Prayer Circles

Hello all, I have notposted in a while, but since today would have been Alpal's 31st Birthday I thought I would pray for all who have lost a child in recent days or years. Heavenly Father I lift up your children who are in pain over the loss of a child and I pray that you will touch their lives and restore their love and strength in you. You alone are the author and perfector of our faith and without you none of us would have come this far in our grief. I thank you Father and I vow to give you all the praise honor and glory in all that I do. Amen

To our new angel moms/dads; As hard as it is to believe, the grief and pain will become easier to bear. Again, it will take lots of time. :(

Whether you did or did not have a chance to say goodbye before your beloved child was called back home to heaven, the unconditional love bond that you shared in this life, remains forever! Throughout your grief journey, you will experience both valley days and hilltop days. The valley days can be oh so difficult. It feels as though the indescribable pain will never go away! The hilltop moments, though few in the beginning stages of grieving, are a blessing! ... Oh those precious moments when you are not consummed with dispair. Both are a necessary part of moving on.

There are no side roads or escape routs throughout our journey. As we travel, there are only brief refrains. In order to reach our desired destination; that place where the pain is not all consumming, It takes time, patience, prayer, support of family and friends, learning or developing ways to express your grief in a nondestructive manner, and learning to forgive yourself, others and an imperfect world, and last but not least, ... we must learn to forgive God for allowing our children to die. That was the hardest thing for me to do! I seemed to take forever! But thank heaven God just kept right on loving me anyway! :) God went through it so He understood my anger! He just (((HUGGED))) me anyway! :)

In time, you will experience a very special kind of peace and joy on the road to survive! Here, I am talking about THE moment when you first feel that [I am going to make it!" kind of peace, and relief from indiscribable grief and pain! Even though you will still experience deep sadness at times ...THAT first moment, of which I speak, you will gratefully cherish forever! In the meantime, it helps to remember, and remind yourself often ... You are not alone! :)
God's peace & blessings,
Verna
Mother of Diane
08/16/60 ~ 08/31/96

The Holy Spirit said to me, "Go write this down!"

You Are Not Alone

God always knows when we are hurting
Never doubt how much He cares
The thing we must remember is
God hears our heartfelt prayers

He forgives us when we are angry with Him
He wipes our tears away
He knows that we don't understand
There will be a brighter day!

We can't see the total picture
As we are traveling through this land
And even though our hearts are shattered
For each of us God has a plan

Life here on earth is but a moment
We see death as being the end
God knows it is just the beginning
For our children, our loved ones, our friends

And like them when we too have finished
All that God has sent us to do
We'll rejoice with all of our loved ones
In a world that to us will be new

Until then let's encourage each other
That's what God would have us to do
In times of great sorrow He's been there for me
And I know He'll be there for you!

By: Verna R. Clay

Verna-a beautiful post on your Diane's BD. Thank you- And thank you Alpal, for your post on your child's special day. When I see us (parents who have suffered the great loss) reaching out and praying for other parents, I know God's healing is in the works. Joyce

WOW! Take a look at …

Today’s message from Never Forgotten ~Always Loved! By Roy Lessin

God has blessed you to make you a blessing. He wants to give through your hands, smile through your face, care through your heart, speak through your voice, and shine through your eyes. Like bread, He will break you and multiply you … like a cup of cool water, He will pour you forth … like a well planted tree, He will make you fruitful to every good work.

August 16

What an inspiration on this, my Diane’s B-Day!

Thank you, Joyce, especially on today, for your kind words, prayers, and for ongoing support. The message above seems to go along with what you just shared in your post above. Yes, as hard as it may be to believe, when we are in the beginning stages of deeply grieving the loss of a precious and beloved child, God feels our pain and embraces us through it all. And through it all ... He will NEVER leave us to bear our cross alone! Over and over He has proven it, time and time again. He always sends the messenger and/or the message, and they are always right on time!
God's peace and blessings to all!
Verna

Sending up a heartfelt prayer for all who have lost a precious and beloved child. I pray that God will give us those precious moments of peace for which we all pray. Amen

Hello Alpal and Joyce, I'm back after being MIA for what seems like forever. I've had a lot of complications since having open heart surgery. The swelling in my right hand has improved such that I can type a bit faster thank the Lord. It's been pretty quiet around here for the past few days. Sure hope everyone is okay and just choosing to read and not post for whatever reason. I'm sure we've all had those days and that's okay. Just praying that God keeps watch on everyone and grant those moments of peace. Lord knows He has brought me a long way and I pray that He does the same for all who have walked in my shoes. Though we can relate to each others grief and pain, only God can truly know and understand exactly how each of us feel as a result of our own personal loss. So on valley days we must lean on Him for strength to make it through the day. One minute, 5 minues, and eventually one day at a time. I pray God wraps each angel mom/dad in His loving arms and comfort them as only He can. Amen

My dear sister, Selva, praying you and family are not in harms way from the tropical storm. Praying also for all affected by the storm. God keep you all safe and in His loving care!
LOVE2U All :)
Verna

Sandy, praying for you and hope all is well and that you are just taking a much needed rest. We all miss you! :(
Love & Angel Hugs,
Verna

Sometimes when things get slow around here, I go back and read some of the prayer posts that I missed while away. I then try to respond to them as the Holy Spirit leads.

