I don't usually post much on the weekends, but it's nice and quiet in the house right now, so I thought I'd share a bit with you. I finally have some lovely pictures of the fall leaves in my neck of the woods! I took some of these pictures just down the road from us, and one is from my yard. We have a lot of yellow leaves around our house, and they are falling faster by the minute.
My hubby and kids are outside raking the leaves together. Tonight they will sleep soundly after a day of fresh air an exercise. They'll be leaving shortly to go visit our bus riders, and then it will be dark before we know it. I'm still getting used to the time change and shorter daylight hours.
This morning I went to town to run a few errands and gather some goodies for our Missions Conference (which starts tomorrow!) while Mr. C had the kids with him. Usually when I'm in my car I always have a CD of good gospel music or hymns playing, but today I turned the music off and spent some time in prayer. While it's good to have a quiet place to pray with no interruptions or distractions, I think that the Lord still hears our prayers just the same when we're on the road. :)
My heart has been heavy this week as I have received prayer requests from several friends who have family members with major health problems, some even life-threatening:
**a 36 year old father of four underwent emergency surgery for blood clots and has been given just days to live;
**a faithful Christian man is experiencing serious heart trouble;
** a young mother, 8 months pregnant with twins, just found out that both of the twins will die at birth from a genetic abnormality;
** a youth pastor was diagnosed with leukemia.
That list sounds filled with hopelessness and despair, but we serve a great God who is able to perform miracles. The good news is that all of the people I just listed have trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, and they have a secure future with Him even if God does not choose to give them physical healing on this earth.
Still, in our weak flesh it can be overwhelming to look at the circumstances around us and see the light at the end of the tunnel. When we don't know where to turn or what to say, we can boldly claim the promises found in God's Word. Sometimes I read from the book of Psalms when I can't even find the words to pray. We can maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day as we go about our duties and lift up those who are hurting.
There have been times in my life when I've been on the receiving end of prayers lifted up on my behalf, and it is a privilege for me to be able to pray for the needs of others. I hope that the Lord continues to burden my heart to pray for those who are in need.
