why pray?

His wife was dying and he knew it. She had been his tower of strength and independance. Now she was frail and forgetful and couldn't care for herself. My grandfather asked me " why do we need to pray when God does what He is going to do anyway". I was not prepared to answer a question that I did not know the answer to. In my panicked mind I asked God for the words. I replied that we need to pray so that we can deal with the things that He allows. I learned from the words I spoke that day. It was my last visit with my grandparents.

Why would I share such a thing? Because it's true. We are getting ready for yet another deployment. It stinks. God allows it so it must be for good. I need to pray to have the strength to deal with it. I know He will give it to me.

James 1:1-3
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Father,
teach me to sit at your feet and hear what You want me to know I am willing. My situation feels heavy today. Help me to consider this joy because You are in control of all things. Bless the EOD people as they do their jobs and bless the family that encourages them. We do not know our future but you do Lord. Your word says we will face trials. Show us that we do not face them without You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Father

So, I have yet to see a father's day card that says something like " the best thing that I learned from you was to not end up like you". Ouch. Doesn't sound kind. What if it is true? Not all of us had a father that we trusted ,or one that valued us. Or if they did maybe they didn't show it. This is not about getting on the "poor me" train. If your father did not act like a father God knows. He knows why he allowed you to live that. Ask God how to respond to that now and know He can fill in any gaps in your life. He can be your father ,and give you new eyes to see your earthly father in a new way. Seek His wisdom, He is the only perfect father.

Proverbs 4:10 Listen, y son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.


Father God,
Lord let us accept you as our perfect father. I pray that these EOD people see good the thier earthly fathers. Let them grow in forgiveness where you call them to do that. Let the EOD Dad's have a fathers' heart twards their children. Show them how to live out that very important role that You have called them to. We know that through you all things are possible. Give us your eyes for our Dad. I thank You Lord for being the ultimate father and never leaving or forsaking us. Help us to hear your wisdom.

In Jesus' name,
Amen

mindful of me?

When I used to hear I used to hear stuff about God I knew that it wasn't for me. I would hear "except you " after every sentiment. It went something like this " God loves all sinners" and I would hear "except you".
It was attached to every "religious" statement that I heard. I guess I just accepted myself as unlovable. I figured that if I was loved then I wouldn't have been through the difficult circumstances that I had faced. Eventually I had to really be broken to accept the truth. It is that understanding that drives me to tell you that you are not the exception. God loves you right now in this moment as you are right now! No exception!

Psalm 8:4
what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

Father,
Help us to see that You love us as we are right now. You can bless us and heal us in the messes we make for ourselves. You are bigger than anything we face. Lord, I pray that if anyone sees themself as unloveable that You destroy that lie. Tear down the walls for them as you had done for me. Be with these EOD people and let them see You around them. Breathe Your life into any unbelief.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

fear not

I would like people to think that I do not feel fearful as an EOD wife. Sometimes my imagination gets the better of me. I have heard that we need to take our fear and worries to God, but I didn't know exactly how to do that.

In the book "Calm My Anxious Heart" a woman who visualizes dropping her daughter off a tall building into the arms of God. It was then that she could give God her worries. In my mind I have thrown my husband off of many buildings. My fear can accomplish nothing. I know that God is with my husband when he is on the other side of the world. We need to give Him the things we can not control.



Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God


Lord,
Sometimes this whole thing is overwhelming. I ask You to show us how to surrender our anxieties. Take our fears Lord. You know everything that these EOD people face. You see each fear in our hearts. Teach us how to give You those feelings and trust in Your control. We can't do this without You. I thank you Lord for all You bring us through. Let us draw on Your strength. Free us from feelings that hinder.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

So NOT perfect

I was very careless today with my words. I said things during a tense situation that I didn't mean. I have a hard time restraining my mouth. It is easy in a bad day to rationalize and feel entitled to speak harshly. I did it and I didn't have a right to. I was wrong. Words have more power than we think. Husband, I love you and I'm so sorry for the way I talked to you! You did not deserve that.

Proverbs 12:18 (New International Version)
18 Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Father,
I mess up a lot. I know only You can fix my wrongs. Heal hurtful words that have come from my mouth in the past and show me how to guard my mouth in the future. I pray that if anyone reading this has this battle that they can trust You to change them. Keep our hearts sensitive to the ones we love and let us build them up and not tear them down. Lord I thank you for fully covering our mistakes and giving us Your hope.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

God can fix it

I was living overseas and felt alone in a crowd. I had been an EOD wife for several years and somehow ended up in situations I did not want. I believe now that events from my entire life caught up with me and it was heavy. The things that worked for temporary relief before no longer changed anything. I needed something to change, I just didn't know that it would be me.

I was angry about a lot of things. I begun to pray if God could fix this then do it. If Jesus is real then show me. It was the beginning of a crazy journey.

