Christian Prayer Thread Jan 07 - Blessed are the MNers!

[CaptainCaveman]

DEC THREAD

Hope this works!

Welcome to January 2007 thread.
Love and prayers to all my lovely virtual fellowship group.

Thank you Mary and n3.

I agree about the labels, I think that the key is finding your own message of love in the teachings of Jesus.

I am hoping to go to Church Tuesday, to the Childrens service after school. This is quite a thing for me: when ds1 was going through a tic stage of kicking, he was publicly chastised in the middle of a service by the M Inister who knew he was Austistic, and we never went abck , we felt unwanted. I wsas quite involved with the Church then- running Rainbows mainly. I ws also studying for a Baptism, but my right was removed as I couldn't be reliable with the boys needing exytra care.

I am hoping the Minsiters at this new Church will be more understanding however.

Hi there!

Oh no - I think my little girlies are coming down with nasty cold AGAIN!! Poor little DD2 is not herself at all and was up a lot of last night (feeling decidedly rough today as a result.) Please pray that this bout of illness would be over quickly, esp as DD1 starts pre-school three mornings this week!! Eeeeek!

Peachy, my love - Soooo good to see you here sweetie!! How exciting about your "Return to Faith" Do not be embarassed AT ALL - It is lovely that you have the courage to come here and ask for prayer - and we will certainly be praying for you as you rediscover God's Love and Care for you - You are a Precious Peachy!! Have you started going back to church or is it just a v.personal thing atm? Do you have a good Bible / Bible notes - happy to send you some to help you along if you like. Keep posting here, keep asking for prayers - and ask any questions that you want to ask - We're a nice bunch and we've even discussed "Lady Gardens" of late, so no subject is taboo!! Praying for your DS3 too - praying that the diagnosis is quick and not another exhausting battle - keep us up-to-date! [hugs]

Hello N3!! Good to "see" you honey! How's it going?

Hi Mary - Glad your Baptism Service was so buncey!! [smiel] I miss feeling that way about church tbh. I am not really too sure what to say about DH and I atm. We had a HUGE row in the middle of the night when DD2 was up crying etc. We're just not doing so well. We still love each other to bits, but our "God Time" is non-existent and we're always rowing and nagging at each other. I can't really explain. There's just a lot of unresolved issues and they are 'coming to a head' right now, which is hurtful and upsetting and frustrating - We are just too busy and too tired to find the time to sort stuff if that makes any sense. Feel so lost and lonely. Ho Hum!!

My goodness - DH just came back from the Supermarket and although he forgot the Calpol (Grrrr! One of four things I sent him out to get - Grrrrr!) - He DID buy me two big bunches of lovely Tulips.

We really need to sort this ....

@ your churches attitude to your boys and to you Peachy!! Deary me - that is unacceptable, you must have felt so hurt and let down. I really pray that God will send lovely people alonside to you to encourage you and your little family and not to run you down and make you feel like leaving again. [[hugs] You and your boys are an important part of God's Family, jsut like everyone else - Do not stand for that sort of thing this time!!!

Peachy, I remeber your posts about your ds' treatment before. Shocking but not surprising, the church has people like that - fortunately it also has loads of lovely ones too!

Hi, Mary and CD and thank you. Mary, I know labels aren't helpful, but right now I feel very far from my faith. Probably b/c I've been having a rough time and got nothing from my faith in terms of help and strength, joy - anything. Feel very drawn to expressing my spirituality in ways not usually a part of Christianity. Put that alongside my intellectual doubts and I'm in a right mess.

CD- sad about your Dha nd you, but its a time of change for you- you cant lose heart at this point, things will settle.

I am fortunate to ahev notes- I ahve half way through a degree on world religions LOL, and my next door neighbour is an eminent theologian. His teachings have helped me understand a lot actually.

Thanks for the welcome

Peachy, how is the studying going? Do you find it helps? I know when I was studying it did, but back then my faith was a lot less complicated. I find the idea of no longer being a Christian quite alarming - like being told who I am and who my parents and family are only to find out in my mid-thirties that I belong somewhere else entirely. V. scarey.

