Christian Prayer Thread. Back to school and into Autumn

[Dutchoma]

As we were nearly at 1000 posts and TUO is both very busy and away today, I thought I might have a go at setting up a new thread.
I have looked back over nearly four months of prayers, of sharing, of support, of gladness and sadness and so much more. I think there are about 50 different people on the thread, some are there from beginning to end, some come in, are here for a few days and then don’t post any more.
Both are valuable, all are welcome, we share with you in anxiety and depression, in worry for others, but also in prayers answered, wonderful healing, good exam results and so much more.
But we also realise that life moves on, that the prayer thread was helpful for a while and is not so relevant now. Never be afraid to come back, we all need prayer and support.

So, like TUO I shall pick out a few names for the new thread, but leave behind some that have not posted for a while, hoping that they will come back and update us.
Specially thinking of: Anjelica27; I know how much this thread has helped you. Bsshbosh and wondering how she is now.

Whoagirrrrl, after her operation. Dizzydaffodil, Pandora37 and PeterSpots .

There are so many more names to remember: Alittleroom, Bluetinkerbell, DontstepontheMomeraths, Howtoapproachthis and several more.

And then the ones that are quite recent like:
ALittleFaith, Amberlight; BlackEyedSusan, Dontbesilly; EdithSimcox; FaithLoveandHope, Kaykat, Lightnessofbeing; MadHairDay; PositiveAttitude; QuestionofFaith; QuietIsland2; SESthebrave; TUO; Weegiemum; ZipadiSoozi

And if I have omitted any one, be assured that God never forgets and holds you fast in His love and mercy.

Oh dontbe - praying very much for a good result, for them to get it to you as soon as possible, and for strength for you at this time, for comfort as well.

Praying for your ds and dd, BES - praying for healing for ds and for dd's speaking issues, praying that the relevant authorities will listen and you won't have to jump through too many hoops to get a referral.

Thanks again for all your words. Had lovely PMs too. Really gave me some healing where I needed it. I do like to be involved in those threads, I actually love my faith being challenged and love to read around further to challenge myself, and find it all strengthens my belief incredibly. Sometimes, though, I get bruised, and it's usually when I'm at my worst physically, funnily enough!

Mad - hope you are feeling better today. I think you are brave even venturing onto those threads. I don't even bother to try.

please pray for dd (and my emotional response) about school and difficulties. Also pray for yet another referral for her from the gp to someone who can help.

how are you mad?
dontbe prayers ongoing.
Bes praying for you both, and that someone can be found who can help

BES - praying for your dd. We are going through this too. The school brought it to our attention, that dd can't speak to anyone in school and has some sort of social anxiety, advising me to take dd to the gp. Gp couldn't find anything wrong and referred it back to school who now are not interested. Gp is aware dd was bullied and thinks that this is the root cause which we agree with too.

My dd freezes when asked to read out loud and some kids are extremely cruel with their remarks. She had a particularly nasty experience last week in the teachers class who brought the matter to our attention, so I emailed the teacher last week and surprise surprise she hasn't responded yet.

Dd can't even accept awards for her achievements in assembly for fear of speaking and avoids speaking in class at all costs. The other kids laugh at her and tease her about it too.

She was bullied but school ignored it even when she was attacked and hospitalised. The school don't like me constantly reminding them of this fact

Really hoping that you get something done and school are in board as it's a two way Street. This can really knock their confidence too. Praying for you to get the referral and for her that she can overcome this. I really feel for you with another plate to spin.

Thank you mad. Trying to keep busy and feel really sick lol. Made lasagne for tea and the smell is making me heave. Waiting for a parcel delivery and then I will walk the dogs and get some fresh air. I am pants at waiting I want news and yet I am scared of it too. What a plonker

BES and don't- really hope it works out for your dc.

With regard to speaking in public, it can be quite traumatic especially if you have hecklers and bullies to deal with. (I don't know exactly how social phobia and fear of speaking in public are related but they clearly are)

I remember reading about the soprano Renee Fleming who developed stage fright: 'Fleming says her worst bout of stage fright began after being booed off the stage at La Scala in Milan in 1998, when she was playing the lead in Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia. She began to shake, and carried on shaking for days. For months afterwards walking out on stage was sheer torment.'

