Expecting Day #8 - The bucket list ....

Today is Thursday.

It is the day that ALL of Okeechobee gets excited about - Open House!  

Speaking of school -- I was graced and blessed to meet a new friend when I moved to my  new job, four years ago.  I met several new people and some I have gotten to even  know more...one of them blessed me   Wednesday   and inspired the prayer blog today and then at church God gave me the verse....

Of course - GOD always multi-tasks!

John 14.12  Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 

...will do the works of the Father...and we will do greater things...

That is kind of hard to really imagine.  Jesus did some amazing miracles, but according to this verse -- we have the power through Christ to do even greater 'things'.

A few peers of mine ( friends ) were speaking about bucket lists at lunch yesterday.  We were speaking about future plans and where we can make a difference.

Each of us shared a bit...and then my pal Mary said,  she really just seeks to how she can do the BEST for HIM that day --.  That blessed me.

Many times I get preoccupied with the future .....especially  with our recent move and then school starting and what will happen next.  When I need to just focus on THIS day.

I do strive to be 'used' by God -- as much as I can.  I am sure I could always do more, but I am not aware or listening to God as I should.

But I will share this...there is NO high like a Jesus high -- really, when you get to see how God uses something you said, did, or  'were' ....and how it helped another get a revelation....well --   it is awesome.

Awesome.

Lord, as I pray this evening, I pray for my sister in Christ and anyone else reading this --drawn to it - I pray for their bucket list...I pray that they are living EACH day for YOU...and enjoying each day - in spite of hurts,  unanswered prayer, and frustrations. I pray that as they continue to believe that YOU are in control and that being a part of YOUR plan is indeed -- success.  Lord, I pray for my sisters in Christ - that they will do the work YOU have called them to do...and in the meantime ---  YOU will continue to work within their families, friends, work places, and lives.... and as they do Your work -- their prayers will be answered.   And Lord, I pray that anyone reading this...Lord, I pray their bucket list would not overcome or overwhelm them.  I pray that they would see the value in YOUR bucket list Lord...that their hearts and desire would be to do Your will....and the rest...will fall into place.  Lord, I continue to hold my sister in Christ  - my 'BB' in my prayers - continue to touch every avenue of her life and fix what needs to be fixed...move what needs to be moved...and Lord, that some of her secret desires ...on that bucket list - would come sooner than later.  And Lord, as I know she loves you and works with You in mind, I pray she will be able to experience that 'no high like a Jesus high'... very soon -- may it bless her so!  IN Jesus name, Amen.  

Expecting Day #7 - humbled - ( Posting early for WEDNESDAY )

Humbled..... I spent some time with my sister this eve and she always reminds me of the 'news'.

Over seas -- there is SO much going on.

I posted several videos and articles --  it tears me up.

Several nights ago, I could NOT sleep because of a dog -- a missing dog.

A dog that had become a family member.

Tonight -- in Israel -- I know there are moms - fearful -- crying -- mourning -- and waiting....

Today is Wednesday -- soon the news reports will share of even more tragic losses and fighting --

and what will I be doing.....?

......Lord forgive me.  Today's prayer focus are not of my needs -- nor of my Sister - Christ...but the persecution of Christians ...Lord, that there could be peace....that this could end....but then I believe Lord ....YOU will be here.  
Whether people like to admit it or not -- what is next to come....?   
Revelation?  
Lord, forgive me.  I am humbled that I live HERE and can get so caught up with a dog....I praise You Lord, that with all the turmoil...each and every one of those Christians love you and call upon You and I know that YOU are .....answering prayer.  
Lord, show me what you'd like me to do - in addition to prayer...
Lord, open the eyes of 'us' Americans here....that we all would be humble...In Jesus name..amen.  

Expecting Day #6 Spiritual Blessings....

Today is Tuesday -- well, Tuesday is almost 'done'.

I am writing today -- inspired by a Beth Moore devotional.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, in Christ.     Ephesians 1.3



Blessings -- come on this earth all the time...but in reading this...thinking....of all the spiritual blessings that I can't even fathom within heaven.    And HIS Word says we get EVERY spiritual blessing.


God is using HIS powerful word to call me by my name and speak a blessing over me through Jesus Christ.