Thank you Peachy! Keep searching and reading .....

DH needs computer for work presentation tonight, so just popping on quickly now to say "hi" - Hope you've all had good weekends ..... As ususal, I am dreading Monday, but I know once I am there, it will be fine - Please pray DD2 goes down for her nap tomorrow morning ok - Trival, I know, but I am such a silly worrier and that little bit of time gives me the boost I need to get through the day, iykwim!!?

Mmmmmmmm ......

Anyway, best go and help DH get the little rascals in the bath......

hello,

just a real quick one!

Hi Peachyclair! Nice to see you here. Your course sounds really interesting!

Hi N3 as well. HOw are you?

Sorry I haven't got the energy to post more...I'm feeling worse today. I had a dreadful night last night - every time I moved I threw up! My lovely parents took the dcs to church and then out this afternoon so I've been in bed most of the day.

PLease pray for healing, and also that we can organise getting the dcs looked after this week. Dh is taking tomorow off work but I don't think he can take any longer. My anti-biotics finish tomorrow and so I'm phoning the doc in the morning.

THere's still a chance I might have to go into hospital for IV anti-bs. I'm not too worried about this prospect as I've been there, done that before, but it does put a strain on the family and I'd miss home / the dcs/ dh. Dh is being a star, looking after the dcs and making me cups of tea! In all honesty I don't really care whether it takes a hospital stay, I just need to get better...

CD I am praying for you too with your dh - bless him for buying you tulips!

see you soon

Rosey so sorry your not feeling any better. You so need to get better don't you hun.

dh and I haven't had a good week really, he has shown no love, affection appreciation at all, it all climatised on sat afternoon when I had had enough and told him to leave.

Since then he has had a personality transplant and says he is really going to try but the problem there is that he says that he has 'tried' before but not 'felt' so I don't know what is true and what isn't anymore.

I can cope wiht him how he's been since yesterday evening but I cannot cope another six weeks before we get to relate how its been all this week.

He has completly lost his faith and that is so so sad.

LWTG - when you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up. Has he truly lost his faith, or is it he's lost his faith in God? Slightly different... if he's hurting so bad inside, that the only way he can cope is to withdraw himself (as he feels) from God's loving presence, not realising that's where his salvation lies... (been there, done that..). So sorry its so tough for you.

RL - praying for you. Next week is a service of healing and wholeness. I will pray for you there... if you like, I can go up and ask for/receive healing on your behalf (I'd like your name though, unless you'd just want me to say "Rosie"). Last time I did this, I went up and asked for Liam (who, by the way, ran away the other day from the home - was brought back after 2 days... ).

Peachy - glad the studying seems to be working for you! I'm getting a bit uptight about mine!

Please pray that I may might the right choices re: my OT work. I know so little about so much of the OT, so its really hard to make choices. A lot of the essay questions seem to relate to war-like topics, such as Amos, the cursing psalms (had to look up which they were!), and the like. Oh and there's a nice cheery question on Job too...

LWTG praying hard for you in these very tough and testing times. May the Lord give you strength, wisdom and patience.

Rosey so sorry to hear you are still feeling pants. . From your last post you sound like you may need to go into hosp? If that is the case I pray you get the rest you need whilst you're in - hospitals aren't always the most relaxing of environments . Your dh sounds like a treaure, God bless him.

Been feeling a little panicky on and off this week - maybe because it's my last counselling session next thurs and all the stuff happening with my dsis has overwhelmed me. I didn't get to church today because I basically ran out of time and still wasn't dressed by 11.30 (service starts at 10!). Could really have done with some quiet time with God (I find I often get this in church).

Love to all, hope you have a good week.
xxx

N3 - it seems to me you're searching for answers, and until you get what you see as satisfactory answers, I don't think you're going to know where you are. It also seems to me that your spirituality and your intellectual ability are colliding head-on, and this is causing you problems too??? I think the answer for you IS spiritual, although you might not be searching in the right places. I pray you get guidance on this.

