Christ: Our Friend in Prayer

Oftentimes I very strongly and urgently desire to talk to someone.  Whatever my burdens are, I am seeking godly, Biblical counsel from someone I can trust who will be able to understand what I'm trying to communicate even if my language is deficient.  This person must be trustworthy because many times my burdens involve individuals whom I do not wish to defame, myself included.  I'm looking for someone who understands me without rushing to judgements or incomplete conclusions who will empathize, offer solutions, and intercession to God on my behalf.  But I feel like I don't know such a person.

Perhaps it is because I'm an only child that I have always felt like I've never had a best friend, someone who fits this description.  My entire life, I've been looking for someone who could meet these requirements, for whom I could reciprocate this same level of trusted friendship.  But I still feel alienated and alone.  I scan through the list of names in my Contacts list on my phone and there is no one on whom I feel comfortable unloading the weight of my burdens.

But there is always Christ.  He meets all of these requirements, just as the Scriptures testify.  No matter what our burdens are, or whom they involve, no matter how deficient our ability to communicate the problem, Christ is there.  He understands our burdens and intercedes for us.  We can go to Him as often as we need and not burden Him with our constant requests.  It doesn't matter where we are or whether our phones are charged, He is always there.  Christ desires that we go to Him first and that we listen to the counsel He gives us in His sufficient Word. 

"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Just as it is written,

“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:31-39 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

This past week as my children's health began to decline, I prayed earnestly for three specific things while I laid in my bed one sleepless night.  Moriah and Joseph had been vomiting with a loss of appetite, lethargy and fever, Joseph was also congested, all the children were coughing and sneezing and I was becoming suspiciously anxious that they might have walking pneumonia.  I had to wait until morning before I could take them to the doctor's office.  Several times that night I brought my anxiety to the Lord.  Specifically I prayed that God would grant the children grace to survive the night without dying.  I prayed that all of the children could be seen by the doctor, as their usual policy only allows me to bring two of my children at a time.  I prayed that I could get at least a little sleep to be alert enough to handle the busyness of the next day.  The Lord graciously granted all three requests.  Sometimes when we pray general prayers, it is difficult to see how and when God answers them.  But, as He has reminded me in this case, as I pray for specific things, I can see how He answers them specifically.

So, let us all be encouraged to pray to God for all things, no matter how big or how small.  Let's pray generally and specifically, taking our burdens to Him first and seeking His counsel from His Word knowing that we can trust Him with anything and everything.  To God be the glory.

It's Like a Joseph Moment

Really, it's an answer to prayer!

Jeramy's work schedule as a police dispatcher was causing a lot of issues physically, spiritually, emotionally and socially. Thursday through Monday nights 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. he would work. It left two nights a week (Tuesday and Wednesday) to fellowship with each other or other families. It made weekends, especially Sundays, particularly tough because of sleep conditions, he would be prone to migraine headaches almost every weekend. He (We) also have been restricted on the amount of ministry we could participate in and generally I have been very bitter at the demands of getting four people ready for church single-handed on Sunday mornings. However, there were many benefits, sick time off, family medical time off, vacation time, health insurance, opportunities for overtime on the holidays, a safe working environment and job security.

We've known for some time that a schedule change was coming based on filling a vacant position after a co-worker retired, but we had no assurance as to whether it was going to be a good change or one where we could no longer attend Sunday church together as a family. So we just prayed that God would grant us some relief.

What seemed like overnight (really in 3 days time), another position in the police department opened up. Jeramy quickly submitted his resume and almost just as quickly, they shut the doors for receiving any other applicants. The next day he was scheduled for an interview along with several other people. The day after the interview (today) he received confirmation that he had been chosen! The location/commute, benefits, insurance, safe working environment, job security, etc. are all the same, however his schedule will now be Monday through Friday, with nights, weekends and holidays off! This is so wonderful! We can only attribute this quick transition and favor in the police chief's view to the grace of God! This will make marriage and family life more stable, ministry and social life more regular, and bring much needed stability to Jeramy's chronic issues with migraines. Praise the Lord!

For the Lord will not reject forever,

For if He causes grief,

Then He will have compassion

According to His abundant lovingkindness.

For He does not afflict willingly

Or grieve the sons of men.