Some bless us with encouragement.
Some bless us with gifts.
Some bless us with  mercy.

And how cool is it that Jesus Christ has blessed us  - and spoken over us?

We can speak blessings over others.

At the end of yesterday, my sister in Christ got a blessing a BIG one.  She has a few specific prayer requests that I am in prayer with her but she also has secret desires that only she and God knows....

Yesterday I witnessed one of those secret desires being given.  God gives us those - so we can WAIT on the HARDER stuff.....or we can wait long enough to see HIS mighty hand upon those prayer requests that we pray and pray for......

Lord, I just pray right now, that the women reading this will understand that Jesus has spoken blessings over them.  And I pray that they will speak blessings over their children, loved ones, and even their enemies....believing that is what God wants them to do.  I pray these women will speak life over others, and Lord, as we speak life over others....we can count on the fact that YOU have already spoken blessing over us.  And I thank you for that - In Jesus' perfect name - amen. 

Expecting Day #5 -- God's Word

First day of 'school' today for me again. My 27th year in a classroom.  I am blessed.
We have meetings, we set up our rooms, and we welcome in the 'next' batch of prospects that God has placed within our walls.  I consider is a joy to teach.  I believe it is my calling ....and it is a mission field.
I am blessed.

God's Word is like that.... in order to have a meeting with God .....we need to speak and talk with Him. He replies ...His Written Word is a love letter to us.

As we set up our 'rooms'...or our day -- we need to want to RUN to His word for his daily good morning.... when we start the day off with HIM....the day goes SO MUCH BETTER!

And as we 'welcome' the day in....with HIS word hidden within our hearts....we can cope, survive....and and wait...we will THRIVE....and will LIVE...and we will have JOY in spite of circumstances.

Today's prayer focus is just for that - for that hunger of His Word.

Psalm 119: 105 says:

Your Word is a lamp unto  my feet, and a light unto  my path.

Lord, this bright morning, I praise You for Your written Word and I thank you that You are a light unto my path.  I praise God that my sister in Christ KNOWS this and she  craves Your Word...deepen that hunger, as she reads her word today - may new revelations and mercies shine through and may she grab ahold of it and call upon in at every moment of trouble and doubt and then may she use it to praise You with in between... We are committed to these 40 days of prayer and believing for the outcome.  Thank you Lord for the perfect illustration yesterday with my personal life and our 'Elsa'...You are a God that cares about the DETAILS  and the 'pets'...  My sister in Christ needed to believe in that answer to that prayer....as You will answer her prayers as well....and this prayer is for anyone who believes that God is 'not there'....or that 'He only answers others' prayers'.......
HE is here....HE is there...and HE hears EACH and every heart cry -- run to HIS word today and seek HIM and be amazed.....HE cares that much for you.  Amen.  

Homework:
Find a few index cards or buy a 'spiral' of index cards from Wal-greens and then begin to write down one scripture each day ...and carry this with you.   When I am in my car, it is in my view...when I get to work it goes on my desk...and then I carry it with me... daily ...and as I begin to HIDE ( memorize ) HIS word in my heart...I hear God MORE and MORE....try it...!  I promise - it works.

Expecting #3 ( revised ) And adding Expecting #4....

It is with a heavy heart I write tonight ....
Today, an experience has me in tears.  My daughter's dog is missing.  Hind site is 20/20 but leaving her without a leash for 30+ seconds proved to be -- well.....she is still missing. 

2 hours of looking, searching.  ( We would return to the area another 5x and Brendan continued to search through the night. )
Placing her photo on Facebook and my husband stopped and offered rewards to homeless men, gas attendants, and people within the neighborhood. 

My heart aches. 

Lord, I am expecting that we will find her...that she will be returned.  She is just a puppy.  Just  12 pounds of family.  My heart is breaking. 

Two days ago - I know that I know - God commissioned me to write for 40 days - prayers to encourage a believer that GOD was going to move a mountain within her life and family and God has not released me of that. 

This morning, I knew my prayer focus was to me to pray for  the 'husband'....tonight....God has changed the focus... or I can't get past my focus.....

The focus is pain...hurt....grieving....