Oh and "Shine Jesus Shine"

Evening ladies! A hectic time for me. DS2's childcare time has been reduced, and so my MN time is being severely cut back. Missing spending so much time with you all, but continuing to catch up and pray when possible.

Welcome Peachey. How lovely to read of your rediscovering your faith. Lots of prayers and good wishes for you on your journey.

Rosey - lots of prayers for you and your family at this time. Praying for a speedy recovery for you.

LWTG and CD - special prayers for you and your dhs.

Not able to mention everyone but keeping you in my prayers. God bless.

Morning ladies - nothing much to report really here - not switched the computer on all weekend either! Only thing to report is that my vicar spoke to me yesterday at church and said that there were rumours going around (which are being quashed as quickly as possible by her and the church wardens/pastoral team) that the reason DH and I were going to be splitting up is because I'm seeing someone else.

I laughed at the suggestion when she first told me, but woke up this morning and it really hurt - is that what sort of a person some of these people think I am????

Sorry to hear of the rumours FA - goog that the vicar would tell you, and be prepared to mount defensive action against them. I am not surprised that you are hurt. {{hugs}}

How is life in the Dippy household today? DH is obviously aware that life is difficult if he bought you tulips unprompted? Praying that DD2 sleeps

Rosey - so that you are still so ill. Praying honey.

Longway - I continue to pray for you and your DH. Father, have compassion on Longway and her husband, and show them the way forward. PLease bring forward their next RElate appointment, and give them opportunities to talk this week. Show Longway how to deal with this crap situation, and give her your peace. Where I don't havethe words to say or the wisdom as to what to pray I ask that your kingdom would come and your will be done in this situation, and in Longway and her DH and families lives. Amen.

Hello all!

FA how hurtful. I'd be really upset if that were said about me. Try not to take it too much to heart tho - it reflects on the gossips themselves, not you. Some pepole just can't resist a nice juicy morsel...maybe your vicar should preach from the book of Proverbs next week!

Mary I'd be delighted if you could pray on my behalf at the healing service. Are you able to CAT? I'm not sure if I am...I'll try to CAT you and see what happens!

CCM I'm praying for you as you finish your counselling. I'm not surprised the stuff with your dsis has knocked you - it's big life-changing stuff and it'll take time to process. Try to be kind to yourself, try to find headspace and prayspace...

LWTG I'm not sure if this is helpful but I'll say it anyway...when i was praying for you I felt that you are grieving like someone bereaved, grieving for the loss of your dh's faith, for your relationship, your life together as it was, and that you should allow yourself the time to grive and to mourn and that for you right now that's the healthiest thing you can do...

Hey, I had a good night's sleep! I still ache all over and am full of the vilest gunk but I feel much more with-it than I did yesterday. And I was able to eat some rice crispies for breakfast! And my dh can take the week off as annual leave! Thank you Lord! The doc is phoning at 11.30ish so we'll take it from there...I'm no better than I was when I stated these anti-bs...

Yes it is really hurtful. Have to say the first thing I thought of this morning when I woke up was "right I'm handing in my resignation as organist".........but won't for 2 reasons.

1. Rather greedy I know - but I need that money - it's not a lot but while I'm on maternity leave and on lower pay it'll help keep us afloat and once I'm back at work it's a nice 'booster' for getting the little extra things that pop up (like a new toilet seat which I'm buying today as ours is about to fall off).

1. I love it, I'd be 'lost' without my regular music making sessions with the choir and on a Sunday.

Rosy - you are TR, aren't you? Rotten about the pneumonia. Hope all goes okay with the doctor.

FannieAnnie - how awful for you - of course you are hurt - a similar thing happened to dh and I with church-goers starting rumours - so spiteful.

Mary, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. My intellectual study of my faith has led me to the conclusion that most of what I had believed in is false or unreliable. My local church has turned out to be very unpleasant. I get nothing from my faith in terms of help, or happiness, or even sadness - it's just not there. I try to pray but it doesn't 'feel' the same. I've tried and tried and I think I need to move on to something fresh and new in my spiritual life. I don't want to leave my Christianity behind but I need to find a new way of expressing it. I don't know...