Matthew 7: 7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Lord,
I thank you for loving me and showing me the possible. I know that there are people in the same circumstance I was in. Let them hear Your voice and feel Your arms around them. Let all the EOD people trust that Your love and forgiveness and grace are for them. When they are desperate let them see You. Help us see we are more than conquerors.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Today it's personal

So faith and asking God for things..... I'm about to share my deepest most private stuff. My 3 y/o has to go through invasive testing for her kidneys every year, since birth. She is on medication year round. I and many others have prayed for healing. She has not been healed.
My sweet girl is aware of the coming tests and is very anxious about it. I can not describe the sounds and look that come over her when we go through a medical experience like this. It is heart wrenching to see your child with eyes glazed over screaming at you when they insert a catherater through scare tissue.

How do I even explain this to her? How can I explain it to you? That for three years I still believe that God is in control and doing the best for her. I could have totally turned my back on him long ago for not answering this prayer. I haven't and I know I can't face this without Him. I will pray for healing. I will pray for his mercy and grace on the appointment. I know He will be there with me and I pray for His will to be done. So much of what God does not make sense to us. I know He is in this working it for our good, even if I don't see it right now. Do you have a situation like that?

Matthew 17:20
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Lord,
I pray for Your strength and comfort for my family this week. Cover all my children and put your hands upon them. I ask You to heal my daughter. I know You could instantly. I also know that if You do not it is because You have a bigger plan than I can see. I put this situation in Your hands because mine are not capable. Lord, I pray for any of the EOD people that are in a situation like mine. Let them be healed and let them give you control of their situations. You are soverign and You do care.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Love notes

Did you ever think that when you heard your favorite song on the radio that it was played at that exact moment just for you? Maybe it was the hummingbird that only you got a glimpse of? God sends love notes for you at just the right time. He loves you that much!

2 Samuel 22:20
He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Heavenly Father,
Let us believe You are God and that we are Your people. Show the EOD people Your love and help them see that You delight in them. Take away any doubts of not being good enough. Thank You for accepting us just as we are right now.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

be good

As kids we are told to "be good". I think we grow up not knowing what that looks like. We are not born knowing how to behave. A child wants whatever he sees and has to learn to wait. Even as adults we can do good things in our own strength temporarily. Our self-seeking behavior often leads us to dissappointment. God can grow lasting goodness in you. Seek Him and He will change you in ways you never imagined.



Galations 22-23
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Father,
You want good things for us. So often it is our stubborness that gets in Your way. Help us push past that so that You may grow us. Help all of the EOD people see how big you are and show them how to grow fruit in thier lives. Thank you for never giving up on us and always providing a way. You make all things new!
In Jesus' name,
Amen

It all counts

It can be so hard to follow through on tasks that don't seem to count. The ones that go unnoticed and without reward. The efforts and attitude you put forth in those moments count to God. It matters and is the true measure of character.

Colossians 3:23 (New International Version)
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,


Father,
Be our motivation to do good things. Let our work both seen and unseen please You. We know there is nothing we can do to earn Your grace, You give that freely because You love us. You love all of these EOD people, no exceptions. Show us how to be the real deal and know that You are always our audiance. I thank you for cheering us on.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Waiting

Ever pray for something and believe it with all that you are and it looks like nothing happens. Frustrating! Persevere! God answers even when we don't see results. I can think of many instances that I'm so glad that my prayers were not answered. He said "no" because He had something better for me later.

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Lord,
Help us to grow a faith that knows you are in it even when we don't feel it. Show us how to keep choosing You in any circumstance. Bless the people of EOD as they wait to hear from You. Give them the strength that only comes from You in times of waiting.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Hope

Do you have hope for the future. Thoughts of good things that will be a part of your days. Knowing God is involved means that He has good things planned for you. God wants good things for You. He can work all things together for your good. Sound impossible? It's not. Put your hope in Him.

Psalm 130:7
O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

Heavenly Father,
I pray your word over these people. Lord, put your hope in the EOD people and let them know your unfailing love let them live full redemption. These things are impossible without You. Fill this body of people with the hope that comes from You and let them live it in whatever they are dealing with.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

where is your heart?

Everyone worships something. I'm not talking about dreams and goals. I'm talking about what has power over you. What defines you? I have once heard that you can see where someone's heart is by looking at where they spend their time and money. Don't let things or labels define you. Be more than that. The things that are valuable to God are not always the same things that are valuable to us.

Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.


Lord,
Show us where to put our priorities. Sometimes this is so confusing. Lord, I pray that you show us anything that we put before you. Be the most important thing in our lives. I pray that you give the people of EOD a taste of how good you are. Let the things you don't want for them to fall away and give them the sthrength to abide in You. Bring all of them your peace and let them find identity in You. Your rewards are lasting and never shameful.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

better then....