Grieving has to happen - not just when we lose a loved one but when a relationship changes...when an expectation was not met....and when a pet suddenly disappears.  Grieving is a process - that one must go through. 

And sometimes we have to 'grieve' what we expected from God.



My sister in Christ has sought God to meet the need...

Lord, my heart is grieving this eve... I can't get past the 'loss' of that little pup that slept in my bed...that I cared for, that my daughter has  loved as a child....and yesterday's  prayer focus was for the "kids" ... My sister in Christ kids-- need to cry out to You and SEEK you -- not their momma for the fixes they need now....and tonight Lord....my daughter is crying out to you...and I know that I know - YOU will meet the need, but comfort my heart as well this eve. And praise God she is calling to You. She is already asking - what DO you want me to learn from this?

And Lord, for my sister in Christ...my 'BB'...that is my secret name for her...she is grieving too -- I know she is sad for me...for my daughter....but there is MORE that YOU want her to grieve...not all this evening, but as these 40 days of prayer pass....You Lord, will show her what she needs to grieve and in Your time, you will heal the open wounds...I know it...Lord, give her a peaceful rest this eve...Lord, give me rest and wherever Elsa is - I pray she is being cared for properly and I pray that YOUR EXTRA angels are  opening the door to where ever she is...and they will guide her home....as that would help us...help my daughter and husband and the moment....but no matter what Lord, we all know - we will praise You and believe that some how you will bring beauty out of these ashes.

My BB needs to be reminded of that as well Lord, this evening -- YOU will bring beauty out of all this mess right now...and NO tears that have been shed...will be wasted.  My BB needs to be reminded that YOU see the open sores...the open wounds and Your heart breaks for her JUST as much....but again, YOU will heal, In Jesus name, amen. 

Homework:  Ask God to show you  WHAT  you may need to  grieve...yet....and then ask Him to comfort you, in a supernatural way.  No need to write it down -- no need to expound on it -- just note to yourself....that you will get beyond this -no matter what!

And Lord....."Your homework"...answer our pleas -- return this dog - In Jesus name, Amen.

Updated...Expecting #4...

Today is Sunday -  I am expecting MUCH today -- I awoke believing that 'today' Lord...you can return that 'stupid' little piece of our family -- our puppy.  Today Brendan told me he'd raise the reward -- and I thought about God.

God 'raised' the ransom...God 'raised' the reward -- HIS Son's death on that Cross.  

Yes....it is all being placed into perspective -- but Praise God that HE knows my hurt...HE knows and understands my Sister in Christ's hurt  ( my BB ) ....HE knows  YOUR hurt.  

If you are reading this - because you are compelled by our  ELSA story - than God is also reminding you - HE heals....  HE comforts....and HE replaced all hurt.  

God wins all the time -- it is a matter if WE want to choose that healing.  

Today is Sunday.  I won't be posting later today - as THIS amended and UPDATED Expecting Prayer is for today .    I was so tired and torn up yesterday - hearing from God and typing...but in such pain.   Today....as I said, new mercies, new thoughts, and new HOPE.....brought me to this blog site to update it and remind each and everyone of us....

That -- GOD is in control.  Amen.  

Lord, I THANK you that NO matter what - my sister in Christ calls upon YOU.  Lord, you know the hearts and hurts of ANYONE reading this -- may they SEEK YOU.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.  

Homework for Day #4 -- Just to get plugged into YOU Lord...to attend church today and find a spot where YOU can be ministered to and loved on.  Amen.  

And Lord, PS...both Taylor, myself and Brendan have all said - "we forgive" to the person or persons who have Elsa.  We prayed that the Holy Spirit convicts their hearts to return her....or that we find her on our doorstep.  WE know it is not too much to ask - You know our hurt - and YOUR desire is to answer our calls.  But the bottom line is ...and we all know that we know....if she never returns - the enemy is NOT going to weaken our faith...and we will not be 'mad'...we will continue to live for you.  

THAT indeed Lord -- is a great and mighty revelation.  I pray for ALL your children Lord..that they 'get that' too....amen.  

I am still humbled Lord, that You have chosen me..I may have some puffy eyes this am...but YOU are in Control.  

- michelle 

This is our Bella...she is sad today too....