Fleming: Do you suffer for your art? 'I have had a very difficult time with stage fright; it undermines your wellbeing and peace of mind, and it can also threaten your livelihood...' www.theguardian.com/culture/2010/jul/12/renee-fleming-soprano

The teachers (and parents of the others) should be dealing with the problem so that the environment is calmer for her. It might be helpful for your dd to know that feeling nervous before speaking is something that is normal (but the bullying is not) - Judi Dench calls nerves 'the batteries of a performance'. Perhaps dd could start small by adding a small contribution to class to get used to hearing her voice.

I once gave a paper and was incredibly nervous before hand. I calmed myself down completely just before standing up and almost keeled over as there was no adrenalin left in my system. Better to be a bit nervous. - would have been a memorable paper then!!

Thinking of you Don't, Mad, Pandora and Bes (sorry for long post)

an answer to prayer. we have a spiderman suit. (no hat but hey)

Now praying for the hat BES

Quiet - going to show dd the article you linked to. Last week she was given the lead part in a play and it was awful. The kids were really vocal about it and dd was adamant she would drop the subject. She is studying at A level and needs to continue. It's really taking over her life. We are trying to get to grips with it but it is a slow process. Glad you got through your paper though, it can be done. Will show her the article.

Did you get anything sorted for the referral Bes? Hoping you get the top bit of spiderman

Dad's pet scan results are in. The cancer on the oesophagus and lymph nodes is responding very well to the chemo and is shrinking. The oncologist described them as neat bundles or packages. The hot spot on the adrenal gland needs further investigation by a specialist who is keen to get going with this asap. It hasn't changed in shape or size and is not responding to chemo so they don't think it is a cancer. He is to continue with the chemo for the time being and be rechecked.

It's every single thing I prayed for. Its exactly to the word. I have so much faith in prayer. I just kept on praying for him, all the time. When he was going for the scan and we were walking down to the department last week I never felt alone. I felt like there was a sort of comforting presence. I am so grateful for today. I don't want to temp fate as we are not out of the woods by any means but it's a positive outcome for today.

Thanks everyone for your prayers, thoughts, kindness and support. It means so much. You are all such lovely people and I am very grateful for your prayers and this thread.

I fully expect ups and downs and good and bad days and it's part of the process. Today is a day for thankful prayers and feeling very blessed. It beats winning the lottery hands down and that's for sure.

Sorry for the waffle. I just wanted to share with you asap and to thank you all for your prayers. It's all down to prayer.

That is brilliant news Dont. It is fantastic news about your dad it is even better news that you feel your prayers have been answered and your trust in the Lord has been increased. Yes, there will be good and bad days but you will always feel that you carried along by your ability to pary.

dont I am reading your post with a big smile. I am so pleased! And what a lovely testimony from you re feeling the nearness of God during this time.

Oh don't I'm so delighted as everyone here is! I was just wondering if you would have to wait until tomorrow for news. This is the best news!! Your df and dm must be so thrilled. I'm glad you felt a comforting presence at the scan.

Regarding the Fleming interview, here are two articles on stage fright were she is referenced:

www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/classicalmusic/10920925/Stage-fright-classical-musics-dark-secret.html

www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/terror-behind-a-rising-curtain-why-do-talented-performers-get-stage-fright-8587709.html

My husband lectures and every year at this time he is nervous about starting back and talking in front of big crowds. You almost have to adopt a 'work' persona - it's not you up there but you in a particular mode iykwim.

The rain is not falling softly here but for some reason this prayer comes to mind:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Oh dont how very wonderful! So pleased to hear this

great news don't.

ds is asleep. he has been tearful and is still snoring and has a productive cough, which I am trying to stop him spitting on the floor. I think he is better than he was but not better enough for school. humph. hopefully he is better enough to pop into the supermarket for bread.