Have you ever known someone to over-glamorize the past? Life was so much better when I was "__________". You can fill in the blank with just about anything: thinner, in school , single, had less responsibility, at another location. We all seem to do that at some point. We pick little snippets and paint that as the entire experience. I did this for a time. I believe that God showed me I was believing a lie. The truth was that if I looked at those days in their entirety they were miserable. That type of thinking can stop you from seeing the good things in your life at this moment. Put truth on those thoughts and if it is not true, let it go.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Father,
Show us where to put our focus. Purify our thinking and free us from thoughts that keep us from enjoying where you have us right now. Remove any thought that brings us away from what you want from us. Renew our thinking and restore us with truth. Lord, I pray that you give all the EOD people here your perspective on their lives. Show them that they are so very valuable to you and bless them in all they do this week.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

hearing

our world is so loud today. We workout with noise, drive with noise, go through our day with noise... always texting, ringing, and media. No wonder it is so hard to hear God. Sitting in stillness is so rare. I think we sometimes are left raw with all the noise. I love music and as I sit here at my computer now I say that technology is beneficial. We need to learn to be comfortable with quiet peace. Are you up for the challenge? Take some time for nothing this week. Still yourself and see what God has for you. If you really want to be led get a bible His word can guide your life.

Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God"

Prayer:
Lord,
Show us how to see You and recieve what you have for us. Let us be still so we can learn how to fit you in to a busy and noisy world. I thank you for wanting to be part of our lives Lord. Your word tells us that you know the numbers of the hairs on our head. Quiet our day so we can listen to what you have for us. Let these EOD people find a new song in You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

We need people

People are not perfect, they mess up and let you down. Sometimes moving a lot will make us want to put walls up and not get to know someone. Being self-protective is dangerous. We have all been burned. We need to take a chance and seek someone who understands us. Someone we can take off the mask and share a victory with. Someone who we can talk through a struggle with. Life's burdens are too big for one. God can put these people on your path too. What is your definition in a friend? It is more than a common interest. What kind of friend do you want to be? Start being that person, it is possible.

Matthew 18:20 "When two or three come together in my name, there I am with them."

Prayer:
Lord,
Tear down the walls that isolate us. Help us to stop being self-protective. Give us your wisdom to clearly see friendships that are good for us. Help us to also see those that are not. Show us how to respond to others. I pray that you bless the EOD community with genuine friendships. Sometimes we are so often lonely in a crowd, heal that hurt. Give us the strength to be the kind of friend You want us to be. Let this all be for Your glory.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Annoying People

Ever deal with annoying people? Maybe someone just rubs you raw? I have found that I had moved and encountered some of the same annoying personalities. I was saying "what is it about me that attracts these people". I've come to believe it is more than coincidence. God knows the lessons you need to learn. I'm going to kick myself later... these people are for our good. Ouch! God puts the people in your path for a reason. It doesn't mean you have to like them or give in to their every whim. It just can mean that you can learn something about yourself from your reactions. Stay teachable, be willing to ask God why.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given to him.


Prayer
Lord,
You know why we deal with each person you have placed in our lives. You love each of these precious EOD people and families and You want good things for them. If anyone is thinking that they are exempt from your love show them they are not. You showed me, and I'm so grateful. Lord, let us deal with difficult people Your way. Make us willing to see what you have to teach us about this situation. Help us to fully grasp that You can equip us for any situation. You will not abandon us and You are bigger than any rotten person we face.
Give us Your infinite wisdom in all our relationships. I know you are doing big things here.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Unexpected

Today was a day that I had not planned. God knew every single thing that would happen today. He gives me the tools to deal with it. I have to trust that, even when I don't feel it. That is what it means to have faith. Go for it, pray for it, even if you don't feel it. Have you given much thought to the word faith? We use it often.

Deuteronomy 31:8The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.


Prayer:

Father,
You prepare a place for us. You make no mistakes. Show us how to learn and accept the things you put before us. Teach us what real faith is and grow us. I pray that the EOD people see You in their lives today. Keep them safe and show them your purpose.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Refreshed

It is so hard to jump back into the routine after a long weekend. My heart goes out to anyone that did not get a break for the holiday, I know that there are many. My sincere hope is that you know how to give yourself a break and that you feel refreshed after. I hope that you are able to rise above negative stuff and be in peace regardless of your situation. Put something positive in your head today. Negative stuff is all around us and so contagious. Be encouraged and know that deep peace is possible.

"And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14 (ESV)

Prayer:
Father,
I pray rest and renewal for this EOD group. Let them approach this week feeling recharged and fresh. Let them see old things with new eyes. Shut out negative things that come into their path and breath life into their day. Put hope where there wasn't any before. I especially pray for those that did not get a break. Fill them with your strength and refresh their spirit. Help us to remember that you can be a source of energy in any and all circumstances. Guide our thoughts this day and let us be open to your blessings.

In Jesus' name,
Amen