Expecting #2

When 'adult' children leave an adjustment is made.  We are in the process of being 'empty nesters'.  One has moved out and another is away at college but now in a towne house and may be there for a few years as he finishes college.  Watching the one move out was 'semi-hard' but as the younger one moved to his spot -- the reality of being just a couple again set in.

When the first one left for college in 2009 , I still had one at home.  When she returned - it seemed like normal. Then when he left, she was still here...so God has graciously given me many years to transition but being a mom and watching your children leave - is still hard. ....Maybe harder than I care to admit.

Then again, when we moved - we ended up  - literally 50 yards from one of them....so I see her each day....God is so gracious.

Anyway, last night as I returned home I noticed a few EMPTY dishes in the sink - one had returned to eat leftovers..."gee, it is not so bad living by mom and dad when you are hungry"....


God's word says:

Proverbs 22:6 

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

When you are a parent - you are always a parent, but there comes a time when you must allow your children to be .....a grown up.  

The hard part .....doing it.  

Tonight's prayer focus for my sweet sister in Christ is for her children...and if you are a 'single' child of God and don't live with your parents...perhaps there is something within this prayer that YOU can relate to...

Lord, I come to you and I pray for the mom...Lord, as you have provided her with the desire and love to birth children, you have provided her and given her the DESIRE to see them LIVE for you.  Lord, as our children grow, we have to teach, coach, and then allow them to 'fly'.  It is only after they fly ....that we can see their true abilities and their hearts.  Lord, that their character be THAT of yours....Lord, that their hearts would be longing to SEEK You and Your ways...  and Lord, that they would see the urgency within their lives....to LIVE for YOU.   Lord,  pray for her children this eve.  Lord, she is EVERYTHING to them...to me Lord, she is SO much that they don't even realize that they 'can't fly without her....but they must.  Lord, they must see that YOU are the one they must turn to...YOU are the one they MUST seek....and ONLY YOU can fulfill the hole within their hearts.  She has taught them well, she has bathed their lives in prayer and given them to YOU...now Your word says they won't leave it....WE claim that promise.  Amen.  BUT....we want to see ....their spiritual eyes open and we WANT to see them flying...with YOU and SEEKING You...and relying on YOU...not her...not their spouses or friends...nor their 'selves'...God, I pray for each of them and my own, these words apply to my own as well.  I thank you for them and what I do see....that gives me hope and peace....but Lord, I pray for more...I claim that they will walk righteously before You....I pray they won't rely on some GREASY grace...but they will have a hunger for YOU like none other before.  I pray for my children...I pray for her children....and Lord, for the next generation that they will raise...we claim a legacy of ...calling upon You.  In Jesus name.  And for the others that may read this...Lord, if they  ( the child ) reads this...let them tomorrow speak to their mom and tell them 'thanks'...And/or Lord, if one is reading this and is unsure that they have that PEACE of knowing they are yours ...may they call their mom and ask....and may she have the opportunity to lead them in a sinner's prayer - YOU use this to Your desire Lord.  Amen.  

Tonight's homework:    Write down a secret letter to Your child and write out what You would love to see within your child do  in the next month...in the next year....and in the next 'chunk' of time.  Then write all the good stuff you already see about those children and smile and know...that God will answer that prayer..in HIS time.  

- humbled...and expecting that after 40 days...a mountain will be moved.  

- michelle 

Expecting....Day #1

Hello - my name is Michelle.  I am a blogger.  I love God, my family and God has given me this URGE to write.

Writing has been my therapy and it has allowed me to speak life -- when I could not speak face to face. Writing has also cost me a few friendships and I bet more people read this than I am aware of.   And through this - God has taught me much...that being transparent is important -- but being private is important too.

My brother ( one of them ) would remind me that this blog - opens myself up to the internet and there will always be this record....that people will KNOW too much.

But, I bathe this is prayer and believe that God writes these through me and HE protects it as well.

In the past month, I have only blogged a few times.  Maybe 3x.   God had  kept me quiet for a season and when I WANTED to get writing again, the 'well' was dry and my hand was attacked with Carpal Tunnel.  God knew I would need a physical excuse to keep me still a bit more....I am stubborn at times and Praise God, HE knows what I need - so HE allows.    And, I don't want to blog to to hear myself type ....and read what I wrote -- God forbid, there is ENOUGH to read out there - why waste anyone's time??