To Broken Eagle: My heart goes out to you, your wife, and all whose lives have been touched by this tremendous, unexpected, and tragic loss. Your loss is so recent and tremendous, and … Oh what a burden to bear! The loss of one child is unthinkable for any parent; but to lose your precious and beloved son, his wife, and another whom you loved as a son is just so very, very unfair. Thank God you are able to talk about it and share your grief with angel moms/dads here. You are a God send because we don’t hear from many angel dads. Oh how I wish more angel dads would take the time to share their grief with us! Some angel moms have difficulty understanding the way angel dads grieve. I know I did after the tragic loss of our beloved daughter, Diane, who was killed by a drunk driver on Aug. 31, 1996. Sometimes we angel moms get so caught up in our own grief until we forget that angel dads are hurting too! Well, not forget, but it takes a while for us to realize just how deeply angel dads are hurting; I think simply because society expects the man to hide his emotions, to show strength. Well, that in my opinion is a bunch of bull! I hope every angel dad reading this will find a time, a place, and a way to express their grief in their own way! I pray that more angel moms and family members and friends will begin to focus on what it is like for a father to lose his son, daughter, or in your case, someone who is loved like a son. You and your entire family and all whose lives are affected by this tremendous loss will be prayed for here.
God’s peace and blessings,
Verna

i haven not posted since last November. I posted there after my son passed away. I just wanted to let all the parents know that GOD will walk with you during your grief. He has really walked and guided me through my greiving process.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

It's been 8 years, this coming Sept 1, that we lost our only child, our daughter Hannah,to brain cancer. I pray that for all of us that share this bond, our days of grief are balanced with the joy of celebrating our precious children. May we remember the seeds they planted in our hearts, and allow those seeds to grow a new garden in our lives, and in the lives of those we share this Earth with.

Peace and Love

Hello and welcome back najadaki1952. I am sorry to read that you lost your son, but so very glad to read that God has walked with and guided you through your grieving process. It will be 12 years come Aug. 31st since I lost my 36 year old daughter, Diane, due to a drunk driving crash, and I can tell you that God has seen me through some very rough times. I know God has and will continue to help see all of us through as we continue on our journey.
God's peace and blessings,
Verna

Hello Robinels, and thank you for your post. I am sorry to read of your loss. The loss of an only child has to be so devastating. Yet, you are so right when you say our days of grief are balanced with the joy of celebrating our precious children. Yes, we must remember the seeds they planted in our hearts, and allow them to grow a new garden in our lives and the lives of others. May God continue to bless and comfort you throughout your journey and keep you in His loving care.
God’s peace and blessings,
Verna

In Jesus' Name

Sometimes I feel so sad and discouraged ,
It would be so easy to give up in despair.
To question God about all that has happened,
To wonder if God is really there.

And if he is why he allowed this to happen,
Why oh why did he allow my child to die?
Didn’t he know my life would no longer be worth living?
Is that the reason why?

I sometime wonder … did I do or say something,
To make God mad … Is that why he took my child?
Did God know the grief would last a lifetime …
And not just a little while?

Just when I’ve made up my mind there is no God!
That if there is … he doesn’t really care …
He’s probably forgotten how bad I am hurting!!!
And, again I wonder … Is he really there?

Is it he who keeps me from giving in to the pain,
And praying for others … who like me,
Have suffered the loss of a beloved child …
Praying that God will give them peace?

When I pray for others my faith is strengthened,
And my grief seems easier to bear.
So I continue to reach out to others who are hurting …
To let them know I care!

Each time I flip through the pages of my life …
Questioning my faith …the result is always the same.
God proved His love when He gave His ONLY SON!!!
Therefore, I continue on my journey of Faith, Hope, and Love …

In Jesus’ name!

BY Verna R. Clay
8/25/08
2:42 AM

Oh Lord,
Please watch over and comfort this dear family that has lost a son.Be with them when their hearts are breaking about their loss.Send people in to their path that have endured loss themselves that are the only ones who can truly understand what they're going through.Let them remember happy memories of their loved one and comfort them with the hope that they will see him again when they pass from this world.
Thank you Lord,
Amen

Hello Cheryl3, Thank you for your words of compassion and heartfelt prayer. You are so right; only those who have endured a loss such as ours can truly understand. Again thank you and may God bless you and keep you and family in His loving care!