Hello - Didn't get a great night's sleep last night DD's both woke up a couple of times each and was just so hot and sweaty and unsettled and little Bean was kicking like crazy - Not great, felt v.sick when I woke up this morning and a bit low - Praying against this .....

Oh rosey (yes, N3, Rosey is TexasRose! She's given up her Porn Star ways and return to the fold ..... ) Anyway, oh rosey - honey - praying for healing for you - Praise the Lord that DH was able to get the week off to look after you all - prayig he doesn't get "burn out" and has lots of energy to do everything that needs to be done. Praying you get the time and space you need to heal honey. Praying that you don't need to go into hospital atm. [[hugs] Please keep us posted. I am pretty sure you don't live anywhere near me, but just in case, whereabouts are you??

[[hugs] to you LWTG - I cannot imagine being in the place you are in right now. My problems with DH seem trival in comparission. Praying for healing in your relationship and an uplifting in your spirits. Keep posting .....

Mary - Praying that God shows you the right choices re your OT course honey - Do post if you need to dicuss anything / get an opinion etc .... How is DH atm?? How are you?

[[hugs] to you Fellow Captain. Lots of Love and Prayers heading your way!!

@ the rumours of you "seeing someone else" FA - That is unbelievable, what vile gossip to be spreading. You must have felt v.hurt. [hugs] Continuing to pray for you and your family as you struggle on through - Keep posting ......

Best go and be productive while I still can .....

Thanks - it's appreciated.

Haven't spoken to DH about the "when the wine runs out" chapter of that book yet. Infact I've made a pledge with myself not to dicuss anything more about our 'future' until we've been to Relate on Wednesday. We're getting along well again, little jokes and laughing at the same things on the TV but still nothing more.

There's a few things I've bought 'for him' in the alst few days which he keeps saying he'll give me the money back for - but I'm delaying him on that one saying "I'll put it on your tab". We're still sleeping in different beds - although last night I made a subtle, but apparently unoticed, hint that I'd like us to at least share teh bed again (although I don't expect any physical contact in there) by making the bed and putting both sets of pillows in...

I'm hoping after Wednesday that we'll be able to start moving forwards, but don't feel it 'right' to try and create any changes yet until we've seen the counsellor.

I'm thinking that if Relate goes "ok" and that he agrees to more sessions to try and improve things between us I may suggest looking into finding a Christian Marriage counsellor as I feel (atm) that they would probably understand more where I'm coming from in regards to the last chapter of that book - but that's all just speculation. I'll have to wait and see what happens.

Although I must say that I spoke (briefly) to his SIL on Saturday afternoon, she rang to speak to DH about my BIL and his wife and she said "I've heard the good news" - about us not seperating any time soon. But I need to know what he told her (and I know she'll tell me) so I can try and gauge how he's feeling on it - as we're most definitely not at the 'discuss your innermost feelings' stage yet.

Anyhow enough waffling from me - must get our decorations down (yes they're still up ) I've been delaying it as I felt so sure it would be the last time.

I think a Christian Marriage Counsellor would be v.good idea if Relate seems to be going ok. Hope he gets the hint about the bed!! [hugs]

What did I say about going and doing something productive!!?

Firstly FA - shocked at how evil-minded some people can be! .

N3 - will continue to pray for you, that you can find a church/whatever which will mean something to you. In the meantime,if you can, I wouldn't give up praying. I never know quite how/when a prayer gets answered, but if He tells me it will get answered, then it will. I know that a lot of my happiness comes from feeling/experiencing my faith, rather than trying to rationalise it. If you can't have that sense of feeling/belonging, it can feel very lonely. I tihnk you need to bite the bullet, take a risk or two, see what is out there. Start with what you know and take it from there. Am I making sense? Its not making much sense to me! I only found what I needed when I'd almost stopped looking!