Lamentations 3:31-33

Prayer Update: Mom's Recovery

Mom is recovering well at home. The surgery concluded successfully and she has had minimal pain. There has been some swelling and nausea related to the medication. But she is able now to keep the pain at bay with only Tylenol and avoiding lifting 25 pound toddlers. :-) She has no complaints and she's adjusted well to one-handed living. Thanks for praying.

Update: Baby #3

Tuesday I went for the baby's OB checkup. Right now I'm 18 weeks - almost at the half-way point. I definitely noticed my belly growing during the two weeks of recovery after carpal tunnel surgery. Because I was not allowed to get the dressing wet and felt uncomfortable driving, I was unable to get to the gym to exercise. So far I've gained 6.5 pounds and I returned to the gym this past week. :-D I've felt the baby moving some and it's very exciting. In four weeks we will have an ultrasound and find out the baby's gender. Jeramy and I have no preference for the sex, but Jeramy would like to know and I concede without coercion. :-) Any guesses?

My blood was drawn again for the antibody reaction. They will probably draw it every 4 weeks or so. The DR said that quantitatively it doesn't show up on the scale, i.e. the reaction was so weak it doesn't fall in any measurable range. Because of that they cannot determine the reason the antibody became present in the first place. The DR also told me not to lose any sleep over it. They are monitoring it closely to make sure that the level doesn't increase. If it does then specialists and shots are easily accessible. No need to worry. :-) Again he assured me that it should have no effect on this pregnancy, although it might on future ones.

Free to Move

The stitches were removed this morning! I can move it freely, but it is still weak. The doctor said that if it hurts, don't do it. There are several things I can do without pain but there are other things for which I just need more strength. Flexibility is slightly compromised in this weakened state, but I suppose it will return soon. I go back to the DR in one month for another follow-up. Thanks for praying.

Thanks everyone for the wonderful meals! We've had some really awesome food: Chicken & Broccoli Casserole, Chili, Chicken Noodle Casserole, Tex-Mex Chicken & Rice Casserole, Roast Beef, Baked Ham & Cheese Sandwiches and Hamburger Soup! Yum yum!!!

Update: Hand & Girls

Everything was going very well with my hand - only a little pain when I tried something, of which I would stop. I was finding that I could do more things without pain and discomfort. Yesterday My hand and fingers had become swollen again and even now. I hadn't had any swelling since the day of the surgery until yesterday. It's not painful or uncomfortable, but it's a little difficult locating my knuckles. :-)

My Mother-in-Law returned home Thursday after giving SO much help! My Mom has been coming over while Jeramy's been at work to help change diapers and help clean, which is still too painful to execute. :-D Meals are coming and I'm so thankful to everyone for all of the help! I'll go back to the doctor March 11 to remove the stitches.

There are new pictures of the girls from February in the right sidebar.

Just An Update

Moriah is getting in her two year molars and her day potty training is complete. It has been quite a while since she's had an accident. I put a diaper on her at night and during her nap times. Oftentimes she will wake from her nap still dry. When it becomes more consistent, then I think we will go for the sleep time training and definitely by the time she's three years old.

Moriah has started saying, "Oh my goodness." :-) I'm not too sure from whom she picked this up but I think it's cute. She's always telling people that she falls down the stairs. Now it's become more comical. She climbs in and out of her big new bed like a champion and hasn't fallen out once, thanks to the rails.

For the past several weeks, Moriah has had time-outs for whining. We think this has been pretty effective, at least when others give her care. It is also good for the parent's morale too. :-)

Lily has finally gotten a molar in her little mouth to poke through. She was a little irritable for a few days, but then returned to her normal contented self. She has started running (or walking really fast) through the house and is definitely comfortable moving around on her own two feet. She still eats really, really well and has finally past the 20 lb. mark by a few ounces. We will wait until we buy another car seat before we turn her around to face forward.

Lily has started to help with a few chores around the house. She is able to help load the dryer with small items of laundry. She also helps to clean up her toys at the end of the day. Sometimes I think she likes to make a deposit in order to take out a debit: she'll put a toy in and take another out. :-)

Lily is learning to use a spoon and plate and can bring the food up to her mouth without losing any. She's been sleeping really well and that makes everyone happy. She hasn't seemed to require as much discipline yet, but when it's warranted, she gets what's needed although it's not very often.

Her smile lights up the room and she loves to run around naked with Moriah after her bath. Both girls run in circles in their bedroom squealing and tumbling on the floor while I get their clothes ready. I'm so glad that they love to play together and have fun together. I have a lot of joy watching them love on each other and get along.