However, TODAY - God commissioned me to write for 40 days again...as I have a sister in Christ that is in a desperate need to have  a few prayers answered, she needs some miracles, and I believe the family around her needs their spiritual eyes to open up.  And I believe that as she and I fast and pray through this blog together.....God will speak, God will move...and God will teach us both - something new.  And I believe that by the end of the 40 days....she will TRUST God like never before.

The beauty of this -- is that God DOES NOT waste anything, and I believe that there will be  others that  HE draws to read this -- WILL ALSO seek God for knowledge and this blog will speak to them as well.

So, with that....A.W. Tozer says:  "True faith is never found alone: it is always accompanied by expectation. The man who believes the promises of God expects to see them fulfilled.  Where there is no expectation, there is not faith.  We need a fresh spirit of anticipation that springs out of the promises of God.  We must declare war on the mood of nonexpectation, and come together with childlike faith.  Only then can we know again the beauty and wonder of the Lord's presence among us." 

That is a powerful quote.  In therapy, the Life Coach and other counselors told me often...'lower you expectations...cause then you won't be disappointed'.  That made sense too.

If I don't 'expect' flowers on my anniversary -- then I won't be heartbroken when none come......
If I don't 'expect' the toilet seat to be down when I head into my son's bathroom -- then I won't get upset when I fall into the toilet cause I expected the seat to be down.  Make sense?

I think the 'low expections' advice for good for that time in therapy .....and I am sure, that I will share that again with a student or a woman in crisis....but TONIGHT....

I am going to EXPECT like A.W Tozer shared...and besides these expectations are TIED to GOD...HE never disappoints...HE never fails....and HE is God!

Lord, I am going to EXPECT that YOUR promises  will come true for my friend and her family.  You Lord, promised in Isaiah - that you have come to BIND the brokenhearted.....you  came Lord to proclaim FREEDOM for the captives and release from darkness the prisoners.   Lord, she has a husband that NEEDS to hear from you - smack him over the head...may he see that he needs you.  Lord, she has children that MUST call upon You.  Lord, she has raised them...she has spoken truth and life into them......but it is NOT her job to save them...that is YOURS.  She has believed a lie that she could 'pull' them into you -- God release her of that -- show her that YOU have EACH of them...and that YOU can be trusted.  Lord, within her business ...her finances....her health...we need a miracle.  Lord, within her heart -- it hurts so much.  Lord, in Isaiah 36 the King of Assyria is taunting the captives....those under King Hezekiah.  Those post people were beyond....they were at the END of their rope.  Lord, it says  that those people that loved you -- were eating their own excrement and drinking their urine...they had HAD enough ....and yet... they still believed in YOU.  King Hezekiah went to Isaiah and asked....as they were like in the day of 'birth' with no strength to deliver.  God.... that is her head and heart -- I saw it today.  But tonight - I have EXPECTATIONS that as we pray together and AS  we believe together....   it will be like vs. 6 -- "do no be afraid".  ....that as we - each day, seek you and walk this out...that YOU will bring clarity to life decisions.  You Lord, will open spiritual eyes...and there will be a trust in You - that has NEVER been experienced.  In Jesus name...amen.  

My sister in Christ ...my sweet blonde ...BB... knows  to 'do' this.  But, if God is multi-tasking and you - a 'stranger' reading this prayer blog is for you as well-- read it again and believe and expect -- that GOD will answer.  Join me each day -- and I know that I know - God will use this set of prayers to encourage you but also to give you something to recite and pray over and over as the next day passes.  I would also suggest that you begin to read about HIM ...start in the book of John   and read of Jesus' life.  You will be blessed.  You can also comment below and 'not' sign your name.  But there is homework...

Day 1 Homework...make a list RIGHT now of the promises that YOU know God will provide.   If you are unsure of those promises than write God a prayer and tell Him what you NEED fixed.  Be specific and don't be afraid to add to that list.  As we go through the 40 days....God will refine that list....God will show you what is NOT His will...but HE will also show you what is.  amen.

I expect you to revisit my blog tomorrow - G'nite.

- humbled and expecting God to move....