God’s peace and blessings,
Verna
Diane’s mom
8/16/60 ~ 8/31/96
Forever In Our Hearts!

dear lord i pray for a dear friend that is dealing with the lost of her daughter please comfort her tomorrow at the funeral

Dear Ckeech61 - Thank you for posting your prayer request for your dear friend. I am sorry to read that she lost her beloved daughter. As angel moms and dads sign on and read your prayer request, rest assured she and family will be prayed for here. We know the pain of losing a child is like no other. We pray that God will comfort her on tomorrow throughout the funeral and in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. Thank you for your show of compassion for your friend. I pray she will be surrounded by others who like you will be there for her now and throughout her grief journey. May God bless you for your show of love and compassion for your friend.
God’s peace and blessings,
Verna

Okay angel moms and angel dads; you are dearly missed!:( It's time to check in and let everyone know you are holding on with God's help and the help of the many prayers that are being prayed for you by others who can relate to what you are going through. Please trust that God will see you through the storm no matter what you are feeling right now. I've been on my journey now for 12 years come Aug. 31st, so trust me when I say that God knows exactly where I am, where you are, and He alone will give us those precious moments of divine peace, love, and compassion for which we all pray.
God's peace and blessings I pray for you right now, Amen!

Sharing a poem I wrote a while back that I hope will lift your spirits. :)

Circle of Love
By Verna R. Clay

There’s something wonderful
Going on in our circle of love
And yes we are mighty grateful
It’s been blessed by God above!

There’s something spiritual
Going on in our circle of love …
Where healing is taking place
We can lean on God even when we are angry ...
We are blessed by His saving grace!


In our circle we pray without ceasing for others ...
And we know others pray for us too!
Its with prayer, support, and compassion ...
That we start each day anew!

There’s something rewarding
Going on in our circle of love …
Each time we say a prayer …
We give our burdens to the Lord
And try hard to leave them there!

That part is not always easy ...
But we know God understands!
He pampers us when we are down in the valley ...
And lifts us up again!

There’s something joyful going on
In our circle of love! - a new kind of joy …
As we share with each other each day!
It helps to know that we are not alone!
Therefore ...Together we pray!

There's something unique about our circle of love ...
That we pray others will never know :(
The magnitude of the grief and pain ...
As on our endless journey we go!

Oft times we smile hiding tears of sadness ...
Freeing others from sensing our pain ...
We find strength in knowing
We can return to our safe haven ...
Our Circle of Love
Where there is NEVER any judgment ...
As we share what we are feeling ...
Again ... and again ... and again!

Love & (((HUGS))) from heaven! :)

SPECIAL DATES LIST FOR SEPTEMBER:
Joyce (Alpal) Allen Sept 1, 2007 (HD)
Connie (connienevada): Derrick Sept 2 (BD)
Phyllis (prayerbunny): Rhonda Sept 3, 2005 (HD)
(kejowise): CHAUNCEY Sept 4, 05 (HD)
Sarah kay (lktigergirl9406) Gabriella Hope- September 4th 2006 (BD)
Chris (smile713): Stephanie-Sept 24, 1982 (BD)
Chris (smile713): Stephanie-Sept 25, 2003 (HD)
Lisa: Aaron Sept. 26, 2002 (HD)
Alexandra (miss4mary): Kristian Sept 29, 2003 (HD)
Phyllis (prayerbunny): Nikki Sept 29, 2005 (HD)


Chris

Nothing new with me really, busy with grandaughter and work. Expecting new grandbaby Nov 4th. I do however try to keep up with my reading of posts. My son is coming up on one year and 6 months clean from drugs. Yeah. Having financial burdens as prices rise. I continue to pray for my health, as I am blessed to be healthy enough to work and take care of my family.
I have a nephew still healing from an auto accident and my best friends father batteling cancer.
I pray that our children are happy where they are now. I continue to get signs from my lost loved ones that make me smile. Please god help those who are heavy in grief make it with less pain. The pain is sooo heavy to bear at times. But the messages from heaven are are sooo sweet and lift the pain.
Love Chris

Hello all, Allen's HD is coming up on 9/1/08 and I will be with family celebrating the life he had and sharing the love that day. Thank you all for all of the prayers and yes they help. I miss him but the pain has subsided and God continues to bless me.

I prayer that the God of my understanding hears our prayers. I pray that God's spirit is poured out upon us. www.lifesripples.org

Verna
Thanks so much for your prayer circle. It is a comfort to know that we have others who are praying for all parents who have lost children. My son passed away September 6, 2007 when the vehicle he was driving hydroplaned and left the road and hit a tree. The anniversary of his death is coming up. So please say a prayer for me on Septrember 6,2008. My son's name was Lawrence Lane. Thank you so very much.