The new baby seems to be doing well. Before and after the surgery tomorrow they will listen to the baby's heart beat. Currently I'm 15 weeks. The doctors and nurses at the OB/GYN's office are not alarmed and continue to do their best efforts at relieving my anxiety about the peculiar Rh sensitization and explaining me through all the questions I've posed to them. Thanks for all your concern, thoughts and prayers.

Lots of News

Toilet Training: Day 2

Moriah slept well only wearing the underwear and no other protection. She held her bladder all night long without any accidents! Jeramy reported to me that she did have an accident later in the morning after her bath. Sometime after or during her nap she peed in the bed. Then she went the rest of the day without any major problems. Yay!

Toilet Training: Day 3 in progress

This morning Jeramy got up early to take Moriah to the potty, about 6:45 a.m. and she successfully made it through the night without an accident! So far no accidents yet. We've been taking her about every hour or less to the potty.

Slowly But Surely

Lily is gradually walking. She tends to get more courageous with trying on her own once she has some guided practice. She might be fully walking by the time she turns 13 months. We'll see.

Jeramy has been battling a migraine the past couple of days and he would really appreciate your prayers for relief and grace.

Carpal Tunnel Confirmed

Tuesday afternoon I had an appointment with a Neurologist who shocked me quite a bit, some was not painful, some was a little less than tolerable and others were unbearable. As she was conducting the test, she confirmed that I do have carpal tunnel in my right hand. The positive news is that there is nothing wrong with my left hand and the CTS in my right has not yet affected my muscles. I'll have a follow-up appointment with the hand surgeon on Tuesday for his recommendations for treatment. Hopefully it won't be surgery.

First OB Check

Yesterday the new baby had his or her first check up. So far everything looks great. The ultrasound looked great and I could easily see the heart beating! I'll post more on this visit later with pictures. :-)

New Gym Membership

As a cheaper alternative to purchasing a treadmill that would need regular maintenance, Jeramy and I decided that I could join a gym! At Just Fitness 4U we paid $99 for Enrollment and just $10 a month! I joined yesterday and ran early this morning at 6 a.m. I'm so excited! Lord wiling I'll be able to remain disciplined and keep my pregnancy goals a reality.

Toilet Training: Day 1

Well, today went a lot better than I thought it would. I'm so grateful! Thank you to those of you who prayed and thought about us.

When Moriah woke up, she was wearing a pull-up from the night before and it was wet. I put her on the potty first thing, but she didn't go. I took the pull-up off and put on the real, big-girl panties. I sang a song, danced a dance, clapped my hands and did this most of the day. She remained dry until her bath when she peed in the toilet just before the bath.

During the bath, she requested to sit on the potty and she did indeed pee then too. :-) Clean panties were reapplied and then when play time started, she had her first accident on the wood floor. (Praise God it was on the wood floor!!) Jeramy cleaned it up and I took her to the potty, cleaned her up and we ran back and forth from the accident spot to the potty about 6 times in a row.

She did well the remainder of the morning and even through her 2 hour afternoon nap she didn't have any accidents. Jeramy reports that when she awoke from her nap, she came out, searched for Jeramy, appeared confused and then had her second accident on the carpet, then looked really embarrassed. (Praise God it wasn't on the furniture or in the bed!! I was out at a doctor's appointment at this time.) She remained dry the rest of the evening and was rewarded with stickers every time she used the potty. She loves the stickers and wears them on her shirt. :-)

Jeramy and I communicated clearly today and without a hitch. We worked as a team and avoided any conflict. I'm so thankful that today went so well. Praise God! We do it again tomorrow. No more diapers for Moriah.

The Witness of Biblical Manhood & Womanhood

For one year we lived in Norcross, in a triplex of townhouses, where ours was in the middle. When we first moved in we met our immediate neighbors. To our right another inter-ethnic couple in their 40s, both divorced without children. They have been living together for some time and were talking about (and recently did) get married. To our left was a much more mature widow who regularly attended a Presbyterian church.

When we first arrived the man next door and Jeramy were able to become acquainted very rapidly, then when political views came to the surface (this man being a black Democrat didn't understand why he, married to a black woman, didn't favor Obama) then the new relationship was instantly strained. It remained this way for the remainder of our duration there.