RL, I know I can receive CATS, but can't send them. That hasn't always been the case, as for a long time I didn't realise you have to switch it on to allow them to be received. You could always email me:
suttonmb "at" talktalk "dot" net

CD - sorry you're not feeling well. I've taken the day off, with an upset stomach. I think I need a serious look at my diet, am finding anything too rich is doing this to me (but I DID enjoy the sticky toffee pudding we had last night! .
I also slept badly last night - things preying on my mind (when there should have been praying on my mind sorry, terrible pun!). So much to do!

Sorry to hear things aren't so good for you and your DH. Being tired does NOT help! You both need to get some rest. If things are being said and getting on top of you both because you are tired, rather than because they are big issues, then this needs to be acknowledged by both of you. This was part of the problem with DH and I. It wasn't so much what was wrong as that we were both tired/stressed. Just saying "I went too far, I'm sorry it was because I was tired/ill/pg hormones" can help (although your DH can't get away with the last one!).

My DH keeps having the odd wobbly, where he says he's really down, doesn't know what to do, doesn't know what he wants anymore. Fortunately, at the moment, he seems able (eventually) to pull himself out of the mood, because when he gets like that I find it so frustrating. And when he is like that, he takes it out on the kids...

Oh, and please pray for DS. We are having problems with him wetting himself again. I don't know whether its the change in routine (he has a new teacher - i've made her aware), or whether it just because he can't be bothered. Thing is, he'll just sit in it and not say...

CD - I think so too (if his faith is still as 'intact' as my SIL and I think/hope it is).

I don't think a non-Christian counsellor would "get" the "Commitment" suggested in the book which is as follows (and I apologise for the length I just feel the need to share it).

Our Commitment

As commited Christians, believing in the authority of the Scriptures and in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, we together make the following decisions in a spirit of repentance and humility,believe that as we throw ourselves upon the grace and mercy of our Lord, he will enable us to become the people and partners he wants us to be.

We decide:

1. To rebuild our relationship and not end it. Without this decision we know that nothing really will happen. Hopes and wishes are not enough. Our decision is based on the knowledge that God wants us to stay together and make our marriage a relfection of the oneness he enjoys with the Trinity in heaven.

1. To face the future with patience. We recongize that the growth between us may at times be painfully slow and that it may be so gradual that it will seem as if nothing is happening. It took time for our marriage to reach the stage is has and we accept it will take time for it to be rebuilt.

1. To forgive each other here and now for the past failures and mistakes. We are willing to let go of the bad feelings and memories which have been built up over the past, and to start a clean, new sheet in our relationship. We know that just as God has forgiven us, so we too must forgive each other, and this we do in Jesus' na,e.

1. To minister to each other's needs and concentrate on being givers rather than getters in our marriage. We will endeavour to be sensitive to each other's needs, and attempte each day to do things that bring pleasure to each other, irrespective of whether our needs are met or not. We will especially try to do at least one thing each day that will give our partner delight.

1. To accept responsibility for any hurt feelings we may have by saying "I feel", rather than "you are". We realize that projecting blame can damage relationships, and we will seek to build good lines of communication by accepting responsibility for our own personal feelings. We will also seek to share our feelings and not suppress or repress them.

1. To end each day by praying together and reading Scripture. We accept that as our spiritual life develops, we will have the resources to handle our human problems with greater insight and understanding, so we will pray and read the Scriptures together daily with the goal of building a deeper relationship with God and with each other.

1. To establish clear lines of communication and have appointed times for dealing with important issues. Now that we understand the principles of communication, we will (a) deal with all problems whenever possible on the day they arise, (b) accept responsbility for our own fellings and not project blame on to the other partner, (c) talke through issues until we achieve mutually satisfying resolutioins.

hi, just a v. quick one...I've spoken to the doc and she is phoning the chest consultant who is going to make a decision whether to give me another round of oral a-bs or to admit me to hosp for IV.

Please pray that she gets hold of the consultant and they make the best decision. The doc said the pneumonia is in both lungs.

BTW N3 yes I am Texasrose! I was fed up of being mistaken for an American and people saying 'oh you would think that, you're American...'