Thank you everyone. My mum is so much more positive and dad is cautiously waiting for the adrenal scan investigation before he can get too excited. It's taken its toll on him. Praying now for the adrenal gland scan to come back ok and then possibly surgery is an option. It's all tiny stepping stones but I am so grateful for my faith and how it has gotten me through this, alongside everyone here too. X funnily enough the words that I used in my prayers and novena prayers were pretty much word for word what the doctor told mum and dad on the phone yesterday. The accuracy stopped me in my tracks.

Bes - hopefully if he is up for the pop to the shop the fresh air might perk him up a bit. Poor thing, hoping he feels much better soon. Be careful you don't catch it yourself and get poorly too.

Quiet - thank you for sharing these. I will have a read through and show dd tonight. She is encouraged by reading about others in the situation too. It's good advice about adopting a persona to get you through it, she will like that idea.

Hoping everyone is well and I am thinking of you all and praying for you too.

I think I have had it, it was my fault they got it in the first place.

no-one has gone out today. hopefully one of them will be going to school tomorrow.

Great news, don't, I'm so happy for you.

This is my thought for the day, for me, and for us all.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31.

Amen, Edith. One of my favourite verses.

How is ds, BES? And how is it going with dd?

Prayers for you all.

Just had a good catch up here and I am so pleased to read your update Dont. A real answer to prayer and lovely to have your prayers said back to you in that way. Prayers continuing for your family.

SOme good news here, too. Finally, after 6 weeks my mum is going to be leaving hospital and going into a nursing home. It is literally a 5 minute walk from where I live, which could not be better for me. Dad is not happy, but then again, we expected that and he will have to suck it up. (sorry to sound harsh, but I have had 6 weeks of him being manipulative and driving me to the brink of exhaustion with his demands)
DH is away in Cambodia at the moment and last night we had someone in our garden which freaked me out a bit. He was trying to get into the house, but didnt manage it and got scared off when I put a light on. Please pray fro protection for me while DH is away, I feel very vulnerable.

I have spent 4 and a half hours today filling in an application form for a job that I would absolutely love, but don't feel I have a chance of getting! I saw the advert last week and got very excited, then doubted myself and thought I would be silly to even apply. At church on Sunday I felt really challenged to hand it all to God, apply and leave it to Him. On Monday i phoned the head of the place involved to ask a question and got told there was no point me applying, (nursing qualification is not current) so thought that was the end. I then got a call back from the lady on Monday evening and she said that she had not been able to get me out of her head and she told me to apply anyway because my accountancy qualification and non-current nursing qualification were more than enough for her. I wonder if God was prodding her. Anyway, application is now in and all up to Him to sort out. It would certainly be a miracle if I got this.
It would also be a huge answer to pray because the wages would mean that I could support DH being a missionary in Cambodia for most of the year while it would also pay for our outgoings here. I do hope that is God's will, but if not, hey ho!!

Prayers continuing for everyone else on here. I wont name you all because I dont want to leave anyone out.

good news on your mum.

hoping for good news for a dad, too, don't.

going to collect children and off to the gp with dd. praying they will have managed at school and that it will all run smoothly.

finally mum has rung. everyhting in a full sized upright freezer that I stocked up and cooked for is getting chucked in the bin due to an accidental defrosting.

weeping with you BES

it has hit me quite hard. spent ages sorting her out and now I have had her on the phone worrying about what she will do. and I will have to start all over again.

I can not go up this weekend as the children are too ill and the bug may finish her off as it is quite a nasty one with high temperatures and lots of lethargy and sleeping.

next weekend we have an activity to finish their arts awards.

so she will have to wait and eat the tinned food. we will then be nearly at half term.

arse.

Thanks so much for your kind words dontbesilly. I feel a lot better now than I did this time last week. I'll always be a bit angry about it but there's nothing I can do to change things and at least this way it'll be easier to move on as I expect people would have asked me about it.

I'm thrilled that your dad's test results were as you hoped. I hope his recovery continues to go well.

the big clean has, well, got a little bit further.

need encouragement and prayer to really keep going today.

grr.