However, as the time drew closer and closer for us to leave Norcross, discussion was reopened. This man, Jim, admired our choice of lifestyle -Jeramy working and myself staying home with the babies - and commended us for it. Well, this opened a wide window for a gospel conversation, which ended with prayer! How awesome is that! When we first moved to Norcross, Jim was very opposed to spiritual things and through our regular daily living, even without much conversation, it was very obvious that God had been working in His heart. John 6:44

Praise God!

Sometimes we think that if we're not talking directly with people and always mentioning Christ and the Gospel that somehow we're not doing our Christian duty of missions and evangelism. We can see here that such is not the case. Yes, we always have our speech seasoned with salt and we're always looking for the Spirit's activity, but let us not forget that living the Gospel can speak volumes above our words, especially when there is no opportunity for words.

Live out Loud. :-)

A Lot More Than Just a Vending Machine

Sometimes when I'm in a group and we pray, it seems like we're just bringing a shopping list of requests to our Father - things we want Him to do for us to make our lives and those we love better. "God, I know that You have blessed me with so many things, but could You take care of these other things too? Oh, that would be great!"

Personally, until very recently, I have been discouraged from personal prayer because I didn't want to come to God with just a shopping list of requests. I didn't know how to start. There are so many needs, how could I pray for them and keep God's name holy without treating Him like a cosmic vending machine? Since I had forgotten about the Lord's Model Prayer, I went for a time without much prayer at all. I wanted to pray. I knew that I needed to pray, that I should pray, but I just didn't.

So, how was this overcome? I'm still coming out of it. Having a grateful heart is definitely a great place to start. Acknowledging the character and attributes of our God while in prayer to Him helps direct us toward a humble, worshipful attitude. That's when it becomes easier to have an eternal perspective while taking requests to Him. Having reverence for God's holy presence takes the focus off of all the "make my life better" needs and then we can pray for what God told us to pray for: evangelism and conversion, wisdom and grace to endure our difficulties.

These have been my prayers of late, asking God for grace when I'm physically tired, when my children disobey, when my husband complains and when things don't go as I planned. And God has answered those prayers. When I had run out of patience, God gave me grace and strength to act with patience. When my husband complained, God gave me grace and I kept a positive attitude. When my plans must be changed or abandoned, God gave me grace to be flexible and submissive.

God really does answer prayer. Are we praying for what He wants or what we want?

Happy Father's Day!

Let me say that my husband Jeramy is a wonderful father to our little girls!  He is really involved in physically caring for them and he is affectionate in showing love to them.  He willingly changes the cloth diapers!  He takes them for strolls through the park.  He takes Moriah to meet the ducks and geese.  He takes them to run errands.  He feeds Moriah.  He bathes them, clothes them and even brushes Moriah's hair, which is no easy task!  He stays home with them while I go exercise.

Jeramy is also proactive in teaching Moriah!  He has purchased some flash cards with the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, rhyming words and objects that go together, like Dog and Bone, for example.  Sometimes he'll even teach her some words in Spanish.  

He plays well too.  He'll chase Moriah around, let her jump on the couch and make faces at Lily.  He is much more physically playful with them than I am, as much as Moriah actually sits in one place (which she doesn't :-).  And when he's around, he takes the initiative in discipline when needed.

Jeramy is such a wonderful father.  He is not a dead beat dad by any means.  He is the father figure I prayed that my children would have - one that would be involved physically and emotionally, taking an interest in all facets of their lives.  His example will show them what quality of man to look for in a husband (he's affectionate to me too :-D) and because of his involvement, the likelihood of our daughters going off in left field is dramatically reduced (statistically).  I have so much joy when I watch him interact with them, I cannot begin to describe the depths of gratitude I have toward God for giving me such a wonderful, Christ-like husband and father for our children.

Happy Father's Day, Honey!

I love you very much.

A House Choice

Well, after viewing about 45 houses, Mom has finally settled on one and the realtor is drawing up a contract as we speak.  Praise God!  Perhaps she will have a place when she returns in two weeks after closing on her house in VA, June 12th.  

I think that she's thoroughly tired of viewing homes now and just anxious to secure the one she's chosen.  If you click here and search by Street Name and type in "Raventhorpe" and search, 5062 Raventhorpe Ct will appear and you can see 16 pictures of the property and interior rooms.  I pray that she will be able to secure this house and be satisfied with it.  So, we rejoice!

