Connie, you mentioned God's 10 guidelines. I'm sorry but I have never heard of them. When you get a chance would you please post them? Know my prayers and love are with both you and your friend. Love, Jane

"We can do nothing of ourselves, but we can do everything by the help of our God."

This is a quote from my morning devotion today; I thought it was very appropriate here. I too have felt slighted sometimes when I have posted a prayer request and no one answered. But that is no excuse for me to do the same to someone else. It reminds me that the arm of flesh will fail us, but the arm of the Lord is ever reaching out to us to give us comfort and peace, strength and endurance. I am also reminded that as Christians we have an enemy, the old Satan himself; he would like nothing better than to tear us apart with lies and deceit. He is a liar and the father of lies; he comes to kill and steal and destroy. He would like to kill our fellowship with one another, our peace and our joy in Christ; he would like to steal our words, our thoughts, and our prayers for one another; he would like to destroy what we have here on our journey of love and healing. Selva, my apologies to you for not posting; even though I didn't post, my prayers were lifted up for you. Sandy, I also apologize to you for not posting encouragement to one of your/our sisters. It takes me quite a while to type now because every joint and muscle in my body is under attack; I started treatment last Thurs. for Lyme Disease and the 'cure' is worse than the disease in these first few months of the early stages of treatment. The very areas where the parasite is attacking are the areas that are undergoing attack from the treatment, causing a war (so to speak) in my body. My heartfelt love and prayers are lifted up to all of my dear sisters here today; if I can't post them, our Father God still hears them and is sending them on to you all.
Much love, Charlene

Our dear Miss V, I just love your ramblers and please don't ever stop! You're so right, the words may have been meant for Lori, but they certainly apply to all of us here, yourself included, we can all take away something from them!
I know your healing from your surgery is taking longer than expected and it has to be discouraging sometimes for you, I also know though that you have a tremendous faith and know that God will heal you! I ask our dear Lord to help you when temptation strikes, it's not easy to overhaul your whole lifestyle, but with His help I know you can do it! And please, don't ever stop posting those ramblers, :-)
Much love & continued prayers for you,
Sandy

Oh, our dear connie, I'm so sorry that your best friend has also experienced the ultimate of losses, her precious son. She's blessed to have a loving, supportive friend who understand's her pain, as you do, as we all do, and know that my prayers are with her at this time as well as yourself. I'd also love to know 'God's 10 Guidelines' when you have time to share them,
Much love & Hugs,
Sandy

Our dear sis Anita, oh no, no need whatsoever to apoligize to me, don't I know how we get busy with things in our own lives and can't post as often as we'd like to!
You're a Teacher, an important vocation (not a job), I can well imagine that take's up a lot of your time! Next to being a Parent, it's one of the most important role's in a childs life. Still though - selfish? yes I guess I am, miss you when you don't post.
Much love, prayers & Hugs to you,
Sandy

Hi our dearest Jane, oh gosh sweetie, I am far, far from being 'righteous' I'm a sinner who also need's God's Divine Mercy in my life!
I'm so sorry you have lupus, I know it's a daily Cross to bear, yet you always find time to come here and offer words of encouragement to others, very seldom complaining about your own illness, I'm very happy that you shared it with us though, it has to be very tough on you on the really bad days.
Oh yes, continued prayers for you our dear Jane and God's strength to you too,
Much love, prayers & Hugs,
Sandy

Hi our dear Charlene,
Yes, you probably have dear one, I know I've had the same, but assumed with hope that people were praying anyway - it's so very nice though when someone post's back and validate's your request :-).
We'll just put a stop to him, won't we, there'll be no dividing here, as we call upon God to pour His Graces upon this Circle and all of us!
I wasn't aware you had Lyme's Disease sweetie, I know you posted about your shoulder, I'm truly sorry, I must have missed that post.it sound's awfully painful, my prayers are with you of course that it's soon gone and you're feeling much better,
Much love, prayers & Hugs,
Sandy

......and now my own Mea Culpa, if I've done the same to any of you wonderful, amazing women, I am truly sorry, or if my words inadvertently hurt anyone, I too ask forgivenes from God and you my dear sisters, you're all such a special blessing to this Circle that we belong to,
My love and prayers to you all,
Sandy

Dear Sandy,
Because of the blood of Jesus we are all considered "righteous" in God's eyes. Yes, we are all sinners, but we are the righteous ones on earth. Now that I've had some sleep this is the complete verse (notice when I quoted it last night I left out a phrase). Psalm 141:5, "Let a righteous man strike me--it is a kindness; let him rebuke me--it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it." (ESV) So many times I have found myself receiving judgements from the world and it brings condemnation. When rebuked by someone who knows God, it is a kindness and brings healing. Like Charlene stated we do have an enemy, who would love to divide us. Your kindly rebuke has prevented that, so I deeply thank you. Love, Jane

Dear Charlene,
My, you have been through the wringer. First your shoulder, now a chronic illness. I know those of us with chronic illnesses can become overwhelmed at times and discouragement sets in. One verse that has helped me is Psalm 68:19, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation." The NIV has it "who daily bears our burdens." While I was looking this verse up I found a lot of verses that stated God will lift the burden of your shoulder. I don't know if that is a Word for you, but since I came across it so many times, I had to share it with you. So Father, I pray that you will lift the burden of Charlene's shoulder. I pray for complete healing of that shoulder. I pray that you would daily renew Charlene's spirit and body. I pray for strength to deal with the Lyme's Disease and the cure that goes with it. I especially pray that you would be the One who cures Charlene of this illness. I pray that she is able to daily hand her burdens to you, because you want to bear it for her. I pray you would surround her with your Presence, Love and Faithfulness. I ask that you send people her way that would encourage her in a very tangible way. Charlene, know that you are incredibly loved. Love, Jane

Wow, I haven't checked in for a few days and now I wish I had!!! You all are so special to me. I pray for all of you daily and I should at least check these posts daily to see who is in need. You are right Sandy, praying for each other and validating it with our posts helps us sooooo much. I am sorry if I have neglected to post and pray for anyone. Like I said you are all in my thoughts and prayers all the time. Sometimes it is easier to say "Prayers to all" and I really mean that but I know when someone prays for me and I see it in writing, it makes me feel better. I am sorry sisters, I guess we all learned something didn't we?