I Need Thee Every Hour

These last days have gotten progressively more and more stressful as I anticipate my mother moving down to live near us.  My entire attitude and spirit have been affected as I battle the easy tendency to let that stress morph into anxiety.  Over the past week, as I've prayed without ceasing, the Holy Spirit has reminded me of this passage:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

And yesterday I read in chapter 17 verse 3 of Proverbs:

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,

But the LORD tests hearts.

I was reminded of a sermon illustration: when you squeeze an orange, what comes out?  Orange juice.  When a person is squeezed, what comes out?  Often a lot of sin that needs sanctifying.  You can really tell what's inside a person when you apply an ample amount of pressure.

Today as I poured my heart out to the Lord, desiring the peace and joy that accompany the realization of the fullness and sufficiency of Christ, I praise the Lord that He relieved my anxiety so that I could say:

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, 

Your consolations delight my soul.

Psalm 94:19

Jeramy also reminded me of this passage as I take every thought captive to Christ:

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Philippians 4:8

How appropriate that a homemaking woman penned the text to the hymn, I Need Thee Every Hour!  I certainly do!

 I Need Thee Every Hour

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

(Refrain)

I need Thee, o I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee.

O bless me now my Savior I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;

Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;

Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

I need Thee every hour, teach me Thy will;

And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;

O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Answered Prayer: Code Green

All are better in the Anderson household.  Lily is back to normal except for a mild cough.  Praise the Lord!!

Ditto for Moriah, back to normal except for a cough and light nose dripping.

Jeramy experienced some nasal congestion, coughing and sneezing today, but he's quickly on the road to recovery.  No migraine issues today - always a praise!

I have been completely back to total health yesterday and today!  Praise God!!!  I just need a little more sleep.

Thanks for prayin'.

Answered Prayer: Lily's Well

I just came back from the pediatrician's office for a follow-up visit after the ER.  After listening to her lungs, checking her ears, color, breathing, smiles and kicks, the Dr. gave Lily a clean bill of health.  I will continue her breathing medicine until Saturday, but everything with her checks out okay.  Last night she slept 7 hours.  Praise the Lord!!!

Moriah still has nasal congestion with a nasty cough and some occasional fits of coughing.  But she does not have a fever and her color, appetite, disposition remain normal.  She'll be given a little Delsym and should fully recover soon.

Jeramy is still cold-free!  Praise God!!  Although he is fighting a migraine; it's not contagious but can be terrible.

My throat is no longer sore, but sinus congestion with cough and sneezing remain.  I have no fever and I think my disposition is normal, though I still, on occasion, nag my husband.  I'm allowed to take a few medications moderately while breast feeding.  I should be better in a day or two.

Thanks for praying.

Update: A Little Improvement

Lily does not cough as often as she did, however when she does it's still pretty scary.  The cough is the only real indicator of her condition.  Her ears are healed and she'll finish out the antibiotic as prescribed.  She is still just as sweet and active.  I could just put her on a stick and lick her off!  :-)  Her appetite is normal and she maintains a normal body temperature.  The ER discharge papers indicated that the bronchiolitis virus could last up to a month!  I continue to pray for God's grace and healing.  

Moriah is coughing pretty scarily also and her nose runs off her face.  She no longer has a fever and has maintained a normal body temp for about two days.  She is just as active and her appetite is normal.  She is sleeping well, besides the nighttime coughing.

So far as I can tell, Jeramy does not have any hint of sickness.  Praise the Lord!  

As for myself, I have had a sore throat since Saturday and today I've started coughing and sneezing.  All else - sleeping, eating, etc. - is normal.  Sunday I was blessed with about 3 and 1/2 hours of afternoon nap time!  Praise God!! :-)  I understand that Lily's (and possibly Moriah's) condition will last a while and I'm in it for the long haul.

We really appreciate your prayers.  Thank you.

Answered Prayer!

Praise God!  Jeramy just got a call back from the Norcross City Police Department that he is hired and will begin working this coming Thursday!  To all of you who have been in prayer for us and this job opportunity, thank you so much for remembering us in your prayers.  Our prayers to God should never be considered or treated as a little thing and we're so grateful to you all who have spent time in prayer on our behalf!  

Prayer Update

Praise the Lord!  Jeramy had a very good job interview today with the Chief of the Norcross City Police Department and was offered a conditional job offer granted that he passes a series of examinations over the next few weeks, beginning tomorrow morning.  We continue to pray that all of his examinations/evaluations go successfully, but of course, that God's will be done.  We rejoice now, but with caution because we don't want to get ahead of ourselves if it's truly not God's will.